Author Correction: Biological parameters, life table and thermal requirements of Thaumastocoris peregrinus (Heteroptera: Thaumastocoridae) at different temperatures.

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Biological parameters, life table and thermal requirements of Thaumastocoris peregrinus (Heteroptera: Thaumastocoridae) at different temperatures.

Temperature affects the development, population dynamics, reproduction and population size of insects. Thaumastocoris peregrinus Carpintero et Dellape (Heteroptera: Thaumastocoridae) is a eucalyptus pest. The objective of this study was to determine biological and life table parameters of T. peregrinus on Eucalyptus benthamii at five temperatures (18 °C; 22 °C; 25 °C; 27 °C and 30 °C) with a relative humidity (RH) of 70 ± 10% and photoperiod of 12 hours. The duration of each instar and the longevity of this insect were inversely proportional to the temperature, regardless of sex. The nymph stage of T. peregrinus was 36.4 days at 18 °C and 16.1 days at 30 °C. The pre-oviposition period was 5.1 days at 30 °C and 13.1 days at 18 °C and that of oviposition was 7.6 days at 30 °C and 51.2 days at 22 °C. The generation time (T) of T. peregrinus was 27.11 days at 22 °C and 8.22 days at 30 °C. Lower temperatures reduced the development and increased the life stage duration of T. peregrinus. Optimum temperatures for T. peregrinus development and reproduction were 18 and 25 °C, respectively.

Characterization and application of a biosurfactant isolated from Candida utilis in salad dressings.

This study aimed at characterizing a biosurfactant from Candida utilis, and use it in the preparation of salad dressings. The biosurfactant was produced in mineral medium supplemented with 6% glucose and 6% waste frying canola oil. The crude biosurfactant was then tested for stability in different conditions of pH, salt concentration, heating time and temperature. The critical micelle dilution, chemical composition, and structural analysis were determined. The compound was resistant to extreme conditions and presented stable surface tension and emulsification activity in alkaline pH and was characterized as a carbohydrate-lipid-protein complex showing the best formulation and consistency at 0.7% (w/v) with guar gum indicating potential applicability in food emulsions.

Toxic effects of two essential oils and their constituents on the mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor.

The study identified insecticidal effects from the cinnamon and clove essential oils in Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). The lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90), lethal time, and repellent effect on larvae, pupae, and adults of T. molitor after exposure to six concentrations of each essential oil and toxic compounds were evaluated. The chemical composition of the cinnamon oil was also determined and primary compounds were eugenol (10.19%), trans-3-caren-2-ol (9.92%), benzyl benzoate (9.68%), caryophyllene (9.05%), eugenyl acetate (7.47%), α-phellandrene (7.18%), and α-pinene (6.92%). In clove essential oil, the primary compounds were eugenol (26.64%), caryophyllene (23.73%), caryophyllene oxide (17.74%), 2-propenoic acid (11.84%), α-humulene (10.48%), γ-cadinene (4.85%), and humulene oxide (4.69%). Cinnamon and clove essential oils were toxic to T. molitor. In toxic chemical compounds, eugenol have stronger contact toxicity in larvae, pupae, and adult than caryophyllene oxide, followed by α-pinene, α-phellandrene, and α-humulene. In general, the two essential oils were toxic and repellent to adult T. molitor. Cinnamon and clove essential oils and their compounds caused higher mortality and repellency on T. molitor and, therefore, have the potential for integrated management programs of this insect.

Levedura seca integral na alimentação de vacas lactantes / Dry yeast for lactating dairy cows

Os efeitos da inclusão de levedura seca de cana-de-açúcar (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) na dieta de vacas lactantes foram avaliados com base no fornecimento de quatro dietas constituídas de diferentes níveis de substituição do farelo de soja pela levedura de cana-de-açúcar (0,00, 0,33, 0,67 e 1,00kg/kg de MS). O delineamento utilizado foi o quadrado latino 4 × 4. Não houve efeito dos tratamentos sobre o consumo de MS, MO, EE, FDNi e NDT, porém ocorreu redução linear no consumo de PB e FDNcp e aumento do consumo de CNF. Diferenças estatísticas não foram verificadas para os coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente da MS, MO, PB, CNF e NDT, no entanto os coeficientes do FDNcp e do EE decresceram linearmente. Não foi observado efeito sobre a produção e eficiência de síntese microbiana, utilização dos componentes nitrogenados e produção e composição do leite. Conclui-se que a levedura seca pode substituir 100% o farelo de soja na alimentação de vacas lactantes.(AU)

