Biological aspects and first record of Leucothyreus alvarengai Frey (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae: Rutelinae) in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L) (Poaceae) fields of Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil.

Larvae of Leucothyreus spp. have been reported causing damage to several crops in Brazil. From May 2012 to April 2013, adults and immatures of Leucothyreus alvarengai Frey (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae: Rutelinae) samples were obtained from sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) (Poaceae) fields in the municipalities of Naviraí and Nova Andradina, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Adults were collected with the aid of light traps, whereas immatures were sampled by opening two trench sizes (30 x 30 x 30 cm and 80 x 50 x 40 cm) in the soil, beside the plants. The collected larvae were reared in laboratory conditions, fed by sugarcane seedlings. The biological cycle of L. alvarengai was completed in 230 days, displaying three larval instars with mean size of the cephalic capsule of 1.68, 2.46, and 3.00 mm for the first, second, and third instar, respectively. Adults were collected in greater numbers in December 2012, and first-instar larvae were observed as of January 2013. Conversely, pupae were observed in the field from July 2012 to January 2013. This is the first record of larvae and adults of L. alvarengai in sugarcane fields in Mato Grosso do Sul state, contributing with the knowledge about its biology and temporal distribution in the field.

ß-Cyclodextrins alter the energy metabolism-related enzyme activities in rats.

Although widely used in medicine, separation technology, and other fields, the effects of cyclodextrins on the activities of phosphoryl transfer enzymes have not been previously evaluated. In vivo studies evaluated the function of cyclodextrins as active compounds. Despite the use of cyclodextrins as active compounds, the effects of cyclodextrins on hepatic and renal tissues remain to be fully elucidated. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of ß- cyclodextrins, methyl-ß-cyclodextrin (M-ß- cyclodextrins), and (2-hydroxypropyl)-ß-cyclodextrin (HP-ß-cyclodextrins) on enzyme activities regulating the maintenance of energy homeostasis in the kidney and liver tissues in relation to toxicity. Serum levels of liver and kidney markers were measured, and oxidative stress parameters were assessed. After 60-day treatments, we observed that the administration of ß-cyclodextrins and M-ß-cyclodextrins inhibited the hepatic activity of pyruvate kinase, an irreversible enzyme within the glycolytic pathway. Additionally, administration of HP-ß-cyclodextrins inhibited creatine kinase activity and increased the total sulfhydryl content in kidneys. Here, we demonstrated for the first time that ß-cyclodextrins, M-ß-cyclodextrins, and HP-ß-cyclodextrins cause bioenergetic dysfunction in renal and hepatic tissues. These findings suggest that understanding the balance between cyclodextrins' efficacy and adverse effects is essential for better accepting their use in medicine.

Baseline assessment of the hydrological network and land use in riparian buffers of Pampean streams of Uruguay.

The integrated assessment of stream networks and terrestrial land use contributes a critical foundation for understanding and mitigating potential impacts on stream ecology. Riparian zone delineation and management is a key component for regulating water quality, particularly in agricultural watersheds. We present a national assessment of riparian zone land uses according to stream order for the entire hydrological network in the Uruguayan landscape in Southeastern South America. We classified over 82,500 km of streams and rivers in Uruguay into seven Strahler order classes and delineated riparian buffers of 100 and 500 m, depending on stream order, covering a total of 13% of the terrestrial land area in Uruguay. Natural vegetation cover in riparian zones averaged 77% among basins, whereby natural grassland dominated first and second order stream buffers at 58% and 49%, respectively. This highlighted the importance of grasslands in headwater regions of the country. Riparian forests formed corridors along larger streams, representing a mere 9% of buffers in first order streams but reaching 46% of buffers of 6th order streams. Among the six major basins of Uruguay, we found differences in the relative importance of riparian forests and crop cover in headwater stream riparian zones, as well as differences in relative crop cover within riparian zones. Results show that streams in subtropical grassland landscapes originate in open grassland environments, which has major implications for thermal regimes, carbon inputs, and stream biodiversity. Riparian buffer management should consider geographic differences among different basins and ecoregions within Uruguay.

