Antibiofilm effect of mono-rhamnolipids and di-rhamnolipids on carbon steel submitted to oil produced water.

The objective of this study was to compare the potential of mono-rhamnolipids (mono-RML) and di-rhamnolipids (di-RML) against biofilm formation on carbon steel coupons submitted to oil produced water for 14 days. The antibiofilm effect of the RML on the coupons was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and by epifluorescence microscopy, and the contact angle was measured using a goniometer. SEM analysis results showed that all RML congeners had effective antibiofilm action, as well as preliminary anticorrosion evaluation confirmed that all RML congeners prevented the metal deterioration. In more detail, epifluorescence microscopy showed that mono-RML were the most efficient congeners in preventing microorganism's adherence on the carbon steel metal. Image analyses indicate the presence of 15.9%, 3.4%, and <0.1% of viable particles in di-RML, mono/di-RML and mono-RML pretreatments, respectively, in comparison to control samples. Contact angle results showed that the crude carbon steel coupon presented hydrophobic character favoring hydrophobic molecules adhesion. We calculated the theoretical polarity of the RML congeners and verified that mono-RML (log P = 3.63) presented the most hydrophobic character. This had perfect correspondence to contact angle results, since mono-RML conditioning (58.2°) more significantly changed the contact angle compared with the conditioning with one of the most common surfactants used on oil industry (29.4°). Based on the results, it was concluded that rhamnolipids are efficient molecules to be used to avoid biofilm on carbon steel metal when submitted to oil produced water and that a higher proportion of mono-rhamnolipids is more indicated for this application.

Effect of different exposure times on physicochemical, mechanical and biological properties of PGS scaffolds treated with plasma of iodine-doped polypyrrole.

Polyglycerol sebacate (PGS) scaffolds obtained using a leaching technique were modified with iodine-doped polypyrrole (PPy-I) in a plasma reactor in order to study the effect of exposure time on the cell viability of hDPSCs. SEM analysis showed the formation and growth of PPy-I particles as the exposure time was increased, while FTIR and XPS analysis revealed the presence of -NH- and N+ groups in the chemical composition of the surfaces, relating to the increase in the amount of PPY-I particles. The water contact angle measurements showed an increase in the scaffold's hydrophilicity with greater exposure times which was also attributed to the rising of PPy-I particles. It was also observed that PPy-I promotes the rigidity of the treated PGS scaffolds. when in direct contact with treated PGS scaffolds, cell viability improved with respect to non-treated scaffolds, however only at shorter time exposures. Extracts of plasma-treated PGS scaffolds showed high cytotoxicity as the time exposure to plasma treatment was increased.

Comparison of mono-rhamnolipids and di-rhamnolipids on microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) applications.

Rhamnolipids (RMLs) have more effectiveness for specific uses according to their homologue proportions. Thus, the novelty of this work was to compare mono-RMLs and di-RMLs physicochemical properties on microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) applications. For this, RML produced by three strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa containing different homologues proportion were used: a mainly mono-RMLs producer (mono-RMLs); a mainly di-RMLs producer (di-RMLs), and the other one that produces relatively balanced amounts of mono-RML and di-RML homologues (mono/di-RML). For mono-RML, the most abundant molecules were Rha-C10 C10 (m/z 503.3), for di-RML were RhaRha-C10 C10 (m/z 649.4) and for Mono/di-RML were Rha-C10 C10 (m/z 503.3) and RhaRha-C10 C10 (m/z 649.4). All RMLs types presented robustness under high temperature and variation of salinity and pH, and high ability for oil displacement, foam stability, wettability reversal and were classified as safe for environment according to the European Union Directive No. 67/548/EEC. For all these properties, it was observed a highlight for mono-RML. Mono-RML presented the lowest surface tension (26.40 mN/m), interfacial tension (1.14 mN/m), and critical micellar concentration (CMC 27.04 mg/L), the highest emulsification index (EI24 100%) and the best wettability reversal (100% with 25 ppm). In addition, mono-RML showed the best acute toxicity value (454 mg/L), making its application potential even more attractive. Based on the results, it was concluded that all RMLs homologues studied have potential for MEOR applications. However, results showed that mono-RML stood out and have the best mechanism of oil incorporation in micelles due their most effective surface-active physicochemical features.

Regenerative Potential of Various Soft Polymeric Scaffolds in the Temporomandibular Joint Condyle.

