bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First description of microchromosome in the Anostomidae fish Schizodon nasutus from Argentina
Authors: Pastori M.C. , Fenocchio A.S. , López P.A.
Published: April 2005

Thirty-six specimens of Schizodon nasutus (Anostomidae-Characiformes) from the middle Paraná River (Posadas, Argentina) were analyzed cytogenetically. The karyotype of this species was similar to those described for this species in the literature. C-banding technique showed a rich heterochromatic pattern relative to other Anostomidae species. The NORs were located on one chromosome pair in terminal position and showed a very marked size heteromorphism. A microchromosome was observed with a frequency of about 20% in the sample studied. This additional element was punctiform, negative C-band, and constant in all metaphase plates of the seven carriers. The present study is the first karyotypic approach to Schizodon nasutus from Argentina and the first description of microchromosome in Anostomidae
Estimates of genetic and phenotypic parameters in a segregant population of rice irrigated by continuous flooding
Authors: Santos Patrícia Guimarães , Soares Antônio Alves , Ramalho Magno A.P.
Published: April 2005

Estimates of genetic and phenotypic parameters were obtained by using data from families of a recurrent selection program in rice. An experiment using population CNA-IRAT 4ME/1/1 was conducted at two locations (Lambari and Cambuquira) in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. At Lambari, families S0:2 and S0:3 were assessed during crop seasons 1992/1993 and 1993/1994, respectively. In the Cambuquira trial, only S0:3 families were tested in 1993/1994. The experimental design was a 10 x 10 lattice with three replications. The following traits were assessed: grain yield (GY), mean number of days to flowering (FL), plant height (PH), and the incidence of neck blast (NB) caused by Pyricularia grisea and grain staining (GS) caused by Drechslera oryzae. This population proved to be promising for recurrent selection, as it had high average yield and genetic variability. Heritability estimates obtained using variance components were generally greater than estimates of realized heritability, and heritability obtained by parent-offspring regression
Genetic variability in salt tolerance during germination of Stylosanthes humilis H.B.K. and association between salt tolerance and isozymes
Authors: Lovato Maria Bernadete , Martins Paulo Sodero
Published: April 2005

Variation in salt tolerance of six natural populations of Stylosanthes humilis from three ecogeographic regions, Mata (wet tropical climate), Agreste and Sertão (semi-arid tropical climate) of Pernambuco State, Northeast Brazil, was evaluated on germination in 201 mM NaCl. There were significant differences among families of all populations for germination percentage and of five populations (except Tamandaré, from Mata) for germination rate. Populations from semi-arid regions presented high coefficients of genetic variation, those from Agreste being higher than those from Sertão. Populations from Mata showed low coefficients of genetic variation. The coefficients of genotypic determination were high for five populations, except Tamandaré, both for germination percentage ( > or = 0.89) and for germination rate ( > or = 0.79), indicating the possibility of selection for salt tolerance in these populations. An electrophoretic analysis of esterase and peroxidase isozymes was also performed in the six populations, and correlations were estimated between salt tolerance and allelic frequencies. The analysis of salt tolerant and salt sensitive families of populations from Agreste suggested an association of alleles of a peroxidase locus with salt tolerance during germination in the Caruaru population
Isozyme markers and genetic variability in three species of Centrosema (Leguminosae)
Authors: Penteado Maria Isabel de O. , García Pedro , Pérez de la Vega Marcelino
Published: April 2005

Isozyme patterns and their genetic control in three Centrosema species are described. Seven isozymatic systems (aspartate aminotransferase, glucose-6-phosphate isomerase, phosphoglucomutase, anodal peroxidase, malate dehydrogenase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, and isocitrate dehydrogenase) were studied in 18 populations and several breeding lines of C. acutifolium, C. brasilianum and C. pubescens, using starch gel electrophoresis techniques. All systems, except glucose-6-phosphate isomerase, are described for the first time in these species. A total of 17 isozyme loci were scored; this represents the largest set of Mendelian loci known up to now in Centrosema species. Isozyme polymorphism and variability within and between populations and species were relatively high and allowed discrimination among species
A search for RFLP markers to identify genes for aluminum tolerance in maize
Authors: Torres Giovana A. , Parentoni Sidney N. , Lopes Maurício A. , Paiva Edilson
Published: April 2005

The objective of this study was to identify restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers linked to QTLs that control aluminum (Al) tolerance in maize. The strategy used was bulked segregant analysis (BSA) and the genetic material utilized was an F2 population derived from a cross between the Al-susceptible inbred line L53 and Al-tolerant inbred line L1327. Both lines were developed at the National Maize and Sorghum Research Center - CNPMS/EMBRAPA. The F2 population of 1554 individuals was evaluated in a nutrient solution containing a toxic concentration of Al and relative seminal root length (RSRL) was used as a phenotypic measure of tolerance. The RSRL frequency distribution was continuous, but skewed towards Al-susceptible individuals. Seedlings of the F2 population which scored the highest and the lowest RSRL values were transplanted to the field and subsequently selfed to obtain F3 families. Thirty F3 families (15 Al-susceptible and 15 Al-tolerant) were evaluated in nutrient solution, using an incomplete block design, to identify those with the smallest variances for aluminum tolerance and susceptibility. Six Al-susceptible and five Al-tolerant F3 families were chosen to construct one pool of Al-susceptible individuals, and another of Al-tolerant, herein referred as "bulks", based on average values of RSRL and genetic variance. One hundred and thirteen probes were selected, with an average interval of 30 cM, covering the 10 maize chromosomes. These were tested for their ability to discriminate the parental lines. Fifty-four of these probes were polymorphic, with 46 showing codominance. These probes were hybridized with DNA from the two contrasting bulks. Three RFLPs on chromosome 8 distinguished the bulks on the basis of band intensity. DNA of individuals from the bulks was hybridized with these probes and showed the presence of heterozygous individuals in each bulk. These results suggest that in maize there is a region related to aluminum tolerance on chromosome 8
New thermal inducible Streptomyces phages isolated from tropical soils
Authors: Balan Andrea , Padilla Gabriel
Published: April 2005

