Medicinal plants' hosting ability for nematode meloidogyne javanica and m. incognita

Baida, F.C., D.C. Santiago, L. H. I. Vidal, L. C. Baida, C. T. Stroze. 2011. Medicinal Plants' Hosting Ability for Nematode Suitability Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica. Nematropica 41: 150-153.Medicinal plants can be attacked by pests, diseases and nematodes, which can compromise the quality and quantity of their healing properties and their yield. The aim of this study was to analyse the reaction of 15 medicinal plant species to the nematode Meloidogyne spp. The seedlings were produced by seed germination or cuttings under greenhouse conditions. A completely random experimental pattern of 15 treatments and 10 replications was chosen for the study. The seedlings were inoculated with approximately 5000 eggs + J(2)/plant 20 days after planting. Plant height and fresh and dry leaf weight, were measured 60 days after planting. The roots were collected, thoroughly washed and stained with Philoxine B and then processed to extract the eggs to determine the reproduction factor. For M. incognita the results showed that Chamomile was susceptible with RF = 1,64 making it a good host, and the other plants were resistant (RF < 1), and for M. javanica that all the plants showed resistance (RF < 1), Myrrh, Rue and Balsam demonstrating immunity (RF = 0).

Effect of Alternaria cassiae, Pseudocercospora nigricans, and soybean (Glycine max) planting density on the biological control of sicklepod (Senna obtusifolia)

The interactions of two fungal biocontrol agents, Alternaria cassiae and Pseudocercospora nigricans, and soybean planting density on sicklepod mortality and dry weight were studied in the field over 2 yr. The experimental field was divided into three equal areas: one without soybean and two where the soybean was sown in densities of 20 and 36 seeds per meter row with a 0.95-m row spacing. The fungi were sprayed alone or in a mixture at three growth stages of sicklepod plants grown at three levels of crop interference resulting from the three soybean planting densities. The fungal treatments were: an untreated control, A. cassiae (105 spores/m2), P. nigricans (3.3 g mycelium/m2), and the mixture of these two fungi. Sicklepod was at the cotyledonary leaf, two-leaf, and four-leaf stages when treated. Alternaria cassiae was most effective in reducing both sicklepod survival and dry weight. The mixture of P. nigricans and A. cassiae was generally comparable to but not better than A. cassiae alone in killing the weed (mortality) and reducing its growth (dry weight). Soybean density did not have significant effects on the mortality or the dry weight of sicklepod. Thus, there is no advantage to combining the highly effective biocontrol agent A. cassiae with the less effective P. nigricans or with soybean interference to control sicklepod. However, the results validate the efficacy of A. cassiae by itself as a bioherbicide.

Growth and yield analysis in different methods of beet (Cv. 'tall top early wonder') plantation

This objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different methods of red beet seedling production and direct sowing on the development of the plant in field conditions. 'Tall Top Early Wonder' was used as the cultivar. The experimental design was a randomized blocks with 4 replications of each treatment: T1 - seedling produced in trays of 288 cells; T2 - 200 cells; T3 - 128 cells; T4 - 128 cells; T5 - direct sowing and T6 - bare-root seedling. The seedlings produced in trays and bare root seedlings were transplanted in the field 28 DAS with spacing of 0.20 x 0.10m. The mean height of plants, leaf area, leaf dry matter, petiole dry matter, shoot dry matter, root dry matter, relationship between shoot dry matter and root dry matter, absolute growth rate, relative growth rate, net assimilation rate, leaf area ratio and specific leaf area were determined. Storage root fresh matter and mean storage root diameter were determined starting from 77 DAS. Initial growth of the plants were superior for the direct sowing, resulting in smaller RGR and NAR than the other treatments. Independent of the production method, an increase of the cycle of the crop was verified. T6 had larger delay in the initial development. There was no difference for productivity. Method T1, had less expenses with respect to substrate and space in the vegetation home, without reduction in production.

Biometric analysis of the maxillary permanent molar teeth and its relation to furcation involvement.

A high rate of root exposure and consequently the exposure of the furcation area is usually observed in multirooted teeth. In maxillary molar teeth, this fact may endanger the three existent furcations (buccal, mesial and distal), causing serious problems. In this research, distance measures from the buccal furcation to the mesial (F1M) and distal (F1D) surfaces of the mesio-buccal and disto-buccal roots; from the mesial furcation to the buccal (F2B) and palatal (F2P) surfaces of the mesio-buccal and palatal roots and from the distal furcation to the buccal (F3B) and palatal (F3P) surfaces of the disto-buccal and palatal roots, respectively were established. One hundred maxillary first molar teeth were used, 50 of the right and 50 of the left side. Reference marks and demarcations were determined on the furcations and also on the root surfaces involved in the measures. We concluded that these measurements are important because they may effectivelly contribute to diagnosis, prevention and treatment of periodontal problems.