PURPOSE: Biodegradable polymeric scaffolds have been used for tissue engineering approaches and can be used to regenerate temporomandibular joint (TMJ) tissues. Synthetic acellular polymeric poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) scaffolds and natural scaffolds made from gelatin are polymeric scaffold sponges that could provide a substrate for cell infiltration and remodeling. The authors studied the regenerative potential of these 2 scaffolds in addition to a bioactive signal, magnesium (Mg), in a novel fibrocartilage defect model in the goat mandibular condylar cartilage (MCC). Furthermore, in a departure from the pig model, the authors have started to develop the goat as a repeatable surgical model with easy access into the joint space in skeletally mature animals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bilateral osteochondral defects were created in the mandibular condyle of mature female Spanish Boer goats. A 1-mm diameter drill was used to create a trough defect on the articular surface. Four groups were evaluated: 1) an empty control without an implant, 2) PGS with Mg ions, 3) gelatin with Mg ions, and 4) gelatin with Mg ions and trimagnesium phosphate (TMP) powder. Goats were allowed to heal for 3 months, and then the tissues were harvested. RESULTS: The empty control group showed a thin fibrous layer growing within the defect. The PGS and gelatin sponge groups showed a cartilage layer with glycosaminoglycan and collagen type II and robust regeneration of the fibrous layer as exhibited by cell infiltration and collagen in the defect. TMP in the gelatin did not degrade and seemed to hamper healing. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that synthetic and natural sponges can provide a template for new tissue growth in the MCC of the TMJ. Furthermore, this study is the first to attempt to develop the goat as an in vivo TMJ tissue regeneration model.

Yeasts from Canastra cheese production process: Isolation and evaluation of their potential for cheese whey fermentation.

Canastra cheese is a cheese with geographical indication recognized by the Brazilian National Institute of Industrial Protection under number IG201002. It is produced in seven municipalities in the state of Minas Gerais in a region called Serra da Canastra. In this work, samples of milk, "pingo" (natural starter), whey and Canastra cheese were collected on a farm in Medeiros-MG/Brazil to evaluate the yeast microbiota and select yeasts for whey fermentation to produce ethanol and volatile aromatic compounds of relevance in the production of cheese. Thirty-nine isolates capable of fermenting lactose in a synthetic medium were identified by MALDI-TOF as Kluyveromyces lactis (29), Torulaspora delbrueckii (7) and Candida intermedia (3). Eleven isolates of K. lactis and three of T. delbrueckii efficiently fermented lactose until 4th day, and due to this reason were selected for cheese whey fermentation with Brix 12, 14 and 18. Generally, the isolates T. delbrueckii B14, B35, and B20 and K. lactis B10 were the most effective regardless of the initial Brix value. The identification of these four isolates by MALDI TOF was confirmed by sequencing of the ITS region. In the fermentation of cheese whey 14 Brix, T. delbrueckii B14 and B35, respectively yielded 24.06g/L and 16.45g/L of ethanol, while K. lactis B10 was more efficient in the consumption of lactose. In sequential culture with K. lactis B10 inoculated 48h after T. delbrueckii B14, 97.82% of the total sugars were consumed resulting in the production of 19.81g/L ethanol and 39 aromatic volatile compounds. The most abundant compounds were 3-methyl-1-butanol, octanoic acid and ethyl decanoate, which are reported as important for the aroma and flavor of cheeses. Based in our results, B10 isolate inoculated 48h after B14 isolate is a promising yeast inoculum to be used for fermentation of dairy substrates.

Volatiles Mediating Parasitism of Euschistus conspersus and Halyomorpha halys Eggs by Telenomus podisi and Trissolcus erugatus.

This study identified chemicals found on the eggs of two stink bug species, one native to western North America, Euschistus conspersus, and an invasive species from Asia, Halyomorpha halys. The responses of two scelionid egg parasitoids, Trissolcus erugatus and Telenomus podisi, toward natural stink bug egg volatiles, and synthetic reconstructions of egg volatiles, were tested in bioassays. A compound, methyl (2E,4Z)-2,4-decadienoate, previously identified as the major component of the male-produced aggregation pheromone of E. conspersus, was the major volatile identified from extracts of E. conspersus eggs. In contrast, for H. halys, the sesquiterpenoids that compose the male-produced aggregation pheromone of this species were not detected on eggs, whereas the presence of hexadecanal, octadecanal, and eicosanal was detected. In laboratory olfactometer tests, both Tr. erugatus and Te. podisi females were attracted to extracts of E. conspersus eggs, and to synthetic methyl (2E,4Z)-2,4-decadienoate. However, female Tr. erugatus and Te. podisi wasps were repelled, both by extracts of H. halys eggs and by a blend of the aldehydes identified from H. halys eggs. A follow-up field study, using hexane-washed and intact E. conspersus as sentinel eggs, showed that the parasitoids Trissolcus erugatus and Gryon obesum emerged from these eggs. Sentinel hexane-washed eggs treated with 3 ng of methyl (2E,4Z)-2,4-decadienoate were parasitized more by these two species than were hexane-washed or unwashed eggs, whereas hexane-washed eggs treated with a comparable dose of the C16,18,20 aldehyde mixture were avoided by these parasitoids. In a further field experiment, Trissolcus basalis was the primary parasitoid found in sticky traps baited with methyl (2E,4Z)-2,4-decadienoate, indicating that this species was attracted to, but either did not oviposit or develop in the E. conspersus sentinel eggs in the previous experiment.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027 is a non-virulent strain suitable for mono-rhamnolipids production.

