POPULATION DENSITY OF THE HELMETED CURASSOW (PAUXI PAUXI) IN TAMA NATIONAL PARK, COLOMBIA

We estimated the population density of the Helmeted Curassow (Pauxi pauxi) in Tama National Park (TNP) Colombia, using visual counts between December 2006 and December 2008. We used six line transects (1 km each) equitably distributed in a natural forest between 800 and 1,200 m asl in the southern part of the park. The sampling effort was 588 hrs with a total distance of 490 km, a detection rate of 0.06 records/hr, and an encounter rate of 0.08 individuals/km. Only solitary individuals were recorded (n = 40); the estimated density was 4.8 individuals/km(2). Most detections occurred in the lower strata of the forest (floor and sub-canopy) where hunters take advantage of curassows in the lower strata for successful harvest. The southern sector of TNP becomes important in the dry season. Our study suggests a large population is in TNP, but harvesting activities including removal of eggs, chicks, and juveniles, and hunting adults are affecting the reproductive rate and population of the species. Received 6 June 2011. Accepted 2 February 2012.

Vertical growth of mini watermelon according to the training height and plant density

The watermelon is traditionally cultivated horizontally on the ground. The cultivars of small fruits (1 to 3 kg), which reach better market prices, are also being grown in a greenhouse, where the plants are trained upward on vertical supports, with branches pruning and fruits thinning. These practices make possible an increase of the plant density, fruit quality and yield compared to the traditional growth system. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the influence of three training heights (1.7, 2.2 and 2.7 m) and two planting densities (3.17 and 4.76 plants m-2) over the productive and qualitative characteristics of mini watermelon "Smile" cultivated in greenhouse. The pruning was done at 43, 55 and 66 days after transplanting (DAT), when the plant height reached 1.7, 2.2 and 2.7 m, respectively. The dry mass of branches, petioles, leaves and total were affected by the training height, where the highest values were obtained by the plants pruned at 2.2 and 2.7 m. Leaf area, specific leaf area and leaf area index were not affected by the height of the plants. The training height of 2.7 m raised the total yield, however, marketable yield, average fruit mass and all the quality characteristics did not differ significantly from those obtained by the training height of 2.2 m. Regarding to plant density, the best option was 4.76 plants m-2, due to the increasing of marketable yield in 37.4% without reducing the average weight of fruits.

Solanum americanum as a reservoir of natural enemies of the tomato red spider mite, Tetranychus evansi (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Brazilian populations of the pathogenic fungus Neozygites floridana (Weiser & Muma) Remaudiere & S. Keller (Entomophthoromycotina: Entomophthorales) and the predatory mite Phytoseiulus longipes Evans (Acari: Phytoseiidae) are potential candidates for introduction into Africa for classical biological control of the tomato red spider mite, Tetranychus evansi Baker & Pritchard (Acari: Tetranychidae). The efficiency of these natural enemies against T. evansi has been demonstrated under laboratory conditions, but little is known about their performance on native Solanaceae in the field. The American nightshade, Solanum americanum Mill., is native to the Americas and may serve as an alternative host plant for T. evansi and its natural enemies in the absence of tomato plants. In this work, we studied the population dynamics of T. evansi and its natural enemies on S. americanum in a screen house, semi-field and field plots in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, to evaluate the potential of natural enemies for controlling T. evansi. Of the four natural enemies found in association with T. evansi, only N. floridana and P. longipes were clearly associated with the reduction of the populations of T. evansi. Neozygites floridana was observed in a screen house, semi-field and field plots, but P. longipes was only detected in the semi-field plots. Increases in the population of T. evansi were always followed by increases in the density of one of these natural enemies, suggesting that they were important factors regulating T. evansi populations on S. americanum. The presence of this host plant near the release sites in Africa thus might increase the chances for the permanent establishment of these natural enemies.

