RESUMO O presente estudo teve por objetivo determinar o potencial apícola de Croton heliotropiifolius Kunth, baseado na sua estratégia de floração, características florais, recursos florais ofertados, frequência e atividade de forrageamento de indivíduos de Apis mellifera L. às flores na Fazenda Ingazeira, Brasil. C heliotropiifolius possui flores díclinas e inconspícuas agrupadas em densas inflorescências terminais, em que cada indivíduo produz 560 ± 60 inflorescências, com 59 ± 12 flores pistiladas e 160 ± 26 flores estaminadas, tendo cada flor estaminada a capacidade de produzir aproximadamente 6 × 10 3 grãos de pólen. Embora ambas as flores produzam néctar ( 2 , 8 ± 0 , 8 e 0 , 3 ± 0 , 06 μL , nas flores pistiladas e estaminadas, respectivamente), os espécimes de A. mellifera concentraram suas visitas nas flores estaminadas (98%), com pico das visitações registrados entre 08:00-11:00 h. Foi estimado que nas atividades de forrageamentos, essa abelhas removem em média 405 grãos de pólen por visita em cada flor, desta forma, como um indivíduo da espécie estudada pode produzir aproximadamente 5 , 376 × 10 8 grãos de pólen, tal quantidade é suficiente para suportar até 33 ciclos de visitações de uma colônia de A. mellifera. Além disso, C. heliotropiifolius apresentou um padrão de floração anual, com altas produções de flores por cinco meses, manifestando estratégia de floração cornucópia, representando uma característica importante por favorecer na maior disponibilização de recursos florais nos ambientes. Portanto, esses dados demostram o grande potencial de C. heliotropiifolius para a apicultura na região.

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to determine the beekeeping potential of Croton heliotropiifolius Kunth (Euphorbiaceae) based on flowering strategy, floral characteristics, available floral resources, and the individuals frequencies and foraging activities of Apis mellifera L. on its flowers in Fazenda Ingazeira, Brazil. Each C. heliotropiifolius plant possessed inconspicuous diclinous flowers clustered into 560 ± 60 dense terminal inflorescences containing 59 ± 12 pistillate and 160 ± 26 staminate flowers. Although both types of flowers produced nectar (pistillate: 2.8 ± 0.8 μL ; staminate: 0.3 ± 0.06 μL ), A. mellifera workers mostly visited staminate flowers (98%) during the peak visitation period (08:00-11:00 h). Moreover, during the foraging period, each plant produced approximately 5.376 × 10 8 pollen grains, ensuring approximately 33 visitation cycles from a colony of A mellifera workers that picked up an average of 405 pollen grains per visit per flower. Further, C. heliotropiifolius showed an annual cornucopia flowering strategy with high flower production for five months, which is an important characteristic that ensures floral resource availability in the environment. These findings suggest that C. heliotropiifolius has a great potential for apiculture in this region.

ABSTRACT: Chemical and physical properties of soil can be altered with the successive application of liquid swine manure (LSM), also known as slurry. Therefore, monitoring the impact of LSM is essential to an assessment of the potential agronomic and environmental benefits and risks associated with management practices. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of LSM on the chemical and physical attributes of soil under pasture (Cynodon spp.), located in southern Brazil. Four areas were sampled: three areas cultivated with Cynodon spp. pasture with successive applications of 200 m3 ha–1 y–1 of LSM for three, eight and 15 years; and untreated native forest as a reference. The soil attributes evaluated were: organic carbon (OC), active (pH water) and potential acidity (H + Al+ 3), nutrient availability (i.e., P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu and Zn), soil bulk density, macro, micro and total porosity. Successive applications of LSM on pasture reduced soil active acidity, and increased the soil organic C and plant-available N, P, Ca, Mg, Cu and Zn contents. These effects were more intense with time and in the shallowest layers, i.e. 0-10 cm. Excessive increases in P, Cu and Zn in the soil should be carefully monitored to minimize the contamination risks to soil, ground and surface waters. Soil physical attribute changes were more associated with land use (pasture versus native forest) than LSM use, and LSM applications induced slight improvements in the soil structural quality over time.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of two laser wavelengths, either separate or combined, on intact rat livers. METHOD: Nineteen male Wistar rats (200-300 g) were submitted to laser irradiation at 5 different sites on the liver surface.Wavelengths 660 and 780 nm were used, with a dose of irradiation of 60 J/cm2/site.The animals were divided into the groups:control (C) and animals irradiated with 660 nm laser (L1), with 780 nm laser (L2) or withboth wavelengths (L3).Mitochondrial function, mitochondrial swelling, and hepatocellular malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined.Data were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney test, with the level of significance set at 5%. RESULTS: There was a reduction of ADP-activated respiration (state 3) in group L1 compared to group C (p=0.0016), whereas the values of group L2 were similar to control.Group L3 also showed a reduction of state 3 (p=0.0159).There was a reduction of RCR in group L1 compared to control (p=0.0001) and to group L2 (p=0.0040).Mitochondrial swelling only differed between group L3 and control (p=0.0286).There was a increase in MDA levels in group L3 compared to control (p=0.0476) and to group L2 (p=0.0286) and in group L1 compared to group L2 (p=0.0132). CONCLUSION: Although laser irradiation reduced mitochondrial function,it did not interfere with the hepatocellular energy status.

