Life tables of the ladybird beetles Harmonia axyridis, Cycloneda sanguinea and Hippodamia convergens reared on the greenbug Schizaphis graminum.

The Asian lady beetle Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is a biological control agent that also may adversely impact other coccinellid species. Life table parameters were used to assess the population growth potential and the effects of interspecific competition between the invasive lady beetle H. axyridis and the native coccinellids Hippodamia convergens and Cycloneda sanguinea (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) under laboratory conditions at 25 °C, using Schizaphis graminum (Hemiptera: Aphididae) as prey. The effects of the abiotic factors air temperature and humidity on these coccinellids by conducting a survey in a sorghum crop under average conditions of 18.1 °C and 53.5%, respectively, were also assessed. Fecundity was higher in C. sanguinea (1021.0 eggs per female) and H. axyridis (1029.2 eggs per female) than in H. convergens (484.5 eggs per female). The majority of the life table parameters showed no significant differences. The instantaneous rates of population increase (rm) of C. sanguinea, H. axyridis, and H. convergens were 0.195, 0.198, and 0.194 d-1, respectively. Based on the life table parameters obtained in this study, all three species of Coccinellidae showed a similar capacity to control a S. graminum population.

Biological effects of the antihypertensive losartan under different ocean acidification scenarios.

Since the last decade, several studies have reported the presence and effects of pharmaceutical residues in the marine environment, especially those of the antihypertensive class, such as losartan. However, there is little knowledge about the physiological effects of losartan in marine invertebrates regarding its behavior under possible coastal ocean acidification scenarios. The objective of this study was to evaluate biological effects on marine organisms at different levels of the biological organization caused by the compound losartan in water and sediment under coastal ocean acidification scenarios. Water and sediment samples were collected at five sites around the Santos Submarine Sewage outfall (SSO) and two sites around the Guarujá Submarine Sewage Outfall (GSO). Losartan was found in concentrations ranging from

Diallel analysis for technological traits in upland cotton.

Final cotton quality is of great importance, and it depends on intrinsic and extrinsic fiber characteristics. The objective of this study was to estimate general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining abilities for technological fiber traits among six upland cotton genotypes and their fifteen hybrid combinations, as well as to determine the effective genetic effects in controlling the traits evaluated. In 2015, six cotton genotypes: FM 993, CNPA 04-2080, PSC 355, TAM B 139-17, IAC 26, and TAMCOT-CAMD-E and fifteen hybrid combinations were evaluated at the Experimental Station of Embrapa Algodão, located in Patos, PB, Brazil. The experimental design was a randomized block with three replications. Technological fiber traits evaluated were: length (mm); strength (gf/tex); fineness (Micronaire index); uniformity (%); short fiber index (%), and spinning index. The diallel analysis was carried out according to the methodology proposed by Griffing, using method II and model I. Significant differences were detected between the treatments and combining abilities (GCA and SCA), indicating the variability of the study material. There was a predominance of additive effects for the genetic control of all traits. TAM B 139-17 presented the best GCA estimates for all traits. The best combinations were: FM 993 x TAM B 139-17, CNPA 04-2080 x PSC 355, FM 993 x TAMCOT-CAMD-E, PSC 355 x TAM B 139-17, and TAM B 139-17 x TAMCOT-CAMD-E, by obtaining the best estimates of SCA, with one of the parents having favorable estimates for GCA.

Lithium and valproate prevent methylphenidate-induced mania-like behaviors in the hole board test.

Manic bipolar is diagnosed by psychomotor agitation, increased goal-directed activity, insomnia, grandiosity, excessive speech, and risky behavior. Animal studies aimed to modeling mania are commonly based in psychostimulants-induced hyperlocomotion. The exploration of other behaviors related with mania is mandatory to investigate this phase of bipolar disorder in animals. In this study, the hole board apparatus was suggested for evaluating mania-like behaviors induced by the psychostimulant methylphenidate. The treatment with methylphenidate (10mg/kg, ip) increased locomotion in the open field test. The pretreatment with lithium (50mg/kg, ip) and valproate (400mg/kg, ip) significantly prevented the hyperlocomotion. In the hole-board test, methylphenidate increased interactions with the central and peripheral holes and the exploration of central areas. Lithium was more effective than valproate in preventing all the behavioral manifestations induced by the psychostimulant. These findings were discussed based on the ability of methylphenidate-treated mice mimicking two symptoms of mania in the hole board test: goal-directed action and risk-taking behavior. In conclusion, the results point to a new approach to study mania through the hole board apparatus. The hole board test appears to be a sensitive assay to detect the efficacy of antimanic drugs.