Hydroxychloroquine reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in systemic lupus erythematosus: a longitudinal evaluation of the lipid-lowering effect

The influence of antimalarials on lipids in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been identified in several studies but not in many prospective cohorts. The aim of this study was to longitudinally determine the effect of antimalarials on the lipoprotein profile in SLE. Patients and methods: Fasting total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) plasma levels were determined at entry and after 3 months of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) treatment in a longitudinal evaluation of 24 patients with SLE. Results: a significant decrease in TC (198 +/- 33.7 vs. 183 +/- 30.3 mg/dl, p = 0.023) and LDL levels (117 +/- 31.3 vs. 101 +/- 26.2 mg/dl, p = 0.023) were detected after the 3 months of HCQ therapy. The reduction of 7.6% in TC (p = 0.055) and 13.7% in LDL levels (p = 0.036) determined a significant decrease in the frequency of dyslipidemia (26% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.013) after HCQ therapy. Conclusion: This longitudinal study demonstrated the beneficial effect of antimalarials on lipids in SLE since this therapy induced a reduction of atherogenic lipoproteins. Lupus (2012) 21, 1178-1182.

The density of metastatic lymph node as prognostic factor in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and floor of the mouth

The presence of metastatic lymph nodes is a relevant prognostic factor in oral cancer. Objective: This paper aims to assess metastatic lymph node density (pN+) in patients with tongue and floor-of-mouth squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and the association of this parameter with disease-free survival (DFS). Materials and Methods: A group of 182 patients seen between 1985 and 2007 was included, 169 of which were males. Five were on stage I, 35 on stage II, 56 on stage III, and 85 on stage IV. Median values were considered in lymph node density assessment, and the Kaplan-Meier curve was used to evaluate DFS; survival differences within the group were elicited through the log-rank test. Results: An average 3.2 metastatic lymph nodes were excised from the patients in the group. Density ranged from 0.009 to 0.4, with a mean value of 0.09. Five-year DFS rates were of 44% and 28% for the groups with lymph node densities below and above the median respectively (p = 0.006). Two-year local/regional control was achieved for 71% and 49% for the patients below and above the median density respectively (p = 0.01). In terms of pN staging, local/regional control was achieved in 70% and 54% of pN1 and pN2 patients respectively, albeit without statistical significance (0.20%). Conclusion: Lymph node density may be used as a prognostic indicator for tongue and floor-ofmouth SCC.

Relationships of Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density, air Temperature and Humidity with Tomato Leaf Diffusive Conductance and Temperature

The objective was to study the leaf temperature (LT) and leaf diffusive vapor conductance (gs) responses to temperature, humidity and incident flux density of photosynthetically active photons (PPFD) of tomato plants grown without water restriction in a plastic greenhouse in Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. The plants were grown in substrate and irrigated daily. The gs was measured using a steady-state null-balance porometer on the abaxial face of the leaves during the daytime. Both leaf surfaces were measured in one day. The PPFD and LT were measured using the porometer. Leaf temperature was determined using an infrared thermometer, and air temperature and humidity were measured using a thermohygrograph. The leaves on the upper layer of the plants had higher gs than the lower layer. The relationship between the gs and PPFD was different for the two layers in the plants. A consistent relationship between the gs and atmospheric water demand was observed only in the lower layer. The LT tended to be lower than the air temperature. The mean value for the gs was 2.88 times higher on the abaxial than adaxial leaf surface.

Ecological aspects of the sandfly fauna (Diptera, Psychodidae) in an American cutaneous leishmaniasis endemic area under the influence of hydroelectric plants in Paranapanema river, State of Parana, Brazil

