Exotic snakes in São Paulo City, southeastern Brazil: Why xenophobia ?

Introduced exotic species cause environmental changes and threat public health in target sites. Illegal trade has enhanced this problem. To first report these risks in Brazil, exotic snakes found in São Paulo City (SPC) (23degrees32' S, 46degrees38' W), southeastern Brazil, and sent to Instituto Butantan between 1995 and 2000, were listed and characterized by their biological attributes. Seventy-six individuals of sixteen alien species were collected. Euriecians snakes, mainly booids, were predominant. Using multivariate techniques, their ecological niches were compared to those of 26 native species, as a way to point out the resource's availability. To evaluate the potential of successful implantation, two species absent in SPC and considered as problem snakes are included in these analyses: the brown treesnake Boiga irregularis and the habu Trimeresurus flavoviridis. There were niche similarities between these pest snakes, exotic booids and native viperids largely due to the similarities in the chosen prey (mammals), diel activity (nocturnal), color pattern (variegated) and body size (medium to large). To avoid predictable undesirable effects of implanted pest snakes, traffic control and punishment should be improved, as well as parallel environmental education programs.

Habits hidden underground: a review on the reproduction of the Amphisbaenia with notes on four neotropical species

We review the information currently available on the reproduction of the Amphisbaenia and provide original data on the reproductive biology of four Neotropical species: Amphisbaena alba; A. mertensi; Cercolophia roberti, and Leposternon infraorbitale. In total, we compiled data for 22 species: 17 Amphisbaenidae, 1 Rhineuridae, 3 Bipedidae, and 1 Trogonophidae. The majority of the species were oviparous with the exceptions of Loveridgea ionidesii, Monopeltis anchietae, M. capensis, and Trogonophis wiegmanni. Viviparity was interpreted as a derived trait that evolved independently for at least 3 times within the Amphisbaenia. In most species, reproduction is synchronized with the hot and rainy season and seems to vary with latitude. Although Amphisbaenia eggs have been found in ant nests, it remains disputable whether this is an obligatory or even a preferable location for egg-laying. Incubation time in A. mertensii lasts 59 days and this is the first report encompassing egg-laying to hatching for any Amphisbaenia species. Nonetheless, a two months incubation period seems to be the common rule for oviparous Amphisbaenia. The general pattern of reproductive output in Amphisbaenia is characterized by a low number of eggs/embryos per clutch whose individual size is comparatively large in relation to adult body size. Eggs are markedly elongated on the long axis and arranged in-line within the abdominal cavity possibly to prevent/diminish biomechanic drawbacks of egg bearing. Hatchlings of A. mertensi possess an egg-tooth implanted at the upper jaw, exhibit positive geotropism, and display defensive behaviors known to be present in adults. Our review shows that our current knowledge of Amphisbaenia reproduction is fragmentary, often based on the examination of small samples, and heavily dependent on the publication of anedoctal observations. Future publications on this subject are encouraged.

Modal analysis of anisotropic diffused-channel waveguide by a scalar finite element method

A procedure to model optical diffused-channel waveguides is presented in this work. The dielectric waveguides present anisotropic refractive indexes which are calculated from the proton concentration. The proton concentration inside the channel is calculated by the anisotropic 2D-linear diffusion equation and converted to the refractive indexes using mathematical relations obtained from experimental data, the arbitrary refractive index profile is modeled by a. nodal expansion in the base functions. The TE and TM-like propagation properties (effective index) and the electromagnetic fields for well-annealed proton-exchanged (APE) LiNbO3 waveguides are computed by the finite element method.

Subcutaneous tissue reaction to castor oil bean and calcium hydroxide in rats

Castor oil bean cement (COB) is a new material that has been used as an endodontic sealer, and is a candidate material for direct pulp capping. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of a new formulation of COB compared to calcium hydroxide cement (CH) and a control group without any material, in the subcutaneous tissue of rats. Material and Methods: The materials were prepared, packed into polyethylene tubes, and implanted in the rat dorsal subcutaneous tissue. Animals were sacrificed at the 7th and 50th days after implantation. A quantitative analysis of inflammatory cells was performed and data were subjected to ANOVA and Tukey's tests at 5% significance level. Results: Comparing the mean number of inflammatory cells between the two experimental groups (COB and CH) and the control group, statistically significant difference (p=0.0001) was observed at 7 and 50 days. There were no significant differences (p=0.111) between tissue reaction to CH (382 inflammatory cells) and COB (330 inflammatory cells) after 7 days. After 50 days, significantly more inflammatory cells (p=0.02) were observed in the CH group (404 inflammatory cells) than in the COB group (177 inflammatory cells). Conclusions: These results demonstrate that the COB cement induces less inflammatory response within long periods.

