In tropical and subtropical zones, lianas play important roles in the process of ecological succession. This study aims to evaluate the photosynthetic and morpho-physiological performance between two lianas species from Mikania genus in response to different levels of radiation: full sun (I0), 25% (I25), 50% (I50), and 75% (I75) retention of solar radiation flux. Plants grown under I75 showed a reduced net photosynthetic rate (A). We observed dynamic photoinhibition at I0 during hours of high irradiation and temperature. The highest and lowest leaf chlorophyll content occurred at I75 and I0, respectively, while carotenoids/total chlorophyll and leaf thickness increased under I0. Total dry mass was higher in plants grown at I0 and I25. However, A values and biomass production of Mikania laevigata were higher at I25, while for Mikania glomerata greater biomass accumulation was observed between I0-I50. Therefore, we concluded that M. laevigata and M. glomerata have different morpho-physiological performances under same the radiation conditions.

Em regiões tropical e subtropical, lianas desempenham um papel importante no processo de sucessão ecológica. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as respostas fotossintéticas e morfo-fisiológicas entre duas espécies de Mikania em diferentes níveis de radiação: sol pleno (I0), 25% (I25), 50% (I50) e 75% (I75) de retenção do fluxo da radiação solar. Plantas crescidas sob I75 mostraram reduzida taxa fotossintética (A). Nós observamos fotoinibição dinâmica em plantas crescidas sob I0 durante as horas de alta irradiação e temperatura. O maior e menor conteúdo de clorofila ocorreu em plantas sob I75 e I0, respectivamente; enquanto carotenoides/clorofila total e espessuras da epiderme e mesofilo aumentaram sob I0. A massa seca total foi maior em plantas crescidas sob I0 e I25. No entanto, os valores de A e a produção de biomassa de M. laevigata foram maiores sob I25; enquanto para M. glomerata, maior acúmulo de biomassa foi observado entre I0-I50. Portanto, nós concluímos que M. laevigata e M. glomerata apresentaram diferentes respostas morfo-fisiológicas sob mesma condição de radiação.

RESUMEN Los efectos de diferentes agroquímicos y de la temperatura han sido temas recurrentes en la investigación en anuros; sin embargo, estas variables se han abordado de manera independiente sin considerar que pueden ejercer una presión simultánea sobre las especies. Por esta razón, este trabajo tiene como objetivo determinar la toxicidad (a través de la Concentración Letal Media -CL50) de los insecticidas organofosforados clorpirifos, diazinón y monocrotofos, bajo tres regímenes térmicos (23, 28 y 33 ± 1 °C) sobre embriones de tres especies de anuros. De acuerdo a los valores de CL50, el insecticida clorpirifos fue el más tóxico, seguido del diazinón y del monocrotofos. Por su parte, de manera general se encontró un incremento de la toxicidad de los insecticidas organofosforados a la temperatura más alta de experimentación (33 °C). Además, el efecto de la temperatura se hizo más notorio para los organismos expuestos al clorpirifos, el insecticida más letal. Estos resultados sugieren un efecto negativo para la fauna acuática de anuros debido al actual uso desmesurado de este tipo de agroquímicos y a su interacción con la temperatura ambiental.

ABSTRACT In anurans, the effects of different agrochemicals and temperature have been recurrent topics in research; however, these variables are addressed independently without considering that they can exert a simultaneous pressure on the species. For this reason, this work aims to determine the toxicity (through the Medium Lethal Concentration -LC50) of the organophosphate insecticides: chlorpyrifos, diazinon and monocrotophos, under three thermal regimes (23, 28 and 33 ± 1 °C) on embryos ofthree species of anurans. According to the LC50 values, the chlorpyrifos insecticide was the most toxic, followed by diazinon and monocrotophos. On the other hand, an increase in the toxicity of the organophosphate insecticides studied was generally found at the highest experimental temperature (33 °C). In addition, the effect of temperature became more noticeable for the organisms exposed to chlorpyrifos, the most lethal insecticide. These results suggest a negative effect for the aquatic fauna of anurans due to the current excessive use of this type of agrochemicals and their interaction with environmental temperature.

