Ant exclusion and reproduction of Croton sarcopetalus (Euphorbiaceae)

A total of 20 insect species were observed on the extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) of Croton sarcopetalus. The most frequent ant species were Zacryptocerus sp., Crematogaster brevispinosa, C. scelerata, and Linepithema humile. Ants continuously patrolled the plants taking extrafloral nectar. Experimental data showed that there were no significant differences in either the degree of herbivory or in the reproductive output between control stems (with ants) and treated ones (without ants). We found no significant evidence of protection by ants mediated by EFNs in C. sarcopetalus. It is possible that the plant has other mechanisms than ant protection to prevent herbivore damage (e.g., hairs, latex, chemical defense). As this species occupies the southernmost distribution for the genus, the presence of EFNs in this species may be the remnant of a mutualistic interaction with the ants in tropical regions, where the abundance and diversity of ants and herbivores are comparatively higher. To draw accurate patterns in the genus Croton, further investigations in other species from tropical regions of South America are needed.

Age-age correlation for early selection of rubber tree genotypes in São Paulo State, Brazil

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Estimation of variance components and prediction of breeding values in rubber tree breeding using the REML/BLUP procedure

The present paper deals with estimation of variance components, prediction of breeding values and selection in a population of rubber tree [Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex Adr. de Juss.) Müell.-Arg.] from Rio Branco, State of Acre, Brazil. The REML/BLUP (restricted maximum likelihood/best linear unbiased prediction) procedure was applied. For this purpose, 37 rubber tree families were obtained and assessed in a randomized complete block design, with three unbalanced replications. The field trial was carried out at the Experimental Station of UNESP, located in Selvíria, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The quantitative traits evaluated were: girth (G), bark thickness (BT), number of latex vessel rings (NR), and plant height (PH). Given the unbalanced condition of the progeny test, the REML/BLUP procedure was used for estimation. The narrow-sense individual heritability estimates were 0.43 for G, 0.18 for BT, 0.01 for NR, and 0.51 for PH. Two selection strategies were adopted: one short-term (ST - selection intensity of 8.85%) and the other long-term (LT - selection intensity of 26.56%). For G, the estimated genetic gains in relation to the population average were 26.80% and 17.94%, respectively, according to the ST and LT strategies. The effective population sizes were 22.35 and 46.03, respectively. The LT and ST strategies maintained 45.80% and 28.24%, respectively, of the original genetic diversity represented in the progeny test. So, it can be inferred that this population has potential for both breeding and ex situ genetic conservation as a supplier of genetic material for advanced rubber tree breeding programs. Copyright by the Brazilian Society of Genetics.

Detection of enterotoxin and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 genes in Staphylococcus, with emphasis on coagulase-negative staphylococci

The detection of staphylococcal enterotoxins is decisive for the confirmation of an outbreak and for the determination of the enterotoxigenicity of strains. Since the recognition of their antigenicity, a large number of serological methods for the detection of enterotoxins in food and culture media have been proposed. Since immunological methods require detectable amounts of toxin, molecular biology techniques represent important tools in the microbiology laboratory. In the present study, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to identify genes responsible for the production of enterotoxins and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1) in S. aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) isolated from patients and the results were compared with those obtained by the reverse passive latex agglutination (RPLA) assay. PCR detection of toxin genes revealed a higher percentage of toxigenic S. aureus strains (46.7%) than the RPLA method (38.3%). Analysis of the toxigenic profile of CNS strains showed that 26.7% of the isolates produced some type of toxin, and one or more toxin-specific genes were detected in 40% of the isolates. These results suggests the need for further studies in order to better characterize the pathogenic potential of CNS and indicate that attention should be paid to the toxigenic capacity of this group of microorganisms.

Comparative analysis between experimental characterization results and numerical fdtd modeling of self-assembled photonic crystals

This paper presents a comparative analysis between the experimental characterization and the numerical simulation results for a three-dimensional FCC photonic crystal (PhC) based on a self-assembly synthesis of monodispersive latex spheres. Specifically, experimental optical characterization, by means of reflectance measurements under variable angles over the lattice plane family [1,1, 1], are compared to theoretical calculations based on the Finite Di®erence Time Domain (FDTD) method, in order to investigate the correlation between theoretical predictions and experimental data. The goal is to highlight the influence of crystal defects on the achieved performance.

Evaluation of a two-step pouring technique for implant-supported prostheses impression

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a pouring technique for implant-supported prostheses impressions. A metallic matrix (control group) with two implants positioned at 90 and 65 degrees was fabricated. The matrix was submitted to the direct transfer impression technique. In group CP (conventional pouring - n = 10), casts were obtained by the conventional pouring technique. In group EP (experimental pouring - n = 10), the analogs were embraced with latex tubes before the first pouring and then submitted to a second pouring. Vertical misfit and implants/analogs inclinations were evaluated. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and Tukey's test (p < .05). Results demonstrated significant difference (p < .05) between control and experimental groups for misfit measurement in perpendicular implant/analog and between control group and group EP in leaning implant/analog. Considering inclination, there were significant differences (p < .05) between control and experimental groups for leaning analogs. Independently of the pouring technique, perpendicular implants produced more accurate casts.