Nicotinamide attenuates streptozotocin-induced diabetes complications and increases survival rate in rats: role of autonomic nervous system.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effect of nicotinamide prior to streptozotocin-induced (STZ) diabetes in baroreflex sensitivity and cardiovascular autonomic modulation, and its association with hemodynamics and metabolic parameters. METHODS: Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into control (Cont) and STZ-induced diabetes (Diab). Half of the rats from each group received a single dose of nicotinamide (100 mg/Kg) before STZ injection (Cont+NicA and Diab+NicA). All groups were followed-up for 5 weeks. RESULTS: Body weight loss of more than 40% was observed in Diab throughout the period (Diab: 271.00 ± 12.74 g; Diab+NicA: 344.62 ± 17.82). Increased glycemia was seen in Diab rats (541.28 ± 18.68 mg/dl) while Diab+NicA group had a slight decrease (440.87 ± 20.96 mg/dl). However, insulin resistance was observed only in Diab. In relation to Cont, heart rate, mean blood pressure and diastolic function were reduced when compared to Diab, together with parasympathetic modulation and baroreflex sensitivity. All of these parameters were improved in Diab+NicA when compared to Diab. Improved baroreflex sensitivity and parasympathetic modulation were correlated with glycemia, insulin resistance, and body weight mass. Additionally, Diab+NicA group increased survival rate. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that the association of nicotinamide in STZ-induced diabetic rats prevents most of the expected derangements mainly by preserving parasympathetic and baroreflex parameters.

Role of nutritional composition in the development and survival of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on artificial diet and natural hosts.

Helicoverpa armigera is a pest of several crops causing significant economic impact. We evaluated the insect development on different vegetative and reproductive structures of cotton, maize, and soybean compared to artificial diet. One hundred individuals were evaluated per structure (cotton leaves and bolls; maize leaves, grains, and silk; soybean leaves and pods) and artificial diet. Centesimal analyses were performed on quantifiable nutrient contents in diets. The viability of immatures (eggs, larvae, and pupae) ranged from 30% on maize leaf to 74% on cotton bolls, while on the artificial diet, it was 70%. Maize, cotton, and soybean leaves provided viability of 30, 37, and 42%, respectively, revealing these leaves tissues are less favorable to the development of H. armigera immatures compared to 'reproductive tissues'. Centesimal composition of diets compared 14 common components in all diets, which correlated significantly with larval and pupal stages and/or pupal weight. Of the 12 dietary components that significantly affected larval development time, half were negatively correlated, indicating a decrease in developmental time from their increments. In general, when insects were confined separately to substrates, the artificial diet was the most suitable for H. armigera development compared to the evaluated natural diets. However, in natural conditions, the variability of available hosts must be considered. In addition, it is acceptable for moths to select more suitable hosts for oviposition, while their larvae move to other more suitable tissues of the same plant or even migrate to other plants.

Moderate and severe periodontitis are positively associated with metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the association between periodontitis severity (exposure) and metabolic syndrome (MetS - outcome), using two criteria for diagnosis of the outcome, since this relationship remains unexplored. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-control study was conducted with 870 individuals: 408 with first MetS diagnosis (cases) and 462 without MetS (controls). Participants' general information was obtained using a questionnaire and laboratory data was collected from medical records. Periodontitis severity criteria followed the Center for Disease Control and Prevention: none, mild, moderate, and severe. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were determined by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Findings showed a positive association between moderate and severe periodontitis and MetS: ORadjusted = 1.64 (95% CI: 1.01 to 2.68) and ORadjusted = 1.94 (95% CI: 1.19 to 3.16), respectively, after adjustment for age, sex, schooling level, smoking habit, and cardiovascular disease. The adjusted measurements showed that among individuals with moderate or severe periodontitis, the probability of having MetS was around two times greater than among those without periodontitis, and that the chance was greater among participants with severe periodontitis than those with moderate periodontitis. CONCLUSION: An association between the severity of periodontal status and MetS was found, suggesting a possible relationship between the two diseases. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: MetS influences the etiology of cardiovascular diseases, one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. The findings suggest that the greater the severity of periodontitis, the greater is the association magnitude with MetS. The health professional needs to recognize that the importance of periodontal disease may play in MetS.

Inconsistencies in horse coat color registration: A case study.