Rhamnolipids produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa are biosurfactants with a high biotechnological potential, but their extensive commercialization is limited by the potential virulence of P. aeruginosa and by restrictions in producing these surfactants in heterologous hosts. In this work, we report the characterization of P. aeruginosa strain ATCC 9027 in terms of its genome-sequence, virulence, antibiotic resistance, and its ability to produce mono-rhamnolipids when carrying plasmids with different cloned genes from the type strain PAO1. The genes that were expressed from the plasmids are those coding for enzymes involved in the synthesis of this biosurfactant (rhlA and rhlB), as well as the gene that codes for the RhlR transcriptional regulator. We confirm that strain ATCC 9027 forms part of the PA7 clade, but contrary to strain PA7, it is sensitive to antibiotics and is completely avirulent in a mouse model. We also report that strain ATCC 9027 mono-rhamnolipid synthesis is limited by the expression of the rhlAB-R operon. Thus, this strain carrying the rhlAB-R operon produces similar rhamnolipids levels as PAO1 strain. We determined that strain ATCC 9027 with rhlAB-R operon was not virulent to mice. These results show that strain ATCC 9027, expressing PAO1 rhlAB-R operon, has a high biotechnological potential for industrial mono-rhamnolipid production.

Efeito de vitaminas e esterol como aditivos foliares no desenvolvimento de Bombyx mori L. e influência do modo de aplicação / Effect of vitamins and sterol as foliar additives in the development of Bombyx mori L. and influence of the application mode

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos e os métodos de aplicação dos aditivos foliares decanoato de nandrolona (esteroide anabolizante) a 0,5%, ácido ascórbico (vitamina C) a 0,5%, palmitato de retinol (vitamina A) a 0,5% e acetato de retinol (vitamina A) a 1,0% em alguns parâmetros biológicos do bicho-da-seda. No experimento do modo de aplicação (pulverização foliar antes do fornecimento, depois do fornecimento e por imersão antes do fornecimento) foram utilizados: decanoato de nandrolona 0,5%; ácido ascórbico 0,5%; e palmitato de retinol 0,5%. No ensaio de desenvolvimento do inseto foram avaliados: duração e viabilidade larval; peso de casulo; taxa de encasulamento; teor líquido de seda; longevidade de adultos; número de ovos por fêmea; e duração do período de subida ao bosque. Para o modo de aplicação determinaram-se: ganho de peso, comprimento, diâmetro do tórax e diâmetro do abdome de lagartas de 5º ínstar, assim como comprimento, diâmetro e peso de glândula sericígena. Os resultados mostraram que, apesar de o ácido ascórbico proporcionar os melhores valores para o desenvolvimento corpóreo das lagartas, este não corresponde a incrementos significativos na produção; o palmitato de retinol não melhora o desenvolvimento das lagartas; o acetato de retinol e o palmitato de retinol prolongam o período larval, sem, no entanto, alterar significativamente os parâmetros de produção; a imersão de folhas antes do fornecimento às lagartas é mais viável para a aplicação dos aditivos.(AU)

The present study was aimed to evaluate the effects of different methods of foliar application of the additives nandrolone decanoate (anabolic steroid) 0,5%; ascorbic acid (vitamin C) 0,5%; retinol palmitate (vitamin A) 0,5%; and retinol acetate (vitamin A) 1,0% on some biological parameters of the silkworm. The experiment of application method (foliar spray prior to delivery, after delivery and soaking before feeding) used: nandrolone decanoate 0.5%, ascorbic acid 0.5%, and retinol palmitate 0.5%. The test of insect development evaluated: duration and larval viability, weight of cocoon, cocooning rate, liquid silk content, adult longevity, number of eggs per female and rising up time. For the application of foliar additives, the following were determined: weight gain, length, diameter and abdomen diameter of fifth instar larvae, and length, diameter and weight of silk gland. The results showed that although ascorbic acid provided the best value for the development of the caterpillars body, it did not correspond to significant increase in production; retinol palmitate did not affect the larvae body development; retinol acetate and retinol palmitate prolong the larval period, without, however, significantly altering the production parameters. The immersion method of leaves before being delivered to the caterpillars is the most feasible for the foliar application of additives.(AU)

Efeito de vitaminas e esterol como aditivos foliares no desenvolvimento de Bombyx mori L. e influência do modo de aplicação / Effect of vitamins and sterol as foliar additives in the development of Bombyx mori L. and influence of the application mode

