Heart rate variability (HRV) is a relevant physiological variable for the estimation of cardiac autonomic function. Although the gold standard for HRV registration is the electrocardiogram (ECG), several applications (APPs) have been increasingly developed. The evaluation carried out by these devices must be compatible with ECG standards. The aim of this study was to compare the data obtained simultaneously with ECG and APP with chest heart rate transmitters. Fifty-six healthy individuals (28 men and 28 women) were evaluated at rest through a short simultaneous HRV measurement with both devices. Data from both acquisition systems were analyzed separately using their own analysis software and exported and analyzed using a validated software. Signal recordings were compatible between the two acquisition systems (Pearson r=0.99; P<0.0001). Although a high correlation was found for the HRV variables obtained in the time domain (Spearman r=0.99; P<0.0001), the correlation decreased in the frequency domain (Pearson r=0.85; P<0.0001) when two software programs were used. Comparison of the averages of spectral analysis parameters also showed differences when HRV data were analyzed separately in each device for low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) bands. Although the portability of these mobile devices allows for optimal HRV evaluation, the direct analysis obtained from these devices must be carefully evaluated with respect to frequency domain parameters.

RESUMO Defeitos ósseos constituem um problema de saúde global. O sistema Rigenera permite a extração de microenxertos ricos em células-tronco mesenquimais (CTMs). Objetivou-se avaliar o processo de regeneração óssea por enxertos obtidos pelo sistema Rigenera em defeitos críticos na calvária de ratos. Foram utilizados 18 ratos Wistar, machos, pesando 285±29g, distribuídos em três grupos (n=6), sendo cada animal controle de si mesmo, denominados G15-Controle e G15-Tratado (15 dias); G30-Controle e G30-Tratado (30 dias) e G60-Controle e G60-Tratado (60 dias). Foram realizadas duas lesões de 5mm de diâmetro em cada antímero da calvária. Nos grupos tratados, foram utilizados microenxertos autólogos de cartilagem xifoide, obtidos pelo sistema Rigenera. O defeito contralateral serviu como controle em todos os animais. Os animais foram eutanasiados aos 15, 30 e 60 dias após a cirurgia, e as amostras foram processadas para a histoquímica. Nos grupos controle, não foram observados sinais de regeneração óssea, enquanto nos grupos tratamento foram verificadas áreas de formação óssea e tecido mesenquimal ativado. O sistema Rigenera foi eficiente na obtenção de microenxertos autólogos, para terapia celular em defeito crítico de calvária de ratos. Com o aprimoramento do protocolo, o sistema Rigenera poderá ser amplamente utilizado no tratamento de lesões ósseas.

ABSTRACT Bone defects are a global health problem. The Rigenera system allows the extraction of micro grafts rich in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The objective of this study was to evaluate the bone regeneration process by grafts obtained by the Rigenera system in defects in the rats calvarian. Eighteen male Wistar rats were used, weighing 285 ± 29g, distributed in three groups (n = 6), where each animal was treatment and control, called G15-Control and G15-Treated (15 days); G30-Control and G30-Treated (30 days) and G60-Control and G60-Treated (60 days). Two 5mm diameter lesions were performed on each calvaria side. In the treated groups, autologous micrograft from xiphoid cartilage, obtained by the Rigenera system, were used. The other defect served as a control in all animals. The animals were euthanized at 15, 30 and 60 days after the surgery and the samples were processed for histochemistry. In the control groups, no signs of bone regeneration were observed, while in the treatment groups, areas of bone formation and activated mesenchymal tissue were verified. The Rigenera system was efficient in obtaining autologous micrograft for cell therapy in a critical calvaria defect in rats. Rigenera system can be widely used in the treatment of bone injuries.

RESUMO Glicocorticoides são amplamente utilizados na clínica de pequenos animais, entretanto seu uso contínuo pode causar efeitos colaterais. Os gatos são considerados menos susceptíveis a esses efeitos do que outras espécies, mas existem poucos trabalhos abordando os efeitos adversos em felinos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar possíveis alterações laboratoriais, histopatológicas e do grau de atenuação radiográfica do parênquima hepático de gatas submetidas à terapia com prednisolona. Um ensaio clínico foi realizado em quatro gatas hígidas, as quais receberam prednisolona, por via oral, na dose de 3mg/kg, durante 60 dias consecutivos. Nos achados histopatológicos após 60 dias de tratamento, observou-se desorganização dos cordões de hepatócitos e degeneração vacuolar, além de necrose de hepatócitos, porém não foram observados sinais de fibrose no parênquima hepático. Os dados da tomografia computadorizada demonstram aumento do grau de atenuação do parênquima hepático a partir do 30º dia da administração de prednisolona, que persistiu até o final do experimento. No presente estudo, foi possível caracterizar a existência de hepatopatia esteroidal em gatos em estágios precoces da terapia com prednisolona.

