Insect pests and natural enemies associated with lettuce Lactuca sativa L. (Asteraceae) in an aquaponics system.

Although food is produced in aquaponics systems worldwide, no information is available on the occurrence of insect pests and natural enemies in aquaponic lettuce, Lactuca sativa L. In this study, a survey was carried out in an aquaponic system combining lettuce with lambari, Astyanax altiparanae (Garutti & Briski), aiming to determine the insect pests and natural enemies associated with this system. We also determined the predominant insect species and the effect of meteorological factors on their populations. Insect abundance was estimated by visual sampling during 13 cultivation cycles, totaling 27 sampling dates. The meteorological factors considered were air temperature and relative humidity, and their effects were determined using the Pearson correlation. The thrips Frankliniella schultzei (Trybom) and Caliothrips phaseoli (Hood) and the aphid Aphis spiraecola (Patch) predominated. Ambient temperature and relative humidity were essential factors affecting C. phaseoli and F. schultzei. The natural enemies found on the lettuce plants were the thrips Franklinothrips vespiformis (Crawford) and Stomatothrips angustipennis (Hood) and the ladybugs Cycloneda sanguinea L., Eriopis connexa (Germar), and Hippodamia convergens (Guérin-Méneville). These results constitute the first step for a lettuce-integrated pest-management program in aquaponics systems.

Antihyperglycemic Effect of Quercetin in Ovariectomized Rats Treated with Tamoxifen.

Tamoxifen is effective in breast cancer therapy in postmenopausal women; however, it causes adverse effects that alter the glycolytic pathway and induce hyperglycemia. Quercetin, a flavonoid with antioxidant potential, inhibits butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), which is positively associated with hyperglycemia. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of quercetin on tamoxifen-induced hyperglycemia, using BuChE activity as a bioindicator in adult ovariectomized Wistar rats. The ovariectomized rats were treated orally for 14 days with different concentrations of quercetin (2.5, 7.5, 22.5, and 67.5 mg.kg-1 b.w.) and tamoxifen (5 mg.kg-1 b.w.). Subsequently, they were euthanized; blood and tissue samples were collected. The following biochemical parameters were analyzed: plasma glucose levels and BuChE activity in the plasma, liver, intestine, and adipose tissue. The most effective dose of quercetin in reducing hyperglycemia was 22.5 mg.kg-1 b.w. (Que/TAM 4.5/1, P < .00000), although the doses of 2.5 (Que/TAM 0.5/1, P < .05) and 7.5 mg.kg-1 b.w. (Que/TAM 1.5/1, P < .05) were also effective. The BuChE activity decreased in the intestine at all tested doses of quercetin coadministered with tamoxifen (P < .01); however, in adipose tissue, there was a biphasic activity with a decrease (P < .05) and increase (P < .05) in activity at doses of 7.5 and 22.5 mg.kg-1 b.w. of quercetin, respectively. However, the correlation between BuChE and glucose levels was not significant (P > .05). In summary, the findings of the present study suggest that quercetin when associated with tamoxifen decreases in plasma glucose levels. Furthermore, in these cases, BuChE should not be used as an indicator of hyperglycemia.

Mapping the body surface temperature of cattle by infrared thermography.

Infrared thermography (IRT) is an alternative non-invasive method that has been studied as a tool for identifying many physiological and pathological processes related to changes in body temperature. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the body surface temperature of Jersey dairy cattle in a thermoneutral environment in order to contribute to the determination of a body surface temperature pattern for animals of this breed in a situation of thermal comfort. Twenty-four Jersey heifers were used over a period of 35 days at APTA Brazil. Measurements were performed on all animals, starting with the physiological parameters. Body surface temperature was measured by IRT collecting images in different body regions: left and right eye area, right and left eye, caudal left foreleg, cranial left foreleg, right and left flank, and forehead. High correlations were observed between temperature and humidity index (THI) and right flank, left flank and forehead temperatures (0.85, 0.81, and 0.81, respectively). The IRT variables that exhibited the five highest correlation coefficients in principal component 1 were, in decreasing order: forehead (0.90), right flank (0.87), left flank (0.84), marker 1 caudal left foreleg (0.83), marker 2 caudal left foreleg (0.74). The THI showed a high correlation coefficient (0.88) and moderate to low correlations were observed for the physiological variables rectal temperature (0.43), and respiratory frequency (0.42). The thermal profile obtained indicates a surface temperature pattern for each region studied in a situation of thermal comfort and may contribute to studies investigating body surface temperature. Among the body regions studied, IRT forehead temperature showed the highest association with rectal temperature, and forehead and right and left flank temperatures are strongly associated with THI and may be adopted in future studies on thermoregulation and body heat production.