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos e os métodos de aplicação dos aditivos foliares decanoato de nandrolona (esteroide anabolizante) a 0,5%, ácido ascórbico (vitamina C) a 0,5%, palmitato de retinol (vitamina A) a 0,5% e acetato de retinol (vitamina A) a 1,0% em alguns parâmetros biológicos do bicho-da-seda. No experimento do modo de aplicação (pulverização foliar antes do fornecimento, depois do fornecimento e por imersão antes do fornecimento) foram utilizados: decanoato de nandrolona 0,5%; ácido ascórbico 0,5%; e palmitato de retinol 0,5%. No ensaio de desenvolvimento do inseto foram avaliados: duração e viabilidade larval; peso de casulo; taxa de encasulamento; teor líquido de seda; longevidade de adultos; número de ovos por fêmea; e duração do período de subida ao bosque. Para o modo de aplicação determinaram-se: ganho de peso, comprimento, diâmetro do tórax e diâmetro do abdome de lagartas de 5º ínstar, assim como comprimento, diâmetro e peso de glândula sericígena. Os resultados mostraram que, apesar de o ácido ascórbico proporcionar os melhores valores para o desenvolvimento corpóreo das lagartas, este não corresponde a incrementos significativos na produção; o palmitato de retinol não melhora o desenvolvimento das lagartas; o acetato de retinol e o palmitato de retinol prolongam o período larval, sem, no entanto, alterar significativamente os parâmetros de produção; a imersão de folhas antes do fornecimento às lagartas é mais viável para a aplicação dos aditivos.(AU)

The present study was aimed to evaluate the effects of different methods of foliar application of the additives nandrolone decanoate (anabolic steroid) 0,5%; ascorbic acid (vitamin C) 0,5%; retinol palmitate (vitamin A) 0,5%; and retinol acetate (vitamin A) 1,0% on some biological parameters of the silkworm. The experiment of application method (foliar spray prior to delivery, after delivery and soaking before feeding) used: nandrolone decanoate 0.5%, ascorbic acid 0.5%, and retinol palmitate 0.5%. The test of insect development evaluated: duration and larval viability, weight of cocoon, cocooning rate, liquid silk content, adult longevity, number of eggs per female and rising up time. For the application of foliar additives, the following were determined: weight gain, length, diameter and abdomen diameter of fifth instar larvae, and length, diameter and weight of silk gland. The results showed that although ascorbic acid provided the best value for the development of the caterpillars body, it did not correspond to significant increase in production; retinol palmitate did not affect the larvae body development; retinol acetate and retinol palmitate prolong the larval period, without, however, significantly altering the production parameters. The immersion method of leaves before being delivered to the caterpillars is the most feasible for the foliar application of additives.(AU)

Repair of critical-sized bone defects with anti-miR-31-expressing bone marrow stromal stem cells and poly(glycerol sebacate) scaffolds.

The repair of critical-sized defects (CSDs) is a significant challenge in bone tissue engineering. Combining the use of progenitor cells with gene therapy represents a promising approach for bone regeneration. MicroRNAs play important roles in most gene regulatory networks, regulate the endogenous expression of multiple growth factors and simultaneously modulate stem cell differentiation. Our previous study showed that knocking down miR-31 promotes the osteogenesis of bone marrow stromal stem cells (BMSCs). To investigate the therapeutic potential of cells engineered to express anti-miR-31 for CSD repair, lentiviral vectors encoding negative control, miR-31 precursor and anti-sense sequences were constructed and transduced into osteo-inductive BMSCs. The expression of osteogenic-specific genes, alkaline phosphatase activity and Alizarin Red S staining were investigated to evaluate the effects of miR-31 on the cell fate of BMSCs over a 3-week period. In addition, miR-31-modified BMSCs seeded on poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) scaffolds were used to repair 8 mm critical-sized calvarial defects in rats. The results showed that miR-31 suppression significantly increased the expression of osteogenic-specific genes in vitro at the mRNA and protein levels, and that robust new bone formation with high local bone mineral density was observed in the anti-miR groups in vivo. Moreover, the PGS scaffolds carrying anti-miR-31-expressing BMSCs exhibited good biocompatibility and a high regeneration rate (~60%) within in vivo bone defects. Our results suggest that miR-31 gene delivery affects the potential of BMSCs for osteogenic differentiation and bone regeneration and that PGS is a potential substrate for genetically modified, tissue-engineered bone in the repair of large bone defects.

