Intravitreal Silicone Oil with a Silicone-free vs a Siliconized Syringe.

This randomized controlled trial compares incidence and quantity of presumed intravitreal silicone oil in diabetic patients receiving intravitreal injections using a silicone oil-free versus a siliconized syringe, highlighting the reduced contamination with silicone oil-free options.

Critical evaluation of applications of artificial intelligence based linguistic models in Occupational Health.

This article explores the impact and potential applications of large language models in Occupational Medicine. Large language models have the ability to provide support for medical decision-making, patient screening, summarization and creation of technical, scientific, and legal documents, training and education for doctors and occupational health teams, as well as patient education, potentially leading to lower costs, reduced time expenditure, and a lower incidence of human errors. Despite promising results and a wide range of applications, large language models also have significant limitations in terms of their accuracy, the risk of generating false information, and incorrect recommendations. Various ethical aspects that have not been well elucidated by the medical and academic communities should also be considered, and the lack of regulation by government entities can create areas of legal uncertainty regarding their use in Occupational Medicine and in the legal environment. Significant future improvements can be expected in these models in the coming years, and further studies on the applications of large language models in Occupational Medicine should be encouraged.

Este artigo explora o impacto e as possíveis aplicações dos grandes modelos de linguagem na Medicina do Trabalho. Os grandes modelos de linguagem têm a capacidade de fornecer suporte durante a tomada de decisão médica, a triagem de pacientes, a sumarização e confecção de documentos técnicos, científicos e jurídicos, o treinamento e educação de médicos e da equipe de saúde ocupacional, bem como a educação de pacientes, potencialmente levando a menores custos, menor gasto de tempo e menor incidência de erros humanos. Apesar dos resultados promissores e da grande variabilidade de aplicações, os grandes modelos de linguagem apresentam também limitações significativas em relação à sua acurácia, ao risco de geração de informações falsas e a recomendações errôneas. Também devem ser considerados diversos aspectos éticos ainda não bem elucidados pela comunidade médica e acadêmica, e a falta de regulamentação pelas entidades governamentais pode gerar áreas de incerteza jurídica sobre o seu uso na Medicina do Trabalho e no ambiente judicial. Melhorias futuras significativas podem ser esperadas nesses modelos nos próximos anos, e mais estudos das aplicações dos grandes modelos de linguagem na Medicina do Trabalho devem ser encorajados.

Performance and Metabolic Responses of Nellore Cows Subjected to Different Supplementation Plans during Prepartum.

This study assessed the effects of different prepartum supplementation plans on Nellore cows' performance, metabolic responses, and early offspring development. Thirty-nine pregnant Nellore cows (224 ± 2.67 days of pregnancy, 5.3 ± 0.29 years of age, body weight 520 ± 15.2 kg, initial body condition score 6.0 ± 0.07) were assigned to one of four treatments: a control group receiving only mineral mixture ad libitum, and three groups receiving daily protein-energy supplements of 2, 4, or 6 g/kg BW for 60 days prepartum. Weights and body condition scores were evaluated at the start of the experiment, 7 days before calving, and at 45 and 90 days postpartum. Cows supplemented with 4 and 6 g/kg BW showed improved body weight and body condition scores prepartum and postpartum and had a shorter service period (p < 0.05). The highest blood urea nitrogen concentrations were observed in cows receiving 6 g/kg BW (p = 0.0124). There was a reduction in blood urea nitrogen at calving for the 6 g/kg BW group, while the control group showed an increase (p < 0.001). Non-esterified fatty acids concentrations were lower 21 days before calving for the 4 and 6 g/kg BW groups compared to the control (p < 0.05) and decreased postpartum for all treatments (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in calf birth weight or performance. Supplementing with 4 g/kg BW of protein-energy is recommended to enhance metabolic health and overall performance.

Supplementation with live Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii during the initial 42 days of the feedlot phase in Nellore beef cattle.

