bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution and Function of HCN Channels in the Apical Dendritic Tuft of Neocortical Pyramidal Neurons
Authors: Harnett Mark T. , Magee Jeffrey C. , Williams Stephen R.
Published: January 2015

The apical tuft is the most remote area of the dendritic tree of neocortical pyramidal neurons. Despite its distal location, the apical dendritic tuft of layer 5 pyramidal neurons receives substantial excitatory synaptic drive and actively processes corticocortical input during behavior. The properties of the voltage-activated ion channels that regulate synaptic integration in tuft dendrites have, however, not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we use electrophysiological and optical approaches to examine the subcellular distribution and function of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated nonselective cation (HCN) channels in rat layer 5B pyramidal neurons. Outside-out patch recordings demonstrated that the amplitude and properties of ensemble HCN channel activity were uniform in patches excised from distal apical dendritic trunk and tuft sites. Simultaneous apical dendritic tuft and trunk whole-cell current-clamp recordings revealed that the pharmacological blockade of HCN channels decreased voltage compartmentalization and enhanced the generation and spread of apical dendritic tuft and trunk regenerative activity. Furthermore, multisite two-photon glutamate uncaging demonstrated that HCN channels control the amplitude and duration of synaptically evoked regenerative activity in the distal apical dendritic tuft. In contrast, at proximal apical dendritic trunk and somatic recording sites, the blockade of HCN channels decreased excitability. Dynamic-clamp experiments revealed that these compartment-specific actions of HCN channels were heavily influenced by the local and distributed impact of the high density of HCN channels in the distal apical dendritic arbor. The properties and subcellular distribution pattern of HCN channels are therefore tuned to regulate the interaction between integration compartments in layer 5B pyramidal neurons.
The Potent BACE1 Inhibitor LY2886721 Elicits Robust Central Aβ Pharmacodynamic Responses in Mice, Dogs, and Humans
Authors: May Patrick C. , Willis Brian A. , Lowe Stephen L. , Dean Robert A. , Monk Scott A. , Cocke Patrick J. , Audia James E. , Boggs Leonard N. , Borders Anthony R. , Brier Richard A. , Calligaro David O. , Day Theresa A. , Ereshefsky Larry , Erickson Jon A. , Gevorkyan Hykop , Gonzales Celedon R. , James Douglas E. , Jhee Stanford S. , Komjathy Steven F. , Li Linglin , Lindstrom Terry D. , Mathes Brian M. , Martényi Ferenc , Sheehan Scott M. , Stout Stephanie L. , Timm David E. , Vaught Grant M. , Watson Brian M. , Winneroski Leonard L. , Yang Zhixiang , Mergott Dustin J.
Published: January 2015

BACE1 is a key protease controlling the formation of amyloid β, a peptide hypothesized to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, the development of potent and selective inhibitors of BACE1 has been a focus of many drug discovery efforts in academia and industry. Herein, we report the nonclinical and early clinical development of LY2886721, a BACE1 active site inhibitor that reached phase 2 clinical trials in AD. LY2886721 has high selectivity against key off-target proteases, which efficiently translatesin vitroactivity into robustin vivoamyloid β lowering in nonclinical animal models. Similar potent and persistent amyloid β lowering was observed in plasma and lumbar CSF when single and multiple doses of LY2886721 were administered to healthy human subjects. Collectively, these data add support for BACE1 inhibition as an effective means of amyloid lowering and as an attractive target for potential disease modification therapy in AD.
Transient neonatal hyperthyrotropinemia is a risk factor for developing persistent hyperthyrotropinemia in childhood with repercussion on developmental status
Authors: Cuestas Eduardo , Gaido María Isabel , Capra Raúl Horacio
Published: January 2015

Objective

Transient neonatal hyperthyrotropinemia (TNH) is defined as a neonatal abnormality of thyroid function, which reverts to normal at re-examination after 2 weeks of life. The thyroid function of these infants has not been sufficiently studied in terms of the risk of developing persistent hyperthyrotropinemia (PH) in later childhood and its impact on growth and development.

Design

A prospective cohort study included all babies born in our hospital between 2001 and 2006 and screened for hypothyroidism, whose thyroid function was re-examined 6 years later. Exclusion criteria included the following conditions: preterm birth, birth weight <2500 g, Down's syndrome, descendants of mothers with immune thyroid disease, congenital malformations, cardiac, renal, hepatic, and metabolic diseases, and steroid or dopamine medication. The variables included are TSH and thyroxine at neonatal screening and 6 years later. Main outcomes are the risk of developing PH in childhood, linear growth, and development using Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS).

Results

Out of 5040 normal-term newborns, 301 (6.0%, 95% CI 5.3–6.6%) have TSH ≥10 mU/l (TNH). Six years later, we re-examined 65 randomly selected children with TNH and 185 controls. In the TNH cohort, we found six out of 65 children (9.2%, 95% CI 1.4–17.0%) with PH (TSH ≥6.4 mU/l), and three out of 185 (1.6%, 95% CI 0.3–4.7%) among controls, relative risk 5.7 (95% CI 1.5–22.1), P=0.0114. TSH and developmental delay were found to be significantly higher in the TNH cohort (4.7±1.3 mU/l vs 2.1±0.5 mU/l, P<0.0001 and 15/65 (23%, 95% CI 12–34.1) vs 21/185 (11.3%, 95% CI 6.5–16.2) P=0.0348).