Testis morphophysiology of rats treated with nandrolone decanoate and submitted to physical training / Morfofisiologia testicular de ratos tratados com decanoato de nandrolona e submetidos ao treinamento físico

The mammalian testis is a complex organ with endocrine and exocrine functions. It consists of seminiferous tubules where the production of the male gametes called spermatogenesis occurs. This process is influenced by a number of factors including the use of physical performance-enhancing drugs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the anabolic steroid nandrolone decanoate on the morphofunctional structure of testes in sedentary rats and rats subjected to moderate aerobic exercise training. Twenty-four male rats were divided into four experimental groups: sedentary control, sedentary treated, trained control and trained treated.The training lasted eight weeks and consisted of running on a programmable ergometer treadmill, tailored to train eight rats simultaneously. Treated animals received intramuscular injections of nandrolone decanoate (0.5 mg kg-1 body weight) during the last four weeks of physical training, while the control groups received intramuscular injections of vehicle (vegetable oil).The male reproductive system morphology showed that treatment with nandrolone decanoate, in both sedentary and trained rats, promoted morphological and functional changes that result in reduced efficiency of spermatogenesis.

O testículo de mamíferos é um órgão complexo com funções endócrinas e exócrinas. É composto por túbulos seminíferos, local onde ocorre a espermatogênese, processo de produção dos gametas masculinos. Este processo é influenciado por uma série de drogas potencializadoras do desempenho físico, que são utilizadas para melhorar a performance. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do anabolizante esteróide decanoato de nandrolona sobre a estrutura morfofuncional de testículos de ratos sedentários e submetidos ao treinamento físico aeróbico moderado. Foram utilizados vinte e quatro ratos machos divididos em quatro grupos experimentais: sedentário controle, sedentário tratado, treinado controle e treinado tratado. O treinamento teve duração de oito semanas e consistiu de corrida em esteira ergométrica programável, adaptada para treinar oito ratos simultaneamente. Os grupos tratados receberam injeção intramuscular de decanoato de nandrolona (0,5 mg kg -1) durante as quatro últimas semanas de treinamento físico, enquanto os grupos controles receberam injeção intramuscular do veículo (óleo vegetal). Os resultados mostraram que o tratamento com o decanoato de nandrolona, tanto em ratos sedentários como submetidos ao exercício físico, promove alterações morfofuncionais que resultam na redução da eficiência da espermatogênese.

(6R,10S)-Pallantione: the first ketone identified as sex pheromone in stink bugs.

This work describes the structural elucidation of the sex pheromone of the soybean stink bug, Pallantia macunaima. The biological activity of the synthetic pheromone was demonstrated by behavioral and EAD experiments. Furthermore, the absolute configuration of the natural pheromone was determined as (6R,10S)-6,10,13-trimethyltetradecan-2-one. This is the first ketone identified as a male-produced sex pheromone in Pentatomidae, and the trivial name, pallantione, was assigned to this novel pheromone molecule.

Toxicity of octanoate and decanoate in rat peripheral tissues: evidence of bioenergetic dysfunction and oxidative damage induction in liver and skeletal muscle.

The accumulation of octanoic (OA) and decanoic (DA) acids in tissue is the common finding in medium-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD), the most frequent defect of fatty acid oxidation. Affected patients present hypoketotic hypoglycemia, rhabdomyolysis, hepatomegaly, seizures and lethargy, which may progress to coma and death. At present, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying hepatic and skeletal muscle alterations in affected patients are poorly known. Therefore, in the present work, we investigated the in vitro effects of OA and DA, the accumulating metabolites in MCADD, on various bioenergetics and oxidative stress parameters. It was verified that OA and DA decreased complexes I-III, II-III and IV activities in liver and also inhibit complex IV activity in skeletal muscle. In addition, DA decreased complexes II-III activity in skeletal muscle. We also verified that OA and DA increased TBA-RS levels and carbonyl content in both tissues. Finally, DA, but not OA, significantly decreased GSH levels in rat skeletal muscle. Our present data show that the medium-chain fatty acids that accumulate in MCADD impair electron transfer through respiratory chain and elicit oxidative damage in rat liver and skeletal muscle. It may be therefore presumed that these mechanisms are involved in the pathophysiology of the hepatopathy and rhabdomyolysis presented by MCADD-affected patients.

Adicción a biperideno y síndrome anticolinérgico: a propósito de un caso / Biperiden addiction and anticholinergic syndrome: a case report

Se reporta el caso de un paciente de 46 años de edad, con diagnóstico de esquizofrenia, en tratamiento desde los 26 años, con trifluoperazina y decanoato de flufenazina y uso concomitante de biperideno por los efectos adversos, que desarrolló dependencia al biperideno llegando a tomar, en la última semana antes de su hospitalización 14 mg diarios. El día de su ingreso tomó 20 mg, desarrollando un cuadro compatible con síndrome anticolinérgico, que se complicó con hiponatremia severa, acidosis metabólica con alcalosis respiratoria, leucocitosis, fiebre y elevación de la creatinfosfoquinasa, por lo que la impresión diagnóstica inicial fue de síndrome neuroléptico maligno. Su evolución fue favorable, saliendo de alta a la semana.

