Host suitability of Avena spp. genotypes to Meloidogyne incognita race 4

Host suitability of Avena spp. genotypes to Meloidogyne incognita race 4 The black oat (Avena strigosa), the white oat (A. sativa) and the Algerian oat (A. byzantina) have been widely used as cover crops under succession with soybean, cotton, bean, potato and carrot, which are crops highly damaged by Meloidogyne incognita. The management of M. incognita may have as a component the use of oat genotypes that reduce the nematode population density. Three greenhouse experiments were carried out in order to evaluate the host suitability of five genotypes of black oat (`CPAO 0010`, `Common`, `Embrapa 29`, `Embrapa 140` and `IPFA 99006`), one of white oat (`UFRGS 17`) and one of Algerian oat (`Sao Carlos`) to three isolates of M. incognita race 4 (BA, SP and MT). The black oats increased the population density of the nematode. The oats `UFRGS 17` and `Sao Carlos` reduced or caused a small increase in the population of M. incognita race 4, and neither differentiated from Crotalaria spectabilis. Therefore, the white oat `UFRGS 17` and the Algerian oat `Sao Carlos` should be used in preference to black oats as cover crops in areas infested with M. incognita race 4.

Inheritance of growth habit detected by genetic linkage analysis using microsatellites in the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

The genetic linkage map for the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a valuable tool for breeding programs. Breeders provide new cultivars that meet the requirements of farmers and consumers, such as seed color, seed size, maturity, and growth habit. A genetic study was conducted to examine the genetics behind certain qualitative traits. Growth habit is usually described as a recessive trait inherited by a single gene, and there is no consensus about the position of the locus. The aim of this study was to develop a new genetic linkage map using genic and genomic microsatellite markers and three morphological traits: growth habit, flower color, and pod tip shape. A mapping population consisting of 380 recombinant F10 lines was generated from IAC-UNA x CAL143. A total of 871 microsatellites were screened for polymorphisms among the parents, and a linkage map was obtained with 198 mapped microsatellites. The total map length was 1865.9 cM, and the average distance between markers was 9.4 cM. Flower color and pod tip shape were mapped and segregated at Mendelian ratios, as expected. The segregation ratio and linkage data analyses indicated that the determinacy growth habit was inherited as two independent and dominant genes, and a genetic model is proposed for this trait.

Normal Doppler velocimetry of renal vasculature in Persian cats

Renal diseases are common in older cats. Decreased renal blood flow may be the first sign of dysfunction and can be evaluated by Doppler ultrasound. But previous studies suggest that the resistive index (RI) has a low sensitivity for detecting renal disease. Doppler waveforms of renal and intrarenal arteries demonstrate decreased blood flow before there are any changes in the RI. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the normal Doppler flowmetrics parameters of renal arteries (RAs), interlobar arteries (IAs) and abdominal aorta (AO) in adult healthy, Persian cats. Twenty-five Persian cats (13 females and 12 males with mean age of 30 months and an age range 12-60 months) with normal clinical examinations and biochemical tests and normal systemic blood pressure were given B-mode ultrasonographies in order to exclude all nephropathies, including polycystic kidney disease. All measurements were performed on both kidneys. Both kidneys (n = 50) were examined by color mapping of the renal vasculature. Pulsed Doppler was used to examine both RAs, the IAs at cranial, middle and caudal sites, and the AO. The RI was calculated for all of the vessels. Early systolic acceleration (ESA) of RA and IA was obtained with Doppler spectral analysis. Furthermore, the ratio indices between RA/AO, and IA/RA velocities were calculated. The mean values of peak systolic velocity (PSV) and the diameter for AO were 53.17 +/- 13.46 cm/s and 0.38 +/- 0.08 cm, respectively. The mean RA diameter for all 50 kidneys was 0.15 +/- 0.02 cm. Considering the velocimetric values in both RAs, the mean PSV and RI that were obtained were 41.17 +/- 9.40 cm/s and 0.54 +/- 0.07. The RA had a mean ESA of 1.12 +/- 1.14 m/s(2) and the calculated upper limit of the reference value was 3.40 m/s(2). The mean renal-aortic ratio was 0.828 +/- 0.296. The IA showed PSV and RI values of 32.16 +/- 9.33 cm/s and 0.52 +/- 0.06, respectively. The mean ESA of all IAs was 0.73 +/- 0.61 m/s(2). The calculated upper limit of the reference value was 2.0 m/s(2). The mean renal-interlobar artery ratio was 1.45 +/- 0.57. The RI values obtained in this study were similar to values reported in the literature. Some conditions that lead to a decrease in compliance and to an increase in vascular resistance can affect the Doppler spectral waveforms without changes in RI. To our knowledge, there are no studies that were directed toward to the normal ESA values of the renal vasculature in Persian cats. This study introduced a new ratio between the PSV of the RA and the IA. This index was developed based on the well-known effects of Doppler on the detection of stenosis, regardless of the cause. Further studies are necessary to verify the hemodynamic behavior of this index under pathological conditions in cats as well as the effect of aging, nephropathies and systemic pressure on Doppler velocimetric parameters. (C) 2010 ISFM and AAFP. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Estimating Amino Acid Requirement of Brazilian Freshwater Fish from Muscle Amino Acid Profile

