Barriers to patient recruitment in a poststroke neurorehabilitation multicenter trial in Brazil

There is a high demand for stroke rehabilitation in the Brazilian public health system, but most studies that have addressed rehabilitation for unilateral spatial neglect (USN) after stroke have been performed in high-income countries. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze USN patient recruitment in a multicenter noninvasive brain stimulation clinical trial performed in Brazil and to provide study design recommendations for future studies. We evaluated the reasons for exclusion of patients from a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded clinical trial of rehabilitation of USN patients after stroke. Clinical and demographic variables were compared between the included and excluded patients. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Only 173 of the 1953 potential neglect patients (8.8%) passed the initial screening. After screening evaluation, 87/173 patients (50.3%) were excluded for clinical reasons. Cognitive impairment led to the exclusion of 21/87 patients (24.1%). Low socioeconomic status led to the exclusion of 37/173 patients (21.4%). Difficulty obtaining transportation to access treatment was the most common reason for their exclusion (16/37 patients, 43.3%). The analyzed Brazilian institutions have potential for conducting studies of USN. The recruitment of stroke survivors with USN was restricted by the study design and limited financial support. A history of cognitive impairment, intracranial stenting or craniectomy, and lack of transportation were the most common barriers to participating in a multicenter noninvasive brain stimulation trial among patients with USN after stroke.

Exposure to air pollution and hospitalization due to COVID-19 in São José dos Campos, Brazil

The association between exposure to air pollutants and respiratory diseases is well known. This study aimed to identify the association between this exposure and hospitalizations for COVID-19 in São José dos Campos, SP, a medium-sized city, between April 2020 and April 2021. Hospitalization data, concerning code B34.2, was supplied by DATASUS, and data concerning pollutants and climate variables were supplied by CETESB. Cases were quantified by sex, age, length of hospital stay in days, and type of discharge, whether hospital discharge or death. The negative binomial regression model was chosen. Estimates were produced for the relative risk (RR) of significant exposure to pollutants (P≤0.05) with a 10 µg/m3 increase of pollutant, as well as for excess hospitalizations. There were 1873 hospitalizations, with a daily average of 4.7 (±3.8), ranging from zero to 21: 716 deaths (38.2%) were recorded, 1065 admissions were men, and women were less susceptible (OR=0.82). The average age of women was higher than that of men; in cases of death, men were older than women; discharged patients were younger. All the above variables were significant. The risk of ozone exposure was higher and more significant in Lag 2, and the risk of nitrogen dioxide exposure was high in Lag 3, which was the period of the highest increase in hospitalizations, at 11.3%. The findings of this study, the first conducted in Brazil, corroborate the results of studies conducted in other centers.

Do dietary stresses affect the immune system of Periplaneta americana (Blattaria: Blattidae)? / Estresses alimentares afetam o sistema immune de Periplaneta americana (Blattaria: Blattidae)?

Abstract Stresses can be caused by multiple biotic and abiotic factors and their effects can affect both the biology and the immune system of insects. American cockroach - Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus, 1758) (Blattaria: Blattidae) -besides being an excellent model species, has great medical importance because it can act as a mechanical vector of several pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of starvation, dehydration and both stresses on weight, and total and differential haemocyte count in P. americana adults. Each specimen was isolated in glass flasks containing or not food and/or water. They were weighed periodically. Another group received water for 24 h after the end of stress period. In the immunologic bioassay, we counted their haemocytes after the final weighing. All stresses reduced the insect weight, especially when the stresses were combined. Females of the control group gained weight and males had it unaltered. Different stress conditions and time did not influence on total haemocyte count. Insects without food and water had the proportion of prohaemocytes increased and plasmatocytes decreased. This study can serve as a basis of further studies of bioecology, behaviour and the ability of resisting insecticides, besides serving as a model to studies in other insect species.

