bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phytotoxin produced by Bipolaris euphorbiae in-vitro is effective against the weed Euphorbia heterophylla
Authors: Barbosa Aneli M. , Souza Cristina G. M. , Dekker Robert F. H. , Fonseca Rafael C. , Ferreira Dalva T.
Published: April 2005

Four virulent strain isolates of the fungus, Bipolaris euphorbiae (previously identified as a Helminthosporium sp.), isolated from host plants in four states within Brazil were screened for the production of phytotoxins that promoted wilting and defoliation of the Brazilian weed, Euphorbia heterophylla, commonly found growing among soyabean crops. Only one isolate, B. euphorbiae Strain I (EUPH petropar from Mato Grosso state), produced phytotoxin in-vitro when grown in stationary culture for 7 d at 28 ° C on minimum salts medium supplemented with 1.5 % glucose as the sole carbon source. Phytotoxin was also produced when the fungal strain was grown on fructose, galactose, mannose, xylose and sucrose. The addition of nitrogen source (yeast extract, peptone or malt extract) to the culture medium did not influence phytotoxin production. The phytotoxin produced by Strain I was most active at pH 6.0, stable between pH 3-9, and was highly thermostable, remaining fully active when heated at 90 ° C for 1 h.
Hermit crab (Decapoda, Anomura) attraction to dead gastropod baits in an infralittoral algae bank
Authors: Pezzuti Juarez C. B. , Turra Alexander , Leite Fosca P. P.
Published: April 2005

Hermit crabs use gastropod shells as shelter and are adapted to follow chemical cues released from tissues of dead or injured gastropods as a way to find new and more adequate shells. The species composition, crab size, shell types adequacy and physical condition were compared between attracted individuals and crabs collected in previous samples. The previous sampling was carried out in five areas before each experiment. Then, five baits of crushed gastropods in nylon net bags were installed in these areas. Three samples were taken at 30min intervals, capturing all crabs within a circle of 60cm diameter. Attraction of hermit crabs was tested for four different gastropod baits to verify specificity of the chemical cues. Clibanarius antillensis, Pagurus brevidactylus and Paguristes tortugae were collected in the study area. Pagurus brevidactylus, the smallest species, turned out to be more attracted than the 2 other species. The results showed that attracted crabs utilized more gastropod shell types than that collected in previous samples, however shell utilization pattern did not differ between them. Attracted animals were slightly smaller (shield length) than those collected in the previous samples but did not present significant differences in shell adequacy and condition. The four experimental baits attracted the crabs in similar ways not indicating a specific response from the crabs. The fact that attracted animals were smaller suggested that the attraction to dead gastropods might enable the acquisition of a new and larger shell and, consequently, chains of shell exchange between the attracted crabs.
Experimental bovine infection with Taenia saginata eggs: recovery rates and cysticerci location
Authors: Minozzo João Carlos , Gusso Rubens L. Ferreira , Castro Edilene A. de , Lago Oscar , Soccol Vanete Thomaz
Published: April 2005

Studies were carried out on the recovery rate and cysticerci location in bovines experimentally infected with Taenia saginata eggs. Three calves of 6.5 months and one with 19 months of age were infected orally with 2 x 10(4) eggs of Taenia saginata. A fifth calf served as control. After 90 days of infection, the animals were slaughtered and organs and skeletal muscles were inspected using a slicing technique every 5 mm. From the four infected calves, 702 cysticerci were recovered, of which 570 (81.2%) were alive and 132 (18.8%) were degenerated. The recovery rate ranged from 0.01 to 1.43% with an average of 0.88%. The cysticerci presented the following anatomical distribution: hioideos muscles 02 (0.28%), kidneys 03 (0.43%), tongue 07 (1.00%), liver 12 (1.71%), lungs 15 (2.14%), diaphragm 18 (2.56%), mastication muscles 25 (3.56%), heart 49 (6.98%), anterior muscle 323 (46.00%) and posterior muscle 248 (35.33%).
Performance analysis of a trickle irrigation subunit installed in an apple orchard
Authors: Soccol Olívio José , Ullmann Mario Nestor , Frizzone José Antônio
Published: April 2005

Studies were carried out to evaluate the "xique-xique" irrigation system of a trickle irrigated subunit. Initial results showed that the system's performance was average, any Emission Uniformity, Statistical Uniformity and Coefficient of Global Variation were 74.51, 77.69, and 22.31%, respectively. The efficiency parameters were below expectations, and values of Application Efficiency (Ae), Storage Efficiency (Se), Deep Percolation (Dp), Deficit Degree (DD) and Adequacy Degree (a) were 100, 47.83, 0, 52.17 and 0% respectively. By adopting new management procedures, it was possible to improve the system's efficiency, reaching values of 90.20, 91.68, 9.80, 8.32 and 52.87% for Ae, Se, Dp, DD and "a", respectively.
Peroxidase and lipid peroxidation of soybean roots in response to p-coumaric and p-hydroxybenzoic acids
Authors: Doblinski Patrícia Minatovicz F. , Ferrarese Maria de Lourdes L. , Huber Domitila A. , Scapim Carlos Alberto , Braccini Alessandro de Lucca e , Ferrarese-Filho Osvaldo
Published: April 2005