The effects of the inclusion of sugar cane dry yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in dairy cows feeding were evaluated based on the provision of four different diets with increasing proportions of sugar cane dry yeast (0.00, 0.33, 0.67 and 1.00kg/kg of DM). The design adopted for this research was the latin square, 4 × 4. It was observed that the levels of yeast inclusion did not affect the intake of DM, OM, EE, NDFi and TDN. However, the CP and NDFcp intake decreased linearly, whereas the NFC intake increased linearly with the increasing levels of yeast. No effect on the digestibility coefficient of DM, OM, CP, NDFcp and NCF was observed. Nevertheless, the EE digestibility coefficient linearly decreased with the yeast inclusion in the experimental diets. There was no treatment effect on the production and efficiency of microbial synthesis, usage of nitrogenous components, as well as milk production and composition. It was concluded that the dried yeast can fully replace the soybean meal in diets of dairy cows.(AU)

Levedura seca integral na alimentação de vacas lactantes / Dry yeast for lactating dairy cows

Os efeitos da inclusão de levedura seca de cana-de-açúcar (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) na dieta de vacas lactantes foram avaliados com base no fornecimento de quatro dietas constituídas de diferentes níveis de substituição do farelo de soja pela levedura de cana-de-açúcar (0,00; 0,33; 0,67 e 1,00kg/kg de MS). O delineamento utilizado foi o quadrado latino 4 × 4. Não houve efeito dos tratamentos sobre o consumo de MS, MO, EE, FDNi e NDT, porém ocorreu redução linear no consumo de PB e FDNcp e aumento do consumo de CNF. Diferenças estatísticas não foram verificadas para os coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente da MS, MO, PB, CNF e NDT; no entanto os coeficientes do FDNcp e do EE decresceram linearmente. Não foi observado efeito sobre a produção e eficiência de síntese microbiana, utilização dos componentes nitrogenados e produção e composição do leite. Conclui-se que a levedura seca pode substituir 100% o farelo de soja na alimentação de vacas lactantes.

The effects of the inclusion of sugar cane dry yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in dairy cows feeding were evaluated based on the provision of four different diets with increasing proportions of sugar cane dry yeast (0.00; 0.33; 0.67 and 1.00kg/kg of DM). The design adopted for this research was the latin square, 4 × 4. It was observed that the levels of yeast inclusion did not affect the intake of DM, OM, EE, NDFi and TDN. However, the CP and NDFcp intake decreased linearly, whereas the NFC intake increased linearly with the increasing levels of yeast. No effect on the digestibility coefficient of DM, OM, CP, NDFcp and NCF was observed. Nevertheless, the EE digestibility coefficient linearly decreased with the yeast inclusion in the experimental diets. There was no treatment effect on the production and efficiency of microbial synthesis, usage of nitrogenous components, as well as milk production and composition. It was concluded that the dried yeast can fully replace the soybean meal in diets of dairy cows.

Protocol to cryopreserve and isolate nuclei from adipose tissue without dimethyl sulfoxide.

Cryopreservation injuries involve nuclear DNA damage. A protocol for cryopreserving and isolating adipocyte nuclei is proposed. Adipose tissue samples were directly analyzed (NoCRYO-0h), or stored at -196°C for 7 days without 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) (CRYO-WO-DMSO) or with DMSO (CRYO-W-DMSO). To determine the effect of DMSO on cryopreservation treatment, adipose tissue samples were stored at 4°C for 24 h with 10% DMSO (NoCRYO-W-DMSO-24h) and without (NoCRYO-WO-DMSO-24h). Samples were processed in isolation buffer, and nuclear integrity was measured by flow cytometry. The coefficient of variation, forward scatter, side scatter, and number of nuclei analyzed were evaluated. Pea (Pisum sativum) was used to measure the amount of DNA. All groups contained similar amounts of DNA to previously reported values and a satisfactory number of nuclei were analyzed. CRYO-W-DMSO presented a higher coefficient of variation (3.19 ± 0.09) compared to NoCRYO-0h (1.85 ± 0.09) and CRYO-WO-DMSO (2.02 ± 0.02). The coefficient of variation was increased in NoCRYO-W-DMSO-24h (3.80 ± 0.01) compared to NoCRYO-WO-DMSO-24h (2.46 ± 0.03). These results relate DMSO presence to DNA damage independently of the cryopreservation process. CRYO-W-DMSO showed increased side scatter (93.46 ± 5.03) compared to NoCRYO-0h (41.13 ± 3.19) and CRYO-WO-DMSO (48.01 ± 2.28), indicating that cryopreservation with DMSO caused chromatin condensation and/or nuclear fragmentation. CRYO-W-DMSO and CRYO-WO-DMSO presented lower forward scatter (186.33 ± 9.33 and 196.89 ± 26.86, respectively) compared to NoCRYO-0h (322.80 ± 3.36), indicating that cryopreservation reduced nuclei size. Thus, a simple method for cryopreservation and isolation of adipocyte nuclei causing less damage to DNA integrity was proposed.