Effects of home-based exercise training for patients with chronic heart failure and sleep apnoea: a randomized comparison of two different programmes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of home-based exercise for patients with chronic heart failure and sleep apnoea and to compare two different training programmes. DESIGN: A randomized, prospective controlled trial. SETTING: Department of Cardiology, University Hospital, Brazil. SUBJECTS: Fifty chronic heart failure patients with sleep apnoea were randomized in three groups: Group 1 (aerobic training, n = 18), Group 2 (aerobic with strength training, n = 18), and Group 3 (untrained, n = 14). INTERVENTIONS: The training programme for Groups 1 and 2 began with three supervised exercise sessions, after they underwent three months of home-based exercise. Patients were followed by weekly telephone call and were reviewed monthly. Group 3 had the status of physical activity evaluated weekly by interview to make sure they remained untrained. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: At baseline and after three months: cardiopulmonary exercise testing, isokinetic strength and endurance, Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire and polysomnography. Adherence was evaluated weekly. RESULTS: Of the 50 patients enrolled in the study, 45 completed the programme. Clinical events: Group 1 (one death), Group 2 (one myocardial infarction), Group 3 (one death and two strokes). None were training related. Training groups showed improvement in all outcomes evaluated and the adherence was an important factor (Group 1 = 98.5% and Group 2 = 100.2%, P = 0.743). Untrained Group 3 demonstrated significant decrease or no change on measurements after three months without training. CONCLUSION: Home-based exercise training is an important therapeutic strategy in chronic heart failure patients with sleep apnoea, and strength training resulted in a higher increase in muscle strength and endurance.

Correlação entre qualidade de vida e capacidade funcional na insuficiência cardíaca / Correlation between quality of life and functional capacity in cardiac failure

FUNDAMENTO: Pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca (IC) apresentam progressiva incapacidade e declínio na qualidade de vida, ambos relacionados com dispneia e fadiga. Dessa forma, há interesse crescente em mensurar a qualidade de vida (QV), seja por instrumento genérico, tal como o 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), seja por específico, tal como o Minnesota Living with Heart Failure (MLHFQ). OBJETIVO: Este estudo objetivou correlacionar os questionários de QV, SF-36 e MLHFQ, com a capacidade funcional de pacientes com IC, expressa pelo teste cardiopulmonar e o TC6M. MÉTODOS: Utilizaram-se os questionários SF-36 e MLHFQ para avaliação da QV. Para avaliação da capacidade funcional, utilizou-se o teste cardiopulmonar, sendo executado em esteira com protocolo de Weber, bem como a distância percorrida no teste da caminhada de seis minutos (TC6M). RESULTADOS: Foram selecionados 46 pacientes com diagnóstico de IC (22 homens, idade média de 52 anos), classes II e III da New York Heart Association. Observou-se correlação fraca entre os domínios aspectos físico e emocional do SF-36 e o VE/VCO2pico (r=-0,3; p<0,05) e a distância percorrida no TC6M (r=0,4; p<0,05), respectivamente. Observaram-se ainda correlações de fraca a moderada do escore total do MLHFQ com o VO2pico (r=-0,5; p<0,05), o limiar anaeróbio (r=-0,4; p<0,05) e a distância percorrida no TC6M (r=-0,5; p<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Os dados sugerem que a aplicação de ambos os instrumentos de avaliação da QV, genérico (SF-36) e específico (MLHFQ) em pacientes com IC, evidenciaram de fraca a moderada correlação com as variáveis do teste cardiopulmonar e a distância percorrida no TC6M.