Introduction: An epidemiological study was undertaken to identify determinant factors in the occurrence of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in areas under the influence of hydroelectric plants in Paranapanema river, State of Parana, Brazil. The ecological aspects of the phlebotomine fauna were investigated. Methods: Sandflies were sampled with automatic light traps from February 2004 to June 2006 at 25 sites in the urban and rural areas of Itambaraca, and in Porto Almeida and Sao Joaquim do Pontal. Results: A total of 3,187 sandflies of 15 species were captured. Nyssomyia neivai predominated (34.4%), followed by Pintomyia pessoai (32.6%), Migonemyia migonei (11.6%), Nyssomyia whitmani (8.8%), and Pintomyia fischeri (2.7%), all implicated in the transmission of Leishmania. Males predominated for Ny. neivai, and females for the other vector species, with significant statistical differences (p < 0.001). Nyssomyia neivai, Pi. pessoai, Ny. whitmani, Brumptomyia brumpti, Mg. migonei, and Pi. fischeri presented the highest values for the Standardized Species Abundance Index (SSAI). The highest frequencies and diversities were found in the preserved forest in Porto Almeida, followed by forests with degradation in Sao Joaquim do Pontal and Vila Rural. Conclusions: Sandflies were captured in all localities, with the five vectors predominating. Ny. neivai had its highest frequencies in nearby peridomestic environments and Pi. pessoai in areas of preserved forests. The highest SSAI values of Ny. neivai and Pi. pessoai reflect their wider dispersion and higher frequencies compared with other species, which seems to indicate that these two species may be transmitting leishmaniasis in the area.

Chronic infusion of amyloid-β peptide and sustained attention altered α7 nicotinic receptor density in the rat brain

It is already known that progressive degeneration of cholinergic neurons in brain areas such as the hippocampus and the cortex leads to memory deficits, as observed in Alzheimer's disease. This work verified the effects of the infusion of amyloid-beta (A beta) peptide associated to an attentional rehearsal on the density of alpha 7 nicotinic cholinergic receptor (nAChR) in the brain of male Wistar rats. Animals received intracerebroventricular infusion of A beta or vehicle (control - C) and their attention was stimulated weekly (Stimulated A beta group: S-A beta and Stimulated Control group: SC) or not (Non-Stimulated A beta group: N-SA beta and Non-Stimulated Control group: N-SC), using an active avoidance apparatus. Conditioned avoidance responses (CAR) were registered. Chronic infusion of A beta caused a 37% reduction in CAR for N-SA beta. In S-A beta, this reduction was not observed. At the end, brains were extracted and autoradiography for alpha 7 nAChR was conducted using [I-125]-alpha-bungarotoxin. There was an increase in alpha 7 density in hippocampus, cortex and amygdala of SA beta animals, together with the memory preservation. In recent findings from our lab using mice infused with A beta and the alpha 7 antagonist methyllycaconitine, and stimulated weekly in the same apparatus, it was observed that memory maintenance was abolished. So, the increase in alpha 7 density in brain areas related to memory might be related to a participation of this receptor in the long-lasting change in synaptic plasticity, which is important to improve and maintain memory consolidation.

Self-similar Expansion of the Density Profile in a Turbulent Bose-Einstein Condensate

In a recent study we demonstrated the emergence of turbulence in a trapped Bose-Einstein condensate of Rb-87 atoms. An intriguing observation in such a system is the behavior of the turbulent cloud during free expansion. The aspect ratio of the cloud size does not change in the way one would expect for an ordinary non-rotating (vortex-free) condensate. Here we show that the anomalous expansion can be understood, at least qualitatively, in terms of the presence of vorticity distributed throughout the cloud, effectively counteracting the usual reversal of the aspect ratio seen in free time-of-flight expansion of non-rotating condensates.

Alpha(2)-adrenergic receptor distribution and density within the nucleus tractus solitarii of normotensive and hypertensive rats during development

The nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS), located in the brainstem, is one of the main nuclei responsible for integrating different signals in order to originate a specific and orchestrated autonomic response. Antihypertensive drugs are well known to stimulate alpha(2)-adrenoceptor (alpha(2R)) in brainstem cardiovascular regions to induce reduction in blood pressure. Because alpha(2R) impairment is present in several models of hypertension, the aim of the present study was to investigate the distribution and density of alpha(2R) binding within the NTS of Wistar Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats during development (1,15,30 and 90 day-old) by an in vitro autoradiographical study. The NTS shows heterogeneous distribution of alpha(2R) in dorsomedial/dorsolateral, subpostremal and medial/intermediate subnuclei. Alpha(2R) increased from rostral to caudal dorsomedial/dorsolateral subnuclei in 30 and 90 day-old SHR but not in WKY. Alpha(2R) decreased from rostral to caudal subpostremal subnucleus in 15, 30 and 90 day-old SHR but not in WKY. Medial/intermediate subnuclei did not show any changes in alpha(2R) according to NTS levels. Furthermore, alpha(2R) are decreased in SHR as compared with WKY in all NTS subnuclei and in different ages. Surprisingly, alpha(2R) impairment was also found in pre-hypertensive stages, specifically in subpostremal subnucleus of 15 day-old rats. Finally, alpha(2R) decrease from 1 to 90 day-old rats in all subnuclei analyzed. This decrease is different between strains in rostral dorsomedial/dorsolateral and caudal subpostremal subnuclei within the NTS. In summary, our results highlight the importance of alpha(2R) distribution within the NTS regarding the neural control of blood pressure and the development of hypertension. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The meristematic activity of the endodermis and the pericycle and its role in the primary thickening of stems in monocotyledonous plants

Background: It had long been thought that a lateral meristem, the so-called primary thickening meristem (PTM) was responsible for stem thickening in monocotyledons. Recent work has shown that primary thickening in the stems of monocotyledons is due to the meristematic activity of both the endodermis and the pericycle. Aims: The aim of this work is to answer a set of questions about the developmental anatomy of monocotyledonous plants: (1) Do the stem apices of monocots have a special meristematic tissue, the PTM? (2) Are the primary tissues of the stem the same as those of the root? (3) Is there good evidence for the formation of both the cortex and the vascular tissue from a single meristem, the PTM, in the shoot and from two distinguishable meristems in the root? (4) If the PTM forms only the cortex, what kind of meristem forms the vascular tissue? Methods: Light microscopy was used to examine stem and root anatomy in 16 species from 10 monocotyledonous families. Results: It was observed that radially aligned cortical cells extend outwards from endodermal initial cells in the cortex of the roots and the stems in all the species. The radial gradation in size observed indicates that the cortical cells are derivatives of a meristematic endodermis. In addition, perfect continuity was observed between the endodermis of the root and that of the stem. Meristematic activity in the pericycle gives rise to cauline vascular bundles composed of metaxylem and metaphloem. Conclusion: No evidence was obtained for the existence in monocotyledons of a PTM. Monocotyledons appear to resemble other vascular plants in this respect.

Behavior of the thermal diffusivity of native and oxidized human low-density lipoprotein solutions studied by the Z-scan technique

Modifications in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) have emerged as a major pathogenic factor of atherosclerosis, which is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in the western world. Measurements of the heat diffusivity of human LDL solutions in their native and in vitro oxidized states are presented by using the Z-Scan (ZS) technique. Other complementary techniques were used to obtain the physical parameters necessary to interpret the optical results, e. g., pycnometry, refractometry, calorimetry, and spectrophotometry, and to understand the oxidation phase of LDL particles. To determine the sample's thermal diffusivity using the thermal lens model, an iterative one-parameter fitting method is proposed which takes into account several characteristic ZS time-dependent and the position-dependent transmittance measurements. Results show that the thermal diffusivity increases as a function of the LDL oxidation degree, which can be explained by the increase of the hydroperoxides production due to the oxidation process. The oxidation products go from one LDL to another, disseminating the oxidation process and caring the heat across the sample. This phenomenon leads to a quick thermal homogenization of the sample, avoiding the formation of the thermal lens in highly oxidized LDL solutions. (C) 2012 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). [DOI: 10.1117/1.JBO.17.10.105003]

Immunohistochemical evaluation of MMP-2, MMP-9 and CD31/microvascular density in squamous cell carcinomas of the floor of the mouth

