Biology of Glyphepomis dubia Campos & Souza, 2016 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and the parasitoids Telenomus podisi Ashmead, 1893 and Trissolcus basalis (Wollaston, 1858) (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) on rice / Biologia de Glyphepomis dubia Campos & Souza, 2016 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) e dos parasitoides Telenomus podisi Ashmead, 1893 e Trissolcus basalis (Wollaston, 1858) (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) em arroz

The life cycle of stink bug, Glyphepomis dubia and the development of two egg parasitoids (Telenomus podisi and Trissolcus basalis) were studied at the Federal University of Maranhão, at 26 ± 2oC, relative humidity (RH) of 60 ± 10% and 12h photophase. Individuals used in the study were collected from seven rice fields located around the municipality of Arari, Maranhão, Brazil, and maintained in greenhouse and laboratory for the life cycle studies. From egg to adult, G. dubia took 35.2 days to complete the life cycle. The oviposition period was 37 days, with egg masses of about 12 eggs each and viability of 93.1%. Longevity was 53 and 65 days for females and males, respectively. The egg parasitoids Te. podisi and Tr. basalis parasitized and developed in G. dubia eggs; however, the biological characteristics of Tr. basalis were affected. Emergence of the parasitoids was higher for Te. podisi (83.5%) compared to the records for Tr. basalis (50.4%). Therefore, G. dubia may potentially achieve a pest status and Te. podisi is a promising biological control agent for G. dubia management in Brazil due to its higher longevity and better reproductive parameters.

O ciclo de vida do percevejo, Glyphepomis dubia e a biologia de dois parasitoides de ovos (Telenomus podisi e Trissolcus basalis) foram estudados na Universidade Federal do Maranhão, a 26 ± 2oC, umidade relativa (UR) de 60 ± 10% e fotofase de 12h. Sete indivíduos de G. dubia foram coletados em lavoura de arroz localizada no município de Arari, Maranhão, Brasil e mantidos em casa de vegetação e laboratório para estudos de ciclo de vida. Do ovo ao adulto, G. dubia levou 35.2 dias para completar o ciclo de vida. O período de oviposição foi de 37 dias com massas de ovos com cerca de 12 ovos/massa e viabilidade de 93.1%. A longevidade foi de 53 e 65 dias, respectivamente, para fêmeas e machos. Os parasitoides de ovos, Te. podisi e Tr. basalis parasitaram e se desenvolveram em ovos de G. dubia, no entanto as características biológicas de Tr. basalis foi afetada. A emergência dos parasitoides foi maior para Te. podisi (83.5%) em comparação com o registrado para Tr. basalis (50.4%). Portanto, G. dubia poderá apresentar potencial para atingir o status de praga e Te. podisi é um promissor agente de controle biológico para ser utilizado no manejo de G. dubia no Brasil, pois apresentou maior longevidade e os melhores parâmetros reprodutivos.

Biology of Glyphepomis dubia Campos & Souza, 2016 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and the parasitoids Telenomus podisi Ashmead, 1893 and Trissolcus basalis (Wollaston, 1858) (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) on rice

Abstract The life cycle of stink bug, Glyphepomis dubia and the development of two egg parasitoids (Telenomus podisi and Trissolcus basalis) were studied at the Federal University of Maranhão, at 26 ± 2oC, relative humidity (RH) of 60 ± 10% and 12h photophase. Individuals used in the study were collected from seven rice fields located around the municipality of Arari, Maranhão, Brazil, and maintained in greenhouse and laboratory for the life cycle studies. From egg to adult, G. dubia took 35.2 days to complete the life cycle. The oviposition period was 37 days, with egg masses of about 12 eggs each and viability of 93.1%. Longevity was 53 and 65 days for females and males, respectively. The egg parasitoids Te. podisi and Tr. basalis parasitized and developed in G. dubia eggs; however, the biological characteristics of Tr. basalis were affected. Emergence of the parasitoids was higher for Te. podisi (83.5%) compared to the records for Tr. basalis (50.4%). Therefore, G. dubia may potentially achieve a pest status and Te. podisi is a promising biological control agent for G. dubia management in Brazil due to its higher longevity and better reproductive parameters.