Information on nutritional requirement of some Brazilian farmed fish species, especially essential amino acids (EAA) requirements, is scarce. The estimation of amino acids requirements based on amino acid composition of fish is a fast and reliable alternative. Matrinxa, Brycon amazonicus, and curimbata, Prochilodus lineatus, are two important Brazilian fish with potential for aquaculture. The objective of the present study was to estimate amino acid requirements of these species and analyze similarities among amino acid composition of different fish species by cluster analysis. To estimate amino acid requirement, the following formula was used: amino acid requirement = [(amount of an individual amino acid in fish muscle tissue) x (average totalEAA requirement among channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, and common carp, Cyprinus carpio)]/(average fish muscle totalEAA). Most values found lie within the range of requirements determined for other omnivorous fish species, in exception of leucine requirement estimated for both species, and arginine requirement estimated for matrinxa alone. Rather than writing off the need for regular dose-response assays under the ideal protein concept to determine EAA requirements of curimbata and matrinxa, results set solid base for the study of tropical species dietary amino acids requirements.

Nitrogen fertilization in common bean crops under no-tillage and conventional systems.

Nitrogen fertilization in common bean crops under no-tillage and conventional systems. Nitrogen fertilizer is necessary for high yields in common bean crops and N responses under conditions of no-tillage and conventional systems are still basic needs. Thus, the objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of N application and common bean yield in no-tillage and conventional systems. The experimental design was a randomized block in a factorial scheme (2x8+1) with four replications. The treatments were constituted by the combination of two N doses (40 and 80 kg ha(-1)) applied at side dressing at eight distinct stadia during vegetative development of the common bean (V(4-3), V(4-4), V(4-5), V(4-6), V(4-7), V(4-8), V(4-9) and V(4-10)), in addition to a control plot without N in side dressing. The experiment was conducted over two years (2002 and 2003) in no-tillage on millet crop residues and conventional plow system. It was concluded that N fertilizer at the V(4) stadium of common bean promotes similar seed yields in no-tillage and conventional systems. Yield differences between no-tillage and conventional systems are inconsistent in the same agricultural area.

Mycovirus in Pseudocercospora griseola, the causal agent of angular leaf spot in common bean

