Requeening queenright honey bee colonies with queen cells in honey supers.

Many Canadian beekeepers replace a subset of their honey bee queens annually. However, introducing a new queen to a honey bee colony is a management practice with a high degree of uncertainty. Despite the consensus that it is most effective to introduce queens to queenless colonies, some commercial beekeepers claim success with introducing queen cells into the honey super of queenright colonies. We tested the success rate of this practice by introducing queen cells to 100 queenright colonies in southern Alberta during a honey flow. The genotypes of the resultant offspring drones were determined using the microsatellite marker A76 to identify their laying queen mothers. Our results show that new queens successfully supersede original queens in 6% of queenright colonies, suggesting that the practice does not result in the new queen taking over leadership in most colonies. Additionally, supersedure by daughter queens is more common (13%) than new queen supersedure when introducing queen cells to queenright colonies during a honey flow. However, there could be a benefit to the practice of requeening queenright colonies with queen cells in honey supers if the colonies that accepted a new queen (whether a daughter of or unrelated to the old queen) were colonies with a failing queen.

Perfil eletromiográfico do assoalho pélvico de bailarinas de dança do ventre / Electromiographic profile of the pelvic floor of belly dancers

Introdução: Sabe-se a importância da fisioterapia na recuperação e prevenção das disfunções do assoalho pélvico, e a dança do ventre é reconhecida por atuar nesta musculatura. Objetivo: Investigar a funcionalidade dos músculos do assoalho pélvico a partir de eletromiografia em bailarinas de dança do ventre. Métodos: Foram avaliadas mulheres de 18 a 35 anos de idade, praticantes de dança do ventre há pelo menos dois anos, comparadas a mulheres não praticantes. Foram analisados parâmetros eletromiográficos para as fibras tônicas e fásicas durante a contração e o repouso. Os valores percentuais foram obtidos a partir do pico de contração voluntária máxima. Resultados: Verificou-se significância estatística na ativação muscular das fibras fásicas durante a contração e em repouso das mulheres que praticam dança do ventre mais de duas vezes na semana. Conclusão: Os achados sugerem que a prática regular da dança do ventre apresenta menor ativação de fibras fásicas tanto durante a contração quanto no repouso comparado ao grupo de mulheres não praticantes. Torna-se necessária a associação de programas de treinamento de fibras fásicas a fim de evitar, em longo prazo, prejuízos em relação à força muscular, à agilidade e às funções geniturinárias. (AU)

Introduction: It is known the importance of physical therapy in the recovery and prevention of pelvic floor dysfunctions, and belly dancing is recognized for acting on this musculature. Objective: To investigate the functionality of the pelvic floor muscles using electromyography in belly dancers. Methods: Women aged 18 to 35 years, practicing belly dancing for at least two years, were evaluated, compared to non-practicing women. Electromyographic parameters were analyzed for tonic and phasic fibers during contraction and rest. The percentage values were obtained from the peak of maximum voluntary contraction. Results: There was statistical significance in the muscle activation of the phasic fibers during contraction and at rest for women who practice belly dancing more than twice a week. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the regular practice of belly dancing presents less activation of phasic fibers both during contraction and at rest compared to the group of non-practicing women. The association of phasic fiber training programs is necessary in order to avoid, in the long term, losses in relation to muscle strength, agility and genitourinary functions. (AU)

In Vitro Effects of Pesticides on European Foulbrood in Honeybee Larvae.