Two new Streptomyces phages, øBP1 and øBP2, were isolated from tropical soil samples. These phages presented a large host range and developed both lytic and lysogenic responses in different Streptomyces species tested. Variations in the incubation temperature showed to be important in the development of the replication cycle. Increasing incubation temperature from 30oC to 42oC induced the lytic response of øBP2 and lysogenic of øBP1 in the host strain Streptomyces sp. WL6. øBP1 and øBP2 have icosahedral heads with long tails and were characterized in relation to morphology, G + C content, genome size and adsorption curve
Concanavalin A-reactive nuclear matrix glycoprotein
Authors: Vidal Benedicto de Campos , Maria Silvya Stuchi , Klaczko Louis Bernard
Published: April 2005

The binding capacity of concanavalin A (Con A) to condensed euchromatin and heterochromatin was investigated in chicken erythrocyte nuclei (CEN), mouse liver cells, Zea mays mays meristematic cells and Drosophila melanogaster polytene chromosomes after 4 N HCl hydrolysis to determine whether binding was preferentially occurring in bands and heterochromatin. Dry mass (DM) variation was investigated in CEN by interference microscopy. Feulgen and Con A reactions were employed for all materials to correlate the loci of the two reactions. Quantifications and topological verifications were carried out by video image analysis (high performance cytometry). It was observed that 4 N HCl hydrolysis caused an important DM loss in CEN leaving a level corresponding to the average DNA DM content. In this material, Con A binding was restricted to the nuclear envelope, which reinforces the idea of the absence of a nuclear matrix in these cells. The other cell types exhibited a correspondence of Feulgen-positive and Con A-reactive areas. The Con A reaction was highly positive in the condensed chromatin areas and heterochromatin. This fact led us to speculate that Con A-positive proteins may play a role in the chromatin condensation mechanism, endowing this structure with physico-chemical stability towards acid hydrolysis and contributing to its rheological properties.
Evaluation of techniques for C and ASG banding of the mitotic chromosomes of Anastrepha species (Diptera, Tephritidae)
Authors: Selivon Denise , Perondini André Luiz P.
Published: April 2005

Methods previously described by Canovai et al. (Caryologia 47: 241-247, 1994) which produced C and ASG bands in mitotic chromosomes of Ceratitis capitata were applied to the chromosomes of several Anastrepha species. Metaphase plate yield was substantially increased by use of imaginal disks together with cerebral ganglia. The C-bands were quite prominent allowing the resolution of tiny blocks of heterochromatin. The ASG method produced G-like banded chromosomes, which permitted recognition of each individual chromosome. These simple techniques do not require special equipment and may be valuable for karyotype variability studies in fruit flies and other Diptera
Hb Köln [a2b298(FG5) val-met] identified by DNA analysis in a Brazilian family
Authors: Miranda Silvia R.P. , Fonseca Silvana F. , Figueiredo Maria S. , Yamamoto Myoko , Grotto Helena Z.W. , Saad Sara T.O. , Costa Fernando F.
Published: April 2005

Hb Köln was identified by DNA analysis in a Brazilian patient. A four-year old Brazilian female, with jaundice since birth, presented an abnormal band, between A2 and S, in hemoglobin electrophoresis on a cellulose acetate membrane, and a band with electrophoretic migration similar to Hb C on agar gel. Thermic instability and isopropanol precipitation tests were positive. Heinz bodies were observed in the patient’s peripheral blood. Sequencing of the three exons of the b globin gene detected a transition from G to A in the first position of codon 98. This alteration does not create or abolish any known restriction site. In this case, confirmation of the mutation was accomplished by allele-specific oligonucleotide hybridization, which is a simple and fast identification method when the clinical data and hematological and electrophoretic patterns are suggestive of Hb Köln.
Storage effect on the shear bond strength of adhesive systems
Authors: Konno Alysson Noriyuki Kajishima , Sinhoreti Mário Alexandre Coelho , Consani Simonides , Sobrinho Lourenço Correr , Consani Rafael Leonardo Xediek
Published: April 2005

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of storage (1 day, 3 months and 6 months) on the shear bond strength of five adhesive systems on bovine dentin substrate. One hundred and fifty bovine incisors were flattened until areas of a minimum of 5 mm in diameter were exposed. A round area of 4 mm in diameter was marked on the dentin to be treated with the following adhesive systems: Clearfil Liner Bond 2V (CLB2V), Scotchbond Multi Purpose Plus (SBMP), Optibond Solo (SOLO), Prime & Bond NT (PBNT) and Etch & Prime 3.0 (E&P). To perform the test, a composite restoration (Z100) was made in a cylindrical shape on the treated surface. After the storage period in distilled water at 37ºC, the samples were tested on an Instron testing machine. Results were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test at 5% significance level. SBMP, PBNT and E&P were statistically similar at all storage times (p>0.05). CLB2V demonstrated the highest mean shear bond strength at 3 months which was not significantly different at 6 months (p>0.05). In addition, CLB2V had the highest means at all times tested. SOLO had the lowest mean shear bond strength at 6 months, which was statistically lower than means at 3 months and 1 day (p<0.05).
Evaluation of articulation of Turkish phonemes after removable partial denture application
Authors: Özbeki Murat , Tulunoglu Íbrahim , Özkan Soner , Öktemer Müjgan
Published: April 2005