The scope of the present study was to investigate how the p-coumaric (p-CA) and p-hydroxybenzoic (p-HD) acids affect the peroxidase (POD, EC 1.11.1.7) activity, the lipid peroxidation (LP) and the root growth of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.). Three-day-old seedlings were cultivated in nutrient solution containing p-CA or p-HD (0.1 to 1 mM) for 48 h. After uptake, both compounds (at 0.5 and 1 mM) decreased root length (RL), fresh weight (FW) and dry weight (DW) while increased soluble POD activity, cell wall (CW)-bound POD activity (with 1 mM p-CA and 0.5 mM p-HD) and LP.
In situ monitoring of mutagenicity of air pollutants in São Paulo City using Tradescantia-SHM bioassay
Authors: Ferreira Maria Izildinha , Rodrigues Geraldo Stachetti , Domingos Marisa , Saldiva Paulo Hilário do N.
Published: April 2005

The Tradescantia stamen hair mutation assay (Trad-SHM) was employed for assessing the environmental mutagenesis in two areas of São Paulo City. The study sites were defined as follows: 1) Celso Garcia Avenue, an industrial area on the outskirts of the urban center (Belém neighborhood), with an average daily traffic volume of 8,750 vehicles; 2) Doutor Arnaldo Avenue, in downtown area (Pinheiros neighborhood), with a mostly residential and business offices occupation, with an average daily traffic volume of 46,125 vehicles. The negative control (background) site is located in the city of Jaguariúna, 138 km from São Paulo, in an area of low atmospheric pollution. The mutation frequency observed for Belém was similar to the background for clone 4430, whereas plants exposed in Pinheiros showed significant increases in mutation rate. Positive correlation was observed between mutation frequency and the levels of particulate matter in the atmosphere. This indicated a relationship between mutation frequency and the amount of atmospheric pollution present at the exposure sites in São Paulo City, with special reference to vehicular emissions.
Use of cesium-137 methodology in the evaluation of superficial erosive processes
Authors: Andrello Avacir Casanova , Guimarães Maria de Fátima , Appoloni Carlos Roberto , Nascimento Filho Virgílio Franco do
Published: April 2005

Superficial erosion is one of the main soil degradation agents and erosion rates estimations for different edaphicclimate conditions for the conventional models, as USLE and RUSLE, are expensive and time-consuming. The use of cesium-137 antrophogenic radionuclide is a new methodology that has been much studied and its application in the erosion soil evaluation has grown in countries as USA, UK, Australia and others. A brief narration of this methodology is being presented, as the development of the equations utilized for the erosion rates quantification through the cesium-137 measurements. Two watersheds studied in Brazil have shown that the cesium-137 methodology was practicable and coherent with the survey in field for applications in erosion studies.
Molecular systematics of the Phyllachorales (ascomycota, fungi) based on 18S ribosomal DNA sequences
Authors: Wanderlei-Silva Denise , Ramalho Neto Eduardo , Hanlin Richard
Published: April 2005

In order to evaluate the monophyly of the Phyllachorales from a molecular standpoint and elucidate its phylogenetic relationships with other orders, a segment of the 18S rRNA gene from several representatives of the Phyllachorales, including species of Glomerella, Phyllachora, Coccodiella (=Coccostroma), Sphaerodothis, Ophiodothella, as well as Magnaporthe was sequenced. Maximum Parsimony analysis revealed that the Phyllachorales was a polyphyletic assemblage of taxa. None of the other members of the Phyllachorales, which produced either a clypeus or stroma, clustered with Glomerella. Of the taxa examined, was Coccodiella the closest relative of Phyllachora. Magnaporthe was closely related to the Diaporthales. Our 18S rDNA data highly supported Glomerella being accommodated in a separate family.
Actions of crude hydroalcoholic extract of Pfaffia sp on gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Freitas Cristina Setim , Paula Maria Fernanda Rodrigues de , Rieck Lia , Marques Maria Consuelo Andrade
Published: April 2005

The plants that compound the Pfaffia genus are used in folk medicine to treat gastric disturbances. This study examined the effects of a crude hydroalcoholic extract of Pfaffia sp on the gastrointestinal tract. Female Wistar rats were pretreated orally (p.o.) with the hydroalcoholic extract of Pfaffia (0.5, 1 and 2 g.kg-1) before the induction of ulcer with hypothermic restraint stress (HRS), ethanol (ET) or indomethacin (IND). Control animals received water (C) or ranitidine (60mg/kg) p.o. The hydroalcoholic extract of Pfaffia (0.5, 1 and 2 mg.kg-1) protected rats against HRS and ET - induced ulcers, but was not able to protect the gastric mucosa against IND - induced ulcers. When injected into the duodenal lumen, the hydroalcoholic extract of Pfaffia inhibited basal and stimulated acid secretion in pylorus-ligated rats. These results indicate that this plant has a protective action against gastric lesions of the mucosa involving the reduction of gastric acid secretion.
Natural diet of three species of shrimp in a tropical coastal lagoon
Authors: Albertoni Edélti Faria , Palma-Silva Cleber , Esteves Francisco de Assis
Published: April 2005

The gut content of 495 specimens of Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis, 131 of F. paulensis (Penaeidae) and 102 of Macrobrachium acanthurus (Palaemonidae) were analyzed to establish the composition of their diets F. brasiliensis had as the most important feeding items in its diet larvae of Chironomidae, Polychaeta and Heleobia australis (Mollusca). For F. paulensis, the most important items were the same as for F. brasiliensis, but the order of importance of H. australis and Polychaeta was inverted. M. acanthurus had detritus as the most important item, followed by Chironomidae larvae, Odonata nymphs, and fragments of the macroalgae Chara. The results showed that the three species were omnivorous, with a varied diet including both components of macrofauna of benthos and associated to the macroalgae Chara and plant fragments and detritus.
A modified method for the turbidimetric assay of nisin
Authors: Flôres Simone Hickmann , Braga Ana Luíza de Mattos , Alegre Ranulfo Monte
Published: April 2005