Neonicotinoid and fungicide exposure has been linked to immunosuppression and increased susceptibility to disease in honeybees (Apis mellifera). European foulbrood, caused by the bacterium Melissococcus plutonius, is a disease of honeybee larvae which causes economic hardship for commercial beekeepers, in particular those whose colonies pollinate blueberries. We report for the first time in Canada, an atypical variant of M. plutonius isolated from a blueberry-pollinating colony. With this isolate, we used an in vitro larval infection system to study the effects of pesticide exposure on the development of European foulbrood disease. Pesticide doses tested were excessive (thiamethoxam and pyrimethanil) or maximal field-relevant (propiconazole and boscalid). We found that chronic exposure to the combination of thiamethoxam and propiconazole significantly decreased the survival of larvae infected with M. plutonius, while larvae chronically exposed to thiamethoxam and/or boscalid or pyrimethanil did not experience significant increases in mortality from M. plutonius infection in vitro. Based on these results, individual, calculated field-realistic residues of thiamethoxam and/or boscalid or pyrimethanil are unlikely to increase mortality from European foulbrood disease in honeybee worker brood, while the effects of field-relevant exposure to thiamethoxam and propiconazole on larval mortality from European foulbrood warrant further study.

Resultados da primeira fase do Programa Esporte e Saúde em Canela, Rio Grande do Sul: avaliação do perfil nutricional / Results of the first phase of the Sport and Health Program in Canela, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil: Evaluation of the nutritional profile

OBJETIVOS: Apresentar os resultados da avaliação nutricional de crianças e adolescentes, como parte de um programa municipal voltado à saúde de escolares. MÉTODOS: Um estudo transversal realizado entre fevereiro e abril de 2017 avaliou o perfil nutricional de pré-escolares e escolares do município de Canela, Rio Grande do Sul. Foram incluídos estudantes da pré-escola ao nono ano das escolas públicas municipais, atendidos pelo Programa Esporte e Saúde em Canela. Para avaliação nutricional foram aferidas a massa corporal e a estatura, sendo o estado nutricional classificado segundo o Escore Z para o índice de massa corporal. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 2691 pré-escolares e escolares, sendo 1408 (52,3%) do sexo masculino. A média de idade foi de 9,63±3,1 anos, o peso médio de 38,59±16,4 kg, a altura média de 139±18 cm e o índice de massa corporal médio 18,9±4,3 kg/m2 . Quanto ao estado nutricional, 44 (1,7%) foram classificados como magreza, 1725 (64,1%) como eutrofia e 922 (34,2%) tinham peso excessivo, sendo sobrepeso 528 (19,6%), obesidade 286 (10,6%) e obesidade grave 108 (4%). CONCLUSÕES: Um número expressivo dos estudantes da rede pública do município de Canela apresentava sobrepeso ou obesidade, o que reforça a necessidade de programas de prevenção e tratamento da obesidade nessa população. O Programa Esporte e Saúde em Canela tem como proposta colocar em prática estratégias de incentivo aos estudantes para a prática de atividade física e alimentação saudável.

AIMS: To present the results of the nutritional evaluation of children and adolescents, as part of a municipal program aimed at the health of schoolchildren. METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted between February and April 2017 evaluated the nutritional profile of preschool children and schoolchildren in the city of Canela, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Students from pre-school to the ninth grade of the municipal public schools attended by the Sport and Health Program in Canela were included. For nutritional evaluation, body mass and height were measured, and the nutritional status was classified according to the Z score for body mass index. RESULTS: We evaluated 2691 preschoolers and schoolchildren, with 1408 (52.3%) males. The mean age was 9.63±3.1 years, the mean weight was 38.59±16.4 kg, the mean height was 139±18 cm and the mean body mass index was 18.9±4.3 kg/m2 . Regarding nutritional status, 44 (1.7%) were classified as thinness, 1725 (64.1%) as eutrophic and 922 (34.2%) were overweight, being overweight 528 (19.6%), obesity 286 (10.6%) and severe obesity 108 (4%). CONCLUSIONS: A significant number of students from public schools in the municipality of Canela were overweight or obese, which reinforces the need for programs to prevent and treat obesity in this population. The Sport and Health Program in Canela aims to put into practice strategies to encourage students to practice physical activity and healthy eating.

Viruses of managed alfalfa leafcutting bees (Megachille rotundata Fabricus) and honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) in Western Canada: Incidence, impacts, and prospects of cross-species viral transmission.