In this study, the adaptation of patients to removable partial dentures was evaluated related to articulation of Turkish phonemes. Articulation of /t,d,n,l,r/, /g,k/, /b,p,m/ and /s,z,Õ,v,f,y,j,h,c/ phonemes were evaluated by three speech pathologists, on records taken from 15 patients before the insertion of a removable partial denture, just after insertion, and one week later. The test consisted of evaluation of phoneme articulation of independent syllables in terms of distortion, omission, substitution, mass effect, hypernasality and hyponasality. Data were evaluated with Cochrane Q, McNemar and Kruskal-Wallis tests. The results showed that for some phonemes, problems in articulation occurred after the insertion of a removable partial denture while for others a significant amelioration was observed after the insertion of a removable partial denture. In general, problems in articulation of evaluated phonemes were resolved after one week of use.
Effect of cement types on the tensile strength of metallic crowns submitted to thermocycling
Authors: Consani Simonides , Santos Julie Guzela dos , Correr Sobrinho Lourenço , Sinhoreti Mário Alexandre Coelho , Sousa-Neto Manoel Damião
Published: April 2005

The relationship between metallic cast crowns and tensile strength according to cement types submitted to thermocycling was studied. Seventy-two metallic crowns were cast with Verabond II Ni-Cr alloy and cemented in standardized preparations with 10º tapering. Three types of finishing line (45-degree chamfered, 20-degree bevel shoulder and right shoulder) were made with diamond burs on bovine teeth. Twenty-four metallic crowns in each group were randomly subdivided into three subgroups of 8 samples each according to the cement used: SS White zinc phosphate cement, Vitremer resin-modified glass ionomer cement, and Rely X resin cement and were submitted to thermocycling. Retention was evaluated according to tensile load required to displace the metallic cast crowns from tooth preparations with an Instron testing machine. ANOVA and Tukey's test showed a statistically significant difference among luting materials, with greater results for Rely X resin cement (24.9 kgf) followed by SS White zinc phosphate cement (13.3 kgf) and Vitremer resin-modified glass ionomer cement (10.1 kgf). The finishing line types did not influence the tensile resistance of the crowns fixed with the three cements. Increased tensile resistance of metallic crowns fixed on bovine teeth was obtained with resin cement, independent of the finishing line types.
Oral lichen planus: a clinical and morphometric study of oral lesions in relation to clinical presentation
Authors: Seoane Juan , Romero María Amparo , Varela-Centelles Pablo , Diz-Dios Pedro , Garcia-Pola María José
Published: April 2005

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease with different clinical presentations that can be classified as reticular or atrophic-erosive. Sixty-two OLP patients were studied to evaluate the clinical-pathologic characteristics of their OLP lesions and to investigate possible differences in their biological behavior. The most common clinical presentation was the reticular type (62.9% vs 37.1%). Atrophic-erosive presentations showed significantly longer evolution (chi square=4.454; p=0.049), more extensive lesions (chi square=16.211; p=0.000) and more sites affected than reticular ones (chi square=10.048; p=0.002). Atrophic-erosive OLP was more frequently found on the tongue, gingiva and floor of the mouth. No statistically significant differences could be identified between reticular and atrophic-erosive clinical presentations in terms of age, sex, tobacco habit, plasma cortisol level and depth of inflammatory infiltrate. We concluded that the classification of OLP lesions as reticular vs atrophic-erosive is a simple, easy to use classification that can identify clinical presentations with different biological behavior.
In vitro evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of five root canal sealers
Authors: Gomes Brenda Paula Figueiredo de Almeida , Pedroso José Assis , Jacinto Rogério Castilho , Vianna Morgana Eli , Ferraz Caio Cezar Randi , Zaia Alexandre Augusto , Souza-Filho Francisco José de
Published: April 2005

The aim of the present study was to analyze the antimicrobial properties of five endodontic sealers: Endo Fill, Endomethasone, Endomethasone N, Sealer 26 and AH-Plus, against the following microorganisms: Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus sanguis and Actinomyces naeslundii. The sealers were tested immediately, 24 h, 48 h and 7 days after manipulation.The direct contact method through the observation of the microbial growth in liquid medium and the agar diffusion test were used to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of the sealers. The results, in both methodologies used, showed that immediately after manipulation, Endo-Fill and Endomethasone demonstrated the highest antimicrobial activity, with no statistically significant difference between them. Sealer 26 demonstrated the lowest antimicrobial activity. At all other times after manipulation, there were no statistically significant differences among all the sealers tested. In conclusion, none of the sealers totally inhibited the growth of the microorganisms. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity of each sealer decreased with time and was dependent upon the microbial susceptibility to them.
Dental-skeletal dimensions in growing individuals with variations in the lower facial height
Authors: Enoki Carla , Telles Carlos de Souza , Matsumoto Mírian Aiko Nakane
Published: April 2005

