Genetic potential of segregating populations of red beans conducted by the bulk method with selection.

This study evaluated the performance and estimated the genetic potential of segregating populations of red bean. Twenty populations of the second cycle of recurrent selection for red bean breeding at Universidade Federal de Viçosa were advanced to the F5 generation in bulk with selection for grain appearance. Populations plus five controls were evaluated for grain yield in three dry seasons (2004, 2005, and 2007) in a 5 x 5 lattice design with three replications, in four 4-m long rows. In the mean of the three crops, populations formed three distinct groups in which some populations had a clearly superior grain yield. Populations 288RVCI, 291RVCI, 295RVCI, 297RVCI, 300RVCI, and 303RVCI were the most promising. Over generations, segregating populations by the bulk method with selection for grain appearance may have reduced variability in grain yield. The 300RVCI population deserves further attention as it combines variability, high mean, and a high probability of generating above-standard lines.

Confinement effects of ion tracks in ultrathin polymer films.

We show direct experimental evidence that radiation effects produced by single MeV heavy ions on a polymer surface are weakened when the length of the ion track in the material is confined into layers of a few tens of nanometers. Deviation from the bulk (thick film) behavior of ion-induced craters starts at a critical thickness as large as ∼40 nm, due to suppression of long-range additive effects of excited atoms along the track. Good agreement was found between the experimental results, molecular dynamic simulations, and an analytical model.

Drugs for treating paracoccidioidomycosis.

BACKGROUND: Paracoccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection found in particular geographic localities in Latin America. Treatment can last for up to two years is often associated with complications, including relapse, but people may die without it. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate drugs used for treating paracoccidioidomycosis. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register (January 2006), CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2005, Issue 4), PubMed (1966 to January 2006), EMBASE (1974 to January 2006), LILACS (1982 to January 2006), conference proceedings, and reference lists. We also contacted researchers and pharmaceutical companies. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials comparing drugs for treating people with paracoccidioidomycosis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently assessed trial eligibility and methodological quality, and extracted data, including adverse events. MAIN RESULTS: One trial with 42 participants met the inclusion criteria that compared imidazoles (itraconazole and ketoconazole) with sulfadiazine. No difference was detected for cure or clinical improvement, or serological titres after 10 months of treatment, and there was no difference detected in adverse events. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The small number of participants and the short follow-up period impede definitive conclusions.