A new species of Phaenocarpa Foerster (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Alysiinae) from Brazil parasitizing Neosilba perezi (Diptera: Lonchaeidae)

This paper provides the description of Phaenocarpa neosilbae sp. n. (Braconidae: Alysiinae) reared from larvae of Neosilba perezi (Romero Ruppel, 1973) (Diptera: Lonchaeidae) in Brazil. Diagnostic characters are figured and the key to the Neotropical species of Phaenocarpa (Arouca Penteado-Dias, 2006) is modified to include the new species.

Influence of Urea and Ammonium Sulfate on Soil Acidity Indices in Lowland Rice Production

Urea and ammonium sulfate are principal nitrogen (N) sources for crop production. Two field experiments were conducted during three consecutive years to evaluate influence of urea and ammonium sulfate application on grain yield, soil pH, calcium (Ca) saturation, magnesium (Mg) saturation, base saturation, aluminum (Al) saturation, and acidity (H + Al) saturation in lowland rice production. Grain yield was significantly influenced by urea as well as ammonium sulfate fertilization. Soil pH linearly decreased with the application of N by ammonium sulfate and urea fertilizers. However, the magnitude of the pH decrease was greater by ammonium sulfate than by urea. The Ca and Mg saturations were decreased at the greater N rates compared to low rates of N by both the fertilizer sources. The Al and acidity saturation increased with increasing N rates by both the fertilizer sources. However, these acidity indices were increased more with the application of ammonium sulfate compared with urea. Rice grain yield had negative associations with pH, Ca saturation, Mg saturation, and base saturation and positive associations with Al and acidity saturation. This indicates that rice plant is tolerant to soil acidity.

Potassium Soil Test Calibration for Lowland Rice on an Inceptisol

Potassium (K) plays an important role in many physiological and biochemical processes in plants and its adequate use is an important issue for sustainable economic crop production. Soil test-based K fertilizer recommendations are very limited for lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.) grown on Inceptisols. The objective of this study was to calibrate K soil testing for the response of lowland rice (cv. Ipagri 109) to added K. A field experiment was conducted in the farmers` field in the municipality of Lagoa da Confusao, State of Tocantins, central Brazil. The K rates used were 0, 125, 250, 375, 500, and 625 kg K ha-1 applied as broadcast and incorporated during sowing of the first rice crop. Rice responded significantly to K fertilization during 2 years of experimentation. Maximum grain yield of about 6,000 kg ha-1 was obtained with 57 mg K kg-1 soil in the first year and with 30 mg K kg-1 in the second year. This indicated that at low levels of K in the soil, nonexchangeable K was available for plant growth. Potassium use efficiency designated as agronomic efficiency (kg grain produced/kg K applied) decreased significantly in a quadratic fashion with increasing K level in the soil. Agronomic efficiency had a significantly linear association with grain yield. Hence, improving agronomic efficiency with management practices can improve rice yield.

Yield, Potassium Uptake, and Use Efficiency in Upland Rice Genotypes

Potassium (K) is an essential nutrient for higher plants. Information on K uptake and use efficiency of upland rice under Brazilian conditions is limited. A greenhouse experiment was conducted with the objective to evaluate influence of K on yield, K uptake, and use efficiency of six upland rice genotypes grown on Brazilian Oxisol. The K rate used was zero (natural soil level) and 200 mg K kg-1 of soil. Shoot dry weight and grain yield were significantly influenced by K level and genotype treatments. However, K x genotype interactions were not significant, indicating similar responses of genotypes at two K levels for shoot dry weight and grain yield. Genotypes produced grain yield in the order of BRS Primavera BRA 01596 BRSMG Curinga BRS 032033 BRS Bonanca BRA 02582. Potassium concentration in shoot was about sixfold greater compared to grain, across two K levels and six genotypes. However, K utilization efficiency ratio (KUER) (mg shoot or grain yield / mg K uptake in shoot or root) was about 6.5 times greater in grain compared to shoot, across two K level and six genotypes. Potassium uptake in shoot and grain and KUER were significantly and positively associated with grain yield. Soil calcium (Ca), K, base saturation, acidity saturation, Ca saturation, K saturation, Ca/K ratio, and magnesium (Mg)/K ratio were significantly influenced by K application rate.

TWO NEW SPIDER MITES (ACARI: TETRANYCHIDAE) FROM BRAZIL: A MONOCERONYCHUS MCGREGOR (BRYOBIINAE) FROM FINGERGRASS AND AN OLIGONYCHUS BERLESE (TETRANYCHINAE) FROM GRAPE

Two new Tetranychidae (Prostigmata) mites are described from Brazil Monoceronychus tchecensis n. sp., a bryobiine collected from weeping fingergrass, Eustachys distichophylla (Lag.) Nees (Poaceae), in the State of Rio Grande do Sul; and Oligonychus fileno n. sp., a tetranychine collected from grape, Vitis vinifera L. (Vitaceae), in the State of Minas Gerais. Monoceronychus tchecensis n. sp. is the second species in this genus described from South America. In addition to the description of these new species, the tetranychine Eotetranychus smithi Pritchard and Baker, 1955 was recorded for the first time for South America.