This study aimed to assess the effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii CNCM I-1079 supplementation during the initial feeding period on the performance of Nellore bulls in a feedlot system. One hundred ninety-eight Nellore bulls were used in a completely randomized block design, with blocking based on weight within each treatment group: light (331.4 kg; 4 pens), medium (349.7 kg; 4 pens), and heavy (362.5 kg; 3 pens). The treatments included CON-a basal diet, and SCB-basal diet plus a probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii CNCM I-1079; 1.0 × 1010 CFU/head/d). Experimental diets were administered for the first 42 d (21 d in the step-up phase and 21 d in the finishing diet -870 g concentrate/kg dry matter [DM]). Subsequently, both treatment groups were transitioned to the same basal diet for an additional 76 d, completing 118 d on feed. Linear regression analysis was conducted for dry matter intake (DMI) data. During the initial 42 d, DMI tended to be higher for SCB (P = 0.09); also bulls fed SCB reached the plateau of the curve at 9.17 kg DMI/d earlier (39 d, R2 = 0.97) than those fed CON (43 d; R2 = 0.96) diets. For the first 42 d, the SCB treatment exhibited higher final weight (393.0 vs. 401.4 kg, P = 0.02), total gain (49.3 vs. 53.5 kg, P = 0.02), daily weight gain (1.124 vs. 1.274 kg, P = 0.02), and G:F (0.174 vs. 0.188, P = 0.04). Over the entire 118-d period, SCB-fed bulls had greater final body weight (509.5 vs. 518.0 kg, P = 0.02), total body weight gain (163.7 vs. 170.3 kg, P = 0.01), and average daily gain (1.366 vs. 1.420 kg, P = 0.01). The feed efficiency of SCB-supplemented bulls was 8.05% higher than CON (P = 0.04), and the final carcass weight was 1.69% greater for animals fed SCB (283.8 vs. 288.6 kg, P = 0.04). Total carcass weight gain (110.9 vs. 114.7 kg) and daily carcass weight gain (0.924 vs. 0.956 kg) tended (P = 0.06) to increase by 3.46% in SCB-fed animals compared with those fed CON. Gain yield, carcass conversion, and carcass yield did not differ between treatments. There were no significant differences in the apparent digestibility of DM, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and ether extract between treatments. However, starch digestibility (92.7% vs. 88%) was greater for the control treatment (P < 0.001). Including live Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii yeast as a probiotic supplement during the initial 42 d in the feedlot enhanced early-stage growth performance in Nellore bulls. Notably, this supplementation carried over carcass gain over the entire feedlot period.

Hydrolysis of Casein by Pepsin Immobilized on Heterofunctional Supports to Produce Antioxidant Peptides.

A study was carried out on the immobilization of pepsin in activated carbon functionalized by different techniques (glutaraldehyde, genipin, and metallization) aiming at its application in obtaining bioactive peptides through casein hydrolysis. Studies of the immobilized derivatives were carried out in addition to the evaluation of the antioxidant potential of the peptides. Among the pH range studied, pH 3.0 was selected due to the higher activity of the derivatives at this pH. The support modification by metallization was the method with the best results, providing a 121% increase in enzymatic activity compared to other immobilization methods. In addition, this derivative provided activity closer to the soluble enzyme activity (3.30 U) and better storage stability, and allows reuse for more than 8 cycles. In turn, the peptides from casein hydrolysis showed potential as antioxidant agents, with a DPPH radical scavenging activity higher than 70%, maximum protection against ß-carotene oxidation close to 70%, and a maximum reducing power of Fe(III) into Fe(II) of 400 uM by the FRAP assay. The results showed that the new techniques for modification of activated carbon can be a promising approach for pepsin immobilization.

Proteases: Importance, Immobilization Protocols, Potential of Activated Carbon as Support, and the Importance of Modifying Supports for Immobilization.

Although enzymes have been used for thousands of years, their application in industrial processes has gained importance since the 20th century due to technological and scientific advances in several areas, including biochemistry [...].

Pepsin immobilization on activated carbon and functionalized with glutaraldehyde and genipin for the synthesis of antioxidant peptides of goat casein.