We examined whether alfalfa leafcutting bees (ALCB, Megachille rotundata) experienced a higher incidence of seven viruses commonly found honey bees (Apis mellifera) when placed alongside honey bees for hybrid canola seed pollination. Although two viruses - sacbrood virus (SBV) and deformed wing virus (DWV) - were detected in ALCB adults, their presence appeared independent of whether honey bees were present in the same field or not. A further survey of viruses among ALCB adults in three different alfalfa seed growing regions in Western Canada confirmed the ubiquity of sacbrood virus (SBV) as well as the infrequent presence of acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV), both of which had not been previously reported on ALCB. Moreover, SBV and ABPV were detected in the cocoon stage and only in one region. Co-infection among pools of ALCB adults with both of these viruses was more closely correlated with decreasing levels of cocoon viability than infection levels in cocoons themselves. This research suggests ongoing viral transmission between honey bees and ALCB in the same fields is likely low but that co-infection with these viruses may lower ALCB productivity.

Development of a Phage Cocktail to Control Proteus mirabilis Catheter-associated Urinary Tract Infections.

Proteus mirabilis is an enterobacterium that causes catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) due to its ability to colonize and form crystalline biofilms on the catheters surface. CAUTIs are very difficult to treat, since biofilm structures are highly tolerant to antibiotics. Phages have been used widely to control a diversity of bacterial species, however, a limited number of phages for P. mirabilis have been isolated and studied. Here we report the isolation of two novel virulent phages, the podovirus vB_PmiP_5460 and the myovirus vB_PmiM_5461, which are able to target, respectively, 16 of the 26 and all the Proteus strains tested in this study. Both phages have been characterized thoroughly and sequencing data revealed no traces of genes associated with lysogeny. To further evaluate the phages' ability to prevent catheter's colonization by Proteus, the phages adherence to silicone surfaces was assessed. Further tests in phage-coated catheters using a dynamic biofilm model simulating CAUTIs, have shown a significant reduction of P. mirabilis biofilm formation up to 168 h of catheterization. These results highlight the potential usefulness of the two isolated phages for the prevention of surface colonization by this bacterium.

Genetic risk factors for nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate in a Brazilian population with high African ancestry.

Nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL ± P) is the most common orofacial birth defect, exhibiting variable prevalence around the world, often attributed to ethnic and environmental differences. Linkage analyses and genome-wide association studies have identified several genomic susceptibility regions for NSCL ± P, mostly in European-derived or Asian populations. Genetic predisposition to NSCL ± P is ethnicity-dependent, and the genetic basis of susceptibility to NSCL ± P likely varies among populations. The population of Brazil is highly admixed, with highly variable ancestry; thus, the genetic determinants of NSCL ± P susceptibility may be quite different. This study tested association of 8 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), previously identified by genome-wide studies in other populations, with NSCL ± P in a Brazilian population with high African ancestry. SNPs rs560426, rs642961, rs1530300, rs987525, rs3758249, rs7078160, rs17085106, and rs13041247 were genotyped in 293 Brazilian patients with NSCL ± P and 352 unaffected Brazilian controls. Each sample was also genotyped for 40 biallelic short insertion/deletion polymorphic markers to characterize genetic ancestry. The average African ancestry background was 31.1% for the NSCL ± P group and 36.7% for the control group. After adjustment for ancestry and multiple testing, the minor alleles of rs3758249 (OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.25-2.01, P = 0.0001) and rs7078160 (OR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.21-2.07, P = 0.0002) were significantly associated with risk of NSCL ± P. Polymorphisms located in IRF6 (rs642961) and 8q24 (rs1530300 and rs987525) showed marginal associations in this Brazilian population with high African ancestry. These results indicate that rs3758249 at 9q22 and rs7078160 at 10q25.3 represent risk loci for NSCL ± P in the Brazilian population with high African ancestry.

Influence of transitional states on the microbial ecology of anaerobic digesters treating solid wastes.