Nisin is an antibacterial peptide produced by Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis that shows a broad spectrum of inhibitory activity against gram-positive microorganism including bacterial spores. Methods for nisin activity estimation in solution is redefined. In this work a new turbidimetric assay method has been described making possible to assay nisin satisfactorily in total incubation period of approximately six hours.
Anthracycline production by Streptomyces capoamus in batch fermentation
Authors: Martins Cristiane Soares , Souto-Maior Ana Maria
Published: April 2005

Anthracyclines have been intensely studied worldwide due to their importance as anticancer agents. In this work investigation was made on the production of ciclamycin, an antitumour complex of the anthracycline class, produced by Streptomyces capoamus. The fermentation medium consisted of glucose, as the main carbon source, and soymilk, as the sole nitrogen source. Experiments were performed in a 5-liter batch bioreactor under nitrogen and carbon-limiting conditions. Increasing antibiotic activity was observed both intra and extracellularly during growth under the two conditions used. Progressive loss of activity occurred in both cases after glucose was depleted from the medium. The results obtained showed that harvest of ciclamycin in a batch process should be controlled by the level of glucose in the reactor and that nitrogen should preferably be the limiting substrate. Alternatively, results indicate that extended production might be achieved in a fed-batch process where nitrogen was the limiting substrate.
Bacterial adherence to different inert surfaces evaluated by epifluorescence microscopy and plate count method
Authors: Parizzi Silvânia Quintão Fontes , Andrade Nélio José de , Silva Cleuber Antonio de Sá , Soares Nilda de Fátima Ferreira , Silva Eldo Antônio Monteiro da
Published: April 2005

The adherence of Listeria inoccua L6a and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC6538 was evaluated on stainless steel (SS), polycarbonate (PC) and polypropylene (PP) chips. The EP results showed a significant difference (p<0.05) among the microorganism species interactions, the surfaces and the contact time. The number of adhered cells on the chip surfaces increased as contact time increased and the number of L. innocua or S. aureus on the surface of SS, PC and PP chips reached 1.0x10(5) CFU/cm² after 12 h of contact, in both methods. The CP method showed a better sensitivity to detect low number of adhered cells. The EP was better when the average number of adhered cells was between 10 and 100 per microscopy field.
Efficiency of n-octyl-acetate, 2-heptanone and citronellal in repelling bees from basil (Ocimum sellowii - Labiatae)
Authors: Malerbo-Souza Darclet Teresinha , Nogueira-Couto Regina Helena
Published: April 2005

The objective of this study was to test repellent substances for honey bees, Apis mellifera, for basil, Ocimum sellowii, and to study the most frequent insects in this crop as well as its behaviors. The frequency of honey bees did not decrease with the application of n.octyl.acetate, citronellal and 2.heptanone, used as repellents, in the concentrations 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0% diluted in water. However, when the products (20%) were diluted in water (75%) and glycerine (5%) were effective in repelling those bees of the basil flowers for a period of 20 minutes. The flower lasted, on average, 30 h from the bud phase until the flower withered. The flowers number opened by inflorescence was, on average, 5.65 flowers, and the inflorescence presented, on average, 160 flowers-buds. The basil was visited mainly for the honey bee (98.0%), followed by Augochloropsis electra bee - Halictidae (2.0%) and visits sporadics of Diptera and Lepidoptera, collected only nectar. The honey bee frequency increased during the day to 14:00, decreasing soon after, accompanying the curve of the temperature sets registered in the experiment days.
Fed-batch decolorization of Poly R-478 by Trametes versicolor
Authors: Moreira María Teresa , Viacava César , Vidal Gladys
Published: April 2005

Physiological aspects were evaluated to determine optimal conditions for the decolorization of a synthetic dye, Poly R-478, by white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor # 52J. The decolorization experiments were carried out in semicontinuous operation during three cycles to improve the process efficiency. The best decolorization efficiencies (65% to 80%) were obtained in fungal cultures performed in nitrogen limited conditions under aerobic conditions.
Resistance profile to antimicrobials of Salmonella spp. isolated from human infections
Authors: Delicato Elaine Regina , Mikcha Jane Martha Graton , Fernandes Sueli Aparecida , Pelayo Jacinta Sanchez
Published: April 2005

The purpose of this study was to analyse the profile of antimicrobial resistance among 21 strains of Salmonella isolated from patients with gastroenteritis symptom. It was observed that S. enteritidis was the serotype prevalent. These strains were sensitive to the majority of the antimicrobials tested, however, high resistance was observed in S. typhimurium and S. enterica subsp. enterica serotype 4,5,12:i:-. Surveillance and an efficient monitoring should be priority for the public health for the containment of antimicrobial resistance in foodborne infections.
Reorganization and cleanness of peridomiciliar area to control sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) in South Brazil
Authors: Teodoro Ueslei , Thomaz-Soccol Vanete , Kühl João B. , Santos Demilson Rodrigues dos , Santos Elcio Silvestre dos , Santos Ademar Rodrigues dos , Abbas Milia , Dias Alessandra de Cassia
Published: April 2005