Utilização experimental de hidroxiapatita sintética em alvéolos dentários de gatos domésticos (Felis catus): estudo clínico, radiográfico e histomorfométrico

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Effects of the administration of a catalase inhibitor into the fourth cerebral ventricle on cardiovascular responses in spontaneously hypertensive rats exposed to sidestream cigarette smoke

OBJECTIVE: ,,,,,Previous studies have demonstrated a relationship between brain oxidative stress and cardiovascular regulation. We evaluated the effects of central catalase inhibition on cardiovascular responses in spontaneously hypertensive rats exposed to sidestream cigarette smoke. ,,,, ,,,, ,,,,,METHODS: ,,,,,Male Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SH) (16 weeks old) were implanted with a stainless steel guide cannula leading into the fourth cerebral ventricle (4th V). The femoral artery and vein were cannulated for arterial pressure and heart rate measurement and drug infusion, respectively. The rats were exposed to sidestream cigarette smoke for 180 minutes/day, 5 days/week for 3 weeks (CO: 100-300 ppm). The baroreflex was tested using a pressor dose of phenylephrine (8 μg/kg, bolus) and a depressor dose of sodium nitroprusside (50 μg/kg, bolus). Cardiovascular responses were evaluated before and 5, 15, 30 and 60 minutes after injection of a catalase inhibitor (3-amino-1,2,4-triazole, 0.001 g/100 μL) into the 4th V. ,,,, ,,,, ,,,,,RESULTS: ,,,,,Vehicle administration into the 4th V did not affect the cardiovascular response, whereas administration of the central catalase inhibitor increased the basal HR and attenuated the bradycardic peak (p<0.05) to a greater extent in WKY rats exposed to sidestream cigarette smoke than in WKY rats exposed to fresh air. However, in spontaneously hypertensive rats, the effect of the catalase inhibitor treatment was stronger in the fresh air condition (p<0.05). ,,,, ,,,, ,,,,,CONCLUSION: ,,,,,Administration of a catalase inhibitor into the 4th V combined with exposure to sidestream cigarette smoke has a stronger effect in WKY rats than in SH rats.

Custo de bombas centrífugas funcionando como turbinas em microcentrais hidrelétricas

A implantação de microcentrais hidrelétricas é uma das alternativas para suprir com energia comunidades pequenas e isoladas, situadas normalmente na área rural. O aproveitamento de potenciais hidráulicos de pequeno porte é uma alternativa cada vez mais viável devido não só à falta de recursos financeiros para os grandes empreendimentos, mas também pelo imenso potencial de geração em centrais de pequeno porte, que pouco tem sido aproveitado. O objetivo deste trabalho foi de apresentar uma metodologia simples de engenharia para estimar o custo das Bombas Funcionando como Turbinas (BFTs) utilizadas em microcentrais hidrelétricas, que possam ser usadas em estudos preliminares de novos aproveitamentos hidrelétricos, sem uma investigação detalhada dos lugares onde se pretende implantar. Os custos foram obtidos consultando-se diretamente os fabricantes de equipamentos e o mercado da praça de Ponta Grossa - PR. Os resultados mostraram que, para as microcentrais hidrelétricas, sempre que os custos constituírem o aspecto dominante, e para potências até 50 kW, a opção por Bombas Funcionando como Turbinas (BFTs) deve ser considerada em lugar das turbinas hidráulicas.

Controle do arroz vermelho através do herbicida sulfosate isolado e em misturacom adjuvantes