Resumo O ciclo de vida do percevejo, Glyphepomis dubia e a biologia de dois parasitoides de ovos (Telenomus podisi e Trissolcus basalis) foram estudados na Universidade Federal do Maranhão, a 26 ± 2oC, umidade relativa (UR) de 60 ± 10% e fotofase de 12h. Sete indivíduos de G. dubia foram coletados em lavoura de arroz localizada no município de Arari, Maranhão, Brasil e mantidos em casa de vegetação e laboratório para estudos de ciclo de vida. Do ovo ao adulto, G. dubia levou 35.2 dias para completar o ciclo de vida. O período de oviposição foi de 37 dias com massas de ovos com cerca de 12 ovos/massa e viabilidade de 93.1%. A longevidade foi de 53 e 65 dias, respectivamente, para fêmeas e machos. Os parasitoides de ovos, Te. podisi e Tr. basalis parasitaram e se desenvolveram em ovos de G. dubia, no entanto as características biológicas de Tr. basalis foi afetada. A emergência dos parasitoides foi maior para Te. podisi (83.5%) em comparação com o registrado para Tr. basalis (50.4%). Portanto, G. dubia poderá apresentar potencial para atingir o status de praga e Te. podisi é um promissor agente de controle biológico para ser utilizado no manejo de G. dubia no Brasil, pois apresentou maior longevidade e os melhores parâmetros reprodutivos.

Biology of Glyphepomis dubia Campos & Souza, 2016 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and the parasitoids Telenomus podisi Ashmead, 1893 and Trissolcus basalis (Wollaston, 1858) (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) on rice / Biologia de Glyphepomis dubia Campos & Souza, 2016 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) e dos parasitoides Telenomus podisi Ashmead, 1893 e Trissolcus basalis (Wollaston, 1858 (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) em arroz

Abstract The life cycle of stink bug, Glyphepomis dubia and the development of two egg parasitoids (Telenomus podisi and Trissolcus basalis) were studied at the Federal University of Maranhão, at 26 ± 2oC, relative humidity (RH) of 60 ± 10% and 12h photophase. Individuals used in the study were collected from seven rice fields located around the municipality of Arari, Maranhão, Brazil, and maintained in greenhouse and laboratory for the life cycle studies. From egg to adult, G. dubia took 35.2 days to complete the life cycle. The oviposition period was 37 days, with egg masses of about 12 eggs each and viability of 93.1%. Longevity was 53 and 65 days for females and males, respectively. The egg parasitoids Te. podisi and Tr. basalis parasitized and developed in G. dubia eggs; however, the biological characteristics of Tr. basalis were affected. Emergence of the parasitoids was higher for Te. podisi (83.5%) compared to the records for Tr. basalis (50.4%). Therefore, G. dubia may potentially achieve a pest status and Te. podisi is a promising biological control agent for G. dubia management in Brazil due to its higher longevity and better reproductive parameters.

Resumo O ciclo de vida do percevejo, Glyphepomis dubia e a biologia de dois parasitoides de ovos (Telenomus podisi e Trissolcus basalis) foram estudados na Universidade Federal do Maranhão, a 26 ± 2oC, umidade relativa (UR) de 60 ± 10% e fotofase de 12h. Sete indivíduos de G. dubia foram coletados em lavoura de arroz localizada no município de Arari, Maranhão, Brasil e mantidos em casa de vegetação e laboratório para estudos de ciclo de vida. Do ovo ao adulto, G. dubia levou 35.2 dias para completar o ciclo de vida. O período de oviposição foi de 37 dias com massas de ovos com cerca de 12 ovos/massa e viabilidade de 93.1%. A longevidade foi de 53 e 65 dias, respectivamente, para fêmeas e machos. Os parasitoides de ovos, Te. podisi e Tr. basalis parasitaram e se desenvolveram em ovos de G. dubia, no entanto as características biológicas de Tr. basalis foi afetada. A emergência dos parasitoides foi maior para Te. podisi (83.5%) em comparação com o registrado para Tr. basalis (50.4%). Portanto, G. dubia poderá apresentar potencial para atingir o status de praga e Te. podisi é um promissor agente de controle biológico para ser utilizado no manejo de G. dubia no Brasil, pois apresentou maior longevidade e os melhores parâmetros reprodutivos.