ABSTRACT Glucocorticoids are widely used medications in small animal practice; however, its continuous use can have side effects. Cats are considered less susceptible than other species, however, the literature does not usually address adverse effects in felines. The objective of this study was to evaluate possible laboratory and histopathologic changes, as well as changes to the degree of radiographic attenuation of the hepatic parenchyma in cats treated with prednisolone. A clinical trial was done in four healthy cats, who received prednisolone orally at 3mg/kg during 60 consecutive days. In the histopathologic findings at 60 days of treatment, there were disorganized hepatocyte chords and vacuolar degeneration, as well as hepatocyte necrosis, however, there were no signs of fibrosis in the hepatic parenchyma. Data obtained via computed tomography showed increase of the degree of attenuation in the hepatic parenchyma from day 30 of prednisolone therapy, which persisted until the end of the experiment. In the present study, it was possible to characterize the existence of steroidal hepathopathy in cats in the early stages of prednisolone therapy.

RESUMO: Uma pesquisa de agentes enteropatogênicos em gatos domésticos de um abrigo foi realizado como etapa da investigação das causas de diarreias crônicas intermitentes. Amostras fecais individuais de 39 gatos, com livre acesso ao ambiente externo, foram obtidas para pesquisa de helmintos através do exame parasitológico, investigação de parvovírus e coronavírus e de Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp. e Tritrichomonas foetus através de PCR em tempo real. Dos gatos avaliados, 30 (76,9%) foram positivos para algum ou mais de um destes agentes entéricos. Desses, 11 (28,2%) apresentaram co-infecções parasitárias. Ovos de helmintos foram observados em 48,7% dos gatos (19/30), 16 felinos (41%) foram positivos para parvovírus ou coronavírus e 25,6% (10/30) estavam infectados por protozoários. Dos positivos para protozoários, cinco apresentaram Tritrichomonas foetus (12,82%), um organismo pouco relatado no Brasil, sendo este o primeiro relato de detecção deste protozoário através de PCR em fezes de gatos no Sul do Brasil e o segundo no país. A diarreia crônica em gatos pode ser multifatorial em animais de abrigo onde a densidade populacional é elevada e os meios de controle parasitário e viral são deficitários, além das condições de higiene precárias. Os fatores associados à proliferação de doenças infecciosas em abrigos promovem o surgimento de infecções por novos patógenos como o Tritrichomonas foetus, até então pouco relatado no Brasil.

ABSTRACT: This study carried out a survey about enteropathogenic agents in domestic cats’ shelter as a stage of investigation for the intermittent chronic diarrhea. Individual fecal samples from 39 cats with free access to the external environment were submitted to parasitological examination, parvovirus, and coronavirus by PCR, and Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp. and Tritrichomonas foetus by real-time PCR. From the cats evaluated, 30 (76.9%) were positive for one or more enteric agents, and coinfections were observed in 11 cats samples (28.2%). Helminth eggs were observed in 48.7% of cats (19/30), 16 (41%) were positive for parvovirus or coronavirus and 25.6% (10/30) were infected by protozoa. From the positives for protozoa, five cats were positive to T. foetus (12.82%). The first finding of this protozoan through PCR was in the southern Brazil, and the second was in the whole country. Chronic diarrhea in cats may be multifactorial in shelter animals where the population density is high and the control of parasitic, and viral infections are deficient. Moreover, it is due to poor hygiene conditions in these shelters. The factors associated with the proliferation of infectious diseases in shelters are correlated with new pathogens infections such as T. foetus.