Pseudocercospora griseola (Sacc.) Crous &. Braun is a widespread fungal phytopathogen that is responsible for angular leaf spot in the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). A number of fungal phytopathogens have been shown to harbour mycoviruses, and this possibility was investigated in populations of Pseudocercospora griseola. The total nucleic acid extracts of 61 fungal isolates were subjected to agarose gel electrophoresis. Small fragments (800-4800 bp) could be identified in 42 of the samples. The presence of dsRNA in isolate Ig838 was confirmed by treatment of total nucleic acid with DNase, RNase A, and nuclease S I. Transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of viral-like particles 40 nm in diameter in the mycelia of 2 fungal isolates, namely 29-3 and Ig838. The transmission of dsRNA by means of conidia was 100% for isolate 29-3, but there was loss of 1-6 fragments of dsRNA in monosporic colonies of isolate Ig848. Cycloheximide treatment failed to inhibit the mycovirus in isolate 29-3, but proved efficient in the elimination of the 2.2, 2.0, 1.8, 1.2 and 1.0 kb fragments in 2 colonies of isolate Ig848. The occurrence of a mycovirus in Pseudocercospora griseola was demonstrated for the first time in the present study.

Permeation of Large Antineoplastics into Wild Strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been used in genotoxicity and cytotoxicity assays for several years before the Ames Test approach. However the cell permeability of yeast has been considered a limitant factor to this kind of assay and many researchers have been introducing genetic modifications into wild strains to improve the sensitivity to chemical compounds. In our study, we used Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATCC 9763, well known and very common strain in antibiotic assays, and we evaluated the cytotoxicity of some antineoplastic agents (etoposide, epirubicin, carboplatin, cisplatin and mitoxantrone). Each culture was observed under the light of microscope and photographed. Neither genetic modification nor addition of permeation inducers, as dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), were introduced during the assays and the cells presented good sensitivity to those compounds, demonstrating that other potential strains and characteristics of cells should be reconsidered to improve these assays apart from the cellular permeability.

Morpho-anatomical studies of seeds and seedlings of wild indigo, ""anileira"", Indigofera-Leguminosae

(Morpho-anatomical studies of seeds and seedlings of wild indigo, ""anileira"", Indigofera-Leguminosae). The common name ""wild indigo"" specifies Indigofera will L., I. suffruticosa Mill. (legitimate name) and I. truxillensis Kunth (legitimate name) that are very similar due to their external morphology. This work analyzed diagnostic characteristics of seeds and seedlings of these species since such features are widely used in taxonomic approaches within Leguminosae. We studied surface features and morpho-anatomy of seeds and cotyledons with scanning electronic microscopy and light microscopy, and described seedling phases. Although seedlings are similar, seed characteristics (size, shape, surface ornamentation, shape of the hilum and embryo size) and cotyledon characteristics (shape, trichome ornamentation, organization of spongy parenchyma along central veins and metabolite distribution in the tissues) have diagnostic features for the species. I. anil differs from I. suffruticosa in its larger seeds and acuminate-margined cotyledons. I. truxillensis is recognized by its cylindrical seeds and kidney-shaped cotyledons with large oil drops. We assume that the characteristics examined, plus fruit morphology and foliar anatomy suggest that I. anil, I. suffruticosa and I. truxillensis should not be synonymized.

A common matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 polymorphism affects plasma MMP-2 levels in subjects environmentally exposed to mercury

Mercury (Hg) exposure is associated with disease conditions, including cardiovascular problems. Although the mechanisms implicated in these complications have not been precisely defined yet, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) may be involved. The gene encoding MMP-2 presents genetic polymorphisms which affect the expression and activity level of this enzyme. A common polymorphism of MMP-2 gene is the C(-1306)T (rs 243865), which is known to disrupt a Sp1-type promoter site (CCACC box), thus leading to lower promoter activity associated with the T allele. This study aimed at examining how this polymorphism affects the circulating MMP-2 levels and its endogenous inhibitor, the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) in 210 subjects environmentally exposed to Hg. Total blood and plasma Hg concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). MMP-2 and TIMP-2 concentrations were measured in plasma samples by gelatin zymography and ELISA, respectively. Genotypes for the C(-1306)T polymorphism were determined by Taqman (R) Allele Discrimination assay. We found a positive association (p = 0.0057) between plasma Hg concentrations and MMP-2/TIMP-2 (an index of net MMP-2 activity). The C(-1306)T polymorphism modified MMP-2 concentrations (p = 0.0465) and MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio (p = 0.0060) in subjects exposed to Hg, with higher MMP-2 levels been found in subjects carrying the C allele. These findings suggest a significant interaction between the C(-1306)T polymorphism and Hg exposure, possibly increasing the risk of developing diseases in subjects with the C allele. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Differential roles of galectin-1 and galectin-3 in regulating leukocyte viability and cytokine secretion