Grullo is a dun dilution on a black coat that is common in the Campolina horse: an autochthonous Brazilian breed. The aims of this case study were to evaluate inconsistencies in grullo coat color registration and to explain their possible causes. A total of 3,270 grullo Campolina horses were evaluated. To confirm the genetic possibility of having grullo animals, the coat color genotypes of parents were inferred by phenotype and compared with those of progeny. A total of 242 horses that were registered as grullos could not have this coat based on their parents' information. Possible explanations for incorrect registration are errors of paternity and in coat color identification. We suggest maintaining obligatory paternity testing and enhancing training in coat color identification.

Improved cardiovascular autonomic modulation in transgenic rats expressing an Ang-(1-7)-producing fusion protein.

Angiotensin-(1-7) counterbalances angiotensin II cardiovascular effects. However, it has yet to be determined how cardiovascular autonomic modulation may be affected by chronic and acute elevation of Ang-(1-7). Hemodynamics and cardiovascular autonomic profile were evaluated in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and transgenic rats (TGR) overexpressing Ang-(1-7) [TGR(A1-7)3292]. Blood pressure (BP) was directly measured while cardiovascular autonomic modulation was evaluated by spectral analysis. TGR received A-779 or vehicle and SD rats received Ang-(1-7) or vehicle and were monitored for 5 h after i.v. administration. In another set of experiments with TGR, A-779 was infused for 7 days using osmotic mini pumps. Although at baseline no differences were observed, acute administration of A-779 in TGR produced a marked long-lasting increase in BP accompanied by increased BP variability (BPV) and sympathetic modulation to the vessels. Likewise, chronic administration of A-779 with osmotic mini pumps in TGR increased heart rate, sympathovagal balance, BPV, and sympathetic modulation to the vessels. Administration of Ang-(1-7) to SD rats increased heart rate variability values in 88% accompanied by 8% of vagal modulation increase and 18% of mean BP reduction. These results show that both acute and chronic alteration in the Ang-(1-7)-Mas receptor axis may lead to important changes in the autonomic control of circulation, impacting either sympathetic and (or) parasympathetic systems.

Hypertension and Exercise Training: Evidence from Clinical Studies.

Hypertension is a worldwide prevalent disease, mostly manifested as its primary ethiology, characterized by a chronic, multifactorial, asymptomatic, and usually incurable state. It is estimated that more than one billion of the world population is hypertensive. Also, hypertension is the main cause of the two most frequent causes of death worldwide: myocardial infarction and stroke. Due to the necessity of the cardiovascular system to manage chronically increased levels of blood pressure, hypertension causes severe alterations in multiple organs, as the heart, vessels, kidneys, eyes and brain, thus increasing the risk of health complications. The heart is the main target organ and suffers several adaptations to compensate the increased blood pressure levels; nevertheless, long-term adaptations without proper control are extremely harmful to cardiovascular health. On the other hand, hypertension is a modifiable risk factor and its adequate control is highly dependent on lifestyle. Pharmacological treatment is of great success when adherence is high. Several classes of antihypertensive drugs are prescribed and can effectively maintain blood pressure within acceptable levels. However, non-pharmacological methods, as diet and exercise training, can not only optimize the treatment but also prevent or postpone hypertension development as well as its complications, acting as important complements to the ideal control of elevated blood pressure, and bringing together benefits beyond blood pressure decrease, as a general health status improvement and increased quality of life. There is consistent evidence that regular exercise training promotes several benefits when properly prescribed and practised, acting as "medicine" for dozens of chronic diseases. The effects of exercise training in blood pressure levels and in its mechanisms of control are of clinical relevance and efficacy. This chapter will describe the classical and recent results on the beneficial effects of different modalities of exercise training in the cardiovascular system of human primary hypertension, focusing on the mechanisms influenced by exercise training which help to decrease blood pressure and improve the cardiovascular system.

Myocardial Infarction and Exercise Training: Evidence from Basic Science.