RESUMO: As enfermidades pulmonares intersticiais são um grupo de doenças difusas do parênquima pulmonar, nas quais a fibrose pulmonar está incluída. O objetivo deste trabalho é caracterizar os achados clínicos e patológicos da fibrose pulmonar idiopática em três gatas, e avaliar possíveis agentes etiológicos através dos exames bacteriológicos, micológicos e imuno-histoquímicos. As três gatas tinham entre 10 e 14 anos de idade e histórico clínico de emagrecimento e dispneia. As alterações radiográficas observadas foram similares, com aumento de radiopacidade difuso dos campos pulmonares de padrão misto broncointersticial e eventualmente alveolar. Dois felinos morreram durante procedimento de biópsia pulmonar. No exame de necropsia as lesões eram exclusivas no parênquima pulmonar os quais estavam firmes, hipocreptantes, com aspecto levemente multinodular em superfície pleural e não colapsaram após a abertura da cavidade torácica. Em região pleural havia lesões cicatriciais de aspecto estrelar multifocais, com retração do parênquima. Microscopicamente, todos os gatos apresentaram fibrose multifocal a coalescente, hiperplasia dos pneumócitos do tipo II e hiperplasia e hipertrofia do músculo liso de bronquíolos terminais e acúmulo de macrófagos no interior de espaços alveolares. Não houve crescimento nas culturas bacteriana e micológica, e os exames de imuno-histoquímica para avaliação de possíveis agentes virais (FIV, FeLV, FCoV, FCV e FHV-1) foram negativos em todos os felinos.

ABSTRACT: Interstitial lung diseases are a group of diffuse parenchymal lung diseases that include interstitial lung fibrosis. The aim of this study is to characterize the clinical and pathological findings of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in three cats and to investigate possible etiological agents through bacteriological and mycological exams and immunohistochemistry. All three cats were female and aged from 10 to 14 years old, they presented with a clinical history of weight loss and dyspnea. The radiographic changes were similar in all cats and included increased pulmonary radiopacity with a mixed bronchointerstitial pattern progressing to an alveolar pattern. Two cats died during lung biopsy procedures. At necropsy, the lesions were limited to the pulmonary parenchyma and were firm, hypocrepitant with a multinodular appearance on the pleural surface; they failed to completely collapse when the thorax was opened. In the pleural region, there were multifocal star-shaped scarring lesions, with parenchymal retraction. Microscopically, all three cats had multifocal-to-coalescing fibrosis, type II pneumocyte hyperplasia, hypertrophy or hyperplasia of the smooth muscle tissue of terminal bronchioles and an accumulation of macrophages within the alveolar spaces. There was no growth on bacteriological or mycological cultures, and the immunohistochemical evaluations for the presence of viral etiological agents (FIV, FeLV, FCoV, FCV and FHV-1) were also negative.

Surfactants are amphipathic compounds containing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups, capable to lower the surface or interfacial tension. Considering the advantages of the use of biosurfactants produced by microorganisms, the aim of this paper was to develop and characterize a biosurfactant produced by Streptomyces sp. DPUA1559 isolated from lichens of the Amazon region. The microorganism was cultured in a mineral medium containing 1% residual frying soybean oil as the carbon source. The kinetics of biosurfactant production was accompanied by reducing the surface tension of the culture medium from 60 to values around 27.14 mN/m, and by the emulsification index, which showed the efficiency of the biosurfactant as an emulsifier of hydrophobic compounds. The yield of the isolated biosurfactant was 1.74 g/L, in addition to the excellent capability of reducing the surface tension (25.34 mN/m), as observed from the central composite rotational design when the biosurfactant was produced at pH 8.5 at 28°C. The critical micelle concentration of the biosurfactant was determined as 0.01 g/mL. The biosurfactant showed thermal and pH stability regarding the surface tension reduction, and tolerance under high salt concentrations. The isolated biosurfactant showed no toxicity to the micro-crustacean Artemia salina, and to the seeds of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.). The biochemistry characterization of the biosurfactant showed a single protein band, an acid character and a molecular weight around 14.3 kDa, suggesting its glycoproteic nature. The results are promising for the industrial application of this new biosurfactant.

RESUMO: Através de um estudo retrospectivo, 493 gatos testados para FeLV e FIV foram selecionados para análise da associação entre as alterações hematológicas e a positividade no teste imunoenzimático. Variáveis individuais e hematológicas foram consideradas para verificar a influência dos resultados utilizando análise de regressão logística univariada e multivariada. Um total de 153 de 493 gatos avaliados foram positivos para o FeLV (31%), 50 foram positivos para o FIV (10,1%) e 22 foram positivos para FIV e FeLV (4,4%). Análise multivariada detectou uma associação significativa entre a infecção pelo FeLV e a idade abaixo de 1 ano (P=0,01), idade entre 1 a 10 anos (P=0,03) e raça mista (P=0,04). Gatos machos foram mais predispostos a serem positivos para FIV (P=0,002). Com base nas alterações hematológicas, gatos positivos para o FeLV tem maior odds para apresentar anemia, leucopenia e linfopenia que os negativos. Gatos positivos para FIV possuem maiores chances de apresentarem anemia que os gatos negativos. A identificação dos fatores associados à infecção relacionados ao perfil do animal e a correlação com os distúrbios hematológicos com a infecção, pode ser útil para detecção das doenças retrovirais em gatos.