Conclusions

Newborns with TNH have a higher risk of developing PH in childhood, with repercussion on developmental status.
Deubiquitinases and the new therapeutic opportunities offered to cancer
Authors: Pfoh Roland , Lacdao Ira Kay , Saridakis Vivian
Published: January 2015

Deubiquitinases (DUBs) play important roles and therefore are potential drug targets in various diseases including cancer and neurodegeneration. In this review, we recapitulate structure–function studies of the most studied DUBs including USP7, USP22, CYLD, UCHL1, BAP1, A20, as well as ataxin 3 and connect them to regulatory mechanisms and their growing protein interaction networks. We then describe DUBs that have been associated with endocrine carcinogenesis with a focus on prostate, ovarian, and thyroid cancer, pheochromocytoma, and adrenocortical carcinoma. The goal is enhancing our understanding of the connection between dysregulated DUBs and cancer to permit the design of therapeutics and to establish biomarkers that could be used in diagnosis and prognosis.
A Genome-Wide Association Study of Resistance to Stripe Rust (Puccinia striiformisf. sp.tritici) in a Worldwide Collection of Hexaploid Spring Wheat (Triticum aestivumL.)
Authors: Maccaferri Marco , Zhang Junli , Bulli Peter , Abate Zewdie , Chao Shiaoman , Cantu Dario , Bossolini Eligio , Chen Xianming , Pumphrey Michael , Dubcovsky Jorge
Published: January 2015

New races of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), the causal pathogen of wheat stripe rust, show high virulence to previously deployed resistance genes and are responsible for large yield losses worldwide. To identify new sources of resistance we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using a worldwide collection of 1000 spring wheat accessions. Adult plants were evaluated under field conditions in six environments in the western United States, and seedlings were tested with four Pst races. A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) Infinium 9K-assay provided 4585 SNPs suitable for GWAS. High correlations among environments and high heritabilities were observed for stripe rust infection type and severity. Greater levels of Pst resistance were observed in a subpopulation from Southern Asia than in other groups. GWAS identified 97 loci that were significant for at least three environments, including 10 with an experiment-wise adjusted Bonferroni probability < 0.10. These 10 quantitative trait loci (QTL) explained 15% of the phenotypic variation in infection type, a percentage that increased to 45% when all QTL were considered. Three of these 10 QTL were mapped far from previously identified Pst resistance genes and QTL, and likely represent new resistance loci. The other seven QTL mapped close to known resistance genes and allelism tests will be required to test their relationships. In summary, this study provides an integrated view of stripe rust resistance resources in spring wheat and identifies new resistance loci that will be useful to diversify the current set of resistance genes deployed to control this devastating disease.
Linkage Analysis and Map Construction in Genetic Populations of Clonal F1 and Double Cross
Authors: Zhang Luyan , Li Huihui , Wang Jiankang
Published: January 2015

In this study, we considered four categories of molecular markers based on the number of distinguishable alleles at the marker locus and the number of distinguishable genotypes in clonal F1 progenies. For two marker loci, there are nine scenarios that allow the estimation of female, male, and/or combined recombination frequencies. In a double cross population derived from four inbred lines, five categories of markers are classified and another five scenarios are present for recombination frequency estimation. Theoretical frequencies of identifiable genotypes were given for each scenario, from which the maximum likelihood estimates of one or more of the three recombination frequencies could be estimated. If there was no analytic solution, then Newton-Raphson method was used to acquire a numerical solution. We then proposed to use an algorithm in Traveling Salesman Problem to determine the marker order. Finally, we proposed a procedure to build the two haploids of the female parent and the two haploids of the male parent in clonal F1. Once the four haploids were built, clonal F1 hybrids could be exactly regarded as a double cross population. Efficiency of the proposed methods was demonstrated in simulated clonal F1 populations and one actual maize double cross. Extensive comparisons with software JoinMap4.1, OneMap, and R/qtl show that the methodology proposed in this article can build more accurate linkage maps in less time.
Possible production of arsenic hemoglobin adducts via exposure to arsine
Authors: Yamauchi Takenori , Yamano Yuko , Yamanaka Kenzo , Hata Akihisa , Nakadate Toshio , Kuroda Yoshiki , Endo Yoko , Endo Ginji
Published: January 2015

Possible production of arsenic hemoglobin adducts via exposure to arsine: Takenori YAMAU‐CHI, et al. Department of Public Health Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki

Objective

Arsine is an arsenic compound generated as a by‐product in metal refineries. Accidental poisoning occurs sporadically; however, the administrative level for workers has not been established. Thus, it is essential to identify a highly specific biomarker for risk management in the workplace. The aim of this study was to identify an arsenic adduct, a potential biomarker, in the plasma.