Resumo Os estresses podem ser causados por múltiplos fatores bióticos e abióticos e seus efeitos podem afetar tanto a biologia como o sistema imune dos insetos. A barata-americana - Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus, 1758) (Blattaria: Blattidae) - além de ser uma excelente espécie modelo, tem grande importância médica, pois pode atuar como vetor mecânico de diversos patógenos. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a influência da inanição, desidratação e ambos os estresses sobre o peso e o número total e diferencial de hemócitos em adultos de P. americana. Cada espécime foi isolado em frascos de vidro contendo ou não alimento e/ou água. Eles foram pesados periodicamente. Outro grupo recebeu água por 24 h após o término do período de estresse. Nos ensaios imunológicos, foram contados os seus hemócitos após a última pesagem. Todos os estresses reduziram o peso dos insetos, especialmente quando os estresses foram combinados. As fêmeas do grupo controle ganharam peso e os machos tiveram seu peso inalterado. As diferentes condições de estresse e tempo não influenciaram no número total de hemócitos. Os insetos sem alimento e água tiveram a proporção de pró-hemócitos aumentada e a de plasmatócitos reduzida. Esse estudo pode servir como base para estudos posteriores de bioecologia, comportamento e da habilidade de resistir aos inseticidas químicos, além de servir como modelo para estudos em outras espécies de insetos.

Do dietary stresses affect the immune system of Periplaneta americana (Blattaria: Blattidae)?

Abstract Stresses can be caused by multiple biotic and abiotic factors and their effects can affect both the biology and the immune system of insects. American cockroach Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus, 1758) (Blattaria: Blattidae) besides being an excellent model species, has great medical importance because it can act as a mechanical vector of several pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of starvation, dehydration and both stresses on weight, and total and differential haemocyte count in P. americana adults. Each specimen was isolated in glass flasks containing or not food and/or water. They were weighed periodically. Another group received water for 24 h after the end of stress period. In the immunologic bioassay, we counted their haemocytes after the final weighing. All stresses reduced the insect weight, especially when the stresses were combined. Females of the control group gained weight and males had it unaltered. Different stress conditions and time did not influence on total haemocyte count. Insects without food and water had the proportion of prohaemocytes increased and plasmatocytes decreased. This study can serve as a basis of further studies of bioecology, behaviour and the ability of resisting insecticides, besides serving as a model to studies in other insect species.

Resumo Os estresses podem ser causados por múltiplos fatores bióticos e abióticos e seus efeitos podem afetar tanto a biologia como o sistema imune dos insetos. A barata-americana Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus, 1758) (Blattaria: Blattidae) além de ser uma excelente espécie modelo, tem grande importância médica, pois pode atuar como vetor mecânico de diversos patógenos. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a influência da inanição, desidratação e ambos os estresses sobre o peso e o número total e diferencial de hemócitos em adultos de P. americana. Cada espécime foi isolado em frascos de vidro contendo ou não alimento e/ou água. Eles foram pesados periodicamente. Outro grupo recebeu água por 24 h após o término do período de estresse. Nos ensaios imunológicos, foram contados os seus hemócitos após a última pesagem. Todos os estresses reduziram o peso dos insetos, especialmente quando os estresses foram combinados. As fêmeas do grupo controle ganharam peso e os machos tiveram seu peso inalterado. As diferentes condições de estresse e tempo não influenciaram no número total de hemócitos. Os insetos sem alimento e água tiveram a proporção de pró-hemócitos aumentada e a de plasmatócitos reduzida. Esse estudo pode servir como base para estudos posteriores de bioecologia, comportamento e da habilidade de resistir aos inseticidas químicos, além de servir como modelo para estudos em outras espécies de insetos.

Resistance patterns, ESBL genes, and genetic relatedness of Escherichia coli from dogs and owners

Abstract Antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from pet dogs can be considered a potential threat of infection for the human population. Our objective was to characterize the resistance pattern, extended spectrum beta-lactamase production and genetic relatedness of multiresistant E. coli strains isolated from dogs (n = 134), their owners (n = 134), and humans who claim to have no contact with dogs (n = 44, control), searching for sharing of strains. The strains were assessed for their genetic relatedness by phylogenetic grouping and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Multiresistant E. coli strains were isolated from 42 (31.3%) fecal samples from pairs of dogs and owners, totaling 84 isolates, and from 19 (43.1%) control group subjects. The strains showed high levels of resistance to ampicillin, streptomycin, tetracycline, trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole regardless of host species or group of origin. The blaTEM, blaCTX-M, and blaSHV genes were detected in similar proportions in all groups. All isolates positive for bla genes were ESBL producers. The phylogenetic group A was the most prevalent, irrespective of the host species. None of the strains belonging to the B2 group contained bla genes. Similar resistance patterns were found for strains from dogs, owners and controls; furthermore, identical PFGE profiles were detected in four (9.5%) isolate pairs from dogs and owners, denoting the sharing of strains. Pet dogs were shown to be a potential household source of multiresistant E. coli strains.