Galectin-1 (Gal-1) and galectin-3 (Gal-3) exhibit profound but unique immunomodulatory activities in animals but their molecular mechanisms are incompletely understood. Early studies suggested that Gal-1 inhibits leukocyte function by inducing apoptotic cell death and removal, but recent studies show that some galectins induce exposure of the common death signal phosphatidylserine (PS) independently of apoptosis. In tfhis study, we report that Gal-3, but not Gal-1, induces both PS exposure and apoptosis in primary activated human T cells, whereas both Gal-1 and Gal-3 induce PS exposure in neutrophils in the absence of cell death. Gal-1 and Gal-3 bind differently to the surfaces of T cells and only Gal-3 mobilizes intracellular Ca(2+) in these cells, although Gal-1 and Gal-3 bind their respective T cell ligands with similar affinities. Although Gal-1 does not alter T cell viability, it induces IL-10 production and attenuates IFN-gamma production in activated T cells, suggesting a mechanism for Gal-1-mediated immunosuppression in vivo. These studies demonstrate that Gal-1 and Gal-3 induce differential responses in T cells and neutrophils, and identify the first factor, Gal-3, capable of inducing PS exposure with or without accompanying apoptosis in different leukocytes, thus providing a possible mechanism for galectin-mediated immunomodulation in vivo.

A Statistical Study of the Association of Seven Dental Anomalies in the Brazilian Population

The objective of this study was to show the association patterns among seven types of dental anomalies (second pre-molar agenesis, upper side incisive reduced in size, lower first molar infra-ochlesis, enamel hypoplasia, first molar ectopic eruption, supra numerous teeth and upper canine ectopic eruption) in a population sample without dental treatment ranging in age from 7 to 14. A total of 172 patients were attended and underwent the clinical examination at the Clinica Infantil da Fundacao Educacional de Barretos. Eleven patients from this total were selected according to a first dental anomaly diagnosis and submitted to panoramic radiography. A significant association (p < 0.05) was detected among six pairs of anomalies (second pre-molar agenesis x first pre-molar ectopic eruption; second pre-molar agenesis x lower first molar infra-ochlesis; second pre-molar agenesis x upper side incisive reduced in size; supra numerous teeth x reduced size upper side incisive; first pre-molar ectopic eruption x enamel hypoplasia; lower first molar infra-ochlesis x upper side incisive reduced in size) suggesting a common genetic origin for these conditions. The association was not significant in only one case where there was anomaly sharing by the patients. The existence of an anomaly is clinically relevant for early diagnosis of a possible association and an anomaly can indicate an increased risk of other anomalies.

First detection of lead in black paper from intraoral film An environmental concern

Lead (Pb) contamination in the black paper that recovers intraoral films (BKP) has been investigated. BKP samples were collected from the Radiology Clinics of the Dental School of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. For sake of comparison, four different methods were used. The results revealed the presence of high lead levels, well above the maximum limit allowed by the legislation. Pb contamination levels achieved after the following treatments: paper digestion in nitric acid, microwave treatment, DIN38414-54 method and TCLP method were 997 mu g g(-1), 189 mu g g(-1), 20.8 mu g g(-1), and 54.0 mu g g(-1), respectively. Flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were employed for lead determination according to the protocols of the applied methods. Lead contamination in used BKP was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (SEM-EDS). All the SEM imaging was carried out in the secondary electron mode (SE) and backscattered-electron mode (QBSD) following punctual X-ray fluorescence spectra. Soil contamination derived from this product revealed the urgent need of addressing this problem. These elevated Pb levels, show that a preliminary treatment of BKP is mandatory before it is disposed into the common trash. The high lead content of this material makes its direct dumping into the environment unwise. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of the aquatic macroinvertebrate community as a tool for monitoring a reservoir in the Pitangui river basin, Parana, Brazil