Methods

Preserved mouse blood was exposed to arsine in vitro, and the plasma was separated. The residual clot of the control sample was hemolyzed using ultrapure water, and the supernatant was collected. Plasma from mice exposed to arsine in vivo was also separated from blood. Immunoprecipitation assays were conducted using all samples after ultrafiltration, and three fractions were collected. The total arsenic concentration in each fraction was quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). The three in vitro samples and the eluate fraction from immunoprecipitation were analyzed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS).

Results

In the exposed samples, the arsenic concentration in the fraction containing immunocomplexes was higher when immunoprecipitation was conducted with an anti‐globin antibody. Three peaks were specifically observed in arsine‐exposed samples after MALDI‐TOF‐MS analysis. Two of them were around m/z 15,000, and the other was m/z 15,700. The latter peak was confirmed even after immunoprecipitation.

Conclusions

Globin forms an adduct with arsenic after both in vitro and in vivo exposure to arsine. This adduct together with hemoglobinuria could be a candidate biomarker of acute arsine poisoning in plasma.
Large thyroid cyst in a patient with congenital hypothyroidism
Authors: Kaykhaei Mahmoud Ali , Heidari Zahra , Mehrazin Ahmad
Published: January 2015

Thyroid hormone biosynthetic defects are rare causes of congenital hypothyroidism. Although, initial presentations are usually diffuse goiter and hypothyroidism, subsequently they may develop thyroid nodules and or thyroid cancer. We describe a case of hypothyroidism due to dyshormonogenesis whose one of the previously solid nodules degenerates into a large cyst. A 22-year-old male was referred to our clinic for evaluation of enlarging thyroid nodule. Hypothyroidism was diagnosed in infancy, however due to poor compliance to treatment TSH values were elevated most of the times. When he was fifteen the first nodule was detected which was a solid cold nodule. Fine needle aspiration was in favor of benign follicular nodule. Seven years later we found a large multi nodular thyroid with a predominant large cyst corresponding to the previously detected solid nodule. 21cc straw colored fluid was aspirated. Cytology was reported as benign cystic nodule. The patient underwent thyroidectomy and pathology confirmed a benign thyroid cyst. Although underreported thyroid dyshormonogenesis may progress to cystic degeneration. Taking into account the risk of malignancy and eventually cyst formation, we recommend more frequent evaluation in the face of nodule formation in these patients. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(9):958-61
A case of thyroid hormone resistance: a rare mutation
Authors: Gonçalves Ana Pires , Aragüés José Maria , Nobre Ema , Barbosa Ana Paula , Mascarenhas Mario
Published: January 2015

Reduced sensitivity to thyroid hormones (RSTH) is a rare disease that affects about 3,000 individuals, belonging to about 1,000 families. It results from reduced intracellular action of thyroid hormones (TH) genetically determined and manifests as persistent hyperthyroxinemia with non-suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). We describe a 67-years old, Caucasian woman, with past history of subtotal thyroidectomy due to diffuse goiter, who presents with a recurrence of goiter. Although she is clinically euthyroid, laboratory evaluation shows persistent hyperthyroxinemia with non-suppressed TSH. Response to thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) test was normal and TSH concentrations were not suppressed during oral administration of suprafisiologic doses of levothyroxine (L-T4). Peripheral blood DNA was extracted from the patient and a mutation was found localized in cluster one, at codon 346 of the ligand binding domain of the THRB gene. The patient’s son underwent thyroid function testing (TFT) and genetic study, both negative, suggesting a sporadic mutation. RSTH should be considered in all hyperthyroxinemic patients who are clinically euthyroid. Mutations interfering with three major steps required for TH action on target tissues have been, so far, identified (TR-β, TR-α, MCT8, SPB2). Each mutation is associated with a distinctive syndrome. Goal of management is to maintain a normal serum TSH level and a eumetabolic state and offer appropriate genetic counselling and prenatal diagnosis. Inappropriate treatment of eumetabolic patients results in hypothyroidism and need for TH replacement.
An international survey of screening and management of hypothyroidism during pregnancy in Latin America
Authors: Medeiros Mateus Fernandes da Silva , Cerqueira Taise Lima de Oliveira , Silva Junior Joaquim Custódio , Amaral Magali Teresopolis Reis , Vaidya Bijay , Poppe Kris Gustave , Carvalho Gisah Amaral de , Gutierrez Silvia , Alcaraz Graciela , Abalovich Marcos , Ramos Helton Estrela
Published: January 2015

Objective To determine how endocrinologists in Latin America deal with clinical case scenarios related to hypothyroidism and pregnancy. Materials and methods In January 2013, we sent an electronic questionnaire on current practice relating to management of hypothyroidism in pregnancy to 856 members of the Latin American Thyroid Society (LATS) who manage pregnant patients with thyroid disease. Subsequently, we have analyzed responses from physician members. Results Two hundred and ninety-three responders represent clinicians from 13 countries. All were directly involved in the management of maternal hypothyroidism and 90.7% were endocrinologists. The recommendation of a starting dose of L-thyoxine for a woman diagnosed with overt hypothyroidism in pregnancy, preconception management of euthyroid women with known thyroid autoimmunity and approach related to ovarian hyperstimulation in women with thyroid peroxidase antibodies were widely variable. For women with known hypothyroidism, 34.6% of responders would increase L-thyroxine dose by 30-50% as soon as pregnancy is confirmed. With regard to screening, 42.7% of responders perform universal evaluation and 70% recommend TSH < 2.5 mUI/L in the first trimester and TSH < 3 mUI/L in the second and third trimester as target results in known hypothyroid pregnant women. Conclusion Deficiencies in diagnosis and management of hypothyroidism during pregnancy were observed in our survey, highlighting the need for improvement of specialist education and quality of care offered to patients with thyroid disease during pregnancy in Latin America. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(9):906-11
Suicídio na infância e adolescência
Authors: Kuczynski Evelyn
Published: January 2015