The dental and skeletal dimensions of individuals with Class I skeletal pattern in puberty were compared. Eighty patients with Class I malocclusion were selected, independent of the vertical relations (overbite) of the incisors. The sample was divided into 3 groups: normal, short and excessive lower anterior face height, based on facial proportions. The dental and skeletal measurements of the 3 groups were compared among themselves. In the angular measurements, the results showed no correlation in the mandibular plane angle. In the linear measurements, the mandibular length was significantly greater in the group of patients with short lower anterior face height, with a positive correlation among the three groups. The dentoalveolar heights of the incisors had a positive correlation among the three groups in relation to the lower anterior face height, showing that they are responsible for its variation.
Educational material of dental anatomy applied to study the morphology of permanent teeth
Authors: Siéssere Selma , Vitti Mathias , Sousa Luiz Gustavo de , Semprini Marisa , Regalo Simone Cecílio Hallak
Published: April 2005

The purpose of this report is to present educational material that would allow the dental student to learn to easily identify the morphologic characteristics of permanent teeth, and how they fit together (occlusion). In order to do this, macro models of permanent teeth with no attrition were carved in wax and later molded with alginate. These molds were filled with plaster, dental stone and/or cold-cured acrylic resin. The large individual dental stone tooth models were mounted on a wax base, thus obtaining maxillary and mandibular arches which were occluded. These dental arches were molded with plaster or dental stone. The authors suggest that these types of macro models allow an excellent visualization of the morphologic characteristics of permanent teeth and occlusion. Dental students are able to carve the permanent dentition in wax with great facility when they can observe macro models.
Gravimetric determination of soil organic matter
Authors: Miyazawa M. , Pavan M.A. , Oliveira E.L. de , Ionashiro M. , Silva A.K.
Published: April 2005

Studies were carried out to evaluate a gravimetric method for the determination of soil organic matter by the mass loss at 300ºC. The gravimetric method was compared with Walkley-Black, using several brazilian soils with variable chemical and physical properties. Gravimetric method was positively correlated with Walkley-Black method with the following linear regression equation: y = 3.72x + 0.29, r = 0.94. The angular coefficient 3.72 for tropical soils was greater than those reported in the literature for temperate soils (from 1.68 to 2.13). The difference was due to greater oxidation degree of the organic matter. When compared with Walkley-Black method, gravimetric technique showed certain distinct advantages such as no environmental contamination with Cr6+ and improved laboratory safety eliminating the use of concentrated sulfuric acid.
Inheritance of resistance to races 69 and 453 of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum in the common bean
Authors: Poletine Juliana P. , Gonçalves-Vidigal M.C. , Vidigal Filho Pedro S. , Scapim Carlos Alberto , Silvério Lucas , Thomazella Cláudia
Published: April 2005

The cultivars, AB 136 and G 2333 both resistant to Colletotrichum lindemuthianum races 69 and 453, were crossed with the cultivars Michelite and Perry Marrow (susceptible to both races), with Dark Red Kidney and Cornell 49242 (resistant to both races) and F1 and F2 generations were obtained. Plants were inoculated using a spore suspension at 1.2 x 10(6) concentration. The reaction of F1 and F2 populations showed that Dark Red Kidney, Cornell 49242 and AB 136 cultivars had the dominant genes A (Co-1), Are (Co-2) and Co-6, respectively, was conferring resistance to races 69 and 453. The segregation data obtained from F2 populations indicated that G 2333 carried two dominant resistance genes Co-5 gene and another one Co-7 for 69 and 453 races. The dominant genes in G 2333 and its resistance to C. lindemuthianum race could be transferred to provide anthracnose resistance to susceptible cultivars relatively easy.
Purification of papain from fresh latex of Carica papaya
Authors: Monti Rubens , Basilio Carmelita A. , Trevisan Henrique C. , Contiero Jonas
Published: April 2005

In the present study we wish to report a method of crystallizing papain from fresh papaya latex which gave higher yields than previously reported. This method does not involve the use of sulphydryl reagents. The papain thus obtained is practically pure and shows a single band when submitted to electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gel, and is identical to the papain obtained by other methods. In routine enzymatic assays, specific activity was measured using Z-gly-pNP and BAEE as substrates. Papain crystallized by this method, without the use of high concentrations of salts or thiol-containing substances such as cysteine and dithiothreitol, is obtained in the form of a complex with natural inhibitors existent in latex which can be removed by dialysis.
Ferulic acid depletion by cultured soybean seedlings under action of glucose and methionine
Authors: Herrig Vanessa , Silva Hélio Cândido da , Ferrarese Maria de Lourdes Lucio , Ferrarese-Filho Osvaldo
Published: April 2005

Cultured soybean seedlings were used to investigate how glucose or methionine influenced depletion of ferulic acid. Three-day-old seedlings were grown in hydroponic solution containing ferulic acid plus glucose or methionine, and the level of the phenolic acid were monitored in the nutrient culture. The results showed that ferulic acid depletion was more rapid in the presence of those compounds. After 6 h, the increase caused by glucose (0.01 and 0.05 mM) was more pronounced than methionine in the same concentrations. On the other hand, methionine (0.1 and 0.2 mM) increased depletion more significantly than glucose. Results suggested that both compounds might to increase the allelopathic effects of ferulic acid in the seedlings.
Phytochrome controls achene germination in Bidens pilosa L. (Asteraceae) by very low fluence response
Authors: Amaral-Baroli Adriana , Takaki Massanori
Published: April 2005