Influência da sanificação da água e das práticas de ordenha na qualidade do leite / Influence of water treatment and milking practices on milk quality

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência da cloração da água utilizada em salas de ordenha, assim como do manejo e da infraestrutura da ordenha, sobre a qualidade microbiológica da água e do leite. Foi instalado um equipamento para cloração de água, por duas semanas, na caixa de água de 20 propriedades leiteiras. Foram coletadas amostras de água e leite ao primeiro dia (sem cloro: controle), no sétimo e 14° dias (com cloro) e no 21º dia após a desinstalação dos cloradores (sem cloro: controle). Foram realizadas análises microbiológicas da água e do leite (contagem de células somáticas do leite, bactérias psicotróficas, mesófilas e coliformes totais), análises físico-químicas da água (pH, dureza e matéria orgânica), e aplicou-se um questionário estruturado aos produtores visando conhecer as técnicas de manejo de ordenha adotadas na propriedade. O uso de cloração na água melhorou (P<0,0001) a qualidade microbiológica da água, porém não afetou a qualidade microbiológica do leite (P>0,05). Práticas adequadas de manejo e higiene de ordenha e adequada estrutura para a ordenha estão relacionadas a baixas contagens de microrganismos no leite. Conclui-se que a cloração melhora a qualidade microbiológica da água, sem afetar a qualidade microbiológica do leite, a qual é melhorada pela adoção de boas práticas de ordenha e adequada infraestrutura.(AU)

The aim was to evaluate the influence of the use of sanitizing the water used on dairy farms, the management and the infrastructure on the dairy farm on the microbiological quality of water and milk. It was installed an equipment to chlorinate the water for a period of two weeks, in the water box of 20 dairy farms. In each dairy farm, water and milk samples were collected, being the first day (without chlorine: control), in the 7th and 14th day (chlorine), and 21 days after uninstalling the chlorinators (Chlorine-free: control). Microbiological analysis of water and milk (Somatic cell counts of milk, psychrotrophic bacteria, mesophilic and total coliforms) and physicochemical analysis of water were performed and a survey was applied to the farmers. The use of chlorine tablets in water improved (P<0.0001) the microbiological quality of water, but did not affect the microbiological quality of the milk (P>0.05). Management practices, hygiene and the structure of dairy farms are related to low microorganism counts in milk. In conclusion, chlorination of water improves the microbiological quality of water without affecting the microbiological quality of milk, which is improved by the adoption of good milking practices and adequate infrastructure.(AU)

Herpesvírus bovino tipo 1 (BoHV-1): método de diagnóstico e sua influência na qualidade espermática em touros infectados experimentalmente / Bovine Herpes virus type 1 (BoHV-1): Diagnosis method and its influence on spermatic quality in experimentally infected bulls

O herpesvírus bovino tipo-1 (BoHV-1) é um vírus amplamente distribuído no Brasil e no mundo, havendo um crescente número de estudos envolvendo métodos de diagnóstico e o seu impacto na reprodução animal. O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar o material genético do BoHV-1 no sêmen de touros infectados experimentalmente por meio da técnica de PCR e avaliar a influência do vírus sobre a qualidade espermática desses animais. A técnica de PCR foi satisfatória, permitindo identificar a presença do material genético do vírus no sêmen de todos os animais a partir de sete dias pós-infecção, com persistência de 21 até 28 dias. Apesar da presença do vírus BoHV-1 por um longo período no sêmen dos animais experimentais, não foram observados efeitos deletérios na qualidade do sêmen fresco e nem após a criopreservação.(AU)