We report the case of a 46-year-old man diagnosed with schizophrenia, treated with trifluoperazine and fluphenazine decanoate since he was 26 years old, with concomitant use of biperiden for adverse effects. He developed dependence to biperiden, taking in the last week, prior to his hospitalization, 14 mg daily. The day of his admission he took 20 mg, developing an anticholinergic syndrome, complicated with severe hyponatremia, metabolic acidosis with respiratory alkalosis, leukocytosis, fever and creatine phosphokinase elevation, due to this he was initially focused as a neuroleptic malignant syndrome. He had a favorable outcome; being discharged one week later.

Comparison of lures loaded with codlemone and pear ester for capturing codling moths, Cydia pomonella, in apple and pear orchards using mating disruption.

Abstract Studies were conducted in apple, Malus domestica Borkhausen and pear, Pyrus communis L. (Rosales: Rosaceae), orchards to evaluate the attractiveness of grey halobutyl septa loaded with 1 (L2) and 10 (Mega) mg of codlemone, 8E, 10E-dodecadien-1-ol, 3 mg of pear ester, ethyl (E,Z)-2,4-decadienoate (DA2313), and 3 mg of pear ester plus 3 mg of codlemone (Combo) to adult codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). All studies were conducted in orchards treated with pheromone mating disruption. All four lures were tested on diamond-shaped sticky traps placed in 60 plots of apple and 40 plots of pears in 2003/04, and in 62 plots of apples and 30 of pears in 2004–05. Combo lures attracted significantly more moths (males + females) than all the others in both years. Comparisons among flights showed significant differences mainly for flight 1 and 2, but not always for flight 3. Mega lures provided no significant improvement compared with L2 lures during both seasons regarding the total number of moths. Combo and DA2313 lures attracted fewer females than males during the whole season. For most sample dates, more virgin than mated females were attracted to Combo lures, except during the third flight, and the overall ratio was 60:40, although the difference was not statistically significant. We conclude that the Combo lures are better indicators of codling moth activity in pheromone treated orchards, regardless of pest population level, when compared with similar lures containing codlemone or pear ester alone.

Effect of the nandrolone decanoate on the efficiency of spermatogenesis of sedentary rats and rats subjected to physical training / Efeito do decanoato de nandrolona sobre a eficiência da espermatogênese de ratos sedentários e ratos submetidos a treinamento físico

Spermatogenesis is a complex, highly organized and coordinated process that results in the production of male gametes. This process is influenced by a number of drugs that enhance physical performance, which have been used mainly by young people, athletes or not, seeking to gain athletic performance or only a prominent social position. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the anabolic steroid nandrolone decanoate on the efficiency of spermatogenesis in sedentary rats and rats subjected to physical training. Twenty-four male rats were divided into four experimental groups: sedentary control, sedentary treated, trained control and trained treated. Treated animals received intramuscular injection of nandrolone decanoate (0.5 mg kg-1 body weight) during the last four weeks of physical training. The training program consisted of running on a programmable ergometer treadmill, tailored to train eight rats simultaneously, for nine weeks. We evaluated the morphological and morphoquantitative profiles of the male reproductive system. The results showed that the treatment causes a reduction in the efficiency of spermatogenesis; however, when associated with physical training, this compensates for the anabolic action, keeping the process of spermatogenesis within normality.

A espermatogênese é um processo complexo, altamente organizado e coordenado, que resulta na produção dos gametas masculinos. Este processo é influenciado por uma série de drogas potencializadoras do desempenho físico, as quais têm sido utilizadas principalmente, por jovens, atletas ou não, que buscam adquirir maior desempenho esportivo ou mesmo apenas uma posição de destaque na sociedade. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do anabolizante esteroide decanoato de nandrolona na eficiência da espermatogênese de ratos sedentários e submetidos ao treinamento físico. Foram utilizados 24 ratos machos divididos em quatro grupos experimentais: sedentário-controle, sedentário tratado, treinado-controle e treinado tratado. Os animais tratados receberam injeção intramuscular de decanoato de nandrolona (0,5 mg kg-1) durante as quatro últimas semanas de treinamento físico. O programa de treinamento consistiu de corrida em esteira ergométrica programável, adaptada para treinar oito ratos simultaneamente, durante nove semanas. Foi avaliado o perfil morfológico e morfoquantitativo do sistema reprodutor masculino. Os resultados demonstraram que o tratamento causa redução da eficiência da espermatogênese, no entanto, o treinamento físico quando associado compensa a ação do anabolizante, mantendo o processo de espermatogênese normal.

Sex attractant pheromone from the neotropical red-shouldered stink bug, Thyanta perditor (F.).

