Preference and infestation level of Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann, 1830) on fruits of some Psidium guajava L. cultivars and relation to their physicochemical parameters

This study aimed to verify the preference and infestation level of Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae) [South American fruit fly] in fruits of guava cultivars and to correlate them to variables such as peel coloration, soluble solids and pH of fruit cultivars. The following cultivars were used: Pedro Sato, Paluma, Casco and S,culo XXI. The infestation was evaluated in cages, considering two scenarios: no-choice and multiple choice. In both tests, evaluations of the fruit attraction to insects were conducted for a period of 1', 3', 5', 10', 20', 30', 1 h, 2 h, 6 h, 12 h and 24 h. The visit of A. fraterculus on the assayed cultivars in relation to the time was studied by logistic regression. After 10 days, the number of larvae in each fruit was recorded. In the multiple choice test, the visit proportions were significantly higher in the fruits of cvs. S,culo XXI and Pedro Sato than in those of cvs. Paluma and Casco. In the no-choice test, the visit proportions were significantly lower in the Paluma fruits. In both tests, the rate of fruit infestation by A. fraterculus did not differ among cvs. Pedro Sato, Paluma and Casco, whereas the fruits of cv. S,culo XXI were more infested. The indexes of pH did not interfere with the infestation of A. fraterculus, whereas a high rate of soluble solids and low color angle appear to be crucial for discriminating the fruits of the most susceptible cultivars. Infestation rate of S,culo XXI fruits displayed significant correlations with: A degrees Brix (r= 0.7078) and color angle (h) (r= -0.9499) of guava fruits under the multiple choice conditions.

Formulation of Pseudomonas chlororaphis strains for improved shelf life

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Nonlinear formulation based on FEM, Mazars damage criterion and Fick's law applied to failure assessment of reinforced concrete structures subjected to chloride ingress and reinforcements corrosion

Structural durability is an important design criterion, which must be assessed for every type of structure. In this regard, especial attention must be addressed to the durability of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. When RC structures are located in aggressive environments, its durability is strongly reduced by physical/chemical/mechanical processes that trigger the corrosion of reinforcements. Among these processes, the diffusion of chlorides is recognized as one of major responsible of corrosion phenomenon start. To accurate modelling the corrosion of reinforcements and to assess the durability of RC structures, a mechanical model that accounts realistically for both concrete and steel mechanical behaviour must be considered. In this context, this study presents a numerical nonlinear formulation based on the finite element method applied to structural analysis of RC structures subjected to chloride penetration and reinforcements corrosion. The physical nonlinearity of concrete is described by Mazars damage model whereas for reinforcements elastoplastic criteria are adopted. The steel loss along time due to corrosion is modelled using an empirical approach presented in literature and the chloride concentration growth along structural cover is represented by Fick's law. The proposed model is applied to analysis of bended structures. The results obtained by the proposed numerical approach are compared to responses available in literature in order to illustrate the evolution of structural resistant load after corrosion start. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reproductive toxicology and clastogenic evaluation in mice of a phytotherapeutic formulation obtained from Cinchona calisaya Weddel (Rubiaceae) used in Brazilian folk medicine as female fertility stimulant

Ethnopharmacological relevance: In Brazil, a phytotherapeutic preparation produced from a standardized tincture of Cinchona calisaya Weddel such that each mL of product contains 400 mu g of quinine, known in Portuguese as Agua Inglesa (R) (English water), is indicated by the manufacturer as a tonic, appetite stimulant, and digestive. However, this preparation has long been used in folk medicine as a female fertility stimulant. Despite its widespread use in folk medicine to stimulate female fertility, no study has been undertaken to assess the potential teratogenic and genotoxic effects of this phytotherapeutic preparation. The aim of the present study was to investigate possible toxic reproductive effects in mice caused by exposure to Agua Inglesa (R), either before mating or during the pre- and post-embryo implantation periods. The genotoxic potential was evaluated using the micronucleus assay.Material, Methods, and Results: Virgin female mice, with at least one estrous cycle evidenced by vaginal cytology, were divided into five groups of 15 individuals each (Group I - control, Group II - treated with ethanol solution at 16%, Groups III, IV and V treated with phytotherapeutic preparation at 1.5 mL/kg/day, 3.0 mL/kg/day and 4.5 mL/kg/day, respectively). After the first 28 days of treatment, females were caged individually with adult fertile males. Pregnant females continued to receive treatment for seven days (preimplantation period). Body weight was recorded weekly during treatment. Signs of toxicity (weight loss, food intake, piloerection, apathy, prostration, diarrhea, seizures, behavioral changes, and locomotion) were also observed. The females were sacrificed on the 15th day of pregnancy, uterine horns were evaluated for implantation, and the placental index was recorded. In the micronucleus test, 2000 polychromatic erythrocytes (PCE) per animal, obtained from bone marrow, were scored. Results The results showed that exposure of the females during the pre- and post-implantation periods did not significantly alter the reproductive capacity (p < 0.05); however, in higher dose (three times human dose)reduction of fetal weight was observed. There was no difference between the control and phytotherapeutic preparation (p > 0.05) in terms of the average number of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes.Conclusions: Although folk medicine suggests that the Agua Inglesa (R) preparation is useful as a female fertility stimulant, no such effect was confirmed in mice. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The physicochemical characterization and in vivo response of micro/nanoporous bioactive ceramic particulate bone graft materials