Bovine Herpesvirus type-1 (BoHV-1) is a virus widely distributed in Brazil and worldwide, with a growing number of studies involving diagnostic methods and their impact on animal reproduction. The objective of this work was to identify the genetic material of BoHV-1 in the semen of experimentally infected bulls through the PCR technique, and to evaluate the influence of the virus on the sperm quality of these animals. The PCR technique was satisfactory, allowing for the identification of the presence of the genetic material of the virus in the semen of all the animals from 7 days post infection, with persistence of 21 to 28 days. Despite the presence of the BoHV-1 virus over a long period in the semen of the experimental animals, no deleterious effects were observed on the quality of either fresh semen or semen after the cryopreservation.(AU)

Toxicidade de espécies vegetais / Toxicity of plant species

RESUMO As plantas produzem uma grande variedade de metabólitos secundários que frequentemente são relacionados a mecanismos de proteção da planta contra predadores e patógenos. As espécies tóxicas são aquelas capazes de produzirem compostos que podem causar alterações metabólicas prejudiciais ao homem e aos animais. A toxicidade apresentada por uma espécie vegetal pode estar relacionada a fatores associados ao indivíduo, à planta, ao modo de exposição e a questões ambientais. A intoxicação, aguda ou crônica, causada por plantas é difícil de ser diagnosticada assim como a associação entre os sintomas e o consumo e/ou contato com algumas espécies é difícil de ser estabelecida. No âmbito da saúde pública, as intoxicações causadas por plantas possuem impacto expressivo. No Brasil foram registrados 1026 casos em 2012, sendo que a maior parte deles ocorreu com crianças de 0 a 4 anos, de acordo com os dados do SINITOX. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar um levantamento bibliográfico de espécies vegetais, brasileiras e exóticas aclimatadas, citadas como tóxicas apesar de serem utilizadas com fins ornamentais e medicinais.

ABSTRACT Plants produce a wide variety of secondary metabolites, which are frequently related to a plant’s protective mechanism against predators and pathogens. Toxic species are those capable of producing compounds that can cause metabolic changes harmful to humans and animals. The toxicity of plant species can be associated with aspects related to the individual, the plant, the manner of exposure, and to environmental issues. Acute or chronic intoxication caused by plants is difficult to diagnose and the association between the symptoms and the consumption of and/or contact with plants is hard to establish. In the public health sector, intoxications caused by plants have a wide impact. In Brazil, 1,026 cases were registered in 2012, most of which occurred with children between the ages of 0 to 4 years, according to data reported by SINITOX. The purpose of this study was to perform a bibliographic survey of Brazilian or acclimatized exotic plant species, which have been reported as toxic even though they are used for ornamental or medicinal purposes.

Levantamento etnobotânico de plantas medicinais em área de Caatinga na comunidade do Sítio Nazaré, município de Milagres, Ceará, Brasil / Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants in the Caatinga area in the community of Sitio Nazaré, Milagres, Ceará, Brazil

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo realizar um levantamento das plantas medicinais nativas no bioma Caatinga na comunidade do Sítio Nazaré, no município de Milagres, Ceará. Foram utilizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com 100 informantes entre 25 a 85 anos registrando informações de 62 espécies medicinais sobre o uso, parte utilizada, indicação terapêutica, e formas de preparo dos remédios caseiros, além de coleta do material botânico e produção de exsicatas. As famílias com maior representatividade na pesquisa foram Fabaceae (16 spp.), Euphorbiaceae (7 spp.), Cucurbitaceae e Malvaceae (3 spp.), e as demais com duas ou uma espécie cada. Nas preparações dos remédios caseiros verificou-se que todas as partes da planta são utilizadas, predominando as raízes (33,77%) e as cascas (29,87%). Observaram-se várias formas de preparo, sendo o chá a mais indicada (49,21%), seguida do lambedor (40,69%). Os dados encontrados revelaram que o conhecimento popular sobre as plantas medicinais é de extrema importância para o controle das afecções e contribui para a realização de estudos etnofarmacológicos.