Olfactometer bioassays showed that odors from mature Thyanta perditor males attracted females but not males. Furthermore, odors from females did not attract either sex, indicating that like other phytophagous pentatomid bugs, the males produce a sex pheromone. Attraction appeared to peak in late afternoon to evening. The headspace volatiles collected from male and female T. perditor were analyzed by GC-MS and HPLC. A male-specific compound, methyl (2E,4Z,6Z)-decatrienoate (2E,4Z,6Z-10:COOMe), was identified along with a number of other compounds found in extracts from both sexes. Bioassays carried out with 2E,4Z,6Z-10:COOMe showed it was as attractive to females as the crude extract of male volatiles, suggesting that the male-produced sex pheromone consists of 2E,4Z,6Z-10:COOMe as a single component. Consecutive volatiles collections from males showed that 2E,4Z,6Z-10:COOMe began appearing in extracts from males about 9 d after the final molt, as the males became sexually mature.

Neurolepsia prolongada com decanoato de haloperidol no tratamento de dermatite psicogênica em um cão doméstico (Canis familiaris, 1758) / Long-term Neurolepsy with Haloperidol Decanoate in the Treatment of Psychogenic Dermatitis in a Domestic Dog (Canis Familiaris, 1758) / Neurolepsia de largo plazo con decanoato de haloperidol en el tratamiento de dermatitis psicogénica en un perro (canis familiaris 1758)

Relata-se o tratamento de um caso de dermatite psicogênica em um cão Rottweiler macho, com idade de 13 meses, pesando 42 kg. O paciente apresentava graves lesões dermatológicas devidas a auto-mutilação por lambedura, em ambas as regiões metatarsianas, e a anamnese indicava que o distúrbio psíquico tivesse origem no estresse provocado por uma mudança ambiental. Prescreveu-se tratamento com um neuroléptico de ação prolongada, o decanoato de haloperidol, com dose calculada por meio de extrapolação alométrica interespecífica, usando-se como modelo a dose total humana de 100 mg/70 kg. A dose total calculada para o cão de 42 kg foi de 70 mg, sendo administrada semanalmente, durante seis semanas. Já na segunda semana a recuperação era satisfatória, sendo que a cura completa foi obtida no 28º dia de tratamento. Mantido em observação por um período de seis meses, o paciente não apresentou quaisquer sinais de recidiva. Os resultados indicam que a droga apresenta excelentes perspectivas para o tratamento desta dermatopatia canina, e que o método de extrapolação alométrica interespecífica é plenamente eficiente no estabelecimento de protocolos posológicos individualizados.

ABSTRACT: This paper reports the results of the treatment of a 13 month-old male Rottweiler dog, weighing 42 kg, affected by psychogenic dermatitis. The patient presented serious cutaneous lesions due to self-licking, affecting both metatarsal areas. Anamnesis indicated that the psychic disturbance was caused by stress provoked by an environmental change. It was prescribed haloperidol decanoate, a long-acting neuroleptic, with dose calculated by interspecifi c allometric scaling, using as model the human total dose of 100 mg/70 kg. The total dose calculated for the 42 kg dog was 70 mg, and it was administered weekly for six weeks. Clinical recovery was already satisfactory in the second week, and complete cure was obtained in the 28th day of treatment. The patient was monitored by a six months period and did not present any relapsing signs. The results indicate that the drug presents excellent perspectives for the treatment of this canine skin disease, and that the method of interespecifi c allometric scaling is effi cient in the establishment of individualized therapeutic protocols.KEY WORDS: psychogenic dermatitis, neuroleptic, haloperidol decanoate, allometric scaling, dog

RESUMEN: Relata-se el tratamiento de un caso de dermatitis psicogénica en un perro Rottweiler macho, con edad de 13 meses y peso de 42 kg. El paciente presentaba graves lesiones dermatológicas debidas a auto-mutilación por lamedura, en ambas las regiones metatarsianas, y la anamnesia indicaba que la enfermedad tuviese origen en el estrés provocado por un cambio ambiental. Se prescribió tratamiento con un agente neuroléptico de acción prolongada, el decanoato de haloperidol, con dosis calculada por extrapolación alométrica interespecífi ca, se usando como modelo la dosis total humana de 100 mg/70 kg. La dosis total calculada para el perro de 42 kg fue de 70 mg, sendo administrada semanalmente, durante seis semanas. La recuperación clínica ya era satisfactoria en la segunda semana, y la cura completa se obtuvo en el vigésimo octavo día de tratamiento. El paciente fue supervisado por un periodo de seis meses y no presentó ninguna señal de retorno de la enfermedad. Los resultados indican que la droga presenta perspectivas excelentes para el tratamiento de esta enfermedad en perros, y que el método de extrapolación alométrica descascarar es en el establecimiento de protocolos terapéuticos individualizados.