Medidas comparativas do padrão morfométrico e perfil energético de éguas crioulas no terço final da gestação, com diferentes escores corporais / Comparative measurements of the morphometric pattern and energy profile of crioula mares in the final third of gestation, with different body condition scores

O objetivo deste estudo é comparar e descrever medidas morfométricas e perfil energético de éguas da raça Crioula no terço final da gestação. Foram utilizadas vinte éguas gestantes, divididas em 2 grupos conforme o escore corporal (BCS); o GrN (n=10), grupo de éguas com BCS 5 ou moderado, e GrO (n=10), grupo de éguas obesas ou BCS 9, analisadas conforme o mês de gestação (8º, 9º, 10º e 11º). Foram realizadas coletas de sangue e avaliações morfométricas mensais do peso corporal (PC), perímetro torácico (PT), perímetro abdominal (PA), altura da crista do pescoço (AC), espessura de gordura subcutânea na base da cauda (EGBC) e espessura de gordura retroperitoneal (EGRP). Para avaliar o perfil energético, foram mensurados os níveis séricos de triglicerídeos (TAG), ácidos graxos não esterificados (NEFA), Leptina (LEP) e Adiponectina. Os resultados das mensurações analisadas demonstraram no GrN incremento (P<0,05) nas variáveis PC, PT, PA e NEFA do 8º para o 9º mês de gestação. Porém, na variável EGBC, o aumento (P<0,01) foi observado entre o 8º e o 11º mês avaliado. No GrO, o PA demonstrou incremento (P<0,01) entre o 8º e o 11º mês de gestação, e a LEP apresentou aumento (P<0,05) entre o 10º e o 11º mês. Quando os dois grupos foram comparados, as variáveis PC, PT, EGBC e EGRP apresentaram diferença (P<0,05) em todos os meses avaliados. Na análise de correlação, o BCS associou-se com o PC (r=0,691; P<0,0001), PT (r=0,705; P<0,0001), EGBC (r=0,701; P<0,0001), EGRP (r=0,627; P<0,0001), níveis séricos de LEP (r=0,426; P<0,0001) e Adiponectina (r=0,217; P<0,05). Dessa forma, pode-se afirmar que a gordura corporal aumentou progressivamente nas éguas do GrN, diferentemente do observado no GrO. Através dos métodos utilizados neste trabalho, torna-se possível a avaliação prática da morfometria das éguas da raça Crioula no terço final da gestação, possibilitando de forma objetiva a identificação de indivíduos obesos.

The aim of this study was to compare and describe morphometric measurements and energy profile of the Crioula breed mares at the end of gestation. Twenty pregnant mares were used and separated into 2 groups according to body condition score (BCS). The GrN (n= 10) group of mares with BCS 5 or moderate and GrO (n = 10) group of obese mares or BCS 9 were analyzed according to the month of pregnancy (8th, 9th, 10th and 11th). Blood samples and monthly morphometric evaluation were performed for body weight (PC), heart girth (PT), waist circumference (PA), height of the crest of the neck (AC), thickness subcutaneous fat on the base of the tail (EGBC) and retroperitoneal (EGRP). To evaluate the energy profile serum levels of triglycerides (TAG), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), leptin (LEP) and adiponectin were measured. The results of the analyzed measurements showed an increase in GrN (P<0.05) in the PC, PT, PA and NEFA variables between the 8th and 9th month of pregnancy. Although there was an increase (P<0.01) between the 8th and 11th month of pregnancy in the EGBC variable, in GrO the PA was increased (P<0.01) between the 8th and 11th month of pregnancy and the LEP showed an increase (P<0.05) between the 10th and 11th month. When both groups were compared, the variables PC, PT, EGBC and EGRP showed differences (P<0.05) in all months evaluated. In the correlation the BCS was associated with PC (r=0.691, P<0.0001), PT (r=0.705, P<0.0001), EGBC (r=0.701, P<0.0001), EGRP (r=0.627, P<0.0001), serum leptin levels (r=0.426, P<0.0001) and adiponectin (r=0.217, P<0.05). Thus, it can be stated that the body fat increased progressively in mares GrN, different from that observed in GrO. Therefore, by the methods used in this study, the morphometry practical evaluation of the Crioula breed mares in the last third of gestation became possible, allowing an objective way to identify obese individuals.

