A new variety of the weed Borreria densiflora DC. (Rubiaceae)

The weed, known commonly as vassourinha de botao (buttonweed), is present in several crops in northern and north-eastern Brazil. Its occurrence is common in sugarcane and soybean crops in the states of Goias, Tocantins, and Maranhao. However, there is no published information in the literature about its taxonomic classification. Thus, this research aimed to classify taxonomically this species in order to develop a classification key based on the morphological characteristics among varieties of Borreria densiflora DC., as well as to illustrate it and provide a palynological basis to classify this species as a new variety For the classification process, data from the literature, morphological characteristics, and palynological evidence were considered. In this article, we describe a new variety, B. densiflora DC. var. latifolia E.L. Cabral & Martins. The new variety possesses a terrestrial habitat and it is a simple perennial weed species. These results show the importance of an accurate identification, as well as an understanding of the evolutionary changes inherent to weeds (like intraspecific variability), breeding system, genetic potential, and ecological studies. Those factors are essential to the beginning of a long-term weed management strategy.

Serum Ferritin Level Remains a Reliable Marker of Bone Marrow Iron Stores Evaluated by Histomorphometry in Hemodialysis Patients

Background and objectives: As well as being a marker of body iron stores, serum ferritin (sFerritin) has also been shown to be a marker of inflammation in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The aim of this study was to analyze whether sFerritin is a reliable marker of the iron stores present in bone marrow of HD patients. Design: Histomorphometric analysis of stored transiliac bone biopsies was used to assess iron stores by determining the number of iron-stained cells per square millimeter of bone marrow. Results: In 96 patients, the laboratory parameters were hemoglobin = 11.3 +/- 1.6 g/dl, hematocrit = 34.3 +/- 5%, sFerritin 609 +/- 305 ng/ml, transferrin saturation = 32.7 +/- 22.5%, and C-reactive protein (CRP) = 0.9 +/- 1.4 mg/dl. sFerritin correlated significantly with CRP, bone marrow iron, and time on HD treatment W = 0.006, 0.001, and 0.048, respectively). The independent determinants of sFerritin were CRP (beta-coef = 0.26; 95% CI = 24.6 to 132.3) and bone marrow iron (beta-coef = 0.32; 95% CI = 0.54 to 2.09). Bone marrow iron was higher in patients with sFerritin >500 ng/ml than in those with sFerritin :5500 ng/ml. In the group of patients with sFerritin :5500 ng/ml, the independent determinant of sFerritin was bone marrow iron (beta-coef = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.48 to 1.78), but in the group of patients with sFerritin >500 ng/ml, no independent determinant of sFerritin was found. Conclusions: sFerritin adequately reflects iron stores in bone marrow of HD patients.

Impact of allogeneic 2-RBC apheresis on iron stores of Brazilian blood donors

One limiting factor for automated two-red blood cells collections (2-RBC) is its potential iron depletion. We analyzed hematological parameters and iron balance before, two and four months after 2-RBC of 96 non-supplemented male donors. Four months after 2-RBC, ferritin level was significantly lower (P < 0.01) than baseline levels and the number of donors who presented ferritin <30 ng/ml increased from 18 to 47. We concluded that four months was not sufficient for iron recuperation in the population studied. In an attempt to avoid iron depletion after 2-RBC, we recommend augmentation in the interval between blood donations and pre-donation ferritin measurement. (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Melatonin and IP(3)-induced Ca(2+) Release from Intracellular Stores in the Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum within Infected Red Blood Cells

IP(3)-dependent Ca(2+) signaling controls a myriad of cellular processes in higher eukaryotes and similar signaling pathways are evolutionarily conserved in Plasmodium, the intracellular parasite that causes malaria. We have reported that isolated, permeabilized Plasmodium chabaudi, releases Ca(2+) upon addition of exogenous IP(3). In the present study, we investigated whether the IP(3) signaling pathway operates in intact Plasmodium falciparum, the major disease-causing human malaria parasite. P. falciparum-infected red blood cells (RBCs) in the trophozoite stage were simultaneously loaded with the Ca(2+) indicator Fluo-4/AM and caged-IP(3). Photolytic release of IP(3) elicited a transient Ca(2+) increase in the cytosol of the intact parasite within the RBC. The intracellular Ca(2+) pools of the parasite were selectively discharged, using thapsigargin to deplete endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca(2+) and the antimalarial chloroquine to deplete Ca(2+) from acidocalcisomes. These data show that the ER is the major IP(3)-sensitive Ca(2+) store. Previous work has shown that the human host hormone melatonin regulates P. falciparum cell cycle via a Ca(2+)-dependent pathway. In the present study, we demonstrate that melatonin increases inositol-polyphosphate production in intact intraerythrocytic parasite. Moreover, the Ca(2+) responses to melatonin and uncaging of IP(3) were mutually exclusive in infected RBCs. Taken together these data provide evidence that melatonin activates PLC to generate IP(3) and open ER-localized IP(3)-sensitive Ca(2+) channels in P. falciparum. This receptor signaling pathway is likely to be involved in the regulation and synchronization of parasite cell cycle progression.