O presente ensaio é a transcrição da aula ministrada durante a II Jornada sobre Suicídio do Laboratório de Estudos sobre a Morte, ocorrida em 22 de maio de 2013 (Brasil). Propõe-se a abordar aspectos históricos e epidemiológicos do suicídio na infância e na adolescência, além de se concentrar nas abordagens preconizadas para este fenômeno.
Associations among self-reported diabetes, nutritional status, and socio-demographic variables in community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Moretto Maria Clara , Tadoni Maria Inês , Neri Anita Liberalesso , Guariento Maria Elena
Published: January 2015

Objective:The aim of this study was to describe relationships between self-reported diabetes mellitus and its treatment, according to demographic and socioeconomic data, as well as indicators of nutritional status in community-dwelling older adults.Methods:This is a population-based and a cross-sectional study derived from the multicentric survey "Frailty in Brazilian Elderly". The random sample consisted of 881 community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and older from the city of Campinas. The self-reported variables were: age, gender, family income (minimum salaries), education (years of education); and absolute data (yes versusno) regarding unintentional weight loss and weight gain, diabetes, and its treatment. Anthropometric variables were collected by trained examiners following classic protocols. Body mass index was classified as: underweight <23; normal weight ≥23 and <28; overweight ≥28 and <30; and obesity ≥30. Waist-to-hip ratio, indicator of abdominal adiposity, was classified according the metabolic risk, for male and female, respectively: low 0.90-0.95 and 0.80-0.85; moderate 0.96-1.00 and 0.86-0.90; and high >1.00 and >0.90.Results:The variables most associated with diabetes were obesity (OR=2.19), abdominal adiposity (OR=2.97), and unintentional weight loss (OR=3.38). The lack of diabetes treatment was associated with advanced age (p=0.027), lower educational level (p=0.005), and low metabolic risk (p=0.004).Conclusion: Self-reported diabetes was associated with obesity but mostly with abdominal adiposity and unintentional weight loss. Not being treated for diabetes mellituswas associated with advanced age, lower levels of education, and lower abdominal adiposity.
Effectiveness of nutritional intervention in overweight women in Primary Health Care
Authors: Ferreira Nathália Luíza , Mingoti Sueli Aparecida , Jaime Patrícia Constante , Lopes Aline Cristine Souza
Published: January 2015

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of nutritional intervention in overweight women undergoing Primary Health Care.Methods: An intervention study was conducted with overweight adult and elderly women aged 20 years or older (body mass index ≥25.0 kg/m² and ≥27.0 kg/m², respectively) who were subjected to 12 months of individual nutritional monitoring. The effectiveness of the intervention was assessed by dietary, health, and anthropometric indicators.Results: Most of the 71 individuals were adults with a low income and poor level of education. After the intervention, there was an increase in number of meals and in the frequency of breakfasting. Moreover, there were more fruits and vegetables consumed, in addition to a decrease in household availability of salt, sugar, oil, and fried foods consumption. An improvement in health and weight self-perception was observed, as well as a decrease in body mass and abdominal adiposity, in particular among those participating in several consultations (n >9).Conclusion: The proposed nutritional intervention was effective and viable for improving the care of overweight individuals and those suffering from destabilized comorbidities, and may be extended to other contexts.
"Eu queria aprender a ser docente": sobre a formação de mestres nos programas de pós-graduação do campo da Alimentação e Nutrição no Brasil
Authors: Souza Liv Katyuska de Carvalho Sampaio de , Prado Shirley Donizete , Ferreira Francisco Romão , Carvalho Maria Claudia da Veiga Soares
Published: January 2015

Objetivo: O presente estudo tem como objetivo problematizar o campo científico da Alimentação e Nutrição, a partir do olhar de egressos de cursos de mestrado no Brasil, colocando em exame aspectos relativos às relações sociais nas quais está mergulhada a formação para o ensino. Norteia o estudo o conceito de campo científico de Pierre Bourdieu, para quem a produção do conhecimento não se dá de maneira pura ou neutra, e os consensos ocorrem em função de interesses em circulação na sociedade. Métodos: Participaram da pesquisa 177 mestres, formados em programas de pós-graduação inseridos na área de avaliação Nutrição, na Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior. O grupo respondeu a perguntas abertas e fechadas, em questionários enviados pela internet.Resultados: A grande maioria era composta por nutricionistas do sexo feminino, que ingressaram no mestrado com idade média de 28 anos e aproximadamente quatro anos e meio de conclusão da graduação. A docência destacouse dentre as expectativas ao ingressar no mestrado. Conforme aproximadamente metade dos entrevistados, suas expectativas foram plenamente alcançadas ou até mesmo superadas, tanto em razão de seu aprimoramento científico quanto da boa qualificação do corpo docente. Em contraposição, o pouco tempo, as pressões para a conclusão do mestrado e a insuficiência no preparo para a docência foram críticas presentes.Conclusão: A conformação de novas regras no jogo científico - de modelo produtivista -, impõe que se reconheça a existência de problemas sérios nos cursos de pós-graduação stricto sensu, com repercussão sobre a formação de docentes e, por conseguinte, de nutricionistas. Nesse processo, a avaliação da produção científica por meio de métricas de mercado está no rol dos modelos a serem profundamente questionados.
Desenvolvimento comunitário na formação do nutricionista: relato de experiência em um Curso de Nutrição
Authors: Oliveira Nilce de , Santos Sandra Maria Chaves dos
Published: January 2015

