Resistance of sorghum hybrids to sorghum aphid.

The aphid Melanaphis sorghi (Theobald) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), which infest the sorghum crop, has been an economically important pest which have been causing severe damage to sorghum crops in Brazil since 2019. These species have been observed mainly at the end of vegetative stage and beginning of reproductive stage of plants. Their high reproductive rate on sorghum raises concerns about these pests. Therefore, the present study aimed to estimate the life expectancy and fertility tables of Melanaphis sorghi fed on 15 hybrids of grain sorghum, in order to know the resistance characteristics of these materials and understand how plant resistance can help manage this insect. This study was carried out in a laboratory at 26±2 ºC and 60±10% R.H (relative humidity). Fifty insects were kept in each hybrid, each insect was considered one repetition. According to biological parameters and fertility life table, hybrids BRS373, DKB590 and 50A10 were less suitable for the sugarcane aphid multiplication. Thus, these hybrids could be useful to manage this pest, since the population growth speed is one of the worst problems for the implementation of cropping systems. Genotypes AG1090, MSK327 and XGN1305 favored the development of this pest and, when chosen within a cropping system, other management strategies should be considered.

Colonization by Streptococcus pneumoniae among children in Porto Velho, Rondônia, Western Brazilian Amazon.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is one of the primary pathogens that are associated with acute respiratory infections (ARI) that cause high rates of morbidity and mortality among children under five years of age in developed and developing countries. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of nasopharyngeal colonization, the antimicrobial resistance profile, and the capacity for biofilm formation by S. pneumoniae isolated from children aged 0-6 years with ARI throughout the Porto Velho-RO. A total of 660 swabs were collected from children with ARI. Molecular and biochemical tests were performed to characterize the isolates. The disk-difusion method and the E-test were used for antimicrobial sensitivity testing (TSA). Biofilm formation capacity was assessed using microtiter plate assays, and serotype detection was acheived using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses. The colonization rate for S. pneumoniae was 8.9% (59/660) and exhibited a high prevalence in children under 23 months of age 64.4% (38/59). The observed serotypes were 9V and 19F with frequencies of 1.7% (1/59) and 13.6% (8/59), respectively. The antimicrobial susceptibility test revealed 100% (59/59) sensitivity to vancomycin. In contrast, trimethoprim and oxacillin exhibited high resistance rates of 76.3% (45/59) and 52.5% (31/59), respectively. Of the biofilm-forming isolates, 54.8% (23/42) possessed resistance to some antimicrobials. In this study, S. pneumoniae showed high rates of antimicrobial resistance and the ability to form biofilms, as these are factors that favor bacterial persistence and can cause serious damage to the host.

Apoptosis in a neonatal rat model of cerebral hypoxia-ischemia.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The mechanisms of excitotoxic cell death in cerebral ischemia are poorly understood. In addition to necrosis, apoptotic cell death may occur. The purpose of this study was to determine whether an established model of cerebral hypoxia-ischemia in the neonatal rat demonstrates any features of apoptosis. METHODS: Seven-day-old neonatal rats underwent bilateral, permanent carotid ligation followed by 1 hour of hypoxia, and their brains were examined 1, 3, and 4 days after hypoxia-ischemia. The severity of ischemic damage was assessed in the dentate gyrus and frontotemporal cortex by light microscopy. Immunocytochemistry was performed to detect the cleavage of actin by caspases, a family of enzymes activated in apoptosis. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) reactivity was examined in the cortical infarction bed and dentate gyrus. Neonatal rat brain DNA was run on agarose gel electrophoresis to detect DNA fragmentation. Ethidium bromide-staining and electron microscopy were used to determine whether apoptotic bodies, 1 of the hallmarks of apoptosis, were present. RESULTS: The frontotemporal cortex displayed evidence of infarction, and in most rats the dentate gyrus showed selective, delayed neuronal death. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated caspase-related cleavage of actin. TUNEL and DNA electrophoresis provided evidence of DNA fragmentation. Ethidium bromide-staining and electron microscopy confirmed the presence of chromatin condensation and apoptotic bodies. CONCLUSIONS: Features of apoptosis are present in the described model of cerebral hypoxia-ischemia. Apoptosis may represent a mode of ischemic cell death that could be the target of novel treatments that could potentially expand the therapeutic window for stroke.

[Autologous blood transfusion using preoperative collection and intraoperative recovery in orthopedic elective surgery]. / Transfuão autóloga usando os métodos de coleta pré-operatória e recuperação intra-operatória em cirurgias ortopédicas eletivas.

Between the period of January 1994 and June 1995, the results of Autotransfusion Program of the Hospital do Aparelho Motor SARAH-BSB were evaluated. The goals of the program are: 1. Minimise and, if possible, eliminate the risks of homologous transfusion; 2. Increase the security, efficiency and cost to benefits relation of the hemotherapic procedures; 3. Minimise the demand of blood products for those patients with difficult compatible blood to be found. The program has received 194 patients, among these, 100 have been selected for this study because they had had blood collection and surgery concluded. The average age of the patients was 34.3 years (11/72 years) median was 30 years and mode 15 years. The patients have undergone elective orthopaedic operations. Autologous transfusions have been made by predeposit and intraoperative salvage (Cell Saver). Six patients (6%) presented mild reactions associated to blood drawn. Additional homologous blood was needed to 20 (20%) patients. Our experience demonstrates the security and efficiency of transfusion in patients from childhood until elderly. It recommends the creation and expansion of existing programs using autologous transfusion in services with elective surgery. We also consider that nursing care stimulates patients participation in the program.

Aneurisma micotico roto do ventriculo esquerdo. Relato de um caso. / Ruptured mycotic aneurysm of the left ventricle. Report of a case

Descreve-se o caso de uma paciente de 12 anos de idade, portadora de insuficiencia mitral reumatica, que desenvolveu endocardite bacteriana por Staphylococcus aureus. A infeccao determinou a formacao de um aneurisma sacular do ventriculo esquerdo, chegando a romper-se no saco pericardico. Realizou-se uma operacao de emergencia na qual se substituiu a valva mitral e se reparou o aneurisma,mas a paciente faleceu devido a fibrinolise. A raridade e os principais aspectos clinicos e cirurgicos desta condicao sao discutidos