Porcentagem de proteína em suplementos para ovinos mantidos em pasto de capim-aruana na época seca / Protein percentage in supplements for sheep grazing Aruana grass on dry season

Objetivou-se avaliar o consumo de forragem e o desempenho de ovinos mantidos em pastagem de capim-aruana, submetidos a porcentagens crescentes de proteína bruta (PB) no suplemento, na época seca. Vinte borregos da raça Santa Inês foram utilizados em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições. Os suplementos foram fornecidos em 1,0% do peso corporal, nas porcentagens de 0, 15, 20, 25 e 30%. O aumento de proteína bruta influenciou o consumo total de matéria seca (kg/dia) e a porcentagem do peso vivo, com valores máximos estimados de 1.296g (3,2% de MS) com 21,48 e 21,89% de PB no suplemento, respectivamente. O consumo de forragem máximo, estimado de 893g/dia, ocorreu com a PB de 21,5%. O aumento de PB nos suplementos resultou em efeito quadrático sobre o ganho médio diário, com valor máximo de 104g/dia com a PB de 23% no suplemento. Recomenda-se o uso de suplementos múltiplos com 21 a 23% de PB fornecidos na proporção de 1% do peso corporal (PC) para ovinos mantidos em pastos de capim-aruana na época seca...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the forage intake and grazing sheep performance keep on Aruana grass subjected to increasing crude protein (CP) levels in the supplement on dry season. Twenty Santa Ines male lambs were used, with initial body weight of 31.80kg by a completely randomized design with five treatments and four replications. The supplements were provided daily at 1% of body weight, with protein levels of 0, 15, 20, 25 and 30%. The increase of the crude protein levels promoted a squarely effect on dry matter intake (kg/day and % of BW), with maximum estimated values of 1296g and 3.2% of DM in CP levels of 21.48 and 21.89, respectively. The maximum forage intake estimated of 893g/day occurred in CP level de 21.51%. The increased of crude protein level in supplements increased squarely the average daily gain, with a maximum of 104g/day, for the 23% crude protein in the supplement. Thus, the use of the multiple supplements supplied in 1% of body weight with CP levels ranged 21 a 23% is indicated for sheep grazing Aruana grass on dry season...

Immobilization and therapeutic passive stretching generate thickening and increase the expression of laminin and dystrophin in skeletal muscle

Extracellular matrix and costamere proteins transmit the concentric, isometric, and eccentric forces produced by active muscle contraction. The expression of these proteins after application of passive tension stimuli to muscle remains unknown. This study investigated the expression of laminin and dystrophin in the soleus muscle of rats immobilized with the right ankle in plantar flexion for 10 days and subsequent remobilization, either by isolated free movement in a cage or associated with passive stretching for up to 10 days. The intensity of the macrophage response was also evaluated. One hundred and twenty-eight female Wistar rats were divided into 8 groups: free for 10 days; immobilized for 10 days; immobilized/free for 1, 3, or 10 days; or immobilized/stretched/free for 1, 3, or 10 days. After the experimental procedures, muscle tissue was processed for immunofluorescence (dystrophin/laminin/CD68) and Western blot analysis (dystrophin/laminin). Immobilization increased the expression of dystrophin and laminin but did not alter the number of macrophages in the muscle. In the stretched muscle groups, there was an increase in dystrophin and the number of macrophages after 3 days compared with the other groups; dystrophin showed a discontinuous labeling pattern, and laminin was found in the intracellular space. The amount of laminin was increased in the muscles treated by immobilization followed by free movement for 10 days. In the initial stages of postimmobilization (1 and 3 days), an exacerbated macrophage response and an increase of dystrophin suggested that the therapeutic stretching technique induced additional stress in the muscle fibers and costameres.