Objetivo: Este trabalho tem como objetivo discutir a disciplina Desenvolvimento da Comunidade no currículo do curso de Nutrição de uma universidade pública, visando contribuir com o debate sobre a formação social do nutricionista.Métodos: Trata-se de pesquisa documental, com base no material da disciplina e nos trabalhos produzidos pelos alunos ao longo de 30 anos de docência, além de reflexão sobre as experiências vividas.Resultados: Apesar da recorrente afirmação da relevância do tratamento social em saúde e nutrição, ainda é insatisfatória a introdução dos componentes que poderiam construir esse processo. Desde sempre, o trabalho prático manifestou-se sedutor e revelador da realidade social e econômica para os estudantes, enquanto a compreensão teórica dos processos e relações sociais resulta problemática e recebe a justificativa de que, para os alunos da área de saúde, a linguagem das Ciências Sociais seria estranha e difícil.Conclusão:A experiência docente na disciplina Desenvolvimento da Comunidade confirma a importância da abordagem teórica e prática da saúde, alimentação e nutrição pelas Ciências Sociais, significando um esforço pedagógico e pessoal a mais do professor e de alunos. Mesmo que a disciplina deixe de existir na formação do nutricionista com o título original, que faz parte do repertório semântico de um tempo passado, os conteúdos e as experiências permanecem sendo relevantes e podem ser incorporadas em outras disciplinas.
Comparison of Drosophilidae (Diptera) assemblages from two highland Araucaria Forest fragments, with and without environmental conservation policies
Authors: Cavasini R , Buschini MLT , Machado LPB , Mateus RP
Published: January 2015

Flies from the Drosophilidae family are model organisms for biological studies and are often suggested as bioindicators of environmental quality. The Araucaria Forest, one of Atlantic Forest phyto-physiognomy, displays a highly fragmented distribution due to the expansion of agriculture and urbanization. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate and compare the drosophilid assemblages from two highland Araucaria Forest fragments, one a conservation unit (PMA – Parque Municipal das Araucárias) and the other a private property without any conservational policy (FBL – Fazenda Brandalise), in space and time, using species abundances and richness, ecological indexes and Neotropical and exotic species proportions as parameters to establish the level of environmental quality of these fragments. Our results showed that the observed diversity in PMA (H′ = 2.221) was approximately 40% higher than in FBL (H′ = 1.592). This could be due to higher preservation quality and habitat diversity in PMA, indicating the importance of conservation units. However, richness were similar for these areas, with PMA (Dmg = 6.602) only 8% higher than FBL (Dmg = 6.128), which suggest that the larger distance from city limits and the larger size of FBL forested area could be compensating the higher disturbance caused by antrophic extractive exploitation of this fragment. This points out that, besides the quality of presevertion, the size and/or connection with other fragments should be considered for areas destined for biodiversity conservation. In general, both areas presented similar drosophilid assemblages, and the expressive abundance of both Neotropical species (mostly of the subgroup willistoni) and the exotic species D. kikkawai suggests that these areas are in intermediate stages of conservation.
First report of Dolichozele koebeleiViereck, 1911 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) on larvae of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in maize (Zea maysL.) under different cropping systems
Authors: Silva RB , Cruz I , Penteado-Dias AM
Published: January 2015

In the context of the modern agriculture, pest control is important in order to increase productivity in maize (Zea maysL.). However, this control should be done rationally, prioritising environmentally safer methods such as biological control. This paper aims to report the occurrence of Dolichozele koebelei Viereck, 1911 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in Spodoptera frugiperda(J. E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae collected in maize subjected to different cropping systems. The experiment was conducted at the Centro Nacional de Pesquisa de Milho e Sorgo (CNPMS) in Sete Lagoas, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, using organic and conventional production. Ten plants were sampled from each of the 24 plots and for each production system, three times a week during the entire cycle of maize (variety BR 106). In the laboratory, larvae were distributed in individual rearing containers with artificial diet until the end of the biological cycle. An increased number of S. frugiperda larvae was observed in organic single crop maize; hence a higher percentage of S. frugiperda larvae parasitised by Hymenoptera and Diptera also occurred in the maize under this production system. Dolichozele koebelei had not yet been described in association with larvae of S. frugiperda. The percentage of parasitism of S. frugiperda larvae was high in both experiments, indicating the importance of natural control agents in reducing the population density of S. frugiperda, and especially the importance of an appropriate crop management.
Crop damage of Eriotheca gracilipes (Bombacaceae) by the Blue-Fronted Amazon (Amazona aestiva, Psittacidae), in the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Ragusa-Netto J
Published: January 2015

