Antixenosis and tolerance to Diabrotica speciosa (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in common bean cultivars

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore, 1964 (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) on eucalyptus: oviposition non-preference and antibiosis

Forest plantations with Eucalyptus spp. (L'H,r) in Brazil are highly yielding. However, this activity is more and more threatened due to interactions with phytophagous insects, especially by exotic species, such as the red gum lerp psyllid Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Psyllidae). This study aimed to evaluate the resistance in eucalyptus against the psyllid in oviposition and biological development assays, attempting to identify potential genotypes resistant to the pest for forest plantations. In addition, we tested the hypothesis of that concentration of total phenolics and lignin, and amount of epicuticular wax were associated with the expression of resistance. Results showed that there was variation in the levels of resistance among the genotypes assessed. Oviposition non-preference was observed on Eucalyptus citriodora (Hook) in free-choice and no-choice tests, and Clone FP10 was least preferred in the no-choice test. The genotypes E. citriodora and Clone FP6 provided 100 % nymphal mortality, and Clones FP7 and FP9 also affected negatively the G. brimblecombei development by lengthening the duration of the nymphal stage and reducing adult emergence. Clone FP6 had higher concentration of total phenolics and larger contact angle formed between the water droplet and leaf surface, which may be associated with thicker layer of epicuticular wax on the leaves, and one of the causes of high nymphal mortality. Thus, the use of the resistant genotypes of eucalyptus screened against G. brimblecombei is a promising and viable alternative for forest plantations infested with this pest.

Antixenosis of bean genotypes to Chrysodeixis includens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Antibiose e não preferência para oviposição de Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) biótipo B (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) por cultivares de Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp

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

Influência do tratamento clareador e envelhecimento induzido sobre o brilho, cor, dureza e rugosidade superficial de resinas compostas

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Doping e suplementação no MMA: um estudo documental de caso

The first records of the use of substances that enhance athletic performance began in antiquity. The objective of this study is to analyze the use of doping methods and supplements by amateur athletes and MMA professionals and what motivates usage. The work consisted of desk research in which use of work carried out at fifteen amateur and professional athletes, which underwent a data collection; these athletes are all over eighteen years old, male and practicing MMA for at least two years. The questionnaire that they were submitted corresponded to ten multiple-choice questions, which are: Age, what type of fight practiced as a basis for MMA, how long practices martial arts, sees the sport of competitive or recreational way, has already made use dietary supplements, have made use of banned substances (steroids) in the sport, it has already made use of steroids which the substance used and to what end was done using, know the side effects of anabolic steroids, know one or more people who have already made use of steroids in order to increase their performance in the fight, he believes it is possible an athlete achieve success in modern MMA without the use of anabolic steroids. The results showed that, of the fifteen athletes interviewed, only two said they never made use of dietary supplements, and four said they have already made use of anabolic steroids. All fifteen athletes claim to know the side effects of steroid use, and 14 of them say they know one or more sport-mates who have already made use of steroids. Given the results, it can be concluded that the use of steroids is common in MMA

Fatores de risco e proteção na escola: reprovação e expectativas de futuro de jovens paraenses

Este estudo investigou as relações entre reprovação escolar, percepções quanto à escola e expectativas de futuro entre jovens, a partir de dados de uma amostra de 610 jovens com idades entre 14 a 24 anos (m=16,56; dp=2,37), de ambos os sexos, estudantes de escolas públicas da cidade de Belém do Pará. Foi utilizado um questionário com 77 questões de múltipla escolha. Os resultados revelaram que quase 50% dos alunos já sofreram reprovação escolar, embora apresentem boa percepção quanto à escola. Foram observadas correlações entre reprovação escolar e baixas expectativas de futuro acadêmico e entre boas percepções quanto à escola e melhores perspectivas acadêmicas. A expectativa de entrar na universidade apareceu mais associada ao sexo feminino. Os resultados poderão contribuir para o entendimento da importância da instituição escolar na promoção de fatores de proteção no desenvolvimento.

ACTIVITY OF LM 2219 (DIFETHIALONE), A NEW ANTICOAGULANT RODENTICIDE, IN COMMENSAL RODENTS

ABSTRACT: Preliminary studies completed on commensal rodents with the new anticoagulant rodenticide difethialone showed very good efficacy, such that 25 ppm baits could be used effectively. New test results presented in this publication confirm the activity as shown under laboratory conditions in choice tests, which represent more severe conditions, as well as its effectiveness against rodents that are resistant and non-resistant to warfarin. In tests where the palatability was only fair the chemical activity resulted in excellent mortality. In a field test against a large population of Mus musculus the results proved very satisfactory. Difethialone is toxic to birds and fish. However, it seems to be better tolerated by dogs and pigs, animals that are frequently on the list of accidental poisonings. Difethialone is stored over a prolonged period in the liver but the risk to non-target species consuming rodents having ingested the compound does not seem to be high. For reasons attributed to the mode of action, difethialone must be handled with precautions as other anticoagulants for which Vitamin Kj is the antidote. In the event of an accidental poisoning, an antidotal therapy plan is proposed. The lower levels of active ingredient in finished baits (25 ppm) should pose a low risk to non-target species.