Avaliação da estrutura e dos processos de organização e gestão da assistência farmacêutica em município do estado de Sergipe / Assessment of the organizational structure and processes of pharmaceutical services in a city inSergipe state (Brazil)

Este artigo teve por objetivo avaliar a Assistência Farmacêutica em um município do Estado de Sergipe. Foi realizado um estudo descritivo e transversal no período de outubro de 2009 a maio de 2010. Os dados foram coletados no almoxarifado central, nas Unidades de Saúde. e nos Centros de Apoio Psicossocial do município. Para tanto, foi utilizado um instrumento desenvolvido pelos pesquisadores com base nos indicadores preconizados pelo Ministério da Saúde no livro "Planejar é Preciso". Os estágios de desenvolvimento para cada uma das etapas da Assistência Farmacêutica foram classificados de 1 a 3, sendo o nível 3 o melhor estágio. As etapas armazenamento/distribuição e transporte foram as que apresentaram os melhores resultados. Em contrapartida, a prescrição foi considerada a etapa mais crítica do processo. Diante dos dados obtidos, foi possível notar o quanto a Assistência Farmacêutica é uma área incipiente no município estudado.

The purpose of this article is to assess the Pharmaceutical Services of the public health system in a city in Sergipe State, Brazil. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out between October 2009 and May 2010. Data were gathered from the central pharmacy store, 12 primary health care centers and the 2 psychosocial care centers of the city. The researchers developed a means of assessment based on the indicators recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Health in the book "Planning is necessary". The structure and processes of the Pharmaceutical Services were assessed in 'stages' and the level of development of each stage was measured from 1 to 3, 3 representing the highest quality. The Storage/ Delivery/ Transport stages showed the best results (level 3). On the other hand, prescription and dispensing were considered the most critical stages. These data show a need for greater development of the Pharmaceutical Care services of this city.

Fontes de óleos vegetais em dietas para acará-bandeira (Pterophyllum scalare, Cichlidae): crescimento e tolerância térmica / Vegetable oil sources in diets for freshwater angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare, Cichlidae): growth and thermal tolerance

The influence of fatty acid composition of the diets on the productive performance and on cold and heat tolerance of juvenile freshwater angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare), in three different phases, was studied. Phase I studied the productive performance of freshwater angelfish in a completely randomized experimental design with four treatments, canola, linseed, olive and soybean oils and four replicates during 50 days using 192 fish in 16 aquaria. Phase II studied the cold tolerance of juvenile freshwater angelfish using 72 juvenile freshwater angelfish, coming from phase I and maintained in 12 aquaria climatized chamber. The temperature was reduced 1ºC per day, until the observation of 100 percent fish mortality. Phase III, it was studied the heat tolerance of juvenile freshwater angelfish employing an identical procedure to phase II, but with a daily increase of 1ºC. Significant differences (P>0.05) were not observed for any parameters evaluated. Thus, it was concluded that the type of vegetable oil (canola, linseed, olive and soybean) used as a diet supplement did not affect the productive performance, nor the tolerance to cold and heat, of juvenile freshwater angelfish.

