Photosynthetic parameters and growth in seedlings of Bertholletia excelsa and Carapa guianensis in response to pre-acclimation to full sunlight and mild water stress

Light and water are important factors that may limit the growth and development of higher plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate photosynthetic parameters and growth in seedlings of Bertholletia excelsa and Carapa guianensis in response to pre-acclimation to full sunlight and mild water stress. I used six independent pre-acclimation treatments (0, 90 (11h15-12h45), 180 (10h30-13h30), 360 (09h00-15h00), 540 (07h30-16h30) and 720 min (06h00-18h00)) varying the time of exposure to full sunlight (PFS) during 30 days, followed by whole-day outdoor exposure for 120 days. Before PFS, the plants were kept in a greenhouse at low light levels (0.8 mol m-2 day-1). The PFS of 0 min corresponded to plants constantly kept under greenhouse conditions. From the beginning to the end of the experiment, each PFS treatment was submitted to two water regimes: moderate water stress (MWS, pre-dawn leaf water potential (ΨL) of -500 to -700 kPa) and without water stress (WWS, ΨL of -300 kPa, soil kept at field capacity). Plants under MWS received only a fraction of the amount of water applied to the well-watered ones. At the end of the 120-day-period under outdoor conditions, I evaluated light saturated photosynthesis (Amax), stomatal conductance (g s), transpiration (E) and plant growth. Both Amax and g s were higher for all plants under the PFS treatment. Stem diameter growth rate and Amax were higher for C. guianensis subjected to MWS than in well-watered plants. The contrary was true for B. excelsa. The growth of seedlings was enhanced by exposure to full sunlight for 180 minutes in both species. However, plants of B. excelsa were sensitive to moderate water stress. The higher photosynthetic rates and faster growth of C. guianensis under full sun and moderate water stress make this species a promissory candidate to be tested in reforestation programs.

Long-term prognosis of geriatric major depression in relation to cognition and white matter integrity: follow up of two cases

INTRODUCTION: The geriatric depression (GD) represents one of the most frequent psychiatric disorders in outpatient services specialized in old-age treatment. OBJECTIVE: The course of two illustrative cases of GD is discussed, highlighting its clinical picture after antidepressant treatment and underlining variables related to disease prognosis, treatment effectiveness and conversion to major cognitive disorders such as vascular dementia (VD). METHODS: The cognitive performance, depressive symptoms, autonomy and brain structural measurements as white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and hippocampal size, and microstructural integrity of WM with diffusion tensor imaging were followed during four years. RESULTS: Case 1, with a severe degree of WMH, was associated with worsening cognition and increasing functional disability. Case 2, with mild WMH, an improvement of cognitive functioning could be seen. CONCLUSIONS: The existence of different subtypes of GD, as presented in this report, points a pathophysiological heterogeneity of GD, and suggests a possible continuum vascular depression (VaDp) and vascular cognitive impairment (VCI).

Brazilian multicenter study on efficacy and tolerability of trandolapril in mild-to-moderate essential arterial hypertension. EMBATHE substudy with ambulatory blood pressure monitoring

OBJECTIVE: A double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter study involving 34 centers from different Brazilian regions was performed to evaluate the antihypertensive efficacy and tolerability of trandolapril, an angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitor, in the treatment of mild-to-moderate systemic arterial hypertension. METHODS: Of 262 patients enrolled in this study, 127 were treated with trandolapril 2 mg/day for 8 consecutive weeks, and the remaining 135 patients received placebo for the same period of time. Reduction in blood pressure (BP) and the occurrence of adverse events during this period were evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: Significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic pressures were observed in patients treated with trandolapril when compared with those on placebo. Antihypertensive efficacy was achieved in 57.5% of the patients on trandolapril and in 42% of these normal values of BP were obtained. The efficacy of trandolapril was similar in all centers, regardless of the area of the country. In a subset of 30 patients who underwent ABPM, responders showed a significant hypotensive effect to trandolapril throughout the 24 hour day. The adverse event profile was similar in both trandolapril and placebo groups. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate, for the first time in a large group of hypertensive patients from different regions in Brazil, good efficacy and tolerability of trandolapril during treatment of mild-to-moderate essential systemic hypertension.