Description of a new Tetranychus (Acarina, Prostigmata : Tetranychidae) pest of Musa from French Guiana

A new species of tetranychid mite, genus Tetranychus Dufour, 1832, is described and illustrated herein from neotropical area. Tetranychus musae sp. nov. (Acari, Prostigmata: Tetranychidae) differs from other species in the genus by the combination between the arrangement of leg setae on females tarsus I and the shape of the aedeagus. Tarsus I bears one tactile setae proximal to proximal duplex setae and three tactiles in line or almost in line with proximal duplex setae. The aedeagus knob consists of an acute posterior projection bent ventrally and a larger anterior rounded projection directed anterodorsally. T. musae specimens were collected in French Guiana where they appeared to be a pest of Musa sp. A key to adults of neotropical species of the genus Tetranychus feeding on banana is provided.

High prevalence, low counts and uncommon serotypes of Listeria monocytogenes in linguica, a Brazilian fresh pork sausage

Linguica is a highly popular and appreciated pork product in Brazil, frequently consumed undercooked. Aiming at collection of data for a future risk assessment, this study evaluated the prevalence and counts of Listeria monocytogenes in linguica samples collected at retail level in Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil. ISO methods were used for detection and enumeration of the pathogen (11290-1 and 11290-2, respectively). Isolates were submitted to Simplex-PCR for hlyA gene and those with biochemical features of L. monocytogenes and hlyA positive were serotyped using a Multiplex PCR. Ninety percent of the samples were positive for Listeria spp., and L monocytogenes was detected in 42% of the samples, with counts below 10(2) CFU/g in all samples. A prevalence of uncommon serotypes 4a and 4c was observed. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Antioxidant capacity of the striped sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seed extracts evaluated by three in vitro methods

The antioxidant capacity of the striped sunflower seed cotyledon extracts, obtained by sequential extraction with different polarities of solvents, was evaluated by three different in vitro methods: ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays. In the three methods, the aqueous extract at 30 mu g/ml showed a higher antioxidant capacity value (FRAP, 45.27 mu mol; DPPH, 50.18%; ORAC, 1.5 Trolox equivalents) than the ethanolic extract (FRAP, 32.17 mu mol; DPPH, 15.21%; ORAC, 0.50 Trolox equivalents). When compared with the synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxyl toluene, the antioxidant capacity of the aqueous extract varied from 45% to 66%, according to the used method. The high antioxidant capacity observed for the aqueous extract of the studied sunflower seed suggests that the intake of this seed may prevent in vivo oxidative reactions responsible for the development of several diseases, such as cancer.

Enzymatic-spectrophotometric determination of paraquat in urine samples: A method based on its toxic mechanism

Paraquat is a broad-spectrum contact herbicide that has been encountered worldwide in several cases of accidental, homicidal, and suicidal poisonings. The pulmonary toxicity of this compound is related to the depletion of NADPH in the pneumocytes, which is continuously consumed by the reduction/oxidation of paraquat and reductase enzyme systems in the presence of O(2) (redox cycling). Based on this mechanism, an enzymatic-spectrophotometric method was developed for the determination of paraquat in urine samples. The velocity of NADPH consumption was monitored at 340 nm, every 10 s during 15 min. The velocity of NADPH oxidation correlated with the paraquat levels found in samples. The enzymatic-spectrophotometric method showed to be sensitive, making possible the detection of paraquat in urine samples at concentrations as low as 0.05 mg/L.

The expression of efflux and uptake transporters are regulated by statins in Caco-2 and HepG2 cells

Aim: Statin disposition and response are greatly determined by the activities of drug metabolizing enzymes and efflux/uptake transporters. there is little information on the regulation of these proteins in human cells after statin therapy. In this study, the effects of atorvastatin and simvastatin on mRNA expression of efflux (ABCB1, ABCG2 and ABCC2) and uptake (SLCO1B1, SLCO2B1 and SLC22A1) drug transporters in Caco-2 and HepG2 cells were investigated. Methods: Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure mRNA levels after exposure of HepG2 and Caco-2 cells to statins. Results: Differences in mRnA basal levels of the transporters were as follows: ABCC2>ABCG2>ABCB1>SLCO1B1>>>SLC22A1>SLC O2B1 for HepG2 cells, and SLCO2B1>>ABCC2>ABCB1>ABCG2>>>SLC22A1 for Caco-2 cells. While for HepG2 cells, ABCC2, ABCG2 and SLCO2B1 mRnA levels were significantly up-regulated at 1, 10 and 20 mu mol/L after 12 or 24 h treatment, in Caco-2 cells, only the efflux transporter ABCB1 was significantly down-regulated by two-fold following a 12 h treatment with atorvastatin. Interestingly, whereas treatment with simvastatin had no effect on mRNA levels of the transporters in HepG2 cells, in Caco-2 cells the statin significantly down-regulated ABCB1, ABCC2, SLC22A1, and SLCO2B1 mRnA levels after 12 or 24 h treatment. Conclusion: These findings reveal that statins exhibits differential effects on mRNA expression of drug transporters, and this effect depends on the cell type. Furthermore, alterations in the expression levels of drug transporters in the liver and/or intestine may contribute to the variability in oral disposition of statins.