DNA elimination in embryogenic development of Pennisetum glaucum x Pennisetum purpureum (Poaceae) hybrids.

Interspecific hybridization between Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum), which is widely grown in Brazil for cattle forage, and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) has been used as a breeding strategy for the development of improved cultivars. However, the hybrid between these two species is sterile due to its triploid condition (2n = 3x = 21 chromosomes), which hinders its use in crop breeding programs. It is known that genomic alterations result from the hybridization process. In order to measure the loss of DNA during embryo development, we used flow cytometry to estimate the nuclear DNA content of triploid and tetraploid embryos produced by interspecific hybridization between Napier grass and pearl millet. The triploid and tetraploid hybrids had a mean DNA content of 4.99-4.87 and 5.25-4.84 pg, at 10 and 30 days after pollination, respectively. The mean reduction in DNA content was higher in the tetraploid hybrids. The flow cytometry results revealed progressive genomic instability in these triploid and tetraploid hybrids, with this instability causing significant alterations in the DNA content of the hybrids.

Genotoxicity of SPL (spent pot lining) as measured by Tradescantia bioassays.

Spent Pot Liner (SPL) is a solid waste product generated in the process of aluminum production. Tradescantia micronuclei (Trad-MN) and stamen hair mutation (Trad-SHM) bioassays are very useful tests to assess genotoxicity of environmental pollutants. In the present study, we intended to investigate the genotoxicity of this waste with Tradescantia bioassays using leachates of SPL simulating the natural leachability of SPL in soil. The formation of micronuclei (MN) was found to be concentration dependent. MN frequency enhanced significantly with SPL treatment. In addition, SPL also appeared to increase the percentage of dyads and triads. Trad-SHM assay showed that SPL increases pink mutation events as SPL concentration increases. These results demonstrated that SPL is a cytogenotoxic agent that affects different genetic end-points (induction of micronuclei and point mutations) even at low concentration (2% and 3%).

Spent Pot Liner (SPL) induced DNA damage and nuclear alterations in root tip cells of Allium cepa as a consequence of programmed cell death.

There are various toxic effects of environmental pollutants, including apoptosis and carcinogenesis. Spent Pot Liner (SPL) is solid waste from the aluminum industry. It has a highly variable composition, including cyanide, fluoride, organics and metals. Preliminary characterizations of the effect of SPL on Allium cepa show the presence of condensed nuclei. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the toxic effect of SPL in A. cepa root meristem in the context of programmed cell death (PCD). A lot of specific features of this process such as DNA fragmentation, condensed chromatin, spherical nuclei and the formation of apoptotic-like bodies were observed in root meristem after SPL treatment. Root meristem treated with SPL 25% solution exhibited an alteration in antioxidant enzyme activities; a reduction in NCR as a consequence of high percentage of condensed nuclei; DNA fragmentation, detected by electrophoresis and TUNEL assay; cytoplasm vacuolization and also a disturbance in root morphology. These features are associated with programmed cell death (PCD) under abiotic stress. Therefore, these data show that SPL induces apoptosis-like PCD in root meristem cells of A. cepa.

Dentofacial characteristics as indicator of obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome in patients with severe obesity.

Obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS) is a complex disease with a multifactor aetiology. OSAHS is strongly associated with obesity, but there are many other clinical risk factors, such as the dentofacial characteristics of hard and soft tissues, hyoid bone position, neck circumference, upper airway spaces and nasal respiration. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out involving 13 patients (one man and 12 women) with severe obesity in order to evaluate specific physical dentofacial characteristics through a cephalometric examination. Cephalometry was analysed using 29 measurements of the hard and soft tissues of the craniofacial structures and dimensions of the upper airways. The demographic data revealed a mean body mass index of 48 ± 6.26 kg m(-2) and cervical circumference of 43 ± 3.69 cm. No patient exhibited important facial asymmetry and facial types 1 (normal) and 3 (mandible forward) were the most prevalent. Septal deviation was observed in 46% of patients. The most prevalent modified Mallampati index score was between 3 and 4, while grade 1 was the most prevalent tonsillar hypertrophy index score (46%). Cephalometry revealed angular and linear measurements with normally acceptable values for the hard tissues. Obese patients seem to have a normal craniofacial structure and the risk of developing OSAHS is especially related to obesity.