Achene without ornament of the tegument were light insensitive with germination under all tested light conditions. Achene with verrucose ornament of the tegument presented low germination under darkness and high germination under light conditions. By pre-incubation at 36° C for remotion of pre-existing Pfr and by comparison of results of counting of dark germinating achenes at the end of experiment and daily under dim green safe light (0.001mumol m-2 s-1 nm-1) we concluded that germination was controlled by phytochrome through very low fluence response.
Reduction of exchangeable calcium and magnesium in soil with increasing pH
Authors: Miyazawa Mário , Pavan Marcos A. , Ziglio Cláudio O. , Franchini Júlio C.
Published: April 2005

A laboratory study was conducted with soil samples and synthetic solutions to investigate possible mechanisms related with reduction in KCl exchangeable Ca and Mg with increasing pH. Increasing soil pH over 5.3 with CaCO3 added to the soil and with NaOH solution added to soil/KCl suspension increased adsorptions of Ca and Mg. The reduction of Mg was greater than Ca and was related to the concentration of soil exchangeable Al. The decreases of soluble Ca and Mg following addition of Al in synthetic solution were at pH > 7.5. The isomorphic coprecipitation reaction with Al compounds may be the most possible mechanism responsible for the decrease of exchangeable Ca and Mg with increasing pH. Possible chemical reactions are presented.
Natural regeneration in a quaternary coastal plain in southern Brazilian Atlantic Rain forest
Authors: Salimon Cleber Ibraim , Negrelle Raquel R. B.
Published: April 2005

Composition, structure and dynamics of an eight year old secondary forest was studied at Reserva Volta Velha (26°04'S; 48°38'W), southern Brazil. A 0.72ha plot was divided into 36 subplots of 20X10m, where all trees/shrubs greater than 1m tall were identified, measured (height/diameter) and evaluated (successional status). The results were: (1) 95 species collected within 68 genera and 44 families; the most species rich families were Myrtaceae and Asteraceae with 8 species each; (2) the most important species (considering biomass and density) were Psidium cattleianum, Eupatorium casarettoi, Ocotea pulchella and Ternstroemia brasiliensis; (3) the most similar area was a fallow abandoned 35 years ago; (4) the higher species diversity were found in border subplots, indicating that most of the species do not tolerate extreme conditions in the center of the opening, and are colonizing the area through the borders.
Nephrotoxicity of Bence-Jones proteins: correlation with endocytosis by BHK cells and intracellular movement
Authors: Nicastri Ana Lucia , Gomes Elisa Maines , Prado Maria José Brandão de Almeida , Prado Euthymia Brandão de Almeida
Published: April 2005

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the endocytosis of two Bence-Jones proteins by renal cells in order to elucidate the interference of their physical and chemical characteristics on nephrotoxicity. Bence-Jones proteins (AK and GL) were purified and isolated from the urine of two patients with multiple myeloma. The isotype of both proteins was characterised as being human monoclonal lambda light chain. The AK protein presented mainly an Ip>7.0, a high content of galactose and a low amount of sialic acid molecules. On the other hand, the GL protein presented a single band with an Ip of 4.3, a higher level of sialic acid and a reduced amount of galactose, in comparison with the AK protein. Baby Hamster Kidney (BHK) cells were maintained in culture in bottles at 37ºC, using DMEM culture media supplemented with 10% of calf serum with a pH of 7.4. Once the monolayer was observed to be confluent, the BHK cells were incubated with the two proteins, dissolved in a serum-free medium for 1, 5, 15, 30, 60 minutes and 24 hours. Control cells were established omitting the incubation with Bence-Jones proteins, but maintaining all of the other conditions. After, this the cells were washed, trypsinised, centrifuged and fixed in a solution of 4% paraformaldehyde and 0.5% glutaraldehyde on a 0.1 M, pH 7.4 phosphate buffer. Cells were processed for immunocytochemical reactions by using protein A coupled with colloidal gold and further silver enhancement. Semi-thin sections of the pellets were obtained and submitted to the cytochemical reactions. Detection of labelling was made by using light microscopy. It was observed that GL protein tended to be directed towards a perinuclear position, whereas the AK protein tended to suffer lysosomal deviation, suggesting that there is a direct contribution of physical and chemical characteristics on intracellular direction taken by Bence-Jones proteins.
Effect of flavonoids morin; quercetin and nicotinic acid on lipid metabolism of rats experimentally fed with triton
Authors: Ricardo Kelly Fabiane Santos , Oliveira Tânia Toledo de , Nagem Tanus Jorge , Pinto Aloisio da Silva , Oliveira Maria Goreti Almeida , Soares José Francisco
Published: April 2005

Atherosclerosis is a coronary disease where deposition of lipids in the arteries leads to problems of blood circulation. The present work evaluates the action of the flavonoids morin, quercetin and nicotinic acid isolated in association on lipid metabolism in hyperlipidemic rats. Blood serum levels cholesterol, cholesterol-HDL, and triacylglycerids have been analysed following the intraperitoneal administration of the flavonoid compounds dissolved in propyleneglycol by in doses of 5mg/kg body weight. Quercetin presented the largest percentual reduction of cholesterol. The best results for cholesterol-HDL have been obtained with-nicotinic acid alone while morin-nicotinic acid combination showed the best triacylglycerols results. Results showed that flavonoids could be beneficious in the treatment of coronary diseases.
Bacterial Community Associated with Fish and Water from Congonhas River, Sertaneja, Paraná, Brazil
Authors: Sousa José Américo de , Silva-Souza Ângela Teresa
Published: April 2005