Efficacy of EDTA-T gel for smear layer removal at root surfaces

Objective: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the efficacy of EDTA gel preparation, associated with texapon detergent (EDTA-T), for removing the smear layer at human root surfaces. Method and materials: An experimental smear layer was produced by scaling using periodontal curettes, and the root surfaces were etched with the following concentrations of EDTA-T: 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 24%, and negative control (saline solution) for 1, 2, or 3 minutes using both passive and active methods. The surfaces were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, and photomicrographs were evaluated in relation to smear removal. Results: All EDTA-T groups were more effective than the control group (P < .0001). EDTA-T at 15% was more effective when applied by the passive method, although this difference was not observed for the active method. The active method was statistically better than the passive method (P < .0001). Conclusion: The etching of the root surface with EDTA-T gel by active application, independently of the other factors evaluated, was effective for smear layer removal.

Shear bond strength of adhesive systems to enamel and dentin. Thermocycling influence

Objectives: The purpose of the this study was to evaluate the influence of thermocycling on shear bond strength on bovine enamel and dentin surfaces of different adhesive systems. Methods: Thirty sound bovine incisors were sectioned in mesiodistal and inciso-cervical direction obtaining 60 incisal surfaces (enamel) and 60 cervical surfaces (dentin). Specimens were randomly assigned to 3 groups of equal size (n = 40), according to the adhesive system used: I-Single Bond; II-Prime & Bond NT/NRC; III-One Coat Bond. After 24-h storage in distilled water at 37 o C, each main group was divided into two subgroups: A- specimens tested after 24 h storage in distilled water at 37°C; B - specimens submitted to thermocycling (500 cycles). Shear bond strength tests were performed. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey test. Results: Means (MPa) of different groups were: I-AE-16.96, AD-17.46; BE-21.60, BD-12.79; II-AE-17.20, AD-11.93; BE-20.67, BD-13.94; III-AE-25.66, AD-17.53; BE-24.20, BD-19.38. Significance: Thermocycling did not influence significantly the shear bond strength of the tested adhesive systems; enamel was the dental substrate that showed larger adhesive strength; One Coat Bond system showed the best adhesive strength averages regardless of substrate or thermocycling. © 2005 Springer Science + Business Media, Inc.

Calcium silicate and organic mineral fertilizer applications reduce phytophagy by Thrips palmi Karny (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on eggplants (Solanum melongena L.)

Thrips palmi Karny (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is a phytophagous insect associated with the reduction of eggplant productivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of calcium silicate and/or an organic mineral fertilizer, together or separately, in increasing the resistance of eggplants to T. palmi. The treatments were calcium silicate, organic mineral fertilizer, calcium silicate associated with this fertilizer and the control. Mortality and number of lesions caused by nymphs of this insect on eggplant leaves were evaluated after 3, 6, 9 and 12 leaf applications of these products. The calcium silicate and the organic mineral fertilizer reduced both the population of T. palmi and the damage caused by its nymphs, suggesting a possible increase in eggplant resistance to this pest as a result of the treatments.

Shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets bonded using halogen light and light-emitting diode at different debond times

The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the photoactivation effects of QTH (Quartz-Tungsten-Halogen) and LED (Light-Emitting Diode) on the SBS (Shear Bond Strength) of orthodontic brackets at different debond times. Seventy-two bovine lower incisors were randomly divided into two groups according to the photoactivation system used (QTH or LED). The enamel surfaces were conditioned with Transbond self-etching primer, and APC (Adhesive Pre-Coated) brackets were used in all specimens. Group I was cured with QTH for 20 s and Group II with LED for 10 s. Both groups were subdivided according to the different experimental times after bonding (immediately, 24 h and 7 days). The specimens were tested for SBS and the enamel surfaces were analyzed according to the Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI). The statistical analysis included the Tukey's test to evaluate the main effects of photoactivation and debond time on SBS. The Chi-square test was used to compare the ARI values found for each group, and no statistically significant difference was observed. The debond time of 7 days for QTH photoactivation showed statistically greater values of SBS when compared to the immediate and 24 h periods. There was no statistically significant difference between the QTH and LED groups immediately and after the 24 h period. In conclusion, bonding orthodontic brackets with LED photoactivation for 10 s is suggested because it requires a reduced clinical chair time.

Analysis of agonist and antagonist effects on thyroid hormone receptor conformation by hydrogen/deuterium exchange

Thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) are ligand-gated transcription factors with critical roles in development and metabolism. Although x-ray structures of TR ligand-binding domains (LBDs) with agonists are available, comparable structures without ligand (apo-TR) or with antagonists are not. It remains important to understand apo-LBD conformation and the way that it rearranges with ligands to develop better TR pharmaceuticals. In this study, we conducted hydrogen/deuterium exchange on TR LBDs with or without agonist (T 3) or antagonist (NH3). Both ligands reduce deuterium incorporation into LBD amide hydrogens, implying tighter overall folding of the domain. As predicted, mass spectroscopic analysis of individual proteolytic peptides after hydrogen/ deuterium exchange reveals that ligand increases the degree of solvent protection of regions close to the buried ligand-binding pocket. However, there is also extensive ligand protection of other regions, including the dimer surface at H10-H11, providing evidence for allosteric communication between the ligand-binding pocket and distant interaction surfaces. Surprisingly, Cterminal activation helix H12, which is known to alter position with ligand, remains relatively protected from solvent in all conditions suggesting that it is packed against the LBD irrespective of the presence or type of ligand. T 3, but not NH3, increases accessibility of the upper part of H3-H5 to solvent, and we propose that TR H12 interacts with this region in apo-TR and that this interaction is blocked by T 3 but not NH3.Wepresent data from site-directed mutagenesis experiments and molecular dynamics simulations that lend support to this structural model of apo-TR and its ligand-dependent conformational changes. (Molecular Endocrinology 25: 15-31, 2011). Copyright © 2011 by The Endocrine Society.