RESUMO (Desempenho morfo-fisiológico de Mikania glomerata Spreng. e Mikania laevigata Sch. Bip ex Baker sob diferentes condições de luminosidade). Em regiões tropical e subtropical, lianas desempenham um papel importante no processo de sucessão ecológica. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as respostas fotossintéticas e morfo-fisiológicas entre duas espécies de Mikania em diferentes níveis de radiação: sol pleno (I0), 25% (I25), 50% (I50) e 75% (I75) de retenção do fluxo da radiação solar. Plantas crescidas sob I75 mostraram reduzida taxa fotossintética (A). Nós observamos fotoinibição dinâmica em plantas crescidas sob I0 durante as horas de alta irradiação e temperatura. O maior e menor conteúdo de clorofila ocorreu em plantas sob I75 e I0, respectivamente; enquanto carotenoides/clorofila total e espessuras da epiderme e mesofilo aumentaram sob I0. A massa seca total foi maior em plantas crescidas sob I0 e I25. No entanto, os valores de A e a produção de biomassa de M. laevigata foram maiores sob I25; enquanto para M. glomerata, maior acúmulo de biomassa foi observado entre I0-I50. Portanto, nós concluímos que M. laevigata e M. glomerata apresentaram diferentes respostas morfo-fisiológicas sob mesma condição de radiação.

ABSTRACT (Morpho-physiological performance of Mikania glomerata Spreng. and Mikania laevigata Sch. Bip ex Baker plants under different light conditions). In tropical and subtropical zones, lianas play important roles in the process of ecological succession. This study aims to evaluate the photosynthetic and morpho-physiological performance between two lianas species from Mikania genus in response to different levels of radiation: full sun (I0), 25% (I25), 50% (I50), and 75% (I75) retention of solar radiation flux. Plants grown under I75 showed a reduced net photosynthetic rate (A). We observed dynamic photoinhibition at I0 during hours of high irradiation and temperature. The highest and lowest leaf chlorophyll content occurred at I75 and I0, respectively, while carotenoids/total chlorophyll and leaf thickness increased under I0. Total dry mass was higher in plants grown at I0 and I25. However, A values and biomass production of Mikania laevigata were higher at I25, while for Mikania glomerata greater biomass accumulation was observed between I0-I50. Therefore, we concluded that M. laevigata and M. glomerata have different morpho-physiological performances under same the radiation conditions.

ABSTRACT: Stylosanthes capitata Vogel and Stylosanthes macrocephala M.B.Ferreira & Sousa Costa are two forage leguminous species of agronomic importance for animal husbandry in tropical environments. The physical mixture of both species (80 % S. capitata and 20 % S. macrocephala) comprises the commercial cultivar “Estilosantes Campo Grande”. However, proximity of fields for seed production may contaminate seed lots, compromising seeds quality. The combined use of dominant and co-dominant molecular markers is an appropriate strategy to certificate genetic purity and perform diversity studies of cultivars. In this research, a set of ISSR (Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat polymorphic DNA) and SSR (Simple Sequence Repeat polymorphic DNA) molecular markers were standardized to characterize S. capitata and S. macrocephala species and evaluate the genetic purity of commercial samples. Four ISSR markers (UBC 2, 864, 885, 886) and SSR marker SC18-01 G4B showed precise species-specific electrophoretic fingerprints for both species. Electrophoretic patterns of ISSR molecular markers should be displayed first to confirm the sample identification. The structure analysis showed that the less contaminated sample was S. capitata with 97 % of its genetic composition assigned to a single genetic cluster vs. 95 % for S. macrocephala. S. capitata has greater genetic diversity (ISSRHe:0.292; SSRHe:0.57) than S. macrocephala (ISSRHe:0.285; SSRHe:0.16); however, this difference was only significant with SSR molecular markers. As these genetic resources have considerable ecological, agronomic and economic importance, tools for accurate species identification and genetic studies are essential for further seed multiplication, as well as for improvement and conservation of cultivars.