Influência do tempo de transporte para juvenis de pacamã (Lophiosilurus alexandri) / Influence of transport time on pacama juveniles (Lophiosilurus alexandri)

The aim of this work was to evaluate different transport times for pacama juvenile (Lophiosilurus alexandri) previously trained to feed formulated diets. Four hundred and eighty-six pacama juveniles (2.52±0.71g) were submitted to 24 hours of fasting before transport. The animals were divided into nine plastic bags, with density of 54 juveniles in 5L of clean water for each bag after that inflated with pure oxygen and then sealed. Fish were transported for three hours and bags were open at 5, 6 and 7.5 hours after closing. For each time three replications were used. Survival was monitored for 96 hours post-transport. The longest time tested showed the lowest values of dissolved oxygen and pH, while the total ammonia was similar in the different treatments. Survival was 100% for different transport times after 96 hours. Some juveniles returned to feed 48 hours and the majority 72 hours after opening the bags, suggesting the efficiency of transport made at different times.

Efeito dos níveis de energia para poedeiras comerciais no período final de produção sobre o desempenho, a conversão alimentar e energética e a qualidade de ovos / Effect of energy levels for old layers on performance, feed and energy conversion ratios and egg quality

Foram utilizadas 1200 poedeiras comerciais da linhagem Lohmann LSL, com 64 semanas, em gaiolas convencionais. Estas foram divididas em cinco grupos, de acordo com o nível de energia metabolizável aparente corrigida pelo nitrogênio (EMAn) presente em sua dieta: 2700kcal/kg; 2775kcal/kg; 2850kcal/kg; 2925kcal/kg; e 3000kcal/kg, com seis repetições. As aves receberam as rações, á base de milho e farelo de soja, por 16 semanas. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, e as médias foram submetidas à regressão polinomial e ao teste de Kruskal-Wallis. O aumento de EMAn não exerceu efeito sobre a produção, a massa e o peso de ovos, bem como sobre o peso das aves e a viabilidade. O consumo de ração diminuiu de acordo com o aumento na energia da dieta, porém a conversão energética foi pior com esse aumento. Em contrapartida, a conversão alimentar melhorou o aumento dos níveis de EMAn. O consumo de EMAn é constante independentemente do seu nível dietético. Não há diferença nas unidades Haugh, nos sólidos da gema e na porcentagem dos componentes do ovo. O peso específico melhora com o aumento dos níveis de EMAn. Os níveis nutricionais para poedeiras velhas podem estar sendo superestimados.

A total of 1200 Lohmann LSL laying hens, with 64 weeks of age in conventional cages was used. These were divided into five groups according to the level of apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen retention (AMEn) present in the diet: 2700kcal/kg; 2775kcal/kg; 2850kcal/kg; 2925kcal/kg and 3000kcal/kg, with six replicates. The birds received the diets based on corn and soybean meal for 16 weeks. The experimental design was completely randomized and the means were submitted to polynomial regression and the Kruskal-Wallis test. The increased level of AMEn had no effect on production, egg mass and weight. There was no influence of AMEn on bird weight, egg weight and viability. Feed intake decreased with increasing levels, however, and the conversion of AMEn was worse with its increase, and in return feed conversion worsened with increasing consumption. AMEn is constant regardless of the level of the feed. There is no difference in Haugh units, yolk solids and percentage of egg components. The specific gravity improves with increasing levels of AMEn. The nutritional levels for older laying hens may be overestimated.

Performance and nutrient utilization in South American juvenile catfish Pseudoplatystoma spp. weighting 89 - 170g, fed at different energy and protein levels / Desempenho e utilização de nutrientes em juvenis de surubim Pseudoplatystoma spp. alimentados com diferentes níveis de energia e proteína

Most studies in nutrition for the South American catfish (surubim) were limited to the initial phase of development. However, it is clear that performance and nutrient utilization can change during the life stages of a fish. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the performance and nutrient utilization in juveniles of surubim fed diets varying in protein and energy levels. Two experiments were performed to test different levels of energy and protein in formulated diets. In the first experiment, surubim juveniles (89.2±4.8g) were fed five diets containing different levels of energy (18.0, 18.8, 19.6, 20.5, 21.3 MJ/kg). In the second experiment, juveniles (170.03±3.35g) were fed five diets containing different levels of protein (360, 400, 440, 480 and 520g/kg). The most favorable energy level for weight gain was 20.3 MJ/kg. The increasing energy levels provided a rise in fat and decrease in protein whole-body composition. The protein amount was between 360 to 400g/kg (383g/kg), which was adequate for performance and nutrient assimilation in surubim juveniles.