A bacteriological study was conducted on fish and water from Congonhas River, Sertaneja (22º58’ S; 50º58’ W), Paraná State, Brazil. From 44% of the analysed fish, bacteria belonging to Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Aeromonas, Enterobacteriaceae, Micrococcus, Bacillus and Lactobacillus were isolated. The group most frequently isolated from fish was Aeromonas. In the water, the bacterial groups detected were Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Aeromonas, Enterobacteriaceae, Bacillus and Flavobacterium, from which Flavobacterium and Acinetobacter were the most abundant. The numbers of Colony Forming Units per millilitre of water varied from 3.1x10² to 1.0 x 10³. Although a clear pattern was not detected in the susceptibilities/resistances of the isolated strains to nine antimicrobial substances, Gram negative aerobic bacteria were more resistant than the other strains. A simultaneous resistance to furazolidone, oxolinic acid and norfloxacin, particularly in the bacteria isolated from fish, as well as in the aerobic strains isolated from water was observed. The antimicrobial substances to which less resistances were found were oxytetracycline in the strains isolated from water, and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole, oxytetracycline and chloramphenicol in those isolated from fish.
Enzymatic systems involved in D-limonene biooxidation
Authors: Menéndez Pilar , García Carlos , Rodríguez Paula , Moyna Patrick , Heinzen Horacio
Published: April 2005

The biooxidation of limonene by an Aspergillus strain resulted in the production of perillyl alcohol and short chain fatty acids. Addition of ketoconazole, a known inhibitor of cytochrome P450 oxydase, eliminated the production of free acids, but did not affect biotransformation to perillyl alcohol.
Frequency-dependence of mating success in Poeciliopsis monacha (Pisces, Cyprinodontiformes) reproductive complex, Sonora, Mexico
Authors: Lima Neuza Rejane Wille , Bizerril Carlos Roberto S. F.
Published: April 2005

A diversity of all-female fishes of the genus Poeciliopsis coexists with their sexual ancestor species in streams of western Mexico. All-females are hybrids that depend on the sperm of paternal species to reproduce. Rare-female advantage is one of several hypotheses that attempt to explain how the diversity of all-female biotypes is maintained within the Poeciliopsis reproductive complexes. According to this hypothesis, the uncommon all-female biotype has a mating advantage over the common ones and has been maintained by a dynamic equilibrium process. In the P. monacha reproductive complex at Arroyo de los Platanos the density of two all-female biotypes (P. 2monacha-lucida I and II) varies across pools. The objective of this study was to analyse fecundity and mating success of females from this arroyo to test the hypothesis. Female mating success was inversely correlated to their density, supporting this hypothesis.
Extraction optimization of soluble compounds of yerba maté
Authors: Sambiassi César , Escalada Andrea M. , Schmalko Miguel E.
Published: April 2005

The objective of this research was the extraction optimization of water soluble compounds of yerba maté. Measures variables were extract concentration and weight of leaves and twigs. Controlled variables were time and temperature of extraction and water/solid relation. A surface response method of three variables was used as experimental design, with 20 experiences in each case. The range of each variable, defined in the experimental design, was: extraction time, 13.2 to 46.8 minutes; temperature, 48.2 to 81.8°C and water solid relation, 4.64 to 11.36 g water/100 g of dry solid. Extract weight varied from 13.14 to 29.56 g in leaves and 8.98 to 16.32 g in twigs (each one per 100 g of dry solid). Extract concentration varied between 2.17 and 3.43 g/100 ml in leaves and between 1.32 and 2.31 g/100 ml in twigs. The results were fit to a linear equation in each case.
Methanogenesis in an impacted and two dystrophic coastal lagoons (Macaé, Brazil)
Authors: Furtado André Luiz dos Santos , Casper Peter , Esteves Francisco de Assis
Published: April 2005

This study investigated the methanogenic activity in sediment of the Imboacica (human impacted), Cabiúnas and Comprida coastal lagoons in Rio de Janeiro State (Brazil). Methane was not detected in water and sediment samples from the three lagoons. The measured nutrient concentrations in the pore-water indicated that methanogens activity was not limited by nutrients. Methanogenic activity was not detected under in vitro conditions, indicating that terminal organic carbon mineralisation via methanogenesis was negligible for the top 6 cm of sediment at the sampling time.
Rheumatoid factor and tobacco exposure
Authors: Skare Thelma Larocca , Silva Marilia Barreto Gameiro , Silva Mônica Gomes da , Gomes Fábio , Rumor Carla , Giacomini Glaucio
Published: April 2005

This study was carried out to analyse the possible influence of smoking on the positivity of rheumatoid factor (RF) in healthy individuals in the region of Curitiba, Brazil. One hundred fifty blood donors (84 smokers and 66 non-smokers ) were studied for the presence of RF using nephelometry. Smoking was found not to be correlated to the positivity of RF, independently of the smokers sex (men with p=0.09 and women with p=0.49), the number of cigarettes/day (p=0.20), duration of smoking (p=0.18) and cumulative exposure (time X quantity) to cigarettes (p=0.13).
[NO TITLE AVAILABLE]
Authors: Costa Rejane Helena Ribeiro da , Medri Waldir
Published: April 2005