Resumen Esta investigación evalúa el efecto de la deshidratación osmótica (OD) como pretratamiento del secado convectivo en pedazos de mango (Tommy Atkins) utilizando azúcar de caña en concentraciones entre 30 y 65 °Brix, y temperaturas entre 50 y 80 °C en un Diseño Central Compuesto Rotacional. Se midió el efecto sobre la difusividad efectiva, la pérdida de agua, la ganancia de azúcar, el índice de color (CIE-L * a * b *), la actividad del agua, la percepción sensorial (color, textura y sabor) y la probabilidad de consumo. La difusividad efectiva fue influenciada solo por la temperatura de la solución, presentando un máximo de 1.4E-4 cm2s-1. La pérdida de agua en OD registró un máximo del 40%. La percepción del color se vio afectada por ambas variables. La probabilidad de consumo estuvo influenciada por las condiciones evaluadas con un valor máximo de 80%. Se encontraron las condiciones óptimas de OD en 65 ° Brix y 79 °C.

Abstract This research evaluates the effect of osmotic dehydration (OD) as a pretreatment of convective drying in mango pieces (Tommy Atkins) using whole cane sugar solutions in concentrations between 30 and 65 °Brix, and temperatures between 50 and 80 °C in a central composite rotatable design. The effect on effective diffusivity, water loss, sugar gain, color index (CIE-L*a*b*), water activity, sensory perception (color, texture and flavor), and consumption probability were measured. Effective diffusivity was influenced only by temperature of solution, presenting a maximum of 1.4E-4 cm2s-1. Water loss in OD registered a maximum of 40%. Color perception was affected by both variables. The consumption probability was influenced by the conditions evaluated with a maximum value of 80%. It was found the optimal conditions of OD in 65°Brix and 79 °C.

ABSTRACT Postoperative imaging after appendiceal ureteral interposition may be difficult to interpret, misguiding the urologist towards intervention. We present a case in which radiological obstruction was not endorsed by a 99TcDTPA nephrogram, with favorable outcome after conservative treatment.

Twelve microsatellite loci previously developed in the tropical tree Cariniana estrellensis were genetically characterized in Cariniana legalis. Polymorphisms were assessed in 28 C. legalis individuals found between the Pardo and Mogi-Guaçu River basins in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Of the 12 loci, 10 were polymorphic and exhibited Mendelian inheritance. The allelic richness at each locus ranged from 2-11, with an average of 7 alleles per locus, and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.07-0.88. These loci showed a high probability of paternity exclusion. The characteristics of these heterologous microsatellite markers indicate that they are suitable tools for investigating questions concerning population genetics in C. legalis.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo otimizar um protocolo econômico, rápido e eficaz de minipreparação de DNA genômico, para as espécies florestais Copaifera langsdorffii (Óleo de Copaíba), Hymenaea courbaril (Jatobá), Eugenia uniflora (Pitanga), Tabebuia roseo alba (Ipê Branco) e Cariniana estrellensis (Jequitibá Branco). Este método é uma adaptação da técnica de extração CTAB de Doyle e Doyle (1990), o qual consiste principalmente na adição de PVP para eliminar polifenoles, somente uma etapa de extração com clorofórmio-álcool isoamílico e a adição da RNase A imediatamente após a extração com clorofórmio. O método também dispensa o uso de nitrogênio líquido, o uso do fenol e a adição de proteinase K. Os DNAs das espécies florestais extraídos apresentaram alto rendimento e boa qualidade, com rendimento de 25.7 a 42.1 µg de DNA a partir de 100 mg de tecido foliar congelado. Com este protocolo, em apenas 1 dia de trabalho, uma pessoa pode completar o isolamento do DNA de aproximadamente 50 amostras de folhas (dependendo da capacidade da centrífuga). O DNA obtido pode ser usado para métodos de análise baseados em PCR (SSR e RAPD).

An efficient and rapid DNA minipreparation modified method for frozen samples was developed for five tropical tree species: Copaifera langsdorffii, Hymenaea courbaril, Eugenia uniflora, Tabebuia roseo alba and Cariniana estrellensis. This procedure that dispenses the use of liquid nitrogen, phenol and the addition of proteinase K, is an adaptation of the CTAB-based DNA extraction method. The modifications included the use of PVP to eliminate the polyphenols, only one chloroform-isoamyl alcohol step and the addition of RNase immediately after extraction with chloroform. The yields of the DNA samples ranged from 25.7 to 42.1 µg from 100 mg leaf tissue. The DNA samples extracted by this method were successfully used for PCR (SSR and RAPD) analyses in these five and other twelve tropical tree species.