Neurolepsia prolongada com decanoato de haloperidol no tratamento de dermatite psicogênica em um cão doméstico (Canis familiaris, 1758) / Long-term Neurolepsy with Haloperidol Decanoate in the Treatment of Psychogenic Dermatitis in a Domestic Dog (Canis Familiaris, 1758) / Neurolepsia de largo plazo con decanoato de haloperidol en el tratamiento de dermatitis psicogénica en un perro (Canis familiaris, 1758)

Relata-se o tratamento de um caso de dermatite psicogênica em um cão Rottweiler macho, com idade de 13 meses, pesando 42 kg. O paciente apresentava graves lesões dermatológicas devidas a auto-mutilação por lambedura, em ambas as regiões metatarsianas, e a anamnese indicava que o distúrbio psíquico tivesse origem no estresse provocado por uma mudança ambiental. Prescreveu-se tratamento com um neuroléptico de ação prolongada, o decanoato de haloperidol, com dose calculada por meio de extrapolação alométrica interespecífica, usando-se como modelo a dose total humana de 100 mg/70 kg. A dose total calculada para o cão de 42 kg foi de 70 mg, sendo administrada semanalmente, durante seis semanas. Já na segunda semana a recuperação era satisfatória, sendo que a cura completa foi obtida no 28º dia de tratamento. Mantido em observação por um período de seis meses, o paciente não apresentou quaisquer sinais de recidiva. Os resultados indicam que a droga apresenta excelentes perspectivas para o tratamento desta dermatopatia canina, e que o método de extrapolação alométrica interespecífica é plenamente eficiente no estabelecimento de protocolos posológicos individualizados.(AU)

This paper reports the results of the treatment of a 13 month-old male Rottweiler dog, weighing 42 kg, affected by psychogenic dermatitis. The patient presented serious cutaneous lesions due to self-licking, affecting both metatarsal areas. Anamnesis indicated that the psychic disturbance was caused by stress provoked by an environmental change. It was prescribed haloperidol decanoate, a long-acting neuroleptic, with dose calculated by interspecifi c allometric scaling, using as model the human total dose of 100 mg/70 kg. The total dose calculated for the 42 kg dog was 70 mg, and it was administered weekly for six weeks. Clinical recovery was already satisfactory in the second week, and complete cure was obtained in the 28th day of treatment. The patient was monitored by a six months period and did not present any relapsing signs. The results indicate that the drug presents excellent perspectives for the treatment of this canine skin disease, and that the method of interespecifi c allometric scaling is effi cient in the establishment of individualized therapeutic protocols.(AU)

Relata-se el tratamiento de un caso de dermatitis psicogénica en un perro Rottweiler macho, con edad de 13 meses y peso de 42 kg. El paciente presentaba graves lesiones dermatológicas debidas a auto-mutilación por lamedura, en ambas las regiones metatarsianas, y la anamnesia indicaba que la enfermedad tuviese origen en el estrés provocado por un cambio ambiental. Se prescribió tratamiento con un agente neuroléptico de acción prolongada, el decanoato de haloperidol, con dosis calculada por extrapolación alométrica interespecífi ca, se usando como modelo la dosis total humana de 100 mg/70 kg. La dosis total calculada para el perro de 42 kg fue de 70 mg, sendo administrada semanalmente, durante seis semanas. La recuperación clínica ya era satisfactoria en la segunda semana, y la cura completa se obtuvo en el vigésimo octavo día de tratamiento. El paciente fue supervisado por un periodo de seis meses y no presentó ninguna señal de retorno de la enfermedad. Los resultados indican que la droga presenta perspectivas excelentes para el tratamiento de esta enfermedad en perros, y que el método de extrapolación alométrica descascarar es en el establecimiento de protocolos terapéuticos individualizados.(AU)

Uso de esteróides andrógenos anabólicos por praticantes de atividade física das principais academias de Rechim e Passo Fundo/RS / Use of anabolic-androgenic steroids by sports practitioners attending the main gym centers in Erechim and Passo Fundo (Brazil)

Os esteróides andrógenos anabólicos (EAA) são substâncias quimicamente semelhantes à estosterona e que teriam a propriedade de aumentar a força e a massa muscular.Apesar de estarem associados a uma série deefeitos nocivos, principalmente sobre os sistemas cardiovascular, hepático e neuro-endócrino, verifica-se que o abuso de EAA tem aumentado consideravelmente nos últimos anos.No presente trabalho, o perfil dos praticantes de atividade física das academias de Erechim e Passo Fundo/RS e a incidência de uso de EAA foram verificados.Responderam aos questionários 418 praticantes de atividade física, de um total de 700 questionários distribuídos.A percentagem de uso foi de 6,5 por cento;todos usuários do sexo masculino, de uma população de 83 por cento de homens.O EAA mais utilizado foi o decanoato de nandrolona (35,29 por cento).Os EAA foram adquiridos em farmácias com receita médica (37,04 por cento).O perfil dos praticantes pode ser assim delineado: idade entre 21 e 25 anos, homens, estudantes universitários (62,67 por cento) e motivados por estética e ganho de força.Este estudo ressalta a necessidade de ações preventivas e educativas junto à população jovem.