Reliability of the information about the history of diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. Differences in regard to sex, age, and educational level. The pró-saúde study

OBJECTIVE: To assess the intraobserver reliability of the information about the history of diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. METHODS: A multidimensional health questionnaire, which was filled out by the interviewees, was applied twice with an interval of 2 weeks, in July '99, to 192 employees of the University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), stratified by sex, age, and educational level. The intraobserver reliability of the answers provided was estimated by the kappa statistic and by the coefficient of intraclass correlation (CICC). RESULTS: The general kappa (k) statistic was 0.75 (95% CI=0.73-0.77). Reliability was higher among females (k=0.88, 95% CI=0.85-0.91) than among males (k=0.62, 95% CI=0.59-0.65).The reliability was higher among individuals 40 years of age or older (k=0.79; 95% CI=0.73-0.84) than those from 18 to 39 years (k=0.52; 95% CI=0.45-0.57). Finally, the kappa statistic was higher among individuals with a university educational level (k=0.86; 95% CI=0.81-0.91) than among those with high school educational level (k=0.61; 95% CI=0.53-0.70) or those with middle school educational level (k=0.68; 95% CI=0.64-0.72). The coefficient of intraclass correlation estimated by the intraobserver agreement in regard to age at the time of the diagnosis of hypertension was 0.74. A perfect agreement between the 2 answers (k=1.00) was observed for 22 interviewees who reported prior prescription of antihypertensive medication. CONCLUSION: In the population studied, estimates of the reliability of the history of medical diagnosis of hypertension and its treatment ranged from substantial to almost perfect reliability.

A multicenter, open-label study of the efficacy and safety of telmisartan in mild to moderate hypertensive patients

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of telmisartan, given once a day to patients with mild to moderate hypertension, as well as to assess the 24-hour blood pressure profile with ABPM. METHODS: Initially, 163 patients over 18 were selected, regardless of sex, with blood pressure levels >140/90mmHg at visit 1, which was confirmed at visit 2. One hundred thirty-four patients completed the study. After a 4-week placebo run-in phase, telmisartan 40mg/daily was given for 6 weeks. In those patients whose blood pressure (BP) levels were lower than 140/90mmHg, the same dosage was kept for an additional period of 6 weeks. For those who had BP higher than 140/90mmHg, the dosage was increased to 80mg/daily. Sixty-two patients were included in a subgroup that underwent ABPM 3 different times during the study. RESULTS: In the overall group, blood pressure reduction ranged from 162.3±14.5/101.3±5.75 mmHg (baseline) to 147.3±20.1/90.8±10.9 mmHg (week 12) (p<0.05). Mean blood pressure decreases were 14.4mmHg for systolic BP and 10.3mmHg for diastolic BP, after 12 weeks of active treatment. A subanalysis showed that 47 (35%) patients took telmisartan 40mg throughout the study and 81 (65%) had the dosage increased to 80mg daily. Using ABPM, an 8-mmHg reduction in systolic BP as well as a 5-mmHg reduction in diastolic BP were observed, when compared with baseline values in the final 6 hours (18-24 hours after the last dose of study medication). CONCLUSION: Our results confirm that telmisartan given once a day is effective in reducing blood pressure levels in mild to moderate hypertensive patients. This reduction occurs in a sustained and gradual manner during a 24-hour period confirmed by ABPM.

Endothelium-dependent relaxation in response to poly-L-arginine in canine coronary arteries: implications about hyperpolarization as a mechanism of vasodilatation

OBJECTIVE: To study the mechanism by which poly-L-arginine mediates endothelium-dependent relaxation. METHODS: Vascular segments with and without endothelium were suspended in organ chambers filled with control solution maintained at 37ºC and bubbled with 95% O2 / 5% CO2. Used drugs: indomethacin, acetycholine, EGTA, glybenclamide, ouabain, poly-L-arginine, methylene blue, N G-nitro-L-arginine, and verapamil and N G-monomethyl-L-arginine. Prostaglandin F2á and potassium chloride were used to contract the vascular rings. RESULTS: Poly-L-arginine (10-11 to 10-7 M) induced concentration-dependent relaxation in coronary artery segments with endothelium. The relaxation to poly-L-arginine was attenuated by ouabain, but was unaffected by glybenclamide. L-NOARG and oxyhemoglobin caused attenuation, but did not abolish this relaxation. Also, the relaxations was unaffected by methylene blue, verapamil, or the presence of a calcium-free bathing medium. The endothelium-dependent to poly-L-arginine relaxation was abolished only in vessels contracted with potassium chloride (40 mM) in the presence of L-NOARG and indomethacin. CONCLUSION: These experiments indicate that poly-L-arginine induces relaxation independent of nitric oxide.