In 2016, cardiovascular disease remains the first cause of mortality worldwide [1]. Coronary artery disease, which is the most important precursor of myocardial infarction (MI), is the main component of total cardiovascular mortality, being responsible for approximately seven million of deaths [1]. In approximately 20% of infarcted patients, MI is recurrent in the first year after the event [2]. Moreover, among cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease accounts for the most increased index of life years lost due to morbidity and/or mortality [1]. Sedentarism highly contributes to cardiovascular disease burden, especially for coronary artery disease, and is also one of the MI risk factors [3]. For many years, it was recommended to avoid physical activity after a cardiovascular event; nowadays, it is a consensus that exercise training (ET) should be part of cardiac rehabilitation programs. There is increasing evidence confirming that, when adequately prescribed and supervised, ET after MI can prevent future complications and increase the quality of life and longevity of infarcted patients [4, 5]. ET after MI follows international specialized guidelines; however, there are different protocols adopted by several societies worldwide in cardiac rehabilitation [6], and there is still lack of information on which type and regimen of exercise may be the ideal after MI, as well as how these exercises act to promote beneficial effects to cardiovascular and other organic systems. Thus, experimental studies are important contributors to elicit mechanisms behind clinical results, and to test and compare different ET protocols. Therefore, exercise prescription can be optimized, individualized, and safely practiced by patients. In this chapter, we present a brief review of MI pathophysiology followed by an updated discussion of the most relevant discoveries regarding ET and MI in basic science.

A decade of collaboration in medicines regulation: healthcare professionals engaging with the European Medicines Agency.

The article shows that the input given by healthcare professionals (HCPs) adds value to the regulatory processes surrounding the development, authorisation, and monitoring of a medicine, but is also an instrument for accountability, trust, mutual exchange as well as an insight into the public health issues that matter most to one of the key stakeholder groups the Agency works with. We highlight the role of HCPs in the EU regulatory process and take stock of the first 10 years of the Framework for Interaction with HCPs to describe how practises have evolved over this time to meet the goals of informing, consulting and improving trust in the EU regulatory system. We will analyse what led European Medicines Agency (EMA) to develop this framework through to the next steps and where the interaction might lead in the future.

Cholinergic stimulation with pyridostigmine improves autonomic function in infarcted rats.

In the present study we evaluated the effects of short-term pyridostigmine bromide (0.14 mg/mL) treatment started early after myocardial infarction (MI) on left ventricular (LV) and autonomic functions in rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into control, pyridostigmine, infarcted and infarcted + pyridostigmine-treated groups. Pyridostigmine was administered in the drinking water, starting immediately after MI or sham operation, for 11 days. Left ventricular function was evaluated indirectly by echocardiography and directly by LV catheterization. Cardiovascular autonomic control was evaluated by baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), heart rate variability (HRV) and pharmacological blockade. All evaluations started after 7 days pyridostigmine treatment and were finalized after 11 days treatment. Pyridostigmine prevented the impairment of +dP/dT and reduced the MI area in infarcted + pyridostigmine compared with infarcted rats (7 ± 3% vs 17 ± 4%, respectively). Mean blood pressure was restored in infarcted + pyridostigmine compared with infarcted rats (103 ± 3 vs 94 ± 3 mmHg, respectively). In addition, compared with the infarcted group, pyridostigmine improved BRS, as evaluated by tachycardic (1.6 ± 0.2 vs 2.5 ± 0.2 b.p.m./mmHg, respectively) and bradycardic (-0.42 ± 0.01 vs -1.9 ± 0.1 b.p.m./mmHg) responses, and reduced the low frequency/high frequency ratio of HRV (0.81 ± 0.11 vs 0.24 ± 0.14, respectively). These improvements are probably associated with increased vagal tone and reduced sympathetic tone in infarcted + pyridostigmine compared with infarcted rats. In conclusion, the data suggest that short-term pyridostigmine treatment started early after MI can improve BRS, HRV and parasympathetic and sympathetic tone in experimental rats. These data may have potential clinical implications because autonomic markers have prognostic significance after MI.