Variety matters: adaptive genetic diversity and parasite load in two mouse opossums from the Brazilian Atlantic forest

The adaptive potential of a species to a changing environment and in disease defence is primarily based on genetic variation. Immune genes, such as genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), may thereby be of particular importance. In marsupials, however, there is very little knowledge about natural levels and functional importance of MHC polymorphism, despite their key role in the mammalian evolution. In a previous study, we discovered remarkable differences in the MHC class II diversity between two species of mouse opossums (Gracilinanus microtarsus, Marmosops incanus) from the Brazilian Atlantic forest, which is one of the most endangered hotspots for biodiversity conservation. Since the main forces in generating MHC diversity are assumed to be pathogens, we investigated in this study gastrointestinal parasite burden and functional associations between the individual MHC constitution and parasite load. We tested two contrasting scenarios, which might explain differences in MHC diversity between species. We predicted that a species with low MHC diversity would either be under relaxed selection pressure by low parasite diversity (`Evolutionary equilibrium` scenario), or there was a recent loss in MHC diversity leading to a lack of resistance alleles and increased parasite burden (`Unbalanced situation` scenario). In both species it became apparent that the MHC class II is functionally important in defence against gastrointestinal helminths, which was shown here for the first time in marsupials. On the population level, parasite diversity did not markedly differ between the two host species. However, we did observe considerable differences in the individual parasite load (parasite prevalence and infection intensity): while M. incanus revealed low MHC DAB diversity and high parasite load, G. microtarsus showed a tenfold higher population wide MHC DAB diversity and lower parasite burden. These results support the second scenario of an unbalanced situation.

Distribution of fungi and aflatoxins in a stored peanut variety

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the mycoflora and occurrence of aflatoxins in stored peanut samples (hulls and kernels) from Tupa, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The samples were analyzed monthly over a period of one year. The results showed a predominance of Fusarium spp. (67.7% in hulls and 25.8% in kernels) and Aspergillus spp. (10.3% in hulls and 21.8% in kernels), and the presence of five other genera. The growth of Aspergillus flavus was mainly influenced by temperature and relative humidity. Analysis of hulls showed that 6.7% of the samples were contaminated with AFB(1) (mean levels 15-23.9 mu g/kg) and AFB(2) (mean levels = 3.3-5.6 mu g/kg); in kernels, 33.3% of the samples were contaminated with AFB(1) (mean levels 7.0-116 mu g/kg) and 28.3% were contaminated with AFB(2) (mean levels = 3.3-45.5 mu g/kg). Analysis of the toxigenic potential revealed that 93.8% of the A. flavus strains isolated were producers of AFB(1) and AFB(2). mu 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Crystal structure of the (Mg,Fe)[UO2(P,As)O-4](2) center dot 10H(2)O solid solution - A novel mineral variety of saleeite

The crystal structure of a novel variety {[(Mg0.81Fe0.19)(H2O)(6)](H2O)(4)}{(UO2)[(P0.67As0.33)O-4]}(2) of the mineral saleeite is determined using X-ray diffraction (Bruker Smart diffractometer, lambda MoK alpha, graphite monochromator, 2 theta(max) = 56.62 degrees, R = 0.0321 for 2317 reflections, T = 100 K). The main crystal data are as follows: a = 6.952(6) angstrom, b = 19.865(5) , angstrom, c = 6.969(2) angstrom, beta = 90.806(4)degrees, space group P12(l)/n1, Z = 2, and P-calcd = 3.34 g/cm(3). It is shown that the structure is formed by alternating (along the [010] direction) anionic layers, which are composed of uranium bipyramids and T(P,As) tetrahedra, and cation layers consisting of M(Mg, Fe) octahedra and water molecules, which are joined through a system of asymmetric hydrogen bonds. The hydrogen atoms are located, the scheme of hydrogen bonds is established, and their geometric characteristics are calculated.

Influence of implant surfaces on osseointegration

The biological fixation between the dental implant surfaces and jaw bones should be considered a prerequisite for the long-term success of implant-supported prostheses. In this context, the implant surface modifications gained an important and decisive place in implant research over the last years. As the most investigated topic in, it aided the development of enhanced dental treatment modalities and the expansion of dental implant use. Nowadays, a large number of implant types with a great variety of surface properties and other features are commercially available and have to be treated with caution. Although surface modifications have been shown to enhance osseointegration at early implantation times, for example, the clinician should look for research evidence before selecting a dental implant for a specific use. This paper reviews the literature on dental implant surfaces by assessing in vitro and in vivo studies to show the current perspective of implant development. The review comprises quantitative and qualitative results on the analysis of bone-implant interface using micro and nano implant surface topographies. Furthermore, the perspective of incorporating biomimetic molecules (e.g.: peptides and bone morphogenetic proteins) to the implant surface and their effects on bone formation and remodeling around implants are discussed.

Isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains from dental office environments and units in Barretos, state of São Paulo, Brazil, and analysis of their susceptibility to antimicrobial drugs

A wide variety of opportunistic pathogens has been detected in the tubing supplying water to odontological equipment, in special in the biofilm lining of these tubes. Among these pathogens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, one of the leading causes of nosocomial infections, is frequently found in water lines supplying dental units. In the present work, 160 samples of water, and 200 fomite samples from forty dental units were collected in the city of Barretos, State of São Paulo, Brazil and evaluated between January and July, 2005. Seventy-six P. aeruginosa strains, isolated from the dental environment (5 strains) and water system (71 strains), were tested for susceptibility to six antimicrobial drugs most frequently used against P. aeruginosa infections. Susceptibility to ciprofloxacin, followed by meropenem was the predominant profile. The need for effective means of reducing the microbial burden within dental unit water lines is emphasized, and the risk of exposure and cross-infection in dental practice, in special when caused by opportunistic pathogens like P. aeruginosa, are highlighted.

O extrato de maracujá sobre a morfometria de hepatócitos da tilápia do Nilo

Avaliaram-se os efeitos do extrato de maracujá veiculado na dieta (0, 50, 100 e 200mg kg-1) sobre o consumo de alimento, o ganho em peso e os níveis de glicose e cortisol plasmático de juvenis de tilápias do Nilo (87,0±6,6g). Ao final do experimento (28 dias), os peixes foram eutanasiados para remoção do fígado, visando à avaliação da área citoplasmática, contagem de células e verificação dos estoques de glicogênio hepático. Os dados foram submetidos à ANOVA unidirecional, comparando-se as médias pelo Teste de Tukey (P<0,05), com posterior estudo de regressão, buscando estabelecer as curvas das áreas citoplasmáticas, em função das diferentes doses do extrato. A inclusão do extrato na dieta não afetou o consumo de alimento e o crescimento e todos os peixes apresentaram aumento da glicose e redução do cortisol plasmático, porém sem diferenças entre os tratamentos. As curvas de regressão indicaram aumento quadrático da área citoplasmática com a elevação da doses do extrato, principalmente para 100mg kg-1, resultando em uma curva dose-resposta em forma de "U" invertido. O aumento da área do citoplasma decorreu de um acúmulo de glicogênio hepático, conforme comprovado pela prova da amilase salivar. Concluiu-se que o extrato de maracujá pode ser fornecido na dieta de juvenis de tilápia, sem prejudicar o consumo alimentar e o crescimento dos animais e que o produto altera a morfometria dos hepatócitos, sugerindo a atividade de flavonóides sobre o metabolismo de carboidratos.

O uso de sondagens dipolo-dipolo em estudos hidrogeológicos e de depósitos de resíduos

Ensaios de sondagem e caminhamento elétrico têm sido realizados globalmente na avaliação de uma grande variedade de problemas em exploração mineral e hidrogeologia, bem como na caracterização de locais com risco de contaminação. A despeito da utilidade de ensaios geoelétricos em estudos hidrogeológicos e na caracterização de depósitos de resíduos desativados, um problema na utilização de sondagens elétricas ocorre em conseqüência da falta de espaço para aquisição de dados nessas áreas. Em áreas urbanas, isto constitui uma limitação importante devido à existência de construções, o que muitas vezes interrompe o desenvolvimento de ensaios de campo com arranjos de comprimentos adequados. Embora investigações rasas tendam a ser eficazes em caracterização geoambiental, a estimativa de parâmetros-chave pode depender da investigação de porções mais profundas. Entretanto, uma profundidade de investigação ligeiramente maior é obtida pelo arranjo dipolo-dipolo em comparação aos arranjos Schlumberger e Wenner de mesmo comprimento. Essa característica do arranjo dipolo-dipolo pode ser observada em vários estudos, mas provavelmente devido à tradição e à relação sinal-ruído, a grande maioria das sondagens elétricas é feita com os arranjos Schlumberger e Wenner.O arranjo dipolo-dipolo é mais utilizado em ensaios 2D. Até onde se sabe, essa maior capacidade de investigação em profundidade do arranjo dipolo-dipolo 1D não foi explorada em estudos geoambientais e nem em estudos hidrogeológicos em áreas urbanas. Este trabalho apresenta resultados de ensaios de campo que ressaltam a utilidade de sondagens dipolo-dipolo na investigação de tais áreas.