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the impact of the reorganization and cleaning of the peridomicily seeking the control of Phlebotominae vectors of Leishmania. Collections of insects were made in domestic animal shelters and in peridomiciliar area located in Jussara farm, Municipality of Jussara, State of Parana, Brazil where cutaneous leishmaniasis has been endemic. The collections were accomplished five nights for month of the 21:00pm for fie hours, in 1996 and 1997. The results were compared the those obtained in the same places in 1992 and 1994. After the collections of 1992 peridomiciliar area was cleaned and organic matter was removed and domestic animals were reallocated. In 1992, 1994 and 1996/97, 10, 7 and 12 Phlebotominae species were observed. Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) whitmani was predominant species in whole the collection. The total population of phlebotomine in 1992 was 64,725. After the reorganization measures and cleaning the phlebotomine population decrease in 90%. In 1996/97 the environmental conditions retaked the patterns of the beginning of the work and the population increased for 61.51%. The present work demonstrates that the reorganization and cleaning of the peridomicily can take to a decrease in the Phlebotominae population and like this to decrease the risk of transmission of Leishmania in endemic areas.
Water stress induced by mannitol and sodium chloride in soybean cultivars
Authors: Machado Neto Nelson Barbosa , Saturnino Sérgio Marques , Bomfim Daniel Carlini , Custódio Ceci Castilho
Published: April 2005

Four soybean (Glycine max L. Merril.) cultivars were contrasted in relation to germination and vigour of seedlings, when seeds were submitted to water stress induced by mannitol or sodium chloride. Water stress affected seed germination and seedling development, however, seedling development was affect in higher osmotic potential (-0.3MPa) than the necessary to affect germination -1.2MPa when induced by mannitol or -0.6MPa when induced by sodium chloride. 'Pioneira' and 'Xingu' cultivars had high development in low water availability and/or salinity conditions.
Selection of an experimental fish ladder located at the dam of the Itaipu Binacional, Paraná River, Brazil
Authors: Fernandez Domingo Rodriguez , Agostinho Angelo Antônio , Bini Luis Mauricio
Published: April 2005

The specific selection of a weir and orifice type experimental fish ladder in the dam of the Itaipu Reservoir (Paraná River) was evaluated by samplings in the river downstream and at two points along the ladder (at heights of 10 m and 27 m) during 28 months. Among the 65 species recorded in the river (immediate downstream of the dam), 27 were captured on the ladder. The species that showed highest density on the ladder, the majority migratory, were moderately, or only slightly, abundant downstream. Among the most abundant species downstream, only one, non-migratory, was recorded in the ladder. The structure presented a negative selection in relation to large migratory pimelodids that might be overcome by enlarging the scale of its design. The sampling demonstrated a moderate selection of species along the ladder and its hydraulic model proved satisfactory regarding the attraction and efficient ascent of the fishes.
Ichthyoplankton distribution and abundance off southeastern and southern Brazil
Authors: Freitas Débora Martins de , Muelbert José Henrique
Published: April 2005

This study describes the distribution of fish eggs and larvae along the southeastern and southern Brazilian coast. Plankton samples were collected at 85 stations using a Bongo net, and water salinity and temperature were profiled with a CTD. Results showed that fish eggs and larvae, and zooplankton biovolume were distributed in coastal waters with mean temperature of 23ºC and salinity between 33 and 34. The largest egg abundance occurred along Iguape (24º'S) with a partial overlap with zooplankton biovolume and fish larvae were most abundant near shore close to Santos (24ºS). These protected coastal waters presented a surface layer with lower salinity and higher temperatures, while the bottom layer had cooler water. Ichthyoplankton abundance was low off Cabo Frio (22º'S), while a maximum in fish eggs occurred around Cabo Santa Marta Grande (28ºS).
Predicting biological parameters of estuarine benthic communities using models based on environmental data
Authors: Rosa-Filho José Souto , Bemvenuti Carlos Emílio , Elliott Michael
Published: April 2005

This study aimed to predict the biological parameters (species composition, abundance, richness, diversity and evenness) of benthic assemblages in southern Brazil estuaries using models based on environmental data (sediment characteristics, salinity, air and water temperature and depth). Samples were collected seasonally from five estuaries between the winter of 1996 and the summer of 1998. At each estuary, samples were taken in unpolluted areas with similar characteristics related to presence or absence of vegetation, depth and distance from the mouth. In order to obtain predictive models, two methods were used, the first one based on Multiple Discriminant Analysis (MDA), and the second based on Multiple Linear Regression (MLR). Models using MDA had better results than those based on linear regression. The best results using MLR were obtained for diversity and richness. It could be concluded that the use predictions models based on environmental data would be very useful in environmental monitoring studies in estuaries.
Total mercury in the night shark, Carcharhinus signatus in the western equatorial Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Ferreira Alexandre Gomes , Faria Vicente Vieira , Carvalho Carlos Euardo Veiga de , Lessa Rosangela Paula Teixeira , Silva Francisco Marcante Santana da
Published: April 2005