A maior parte dos estudos a respeito dos aspectos nutricionais do surubim está limitada às primeiras fases de desenvolvimento. Entretanto, é claro que o desempenho e a utilização dos nutrientes podem mudar durante os diferentes estágios de desenvolvimento destes animais. Assim sendo, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho e a utilização de nutrientes em juvenis de surubim alimentados com dietas contendo níveis variáveis de energia e proteína. Dois experimentos foram realizados para testar os diferentes níveis de proteína e energia. No primeiro experimento, juvenis de surubim (89,2±4,8g) foram alimentados com cinco dietas contendo níveis diferentes de energia (18.0, 18.8, 19.6, 20.5, 21.3MJ/kg). No segundo experimento, os juvenis (170,03±3,35g) foram alimentados com dietas contendo cinco níveis de proteína (360, 400, 440, 480 e 520g/kg). O melhor nível de energia para ganho de peso foi 20,3 MJ/kg. O aumento dos níveis de energia levou a um incremento nos níveis de lipídeo e diminuição da proteína corporal. Níveis de proteína entre 360 a 400g/kg foram os mais adequados para o desempenho e utilização dos nutrientes em juvenis grandes de surubim.

Brazilian scientific funding agency budgets have not matched the country's economic growth

The growth of the Brazilian economy in recent years has created an atmosphere of optimism in various segments of Brazilian society, with several important international repercussions. In this paper, we analyze in detail how this economic growth is reflected in investments in science and technology made by major academic funding agencies. As a result, we observed a discrepancy in the growth of funding input and the growth of the Brazilian gross domestic product. This fact associated with an increased academic output entails negative consequences for the system. This may be a symptom of an academic community not fully understood by society and vice versa. Finally, we believe that a long-lasting important change in investment policy in science is necessary in order to ensure financial security for the academic system as a whole.

Influence of diets on the rearing of predatory flies of housefly larvae / Influência de dietas na criação de moscas predadoras da mosca doméstica

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the survival, development time and morphological measures of immature Ophyra aenescens and Ophyra albuquerquei on different diets. Different proportions of protein and carbohydrates were offered for each species in 10 vials containing 30 eggs each. The vials were placed in a germination chamber at 30°C, relative humidity above 75 percent and photoperiod of 12 hours. Every day a vial was removed and mortality was evaluated and on the tenth day the length of the cephalic-pharyngeal skeleton (EC) and body size (G) of larvae that survived were evaluated. Survival was higher in diets with more protein (P<0.001). Between the species, mortality was more pronounced in O. albuquerquei in all diets (P<0.001). The EC (P<0.01) and G (P<0.01) showed the same sizes in the diets with higher protein content. For the production of pupae of these species, the diet with more protein and fewer components is more appropriate, and the production is higher in O. aenescens than in O. albuquerquei.

Avaliaram-se a sobrevivência, tempo de desenvolvimento e medidas morfológicas de imaturos de Ophyra aenescens e Ophyra albuquerquei em dietas compostas com diferentes proporções de proteínas e carboidratos. Estas dietas foram oferecidas para cada espécie em 10 frascos contendo 30 ovos cada que foram acondicionados em câmara de germinação a 30ºC, UR entre 75 por cento e 90 por cento, fotoperíodo de 12 horas. Para avaliação do padrão de sobrevivência, um frasco foi retirado da câmara diariamente e foi realizada contagem dos indivíduos vivos. No décimo dia foi avaliado o comprimento do esqueleto céfalo-faríngeo (EC) e o tamanho do corpo (G) das larvas que sobreviveram. O esqueleto céfalo-faríngeo (P<0,01) e o tamanho do corpo (P<0,01) apresentaram os mesmos tamanhos nas dietas com maior teor de proteínas, diferenciando-se nas outras dietas. O padrão de sobrevivência foi mais acentuado em O. albuquerquei do que em O. aenescens (P<0,001), enquanto nas dietas com mais proteínas a mortalidade foi menor que nas dietas com menos (P<0,001).