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a eficiência do herbicida sulfosate, aplicado isoladamente e em misturas com diferentes adjuvantes, comparado com o herbicida glifosate, ambos aplicados com baixo volume de calda, no controle da planta daninha arroz vermelho (Oryza sativa L.) sob aplicação em condições de préplantio da cultura do arroz. O experimento foi conduzido em campo, sendo a área experimental instalada na cultura de arroz irrigado, variedade IAC-101. A área de pousio recebeu uma lâmina de água de 5 a 10cm de pro fundidade por dois dias, e após a retirada, o arroz vermelho começou a germinar. Quando o mesmo atingiu cerca de 20-25cm de altura, procedeu-se a aplicação de herbicidas de manejo (pré-plantio) . Após 16 dias da aplicação foi efetuado o plantio da cultura com densidade de 60-80 sementes/metro linear e profundidade de 3cm, sendo o espaçamento utilizado de 21,8cm entre linhas. Foram testados tratamentos com os seguintes produtos: sulfosate a 1,20; 1,44 e 1,68Kg i.a./ha e glifosate a 1,20; 1,44 e 1,68Kg i.a./ha, ambos os produtos aplicados isolados e em misturas com os seguintes adjuvantes: Poliglicol, Organosilicone e Amina Graxa, além de uma testemunha não capinada. Para a avaliação do efeito dos tratamentos empregados foram realizadas as seguintes avaliações: fitotoxicidade aperente, porcentagem de controle do arroz vermelho; altura do arroz vermelho (em cm); estande da cultura (no de per filhos/metro linear) e altura da cultura (em cm). Através dos resultados obtidos pode-se concluir que os herbicidas sulfosate, glifosate nas formulações comerciais Rodeo e Roundup, nas doses de 1,20; 1,44 e 1,68Kg i.a./ha, aplicados isolados (exceto o Rodeo) e conjuntamente com os adjuvantes poliglicol (Mojante), organosilicone (Silwet) e amina graxa (Frigate) (exceto Roundup, que foi utilizado apenas com o adjuvante amina graxa e sozinho), propiciaram excelente nível de controle do arroz vermelho, quando aplicados em pós-emergência e área total, e pré-plantio da cultura de arroz, implantada no sistema de plantio direto. Também foi verificado que não ocorreu diferença quanto à eficiência entre sulfosate e glifosate no controle do arroz vermelho, ambos controlando de forma eficiente a planta daninha.

Effect of injection of L-NAME on drinking response

The drinking behavior responses to centrally administered NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 10, 20 or 40 µg/µl), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, were studied in satiated rats, with cannulae stereotaxically implanted into the lateral ventricle (LV) and subfornical organ (SFO). Water intake increased in all animals after angiotensin II (ANG II) injection into the LV, with values of 14.2 ± 1.4 ml/h. After injection of L-NAME at doses of 10, 20 or 40 µg/µl into the SFO before injection of ANG II (12 ng/µl) into the LV, water intake decreased progressively and reached basal levels after treatment with 0.15 M NaCl and with the highest dose of L-NAME (i.e., 40 µg). The water intake obtained after 40 µg/µl L-NAME was 0.8 ± 0.01 ml/h. Also, the injection of L-NAME, 10, 20 or 40 µg/µl, into the LV progressively reduced the water intake induced by hypertonic saline, with values of 5.3 ± 0.8, 3.2 ± 0.8 and 0.7 ± 0.01 ml/h, respectively. These results indicate that nitric oxide is involved in the regulation of drinking behavior induced by centrally administered ANG II and cellular dehydration and that the nitric oxide of the SFO plays an important role in this regulation.

Adrenoceptors of the medial septal area modulate water intake and renal excretory function induced by central administration of angiotensin II

We investigated the role of alpha-adrenergic antagonists and clonidine injected into the medial septal area (MSA) on water intake and the decrease in Na+, K+ and urine elicited by ANGII injection into the third ventricle (3rdV). Male Holtzman rats with stainless steel cannulas implanted into the 3rdV and MSA were used. ANGII (12 nmol/µl) increased water intake (12.5 ± 1.7 ml/120 min). Clonidine (20 nmol/µl) injected into the MSA reduced the ANGII-induced water intake (2.9 ± 0.5 ml/120 min). Pretreatment with 80 nmol/µl yohimbine or prazosin into the MSA also reduced the ANGII-induced water intake (3.0 ± 0.4 and 3.1 ± 0.2 ml/120 min, respectively). Yohimbine + prazosin + clonidine injected into the MSA abolished the ANGII-induced water intake (0.2 ± 0.1 and 0.2 ± 0.1 ml/120 min, respectively). ANGII reduced Na+ (23 ± 7 µEq/120 min), K+ (27 ± 3 µEq/120 min) and urine volume (4.3 ± 0.9 ml/120 min). Clonidine increased the parameters above. Clonidine injected into the MSA abolished the inhibitory effect of ANGII on urinary sodium. Yohimbine injected into the MSA also abolished the inhibitory effects of ANGII. Yohimbine + clonidine attenuated the inhibitory effects of ANGII. Prazosin injected into the MSA did not cause changes in ANGII responses. Prazosin + clonidine attenuated the inhibitory effects of ANGII. The results showed that MSA injections of alpha1- and alpha2-antagonists decreased ANGII-induced water intake, and abolished the Na+, K+ and urine decrease induced by ANGII into the 3rdV. These findings suggest the involvement of septal alpha1- and alpha2-adrenergic receptors in water intake and electrolyte and urine excretion induced by central ANGII.