Mercury is the only element capable to biomagnificate along the food chain, and carnivorous fish tend to accumulate high concentrations of this element. Total mercury in muscle tissue of Carcharhinus signatus sampled along the western equatorial Atlantic Ocean was measured by atomic emission spectrophotometry with ICP/AES. The average total mercury concentrations were consistently greater than the maximum limit for human consumption established by the Brazilian Health Ministry for carnivorous fishes (1000 µg. kg-1 w.w.). Therefore, an average consumption of 0.1 kg/day of C. signatus would result in an average daily ingestion of 174.2 µg of Hg, more than five times the 30 µg/day intake established by the World Health Organization. In the range of lengths studied, body length could not be used as an indicator of the Hg contamination degree for C. signatus. Also, sex cannot be considered a determining factor in the total mercury accumulation in C. signatus.
Neuropile organization in the brain of Acromyrmex (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) during the post-embryonic development
Authors: Soares Paula Andréa Oliveira , Delabie Jacques Hubert Charles , Serrão José Eduardo
Published: April 2005

Neuropile is the region of the central nervous system where the synapses and neurons branching occur. During the development of an holometabolous insect can occurs break of the neurons fibers forming new axon and dendrites and their distribution in brain neuropile is organized so as to reflect specific nervous functions of adult insects. The components of this organization were observed and discussed in this study in the ant Acromyrmex octospinosus, evidencing similar features to those described for A. subterraneus subterraneus, among other insects for the which ones this information is available.
Validation of an ovarian biopsy method for monitoring oocyte development in the fat snook, Centropomus parallelus Poey, 1860 in captivity
Authors: Ferraz Eduardo Medeiros , Alvarez-Lajonchère Luis , Cerqueira Vinicius Ronzani , Candido Sidinei
Published: April 2005

The validation of an ovarian biopsy method for in vivo assessment of oocyte maturation in Centropomus parallelus was studied. Diameters of intra-ovarian oocytes siphoned with cannula were analyzed fresh and preserved with 1% formalin in 0.7% NaCl solution. Oocytes in different stages were present along the ovaries, up to the tertiary yolk globule stage, which had a unimodal diameter frequency distribution. The oocyte diameter means were not significantly different at four sites along the ovaries (P > 0.05). Samples obtained with cannula were representative of the ovary central portion, in vivo and in vitro samples of the seven females examined were not significantly different (P > 0.05). An estimate of the coefficient of variation corrected for bias (P < 0.05) for 8 repeated in vivo samples was 1.9 ± 0.6. The results demonstrated that for the species, the biopsy method was satisfactory, providing representative samples of the ovaries.
Dispersion of Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) in the rural zone of north Paraná State
Authors: Lopes José , Martins Emerson Augusto Castilho , Oliveira Osmar de , Oliveira Valdecir de , Oliveira Neto Bertolino Pedro de , Oliveira José Eduardo de
Published: April 2005

Seventy-two tyres were placed in four transects (Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western), every 5 km, from the Londrina city limits to the rural areas, to verify the dispersion of Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus vectors. Mosquito larvae were collected fortnightly from August 1998 to August 1999. Data were organized according to the average number of larvae collected for each species in each collection site. A total of 62,517 mosquito larvae were collected and distributed into the following species: Aedes albopictus (21.71%); Ae. aegypti (5.54%); Ae. terrens (0.53%); Ae. fluviatilis (0.36%); Anopheles argyritarsi (0.01%); Culex quinquefasciatus (48.37%); Cx. mollis (8.88%); Cx. eduardoi (8.65%); Cx. corniger (0.61%); Cx. bigoti (0.24%); Cx. grupo coronator (0.12%); Limatus durhanii (4.61%) e Toxorhynchites sp. (0.32%). There was a drastic decrease in the Ae. aegypti population from the city limits to the rural area (x1= 21.72 ± 4.71; x2=0.00) and an increase in the population of Ae. albopictus (x1 = 15.64 ± 2.73; x2 = 38.37 ± 8.87). Aedes aegypti was not present in the collection sites located 30 km away from the urban area; however, Ae. albopictus was found in all the sites. Although the frequency rate for the Aedes aegypti was low, both species were dispersed in the rural area studied. The redimensioning of these vectors’ control areas is recommended since rural areas can function as reservoirs for these species.
Trace metal contamination in estuarine fishes from Vitória Bay, ES, Brazil
Authors: Joyeux Jean-Christophe , Campanha Filho Edmar Augusto , Jesus Honério Coutinho de
Published: April 2005

Muscular tissue from wild-caught mullet (Mugil spp.) and snook (Centropomus spp.) was analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry to determine muscle contamination levels for cadmium, chromium, copper, lead and zinc and evaluate risks to human health associated with seafood consumption. Fishes were captured by subsistence fishermen in Vitória Bay, a Brazilian tropical estuary with numerous outfalls of untreated industrial and residential sewage. Based on the premisses that subsistence fisherman and local consumer show weak (culinary or other) preferences within the taxa studied, analyses were conducted and results are reported for genera. Snook cadmium, chromium, copper and zinc concentrations were positively correlated with size or weight. Mullet chromium concentration decreased with size. Cadmium and lead were higher and zinc lower in mullet than in snook. Summer cadmium and lead concentrations were higher than in winter. Chromium presented concentrations consistently over the legal Brazilian limit for seafood. However, the greatest health concern was probably related to lead concentration, especially in respect to consumption by young children.
Germination of Jacaranda mimosifolia (D. Don - Bignoniaceae) seeds: effects of light, temperature and water stress
Authors: Socolowski Fábio , Takaki Massanori
Published: April 2005