In this study, the physicochemical characteristics of calcium phosphate based bioactive ceramics of different compositions and blends presenting similar micro/nanoporosity and micrometer scale surface texture were characterized and evaluated in an in vivo model. Prior to the animal experiment, the porosity, surface area, particle size distribution, phase quantification, and dissolution of the materials tested were evaluated. The bone regenerative properties of the materials were evaluated using a rabbit calvaria model. After 2, 4, and 8 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and all samples were subjected to histologic observation and histomorphometric analysis. The material characterization showed that all materials tested presented variation in particle size, porosity and composition with different degrees of HA/TCP/lower stoichiometry phase ratios. Histologically, the calvarial defects presented temporal bone filling suggesting that all material groups were biocompatible and osteoconductive. Among the different materials tested, there were significant differences found in the amount of bone formation as a function of time. At 8 weeks, the micro/nanoporous material presenting similar to 55,TCP:45%,HA composition ratio presented higher amounts of new bone regeneration relative to other blends and a decrease in the amount of soft tissue infiltration. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Protonation Pattern, Tautomerism, Conformerism, and Physicochemical Analysis in New Crystal Forms of the Antibiotic Doxycycline

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Inverse Modeling of GPS Multipath for Snow Depth Estimation-Part I: Formulation and Simulations

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

MORTALITY OF ANTICARSIA GEMMATALIS (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE) CATERPILLARS POST EXPOSURE TO A COMMERCIAL NEEM (AZADIRACHTA INDICA, MELIACEAE) OIL FORMULATION

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

A BOUNDARY ELEMENT FORMULATION FOR MASONRY WALLS: NON-LINEAR ANALYSIS

In this work, a non-linear Boundary Element Method (BEM) formulation with damage model is extended for numerical simulation of structural masonry walls in 2D stress analysis. The formulation is reoriented to analyse structural masonry, the component materials of which, clay bricks and mortar, are considered as damaged materials. Also considered are the internal variables and cell discretization of the domain. A damage model is used to represent the material behaviour and the domain discretization is also proposed and discussed. The paper presents the numerical parameters of the damage model for the material properties of the masonry components, clay bricks and mortar. Some examples are shown to validate the formulation.

Biochemical and genotoxic effects of a commercial formulation of the herbicide tebuthiuron in Oreochromis niloticus of different sizes

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

Effect of ball milling on the physicochemical characteristics of Peruvian carrot and cassava starches

Peruvian carrot and cassava starches were ground in a ball mill for 4, 8, 16, and 32 h and their structural and physicochemical characteristics were determined. Results obtained from HPAEC-PAD, GPC, and amylose content indicated a breaking of hydrogen bounds and α-(1 [RIGHTWARDS ARROW] 6) linkages of the starch molecules after treatment. X-ray diffractograms showed that the milling provided a reduction in the crystalline area of the starch granules. Most of the starch granules displayed agglomeration after 4 h of milling, when observed under a scanning electron microscope, and after 16 h a shapeless mass was observed for Peruvian carrot starch. Solubility and water absorption capacity of the starches increased with an increase in the milling time, while RVA profiles showed a progressive reduction of peak, breakdown, and final viscosities, as well as the development of initial viscosity. Gelatinization temperatures and enthalpies were reduced. Prolonged ball milling accelerated the enthalpy relaxation in both starches. These results confirmed a partial gelatinization of the starches, which was 82.6% for Peruvian carrot and 65.4% for cassava starches after 32 h of milling. The Peruvian carrot starch was more affected by the ball milling because of both its lower amylose content and the defects in its crystalline structure

Effect of zirconium oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles on physicochemical properties and antibiofilm activity of a calcium silicate-based material