Culicídeos associados a bovinos de leite, no sul do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / Mosquitoes associated with dairy cattle in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

The occurrence of mosquitoes in the authoring environment of dairy cattle was verified in southern Rio Grande do Sul. For collection of specimens, it was installed a Magoon trap, in which during a couple of cattle-approximately six months of age was placed. Samples were collected during 24 hours, twice a month for 12 months. After 24 hours, the cattle were removed from the trap and the insects were collected inside the trap, with the aid of glass bottles, containing, cotton soaked in acetone. The specimens were taken to the Laboratory of Insect Biology, at the Universidade Federal de Pelotas, to sorting, counting, sexing and identification. Of the mosquitoes caught, specimens of Culex sp. Ochlerolatus scapularis and Mansonia titillans were present. Culex sp. had the largest number of individuals (39).

Ocorrência de spalangia endius Walker, 1839 (Hymenoptera, Pteromalidae) em pupas de musca domestica L. e Stomoxys calcitrans L. (Diptera, Muscidae) no sul do Rio Grande do Sul / Occurrence of spalangia endius Walker, 1839 (Hymenoptera, Pteromalidae) in pupae of Musca domestica L. and Stomoxys calcitrans L. in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

It was reported the occurrence of Spalangia endius Walker, 1839 (Hymenoptera, Pteromalidae) as a parasitoid of pupae of Musca domestica Linnaeus, 1758 (Diptera, Muscidae) and Stomoxys calcitrans Linnaeus, 1758 (Diptera, Muscidae) in the extreme Southern of Brazil. The collection of pupae was performed in January and February, 2008. The pupae of M. domestica and S. calcitrans were collected from bovine feces using the flotation method. The pupae were individualized in glass tubes and maintained in acclimatized chamber at 27±2ºC with relative air humidity > 70 percent until the emergence of the flies or the parasitoids. The referred occurrence consists in the first report to Rio Grande do Sul.

Gamma band oscillations in parietooccipital areas during performance of a sensorimotor integration task: a qEEG coherence study / Oscilações na banda gama em áreas parieto-occipitais durante desempenho de uma tarefa sensório-motora: um estudo de coerência na EEGq

This study aimed to elucidate cortical mechanisms involved in anticipatory actions when 23 healthy right-handed subjects had to catch a free falling object through quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG). For this reason, we used coherence that represents a measurement of linear covariation between two signals in the frequency domain. In addition, we investigated gamma-band (30-100 Hz) activity that is related to cognitive and somatosensory processes. We hypothesized that gamma coherence will be increase in both parietal and occipital areas during moment after ball drop, due to their involvement in manipulation of objects, visuospatial processing, visual perception, stimuli identification and attention processes. We confirmed our hypothesis, an increase in gamma coherence on P3-P4 (t= -2.15; p=0.033) and PZ-OZ (t= -2.16; p=0.034) electrode pairs was verified for a paired t-test. We conclude that to execute tasks involving anticipatory movements (feedforward mechanisms), like our own task, probably, there is no need of a strong participation of visual areas in the process of information organization to manipulate objects and to process visuospatial information regarding the contact hand-object.

Este estudo teve como objetivo elucidar os mecanismos corticais envolvidos em ações antecipatórias quando 23 indivíduos saudáveis destros tinham que apreender um objeto em queda livre, através da eletroencefalografia quantitativa (EEGq). Por esta razão, usamos a coerência que representa a covariação linear entre dois sinais no domínio da frequência. Além disso, investigamos a atividade da banda gama (30-100 Hz), que está relacionada à processos cognitivos e somato-sensoriais. Nossa hipótese é que a coerência de gama estará aumentada em ambas as áreas parietais e occipitais durante o momento pós-queda da bola, devido ao seu envolvimento na manipulação de objetos, processamento visuo-espacial, percepção visual, identificação de estímulos e processos de atenção. Confirmamos nossa hipótese. Um aumento de coerência em gama nos pares de eletrodos P3-P4 (t= -2,15; p=0,033) e PZ-OZ (t= -2,16; p=0,034) foi verificado por teste-t pareado. Conclui-se que, para executar tarefas que envolvem movimentos de antecipação (mecanismos de retro-alimentação) como a nossa própria tarefa, provavelmente, não há necessidade de forte participação de áreas visuais no processo de organização da informação como para manipular objetos e processar a informação visuo-espacial no contato mão-objeto.