In this article, the synthesis of antioxidant peptides in the enzymatic hydrolysis of caprine casein was analyzed at three different time points (60 min, 90 min, and 120 min) using immobilized pepsin on activated and modified carbon (AC, ACF, ACG 50, ACG 100). The immobilization assays revealed a reduction in the biocatalysts' activity compared to the free enzyme. Among the modified ones, ACG 50 exhibited greater activity and better efficiency for reuse cycles, with superior values after 60 min and 90 min. Peptide synthesis was observed under all studied conditions. Analyses (DPPH, ß-carotene/linoleic acid, FRAP) confirmed the antioxidant potential of the peptides generated by the immobilized enzyme. However, the immobilized enzyme in ACG 50 and ACG 100, combined with longer hydrolysis times, allowed the formation of peptides with an antioxidant capacity greater than or equivalent to those generated by the free enzyme, despite reduced enzymatic activity.

Influence of prenatal corticosteroid therapy on neonatal vitality and utility as a labor-inducing agent in Santa Inês ewes.

Since the 1970s, maternal corticosteroid therapy has been used successfully to induce labor. This allows for better monitoring of parturients and provision of first aid to neonates, improving neonatal viability, as this treatment induces maturation in a variety of fetal tissues, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality. Although the effects of corticosteroids are well known, few studies have investigated the influence of this therapy in Santa Inês sheep. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of dexamethasone at two doses (8 and 16 mg) to induce lambing in Santa Inês ewes at 145 days of gestation and assess its effects on neonatal vitality. For this study, 58 ewes raised in an extensive system were investigated. Pregnancy was confirmed after artificial insemination at a set time or after controlled mounting. Ewes were separated into three groups: an untreated control group (G1: 0 mg) and groups treated with two doses of dexamethasone (G2: 8 mg and G3: 16 mg). In total, 79 lambs were born. Their vitality was assessed based on their Apgar score, weight, temperature, and postnatal behavior. SAS v9.1.3 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC) was used to analyze data, considering a 5% significance level for all analyses. The births in the induced groups occurred 48.4 ± 22.1 h after induction, while the ewes that underwent non-induced labor gave birth 131.96 ± 41.9 h after placebo application (p < 0.05), confirming the efficacy of dexamethasone to induce and synchronize labor. The induced and non-induced neonates had similar Apgar scores, temperatures, weights, and postnatal behavioral parameters (p > 0.05). This study showed that inducing labor in Santa Inês ewes at 145 days of gestation with a full (16 mg) or half dose (8 mg) of dexamethasone is an effective technique and does not compromise neonate vitality.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Leucoptera coffeella (Lepidoptera: Lyonetiidae) and phylogenetic relationships within the Yponomeutoidea superfamily.

The coffee leaf miner (Leucoptera coffeella) is one of the major pests of coffee crops in the neotropical regions, and causes major economic losses. Few molecular data are available to identify this pest and advances in the knowledge of the genome of L. coffeella will contribute to improving pest identification and also clarify taxonomy of this microlepidoptera. L. coffeella DNA was extracted and sequenced using PacBio HiFi technology. Here we report the complete L. coffeella circular mitochondrial genome (16,407 bp) assembled using Aladin software. We found a total of 37 genes, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs) and an A + T rich-region and a D-loop. The L. coffeella mitochondrial gene organization is highly conserved with similarities to lepidopteran mitochondrial gene rearrangements (trnM-trnI-trnQ). We concatenated the 13 PCG to construct a phylogenetic tree and inferred the relationship between L. coffeella and other lepidopteran species. L. coffeella is found in the Lyonetiidae clade together with L. malifoliella and Lyonetia clerkella, both leaf miners. Interestingly, this clade is assigned in the Yponomeutoidea superfamily together with Gracillariidae, and both superfamilies displayed species with leaf-mining feeding habits.

Does GnRH treatment at TAI regardless of estrus occurrence increase pregnancy rate in crossbred Bos taurus suckled cows?