Walking promotes metabolic and baroreflex sensitivity improvement in fructose-fed male rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate metabolic and cardiovascular responses to walking in fructose-fed rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into control (C), sedentary fructose (SF) and walking fructose (WF). Fructose-fed rats received D-fructose (100 g/l). WF rats walked on a treadmill at constant load (0.3 km/h) during 1 h/day, 5 days/week for 8 weeks. Measurements of triglyceride concentrations, adipose tissue and glycemia were carried out together with insulin tolerance test to evaluate metabolic profile. Arterial pressure (AP) signals were directly recorded. Baroreflex sensitivity (BR) was evaluated by the reflex tachycardia (TR) and bradycardia (BR) to AP changes. The results showed that walking decreased the adipose tissue (SF: 6.5 ± 0.4; WF: 2.8 ± 0.1; C: 3.0 ± 0.3 g), blood triglyceride levels (SF: 291 ± 6.5; WF: 150 ± 8.1; C: 103 ± 4.5 mg/dl) and increased insulin sensitivity (SF: 2.5 ± 0.2; WF: 3.3 ± 0.32; C: 4.8 ± 0.4 %/min). Baroreflex sensitivity was improved in the WF group expressed by BR (SF: 0.75 ± 0.10; WF: 1.18 ± 0.10; C: 1.5 ± 0.14 ms/mmHg) and TR (SF: 0.80 ± 0.12; WF: 1.21 ± 0.10; C: 1.35 ± 0.11 ms/mmHg), as well as when verified by the alpha index. Although the WF group showed decreased AP when compared with the SF group, the values still enhanced in relation to C rats (SF: 137 ± 2; WF: 129 ± 1; C: 115 ± 6 mmHg). Our findings allow a better understanding of the effects of walking, a low-intensity exercise training, on the hemodynamic and metabolic aspects of male rats with metabolic syndrome and indicate that walking seems to be particularly effective in treating metabolic disturbances in this model.

Evaluation interaction of graphene oxide with heparin for antiviral blockade: a study of ab initio simulations, molecular docking, and experimental analysis.

CONTEXT: Heparin, one of the drugs reused in studies with antiviral activity, was chosen to investigate a possible blockade of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein for viral entry through computational simulations and experimental analysis. Heparin was associated to graphene oxide to increase in the binding affinity in biological system. First, the electronic and chemical interaction between the molecules was analyzed through ab initio simulations. Later, we evaluate the biological compatibility of the nanosystems, in the target of the spike protein, through molecular docking. The results show that graphene oxide interacts with the heparin with an increase in the affinity energy with the spike protein, indicating a possible increment in the antiviral activity. Experimental analysis of synthesis and morphology of the nanostructures were carried out, indicating heparin absorption by graphene oxide, confirming the results of the first principle simulations. Experimental tests were conducted on the structure and surface of the nanomaterial, confirming the heparin aggregation on the synthesis with a size between the GO layers of 7.44 Å, indicating a C-O type bond, and exhibiting a hydrophilic surface characteristic (36.2°). METHODS: Computational simulations of the ab initio with SIESTA code, LDA approximations, and an energy shift of 0.05 eV. Molecular docking simulations were performed in the AutoDock Vina software integrated with the AMDock Tools Software using the AMBER force field. GO, GO@2.5Heparin, and GO@5Heparin were synthesized by Hummers and impregnation methods, respectively, and characterized by X-ray diffraction and surface contact angle.

Inclusion of functional measures and frailty in the development and evaluation of medicines for older adults.

The International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) E7, the guidance for the conduct of clinical trials in people older than age 65 years, dates from 1994. Since then, the inclusion of older people in clinical trials has hardly improved, particularly for the oldest old age group (individuals older than age 75 years), which is the fastest growing demographic bracket in the EU. Even though most medications are taken by this group, relevant endpoints and safety outcomes for this cohort are rarely included and reported, both in clinical trials and regulatory approval documents. To improve the critical appraisal and the regulatory review of medicines taken by frail older adults, eight recommendations are presented and discussed in this Health Policy. These recommendations are brought together from different perspectives and experience of the treatment of older patients. On one side, the perspective of medical practitioners from various clinical disciplines, with their direct experience of clinical decision making; on the other, the perspective of regulators assessing the data submitted in medicine registration dossiers, their relevance to the risk-benefit balance for older patients, and the communication of the findings in the product information. Efforts to improve the participation of older people in clinical trials have been in place for more than a decade, with little success. The recommendations presented here are relevant for stakeholders, authorities, pharmaceutical companies, and researchers alike, as the implementation of these measures is not under the capacity of a single entity. Improving the inclusion of frail older adults requires awareness, focus, and action on the part of those who can effect a much needed change.