Cytogenetic alterations induced by SPL (spent potliners) in meristematic cells of plant bioassays.

Spent potliners (SPL) is solid waste generated by the aluminum industry during the manufacture of aluminum metal. Information on the cytotoxicity effect of SPL is necessary to facilitate understanding of their action on organisms and to subsidize environmentally correct solutions. Thus, the aim of the present investigation is to compare the effect of SPL on meristematic cells of Allium cepa and Zea mays and also to discuss the mechanisms of SPL cytotoxicity involved. A strong inhibition on root growth in higher SPL concentrations has been observed in both A. cepa and Z. mays. For cytogenetic analysis, the results showed a reduction of mitotic index and increase of different abnormalities as the SPL concentration increased. We observed bridges, chromosome fragments, stickiness, multipolar anaphase, later segregation and cell death. In general, it was possible to observe an increase of different abnormalities as the SPL concentration increased. It is obvious from the results of the present investigation that SPL is cytotoxic on meristematic cells of plant tests (A. cepa and Z. mays).

Fat-soluble vitamins in human lactation.

Lactation has three distinct phases: colostrum, transition, and mature, with the quantity of fat-soluble vitamins and carotenoids tending to decline while the total fat content increases. The number of deliveries seems to be directly related to higher concentrations of beta-carotene and vitamin E in colostrum. Little is known about vitamin quantities during the other phases. In the present study, vitamin A and E concentrations during different phases of lactation were measured in primiparous and multiparous mothers to analyze the variation and suitability for the diet of a breastfed child. Phase of lactation and number of deliveries were highly significant for log mean vitamin A while only one phase showed significance for log mean vitamin E. There was a sharp decline in the levels of vitamin A and E in the course of the initial phase of lactation. The variability between measurements declined as colostrum transitioned to mature milk. There were significant measurable inter-group differences in retinol levels in milk obtained during early lactation. Vitamin A and E content can reach 2.5 and 1.4 times of levels recommended intake, respectively.

A dedicated prosthesis for open thoracostomy.

Due to our dissatisfaction with the mutilation caused by the skin-lined open thoracostomy, we have developed a dedicated prosthesis that is expected to avoid or to substitute for the classic operation. The prosthesis is a corrugated silicone tube with an oval flange at one end (to fix it internally) and a mobile ring on the other (to fix it externally). It is inserted at the bottom of the empyematic cavity after 3 cm of a rib is removed. We have used it in 20 patients whose empyema was secondary to pneumonia (12) or complications of pneumonectomy (4), lobectomy (2), decortication (1), or pleuroscopy (1). Six of those patients have already been cured and their prosthesis removed after 54 to 305 days. In 1 with a persistent postpneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula the device was removed after 299 days and the patient was submitted to a limited thoracoplasty. Six other patients still have unresolved cavities and have been using the prosthesis for 63 to 302 days. Seven patients died of their underlying disease (bilateral pneumonia, 2; acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, 2; mesothelioma, 1; heart failure and pulmonary embolism, 1; unknown, 1) after using the prosthesis for 11 to 160 days. In those patients from whom the prosthesis already has been removed, the scar looks like those commonly seen after removal of an ordinary chest tube. Based on these early favorable results we feel most encouraged to persist in this research. Nevertheless, we are aware that a larger number of patients and a longer follow-up will be necessary before we may make definitive recommendations.

[Vertebral osteomyelitis in children]. / Osteomielite vertebral em crianças.

Vertebral osteomyelitis is an uncommon disease in children, presenting with signs and symptoms that, at least initially, make a correct diagnosis difficult to be achieved. The authors report five cases of vertebral osteomyelitis in children, describing its clinical and laboratory peculiarities. The usefulness of the different radiologic studies for the diagnosis and follow up of these patients is discussed. We confirm previous reports according to which, with adequate clinical and therapeutic management, the prognosis is good for most patients.

[Neonatal arthritis of the hip due to group B streptococcus]. / Osteoartrite neonatal do quadril por Streptococcus beta-hemolítico do grupo B.

The authors describe a case of neonatal osteoarthritis of the hip due to group B streptococcus and discuss the importance of recognizing this bacteria in the late focal infections of the newborn.