The impact of GnRH treatment on the day of TAI in beef cows has received limited investigation, especially concerning its association with estrus expression. Consequently, two experiments were conducted to assess the potential of GnRH treatment on the day of TAI to enhance fertility according to the expression or not of estrus in beef cows. Experiment 1 aimed to determine ovulation rate and luteal function, while Experiment 2 aimed to determine the effect of the two GnRH treatment approaches on pregnancy rate. In Experiment 1, multiparous Brangus suckling cows (n = 17) were submitted to an 8-day TAI protocol. Estrus occurrence was evaluated based on chalk removal on D10 (TAI) and cows were assigned to receive GnRH (25µg lecirelin; im) according to the group: GnRH (n = 7), regardless of estrus expression; or selectGnRH (n = 10), only cows not detected in estrus. Ovulation rate occurring until 77h after IVD removal did not differ (p = 0.17) between GnRH (85.7%; 6/7) and selectGnRH (100%; 10/10). Also, corpus luteum size and serum progesterone concentration were not affected (p>0.05) by treatments. In Experiment 2, crossbred taurine suckled cows (n = 384) were submitted to the same protocol as described in Experiment 1 and were randomly allocated to GnRH or selectGnRH groups. There was no difference in P/AI between groups (selectGnRH = 55.6%; GnRH = 54.3%; p = 0.7) 30 days after TAI. As expected, there was a pronounced effect (p<0.0001) of estrus expression on P/AI (Estrus = 61.5%; No estrus = 33.0%), regardless of group. In summary, ovulation timing and rate and luteal function did not differ between groups. Also, GnRH administration only in cows that do not show estrus is recommended, considering hormone savings and similar conception rate.

Social Change and Race-Specific Homicide Trajectories: An Age-Period-Cohort Analysis.

Objectives: Social change and the aging process are racially bifurcated in the United States, where Black and White populations have long lived in divergent social worlds. This study examines the cohort patterns and life-course trajectories of Black and White homicide involvement over the past four decades. Data and Methods: The study uses data from the Supplemental Homicide Reports and Age-Period-Cohort-Interaction (APC-I) models to analyze race-specific trends of (alleged) homicide offending and victimization between 1976 and 2018 in the U.S. Results: Results reveal similar patterns in the age, period, and cohort effects on Black and White homicide involvement. However, while the shapes of these trajectories are comparable, the volatility in cohort effects on homicide is much more accentuated for Black cohorts than White cohorts. We also find racial differences for cohorts born after 1990, with a downward cohort pattern among the White group but a flat cohort trend among the Black group. Conclusions: Findings suggest that Black cohorts' homicide involvement is more susceptible than White cohorts' to the influence of external social changes (e.g., economic downturn, the crack epidemic). In addition, an increasing racial gap between Black and White populations is found among the recent birth cohorts. Possible mechanisms are discussed.

Effects of two oral electrolyte solutions in healthy newborn lambs.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of two oral electrolyte solutions (OES), commercialized for the hydration of calves, on the water, electrolyte, and acid-base balance of newborn lambs. Twenty healthy crossbred Santa Inês lambs, 10 days old, 4-5 kg of body weight (BW), and fed on mother's milk, were included. The OES tested were slightly hyposmolar (OES 1: 279 mOsm/L; and OES 2: 283 mOsm/L) and had an alkalizing potential with an effective strong ion difference (SID3) of 76 mmol/L (OES 1) and 58 mmol/L (OES 2). In a crossover design, all lambs received the two OES, one at a time, with an interval of 7 days. On the day of treatment, the lambs received a volume corresponding to 5% of BW administered by esophageal tube at 0 and 6 h. Physical examinations were performed and venous blood samples were taken at 0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h. Packed cell volume, total plasma protein, pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide, bicarbonate ion, base excess, sodium (Na+), potassium, chloride (Cl-), SID3, L-lactate, glucose, anion gap, total concentration of non-volatile weak acids, and percentage change in plasma volume were measured. Data were analyzed by two-way repeated measures ANOVA. OES caused iatrogenic imbalances characterized by expansion of plasma volume, change in the Na+ and Cl- ratio with increase in plasma SID3, and strong ion metabolic alkalosis. These imbalances were mostly reversed 24 h after the start of treatment and did not differ (P > 0.05) between the two tested OES. The absence of side effects indicates that the tested commercial OES are safe for use in newborn lambs. Further studies are needed to prove the therapeutic efficacy of these OES in dehydrated sick lambs with metabolic acidosis.

Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation in Animal Model Studies: From Neural Mechanisms to Biological Effects for Analgesia.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic and meta-analysis review evaluated the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)-induced action mechanisms for animal analgesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two independent investigators identified relevant articles published until February 2021 through a literature review, and a random-effects meta-analysis was performed to synthesize the results. RESULTS: Of the 6984 studies found in the data base search, 53 full-text articles were selected and used in the systematic review. Most studies used Sprague Dawley rats (66.03%). High-frequency TENS was applied to at least one group in 47 studies, and most applications were performed for 20 minutes (64.15%). Mechanical hyperalgesia was analyzed as the primary outcome in 52.83% of the studies and thermal hyperalgesia in 23.07% of studies using a heated surface. More than 50% of the studies showed a low risk of bias on allocation concealment, random housing, selective outcome reporting, and acclimatization before the behavioral tests. Blinding was not performed in only one study and random outcome assessment in another study; acclimatization before the behavioral tests was not performed in just one study. Many studies had an uncertain risk of bias. Meta-analyses indicated no difference between low-frequency and high-frequency TENS with variations among the pain models. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that TENS has presented a substantial scientific foundation for its hypoalgesic effect in preclinical studies for analgesia.

3D-printed and conventional provisional single crown fabrication on anterior implants: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to compare provisional single crowns on anterior implants made using conventional PMMA and 3D-printed workflows. The study assessed the occurrence of failures, color variation, signs of early deterioration, operating time, and patients' satisfaction with the treatment through a randomized controlled trial. METHODS: This study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial, following the SPIRIT and CONSORT guidelines. Patients were included in the study after meeting the eligibility criteria and were randomly assigned to one of two groups (conventional and 3D-printed). FDI criteria, visible plaque index (VPI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and color variation were considered as the primary outcomes. Operating time and patient satisfaction were also assessed as secondary outcomes. Fisher's exact test was performed to analyze the association between the primary and secondary outcomes and the study groups. Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the mean VAS satisfaction scores between the conventional PMMA and 3D-printed groups (STATA 14™, with an α = 0.05). RESULTS: A total of 42 provisional single crowns (n = 21) were made for 33 patients. Only the fracture parameter (FDI) showed a statistically significant difference, with 3D-printed provisionals exhibiting higher rates of catastrophic failures compared to conventional ones (p = 0.05). Although the operating time for the 3D-printed group was shorter (p < 0.001), no statistical difference observed in patients' satisfaction regarding esthetics, phonetics, chewing, or comfort. SIGNIFICANCE: 3D-printed and conventional PMMA provisional single crowns showed comparable clinical performance, except for the observed fracture types. Although 3D-printed provisional restorations showed a shorter operating time, overall patients' satisfaction was not affected.

Calculating herbage utilization and intake by dairy cows under subtropical conditions using conventional field measurement techniques or the HerbValo method.

This study aimed to evaluate the HerbValo method in comparison to conventional field measurement techniques as a tool for estimating the herbage utilization and dry matter (DM) intake by grazing dairy cows under subtropical conditions. It was carried out during 18 months in a commercial farm of Southern Brazil. The herbage utilization was estimated monthly in two to four randomly selected paddocks (total n = 40) using the rising-plate meter or the double-sampling technique. In parallel, the herbage utilization was estimated by the HerbValo method, which is based on simple descriptions of the herd, supplements, pasture and grazing management. Values of herbage utilization estimated by field techniques were linearly (P < 0.01) related to those estimated by HerbValo, with no effect of pasture type (tropical vs. temperate) on the origin or on the slope of the regression (slope = 0.97; origin = -0.1; R2 = 0.81; rsd = 0.17 t DM/ha). At cow × day level, values of herbage intake estimated by field techniques were also linearly related to those estimated by HerbValo (P < 0.01; R2 = 0.82; rsd = 1.30 kg DM/cow/day). A negative linear relationship (P < 0.01) between herbage and supplement intake was obtained for both field (slope = -1.06; R2 = 0.72; rsd = 1.64) and HerbValo (slope = -0.92; R2 = 0.82; rsd = 1.08) approaches. Herbage utilization and intake by a dairy herd in a subtropical grazing-based system can be reliably estimated by the HerbValo method with the advantage of not requiring direct field pasture measurements.