A better understanding of the microbial ecology of anaerobic processes during transitional states is important to achieve a long-term efficient reactor operation. Five wastes (pig manure, biodiesel residues, ethanol stillage, molasses residues, and fish canning waste) were treated in five anaerobic reactors under the same operational conditions. The influence of the type of substrate and the effect of modifying feeding composition on the microbial community structure was evaluated. The highest biomethanation efficiency was observed in reactors fed with fish canning waste, which also presented the highest active archaeal population and the most diverse microbial communities. Only two Bacteria populations could be directly related to a particular substrate: Ilyobacter with biodiesel residues and Trichococcus with molasses residues. Results showed that the time to achieve steady-state performance after these transitional states was not dependent on the substrate treated. But reactors needed more time to handle the stress conditions derived from the start-up compared to the adaptation to a new feeding. Cluster analyses showed that the type of substrate had a clear influence on the microbiology of the reactors, and that segregation was related to the reactors performance. Finally, we conclude that the previous inoculum history treating solid waste and higher values of active Archaea population are important factors to face a successful change in substrate not entailing stability failure.

Serum cytokine profile among Brazilian children of African descent with periodontal inflammation and sickle cell anaemia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate possible immunologic relationships between sickle cell anaemia (SCA) and periodontal inflammation and its impact on serum cytokines. DESIGN: Twenty-five Brazilian children of African descent were involved in this study and divided in two groups: SCA (n=10): confirmed diagnosis of homozygous anaemia; and CTR-control (n=15): no sickle anaemia. Clinical examination included comprehensive medical (routine physical evaluation) and periodontal exams: plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BoP), and haematological analysis. Serum samples were collected for cytokine evaluation by microarray. Clinical and laboratorial parameters were compared statistically (alpha=5%). RESULTS: The higher values of PI and BoP were similar for both groups (p>0.05) confirming a diagnosis of generalized gingivitis for all individuals. Intergroup analysis showed higher levels of interferon gamma (IFNγ), tumour necrosis alpha (TNFα), interleukin (IL)-4, -5, -8, -10 and 13 only in the SCA group (p<0.05). In addition, PI was negatively correlated with IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-13, while BoP was positively correlated with IL-10. CONCLUSION: Within the limits of the present study, it was concluded that SCA increase the levels of serum cytokines regardless of the presence of periodontal inflammation. Therefore, a direct immunological relationship between SCA and periodontal inflammation was not established.

Relationship between microbial activity and microbial community structure in six full-scale anaerobic digesters.

High activity levels and balanced anaerobic microbial communities are necessary to attain proper anaerobic digestion performance. Therefore, this work was focused on the kinetic performance and the microbial community structure of six full-scale anaerobic digesters and one lab-scale co-digester. Hydrolytic (0.6-3.5 g COD g(-1) VSS d(-1)) and methanogenic (0.01-0.84 g COD g(-1) VSS d(-1)) activities depended on the type of biomass, whereas no significant differences were observed among the acidogenic activities (1.5-2.2 g COD g(-1) VSS d(-1)). In most cases, the higher the hydrolytic and the methanogenic activity, the higher the Bacteroidetes and Archaea percentages, respectively, in the biomasses. Hydrogenotrophic methanogenic activity was always higher than acetoclastic methanogenic activity, and the highest values were achieved in those biomasses with lower percentages of Methanosaeta. In sum, the combination of molecular tools with activity tests seems to be essential for a better characterization of anaerobic biomasses.

In vitro methane removal by volcanic pumice soil biofilter columns over one year.