Ação do fungo metarhizium anisopliae sobre desenvolvimento do díptero muscina stabulans em laboratório / Action of metarhizium anisopliae fungi over the development of muscina stabulans dipteran in laboratory

Avaliou-se o desenvolvimento de Muscina stabulans (Diptera, Muscidae) após exposição ao fungo Metarhizium anisopliae (isolado CG34), sob condições de laboratório. Suspensões de esporos foram preparadas nas concentrações de 10(5), 10(6), 10(7) e 10(8)conídeos/mL-1. Noventa larvas pós-alimentar por tratamento, distribuídas em cinco tratamentos e três repetições, foram mergulhadas por um segundo nas respectivas suspensões, transferidas para placas de Petri com papel filtro umedecido e mantidas em estufa BOD à temperatura de 25ºC, umidade relativa de 80 por cento e fotoperíodo de 12:12 horas até a emergência dos adultos. Foram avaliados a taxa de mortalidade pupal e o período de desenvolvimento pupal. As larvas apresentaram suscetibilidade à ação de M. anisopliae em diferentes concentrações. A mortalidade pupal assim como o tempo de desenvolvimento das pupas (de 8,8 a 10 dias) aumentaram conforme o aumento da concentração de conídios (de zero a 47 por cento). A aplicação de M. anisopliae nesta fase do ciclo biológico comprometeu o desenvolvimento de M. stabulans e interferiu no controle natural de pragas que se desenvolvem no mesmo ambiente.

The development of Muscina stabulans (Diptera, Muscidae) after exposure to Metarhizium anisopliae (CG34 isolated) fungi under laboratory conditions was evaluated. Suspensions of spores were prepared in concentrations of 10(5), 10(6), 10(7), and 10(8)conidia/mL-1. Ninety postfeeding larvae per treatment, divided into five treatments and three repetitions, were dived for one second in the respective suspensions, and transferred to Petri dishes with humidified filter paper and maintained in BOD at 25 ºC with 80 percent relative humidity and a 12:12h photoperiod, until the emergency of adults. The rate of pupal mortality and the period of pupal development were evaluated. The larvae showed susceptibility to the action of M. anisopliae in different levels of concentration. The pupal mortality increased accordingly to the increase in the conidia concentration (from zero to 47 percent), as well as prolonged the time of development of the pupae (from 8.8 to 10 days). The application of M. anisopliae in this phase of the biological cycle compromised the development of M. stabulans and interfered in the natural control of pests that develop in the same environment.

Effect of aerobic training on EEG alpha asymmetry and depressive symptoms in the elderly: a 1-year follow-up study

The effect of physical exercise on the treatment of depressive elderly adults has not been investigated thus far in terms of changes in cortical hemispheric activity. The objective of the present study was to identify changes in depressive symptoms, quality of life, and cortical asymmetry produced by aerobic activity. Elderly subjects with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder (DSM-IV) were included. Twenty patients (70 percent females, 71 ± 3 years) were divided into an exercise group (pharmacological treatment plus aerobic training) and a control group (undergoing pharmacological treatment) in a quasi-experimental design. Pharmacological treatment was maintained stable throughout the study (antidepressants and anxiolytics). Subjects were evaluated by depression scales (Beck Depression Inventory, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale) and the Short Form Health Survey-36, and electroencephalographic measurements (frontal and parietal alpha asymmetry) before and after 1 year of treatment. After 1 year, the control group showed a decrease in cortical activity on the right hemisphere (increase of alpha power), which was not observed in the exercise group. The exercise group showed a significant decrease of depressive symptoms, which was not observed in the control group. This result was also accompanied by improved treatment response and remission rate after 1 year of aerobic exercise associated with treatment. This study provides support for the effect of aerobic training on alpha activity and on depressive symptoms in elderly patients. Exercise facilitates the treatment of depressive elderly adults, leading to clinical and physical improvement and protecting against a decrease in cortical activity.