Investigations were carried out to study the effect of light, temperature and water stress on the germination of seeds of Jacaranda mimosifolia which showed the minimum and maximum germination temperature at 15 and 40º C, respectively. The optimum temperature was 25º C with high percentage and germination rate. Slight promotive effect of white light was observed. Under water stress conditions the effect of light was high but at optimum temperature no effect of light was observed. At -0.9MPa few seeds germinated.
Dormancy breaking and germination of Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell.) Morong seed
Authors: Malavasi Ubirajara Contro , Malavasi Marlene de Matos
Published: April 2005

Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell.) Morong. is a Mimosaceae tropical tree species recommended for heterogeneous reforestation of degraded tropical areas. "Timburi" seeds present low germination due to the high degree of seed dormancy. Different methods to overcome seed dormancy was compared: sanding, sanding followed by 24 hours water (25ºC) soaking, imbibition in boiling water followed by exposure to water at room temperature (28ºC), and concentrated sulfuric acid (5, 15, 30, 60, 120 or 180 minutes) followed by washing with tap water. All seeds were germinated in rolled towels at 25ºC and 12 hours photoperiod. Total germination, first count of germination test and germination velocity index were recorded. Mechanical scarification (sanding), chemical scarification (treatment with acid for 30, 60, 120 or 180 minutes) and mechanical scarification followed by cold water imbibition were efficient in promoting germination. For practical purposes, mechanical scarification is highly recommended for forest nurseries.
Leaf morphology of 89 tree species from a lowland tropical rain forest (Atlantic forest) in South Brazil
Authors: Boeger Maria Regina Torres , Alves Luiz Carlos , Negrelle Raquel Rejane Bonatto
Published: April 2005

We examined the leaf morphology and anatomy of 89 tree species growing in an area of coastal Atlantic Forest in South Brazil. The majority of the species (> 75%) had small (notophyll and microphyll) elliptical simple leaves with entire margins. These leaves presented a typical anatomical structure consisting of a single epidermal cell layer, single palisade parenchyma cell layer, and spongy parenchyma with 5 to 8 cell layers. The sclerenchyma was limited to the vascular bundles. The majority of the tree species (91%) had leaves with mesomorphic characteristics. Few species depicted leaves with xeromorphic features as would be expected in such oligotrophic sandy soil. These mesomorphic features appeared to be associated to high efficiency mechanisms for nutrient cycling that compensated for the low nutrient content of the mineral soil.
Proximate composition and fatty acid content of the mangrove oyster Crassostrea rhizophorae along the year seasons
Authors: Martino Ricardo Cavalcanti , Cruz Gracinda Maria da
Published: April 2005

Mangrove oysters, Crassostrea rhizophorae were collected at the mangrove of "Barra de Guaratiba" district, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with the aim to determine the proximate composition and fatty acid content. Along the year seasons no statistical (P>0.05) difference was observed in the values of moisture, crude protein, crude lipid and ash. They were 82.0%; 9.7%; 1.7%; 3.2%, in average, respectively. However, glycogen was significantly (P<0.05) higher in spring (4.4%) and winter (4.2%) samples, than in summer (2.7%) and autumn (2.9%), samples. Saturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids were respectively, the most important fatty acids in oysters, with the palmitic acid (16:0), being the major fatty acid. This study, demonstrated that this species was characterized by low fat content (< 2.0%) and also being a good source of eicosapentaenoic (20:5n-3, EPA) and docosahexaenoic (22:6n-3, DHA) fatty acids. Therefore, C. rhizophorae, in terms of lipid and fatty acids, could be recommended for human consumption.
Extraction of tannin by Acacia mearnsii with supercritical fluids
Authors: Pansera Marcia Regina , Iob Gelson Antonio , Atti-Santos Ana Cristina , Rossato Marcelo , Atti-Serafini Luciana , Cassel Eduardo
Published: April 2005

Studies were carried out on solvent and supercritical extraction to obtain natural tannins. The results showed that the best co-solvent to extract tannin with CO2 supercritical was water with a concentration of 5.0% and the best trap rinse solvent was methanol.
Diel variation of larval fish abundance in the Amazon and Rio Negro
Authors: ARAUJO-LIMA C. A. R. M. , SILVA V. V. da , PETRY P. , OLIVEIRA E. C. , MOURA S. M. L.
Published: April 2005

Many streams and large rivers present higher ichthyoplankton densities at night. However, in some rivers this does not occur and larvae are equally abundant during the day. Larval drift diel variation is an important information for planning sampling programs for evaluating larval distribution and production. The aim of this study was to test whether the abundance of larval fish was different at either period. We tested it by comparing day and night densities of characiform, clupeiform and siluriform larvae during five years in the Amazon and one year in Rio Negro. We found that larvae of three species of characiform and larvae of siluriform were equally abundant during day and night in the Amazon. Conversely, the catch of Pellona spp. larvae was significantly higher during the day. In Rio Negro, however, larval abundance was higher during the night. These results imply that day samplings estimate adequately the abundance of these characiform and siluriform larvae in the Amazon, but not Pellona larvae. Evaluations of larved densities of Rio Negro will have to consider night sampling.
Heavy metals in tributaries of Pampulha Reservoir, Minas Gerais
Authors: RIETZLER A. C. , FONSECA A. L. , LOPES G. P.
Published: April 2005