Contrafreeloading in maned wolves: Implications for their management and welfare

Contrafreeloading occurs when animals spend time and effort to obtain food in the presence of freely available food. There are several interpretations for such an apparent contradiction to optimal foraging models, with an emphasis either on the need to gather and update information about the environment or on the value of performing species-typical responses. Evidence suggests that both gathering information about the environment and the expression of species-typical behaviour are important for the welfare of captive animals. The aim of the present study was to assess the existence of contrafreeloading in maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus), in a situation where animals could get food directly from a "free" source and/or search and handle hidden food items, an alternative that requires more effort and is probably more similar to natural foraging conditions. Eight captive, pair-housed maned wolves were given weekly choice tests in which they could obtain food either by approaching the usual food tray in one section of the enclosure (Tray), and/or by searching for food at variable sites amongst the vegetation in the other section of the enclosure (Scattered). Results indicate that maned wolves spent more time in the Scattered than in the Tray section of the enclosure (P = 0.02) and that they obtained about half of the food from that section (48.54% +/- SE 0.69). Our results, the first to demonstrate contrafreeloading in maned wolves, have implications for the husbandry and welfare of this endangered species. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

ASSESSING Bemisia tabaci (GENN.) BIOTYPE B RESISTANCE IN SOYBEAN GENOTYPES: ANTIXENOSIS AND ANTIBIOSIS

Since it was first reported in Brazil in the 1990s, the B biotype of silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia tabaci [Genn.], Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) has been recognized as an important pest in soybeans (Glycine max L.), reducing the productivity of this legume species in some areas of the country. As an alternative to chemical control, the use of resistant genotypes represents an important tool for integrated pest management (IPM). This study evaluated the performance of 10 soybean genotypes prior to whitefly infestation, by testing attractiveness and preference for oviposition in the greenhouse and antibiosis in the laboratory. In a multiple-choice test, 'IAC-17' was the least attractive to insects. In a no-choice test, 'IAC-17' was the least attractive for, egg deposition, indicating the occurrence of non-preference for oviposition on this genotype. Trichome density was positively correlated with the oviposition site and may be associated with the resistance of 'IAC-17' to infestation. The genotypes 'IAC-PL1', 'IAC-19', 'Conquista', 'IAC-24' and 'IAC-17' extended the insect's life cycle, indicating the occurrence of a small degree of antibiosis and/or non-preference for feeding.

Computer game-based and traditional learning method: a comparison regarding students’ knowledge retention

Abstract Background Educational computer games are examples of computer-assisted learning objects, representing an educational strategy of growing interest. Given the changes in the digital world over the last decades, students of the current generation expect technology to be used in advancing their learning requiring a need to change traditional passive learning methodologies to an active multisensory experimental learning methodology. The objective of this study was to compare a computer game-based learning method with a traditional learning method, regarding learning gains and knowledge retention, as means of teaching head and neck Anatomy and Physiology to Speech-Language and Hearing pathology undergraduate students. Methods Students were randomized to participate to one of the learning methods and the data analyst was blinded to which method of learning the students had received. Students’ prior knowledge (i.e. before undergoing the learning method), short-term knowledge retention and long-term knowledge retention (i.e. six months after undergoing the learning method) were assessed with a multiple choice questionnaire. Students’ performance was compared considering the three moments of assessment for both for the mean total score and for separated mean scores for Anatomy questions and for Physiology questions. Results Students that received the game-based method performed better in the pos-test assessment only when considering the Anatomy questions section. Students that received the traditional lecture performed better in both post-test and long-term post-test when considering the Anatomy and Physiology questions. Conclusions The game-based learning method is comparable to the traditional learning method in general and in short-term gains, while the traditional lecture still seems to be more effective to improve students’ short and long-term knowledge retention.

Effect of sodium hypochlorite and edta irrigation, individually and in alternation, on dentin microhardness at the furcation area of mandibular molars

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of irrigation regimens on dentin microhardness at the furcation area of mandibular molars, using sodium hypochlorite and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), individually and in alternation. The occlusal surface and the roots of 20 non-carious extracted human permanent mandibular molars were cut transversally and discarded. The tooth blocks were embedded in acrylic resin and randomly assigned to 4 groups (n=5) according to the irrigating regimens: 1% NaOCl solution, 17% EDTA solution, 1% NaOCl and 17% EDTA and distilled water (control). Knoop microhardness of dentin at the furcation area was evaluated. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparison tests (α=0.05). The results of this study indicated that all irrigation solutions, except for distilled water (control), decreased dentin microhardness. EDTA did not show a significant difference with NaOCl/EDTA (p>0.05), but showed a significant difference with NaOCl (p<0.01). EDTA and NaOCl/EDTA showed a maximum decrease in microhardness. The 17% EDTA solution, either alone or in combination with 1% NaOCl reduced significantly dentin microhardness at the furcation area of mandibular molars.