Soil methane (CH(4)) biofilters, containing CH(4)-oxidizing bacteria (methanotrophs), are a promising technology for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. However, little is known about long-term biofilter performance. In this study, volcanic pumice topsoils (0-10 cm) and subsoils (10-50 cm) were tested for their ability to oxidize a range of CH(4) fluxes over 1 yr. The soils were sampled from an 8-yr-old and a 2-yr-old grassed landfill cover and from a nearby undisturbed pasture away from the influence of CH(4) generated by the decomposing refuse. Methane was passed through the soils in laboratory chambers with fluxes ranging from 0.5 g to 24 g CH(4) m(-3) h(-1). All topsoils efficiently oxidized CH(4). The undisturbed pasture topsoil exhibited the highest removal efficiency (24 g CH(4) m(-3) h(-1)), indicating rapid activation of the methanotroph population to the high CH(4) fluxes. The subsoils were less efficient at oxidizing CH(4) than the topsoils, achieving a maximum rate oxidation rate of 7 g CH(4) m(-3) h(-1). The topsoils exhibited higher porosities; moisture contents; surface areas; and total C, N, and available-P concentrations than the subsoils, suggesting that these characteristics strongly influence growth and activity of the CH(4)-oxidizing bacteria. Soil pH values and available-P levels gradually declined during the trial, indicating a need to monitor chemical parameters closely so that adjustments can be made when necessary. However, other key soil physicochemical parameters (moisture, total C, total N) increased over the course of the trial. This study showed that the selected topsoils were capable of continually sustaining high CH(4) removal rates over 1 yr, which is encouraging for the development of biofilters as a low-maintenance greenhouse gas mitigation technology.

[Importance of history and physical examination for the care of nurses]. / Importância da anamnese e do exame físico para o cuidado do enfermeiro.

The history and physical examination are part of data collection of the Nursing Process. Its implementation is aimed at individualized care, holistic, humane and scientific foundation. The literature review was carried out in indexed databases as LILACS and SciELO, books and journals available in local libraries as published between the years 2000 to 2009. The aim is to describe the importance of clinical history and physical examination in the care provided by nurses. The results of this research will enable nursing students and health professionals can better understand the importance of history taking and physical examination to their professional practice, implement properly all stages of NAS and arouse interest in research on this topic.

Importância da anamnese e do exame físico para o cuidado do enfermeiro / Importance of history and physical examination for the care of nurses / Importancia de la historia clínica y examen físico para el cuidado del enfermero

A anamnese e exame físico fazem parte da etapa do Histórico de Enfermagem do Processo de Enfermagem. Sua implementação visa o cuidado individualizado, holístico, humanizado e com embasamento científico. A revisão de literatura foi feita em bases indexadas como LILACS e SciELO, livros e revistas disponíveis nas bibliotecas locais publicadas entre os anos 2000 e 2009. O objetivo é descrever sobre a importância da anamnese e exame físico no cuidado prestado pelo enfermeiro. Os resultados desta pesquisa possibilitarão que graduandos de enfermagem e profissionais da área de saúde possam compreender melhor a importância da anamnese e exame físico para sua atuação profissional, aplicar devidamente todas as etapas da SAE e despertar o interesse por pesquisas sobre esta temática.

The history and physical examination are part of data collection of the Nursing Process. Its implementation is aimed at individualized care, holistic, humane and scientific foundation. The literature review was carried out in indexed databases as LILACS and SciELO, books and journals available in local libraries as published between the years 2000 to 2009. The aim is to describe the importance of clinical history and physical examination in the care provided by nurses. The results of this research will enable nursing students and health professionals can better understand the importance of history taking and physical examination to their professional practice, implement properly all stages of NAS and arouse interest in research on this topic.

La historia y el examen físico son parte del Historico de Enfermería del Proceso de Enfermería. Su aplicación está dirigida a la atención individualizada, integral, humana y fundamento científico. La revisión de la literatura se hizo sobre bases de datos indexados, LILACS y SciELO, libros y revistas disponibles en las bibliotecas locales, entre los años 2000 a 2009. El objetivo es describir la importancia de la historia clínica y exploración física en el cuidado de las enfermeras. Los resultados de esta investigación permitirá a los estudiantes de enfermería y profesionales de la salud puedan comprender mejor la importancia de la anamnesis y exploración física para su práctica profesional, aplicar correctamente todas las fases del SAE y despertar el interés en la investigación sobre este tema.