Path analysis of the energy density of wood in eucalyptus clones.

Path analysis has been used for establishing selection criteria in genetic breeding programs for several crops. However, it has not been used in eucalyptus breeding programs yet. In the present study, we aimed to identify the wood technology traits that could be used as the criteria for direct and indirect selection of eucalyptus genotypes with high energy density of wood. Twenty-four eucalyptus clones were evaluated in a completely randomized design with five replications. The following traits were assessed: basic wood density, total extractives, lignin content, ash content, nitrogen content, carbon content, hydrogen content, sulfur content, oxygen content, higher calorific power, holocellulose, and energy density. After verifying the variability of all evaluated traits among the clones, a two-dimensional correlation network was used to determine the phenotypic patterns among them. The obtained coefficient of determination (0.94) presented a higher magnitude in relation to the effect of the residual variable, and it served as an excellent model for explaining the genetic effects related to the variations observed in the energy density of wood in all eucalyptus clones. However, for future studies, we recommend evaluating other traits, especially the morphological traits, because of the greater ease in their measurement. Selecting clones with high basic density is the most promising strategy for eucalyptus breeding programs that aim to increase the energy density of wood because of its high heritability and magnitude of the cause-and-effect relationship with this trait.

Pregnancy outcome after exposure to misoprostol in Brazil: a prospective, controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Misoprostol, a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analog is labeled for the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers. In Brazil, where abortion is not a legal procedure, there is a widespread popular misuse of this drug in abortion attempts. This misuse and the fact that, in many cases the desired pregnancy termination does not occur, raise concerns about fetal safety. Case reports of congenital anomalies after maternal use of misoprostol have been published. The objective of this work was to compare pregnancy outcome following misoprostol exposure with a matched control group. This is the first prospective controlled study on fetal safety after misoprostol use. METHODS: A prospective, observational cohort study with 86 exposed and 86 pair-matched, non-exposed controls. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the rates of major or minor birth between exposed compared to non-exposed infants (2/67 vs 2/81, major defects; 7/67 vs. 3/81, minor anomalies) There were significantly more miscarriages in the exposed group (17.1% vs. 5.8%; relative risk, 2.97; 95% confidence interval, 1.12 to 7.88). There was no statistical difference in gestational age at delivery, birth weight, sex ratio, rate of prematurity, low birth weight, or rates of cesarean section between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study, despite its limited statistical power, does not suggest a potent teratogenic action of misoprostol exposure during pregnancy.