The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunoexpression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and CD31/microvascular density in squamous cell carcinomas of the floor of the mouth and to correlate the results with demographic, survival, clinical (TNM staging) and histopathological variables (tumor grade, perineural invasion, embolization and bone invasion). Data from medical records and diagnoses of 41 patients were reviewed. Histological sections were subjected to immunostaining using primary antibodies for human MMP-2, MMP-9 and CD31 and streptavidin-biotin-immunoperoxidase system. Histomorphometric analyses quantified positivity for MMPs (20 fields per slide, 100?points grade, ×200) and for CD31 (microvessels <50?µm in the area of the highest vascularization, 5 fields per slide, 100?points grade, ×400). Statistical design was composed by non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test (investigating the association between numerical variables and immunostainings), chi-square frequency test (in contingency tables), Fisher's exact test (when at least one expected frequency was less than 5 in 2×2 tables), Kaplan-Meier method (estimated probabilities of overall survival) and Iogrank test (comparison of survival curves), all with a significance level of 5%. There was a statistically significant correlation between immunostaining for MMP-2 and lymph node metastasis. Factors associated negatively with survival were N stage, histopathological grade, perineural invasion and immunostaining for MMP-9. There was no significant association between immunoexpression of CD31 and the other variables. The intensity of immunostaining for MMP-2 can be indicative of metastasis in lymph nodes and for MMP-9 of a lower probability of survival

Ecological aspects of the sandfly fauna (Diptera, Psychodidae) in an American cutaneous leishmaniasis endemic area under the influence of hydroelectric plants in Paranapanema river, State of Paraná, Brazil

INTRODUCTION: An epidemiological study was undertaken to identify determinant factors in the occurrence of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in areas under the influence of hydroelectric plants in Paranapanema river, State of Paraná, Brazil. The ecological aspects of the phlebotomine fauna were investigated. METHODS: Sandflies were sampled with automatic light traps from February 2004 to June 2006 at 25 sites in the urban and rural areas of Itambaracá, and in Porto Almeida and São Joaquim do Pontal. RESULTS: A total of 3,187 sandflies of 15 species were captured. Nyssomyia neivai predominated (34.4%), followed by Pintomyia pessoai (32.6%), Migonemyia migonei (11.6%), Nyssomyia whitmani (8.8%), and Pintomyia fischeri (2.7%), all implicated in the transmission of Leishmania. Males predominated for Ny. neivai, and females for the other vector species, with significant statistical differences (p < 0.001). Nyssomyia neivai, Pi. pessoai, Ny. whitmani, Brumptomyia brumpti, Mg. migonei, and Pi. fischeri presented the highest values for the Standardized Species Abundance Index (SSAI). The highest frequencies and diversities were found in the preserved forest in Porto Almeida, followed by forests with degradation in São Joaquim do Pontal and Vila Rural. CONCLUSIONS: Sandflies were captured in all localities, with the five vectors predominating. Ny. neivai had its highest frequencies in nearby peridomestic environments and Pi. pessoai in areas of preserved forests. The highest SSAI values of Ny. neivai and Pi. pessoai reflect their wider dispersion and higher frequencies compared with other species, which seems to indicate that these two species may be transmitting leishmaniasis in the area.

Relationships of photosynthetic photon flux density, air temperature and humidity with tomato leaf diffusive conductance and temperature

The objective was to study the leaf temperature (LT) and leaf diffusive vapor conductance (gs) responses to temperature, humidity and incident flux density of photosynthetically active photons (PPFD) of tomato plants grown without water restriction in a plastic greenhouse in Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. The plants were grown in substrate and irrigated daily. The gs was measured using a steady-state null-balance porometer on the abaxial face of the leaves during the daytime. Both leaf surfaces were measured in one day. The PPFD and LT were measured using the porometer. Leaf temperature was determined using an infrared thermometer, and air temperature and humidity were measured using a thermohygrograph. The leaves on the upper layer of the plants had higher gs than the lower layer. The relationship between the gs and PPFD was different for the two layers in the plants. A consistent relationship between the gs and atmospheric water demand was observed only in the lower layer. The LT tended to be lower than the air temperature. The mean value for the gs was 2.88 times higher on the abaxial than adaxial leaf surface.