Exigências térmicas e estimativa do número de gerações de Spalangia endius Walker, 1839 (Hymenoptera, Pteromalidae) em Pelotas, RS / Thermal requirements and estimative of number of generations of Spalangia endius Walker, 1839 (Hymenoptera, Pteromalidae) in Pelotas, RS, Brazil

O objetivo do trabalho foi estimar as exigências térmicas e o número de gerações, mensal e anual, de Spalangia endius em pupas de Musca domestica em quatro temperaturas constantes. O período de desenvolvimento de S. endius foi obtido por meio de 100 pupas de M. domestica, com idade entre 24-48 horas, expostas por 24 horas aos parasitoides, para cada temperatura, sendo feitas três réplicas. Após esse período, as pupas foram individualizadas em tubos de ensaio e acondicionadas em estufa B.O.D., nas temperaturas de 20, 25, 30 e 35° C com umidade ≥ 70% e fotofase (12h), onde foram observadas diariamente até a emergência dos parasitoides. A temperatura influenciou a duração do período de desenvolvimento de S. endius. O menor período de ovo a adulto foi a 35° C (16,84 dias) e a maior porcentagem de emergência foi a 20° C (37%). A temperatura base encontrada foi de 11,27° C, com uma constante térmica de 390,96 graus-dia (GD). O período de desenvolvimento foi inversamente proporcional à temperatura e a média de gerações por ano foi de 7,24, variando de 7,03 a 7,48.

The aim of this work was to estimate the thermal requirements and the number of generations, monthly and annually, of Spalangia endius in pupae of Musca domestica at four constant temperatures. The development period of S. endius was obtained through 100 pupae of M. domestica, with ages between 24-48 hours, exposed for 24 hour to the parasitoids for each temperature, with three replicas. After this period the pupae were individualized in assay tubes and placed in B.O.D. with temperatures of 20, 25, 30 and 35º C and humidity ≥ 70% and photophase (12h), where they were observed daily until the emergence of the parasitoids. The temperature influenced the duration of the development period of S. endius. The shorter period form egg to adult was at 35º C (16.84 days) and the higher percentage of emergence was at 20º C (37%). The basis temperature was 11.27ºC with a thermal constant of 390.96 degrees-day (DD). The development period was inversely proportional to temperature and the medium of generations per year was 7.24, varying from 7.03 to 7.48.

Ocorrência e variação populacional de Carcinops troglodites em uma granja avícola, em Pelotas, RS / Occurrence and range of population of Carcinops troglodites in a poultry farm in Pelotas, RS

To evaluate the occurrence and range of population of Carcinops troglodytes, two monitoring methods were used: trap of the type tube and the type sandwich. The experiment took place in a 12-month period. In that period, 536 specimens of C. troglodites were captured, being the period of larger occurrence in February (188) and the smallest collection index recorded in May and September (1). The coleopteron presented a variation of the population density throughout the year, being the highest capture averages obtained in the months with higher mean temperatures.

Caracterización genética de lotes de brycon orbignyanus utilizados en programas de repoblamiento / Genetic characterization of brycon orbignyanus stocks used in restocking programs

Objetivo. Caracterizar genéticamente dos lotes y una progenie de Brycon orbignyanusdestinados para programas de repoblamiento, utilizando la técnica molecular de RAPD (Random amplified polymorphic DNA). Materiales y métodos. Se analizaron 58 reproductores originarios de dos piscícolas ubicadas en las ciudades de Castillo (A:30 individuos) y Porto Ferreira (C:28 individuos), mantenidos en cautiverio hace seis años en la estación de acuicultura e hidrología de la Duke Energy Internacional (Geração Paranapanema) (São Paulo-Brasil). Treinta larvas de la progenie del lote A (B) también se analizaron. Resultados. Los 14 primers usados produjeron 87 fragmentos de los cuales 70.11% fueron polimórficos. Fueron observadas diferencias (p≤0.05) en la frecuencia de 31 fragmentos, con tres exclusivos para el lote A. Los valores de divergencia, distancia e identidad genética mostraron que la diversidad genética del lote A fue mantenida en la progenie y que existe una baja diferenciación entre los lotes de reproductores. El análisis de variancia molecular mostró que la mayor parte de la variación está dentro de cada lote (87.45%) y no entre ellos (12.55%). Este resultado se corroboró con los valores de FST (0.125) y con el dendrograma, que indicaron una moderada diferenciación genética, sin la formación de agrupamientos. Conclusiones. La diversidad genética fue preservada en la progenie debido al manejo eficiente de la reproducción. No hubo una diferenciación genética entre los lotes de reproductores, debido posiblemente a que el origen natural de ambos fue el río Paraná.