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antibiofilm activity against Enterococcus faecalis, compressive strength. and radiopacity of Portland cement (PC) added to zirconium oxide (ZrO2), as radiopacifier, with or without nanoparticulated zinc oxide (ZnO).The following experimental materials were evaluated: PC, PC + ZrO2, PC + ZrO2 + ZnO (5%), and PC + ZrO2 + ZnO (10%). Antibiofilm activity was analyzed by using direct contact test (DCT) on Enterococcus faecalis biofilm, for 5 h or 15 h. The analysis was conducted by using the number of colony-forming units (CFU/mL). The compressive strength was performed in a mechanical testing machine. For the radiopacity tests, the specimens were radiographed together with an aluminium stepwedge. The results were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey tests, with level of significance at 5%. The results showed that all materials presented similar antibiofilm activity (

Evaluation of the physicochemical properties and push-out bond strength of mta-based root canal cement

Aim: This study investigated the flowability, setting time, pH, calcium release and bond strength of a MTA-based cement (MTA Fillapex®) compared to AH Plus and Sealapex. Materials and methods: For the flowability test, the ISO 6876:2001 specification was utilized and for the setting time test, the ASTM C266-03 specification was utilized. For the pH and calcium release measurements, 10 samples were prepared for each group and analyzed for several different periods. For the push-out test, dentin disks were distributed into three groups, according to the cement utilized and into three subgroups, according to the root third (n = 10). After obturation, the specimens underwent push-out testing. The data were compared statistically using a significance level of 5%. Results: The flowability of all materials was found to be similar (p > 0.05). The setting times were different among the groups tested (MTA Fillapex < Sealapex < AH Plus) (p < 0.05). At days 7 and 28, the MTA Fillapex presented the higher pH values (p < 0.05). At 24 hours and at 14 days, the calcium release of the MTA Fillapex was similar to that of Sealapex (p > 0.05). AH Plus presented the lowest pH and calcium release values (p < 0.05). In all root thirds, the adhesion to the dentin of the MTA Fillapex and Sealapex were significantly lower than that of AH Plus (p < 0.05). Conclusion: MTA Fillapex and Sealapex presented several similar properties and both were found to be different than AH Plus. Clinical significance: This study evaluated the physicochemical and mechanical properties of new MTA-based root canal cement, in order to use this scaler in root canal fillings. MTA Fillapex showed satisfactory properties for clinical use.

Influence of addition of calcium oxide on physicochemical properties of Portland cement with zirconium or niobium oxide

Context: Calcium oxide (CaO) may be added to mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) or Portland cement (PC) to improve physicochemical and biological properties. Aims: To evaluate the physicochemical properties of PC associated with radiopacifiers and CaO. Materials and Methods: MTA Angelus, PC + 30% zirconium oxide (Zr), or 30% niobium oxide (Nb) associated with 10 or 20% of CaO were evaluated. Gilmore needles were used to evaluate initial and final setting time. Compressive strength was evaluated after the periods of 24 hours and 21 days. pH was analyzed after 3, 12, 24 hours, 7, 14, 21 days. Solubility and flow tests were performed based on the ISO 6876. The data obtained were submitted to analysis of variance and Tukey tests (P ≤ 0.05). Results: The associations with 10% CaO showed greater strength that the associations with 20% CaO. The shortest initial setting time was observed for the association PC + Zr + 20% CaO and MTA. All the cements presented alkaline pH. The flow of all cements was similar. The highest solubility was found in the associations with 20% CaO. Conclusion: The addition of CaO to PC favored the alkaline property and the PC + Zr + 20% CaO presented setting time similar to MTA.

Calcium silicate-based cements associated with micro-and nanoparticle radiopacifiers: physicochemical properties and bioactivity

The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical properties and bioactivity of two formulations of calcium silicate-based cements containing additives (CSCM) or resin (CSCR), associated with radiopacifying agents zirconium oxide (ZrO2) and niobium oxide (Nb2O5) as micro- and nanoparticles; calcium tungstate (CaWO4); and bismuth oxide (Bi2O3). MTA Angelus was used as control. Methods. Surface features and bioactivity were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and the chemical composition by energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS-X). Results. CSCM and CSCR presented larger particle sizes than MTA. Hydroxyapatite deposits were found on the surface of some materials, especially when associated with the radiopacifier with ZrO2 nanoparticles. All the cements presented calcium, silicon, and aluminum in their composition. Conclusion. Both calcium silicate-based cements presented composition and bioactivity similar to MTA when associated with the radiopacifiers evaluated.