Relatamos o caso de uma menina de onze anos de idade com glioblastoma multiforme na região têmporo-parietal direita, completamente ressecado cirurgicamente, submetida a radioterapia craniana pós-operatória. Houve recaída três meses após, em topografia distante do sítio primário, na porção caudal do canal raquidiano. Após, ocorreu evolução rápida para o óbito. A propósito desse caso, discutimos nossa experiência quanto à conduta nesses tumores e a literatura sobre o assunto.

We report the case of an eleven years-old girl with a right temporo-parietal glioblastoma multiforme. The tumor was totally resected on neurossurgery, and cranial radioteraphy was applied at next. The tumor recurred three months later, far from primary site, in the caudal portion of the spinal canal. Death occurred in less than one month later. Taking into account the data of this case, we discuss our experience in the management of such tumors and the literature on the subject.

O cálcio vem sendo utilizado com o intuito de incrementar tolerância a sais nas plantas, pois sabe-se que a salinidade restringe o crescimento e a produtividade de muitas culturas. Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar os efeitos da aplicação de sódio e cálcio sobre o crescimento inicial, trocas gasosas e potencial osmótico da bananeira (Musa spp.) 'Prata' (AAB). Foi utilizado o delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados, com arranjo fatorial 4 x 4 [ 4 doses de sódio ( 0; 5; 10; 15 mmol L-1) e 4 de cálcio ( 2; 4; 8; 12 mmol L-1)] e 3 repetições. A emissão total de folhas e o potencial osmótico das plantas não foram influenciados pelos tratamentos. O aumento dos níveis de sódio na solução promoveu redução significativa na massa fresca da parte aérea, altura, área foliar, diâmetro do pseudocaule e massa seca das plantas. A presença de 5 mmol L-1 de Na na solução favoreceu as trocas gasosas. O aumento dos níveis de cálcio na solução promoveu a redução da massa fresca da parte aérea, altura e área foliar da bananeira-'Prata'.

The Calcium has been used to increase salt tolerance in plants since salinity restricts growth and productivity in many crops. This study was conducted with the objective of evaluating the effects of sodium and calcium application on the initial growth, gaseous exchange and osmotic potential of banana (Musa spp.) 'Prata' plants (AAB). The experimental layout was a 4 x 4 factorial with three replicates in a randomized complete block design. The factors tested were concentrations of sodium (0; 5; 10; 15 mmol L-1) and calcium (2; 4; 8; 12 mmol L-1). The total emition of leaves and the osmotic potential of the plants were not influenced by the treatments. However, the increase in concentrations of sodium in the nutritive solution resulted in significant reduction of the fresh weight of aerial plant parts, height and leaf area of the plants, diameter of the pseudostem, and dry weight of the plants. The presence of 5 mmol L¹ of sodium in the solution favoured the gaseous exchanges. The increase in concentrations of calcium in solution promoted a reduction of fresh weight of aerial plant portion, height and leaf area for the banana 'Prata'.

As miotonias não distróficas hereditárias podem ser divididas em um grupo mais heterogêneo, de herança autossômica dominante, que inclui a miotonia congênita de Thomsen, a paramiotonia congênita, a miotonia fluctuans e a paralisia periódica hipercaliêmica; e em uma forma mais rara, de herança autossômica recessiva, que é a miotonia congênita de Becker. É descrito o caso de uma adolescente com uma forma de miotonia de herança provavelmente autossômica recessiva, cujos achados clínicos, entretanto, são mais compatíveis com as formas de herança autossômica dominante, principalmente a miotonia congênita de Thomsen ou a miotonia fluctuans. Além do quadro clínico atípico apresentado pela paciente, são discutidos os aspectos principais do tratamento medicamentoso mais empregado atualmente para aliviar o fenômeno miotônico.

We describe the case of a girl with a probable autosomal recessive form of nondystrophic hereditary myotonia whose clinical findings are more compatible with the dominant ones mainly myotonia congenita of Thomsen or myotonia fluctuans. Besides the clinical aspects of the atypical form presented by our patient, the efficacy of the more available drugs employed for the treatment of myotonia congenita is briefly discussed .