ABSTRACT: Using a retrospective study, 493 cats tested for FeLV and FIV were selected for analysis of the association between hematologic findings and positivity at immunoassay test. Individual and hematologic variables were assessed considering the influence of results using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Out 153 of the 493 cats were positive for FeLV (31%), 50 were positive for FIV (10.1%) and 22 were positive for both FIV and FeLV (4.4%). Multivariate analysis detected significant associations between FeLV infection and age below 1 year (p=0.01), age from 1 to 10 years (p=0.03), and crossbreed (p=0.04). Male cats were more likely to be FIV-positive (p=0.002). Regarding hematological changes, FeLV-positive cats have higher odds to anemia, leukopenia and lymphopenia than FeLV-negative cats. FIV-positive cats are more likely to have anemia than negative. Identification of associated factors related to animal status and correlation of hematological disorders with infection by retroviruses in cats could be useful for detecting these retroviral diseases in cats.

Avaliou-se o efeito do teor de proteína da dieta sobre características testiculares em suínos, utilizando-se 21 suínos da raça Dalland, distribuídos aleatoriamente em três grupos. Os animais do G2 e G3 receberam dieta com porcentagens de proteína bruta de 15% para mais e para menos, respectivamente, em relação ao G1 (controle). Aos 210 dias de idade, os animais foram orquiectomizados e os testículos e epidídimos foram coletados para análises morfométricas e histomorfométricas. Observou-se efeito significativo da porcentagem de proteína sobre o comprimento e a largura dos testículos, e nenhuma diferença foi identificada em relação ao comprimento total dos túbulos seminíferos (G1=3239,9±333,3m; G2=2989,4±171,7m e G3=3059,5±254,9m), à população de células de Sertoli (G1=4,7±0,5x10(9); G2=4,3±0,3 x10(9) e G3=4,7±0,5x10(9)), à população (G1=31,6±5,58x10(9); G2=27,3±4,0x10(9) e G3=26,4±3,9x10(9)) e ao volume das células de Leydig (G1=1289,3±182,6µm³; G2=1179,1±85,4µm³ e G3=1133,3±37,8µm³) e à produção espermática (G1=5,9±0,9 x10(9); G2=5,6±0,6x10(9) e G3=5,1±0,3x10(9)). Os percentuais de proteína foram suficientes para a manutenção da espermatogênese nos diferentes grupos. Pode-se concluir que a magnitude da variação dos níveis de proteína usada em diferentes fases do desenvolvimento não foi suficiente para promover alterações significativas no desenvolvimento testicular e no processo espermatogênico em animais adultos.

Aiming to evaluate the effect of the diet protein content on testicular parameters in pigs, 21 non-gelded male Dalland pigs were used and randomly divided into three groups. Males belonging to groups G2 and G3 received a diet with crude protein levels of 15% below and above, respectively, in relation to G1 (control). At 210 days of age, animals were castrated, and testis and epididymis were collected for morphometric and histomorphometry analyses. No difference was observed in relation to the total length of seminiferous tubules (G1=3239.9±333,3m; G2=2989.4±171,7m and G3=3059.5±254.9m), population of Sertoli cell (G1=4.7±0.5x10(9); G2=4.3±0.3x10(9) and G3=4.7±0.5x10(9)), population (G1=31.6±5.58x10(9); G2=27.3±4.0x10(9) and G3=26.4±3.9x10(9)) and volume of Leydig cells (G1=1289.3±182.6µm³; G2=1179.1±85.4µm³ and G3=1133.3±37.8µm³) and sperm production (G1=5.9±0.9x10(9); G2=5.6±0.6x10(9) and G3=5.1±0.3x10(9)). Protein levels were sufficient to maintain spermatogenesis in different experimental groups. It can be concluded that the magnitude of variation in levels of protein used in different stages of development was not sufficient to promote significant changes in testicular development and spermatogenesis process in adult animals.