Cumarinas e alcaloides de Rauia resinosa (rutaceae)

The genus Rauia, that is poorly chemically studied, belongs to the Rutaceae family. This family has been known to contain a large variety of secondary metabolites. Our phytochemical investigation of the stem and leaves of Rauia resinosa has led to the identification of the structurally related coumarins: murralongin (1), murrangatin (2), munomicrolin (3), murrangatin diacetate (4), umbelliferone (5), rauianin (6) and one novel coumarin: 3-ethylrauianin (7); the alkaloids: N-methyl-4-methoxy-2-quinolone (8), mirtopsine (9), dictamine (10), γ-fagarine (11), skimmianine (12), Z-dimethylrhoifolinate (13), zantodioline (14), zantobungeanine (15), veprissine (16), one novel alkaloid 7-hydroxy-8-methoxy-N-methylflindersine (17) and 8-hydroxy-N-methylflindersine (18) that is described as a natural product for the first time, and a mixture of steroids: as sitosterol and stigmasterol.

Age polyethism in Plebeia emerina (Friese) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) colonies related to propolis handling

Stingless bees collect plant resins and make it into propolis, although they have a wider range of use for this material than do honey bees (Apis spp.). Plebeia spp. workers employ propolis mixed with wax (cerumen) for constructing and sealing nest structures, while they use viscous (sticky) propolis for defense by applying it onto their enemies. Isolated viscous propolis deposits are permanently maintained at the interior of their colonies, as also seen in other Meliponini species. Newly-emerged Plebeia emerina (Friese) workers were observed stuck to and unable to escape these viscous propolis stores. We examined the division of labor involved in propolis manipulation, by observing marked bees of known age in four colonies of P. emerina from southern Brazil. Activities on brood combs, the nest involucrum and food pots were observed from the first day of life of the marked bees. However, work on viscous propolis deposits did not begin until the 13th day of age and continued until the 56th day (maximum lifespan in our sample). Although worker bees begin to manipulate cerumen early, they seem to be unable to handle viscous propolis till they become older.

Insect feeding preferences on Piperaceae species observed in São Paulo city, Brazil

Piperaceae species have been placed among the basal angiosperm and are adapted to a variety of habitats including moist forests, secondary vegetation and dry high lands. The major anatomical/morphology features are of small trees, vines, and shrubs for Piper species, while the epiphytic and succulent characteristics are predominant forms among Peperomia species. Their secondary chemistry can be mostly represented by amides, phenylpropanoids/lignoids, and chromenes in addition to a phletoria of biosynthetically mixed-origin secondary compounds. Although several amides and lignans are known as insecticides, several phytophagous insects, among which some considered pests of economic importance, have been observed feeding vigorously on Piperaceae species. Herein we describe the feeding preferences of fourteen phytophagous species of Coleoptera, Lepidoptera and Hemiptera over approximately fifty Piperaceae species observed in São Paulo, SP, Brazil, in a long-term basis.

Estudo da fauna de triatomíneos e da ocorrência de doença de Chagas em Monte Negro, Rondônia, Brasil

A doença de Chagas tem como agente etiológico o Trypanossoma cruzi, um protozoário flagelado que pode ser encontrado numa grande variedade de mamíferos e triatomíneos. O Estado de Rondônia, localizado na Amazônia Ocidental, possui um meio ambiente constantemente modificado pelas ações transformadoras do ser humano, resultando em um desequilíbrio, que pode facilitar a transmissão de inúmeros patógenos. Uma grande variedade e quantidade de palmáceas, em especial o babaçu, bem como mamíferos e triatomíneos, podem ser encontrados neste complexo ecossistema. Nesta pesquisa, a fauna de triatomíneos foi identificada em 225 babaçus e por meio de capturas peri e intradomiciliares. Foi realizado, concomitantemente, estudo de soroprevalência para doença de Chagas e a identificação da presença de T.cruzi no trato digestivo dos triatomíneos. Positividade ao T. cruzi foi verificada em 23,7% dos 652 triatomíneos coletados nos babaçus. Estes triatomíneos pertenciam ao gênero Rhodnius e foram classificados em 4 espécies: R. robustus, R. prolixus, R. pictipes e R. milesi. Nas capturas intradomiciliares, dez espécimes do Rhodnius robustus e uma de Panstrongylus geniculattus foram encontrados, sendo que 3% da população foi positiva para doença de Chagas. Na área pesquisada, há potencial de transmissão da doença de Chagas na forma endêmica devido a grande quantidade de triatomíneos, bem como alta freqüência de infecção destes triatomíneos, porém no momento deste estudo não se evidenciou a ocorrência da transmissão.