SEM studies on the leaf indumentum of six Melastomataceae species from Brazilian Cerrado

The wide diversity of their trichomes, which vary from simple unicellular to very complex structures, is a remarkable characteristic in Melastomataceae. This paper characterizes the leaf indumentum of Miconia albicans (Sw.) Triana, M. chamissois Naudin, M. fallax DC., M. ligustroides (DC.) Naudin, Microlepis oleaefolia (DC.) Triana and Rhynchanthera dichotoma DC., typical species from Brazilian cerrado. Samples collected from the median third of young and mature leaf blades were processed following the usual scanning electron microscopy techniques (SEM). We observed ten morphological types of trichomes and four of emergences. With five different types, four of which are reported for the first time, Rhynchanthera dichotoma is the species that presents the most diverse indumenta. A mixed type of trichome formed by a glandular and a branched non-glandular portion called lateral-gland was observed in M. ligustroides. Such non-glandular portion presents different degrees of development. A correlation is suggested between the stage of development of the non-glandular portion and the exposition to light of these lateral gland on young leaves.

Leaf anatomical traits are correlated with tree dominance in a Neotropical deciduous forest

Deciduous forests from the neotropics are one of the most endangered forest types in the world due to the exploitation of their natural resources by mankind. Many aspects of these ecosystems have been studied; however, there is a lack of information about leaf structure and the effects of tree dominance on their structural leaf patterns. In this article, we examine leaf anatomy and specific leaf areas (SLA) in 13 tree species differing in their dominance in a Dry Forest site in Central Brazil, relating leaf anatomical traits with phytosociological aspects. Leaf anatomical traits differed according to tree dominance: greater leaf thickness (achieved through greater thickness of the mesophyll), low values of SLA and bigger stomata were found for the most dominant species, whereas the less dominant species showed thinner leaves with high SLA, as well as numerous and small stomata. These responses suggest that tree dominance is an important indirect effect associated with vertical light availability in the forest. These strategies are probably related to the accomplishment of a high performance in carbon gain and water economy, given the distinction in irradiance that the leaves of different species are subject to in the dry forest. © 2013 Copyright The Royal Society of New Zealand.

Assistência de ar e aplicação em volume baixo no controle da ferrugem asiática da soja (Phakopsora pachyrhizi Sydon & Sydon

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Efeito de óleos minerais e vegetais nas propriedades físico-químicas das caldas de pulverização e suas interações com superfícies foliares

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Evaluation of morpho-anatomical and chemical differences between varieties of the medicinal plant Casearia sylvestris Swartz

Casearia sylvestris Swartz (Salicaceae) é uma planta utilizada na medicina tradicional, cujos extratos de folhas demonstraram importantes ações farmacológicas. A espécie apresenta variação morfológica, genética e química. Duas variedades são consideradas devido a diferenças morfológicas: C. sylvestris var. sylvestris e var. lingua. Há dificuldades na definição destas variedades. O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar diferenças morfo-anatômicas e químicas entre as variedades de C. sylvestris que permitam sua diferenciação com aplicação farmacêutica ou botânica. Seções transversais e paradérmicas de folhas foram preparadas para análises morfo-anatômicas, histoquímicas e microscopia quantitativa (indices de estômatos e paliçada). Análises cromatográficas (CLAE-DAD e CCD) foram realizadas para obter o perfil de diterpenos clerodânicos. Os resultados das análises morfo-anatômicas demonstraram diferenças significativas entre as variedades somente em cortes paradérmicos: var. sylvestris - paredes celulares epidérmicas poligonais e hipoestomática, var. lingua - paredes celulares epidérmicas arredondadas e anfiestomática. Os índices de estômatos não revelaram diferenças; os valores dos índices de paliçada foram de 2,8 para var. lingua e 3,9 para var. sylvestris. As análises cromatográficas confirmaram resultados prévios, demonstrando predomínio de diterpenos na var. sylvestris. Este trabalho sugere que análises cromatográficas e morfo-anatômicas podem ser ferramentas aplicáveis na distinção das variedades da espécie.

ICE-KEEL SCOUR MARKS IN THE GEOLOGICAL RECORD: EVIDENCE FROM CARBONIFEROUS SOFT-SEDIMENT STRIATED SURFACES IN THE PARANA BASIN, SOUTHERN BRAZIL

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)