Formação de biofilme cristalino de Proteus mirabilis em cateter urológico

The indwelling urethral catheter has an important role for patients with urinary retention, bladder obstruction, neurological damage and other diseases. Urine contains minerals which precipitate in alkaline pH, crystallize and block the urological catheter. The crystallization of the ionic components of urine occurs in the presence of urease, an enzyme produced by Proteus mirabilis. This bacterium adheres to inanimate surfaces and forms biofilms. The aim of this study was to investigate the formation of crystalline biofilm on the luminal surface of siliconized latex catheters by means of scanning electron microscope, after channeling artificial urine infected with Proteus mirabilis. The experiment was performed in vitro using a dynamic flow system. The artificial urine compounds were salts of calcium, magnesium, phosphates, urea and egg albumin, and it was infected with Proteus mirabilis ATCC 25933. The urine flow was stopped after crystallization of the ionic components. Crystallization was observed after alkalinization of urine. Scanning electron microscopy showed the presence of crystals and morphologies typical of bacilli embedded in an amorphous mass on the internal lumen of the catheter. The present study showed that catheter encrustation may limit the use of long-term indwelling catheter. © SBEB - Sociedade Brasileira de Engenharia Biomédica.

Evaluation of electrical conductivity, pH and refractive index as physico-chemical parameters for quality control of Aveloz homeopathic solutions

Euphorbia tirucalli Lineu (Aveloz) belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae and is used in the treatment of cancer and warts. Some studies have reported that phorbol esters are the active principles responsible for the antitumor activity of Aveloz. The production of these molecules occurs in greater quantity in May, during the morning. This study aimed to evaluate whether the physico-chemical parameters of Aveloz homeopathic aqueous solutions such as pH, electrical conductivity and refractive index change due to storage time. Such parameters were measured regularly for 180 days. All solutions were prepared according to the method of grinding with lactose and subsequent dissolution in aqueous medium, as described in the Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia, using as starting point the Aveloz latex collected in May. Homeopathic aqueous solutions containing only lactose were also prepared and evaluated as a control group. The potencies that were analyzed for electrical conductivity, pH and refractive index were: 4cH, 7cH, 9cH, 12cH, 14cH, 15cH, 29cH, 30cH. As a result, we found out that there was only statistical difference (p=0.035) in electrical conductivity between the homeopathic solutions containing Aveloz and the homeopathic solutions without Aveloz, when 15cH potency was compared. We also observed that the electrical conductivity increased with the aging of the solutions but is not directly related to the pH or the refractive index of the solutions, indicating that the aging process may alter the electrical conductivity of the homeopathic medicines. The presence of gas inside the glass that stores these solutions may affect the electrical conductivity measurements. Finally, no statistically significant difference was observed (p> 0.05) in the pH and refractive index.

Influência da Qualidade das Lâminas no Desempenho Mecânico à Flexão de Painéis Compensados de Hevea brasiliensis

After concluding the main phase of commercial exploration of latex (about 30 years ago), rubber wood plantations can be utilized as an alternative source of wood for sawmills and other wood based products with more aggregate value; tendency already confirmed in countries of southeastern Asia. The main purpose of this research was to evaluate the influence of dynamic modulus of elasticity veneers on the mechanical performance in the bending of plywood made from Hevea brasiliensis. For this study, rubber tree veneers were sorted in three classes of dynamic modulus of elasticity: low (from 4887-7323 MPa), medium (from 8200-8948 MPa) and high (from 10979-13010 MPa). Panels were produced according to five treatments with different veneer classes and arrangements. Results showed significant effect of the treatments in the mechanical performance in the bending of panels. Panels with better mechanical performance were produced exclusively with medium and high dynamic modulus of elasticity. Panels made with low modulus of elasticity veneers presented lower mechanical performance even when combined with high modulus of elasticity veneers.

Classificação Estrutural e Qualidade da Madeira do Clone GT 1 de Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg

Latex is the main product extracted from rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis). In Brazil, at the end of the production cycle of latex, the wood of rubber tree is traditionally used for energy purposes, but several international studies have reported consolidated practices of adding value to it. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the quality of wood and classify it structurally based on its mechanical properties. Six 20-year-old trees of the clone GT 1 of rubber tree proceeding from Itajobi, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil were sampled. Reduced dimensions specimens in the radial direction of the wood were produced to evaluate the quality by compression parallel to the grain, static bending and Janka hardness tests. Two specimens, one from the lower log (since the ground up to breast height) and one from the higher log (from breast height up to 2.50 m) were produced for structural classification of the wood based on the characteristic strength in compression parallel to the grain (NBR 7190 norm, 1997). The wood was classified as C40 (fc0k ≥ 40 MPa) class. Results revealed that the strength was not statistically different in the radial direction (except for the Janka hardness), though tending to increase from pith to bark.