Seed predation has major effects on the reproductive success of individuals, spatial patterns of populations, genetic variability, interspecific interactions and ultimately in the diversity of tree communities. At a Brazilian savanna, I evaluated the proportional crop loss of Eriotheca gracilipes due the Blue-Fronted Amazon (Amazona aestiva) during a fruiting period. Also, I analyzed the relationship between proportional crop loss to Amazons and both fruit crop size and the distance from the nearest damaged conspecific. Trees produced from 1 to 109 fruits, so that Amazons foraged more often on trees bearing larger fruit crop size, while seldom visited less productive trees. Moreover, the relationship between fruit crop sizes and the number of depredated fruits was significant. However, when only damaged trees were assessed, I found a negative and significant relation between fruit crop size and proportional crop loss to Blue-Fronted Amazons. Taking into account this as a measure more directly related to the probability of seed survival, a negative density dependent effect emerged. Also, Amazons similarly damaged the fruit crops of either close or distant neighboring damaged trees. Hence, in spite of Blue-Fronted Amazons searched for E. gracilipes bearing large fruit crops, they were swamped due to the presence of more fruits than they could eat. Moderate seed predation by Blue-Fronted Amazons either at trees with large fruit crops or in areas where fruiting trees were aggregated implies in an enhanced probability of E. gracilipes seed survival and consequent regeneration success.
Implementing new northernmost records to modelling the distribution of Hypsiboas caingua (Anura: Hylidae) in South America
Authors: Delatorre M , Vasconcelos TS , Cunha NL , Martins FI , Oda FH , Aoki C , Landgref-Filho P
Published: January 2015

New northwestern records of the striped treefrog Hypsiboas caingua (Carrizo, 1991 “1990”) are presented for Brazil, extending its known geographic distribution approximately 115 km northward (linear distance) of the previous northernmost record of the species. In all new localities, individuals of H. caingua were only found in calling activity under temperatures below 18°C. The species appears to be associated with Atlantic Forest, although it had already been recorded in Cerrado. Although the scientific literature data suggests that H. caingua presents discontinuous geographical distribution, three methods of distribution modelling based on climatic data show that the species' distribution is continuous. The gap in the distribution may be related to the lack of field surveys in the regions that connect these populations, especially in colder periods. Nevertheless, factors other than climate might also be responsible for the current distribution of H. caingua, since the species was absent in well-surveyed sites situated between the areas of modeled distribution. Therefore, further studies on natural history, populations' genetic structure, and geographic distribution models implementing factors other than climate will be important to elucidate some ecological and evolutionary aspects of the distribution of H. caingua in South America.
Tributaries as richness source for Oligochaeta assemblage (Annelida) of Neotropical dammed river
Authors: Ragonha FH , Petsch DK , Alves GHZ , Santana HS , Michelan TS , Takeda AM
Published: January 2015

Tributaries may serve as richness source for the river main channel and the zoobenthos community is a good tool to verify this kind of pattern. In this study, we aimed to characterize the benthic invertebrate assemblage in three tributaries associated to the Paraná River main channel, focusing in Oligochaeta community. We hypothesized that (i) in tributaries, Oligochaeta are richer than the main river (Paraná River) and (ii) dammed tributary (Paranapanema River) is poorly diverse than the others. Samples were conducted in Paranapanema, Baía and Ivinhema tributaries using a modified Petersen grab along three transects (samples conducted inside the tributary, in the mouth of each tributary and inside Paraná River). To analyze (i) the difference between the richness and density among the tributaries and the Paraná River and (ii) effect of each tributary transect on the Oligochaeta richness we used a nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test. Changes in environmental variables and in richness and composition of Oligochaeta were summarized by Canonic Correspondence Analysis. It was registered 21 different benthic invertebrates taxa, being Oligochaeta assemblage with the highest density. Within Oligochaeta, Narapa bonettoi was the most abundant species, followed by Haplotaxis aedochaeta and Paranadrilus descolei. In our results we refused both hypotheses, because we did not found significant differences for richness and density between the tributaries and the main river, and also no difference between the three transects of each tributary were found. However, the tributaries less influenced by damming, especially the Baía recorded high richness. This corroborates their importance to diversity in the floodplain and the species of Oligochaeta reflect the peculiar characteristics of habitats within each tributaries.
Differential Diptera succession patterns onto partially burned and unburned pig carrion in southeastern Brazil
Authors: Oliveira-Costa J , Lamego CMD , Couri MS , Mello-Patiu CA
Published: January 2015