This study aimed to investigate the use of female condom (PF) by sex workers registered with the Municipal Health Department of the municipality of Rio Grande / RS. It is a descriptive and quantitative study, conducted in 2009 with 19 women, through the application of an individual questionnaire containing questions about sexual habits and use of FP. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the FURG in opinion No. 53/2009. The results found that 47.30% reported that they check their health status regularly, 58% already had contact with this type of condom in the health service and 73.55% claim never to have acquired an STI. Regarding sexual practices 68.45% reported using condoms only to prevent STDs, women who are already using PF practised vaginal sex and 47.30% do not see the advantages and 52.65% do not see the disadvantages of using the PF. It is important then that the health facilities, professionals including nurses, should be prepared to deal with health issues and counsel these women about the importance of condom use for health maintenance.

Este estudo objetivou investigar a utilização do preservativo feminino (PF) pelas profissionais do sexo cadastradas na Secretaria Municipal de Saúde do município do Rio Grande/RS. Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo e descritivo, realizado no ano de 2009 com 19 mulheres, por meio da aplicação de um questionário individual contendo questões sobre hábitos de saúde sexual e utilização do PF. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Furg sob parecer nº 53/2009. Nos resultados foi encontrado que 47,30% relataram que acompanham a sua situação de saúde regularmente; 58% tiveram contato com este tipo de preservativo no serviço de saúde e 73,55% afirmam nunca terem adquirido alguma DST. Quanto as práticas sexuais 68,45% relataram utilizar apenas o preservativo masculino para se prevenir das DST's; as mulheres que já utilizam o PF utilizaram no sexo vaginal e 47,30% não vêem as vantagens e 52,65% não vêem desvantagens em usar o PF. É importante então que nas unidades de saúde, os profissionais incluindo os enfermeiros, devem estar preparados para lidar com as questões de saúde dessas mulheres e orientação quanto a importância do uso do preservativo para a manutenção da saúde.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar el uso del condón femenino (PF) de trabajadoras sexuales registradas en el Departamento Municipal de Salud de la municipalidad de Rio Grande / RS. Es un estudio descriptivo y cuantitativo, realizado en 2009 con 19 mujeres, a través de la aplicación de un cuestionario individual que contiene preguntas sobre los hábitos sexuales y el uso del PF. El estudio fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética de la FURG en opinión N º 53/2009. Los resultados indicaron que 47,30% informó que acompañan a su estado de salud regularmente, el 58% había tenido contacto con este tipo de condones en los servicios de salud y 73,55% no afirman haber adquirido nunca una Infección de Transmisión Sexual (ETS). En cuanto a las prácticas sexuales 68,45% informó del uso de preservativos sólo para prevenir las ETS, las mujeres que ya están utilizando el PF practicaron sexo vaginal y el 47,30% no ve las ventajas y el 52,65% no ve las desventajas en el uso del PF. Es importante entonces que los establecimientos de salud, incluyendo enfermeras profesionales, estén preparados para afrontar los problemas de salud de estas mujeres y asesorarlas sobre la importancia del uso del condón para el mantenimiento de la salud.

Leprosy is caused by Mycobacterium leprae, which induces chronic granulomatous infection of the skin and peripheral nerves. The disease ranges from the tuberculoid to the lepromatous forms, depending on the cellular immune response of the host. Chemokines are thought to be involved in the immunopathogenesis of leprosy, but few studies have investigated the expression of chemokine receptors on leukocytes of leprosy patients. In the present study, we evaluated 21 leprosy patients (M/F: 16/5) with a new diagnosis from the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic of the University Hospital, Federal University of Minas Gerais. The control group was composed of 20 healthy members (M/F: 15/5) of the community recruited by means of announcements. The expression of CCR2, CCR3, CCR5, and CXCR4 was investigated by flow cytometry on the surface of peripheral blood lymphocytes. There was a decrease in percentage of CD3+CXCR4+ and CD4+CXCR4+ lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of leprosy patients (median [range], 17.6 [2.7-41.9] and 65.3 [3.9-91.9], respectively) compared to the control group (median [range], 43.0 [3.7-61.3] and 77.2 [43.6-93.5], respectively). The percentage of CD4+CXCR4+ was significantly lower in patients with the tuberculoid form (median [range], 45.7 [0.0-83.1]) of the disease, but not in lepromatous patients (median [range], 81.5 [44.9-91.9]). The CXCR4 chemokine receptor may play a role in leprosy immunopathogenesis, probably directing cell migration to tissue lesions in tuberculoid leprosy patients.