The present study aimed to survey the native medicinal plants in the biome Caatinga in the community of Sítio Nazaré from Milagres, in Ceará, Brazil. Semi-structured interviews with 100 persons, from 25 to 85 years old, were recorded. Sixty-two species were pointed for medical information on use, used plant part, therapeutic indication and methods of preparation of home remedies. We also prepared the collection of botanical material and production of exsiccates. The most representative families reported in this study were: Fabaceae (15 spp.), Euphorbiaceae (7 spp.), Cucurbitaceae and Malvaceae (3 spp.). On the preparation of remedies, we found that all parts of the plants were used, predominantly the roots (33.77%) and the barks (29.87%). The most common way of preparation observed was tea (49.21%), followed by syrup (40.69%). These collected data revealed that popular knowledge on medicinal Caatinga plants were important for disease control in the local population and it has contributed to other ethnopharmacology studies.

Qualidade do leite de propriedades familiares praticantes de integração lavoura-pecuária em função do uso do solo / Milk quality of family farms practicing crop-livestock integration depending on land use

O objetivo do estudo foi investigar o uso do solo em propriedades familiares (PF) manejadas sob integração lavoura-pecuária (ILP) em bacia hidrográfica e relacionar com a qualidade do leite. Para tal, 14 PF foram caracterizadas e agrupadas quanto ao uso do solo (Grupos 1, 2 e 3) e monitoradas quanto à qualidade do leite, durante os meses de maio de 2010 a fevereiro de 2011. Nas amostras de leite, avaliou-se o teor de gordura, proteína e sólidos não gordurosos. Observou-se que o uso do solo objetivando o cultivo de grãos em detrimento do pastejo animal influencia negativamente o teor de gordura e proteína, em média 6,3% e 5,4%, respectivamente, sobretudo no período de verão. Assim, o planejamento de uso do solo em PF manejadas sob ILP é fundamental, pois a competição entre as atividades reflete na qualidade do leite. As PF especializadas na atividade leiteira apresentam melhor qualidade do leite durante as estações do ano.

The aim of this study was to investigate the land use practiced on family farms (FF), managed under crop-livestock integration (CLP) in the watershed and to evaluate the quality of milk. 14 FFs were characterized and grouped regarding soil use (Group 1, 2 and 3) and the quality of milk was monitored during the months of May, 2010 to February 2011. In these milk samples, we evaluated the fat, protein and non-fat solids content. It can be observed that the use of soil in a crop-livestock integration system, when the grain cultivation is prioritized over the animal grazing, influences negatively the fat and protein content, on average 6.3% and 5.4%, respectively, especially during the summer. Thus, the planning of the use of soil in FF managed under CLP is essential, because the competition between the activities was reflected in the quality of milk. The FF specialized in dairy farming produces better quality milk in all annual seasons.

Effect of endogenous hydrogen sulfide inhibition on structural and functional renal disturbances induced by gentamicin

Animal models of gentamicin nephrotoxicity present acute tubular necrosis associated with inflammation, which can contribute to intensify the renal damage. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a signaling molecule involved in inflammation. We evaluated the effect of DL-propargylglycine (PAG), an inhibitor of endogenous H2S formation, on the renal damage induced by gentamicin. Male Wistar rats (N = 8) were injected with 40 mg/kg gentamicin (im) twice a day for 9 days, some of them also received PAG (N = 8, 10 mg·kg-1·day-1, ip). Control rats (N = 6) were treated with saline or PAG only (N = 4). Twenty-four-hour urine samples were collected one day after the end of these treatments, blood samples were collected, the animals were sacrificed, and the kidneys were removed for quantification of H2S formation and histological and immunohistochemical studies. Gentamicin-treated rats presented higher sodium and potassium fractional excretion, increased plasma creatinine [4.06 (3.00; 5.87) mg percent] and urea levels, a greater number of macrophages/monocytes, and a higher score for tubular interstitial lesions [3.50 (3.00; 4.00)] in the renal cortex. These changes were associated with increased H2S formation in the kidneys from gentamicin-treated rats (230.60 ± 38.62 µg·mg protein-1·h-1) compared to control (21.12 ± 1.63) and PAG (11.44 ± 3.08). Treatment with PAG reduced this increase (171.60 ± 18.34), the disturbances in plasma creatinine levels [2.20 (1.92; 4.60) mg percent], macrophage infiltration, and score for tubular interstitial lesions [2.00 (2.00; 3.00)]. However, PAG did not interfere with the increase in fractional sodium excretion provoked by gentamicin. The protective effect of PAG on gentamicin nephrotoxicity was related, at least in part, to decreased H2S formation.