In the present contribution we compared the entomological succession pattern of a burned carcass with that of an unburned one. For that, we used domestic pig carcasses and focused on Calliphoridae, Muscidae and Sarcophagidae flies, because they are the ones most commonly used in Postmortem Interval estimates. Adult and immature flies were collected daily. A total of 27 species and 2,498 specimens were collected, 1,295 specimens of 26 species from the partially burned carcass and 1,203 specimens of 22 species from the control carcass (unburned). The species composition in the two samples differed, and the results of the similarity measures were 0.875 by Sorensen and 0.756 by Bray-Curtis index. The results obtained for both carcasses also differ with respect to the decomposition process, indicating that the post mortem interval would be underestimated if the entomological succession pattern observed for a carcass under normal conditions was applied to a carbonized carcass.
Contamination from an affluent of Furnas reservoir by trace metals
Authors: Cavalcanti PP , Rodrigues LCA , Beijo LA , Barbosa S , Xavier TT , Magalhães F
Published: January 2015

This study aims to determine concentrations and characterize trace metals distribution in an affluent of Furnas reservoir, Alfenas-MG. Water and sediment samples were taken monthly, 2010/10-2011/07 in five sites of Córrego do Pântano for subsequent determination of Pb, Cd and Zn levels by chemical analysis. The stream studied is in disagreement with Brazilian legislation for Class II water bodies (CONAMA 357). The highlights are the unsuitable concentrations of Pb for human consumption, according to Ministry of Health 2914 decree, providing risk for population.
Fauna of Noctuidae (Lepidoptera: Noctuoidea) in a pasture area in Altamira, Eastern Amazon, Pará, Brazil
Authors: Almeida LP , Specht A , Teston JA
Published: January 2015

This study evaluated the nocturnal fauna of Noctuidae in a pasture area in Altamira, Pará. Samples were collected monthly for two nights at the new moon period, from August 2007 to July 2008. We collected a total of 345 specimens (N) of 66 species (S). The most abundant species were Ptichodes basilans (Guenée) (n = 87), Leucania jaliscana (Schaus), Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) (n = 28) and Argidia palmipes Guenée (n = 21). For the entire period, the following indexes were found: Shannon diversity H′= 3.20 and Brillouin H = 2.94, evenness of Shannon E′= 0.76 and Brillouin E= 0.76, and Berger-Parker dominance BP= 0.252. The greatest diversity was found in the dry season. According to the estimates of species richness, it is possible that between 14 to 72 more species exist in the region.
Diet and feeding behavior of the White-naped Jay, Cyanocorax cyanopogon (Wied, 1821) (Aves, Passeriformes, Corvidae) in a disturbed environment in central Brazil
Authors: Barros RAM , Costa CA , Pascotto MC
Published: January 2015

The White-naped Jay Cyanocorax cyanopogon (Wied, 1821) is an omnivorous and opportunistic species, with a multifarious diet. In view of the scarcity of available data in the literature, the aim was to investigate and describe the bird's diet, location of food items, foraging tactics, actual feeding behavior and intraspecific interactions, as a means of defining the items consumed. The study was carried out in a Cerrado area in the Araguaia Campus of the Federal University of Mato Grosso – UFMT, in Pontal do Araguaia, Mato Grosso State, Brazil, from August to December, 2006, and from April to October, 2010. All the feeding events were recorded through 136 hours of animal focal sampling, whereby it was shown that these birds predominantly consume animal nutrients, replenished by vegetable items and human food-waste. Arthropods were predominant in the diet, with ants as the most abundant and frequent item. The fruits, flowers and seeds of eleven plant species were also consumed. Food-waste, representing about 1/10 of the total, was constantly consumed even when other food sources were available. Although active among the various strata, foraging is mainly on the ground. In the event of food-scarcity, the strategy employed is the hierarchical deployment of the members of various-sized groups, with the avoidance of direct competition. This versatility during all seasons, confirms total adaptation to the anthropic environment surrounded by native habitats that characterized the study site.
Site fidelity and movement of Chelonoidis carbonaria (Spix, 1824) (Testudinidae) in cocoa plantations in southeastern Brazil
Authors: Borini JF , Petrucci BB , Krohling W , Rossi Júnior JL , Santos MRD , Ferreira Júnior PD
Published: January 2015

Red-footed Tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonariaSpix, 1824) raised as pets and voluntarily handed over to environmental officers by their owners or apprehended by officers represent a large contingent of animals that overfill triage centres in Brazil. There is no consensus on the fate of these animals, and their numbers continue growing. In this study, we evaluated the movement patterns of C. carbonaria originating from triage centres in areas of cocoa plantations and forest remnants to define their home range and dispersion. After 120 days of quarantine and acclimatisation, eight C. carbonaria adults were released and monitored via radio telemetry for 10 months. The radio transmitters of two individuals presented problems, and consequently, it was not possible to track these individuals. Five individuals remained in an area of 7.75 ha 10 months after release, avoiding contact with humans after the first three months. The greatest problems were the proximity of individuals to inhabited areas in the first three months after release, the death of two individuals, and the escape of one individual. After the experiment, the animals were sent back to the triage centre. Our results suggest that a proportion of the animals in the triage centres are able to survive in natural conditions. Considering their survival and fidelity to the release site, the translocation of animals described herein should be considered partially successful. However, if this measure is adopted, it must be preceded by studies of the animals' origins and by a rigorous genetic, sanitary and behavioural analysis of each individual.
Seasonality effect on the allelopathy of cerrado species
Authors: Gatti AB , Takao LK , Pereira VC , Ferreira AG , Lima MIS , Gualtieri SCJ
Published: January 2015