RESUMO Este trabalho registra pela primeira vez a ocorrência de seis espécies de Aleyrodidae e respectivas plantas hospedeiras no Estado de Roraima. Dentre os registros constam Aleurocanthus woglumi Ashby, praga quarentenária presente no Brasil (A2) e alguns inimigos naturais.

ABSTRACT This paper register new reports of six Aleyrodidae species and respective host plants from the state of Roraima, Brazil. Among the Aleyrodinae species, the reports concern Aleurocanthus woglumi Ashby, a quarantine pest present in Brazil (A2) and some natural enemies.

RESUMO Este artigo relata a primeira ocorrência do parasitoide Entedononecremnus bimaculatus Hansson & LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) no Brasil. O inseto foi encontrado parasitando ninfas de mosca-branca, Aleurodicus sp. (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), em pimenta-longa, Piper hispidinervum C. DC., no Município de Rio Branco, AC. O parasitismo foi de 27,2%, com a coleta de 22 exemplares do parasitoide.

ABSTRACT This paper reports the first occurrence of the parasitoid Entedononecremnus bimaculatus Hansson & LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) in Brazil. The insect was recorded on whitefly nymphs of Aleurodicus sp. (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), on Piper hispidinervum C. DC., in the county of Rio Branco, state of Acre, Brazil. The parasitism was 27.2%, with 22 specimens collected.

RESUMO Este é o primeiro registro de ocorrência do parasitoide Epoligosita mexicana Viggiani (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) no Brasil. O trabalho objetivou verificar parasitoides de ovos endofíticos ou de ninfas e/ou adultos de Leptopharsa heveae Drake e Poor (Hemiptera: Tingidae) em folíolos de cinco clones de seringueira na fazenda da empresa Plantações E. Michelin Ltda., Itiquira, MT. Além dos parasitoides de ovos de L. heveae, foi obtido um total de 49 exemplares de E. mexicana dos folíolos de seringueira. A metodologia utilizada nos ensaios não eliminava as posturas endofíticas de outros insetos, além daquelas de L. heveae e, como foi observada a presença de ninfas de cicadelídeos não identificados nos ensaios, não foi possível confirmar a associação de E. mexicana com ovos de L. heveae, já que a espécie tem como hospedeiros primários espécies de Cicadellidae.

ABSTRACT This is the first record of the parasitoid Epoligosita mexicana Viggiani (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) in Brazil. The objective of the study was to survey parasitoids of Leptopharsa heveae Drake and Poor (Hemiptera: Tingidae) eggs or nymphs and/or adults in rubber-tree folioles of 5 clones at the Plantações E. Michelin Ltda. farm, at Itiquira, MT, Brazil. Besides the L. heveae’s egg parasitoids, 49 specimens of E. mexicana were obtained from the rubber-tree folioles. The methodology employed in the surveys did not eliminate the endophytic postures of other insects, besides those of L. heveae. As nymphs of unidentified leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) were observed in the surveys, it is not possible to confirm the association of E. mexicana with L. heveae eggs, since the species has as primary hosts Cicadellidae species.

RESUMO Phyllocnistis citrella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), conhecido popularmente como “minador-dasfolhas-dos-citros”, é um dos principais insetos-praga da citricultura em vários países. Este trabalho teve como objetivos determinar as espécies e a variação sazonal de lepidópteros minadores e seus parasitoides, presentes na vegetação de crescimento espontâneo de um pomar orgânico de citros, a fim de verificar se P. citrella apresenta outras plantas como hospedeiras e se os parasitoides de outros minadores são os mesmos relatados para esta praga. O trabalho foi conduzido em Montenegro, RS, em um pomar do tangoreiro ‘Murcott’. Realizaram-se amostragens quinzenais, de maio/2003 a maio/2004, coletando-se em cada ocasião todas as folhas com minas, na área delimitada por um aro de 0,28 m2, que era lançado nas linhas e nas entrelinhas de 30 árvores sorteadas. No laboratório registrou-se o número de larvas e pupas de minadores por folha, mantidas até a emergência dos lepidópteros ou parasitoides. Registrou-se 11 espécies de lepidópteros minadores pertencentes às famílias Gracillariidae, Gelechiidae, Acrolepiidae, Nepticulidae e Tischeriidae; 15 espécies de plantas hospedeiras distribuídas em nove famílias e 12 espécies de himenópteros, das famílias Eulophidae e Braconidae. O número de larvas e pupas de minadores correlacionou-se negativamente com a temperatura média e a umidade relativa média. P. citrella não foi observada nas plantas espontâneas. Espécies de parasitoides incluídas nos gêneros Chrysocharis, Closterocerus, Sympiesis e Bracon já foram relatadas parasitando P. citrella em várias regiões do mundo e podem ser possíveis agentes de controle biológico deste inseto na área de estudo.