Application of the mammalian glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene for sample quality control in multiplex PCR for diagnosis of leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease endemic in five continents. It is a severe disease that may lead to death, and its early detection is important to avoid severe damage to affected individuals. Molecular methods to detect Leishmania are considered alternatives to overcome the limitations presented by conventional methods. The aim of this study was to develop multiplex PCR systems able to detect small amounts of target DNA of Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis, and the gene coding for glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PD) in mammals, enabling quality evaluation of the sample simultaneously with detection of the specific target. The systems created for G3PD recognition were combined with detection systems for L. infantum and L. braziliensis to compose multiplex PCR systems for visceral (mVL) and cutaneous (mACL) leishmaniasis diagnosis. The multiplex PCR systems developed were assessed in blood samples from five different species of mammal reservoirs involved in the disease cycle in Brazil, and 96 and 52 human samples from patients with suspected visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL), respectively. Three G3PD detection systems were created (G3PD1, G3PD2 and G3PD3) with different product sizes, G3PD2 was chosen for the formation of multiplex PCR systems. The two multiplex PCR systems (mVL and mACL) were reproducible in all species evaluated. Results of test samples (sensitivity, specificity and efficiency) suggest its use in routine diagnosis, research activities in medicine and veterinary medicine. Additionally, the systems designed to detect the G3PD gene are capable of combining with other targets used for molecular diagnosis of infectious diseases. Concerning leishmaniasis, the multiplex PCR systems can be used in epidemiological studies for the detection of new and classic reservoirs, which may contribute to the reliability of results and development of actions to control the disease.(AU)

Diversidade e controle de insetos-praga no arquivo judicial da Câmara Municipal de Pitangui, MG / Diversity and control of pest insects in the judicial archive of the city council of Pitangui, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil

A destruição de livros e documentos por organismos-praga é um problema antigo, enfrentado principalmente por bibliotecários e arquivistas. O trabalho teve como objetivo descrever suscintamente as principais ações e resultados do Manejo Integrado de Pragas (MIP) implementadas no Arquivo Judicial da Câmara Municipal de Pitangui, MG, durante os meses de janeiro de 2004 a agosto de 2005. Dentre estas ações, realizou-se um levantamento dos organismos-praga presentes tanto na área física do acervo, quanto no material bibliográfico. Todo o material bibliográfico foi tratado através do método do congelamento controlado, que consiste em acondicionar o material bibliográfico em um congelador (freezer) a temperaturas negativas, por um tempo pré-determinado. No caso desse método, foi avaliada a efetividade do controle, através da verificação da presença de indivíduos mortos e vivos, logo após o tratamento, três e seis meses depois. O levantamento dos organismos-praga na área física do acervo evidenciou a presença do cupim de madeira seca Cryptotermes brevis (Walker) e das formigas Tapinoma melanocephalum (Fabricius) e Camponotus sp. No material bibliográfico, além do cupim C. brevis, foram identificados besouros da espécie Tricorynus herbarius (Gorjam), traças Lepisma saccharina Linnaeus e piolhos-do-livro do gênero Liposcelis sp. As medidas de controle evidenciaram a efetividade dos métodos adotados, não ocorrendo reincidência das pragas durante o período de estudo.