Low-intensity resistance training promotes a reduction of mechanical hyperalgesia and increase of muscle strength in rats submitted to the diffused chronic muscle pain model / Treinamento resistido de baixa intensidade promove redução da hiperalgesia mecânica e aumento da força muscular em ratos submetidos ao modelo de dor crônica muscular difusa

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is characterized by different factors, such as chronic diffuse muscle pain (CDMP), fatigue and psycho-emotional changes. Among the animal models that mimic FMS, the acid saline model is consolidated in the development and maintenance of CDMP. Resistance training (RT) has been an effective method for reducing pain in FMS. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of resistance training on nociceptive and motor responses in an animal model of chronic diffuse muscular pain. METHODS: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were allocated into four groups: resistance training, RT control, amitriptyline (AMITRIP) and AMITRIP control; all treatment protocols lasted 4 weeks. CDMP was induced in all mice. Then, the animals were treated with low-intensity RT (40% 1 maximum repetition) and AMITRIP (10 mg/kg/day). The mechanical paw withdrawal threshold, locomotor activity and muscle strength were evaluated. RESULTS: Animals treated with both RT and AMITRIP showed an increase in the mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (p<0.05) compared to their controls, suggesting a reduction in mechanical hyperalgesia. There was no improvement in locomotor activity in all groups (p>0.05). Animals with CDMP that underwent RT showed an increase in hindlimb muscle strength (p<0.0001) compared to the RT control group. CONCLUSION: Low-intensity resistance training resulted in antihyperalgesic effects and improved muscle strength in animals submitted to the CDMP model.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A síndrome da fibromialgia (SFM) é caracterizada por diferentes fatores, como dor crônica muscular difusa (DCMD), fadiga e alterações psicoemocionais. Dentre os modelos animais que mimetizam a SFM, o modelo de salina ácida é consolidado no desenvolvimento e na manutenção da DCMD. O treinamento resistido (TR) tem sido um método eficaz para redução da dor na SFM. Assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do TR na resposta nociceptiva e motora em modelo animal de dor crônica muscular difusa. MÉTODOS: Vinte e quatro ratos machos Wistar foram alocados em quatro grupos: treinamento resistido (TR), controle do TR, amitriptilina (AMITRIP) e controle da AMITRIP, todos os protocolos de tratamento tiveram duração de 4 semanas. A DCMD foi induzida em todos os ratos. Em seguida, os animais foram tratados com TR de baixa intensidade (40% 1 repetição máxima) e AMITRIP (10 mg/kg/dia). Foram avaliados o limiar mecânico de retirada de pata, a atividade locomotora e a força muscular. RESULTADOS: Animais tratados tanto com TR quanto com AMITRIP apresentaram aumento do limiar mecânico de retirada de pata (p<0,05) em relação aos seus controles, sugerindo redução da hiperalgesia mecânica. Não foi observada melhora da atividade locomotora em todos os grupos (p>0,05). Animais com DCMD que realizaram TR obtiveram aumento da força muscular dos membros posteriores (p<0,0001) em comparação ao grupo controle do TR. CONCLUSÃO: Treinamento resistido de baixa intensidade resultou em efeitos anti-hiperalgésicos e melhora da força muscular em animais submetidos ao modelo de DCMD.

Phylogeography of Drosophila buzzatii (Diptera, Drosophilidae): responses of the species to Quaternary climates in tropical and subtropical South America.

Drosophila buzzatii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is a fly that breeds exclusively on decaying tissues of cacti species widely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas of South America. This distribution includes biomes in distinct climatic regimes (e.g., seasonal rain forest, semi-arid scrubs, savannas, and grasslands), which at first glance could might give the false impression that the species is not sensitive to either climate or vegetation physiognomies. However, detection of historical demographic events within D. buzzatii reveal the interplay between climate and the population structure of the species as the Late Quaternary climate changes occurred. To understand this process, we performed a phylogeographic analysis based on sequences of the mitochondrial gene COI for 128 individuals from 43 localities. Our analyses combined coalescent methods, population genetics, and paleodistributions estimation methods. Our study reveals that the COI haplotype diversity is geographically structured, with a decreasing cline from north to south. The results suggest an ancient range expansion, dated from 610k to 550k years before present, in the northernmost region of the species distribution, the Caatinga vegetation. More recently, an intense gene flow and a population expansion were detected in the central and south portions of its distribution. The demographic events detected date back to the glacial periods of the Quaternary.