BACKGROUND: Patients with cardiac failure (CF) present progressive incapacity and decreased quality of life, both related to dyspnea and fatigue. Thus, there is the increasing interest in measring the quality of life (QL), by generic instrument, such as the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), by specific instrument, such as Minnesota Living with Heart Failure (MLHFQ). OBJECTIVE: This study has the objective to correlate the QL surveys, SF-36 and MLHFQ, with the functional capacity of patients with CF, expressed by the cardiopulmonary test and the TC6M. METHODS: Using the SF-36 and MLHFQ surveys for QL evaluation, for the evaluation of the functional capacity, it was used the cardiopulmonary test, being executed using a tredmill with Weber protocol, as well sa the distance covered in the walk test of six minutes (TC6M). RESULTS: Forty-six patients were selected with CF diagnosis (22 men, average age of 52 years old), classes II and III of New York Heart Association. It was observed that the mild correlation between the physical and emotional domains of SF-36 and VE/VCO2.peak (r=-0.3; p<0.05) and the distance covered in TC6M (r=0.4; p<0.05), respectively. It was also observed the mild to moderate correlations of MLHFQ total score with VO2.peak (r=-0.5; p<0.05), the aerobic threshold (r=-0.4; p<0.05) and the distance covered in TC6M (r=-0.5; p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The data suggest that the application of both evaluation instruments of QL, generic (SF-36) and specific (MLHFQ) in patients with CF, showed mild and moderate correlation with the variable of the cardiopulmonary test with the variables of the cardiopulmonary test and the distance covered in TC6M.

Correlation between quality of life and functional capacity in cardiac failure.

BACKGROUND: Patients with cardiac failure (CF) present progressive incapacity and decreased quality of life, both related to dyspnea and fatigue. Thus, there is the increasing interest in measuring the quality of life (QL), by generic instrument, such as the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), by specific instrument, such as Minnesota Living with Heart Failure (MLHFQ). OBJECTIVE: This study has the objective to correlate the QL surveys, SF-36 and MLHFQ, with the functional capacity of patients with CF, expressed by the cardiopulmonary test and the TC6M. METHODS: Using the SF-36 and MLHFQ surveys for QL evaluation, for the evaluation of the functional capacity, it was used the cardiopulmonary test, being executed using a tredmill with Weber protocol, as well sa the distance covered in the walk test of six minutes (TC6M). RESULTS: Forty-six patients were selected with CF diagnosis (22 men, average age of 52 years old), classes II and III of New York Heart Association. It was observed that the mild correlation between the physical and emotional domains of SF-36 and VE/VCO2.peak (r=-0.3; p<0.05) and the distance covered in TC6M (r=0.4; p<0.05), respectively. It was also observed the mild to moderate correlations of MLHFQ total score with VO2.peak (r=-0.5; p<0.05), the aerobic threshold (r=-0.4; p<0.05) and the distance covered in TC6M (r=-0.5; p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The data suggest that the application of both evaluation instruments of QL, generic (SF-36) and specific (MLHFQ) in patients with CF, showed mild and moderate correlation with the variable of the cardiopulmonary test with the variables of the cardiopulmonary test and the distance covered in TC6M.