Arranjos configurados pelas vias bilíferas no fígado do avestruz (Struthio camelus)

The aim of this study was evaluate the influence of physical exercise (marcha gait) on serum values of CK and AST The Ostrich (Struthio camelus) is originally from Africa and belongs to the ratite's family. Since its zootechnic value has been increasing, especially in the northwest region of the state of São Paulo, we studied the biliary system in the liver of this animal. To carry through it were used 20 ostrich livers, males and females, young and adults from place to production ostrich in the northwest region of the State of São Paulo. After the opening of the gastrointestinal tract and disposal of the bile through gentle massage, we cannulated the hepatic excretory duct with a flexible probe, compatible in size with the duct, and injected colored Neoprene latex 450 in the biliary system. Following this procedure, the livers were fixed in aqueous solution of formaldehyde to 10% dissected, schematized and photographed. The right main branch is derived from the right lateral, square lobe and the caudate process branches in 7 livers. In 13 livers, the right side branch is forned by the right side and caudate process branches. The left branch receives the components from the left lateral lobe and branch of the medial left lobe in 7 livers. It also receives component from the square lobe and from the caudate process in 13 and 7 livers, respectively.In conclusion, the ostrich liver has no gallbladder, causing the duct is the only route of excretion of bile, always resulting from the convergence of the right hepatic duct with the left hepatic duct.

Dental students' familiarity with the medical management of dental patients at Brazilian dental schools

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Palatoplastia com biomembrana natural de látex com polilisina 0,1% em cães com defeito palatino experimentalmente induzido

The palatoplasty is a correction surgery to restore the isolation between the oral and nasal cavity, avoid breath of food. There are many techniques to repair palatal defects, and the most used is mucoperiosteal flap. Grafts and prothesis, can be used too. Scientific works with Natural Latex Biomembrane with 0,1% Polylisine reveals properties like biocompatibility, improve and accelerate the cicatricial process, the stimulation of new vessels and organized tissue growth in different organs. Seven dogs were arranged in two groups and were submitted to experimental hard palate cleft. Five dogs received palatal repair with the natural latex biomembrane with 0,1% polylisine. Two animals did not receive any repair (control group) and the defect healing by second intention. After surgery, the groups were observed macroscopically and clinically to evaluate the results. The healling of cleft palate of group I was faster than control group, and this fact suggests that the biomembrane is an accelerator factor for cicatricial process.

Anatomia topográfica e comportamento arterial do pâncreas em cágados Trachemys scripta elegans (wied, 1838)

The turtle Trachemys scripta elegans popularly known as American tiger water are native regions winged Florida and Mississippi, in the United States. We used twenty (20) turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans), adult males and females, which were euthanized under Resolution 714 of June 20, 2002 the Federal Council of Veterinary Medicine (CFMV). After euthanasia were identified aortas right and left to the injection of Neoprene latex 450, stained with specific pigment. To obtain the vinyl mold aorta was injected through the right and left vinyl acetate, followed by corrosion in sulfuric acid. It was observed that the pancreas is closely related to the liver, gizzard, gall bladder, and duodenum. His face cranial this distal region of the pylorus, while its caudal along the cranial region of the duodenum. Anatomically, the pancreas is an elongated body structure featuring a lightly lobed. As to the pancreas arterial vasculature is flushed in its transverse plane of two arteries arising from the celiac artery, and each antimere two pancreaticoduodenal artery in the cranial region, close to the pylorus by the pancreaticoduodenal artery flow in the caudal portion along the duodenum.

Studies on thermal-oxidative degradation behaviours of raw natural rubber: PRI and thermogravimetry analysis

Thermal-oxidative degradation behaviours of raw natural rubber (NR) have been investigated by using thermogravimetry analysis in inert and oxidative atmospheres and the plasticity retention index (PRI). The activation energy E a, was calculated using Horowitz-Metzger and Coats-Redfern methods and compared with PRI. The E a values obtained by each method were in good agreement with each other. The June samples are the least stable rubbers among the studied ones, whereas February samples exhibited the highest values of activation energy, therefore in agreement with the PRI behaviour, which indicates that the thermo-oxidative stability of the June samples are the poorest during the thermo-oxidative degradation reaction. Natural rubber is a product of biological origin, and thus these variations in the values of thermal behaviour and PRI might be related to the genetic differences and alterations of climatic conditions that act directly on the synthesis of non-rubber constituents, which are generally reflected in latex and rubber properties. © 2013 Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.