Evaluation of the aquatic macroinvertebrate community as a tool for monitoring a reservoir in the Pitangui river basin, Parana, Brazil. Benthic and nektonic macroinvertebrates play an important role in the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems and their distribution is influenced by chemical features of the substrate, vegetation composition, and water depth. Knowledge on the fauna contributes to the assessment of water quality and development of biodiversity conservation activities. Different biotic factors affecting the invertebrate community were evaluated in the Alagados reservoir, the main water source of the city of Ponta Grossa, Parana. In five different sampling points, 18,473 specimens of aquatic or semiaquatic macroinvertebrates were collected, belonging to 46 taxa of the phylla Annelida (Hirudinea and Oligochaeta), Mollusca (Gastropoda), Platyhelminthes (Turbellaria), Nematoda and Arthropoda (Arachnida, Crustacea and Insecta). This community was composed mainly of predators (45.7% of the taxa sampled), collectors and/or filterers (23.9%), scrapers (15.2%), shredders (13.0%) and detritivores (2.2%). Diversity (H`) and evenness (J) indices were significantly low for the sites examined, and H` ranged between 0.3301 and 1.0396. Regarding tolerance of organisms to organic pollution, more sensitive taxa were very rare (Plecoptera) or unusual (Trichoptera and Ephemeroptera). Among the more resistant groups are Chironomidae and Hirudinea, both fairly common in the samples. This study corroborates the importance of bioindicators as a tool to assess water quality for human consumption and for the conservation of aquatic environments, integrating physical, chemical and biological factors in monitoring programs.

Diario Trabalhista and black racial democracy in Brazil in the 1940s

In order to refute the interpretation that racial democracy in Brazil has simply been an illusion or ruse of white supremacy, the authors analyze the participation of Black leaders in the elaboration of the Brazilian national imaginary in the 1940s. They argue that during that period, racial democracy was a powerful instrument for mobilizing Blacks as well, whether as nationalists or anti-racists. The authors explore one of the most important sources through which this ideology was forged by a key figure of the Black intelligentsia, Abdias do Nascimento, with his column in the Diario Trabalhista [Laborite Daily] entitled ""Problems and Aspirations of Black Brazilians"". In this column, Nascimento published dozens of interviews with Black leaders and common people that demonstrate the foundations, principles, and interests involved in the construction of a racial democracy.

Hemispheric Lateralization in Benign Focal Epilepsy in Childhood With Centrotemporal Spikes (BECTS)

Benign focal epilepsy in childhood with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) is one of the most common forms of epilepsy. In adults there is a higher percentage of lateralized epileptic discharges in the left cerebral hemisphere; however, in children this pattern does not seem to have the same distribution. The objective of this study was to evaluate the lateralization of interictal spikes in children with BECTS in relation to the sex of the child and the age of onset of epilepsy. We studied the electroencephalograms (EEGs) of 114 children with a clinical diagnosis of BECTS according to ILAE. The results obtained from two EEGs, performed at intervals of 6 and 12 months, were correlated with the age of onset of the epileptic seizures and the sex of the child. There was no association between the onset of epileptic seizures and the age of the child (p=0.461). When we analyzed the relationship between laterality and sex we did not observe any difference in the first EEG (p = 0.767) results; however, in the results of the second EEG there was a difference (p = 0.002). In males, left and bilateral interictal spikes were predominant, and in females the right hemisphere showed predominant spikes and there were continuous spike-and-wave discharges during slow sleep (CSWSS). The analysis between laterality and a child`s age did not show predominant interictal spikes in the hemispheres, except in males where there were predominant multifocal and generalized spikes, but not lateralization (p=0.011). The conclusion was that in BECTS the lateralization of interictal spikes was not consistent as described in adult patients, but there was a slight left hemispheric predominance in boys and right hemispheric predominance in girls.