The Brazilian cerrado presents strong climate seasonality. During the dry season, plants may be exposed to stressful situations, such as a soil surface water deficit, that stimulate their chemical defenses. However, the seasonality effect on the production of allelopathic compounds of cerrado plant species is poorly understood. In this study, the phytotoxic activities of common native cerrado plants were evaluated during rainy and dry seasons. Crude leaves extracts (10% concentration: weight/volume, with dry leaves and distilled water) from eleven species were tested on lettuce and sesame germination. The negative effects on germination percentages, rates and informational entropies of the target species were higher when submitted to plant extracts from the dry season, where the germination rate was the most sensible parameter. The higher sensibility of lettuce and the germination rate parameter showed this difference. Only two exceptions had higher effects for rainy season extracts; one species showed higher negative effects on germination informational entropy of lettuce and another species on the germination rate of sesame. Thus, increases in the allelopathic activity were seen in the majority of the studied cerrado plant species during the dry season. These distinct responses to stressful situations in a complex environment such as the Brazilian cerrado may support the establishment and survival of some species.
Morphological indicators of initial reproductive commitment in Mustelus schmitti (Springer 1939) (Chondrichthyes, Triakidae): folliculogenesis and ovarian structure over the life cycle
Authors: Galíndez EJ , Díaz Andrade M , Estecondo S
Published: January 2015

This work provides information about the sexual commitment and the folliculogenesis of the gatuzo, Mustelus schmitti. A total of 112 females of all maturity stages were fished in the Bahía Blanca estuary, between 2009 and 2010. The oogonia were present throughout the life cycle of the animals. The folliculogenesis follows a pattern similar to other elasmobranchs. The granulosa layer keeps monolayered throughout the folliculogenesis, but with two cell types in the vitellogenic follicle. The zona pellucida forms in the primordial follicles. The thecal system shows a connective inner layer and a glandular outer sheath. The microscopic beginning of the sexual commitment, indicated by the vitello hoarding, takes place in follicles from 500 micrometres, while the macroscopic evidence appears in follicles of 2500-3000 micrometres. The results presented in this study suggest that the fishery pressure may affect a susceptible range of sizes of the species, not previously considered and provides a biological framework for the development of fisheries policy.
Tests of chronic and acute toxicity of crude oil on larvae of Chironomus kiiensis Tokunaga (Diptera: Chironomidae)
Authors: Lacerda ACF , Gusmão GA , Hamada N
Published: January 2015

The Amazon region, known for its mega-biodiversity, also holds large reserves of petroleum and natural gas. The increasing exploitation of natural gas and crude oil in the Amazon has not been accompanied by studies evaluating the impact of these pollutants on local biological communities, particularly aquatic organisms. The aim of the present study was to determine the values of acute and chronic toxicity of crude oil from Urucu to larvae of Chironomus kiiensis Tokunaga, 1936. The LD5048hof crude oil for second-instar larvae of C. kiiensis was 26.5 mg/L, and mortality for the majority of concentrations tested was greatest during the first 24 hours of the experiment. The survival of eggs of C. kiiensis exposed to concentrations of crude oil was also evaluated but did not differ significantly among the treatments. Despite the high tolerance observed for the species in the experiments, there is a possibility that in the natural environment the oil interacts with other factors, leading to synergistic effects, so further studies are needed to assess the effects of this pollutant on aquatic insect species.
Vertical and temporal variation in phytoplankton assemblages correlated with environmental conditions in the Mundaú reservoir, semi-arid northeastern Brazil
Authors: LIRA GAST , MOURA AN , VILAR MCP , CORDEIRO-ARAÚJO MK , BITTENCOURT-OLIVEIRA MC
Published: January 2015

The goal of this study was to analyse the vertical structure of the phytoplankton community at the Mundaú reservoir, located in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil, and to correlate it to environmental conditions over two distinct seasons, dry and rainy. Samples were collected bimonthly at eight depths in the dry and rainy season for analyses of the physical and chemical variables of the water, as well as density, abundance, dominance, species diversity index and equitability of the community. Analysis of variance (ANOVA-two way) was used to analyse the vertical and seasonal differences, and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was used to assess associations between phytoplankton and environmental variables Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii (Woloszynska) Seenaya and Subba Raju was the only dominant species and Geitlerinema amphibium (C. Agardh) Anagnostidis, Merismopedia punctata Meyen and Synedra rumpens Kützing. Others six taxa were abundant in at least one of the samples. Distinct vertical distribution patterns were observed for the abundant taxa between depths and seasons. The cyanobacteria, with the exception of C. raciborskii, showed similar seasonal patterns, with higher densities in the dry season. The CCA showed a strong correlation between the density of the phytoplanktonic species and abiotic variables. The vertical changes in abundant taxa revealed distinct patterns regulated by the variation in the environmental factors that were directly linked to seasonality, with the success of one or more species being dependent on their life strategies and ecological needs. The present study restates the importance of environmental and seasonal factors for phytoplankton composition and distribution in a freshwater tropical reservoir through a vertical gradient.