Role of nitric oxide of the median preoptic nucleus (MnPO) in the alterations of salivary flow, arterial pressure and heart rate induced by injection of pilocarpine into the MnPO and intraperitoneally

We investigated the effect of L-NAME, a nitric oxide (NO) inhibitor and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), an NO-donating agent, on pilocarpine-induced alterations in salivary flow, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) in rats. Male Holtzman rats (250-300 g) were implanted with a stainless steel cannula directly into the median preoptic nucleus (MnPO). Pilocarpine (10, 20, 40, 80, 160 µg) injected into the MnPO induced an increase in salivary secretion (P<0.01). Pilocarpine (1, 2, 4, 8, 16 mg/kg) ip also increased salivary secretion (P<0.01). Injection of L-NAME (40 µg) into the MnPO prior to pilocarpine (10, 20, 40, 80, 160 µg) injected into the MnPO or ip (1, 2, 4, 8, 16 mg/kg) increased salivary secretion (P<0.01). SNP (30 µg) injected into the MnPO or ip prior to pilocarpine attenuated salivary secretion (P<0.01). Pilocarpine (40 µg) injection into the MnPO increased MAP and decreased HR (P<0.01). Pilocarpine (4 mg/kg body weight) ip produced a decrease in MAP and an increase in HR (P<0.01). Injection of L-NAME (40 µg) into the MnPO prior to pilocarpine potentiated the increase in MAP and reduced HR (P<0.01). SNP (30 µg) injected into the MnPO prior to pilocarpine attenuated (100%) the effect of pilocarpine on MAP, with no effect on HR. Administration of L-NAME (40 µg) into the MnPO potentiated the effect of pilocarpine injected ip. SNP (30 µg) injected into the MnPO attenuated the effect of ip pilocarpine on MAP and HR. The present study suggests that in the rat MnPO 1) NO is important for the effects of pilocarpine on salivary flow, and 2) pilocarpine interferes with blood pressure and HR (side effects of pilocarpine), that is attenuated by NO.

Intracranial variables in propofol or sevoflurane-anesthestized dogs subjected to subarachnoid administration of iohexol

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

Promovendo a interação mãe-criança com implante coclear: um estudo de caso

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar os efeitos de uma intervenção conduzida com a mãe de uma criança com implante coclear através da avaliação de mudanças comportamentais identificadas após o programa. Participou deste estudo uma díade mãe ouvinte-criança com deficiência auditiva e implante coclear, filmada em quatro sessões de observação: uma situação de brinquedo e outra do cotidiano, antes e após a intervenção. Esta constou de dois encontros nos quais a mãe assistiu às filmagens e foi orientada quanto à sua conduta com relação à criança. Os resultados mostraram aumento no número de verbalizações maternas nas categorias informar e solicitar, bem como de falas da criança nas categorias falar espontaneamente e fazer solicitação, quando comparadas as medidas pré e pós-testes nas duas situações observadas. O estudo mostra a importância de intervenções que favoreçam a relação mãe-filho para o desenvolvimento de habilidades comunicativas da criança com deficiência auditiva e implante coclear.

Conselho de comunicação social: uma válvula para o diálogo ou para o silêncio?

Le présent travail propose une analyse du Conseil de Communication Sociale, de son importance et de sa trajectoire. Il tente d'expliquer la raison par laquelle ce Conseil, réglementé en 1991, n'a été effectivement mis en place que 14 ans plus tard. Suite à une brève période de fonctionnement, il n'y a pas eu de renouvellement de sa gestion et, depuis décembre 2002, il demeure oisif. Cependant, le besoin de fonctionnement du Conseil est signalé par plusieurs secteurs, même si accompagné de demandes de changements para rapport à son caractère et à sa représentation.

Avaliação da concentração das fibras do tecido conjuntivo quando da associação de poliglactina 910 e silicone: estudo experimental em ratos

Neste estudo observamos a reação tecidual após implantação de próteses de silicone associadas à poliglactina 910. Telas de borracha de silicone com 1,5 x 1,5cm de diâmetro e 0,7mm de espessura, polifenestradas, foram implantadas no subcutâneo do dorso de ratos.Dois grupos foram observados, no primeiro apenas telas fenestradas eram implantadas, no segundo as fenestrações das telas eram preenchidas com fios de poliglactina 910. Os animais foram observados por 30, 60 e 90 dias quando eram sacrificados e as telas mais o tecido adjacente ressecados. Não se observou diferenças na quantidade de fibras colágenas entre os subgrupos de um mesmo grupo e ou quando comparados com os subgrupos do grupo em estudo. No grupo controle, onde se usou apenas as telas fenestradas de silicone houve uma diferença significante entre as fibras reticulares, em maior número nos grupos de 30 e 60 dias de observação, quando comparadas ao grupo de 90 dias. A poliglactina 910 associada ao silicone não alterou o número de fibras do tecido conjuntivo, contadas nas fenestrações das telas.