A great amount of heavy metals enter Pampulha Reservoir via it's main tributaries (Sarandi and Ressaca). Although no water quality classification has been carried out for these tributaries, the reservoir is expected to be in class 2 of the CONAMA-86 system. As part of a monitoring scheme of the Pampulha Watershed, heavy metals (Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, Cu, Cr, Mn and Fe) were investigated in the water at a control site (considered free from direct human influence) and at potential sites of toxicity and contamination during August (dry season) and November (wet season) of 1998. The results for the first sampling period showed relatively high concentrations of zinc (0.22 mg.L-1) in the upper portion of the reservoir. The highest values of nickel and chromium (0.19 and 0.89 mg.L-1, respectively) were found in the initial portion of the Sarandi Stream, while the highest concentrations of lead (0.05 mg.L-1), cadmium (0.014 mg.L-1), manganese (0.43 mg.L-1) and iron (15.25 mg.L-1) were detected in the Ressaca Stream by the landfill dump of Belo Horizonte. A relatively high concentration of cadmium was also detected at the confluence of the two streams. During the second sampling period, there was an increase in the concentrations of zinc at all sampling sites except the control, with values varying from 0.71 mg.L-1 (the Sarandi Stream) to 2.50 mg.L-1 (the Ressaca Stream). Lead, cadmium, nickel and chromium concentrations were also higher in the Ressaca Stream, but not detected at the other sampling sites. Copper values were higher than in the first period: 0.10 mg.L-1 at the control up to 0.38 mg.L-1 at the confluence of the streams. Similar results were found for manganese and iron, with values reaching up to 19.30 and 125 mg.L-1, respectively. Moreover, all values recorded in the second sampling period were much higher than recommended for class 2 waters. These results emphasize the need for such monitoring in relation to better water quality management of this reservoir.
Differentiation and numerical analysis of oral yeasts based on SDS-Page profiles. Influence of the culture media on the whole-cell protein extracts
Authors: HÖFLING J. F. , ROSA E. A. R. , PEREIRA C. V. , BORIOLLO M. F. G. , RODRIGUES J. A. O.
Published: April 2005

The application of gel electrophoresis and numerical analysis of yeast soluble proteins analysis to the investigation of 12 oral yeast strains belonging to five species is described. It involves one-dimensional electrophoresis of SDS-solubilized whole-cell proteins using different culture media for the cultivation of the cells, integration densitometries in the areas of the gels and percentages of the proteins extraction. These extracts were prepared from four isolates of Candida albicans, two of C. tropicalis, C. guilliermondii, C. parapsilosis and C. krusei. The extracts from whole-cells proteins using different culture media for the cultivation of the cells were fractionated by slab electrophoresis using a discontinuous buffer system. The corresponding patterns showed at least 36 polypeptides in the range of 14.4-200 kDa. Different isolates of each species were clearly different in each of the five species. The data obtained suggest that different nutritional compositions led to the expression of different proteins derived from alternatives metabolic pathways expressed by the electrophoretic profiles. The construction of a database of protein fingerprints and numerical analysis based on such data, may have some implications in the classification and identification of such species with epidemiological, ecological and taxonomic purposes. A well defined or synthetic culture media seems to be much properly.
Distribution of fish assemblages in Lajes Reservoir, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: ARAÚJO F. G. , SANTOS L. N.
Published: April 2005

Spatial distribution of fish assemblages in Lajes Reservoir, a 30 km² impoundment in Rio de Janeiro State (Lat. 22º42'-22º50'S; Long. 43º53'-44º05'W) was assessed to detect patterns of available habitat use by the fish. A standardized monthly sampling program was carried out from January to December 1994 at three zones of the reservoir (upper, near tributary mouths; middle; and lower, near the dam). Fishes were caught by gillnets, (50 m long, 3 m height), with mesh ranging having from 25 to 45 mm between knots, submerged during 12 hours. A total of 5,089 fishes were collected comprising 15 species, 14 genera and 9 families. Loricariichthys spixii, Astyanax bimaculatus, Parauchenipterus striatulus, Astyanax fasciatus parahybae, Oligosarchus hepsetus, Rhamdia parahybae, Hypostomus affinis, and Geophagus brasiliensis were the most abundant species, each contributing above 1% of the total number. Loricariichthys spixii was the dominant species, contributing over 80% of total number and biomass. Fish abundance, number of species, and biomass were higher in the upper zone, but differences from this overall pattern were shown by some species. Loricariichthys spixii and Rhamdia parahybae were more abundant in the upper zone, while all other species showed no differences in their abundance among the zones. Seasonal environmental variables of temperature, pH, transparency, and water level did not show a clear association with fish occurrence. Most fish used the different zones of the reservoir with no clear sign of spatial separation. High dominance of L. spixii, reduced abundance of reolific species Leporinus copelandii and Cyphocharax gilberti, and presence of introduced species such as Cichla monoculus and Tilapia rendalli are indications of antropic effects in the fish community.
Short-term variability of copepod abundance in Jurumirim Reservoir, São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: PANARELLI E. A. , NOGUEIRA M. G. , HENRY R.
Published: April 2005