Detection of incipient left ventricular hypertrophy in mild to moderate arterial hypertension with normal electrocardiogram and echocardiogram: a new use for signal-averaged electrocardiography

OBJECTIVE: To assess signal-averaged electrocardiogram (SAECG) for diagnosing incipient left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). METHODS: A study with 115 individuals was carried out. The individuals were divided as follows: GI - 38 healthy individuals; GII - 47 individuals with mild to moderate hypertension and normal findings on echocardiogram and ECG; and GIII - 30 individuals with hypertension and documented LVH. The magnitude vector of the SAECG was analyzed with the high-pass cutoff frequency of 40 Hz through the bidirectional four-pole Butterworth high-pass digital filter. The mean quadratic root of the total QRS voltage (RMST) and the two-dimensional integral of the QRS area of the spectro-temporal map were analyzed between 0 and 30 Hz for the frequency domain (Int FD), and between 40 and 250 Hz for the time domain (Int TD). The electrocardiographic criterion for LVH was based on the Cornell Product. Left ventricular mass was calculated with the Devereux formula. RESULTS: All parameters analyzed increased from GI to GIII, except for Int FD (GII vs GIII) and RMST log (GII vs GIII). Int TD showed greater accuracy for detecting LVH with an appropriate cutoff > 8 (sensitivity of 55%, specificity of 81%). Positive values (> 8) were found in 56.5% of the G II patients and in 18.4% of the GI patients (p< 0.0005). CONCLUSION: SAECG can be used in the early diagnosis of LVH in hypertensive patients with normal ECG and echocardiogram.

Role Of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in Resistance to Drug Therapy in Patients with Resistant Hypertension

AbstractBackground:Despite the increased evidence of the important role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-9 and MMP‑2) in the pathophysiology of hypertension, the profile of these molecules in resistant hypertension (RHTN) remains unknown.Objectives:To compare the plasma levels of MMP-9 and MMP-2 and of their tissue inhibitors (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2, respectively), as well as their MMP-9/TIMP-1 and MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratios, between patients with controlled RHTN (CRHTN, n=41) and uncontrolled RHTN (UCRHTN, n=35). In addition, the association of those parameters with clinical characteristics, office blood pressure (BP) and arterial stiffness (determined by pulse wave velocity) was evaluate in those subgroups.Methods:This study included 76 individuals diagnosed with RHTN and submitted to physical examination, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests to assess biochemical parameters.Results:Similar values of MMP-9, MMP-2, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, and MMP-9/TIMP-1 and MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratios were found in the UCRHTN and CRHTN subgroups (P>0.05). A significant correlation was found between diastolic BP (DBP) and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio (r=0.37; P=0.02) and DPB and MMP-2 (r=-0.40; P=0.02) in the UCRHTN subgroup. On the other hand, no correlation was observed in the CRHTN subgroup. Logistic regression models demonstrated that MMP-9, MMP-2, TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and their ratios were not associated with the lack of BP control.Conclusion:These findings suggest that neither MMP-2 nor MMP-9 affect BP control in RHTN subjects.

Production and quality of cotton fibers in relation to solar radiation

The present paper refers to a research work carried out at the Dept. of Agriculture and Horticulture of ESALQ, University of São Paulo, in Piracicaba, State of São Paulo (latitude 22º42'S, longitude 47º33' WG and altitude 546 m). Sowing at different times and using artificial cover, an attempt was made to evaluate the behavior of cultivar IAC 17 of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) as to production and quality of fiber relating to incident solar radiation. Incident solar radiation, as well as insolation during the trial period, were tabulated and compared with yelds and agricultural and technological characters of fibers. The treatment under cover showed a mean level of incident solar radiation equivalent to less than 20% of that at clear sky, causing a decrease in cotton production and in the agricultural and technological characters of fibers.