Avaliou-se a influência da suplementação de lipídeos na dieta, com diferentes composições de ácidos graxos, sobre o desempenho produtivo e tolerância ao frio e ao calor de juvenis de acará-bandeira (Pterophyllum scalare). O experimento foi realizado em três fases. Na fase um avaliou-se o desempenho produtivo dos peixes em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso com quatro tratamentos - óleos de canola, linhaça, oliva e soja - e quatro repetições, durante 50 dias usando 192 peixes distribuídos em 16 aquários. Na segunda fase, avaliou-se a tolerância ao frio, usando 72 peixes, procedentes da fase um, distribuídos em 12 aquários e mantidos em câmara climatizada. A temperatura foi reduzida de 1ºC por dia até a observação de 100 por cento de mortalidade dos peixes. Na fase três, avaliou-se a tolerância ao calor com procedimentos semelhantes aos da fase dois, porém a temperatura foi elevada 1ºC por dia. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas (P>0,05) para os parâmetros avaliados. Conclui-se que a suplementação de óleos vegetais nas dietas não inferiu no desempenho produtivo e na tolerância ao frio e ao calor de juvenis de acará-bandeira.

Genetic variability of Mahanarva sp (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) collected from different sites in Brazil.

Spittlebugs are the leading cause of damage to tall grasses. Annual losses are estimated to reach 2.1 billion dollars in sugarcane crops and grazing land throughout the world. Correct identification of these species is difficult due to similarities in color, body size and male genitalia. Molecular markers have been useful in the identification and assessment of genetic diversity of many species. We investigated the genetic diversity of the spittlebug species Mahanarva fimbriolata, M. spectabilis and M. liturata and looked for markers that could aid in their identification. DNA from 34 spittlebug specimens, collected from six different regions of Brazil (Brasília, Campo Grande, Valença, Presidente Prudente, Juiz de Fora, and Porto Alegre), was analyzed with 29 RAPD primers, generating 501 polymorphic markers. High genetic variability was found among individuals M. fimbriolata (0.37), M. spectabilis (0.18) and M. liturata (0.69). Species-specific molecular RAPD markers were identified for each of the three species; these could be used as auxiliary tools for their correct identification.

Exposure to maternal smoking in the first year of life interferes in breast-feeding protective effect against the onset of respiratory allergy from birth to 5 yr.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the interaction between the exclusive breast-feeding protective effect and the exposure to tobacco smoke at domicile in the first year of life, on the onset of respiratory allergy (asthma and rhinitis) in children until 5 yr of age. This is prospective cohort study, observational, institutional based. Three hundred children born in a public hospital of Salvador-Bahia (Brazil) were followed from birth to 5 yr of age. Data from 268 children at 60 months of life were analyzed. Occurrence of allergic symptoms were studied and correlated with gender, allergic relatives in first degree, exclusive breast-feeding duration, smoking mother, and presence of other smoker at home, considering the first year of life. Exclusive breast-feeding for at least 6 months showed a protection effect against the onset of respiratory allergy in children from birth to 5 yr (p < 0.05); odds ratio (OR): 0.33 (95% CI: 0.18-0.59). Breast-fed children for less then 6 months compared with those breast-fed for 6 months or more, presented a higher risk (OR: 2.34-95% CI: 1.4-3.74) for developing allergic respiratory symptoms just to 5 yr. The protective effect of exclusive prolonged breast-feeding on the onset of respiratory allergy in children from birth until 5 yr was lost when their mothers were smokers (OR: 2.50-95% CI 1.19-5.19). Therefore, the protective effect of breast-feeding in the first year of life on the onset of allergic symptoms until the age of 5 yr was confirmed. This study proposes a confounding effect of maternal smoking on this protection, exposed by a higher risk for present allergic symptoms until the age of 5 yr, in children exclusively breast-fed for 6 months or more, when their mothers smoked.

Iatrogenic left ventricular pseudoaneurysm.

A case of iatrogenic left ventricular pseudoaneurysm in a male patient, with a diagnosis of pericarditis, is presented. The patient developed severe complications after an attempted diagnostic and therapeutic pericardiocentesis. Six months later, after corrective surgery, the pseudoaneurysm recurred. The patient had a second operation and two connections to the left ventricle were found. One year later the patient is well.

