Selection of experimental strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) hybrids based on selection indices.

The strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Dutch.), is the only vegetable belonging to the rosacea family. All strawberry species have now emerged from wild species and belong to the genus Fragaria, being that this genus presents more than 45 described species, and only 11 are considered natural species. Due to the octoploid nature of strawberry and its variability after hybridization, selecting one or more characters may result in unfavorable genotypes and even the exclusion of promising ones, because negative genetic correlations have been observed among them that cause inefficient selection. Therefore, the objective of this study was to verify the efficiency of selection indices in selecting experimental strawberry hybrids for in natura consumption and processing. Seven commercial cultivars and 103 hybrids were used, which were obtained from populations derived from their crossings. The experiment was conducted in augmented blocks, in which four agronomical traits (total mass, amount of commercial fruit, amount of noncommercial fruit, and average fruit mass) and seven physical-chemical traits (soluble solids, soluble solids:titratable acidity ratio, total sugars, total pectin, vigor, and internal and external coloration) were evaluated. For hybrid selection, the following indices were used: Mulamba and Mock (1978), Smith (1936), Hazel (1943), and genotype-ideotype, which selected 20% of the genotypes evaluated. The three indices selected about 9% of the hybrids. The selection of two experimental hybrids (89 and 495) and the use of selection indices resulted in larger estimates of selection gains. The Mulamba and Mock (1978), Smith (1936), and Hazel (1943) indices had the highest percentage of gains on selection, and are therefore recommended for the selection of strawberry clones.

The karyotype of Holoaden luederwaldti (Anura, Strabomantidae), with report of natural triploidy.

The genus Holoaden includes three species described so far, but the only published cytogenetic data is from Holoaden bradei, with the karyotype 2n = 18, based on conventional staining. In the present paper we report, for the first time, data on chromosomes of H. luederwaldti, which presented 2n = 18 and a case of natural triploidy, with 2n = 3x = 27. In this sample, another karyotypic variation was observed due to the occurrence of two types of chromosome 8, which present submetacentric or subtelocentric morphologies. Homomorphic subtelocentric or heteromorphic condition was observed among the diploid specimens, whereas the triploid had one submetacentric and two subtelocentric chromosomes 8. In all specimens, Ag-NOR was located in the long arms of chromosomes 8, at the interstitial region when subtelocentric, or in the proximal region when submetacentric, confirmed by fluorescent in situ hybridization with the HM123 probe. The C bands showed centromeric distribution and distribution at Ag-NOR site. The centromeric heterochromatin was fluorescent with DAPI staining, whereas the Ag- NOR displayed bright fluorescence with CMA3. Fluorescent in situ hybridization using a telomeric probe labelled exclusively the telomere regions. Although the same 2n = 18 chromosome numbers have been observed in H. luederwaldti and H. bradei, some differences in both karyotypes can be visualized, mainly with regard to the morphology of the last chromosome pairs.

Feeding habits of the shortnose guitarfish, Zapteryx brevirostris (Müller and Henle, 1841) (Elasmobranchii, Rhinobatidae) in southeastern Brazil.

The feeding habits of the shortnose guitarfish, Zapteryx brevirostris, were studied based on 382 specimens from the northern São Paulo coast, southeast Brazil. The diet showed a predominance of crustaceans (carideans and amphipods), polychaete annelids, and occasionally small fish, sipunculids, and cephalopods. The diets of males and females were similar; however, differences in the proportion of prey items were found among juveniles, subadults, and adults. Differences in the ingestion of prey items were found during the year, probably influenced by oceanographic parameters, although in general, the species feeds mostly on crustaceans and polychaetes.

Role of L-arginine, a substrate of nitric oxide biosynthesis, on intestinal ischemia-reperfusion in rabbits.

To study whether treatment with L-arginine (ARG), a substrate of nitric oxide biosynthesis, attenuates intestinal dysfunction caused by ischemia (I) and reperfusion (R), rabbits treated with ARG (100 mgxkg(-1), intravenously) or saline solution (SS) prior to I (60 minutes) by occlusion of superior mesenteric artery and/or during R (120 minutes). After I or I/R, 2-cm jejunal segments were isolated and mounted in an organ bath to study of neurogenic contractions stimulated by electrical pulses or KCl using a digital recording system. Thin jejunal slices were stained (hematoxylin and eosin) for analysis by optical microscopy. Compared to the sham group, jejunal contractions were similar in I + ARG, but reduced in I + SS, I/R + SS, and I/R + ARG groups. The jejunal enteric nerves were damaged in I + SS, I/R + SS, and I/R + ARG, but not in I + ARG group, suggesting that ARG can attenuate intestinal dysfunctions due to I, but not to R.

Advertisement call of Hyla jimi and Hyla elianeae (Anura, Hylidae) in the Botucatu region, São Paulo, Brazil.

In this work we present a description of the advertisement call of H. jimi, the locality type, and of H. elianeae, until now unknown in the literature. Field activities were carried out from August 1997 through June 1999; recordings were made in two open-area environments in the Botucatu region, São Paulo State. Vocalizations of 100 individuals (49 H. jimi and 51 H. elianeae) were recorded; nine characteristics of the advertisement call were examined. The advertisement calls of both species consist of consecutive series of simple notes with relatively fast repetition rates. Males of H. jimi and H. elianeae presented two patterns of note emission: one emitted by individuals beginning vocalization activity or isolated from the aggregate, and another emitted by males in chorus activity interacting with closely neighboring males. A significant difference was verified in the temporal structure of the two vocalization patterns.