Influence of magnetite incorporation into chitosan on the adsorption of the methotrexate and in vitro cytotoxicity.

Emerging pollutants are a group of substances involved in environmental contamination resulting mostly from incomplete drug metabolism, associated with inadequate disposal and ineffective effluent treatment techniques. Methotrexate (MTX), for instance, is excreted at high concentrations in unchanged form through the urine. Although the MTX is still effective in cancer and autoimmune disease treatment, this drug shows the ability of bioaccumulation and toxicity to the organism. Thus, the present work aimed to evaluate the adsorption of the MTX drug onto magnetic nanocomposites containing different amounts of incorporated magnetite (1:1, 1:5, and 1:10 wt%), combining the theoretical-experimental study as well as the in vitro cytotoxicity. Moreover, equilibrium studies (Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Dubinin-Radushkevich, Hill, Redlich-Peterson, and Sips), kinetic (PFO, PSO, and IPD), and thermodynamic (ΔG°, ΔH°, and ΔS°) were used to describe the experimental data, and ab initio simulations were employed in the theoretical study. Magnetic nanocomposites were synthesized by the co-precipitation method using only FeCl2 as the iron precursor. Adsorbents were characterized by FTIR, XRD, Raman, SEM-EDS, BET, and VSM analysis. Meanwhile, cytotoxic effects on L929 and A375 cell lines were evaluated through MTT, NR, and LDH assays. The adsorption of the MTX was carried out in a typical batch system, exploring the different experimental conditions. The theoretical study suggests the occurrence of chemisorption between CS·Fe3O4-MTX. The maximum adsorption capacity of MTX was 285.92 mg g-1, using 0.125 g L-1 of CS·Fe3O4 1:1, with an initial concentration of the MTX (50 mg L-1), pH 4.0 at 293 ± 1.00 K. The best adjustment of equilibrium and kinetic data were the Sips (low values for statistical errors) and PSO (qe = 96.73 mg g-1) models, respectively. Thermodynamic study shows that the adsorption occurred spontaneously (ΔG° < 0), with exothermic (ΔH° = - 4698.89 kJ mol-1) and random at the solid-solution interface (ΔS° = 1,476,022.00 kJ mol-1 k-1) behavior. Finally, the in vitro study shows that magnetic nanomaterials exhibit higher cytotoxicity in melanoma cells. Therefore, the magnetic nanocomposite reveals to be not only an excellent tool for water remediation studies but also a promising platform for drug delivery.

Baroreflex sensitivity impairment is associated with cardiac diastolic dysfunction in rats.

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that the autonomic dysfunction accompanied by impaired baroreflex sensitivity was associated with higher mortality. However, the influence of decreased baroreflex sensitivity on cardiac function, especially in diastolic function, is not well understood. This study evaluated the morphofunctional changes associated with baroreflex impairment induced by chronic sinoaortic denervation (SAD). METHODS AND RESULTS: Animals were divided into sinoaortic denervation (SAD) and control (C) groups. Baroreflex sensitivity was evaluated by tachycardic and bradycardic responses, induced by vasoactive drugs. Cardiac function was studied by echocardiography and by left ventricle (LV) catheterization. LV collagen content and the expression of regulatory proteins involved in intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis were quantified. Results showed higher LV mass in SAD versus C animals. Furthermore, an increase in deceleration time of E-wave in the SAD versus the C group (2.14 ± 0.07 ms vs 1.78 ± 0.03 ms) was observed. LV end-diastolic pressure was increased and the minimum dP/dt was decreased in the SAD versus the C group (12 ± 1.5 mm Hg vs 5.3 ± 0.2 mm Hg and 7,422 ± 201 vs 4,999 ± 345 mm Hg/s, respectively). SERCA/NCX ratio was lower in SAD than in control rats. The same was verified in SERCA/PLB ratio. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that baroreflex dysfunction is associated with cardiac diastolic dysfunction independently of the presence of other risk factors.

Assessing Cotton Genotypes for Resistance to Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae).

Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a polyphagous species frequently associated with the presence of sooty mold and viruses lethal to plants. The purpose of this work was to characterize possible resistance categories of cotton genotypes against A. gossypii. Initially, a preliminary test was carried out with 78 genotypes, 15 of which were selected for infestation ability assays and the determination of the cumulative aphid-day rates. Posteriorly, these genotypes were also evaluated through antixenosis and antibiosis assays. The genotypes FM 910, FM 966 LL, Mocó, Gossypium hirsutum var. punctatum L. (Malvaceae), Variedade Reba = BTK-12, Deltapine, Hi-Bred, Acala 4-42, IAC PV010-1664, IAC 21, Reba B-50 PR and FMT 709 inhibited the aphid colonization. In the infestation ability assay, G. hirsutum punctatum, IAC PV010-1664 and Acala 4-42 were the least infested. In a multiple-choice assay, Deltapine Smooth Leaf and Variedade Reba = BTK-12 were significantly less infested, suggesting antixenosis. In the antibiosis assay, Gossypium arboreum L. (Malvaceae) 1 showed the lowest number of nymphs, number of nymphs per adult per day and, number of nymphs at 10 d after the birth of the first nymph in addition to reducing the reproductive period, nymphal survival, adult longevity and, developmental time. In the FM 910, the number of nymphs produced per day and, at 10 d after the birth of the first nymph decreased, which also indicated resistance. The results obtained here are unprecedented and can be explored in breeding programs to develop insect-resistant cotton cultivars.

Thermal Requirements of Ooencyrtus submetallicus (Hym.: Encyrtidae) and Telenomus podisi (Hym.: Platygastridae) Parasitizing Euschistus heros Eggs (Hem.: Pentatomidae).

Temperature is one of the abiotic factors that strongly influences the biology and behavior of insects. In this study, we assessed the development of egg parasitoids Ooencyrtus submetallicus and Telenomus podisi parasitizing Euschistus heros eggs at different temperatures, and estimated the average number of generations for seven representative soybean-producing regions in Brazil. A comparative biology study was conducted, where the percentage of parasitism and emergence, life cycle duration (egg-adult), and longevity were found to be similar between O. submetallicus and T. podisi. The sex ratio and the number of individuals emerged from parasitized egg were higher in O. submetallicus in all regions. In the study of thermal requirements, temperatures of 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, and 33 °C were tested. O. submetallicus and T. podisi developed at temperatures between 16 and 31 °C. The base temperature (Tb) for O. submetallicus and T. podisi was 9.3 and 6.7 °C, respectively; the thermal constant (K) was 336.9 and 272.7 degree-days, respectively. The estimated average number of annual generations of both parasitoids was higher than the host. O. submetallicus and T. podisi have the same ability to parasitize and develop in eggs of E. heros under the conditions studied. Both parasitoids exhibited satisfactory development and parasitism at temperatures between 19 and 31 °C. The development of both parasitoids was faster than their host, and the number of generations was higher for the seven studied localities.

Autonomic impairment after myocardial infarction: role in cardiac remodelling and mortality.

1. Impairmant of baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) has been implicated in the reduction of heart rate variability (HRV) and in the increased risk of death after myocardial infarction (MI). In the present study, we investigated whether the additional impairment in BRS induced by sinoaortic baroreceptor denervation (SAD) in MI rats is associated with changes in the low-frequency (LF) component of HRV and increased mortality rate. 2. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, MI, denervated (SAD) and SAD + MI rats. Left ventricular (LV) function was evaluated by echocardiography. Autonomic components were assessed by power spectral analysis and BRS. 3. Myocardial infarction (90 days) reduced ejection fraction (by approximately 42%) in both the MI and SAD + MI groups; however, an increase in LV mass and diastolic dysfunction were observed only in the SAD + MI group. Furthermore, BRS, HRV and the LF power of HRV were reduced after MI, with an exacerbated reduction seen in SAD + MI rats. The LF component of blood pressure variability (BPV) was increased in the MI, SAD and SAD + MI groups compared with the control group. Mortality was higher in the MI groups compared with the non-infarcted groups, with an additional increase in mortality in the SAD + MI group compared with the MI group. Correlations were obtained between BRS and the LF component of HRV and between LV mass and the LF component of BPV. 4. Together, the results indicate that the abolishment of BRS induced by SAD in MI rats further reduces the LF band of HRV, resulting in a worse cardiac remodelling and increased mortality in these rats. These data highlight the importance of this mechanism in the prognosis of patients after an ischaemic event.