O modelo de produção adotado na suinocultura brasileira, principalmente na Região Oeste de Santa Catarina, é feita com os animais confinados em pequenas áreas, trazendo como conseqüência grande produção de dejetos. Este é diluído, através do uso de água para a limpeza das baias, aumentando seu volume. Seu lançamento nos cursos d’água da região está comprometendo a qualidade dos mananciais devido a contaminação bacteriológica e poluição por compostos químicos. Dessa forma, há necessidade de processos de tratamento para minimizar os problemas ambientais gerados por essa atividade. As lagoas de estabilização têm sido utilizadas, por apresentar um excelente desempenho quanto à eficiência de remoção da matéria orgânica, dos nutrientes e de coliformes fecais; além dos baixos custos de implantação e de manutenção. Este trabalho apresenta o monitoramento numa série de quatro lagoas de estabilização, em escala real, tratando dejetos suínos em Concórdia/SC, Brasil. O sistema de lagoas foi avaliado durante 20 meses, tendo o objetivo de buscar os parâmetros principais de funcionamento das mesmas, bem como a obtenção dos dados de custos de capital e operacional, para ajustamento de equações para a modelagem e otimização de sistemas quanto à remoção da matéria orgânica. O modelo desenvolvido é flexível, sua aplicação é válida para utilização como adubo dos despejos tratados em plantações de milho e outros cereais.
Isolation of Rhodocyclus gelatinosus from poultry slaughterhouse wastewater
Authors: Ponsano Elisa Helena Giglio , Lacava Pedro Magalhães , Pinto Marcos Franke
Published: April 2005

Four cultures of photosynthetic bacteria isolated from poultry slaughterhouse wastewater were identified as Rhodocyclus gelatinosus based on the following properties: reddish color of cultures in synthetic medium, presence of motility, slightly curved Gram-negative rods morphology, gelatin liquefying activity, utilization of citrate as carbon source and production of bacteriochlorophyl a and carotenoids of the spirilloxanthin alternative series. R. gelatinosus may represent a source of nutrients and pigments with application in poultry feed.
Sensory evaluation of albendazole suspensions
Authors: Fregonezi-Nery Marlene Maria , Prudencio-Ferreira Sandra Helena , Kedor Érika Maria Rosa , Baracat Marcela Maria , Brinholi Francis Fregonezi
Published: April 2005

Sensory analysis was used in the albendazole suspension stability study. Three formulations were prepared and stored for 1, 3, and 6 months at 4 ±1, 26 ±1, 37, 50 and 65 ºC. Samples were evaluated through the difference from control sensory test using 24 trained judges in individual cabins. Although albendazole content was not altered in the conditions studied, sensory test showed differences between control and stored samples, except for one of the formulations stored under refrigeration for one month. These results have shown that the sensory evaluation is an important tool for quality control of pharmaceutical preparations, in association with chemical, physicochemical and microbiological tests.
Dynamic of decapod crustacean larvae on the entrance of Guanabara bay
Authors: Fernandes Lohengrin Dias de Almeida , Bonecker Sérgio Luiz Costa , Valentin Jean Louis
Published: April 2005

In the present study, we observed seasonal variations in the density of decapod larvae as well as changes in density related to diurnal and tidal cycles. Among the decapod larvae collected, portunids and grapsids were the most abundant, especially during nocturnal ebb tides and near the surface. The same results were obtained in late winter (September) and late summer (March). These results demonstrated a flow of decapod larvae from Guanabara Bay to adjacent coastal waters. Luciferid (Lucifer faxoni) was the only group with high densities during flood tides and we suggest this is an evidence of L. faxoni larvae entering Guanabara Bay in late winter. Probably these changes in distribution of Lucifer faxoni among winter and summer were related to reproductive cycle in the bay. For the portunids, grapsids and ocypodids, a similar dispersion strategy was observed towards adjacent coastal waters in the surface during nocturnal ebb tides.
Seasonal fluctuation of some limnological variables on a floodplain lake (Patos lagoon) of the Upper Paraná River, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil
Authors: Rodrigues Luzia Cleide , Train Sueli , Roberto Maria do Carmo , Pagioro Thomaz Aurélio
Published: April 2005

Temporal variations of some limnological variables in limnetic and littoral regions of Patos lagoon, a "várzea" lake on the floodplain of the Upper Paraná River (22(0) 43'12"S e 53(0) 17'37"W), were studied in relation to hydrological and climatological factors. Measurements of water temperature, euphotic zone, suspended material, electrical conductivity, total alkalinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide, total nitrogen, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, total phosphorus, dissolved phosphorus, reactive soluble phosphorus and chlorophyll a were taken monthly between March 1993 and February 1994. Results lend evidence to the importance of the hydrological regime on the dynamic of limnological variables in floodplain lakes. A dilution of nutrients in the lagoon, especially phosphates, occurred during floods. This was followed by fertilization of the environment by nutrients from the inundated marginal regions. During low connectivity periods, autochthonous, events such as ressuspension of sediment, brought on by wind and rain, governed limnological events in the lagoon.
Immobilization of alpha-amylase produced by Bacillus circulans GRS 313
Authors: Dey Gargi , Bhupinder Singh , Banerjee Rintu
Published: April 2005