Destruction of books and documents by pest organisms is an age-old problem, faced mainly by both librarians and archivists. The present study provides a brief report on the main actions and the results of the Integrated Management of Pests (IMP) implemented in the Judicial Archive of the City Council of Pitangui, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, during the months of January 2004 to August 2005. These actions included a survey of the pest organisms present both in the physical area of the archive and in the bibliographical material. All the material was treated through the controlled freezing method, which consistsin putting the bibliographical material into a freezer at negative temperatures for a predetermined time period. In the case of this method, the effectiveness of the control was evaluated through the verification of the presence of dead and living individuals, soon after the treatment and at three and six months later. The survey of the pest organisms in the physical area of the archive revealed the presence of the termite Cryptotermes brevis (Walker) and the ants Tapinoma melanocephalum (Fabricius) and Camponotus sp. In the bibliographical material, in addition to the termite C. brevis there were identified beetles of the species Tricorynus herbarius (Gorham), silverfish Lepisma saccharina Linnaeus, and book lice of the genus Liposcelis sp. The control measures evidenced the effectiveness of the methods used, with no reoccurrence of the pest during the study period.

Comparison of real-time PCR and conventional PCR for detection of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum infection: a mini-review

In recent years, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique has significantly advanced towards expanding its use and versatility by working with quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Data from the literature show that both methods present interesting characteristics for the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis. The benefits of qPCR in relation to conventional PCR include speed, reproducibility and quantitative ability. In addition to operational advantages, qPCR is more sensitive and reproducible and may replace conventional PCR in diagnostic routines. Regarding visceral leishmaniasis, the possibility of deployment of real-time PCR in highly complex diagnoses (reference services) in endemic areas will facilitate a swift and safe return for patients. Moreover, the use of a technique that possesses elevated diagnostic sensitivity, and can monitor therapy and prevent relapses promotes broader prospects for the disease control.

Analysis of DNA polymerase activity in vitro using non-radioactive primer extension assay in an automated DNA sequencer

Although different DNA polymerases have distinct functions and substrate affinities, their general mechanism of action is similar. Thus, they can all be studied using the same technical principle, the primer extension assay employing radioactive tags. Even though fluorescence has been used routinely for many years for DNA sequencing, it has not been used in the in vitro primer extension assay. The use of fluorescence labels has obvious advantages over radioactivity, including safety, speed and ease of manipulation. In the present study, we demonstrated the potential of non-radioactive in vitro primer extension for DNA polymerase studies. By using an M13 tag in the substrate, we can use the same fluorescent M13 primer to study different substrate sequences. This technique allows quantification of the DNA polymerase activity of the Klenow fragment using different templates and under different conditions with similar sensitivity to the radioactive assay.

Avaliação histomorfométrica do parênquima testicular de ratos adultos tratados com diferentes doses de ivermectina / Histomorphometric evaluation of testicular parenchyma of adult rats treated with different dosages of ivermectin

Avaliou-se o efeito da ivermectina sobre o parênquima testicular através da produção espermática diária e da eficiência da espermatogênese em ratos Wistar adultos tratados com diferentes dosagens (200, 400 e 600æg/kg). Pela avaliação histomorfométrica, o parênquima testicular e o processo espermatogênico dos ratos Wistar não sofreram qualquer efeito deletério da aplicação de ivermectina, o que foi confirmado pela manutenção da produção espermática diária por testículo, pelo rendimento intrínseco da espermatogênese (PED/g/t) e pela manutenção da estrutura do parênquima testicular. Com base nos resultados quantitativos e qualitativos da espermatogênese, é possível concluir que a ivermectina não tem efeito tóxico-degenerativo sobre o parênquima testicular de ratos Wistar adultos.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the ivermectin effect on the testicular parenchyma through the daily spermatic production and the efficiency of the spermatogenesis in adult Wistar rats treated with different dosages (200, 400 and 600æg/kg) of ivermectin. Based on the histomorfometric evaluation, ivermectin had no deleterious effect on the testicular parenchyma and spermatogesis, which one was confirmed through the maintenance of the daily spermatic input and intrinsic income of spermatogenesis (PED/g/t), as well as by the maintenance of the testicular parenchyma structure. Based on the quantitative and qualitative results of spermatogenesis, it is possible to conclude that ivermectin does not have toxic-degenerative effect on the testicular parenchyma of adult Wistar rats.