Natural parasitism of the coffee leaf miner: climate factors, insecticide, and landscape affecting parasitoid diversity and their ecosystem services in coffee agroecosystems.

Climate factors, pesticides, and landscape in coffee agroecosystems directly affect the populations of the coffee leaf miner and its parasitoids. This study aimed to investigate the effects of climate factors, insecticide use, and landscape on natural parasitism, parasitoid diversity, and infestation of L. coffeella in coffee plantations in the Planalto region, Bahia, Brazil. Mined leaves were collected monthly in six coffee plantations with varying edge density, vegetation cover, landscape diversity in scales of 500 to 3000 m of radius, insecticide use, and climate factors. Closterocerus coffeellae, and Proacrias coffeae (Eulophidae) predominated in the pest's natural parasitism. Our record is the first for the occurrence of Stiropius reticulatus, Neochrysocharis sp. 1, Neochrysocharis sp. 2, and Zagrammosoma sp. in Bahia. Higher temperature and larger forest cover increased the coffee leaf miner infestation. Higher rainfall values, insecticide use, and landscape diversity decreased the pest infestations. Natural parasitism and species diversity are favoured by increase in temperature, forest cover, and edge density, while increase in rainfall, insecticide use, and landscape diversity lead them to decrease.The natural parasitism and diversity of parasitoid species of the coffee leaf miner have been enhancing in the areas with greater forest cover and edge density associated with low use of insecticides. The areas composed of different lands with annual croplands surrounding the coffee plantations showed less natural parasitism and parasitoid species diversity. The ecosystem services provided by C. coffeellae and P. coffeae in coffee crops areas require conservation and these species are potential bioproducts for applied biological control programmes.

Interference of tritrophic (grape × medfly × parasitoid) interactions by mineral and biomaterial films.

Fruit fly infestation is one of the main obstacles to the exportation of fresh agricultural produce. Films of mineral particles and biomaterials have the potential to protect fruits against tephritid fruit fly infestation. The present study evaluated the effects of particle films on the tritrophic interactions of grape (Vitis vinifera L.), the fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) and the parasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) under semi-field conditions. Grapes were biometrically characterised (i.e. colour, firmness, mass, length and diameter), treated with mineral particles, biomaterials or distilled water (control), and then used in oviposition and parasitism bioassays. In the oviposition bioassay, the treated grapes were exposed to 50 C. capitata pairs in field cages, and after 48 h, the punctures and eggs on each fruit were counted. In the parasitism bioassay, treated grapes were artificially infested with third-instar C. capitata larvae (two per fruit), exposed (2 h) to 50 D. longicaudata pairs in field cages to determine parasitism index, larval and pupal viabilities and number of flies and parasitoids emerged. Treatment with the mineral film affected fruit colour and reduced C. capitata oviposition but failed to significantly affect the parasitism capacity of D. longicaudata. The ability of the parasitoid to locate and parasitise C. capitata larvae in kaolin-coated fruits suggests that kaolin films could be used in conjunction with biological agents to control fruit flies.

Functionalized activated carbon as support for trypsin immobilization and its application in casein hydrolysis.

This study aimed to immobilize trypsin on activated carbon submitted to different surface modifications and its application in casein hydrolysis. With the aim of determining which support can promote better maintenance of the immobilized enzyme. Results showed that pH 5.0 was obtained as optimal for immobilization and pH 9.0 for the casein hydrolysis reaction for activated carbon and glutaraldehyde functionalized carbon. Among the supports used, activated carbon modified with iron ions in the presence of a chelating agent was the one that showed best results, under the conditions evaluated in this study. Presenting an immobilization yield of 95.15% and a hydrolytic activity of 4.11 U, same as soluble enzyme (3.76 U). This derivative kept its activity stable at temperatures above 40 °C for1 h and when stored for 30 days at 5 °C. Furthermore, it was effective for more than 6 reuse cycles (under the same conditions as the 1st cycle). In general, immobilization of trypsin on metallized activated carbon can be an alternative to biocatalysis, highlighting the advantages of protease immobilization.