A maltooligosaccharide-forming amylase from B circulans GRS 313 was immobilized by entrapment in calcium alginate beads. The immobilized activity was affected by the size of the bead and bead size of 2mm was found to be most effective for hydrolysis. Kinetics constants, Km and Vmax were estimated and were found to be affected by the bead size. The catalytic activity of the enzyme was studied in presence of various starchy residues and metal ions. HgCl2, CuSO4 and FeCl3 caused inhibition of the enzyme. The reaction conditions, pH and temperature, was optimized using response surface methodology. At the optimum pH and temperature of 4.9 and 57ºC, the apparent activity was 25.6U/g of beads, resulting in almost 2-fold increase in activity. The immobilized enzyme showed a high operational stability by retaining almost 85% of the initial activity after seventh use.
Plant residues: short term effect on sulphate, borate, zinc and copper adsorption by an acid oxisol
Authors: Dias Ana Cristi Basile , Pavan Marcos Antonio , Miyazawa Mário , Zocoler Décio Carlos
Published: April 2005

Laboratory experiments were carried out to examine the effects of plant residues on Cu, Zn, B and S adsorption by an acidic oxisol. The plant residues were: black oats (Avena strigosa), oil seed radish(Raphanus sativus), velvet beans (Stizolobium cinereum), and pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) collected at flowering stage. Plant residues increased Cu and Zn adsorptions and decreased B and S adsorptions. The results indicated that for short term effect plant residues decreased the availabilities of Cu and Zn through metal organic complex reactions and increased availabilities of S and B through competition with organic anions by the adsorption sites on soil.
Response of the lung after pneumonectomy in alloxan diabetic rats
Authors: Seidel Amélia Cristina , Fagundes Djalma José , Novo Neil Ferreira , Juliano Yara , Meister Hugo , Bazotte Roberto Barbosa
Published: April 2005

In order to determine the response of remaining lung after pneumonectomy during diabetes, female Wistar rats that received an intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (D Group) or saline (C Group) were submitted to lung resection. Six days after alloxan injection (45 mg/kg), diabetes was confirmed. The rats were randomized divided in 3 subgroups: non-operated (NO), sham operation (SO) and left pneumonectomy (PE). Thirty days after the surgery all rats were killed and the weight and volume of the lungs were measured. PE-diabetic rats showed smaller lung weight and volume than PE-non-diabetic animals. The results demonstrated that the compensatory lung growth postpneumonectomy were not observed in diabetic rats.
Dietary utilisation of protein and energy from fresh and ensiled coffee pulp by the Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus
Authors: Moreau Yann , Arredondo Jose-Luis , Perraud-Gaime Isabelle , Roussos Sevastianos
Published: April 2005

Dietary protein and energy utilisation of diets containing fresh and ensiled coffee pulp were studied on 3.2 ± 0.2 g Nile tilapia for 28 days. Diets formulation and feeding were designed on the basis of daily dietary protein and energy allowance. A control diet A (100 % protein and 100 % energy allowance) corresponding to 15 g CP kg-1 day-1 and 750 kJ kg-1 day-1, a low protein control diet B (80 % protein and 100 % energy allowance), two diets C and E (100 % protein and 100 % energy allowance) where 20 % of protein were supplied by coffee pulp, and two diets D and F with the same amount of coffee pulp than in C and E and supplementation in non-protein energy. Inclusion of coffee pulp in the diet strongly impaired growth and feed utilisation. Silage process improved overall feed utilisation comparing to fresh coffee pulp. Results showed that fresh or ensiled coffee pulp was not a suitable feedstuff for Nile tilapia. However, better knowledge on modification occurring during silage process could allow finding the way to significantly improve nutritive value of coffee pulp by-products.
[NO TITLE AVAILABLE]
Authors: Falleiros Ângela Maria Ferreira , Bombonato Maria Terezinha Siqueira , Gregório Elisa Aparecida
Published: April 2005

Six circulating hemocytes cell types from Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae were identified by transmission and scanning electron microscope: prohemocytes (PR), plasmatocytes (PL) granulocytes (GR), spherulocytes (SP), oenocytoids (OE) and vermicytes (VE). The PR was the smallest cell type with a large nucleus, a cytoplasm with few organelles and a homogenous smooth surface. The PL was polymorphic and abundant, with a cytoplasm rich in organelles and a cellular surface with several cytoplasmic projections. The GR was abundant, showing two types of membrane-bounded granules (dense and structutered), glycogen, lipid droplets and a surface with philopodial projections. The SP was a large cell, with a cytoplasm full of intracytoplasmic spherules. The OE was the largest hemocyte type with a large and homogeneous cytoplasm and scarce organelles. The VE was discoid in shape and showed electron-dense granules.
Evaluation of the average performance of topcrosses among food and grain type soybean
Authors: Yokomizo Gilberto K. , Vello Natal A.
Published: April 2005

The food type soybean (exotic) are, in general, non-adapted to the Brazilian growing conditions. A breeding strategy to develop adapted food type soybean should involve crossing exotic with the available grain type genotypes. We evaluated the performance of topcrosses among food type and grain type soybeans. Best progenies showed different performance rates in each environment and they were not always the same in the different environments and joint analysis of lodging (L), plant height at maturity (PHM) and agronomic value (AV) was essential to avoid selection of plants with good performance for one trait and bad for another.) Piracicaba autumn environment (PA) caused low individual plant yield performance (IPY), and consequently, cultivation was not economically viable in this period. Best progenies presented appropriate trait averages for inclusion in the category of vegetable soybean in all evaluated environments.