Novos hospedeiros para Hemencyrtus herbertii Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) coletados em Lavras, Minas Gerais / News hosts for Hemencyrtus herbertii Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) collected in Lavras, Minas Gerais

This study verified the host species of the parasitoid Hemencyrtus herbertii Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), in Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The pupae were obtained by the flotation method. They were individually placed in gelatin capsules until the emergence of adult flies or their parasitoids. The overall occurence of parasitism was 6.5 percent. The occurrence of parasitism presented in the hosts Chrysomya megacephala (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and Sarcodexia lambens (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) was 1.3 percent and 29.4 percent, respectively.

Parasitoids of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) collected on tomato plants in Lavras, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Este trabalho teve por objetivo relatar a ocorrência de parasitóides de Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) em plantas de tomate, em condições de casa-de-vegetação, em Lavras (21º14'43"S; 44º59'59"W), Minas Gerais, no período de agosto de 2001 a fevereiro de 2002. Três grupos de parasitóides foram coletados: 21 espécimes de Bracon sp. (Braconidae), um espécime de Earinus sp. (Braconidae) e 13 espécimes de Conura sp. (Chalcididae). A taxa de parasitismo para as três espécies foi de 4,2%, 0,2% e 2,6%, respectivamente. Este estudo relata, pela primeira vez no Brasil, a ocorrência de Earinus sp. parasitando Tuta absoluta.

First occurrence of parasitoid Spalangia endius (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) in pupae of Zaprionus indianus Gupta (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in Brazil

This paper reports the first occurrence of the parasitoid Spalangia endius collected in pupae of Zaprionus indianus using traps with fruit bait. The experiment was carried out at the University of Lavras in Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil, from November to December, 2001. A total of 4 Spalangia endius specimens were obtained from 105 Zaprionus indianus pupae. The overall prevalence of parasitism was 3.8 percent

Escherichia coli as a model system to study DNA repair genes of eukaryotic organisms

The bacteria Escherichia coli has been widely employed in studies of eukaryotic DNA repair genes. Several eukaryotic genes have been cloned by functional complementation of mutant lineages of E. coli. We examined the similarities and differences among bacterial and eukaryotic DNA repair systems. Based on these data, we examined tools used for gene cloning and functional studies of DNA repair in eukaryotes, using this bacterial system as a model

Dípteros muscóides associados com carcaça de suíno e seus parasitóides em área de pastagem e de mata em Goiás / Muscoids dipterous insects associated with pig carcass and their parasitoids collected in areas of pasture and of wood in Goiás, Brazil

Muscoid dipterous insects associated with pig carcass and their parasitoids collected in pasture and wood were collected from savanna (cerrado) at Goiás, Brazil. The species collected more often were: Chrysomya albiceps (89.5 per cent ), Ophyra sp. (6.9 per cent) (flies) and Pachycrepoideus vindemiae (33.3 per cent) and Spalangia endius (38.8 per cent) (parasitoids). The parasitism rate was 0.4 per cent

Dípteros muscóides de importância média e veterinária e seus parasitóides em Goiás / Muscoid dipterous of medical and veterinary importance and their parasitoids in Goias State, Brazil

The objective of this work was to identify flies of medical and veterinary importance and their natural enemies, located around the city of Itumbiara, GO, Brazil. Five thousand eight hundred and twenty-five muscoid dipterous insects and parasitoids were collected from a Brazilian savanna (cerrado) area of Itumbiara. Substrates for obtaining flies were liver. The most frequent fly and parasitoid species found were: Fannnia pusio (29.2 per cent) and Atherigona orientalis (26.8 per cent) (flies), Nasonia vitripennis (56.0 per cent) and Brachymeria sp. (26.6 per cent) (parasitoids). Musca domestica was the dipterous species of greatest sanitary importance collected. This is the first report of the species Brachymeria sp. and Hememcyrtus sp. in the State of Goias. Data contribute to the knowledge of dipterous and parasitoids fauna in the state of Goias