Short-Term Effects of the Use of Non-Rigid Tools for Postural Control by Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

We tested the short-term effects of a nonrigid tool, identified as an "anchor system" (e.g., ropes attached to varying weights resting on the floor), on the postural stabilization of blindfolded adults with and without intellectual disabilities (ID). Participants held a pair of anchors one in each hand, under three weight conditions (250 g, 500 g and 1,000 g), while they performed a restricted balance task (standing for 30 s on a balance beam placed on top of a force platform). These conditions were called anchor practice trials. Before and after the practice trials, a condition without anchors was tested. Control practice groups, who practiced blocks of trials without anchors, included individuals with and without ID. The anchor system improved subjects' balance during the standing task, for both groups. For the control groups, the performance of successive trials in the condition without the anchor system showed no improvement in postural stability. The individuals with intellectual disability, as well as their peers without ID, used the haptic cues of nonrigid tools (i.e., the anchor system) to stabilize their posture, and the short-term stabilizing effects appeared to result from their previous use of the anchor system.

Evaluation of the Adenanthera pavonina seed proteinase inhibitor (ApTI) as a bioinsecticidal tool with potential for the control of Diatraea saccharalis

Diatraea saccharalis, is a major sugarcane pest, causing damage to the stalks of sugarcane plants. In this study, a trypsin inhibitor (ApTI) was purified from Adenanthera pavonina seeds and was tested for its insect growth regulatory effect. ApTI showed a dose-dependent effect on average larval weight and survival. 0.1% ApTI produced approximately 67% and 50% decreases in weight and survival larval, respectively. The results from dietary utilization experiments with D. saccharalis larvae showed a reduction in the efficiency of conversion of ingested food and digested food, and an increase in approximate digestibility and metabolic cost. The level of trypsin was significantly decreased (ca. 55%) in the midgut of larvae reared on a diet containing 0.05% ApTI and the trypsin activity in ApTI-fed larvae demonstrated sensitivity to ApTI. The action of ApTI on the development of D. saccharalis larvae shows that this protein may have great toxic potential. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.