Surgical procedures for primary, metastatic or adjacent parotid tumours.

OBJECTIVE: The retrospective analysis of the surgical procedures in primary parotid and metastatic or adjacent parotid tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of the records of 145 patients operated on for primary, metastatic or adjacent parotid tumors revealed 85 patients with benign tumors, 24 with primary malignant tumors, 19 with squamous skin carcinomas, 12 with skin melanomas, 3 with basocellular carcinomas and 2 with sarcomas of the parotid region. The analysis included the type of parotidectomy, the need for facial nerve sacrifice (FNS), type of neck dissection and soft part reconstruction. RESULTS: Superficial parotidectomy was performed in 81% of the benign parotid tumors and 100% of skin melanomas. Total parotidectomy was frequent in malignant parotid tumors (62%), epidermoid skin tumors (64%) and in basocellular/sarcomas of the parotid region (80%). Skin graft or flaps was infrequent in primary malignant tumors (12.5%), and frequent in epidermoid skin tumors (74%), melanomas (58%) and basocellular/sarcomas (100%). FNS was necessary in primary malignant (25%), adjacent epidermoid (37%), melanomas (17%) and basocellular/sarcomas (80%). Details on neck dissections are provided. CONCLUSIONS: Superficial parotidectomy was an adequate procedure for most benign parotid tumors and for melanoma patients. In primary malignant and adjacent or metastatic skin tumors, total parotidectomy, neck dissection and soft part reconstruction were frequent procedures. FNS and soft part reconstruction should be anticipated more frequently in squamous/basocellular skin tumors or sarcomas adjacent to the parotid gland.

[Aerosol therapy in childhood asthma] / Aerossolterapia na asma da criança.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this review are to present research data about aerosoltherapy and to discuss the optimization of this form of drug administration.METHOD: Review of the literature, covering some of the most important studies about aerosoltherapy, inhaler devices, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of inhaled drugs.RESULTS: Factors that influence deposition pattern and pharmacokinetics of inhaled drugs are discussed, as well as how they can affect clinical efficacy. Positive and negative features of inhaler devices are compared; an attempt to establish dose equivalency of drug delivered by different devices is made.CONCLUSIONS: Different inhaler devices and different inhaling techniques produce different drug deposition patterns and clinical effects. So, those who deal with aerosoltherapy, including patients, must be well aware of all those issues, in order to achieve the best results.

Melanoma ganglionic metastasis 30 years after treatment of the primary tumor--a case report.

The recurrence of melanoma in patients is well-documented, and is dependent on a number of factors. We report a case in which a patient had a case of ganglionar metastasis in the neck after a 30-year disease-free interval following primary treatment.

Early experience with crimped bovine pericardial conduit for arterial reconstruction.

A bovine pericardial conduit was developed in the laboratory incorporating the principle of crimping used for synthetic vascular prostheses. The pericardium was processed in glutaraldehyde and the tube was crimped by a technique which preserves the integrity of collagen fibres. This vascular substitute presents a non-thrombogenic and non-porous inner surface which does not require preclotting and does not leak. The material is very soft, easy to handle and suture, coapts nicely to suture lines resulting in a hemostatic anastomosis. The crimping design provides longitudinal elasticity and resistance to collapsing, retains its shape with bending and avoids kinking. Crimping provides a circular tube which makes the construction of the anastomosis easier. Experimental studies in dogs demonstrated absence of thromboembolism with the conduit implanted in the abdominal aorta. Fibrin accumulation was not noted in the convexities of the crimps. This conduit was designed for aortic and pulmonary reconstruction and available in different sizes with or without a biological valve. Initial clinical experience included its use in 10 patients with aortic dissections or aortic aneurysms from August 1989 to March 1990. A reconstruction of the abdominal aorta was performed in 2 patients, the descending thoracic aorta in 2, the ascending aorta in 2 and the ascending aorta including the aortic valve and reimplantation of coronary arteries in 4. For the latter 4, composite crimped pericardial tubes containing a porcine bioprosthesis were used. An additional patient with a single ventricle underwent a Fontan type operation also employing a valved crimped pericardial conduit.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)