Conoscenza e consapevolezza sugli effetti biologici degli ultrasuoni nella pratica clinica in Italia: risultati di una inchiesta con questionario tra ecografisti della socetà italiana di ultrasonologia in medicina e biologia (S.I.U.M.B.)

Background New potential hazards in the use of ultrasound (US) are implied in new diagnostic applications of US, such as contrast enhanced US. Aim To assess the level of awareness and knowledge on safety issues of clinical use of US among physicians who are members of the Italian National Society for Ultrasound (SIUMB) Materials and methods A questionnaire including 11 multiple choice quiz was sent by e-mail to members of SIUMB, who preliminarly agreed to participate in this initiative. The answers were received anonimously and statistically analyzed. Results The number of returned valid questionnaires was 97 (8 were considered not valid for less than 10 answers filled). Mean age of the responders was 44 years old, and the average time the physician has been performing ultrasound examinations was 13 years. The principal workplace (70%) was a public Hospital. Physicians seemed to know the general definitions of principal safety-parameters, but few of them knew the definition of specific indexes. There was a general knowledge about the safe use of ultrasound in obstetrics, but there was a poor knowledge of biological effects of US: only about 37% answered correctly to questions about damage of vasculature of lung by high Mechanical Index US investigation and about the increase of temperature under the probe, according to the thermal indexes. Conclusion In conclusion the present findings indicate that greater efforts of National Ultrasound Societies are warranted in disseminating knowledge about the bio-effects of diagnostic ultrasound modalities among their members to prevent possible hazards.

Rats' Learned Preferences for Flavors Encountered Early or Late in a Meal Paired with the Postingestive Effects of Glucose

Rats learn to prefer flavors that are followed by postingestive effects of nutrients. This experiment investigated whether the timing of a flavor (specifically, in the first or second half of the meal) influences learning about that flavor. Stronger learning about earlier or later flavorswould indicate when the rewarding postingestive effects of nutrients are sensed. Ratswith intragastric (IG) catheters drank saccharin-sweetened, calorically-dilute solutions with distinct flavors added, accompanied by IG infusion of glucose (+sessions) or water (−sessions). In both types of sessions, an “Early” flavorwas provided for the first 8 min and a “Late” flavor for the last 8 min. Thus, rats were trained with Early(+) and Late(+) in high-caloriemeals, and Early(−) and Late(−) in low-calorie meals. Strength of the learned preference for Early(+) and Late(+) was then assessed in a series of two-bottle choice tests between Early(+) vs. Early(−), Late(+) vs. Late(−), Early(+) vs. Late(+), and Early(−) vs. Late(−). Rats preferred both Early(+) and Late(+) over the respective (−) flavors. But Early(+)was only preferredwhen rats were tested hungry. Late(+) was preferred when rats were tested hungry or recently satiated. This indicates qualitatively different associations learned about flavors at different points in themeal.While not supporting the idea that postingestive effects become most strongly associated with later-occurring (“dessert”) flavors, it does suggest a reason dessert flavors may remain attractive in the absence of hunger.

Intrasexual competition among females and the stabilization of a conspicuous colour polymorphism in a Lake Victoria cichlid fish

The maintenance of colour polymorphisms within populations has been a long-standing interest in evolutionary ecology. African cichlid fish contain some of the most striking known cases of this phenomenon. Intrasexual selection can be negative frequency dependent when males bias aggression towards phenotypically similar rivals, stabilizing male colour polymorphisms. We propose that where females are territorial and competitive, aggression biases in females may also promote coexistence of female morphs. We studied a polymorphic population of the cichlid fish Neochromis omnicaeruleus from Lake Victoria, in which three distinct female colour morphs coexist: one plain brown and two blotched morphs. Using simulated intruder choice tests in the laboratory, we show that wild-caught females of each morph bias aggression towards females of their own morph, suggesting that females of all three morphs may have an advantage when their morph is locally the least abundant. This mechanism may contribute to the establishment and stabilization of colour polymorphisms. Next, by crossing the morphs, we generated sisters belonging to different colour morphs. We find no sign of aggression bias in these sisters, making pleiotropy unlikely to explain the association between colour and aggression bias in wild fish, which is maintained in the face of gene flow. We conclude that female-female aggression may be one important force for stabilizing colour polymorphism in cichlid fish.