Avaliação de características produtivas em animais da raça Nelore por meio de análise multivariada

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as principais características zootécnicas produtivas e suas correlações fenotípicas entreestas como peso ao nascer (PN), peso aos 120 (P120), aos 180 (P180), aos 205 (P205), aos 240 (P240), aos 300 (P300),aos 365 (P365), aos 420 (P420), aos 480 (P480), aos 540 (P540) dias de idade; ganhos de peso do nascimento até os 120(GPN120), aos 205 (GPN205) dias de idade e o peso dos 120 aos 205 (GP120_205), dos 205 aos 365 (GP205_365) e dos365 aos 540 (GP365_540) dias de idade e estimar a influência da idade da vaca em 12.440 bezerros da raça Nelorenascidos no estado de Minas Gerais, usando técnicas de análises multivariadas. O menor (0,101) valor encontrado para ascorrelações foi entre P205_365 e P365_540 e o maior (0,996) foi entre P205 e PN205. Os cinco primeiros componentesprincipais justificaram 97,08%, sendo que o primeiro justificou 63,51%, o segundo 12,1% e o terceiro 8,3% e os outros dois,13,17%, respectivamente. O maior peso observado aos 240 dias, 194,1 kg, ocorreu em bezerros nascidos de vacas com 108meses de idade; o menor peso observado foi de 169,5kg para bezerros nascidos de vacas com 240 meses de idade.

Reproductive strategies of dourado, Salminus maxillosus and curimbatá, Prochilodus lineatus in Mogi Guaçu River, with emphasis on the mathematical parameters of population dynamic - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v26i2.1631 / Estratégias reprodutivas do dourado, Salminus maxillosus e do curimbatá, Prochilodus lineatus no Rio Mogi Guaçu, Estado de São Paulo, com ênfase nos parâmetros matemáticos da dinâmica populacional - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v26i2.1631

The present work deals with the situation of curimbatá, Prochilodus lineatus and dourado, Salminus maxillosus populations in Mogi Guaçu River, through the analysis of populations dynamics parameters. Data were analysed according to previous results for the same species of that ecosystem. The analysed parameters were: size and age of first gonadal maturation, maximum average length of the specimens, minimum length of adult specimens captured, growth rate and sexual proportion. Results indicate that these specimens show reproductive strategies which are responsible for the survival and maintenance of the population balance, despite the intense overfishing and abiotic adversities they are being submitted to

O presente trabalho trata da situação das populações do curimbatá Prochilodus Lineatus e do dourado Salminus maxillosus no rio Mogi Guaçu/SP, através da análise de parâmetros da dinâmica populacional. Os dados foram analisados em função de resultados obtidos anteriormente para as mesmas espécies do mesmo ecossistema. Os parâmetros analisados foram: tamanho e idade de primeira maturação gonadal, comprimento médio máximo dos exemplares, tamanho mínimo de exemplares adultos capturados taxa de crescimento e proporção sexual. Os resultados obtidos indicam que as espécies estão apresentando táticas reprodutivas responsáveis pela sobrevivência e manutenção do equilíbrio populacional, apesar da intensa sobrepesca e das adversidades abióticas a que estão submetidas

Localization and regulation of the tissue plasminogen activator-plasmin system in the hippocampus.

The extracellular protease cascade of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasminogen has been implicated in neuronal plasticity and degeneration. We show here that unstimulated expression of tPA in the mouse hippocampus is concentrated in the mossy fiber pathway, with little or no expression within the perforant path, the Schaffer collaterals, or neuronal cell bodies. tPA protein is also expressed in vascular endothelial cells throughout the brain parenchyma. Four hours after excitotoxic injury, tPA protein is transiently induced within CA1 pyramidal neurons. The induced CA1 tPA is localized to neurons that survive the injury and is enzymatically active. Within the mossy fiber pathway, injury resulted in decreased tPA protein. In contrast, mossy fiber tPA activity displayed a biphasic character: transient increase at 8 hr, then a decrease by 24 hr after injury. Analysis of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) expression showed that PAI-1 antigen is upregulated by 24 hr and could account for the tPA activity downregulation seen at this time point. Plasminogen immunohistochemistry suggested an increase within the mossy fiber pathway after injury. Finally, hippocampal tPA expression among various mammalian species was strikingly different. These results indicate a complex control of tPA protein and enzymatic activity in the hippocampus that may help regulate neuronal plasticity.