ABSTRACT Phyllocnistis citrella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), known popularly as “citrus leafminer,” is one of the main insect-pests of citrus orchards in many countries. This study was aimed to determine the species and the seasonal variation of Lepidoptera leafminers and their parasitoids, present in the vegetation spontaneously growing in a citrus orchard, to verify if P. citrella is present in other host plants and if the parasitoids of other leafminers are the same ones reported for this insect-pest. The work was conducted in Montenegro, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in an organic orchard of the Murcott cultivar. Samplings were taken fortnightly, from May 2003 to May 2004, collecting on each occasion all the plants with mines found in an area delimited by a 0.28m2 ring thrown in the lines and between the lines of 30 randomly chosen trees. In the lab, the number of larvae and pupae per leaf of leafminers were recorded. The leaves were maintained until emergence of leafminers or parasitoids. Counting revealed 11 species of Lepidoptera leafminers of the families Gracillariidae, Acrolepiidae, Nepticulidae and Tischeriidae; 15 species of leafminer host plants of 9 families, and 12 species of hymenopteran parasitoids of the families Eulophidae and Braconidae. The leafminers larvae and pupae presented a negative association with temperature and air relative humidity. P. citrella was not observed in the spontaneous plants. Parasitoid species included in the genera Chrysocharis, Closterocerus, Sympiesis and Bracon have been previous reported as parasitizing P. citrella in several countries, and could be possible agents of biological control of this insect in the study area.

Fruit shelf life (SL) is an important trait in the cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) that might be increased by introgressing exotic genes. However, this approach causes a reduction in fruit weight (W). The objective of this research was to analyse the inheritance patterns of both traits in an interspecific cross, in order to subsequently design the appropriate breeding strategy. Plant material included cv. Caimanta, accession LA722 of the exotic S. pimpinellifolium, and their F1, F2, BC I.1 (F1 x LA722) and BC I.2 (Caimanta x F1) generations. The genetic parameters, degree of dominance (d/a), broad sense heritability (H²), and narrow sense heritability (h²) were estimated for SL and W, and the phenotypic (r p) and the genetic (r g) correlations among them were calculated. The d/a were -1 and -0.86, H² were 0.35 and 0.45, and h² were 0 and 0.52, for W and SL respectively. The r p was 0.36 (p < 0.01) and r g was - 0.86. Genetic variance was generated for both fruit weight and shelf life from this interspecific tomato cross, the additive variance component being important for SL but null for W. Also, a strong association among opposite gene effects was detected for both traits.

Una característica importante en tomate cultivado (Solanum lycopersicum) es la vida en estantería de los frutos (VE), que puede ser incrementada por incorporación de genes exóticos. Esta alternativa, sin embargo, implica una reducción en el peso (Pe). El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar la herencia de ambos caracteres en un cruzamiento interespecífico, para aplicar luego esta información básica al delineamiento de estrategias de mejoramiento genético. Se utilizaron la cultivar Caimanta, la accesión exótica LA722 (S. pimpinellifolium) y las generaciones F1, F2, BC I.1 (F1 x LA722) y BC I.2 (Caimanta x F1). Se calcularon el grado de dominancia (d/a), la heredabilidad en sentido amplio (H²) y la heredabilidad en sentido estricto (h²) para Pe y VE, así como las correlaciones fenotípica (r f) y genética (r g) entre ellos. El d/a fue -1 y -0,86; H², 0,35 y 0,45; y h², 0 y 0,52, para Pe y VE respectivamente. La r f fue 0,36 (p < 0,01) y r g, - 0,86. Se generó variancia genética para los caracteres Pe y VE a partir de un cruzamiento interespecífico de tomate; el componente de variación aditiva fue importante para VE pero nulo para Pe, con una asociación fuerte entre efectos génicos opuestos para estos caracteres.