Advertisement call of Hyla jimi and Hyla elianeae (Anura, Hylidae) in the Botucatu Region, São Paulo, Brazil

Neste trabalho apresenta-se a descrição do canto de anúncio de H. jimi, para a localidade tipo, e de H. elianeae, ainda desconhecida da literatura. As atividades de campo foram desenvolvidas de agosto de 1997 a junho de 1999. As gravações foram efetuadas em ambientes de área aberta na região de Botucatu, Estado de São Paulo. Foram registradas vocalizações de 100 exemplares, 49 de H. jimi e 51 de H. elianeae; foram analisadas nove características do canto de anúncio. O canto de anúncio de ambas as espécies consiste em uma série consecutiva de notas simples com taxa de repetição relativamente rápida. Machos de H. jimi e H. elianeae apresentaram dois padrões de emissão de notas. Um emitido por indivíduos iniciando a atividade de vocalização ou isolado do agregado e outro emitido por machos em atividade de coro, interagindo com machos vizinhos. Foram verificadas diferenças significativas na estrutura temporal nos dois padrões de vocalizações.

Bioacoustic analysis of advertisement call in Hyla nana and Hyla sanborni (Anura, Hylidae) in Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil

Vocal communication traits of Hyla nana and Hyla sanborni, of the nana species group, were studied from August 1997 until June 1999 in two large permanent ponds located in an open field in Botucatu, São Paulo State. One hundred thirty-one individuals, 71 of H. nana and 58 of H. sanborni, were recorded in the beginning of their vocalization activity and during chorus vocalization. The rhythms of sound emission on the two occasions were different. An advertisement call consists in a consecutive series of simple notes in rapid succession. Both species have two types of notes in their advertisement calls, here named types A and B. Type A notes are introductory and have a longer and higher pulse number and are emitted more frequently in the beginning of vocalization activity. Introductory notes are the first to be emitted in chorus activity. Type B notes are secondary, of shorter duration and lower pulse number, and are emitted during chorus vocalization. The notes of both types differ significantly in their temporal structure. Both species present acoustic segregation in both spectral and temporal structure.

Bioacoustic analysis of advertisement call in Hyla nana and Hyla sanborni (Anura, Hylidae) in Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.

Vocal communication traits of Hyla nana and Hyla sanborni, of the nana species group, were studied from August 1997 until June 1999 in two large permanent ponds located in an open field in Botucatu, São Paulo State. One hundred thirty-one individuals, 71 of H. nana and 58 of H. sanborni, were recorded in the beginning of their vocalization activity and during chorus vocalization. The rhythms of sound emission on the two occasions were different. An advertisement call consists in a consecutive series of simple notes in rapid succession. Both species have two types of notes in their advertisement calls, here named types A and B. Type A notes are introductory and have a longer and higher pulse number and are emitted more frequently in the beginning of vocalization activity. Introductory notes are the first to be emitted in chorus activity. Type B notes are secondary, of shorter duration and lower pulse number, and are emitted during chorus vocalization. The notes of both types differ significantly in their temporal structure. Both species present acoustic segregation in both spectral and temporal structure.

Gill Na(+),K(+)-ATPase and osmoregulation in the estuarine crab, Chasmagnathus granulata Dana, 1851 (Decapoda, Grapsidae).

Some kinetic properties of gill Na(+),K(+)-ATPase of the estuarine crab, Chasmagnathus granulata, and its involvement in osmotic adaptation were analyzed. Results suggest the presence of different Na(+),K(+)-ATPase isoforms in anterior and posterior gills. They have different affinities for Na(+), but similar affinity values for K(+), Mg(2+), ATP and similar enzymatic profiles as a function of temperature of the incubation medium. Ouabain concentrations which inhibit 50% of enzyme activity were also similar in the two types of gills. Enzyme activity and affinity for Na(+) are higher in posterior gills than in anterior ones. Furthermore, affinities of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase of posterior gills for Na(+) and K(+) were similar to or higher than those of gills or other structures involved in the osmoregulation in several euryaline decapod crustaceans. Acclimation to low salinity was related to a significant increase in the maximum Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity, mainly in posterior gills. On the other hand, crab acclimation to high salinity induced a significant decrease in maximum enzyme activity, both in anterior and posterior gills. These results are in accordance to the osmoregulatory performance showed by C. granulata in diluted media, and point out the major role of posterior gills in the osmoregulation of this species.

[Reactivation of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome]. / Reativação da infecção por Trypanosoma cruzi em paciente com síndrome de imunodeficiência adquirida.

A patient with AIDS and asymptomatic Chagas's disease and positive xenodiagnosis was taking ketoconazole in order to suppress parasitemia and prevent reactivation of Chagas's disease. Ketoconazole was unplanned suspended after 6 months, and the patient was admitted with fever, headache, vomiting, tachycardia, postural hypotension, hepatosplenomegaly, and positive xenodiagnosis one month later. Treatment with benzonidazole was begun leading to suppression of parasitemia. The patient had probability a neurotoxoplasmosis associated and progressed to coma and death with sepsis. No parasite was found in autopsy.