Photoprotective effect of Pothomorphe umbellata on UVB radiation-induced biomarkers involved in carcinogenesis of hairless mouse epidermis

In this study we assessed the protective effect of topical application of Pothomorphe umbellata extract on ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced skin lesion parameters in hairless mouse epidermis. A single dose of UVB irradiation (0.23 kJ/m(2)) resulted in a significant decrease in thymine dimer-positive cells and apoptotic sunburn cells, with an increase in p53 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells in the epidermis. After 5 weeks (total dose 13.17 kJ/m(2)) and 15 weeks (total dose 55.51 kJ/m(2)) of irradiation, P. umbellata treatment inhibited the hyperplasic response and induced an increase in p53-positive cells. These findings suggest that P. umbellata extract affords protection against UVB-induced skin lesions.

Cruzain inhibition by hydroxymethylnitrofurazone and nitrofurazone: investigation of a new target in Trypanosoma cruzi

Nitrofurazone (NF) and its derivative, hydroxymethylnitrofurazone (NFOH), have presented antichagasic activity. NFOH has higher activity and lower mutagenicity. The aim of this work was to assess whether NF and its derivative NFOH would also be inhibitors of cruzain, besides their trypanothione reductase inhibitory activity. In vitro cruzain inhibition tests were performed for both compounds, and the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) for NF and NFOH presented values of 22.83 +/- 1.2 mu M and 10.55 +/- 0.81 mu M, respectively. AM1 semi-empirical molecular modeling studies were performed to understand the activity of the compounds, corroborating the observed cruzain inhibitory activity.

Influence of Urea, Isopropanol, and Propylene Glycol on Rutin In Vitro Release from Cosmetic Semisolid Systems Estimated by Factorial Design

Rutin, one of the major flavonoids found in an assortment of plants, was reported to act as a sun protection factor booster with high anti-UVA defense, antioxidant, antiaging, and anticellulite, by improvement of the cutaneous microcirculation. This research work aimed at evaluating the rutin in vitro release from semisolid systems, in vertical diffusion cells, containing urea, isopropanol and propylene glycol, associated or not, according to the factorial design with two levels with center point. Urea (alone and in association with isopropanol and propylene glycol) and isopropanol (alone and in association with propylene glycol) influenced significant and negatively rutin liberation in diverse parameters: flux (g/cm2.h); apparent permeability coefficient (cm/h); rutin amount released (g/cm2); and liberation enhancement factor. In accordance with the results, the presence of propylene glycol 5.0% (wt/wt) presented statistically favorable to promote rutin release from this semisolid system with flux = 105.12 8.59 g/cm2.h; apparent permeability coefficient = 7.01 0.572 cm/h; rutin amount released = 648.80 53.01 g/cm2; and liberation enhancement factor = 1.21 0.07.

Validation of an HPLC analytical method for determination of pancuronium bromide in pharmaceutical injections

Pancuronium bromide is used with general anesthesia in surgery for muscle relaxation and as an aid to intubation. A high performance liquid chromatographic method was fully validated for the quantitative determination of pancuronium bromide in pharmaceutical injectable solutions. The analytical method was performed on an amino column (Luna 150mm4.6mm, 5m). The mobile phase was composed of acetonitrile:water containing 50mmol L-1 of 1-octane sulfonic acid sodium salt (20:80v/v) with a flow rate of 1.0mL min-1 and ultraviolet (UV) detection at 210nm. The proposed analytical method was compared with that described in the British Pharmacopoeia.

Moisture sorption isotherm characteristics of freeze-dried D-limonene emulsions in modified chitosan and maltodextrin

This article reports on modified chitosan as an alternative substance for protecting loss of volatile compounds during freeze drying. Moisture sorption isotherms of freeze-dried D-limonene emulsions in modified chitosan were determined at 15, 25, and 35 degrees C. The data were adjusted to the GAB model. Maltodextrin was used in a parallel experiment. Flavor released from microcapsules was measured. The monolayer humidity, the sorption heat, the diffusivity coefficients, and the surface area of freeze-dried D-limonene emulsions were determined.