Bird community in an Araucaria forest fragment in relation to changes in the surrounding landscape in Southern Brazil

The dynamics of the bird community in a small forest fragment was evaluated along seven years in relation to changes in the surrounding landscape. The study area is an Araucaria forest fragment in Southern Brazil (state of Paraná). The sampling period covered the years 1988 through 1994 and the mark-release-recapture method was utilized. The landscape analysis was based on Landsat TM images, and changes in exotic tree plantations, native forest, open areas (agriculture, pasture, bare soil, and abandoned field), and "capoeira"(native vegetation < 2 m) were quantified. The relationship between landscape changes and changes in abundance diversity of forest birds, open-area birds, forest-edge birds, and bamboo specialists was evaluated. Richness estimates were run for each year studied. The richness recorded in the study area comprised 96 species. The richness estimates were 114, 118 and 110 species for Chao 1, Jackknife 1 and Bootstrap, respectively. The bird community varied in species richness, abundance and diversity from year to year. As for species diversity, 1991, 1993 and 1994 were significantly different from the other years. Changes in the landscape contributed to the increase in abundance and richness for the groups of forest, open-area and bamboo-specialist species. An important factor discussed was the effect of the flowering of "taquara" (Poaceae), which contributed significantly to increasing richness of bamboo seed eaters, mainly in 1992 and 1993. In general, the results showed that landscape changes affected the dynamics and structure of the bird community of this forest fragment over time, and proved to have an important role in conservation of the avian community in areas of intensive forestry and agricultural activities.

New records, and the first description of a female, for Psychoda simillima (Diptera, Psychodidae) in southern South America

Based onmale and female, Psychoda simillima Tonnoir, 1929 is redescribed, with a discussion of generic and subgeneric classifications. This is the first record for Chile as well as the first description of a female for this species.

Observations on the dipteran fauna in a focus of dermal leishmaniasis in the State of Minas Gerais: II. The distribution of families in relation to their medical, veterinary and economic importance

Miniature light traps used to collect Phlebotominae in a focus of dermal leishmaniasis in the eastern part of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Over a period of seven months, the other Diptera captured in 179 light trap samples were identified to family level. The traps were placed in eight localities which constituted three different biotopes: three woodland aresas, cultivated land, and a peridomestic site. A comparison is made between the totals of Dipeterans collected in each biotope, the total numbers of families collected in each biotope and the estimated indices of diversity. Dendograms representing the degrees of association between families of Diptera in different biotopes are presented. Some families of Diptera are uniformly distributed throughout the study area; a few families seem to have become adapted to areas where human activity has induced the greatest ecological changes. The impact between Dipterans and human well-being is discussed. The availabel evidence indicates that transmission of dermal leishmaniasis does not occur in areas where sand flies can be captured in greatest densities.

Orientation of the snail Biomphalaria straminea (Dunker, 1848) in response to light in a situation of selection

The behavioral response of Biomphalaria straminea to light was evaluted in terms of location of the snail in a Y-shaped aquarium in a situation of selection and of the rate (cm/hour) and direction of locomotion under homogeneous 9vertical) or differential (horizontal) lighting upon only one arm of the aquarium. The light source consisted of daylight fluorescent lamps with a spectrum close to that of natural light, with illumination varying from 28 to 350 lux. Analysis of the data showed that all animals, whether in groups or isolated, were attracted to light, although the time needed to approach the light source was 50% shorter for the former than for the latter. The rate of locomotion of B. straminea was 35% higher than observed in B. glabrata and 51% higher than that observed in B. tenagophila studied under similar conditions. The results are discussed in terms of social factors and geographical distribution of the three species.

Ecology of sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in a restricted focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Northern Venezuela: II. Species composition in relation to habitat, catching method and hour of catching

The ecology of phlebotomine sandflies in an endemic focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Northern Venezuela (San Esteban, Carabobo State) was investigated through a year-term study. Three different habitats: viz. a house, a pridomestic area and a sylvatic area, were covered and the species composition, the abundance and occurrence of each species were analyzed in relation to the habitats, catching methods and hour of catching. L. panamensis, L. gomezi and L. ovallesi are the species which bite man, although almost exclusively at night. All of them hide by day and are common in the sylvatic area. Moreover, L. panamensis and L. gomezi successfully approach the house and seem to settle in the peridomestic area. L. shannoni and L. olmeca bicolor also approach and accidentally bite man. L. trinidadensis, L. atroclavata and L. cayennensis are the common non-antrhopophilic species in the area.