Short-term variability in composition and abundance of copepod populations were studied during the dry (winter) and rainy (summer) seasons, at the dam region of Jurumirim Reservoir, São Paulo, Brazil. An intensive sampling program was carried out during 30 days in each period of the year. Samples and measurements were taken every other day at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 m depths. The relationship between variability of the populations and some environmental factors was analyzed. The main species were: Argyrodiaptomus furcatus (Sars), Notodiaptomus iheringi (Wright), Mesocyclops longisetus (Thiébaud), Thermocyclops decipiens (Fischer), and T. minutus (Lowndes). Thermocyclops minutus was the most abundant species in dry season and its abundance varied significantly between sampling days. A large increase in abundance of calanoids occurred during the rainy season. This increase was correlated with higher temperature values. At that time, Notodiaptomus iheringi was dominant. This species showed significant short-term variations in abundance in both dry and rainy seasons. Significant variation in density of populations within the same sampling period might result from either the dispersion pattern of the populations or continuous substitution of the water masses. Significant correlation was observed between copepod abundance and temperature, especially for species of calanoids and there was also some correlations between densities of particular species of copepods and some phytoplankton taxa, mainly during the dry season. As for vertical distribution, most organisms were found between the surface and 15 m deep. During the rainy season, there was some evidence of the occurrence of spatial segregation between species of cyclopoids and calanoids, with the cyclopoids in a deeper position within the water column.
Astyanax fasciatus as bioindicator of water pollution of Rio dos Sinos, RS, Brazil
Authors: SCHULZ U. H. , MARTINS-JUNIOR H.
Published: April 2005

The effects of an increasing downriver pollution gradient on the reproductive system of Astyanax fasciatus were investigated in the Rio dos Sinos, RS. The comparison of mean oocyte diameters, gonadal indices and gonado-somatic relationships of specimens captured in polluted areas with individuals from unpolluted reference sites revealed a significant decrease of these parameters with increasing water pollution. High loads of organic and industrial sewage are considered responsible for these effects. Condition factors showed an inverse relationship, and increased significantly in downriver polluted areas. The declining gonadal indices showed that energy was allocated to somatic growth. The results of the study recommend the use of A. fasciatus in biomonitoring essays.
Genetic variability and social structure of colonies in Acromyrmex heyeri and A. striatus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: DIEHI E. , ARAÚJO A. M. de , CAVALLI-MOLINA S.
Published: April 2005

The breeding structure of both colony and population of social insects can be examined by genetic analysis. Colonies of the leaf-cutting ants Acromyrmex heyeri and A. striatus (Myrmicinae, Attini) were thus analyzed for isoenzyme systems MDH, a-GPDH, and AMY to describe genotype variability and social structure. A total of five loci were investigated (three for amylase and one for each other system). Ninety-seven colonies of A. heyeri and 103 of A. striatus were sampled in different localities in Southern Brazil (State of Rio Grande do Sul). The genotypes found show the occurrence of monogyny and polygyny associated or not with polyandry, which indicates that the social organization is colony-specific. The polygyny and polyandry observed are likely to be responsible for the great genotypic diversity of the colonies. The average inbreeding coefficient per colony was higher in A. striatus than in A. heyeri, which may reflect the different patterns of production of sexual individuals and nuptial flight of those two species.
Sand bar opening in a coastal lagoon (Iquipari) in the northern region of Rio de Janeiro State: hydrological and hydrochemical changes
Authors: SUZUKI M. S. , FIGUEIREDO R. O. , CASTRO S. C. , SILVA C. F. , PEREIRA E. A. , SILVA J. A. , ARAGON G. T.
Published: April 2005

The aim of this paper was to verify hydrological and hydrochemical changes in the Iquiparí Lagoon water column, during three months, as related to an artificial sand bar opening. A drastic reduction in water volume occurred 28 hours after the sand bar opening, exposing the bottom sediment. This was densely colonized by submerged aquatic plants, which were dominant in the ecosystem metabolism, specially near the sand bar. An increase in salinity values, and dissolved and total nutrient concentrations, was observed during the sand bar opening period. In contrast, chlorophyll a concentration decreased. These changes were associated with: 1) mix of remained brackish and marine waters; 2) nutrient release from sediments by physical processes; and 3) submerged plant death. After the sand bar closure, lagoon metabolism was completely regulated by a dense phytoplankton community. We observed that the sand bar opening resulted in an extensile replacement of the lagoon's water and a change in the community mainly responsible for the ecosystem metabolism.
Life cycle, feeding and adaptive strategy implications on the co-occurrence of Argyrodiaptomus furcatus and Notodiaptomus iheringi in Lobo-Broa Reservoir (SP, Brazil)
Authors: RIETZLER A. C. , MATSUMURA-TUNDISI T. , TUNDISI J. G.
Published: April 2005

The population dynamics, life cycle and feeding of Argyrodiaptomus furcatus and Notodiaptomus iheringi, were studied in Broa reservoir from August 1988 to August 1989, period when a replacement of A. furcatus by N. iheringi was observed. Some abiotic factors such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH and conductivity were measured to characterize the limnological conditions of the reservoir. Also, phytoplankton composition was analyzed and related to the feeding of the two species. Experimental data on developmental time and reproduction of A. furcatus and N. iheringi under different temperatures showed that lower temperatures were responsible for density decreasing of both populations in the reservoir during the dry season. Chlorophyta and Chrysophyta smaller than 20 mum were the most abundant phytoplankton groups in the reservoir as well as in the gut content of A. furcatus and N. iheringi, representing an important food source for both species. The temporary disappearance of Argyrodiaptomus furcatus, observed between 1988 and 1989 and its replacement by Notodiaptomus iheringi was related to mining activities upstream, modifying the water turbidity, pH and conductivity. However, the reappearance and maintenance of A. furcatus for another ten years and a recent replacement re-incidence indicates that these two calanoids do not coexist in this environment. Adaptive strategies of both species, related to changes in environmental conditions, are discussed. Probably, Argyrodiaptomus furcatus is an indicator of less eutrophic environments, while Notodiaptomus iheringi of more eutrophic systems.