Abstract Objective To analyze the association between sociodemographic, clinical, surgical and environmental variables and the occurrence of hypothermia. Methods Cross-sectional and analytical study conducted with 105 adult patients of both genders. The Pearson’s coefficient showed a correlation between the patients’ temperature with the duration of the anesthetic-surgical period, the stay in the operating room, and the average temperature in the operating room. Results Of the 105 (100%) participants, 73 (69.5%) were female and 85 (81%) were adults. Hypothermia occurred in 98 (93.3%) patients. The average temperature was 36.1°C at the start of anesthetic procedure, with gradual decrease, reaching the average of 34°C. At the beginning of anesthetic induction, 29 (27.6%) patients had ear temperature <36 ° C and 60 minutes after induction, 78 (85.7%) patients were hypothermic, with an average temperature of 35.2 ° C. At the end of anesthesia, 93 (88.6%) patients had hypothermia with a minimum temperature of 31.4ºC. Conclusion There was no significant correlation between the patient’s average temperature and the average temperature of the operating room. The variables of female gender, combined anesthesia, duration of the procedure and the length of stay in the operating room were statistically significant to predict hypothermia.

Resumo Objetivo Analisar a associação entre variáveis sociodemográficas, clínicas, cirúrgicas e ambientais e ocorrência de hipotermia. Métodos Estudo transversal e analítico, realizado com 105 pacientes adultos de ambos os sexos. O coeficiente de Pearson verificou a correlação entre a temperatura dos pacientes com a duração do período anestésico-cirúrgico, a permanência na sala de operações e a média de temperatura na sala cirúrgica. Resultados Dos 105 (100%) participantes, 73 (69,5%) era do sexo feminino e 85 (81%) na idade adulta. A hipotermia ocorreu em 98 (93,3%) dos pacientes. No início do procedimento anestésico, a média de temperatura foi de 36,1°C, com diminuição gradativa atingindo 34°C de média. No início da indução anestésica, 29 (27,6%) pacientes apresentavam temperatura auricular <36°C e, 60 minutos após a indução, 78 (85,7%) pacientes encontravam-se hipotérmicos e com temperatura média de 35,2°C. Ao final do procedimento anestésico, 93 (88,6%) pacientes tiveram hipotermia com valor mínimo de 31,4ºC. Conclusão Não houve correlação significativa entre a média de temperatura do paciente e as médias de temperatura da sala cirúrgica. As variáveis sexo feminino, anestesia combinada, duração do procedimento e o tempo de permanência na sala cirúrgica foram estatisticamente significantes para predizer hipotermia.

Resumo Objetivo Analisar a associação entre variáveis sociodemográficas, clínicas, cirúrgicas e ambientais e ocorrência de hipotermia. Métodos Estudo transversal e analítico, realizado com 105 pacientes adultos de ambos os sexos. O coeficiente de Pearson verificou a correlação entre a temperatura dos pacientes com a duração do período anestésico-cirúrgico, a permanência na sala de operações e a média de temperatura na sala cirúrgica. Resultados Dos 105 (100%) participantes, 73 (69,5%) era do sexo feminino e 85 (81%) na idade adulta. A hipotermia ocorreu em 98 (93,3%) dos pacientes. No início do procedimento anestésico, a média de temperatura foi de 36,1°C, com diminuição gradativa atingindo 34°C de média. No início da indução anestésica, 29 (27,6%) pacientes apresentavam temperatura auricular <36°C e, 60 minutos após a indução, 78 (85,7%) pacientes encontravam-se hipotérmicos e com temperatura média de 35,2°C. Ao final do procedimento anestésico, 93 (88,6%) pacientes tiveram hipotermia com valor mínimo de 31,4ºC. Conclusão Não houve correlação significativa entre a média de temperatura do paciente e as médias de temperatura da sala cirúrgica. As variáveis sexo feminino, anestesia combinada, duração do procedimento e o tempo de permanência na sala cirúrgica foram estatisticamente significantes para predizer hipotermia.

Abstract Objective To analyze the association between sociodemographic, clinical, surgical and environmental variables and the occurrence of hypothermia. Methods Cross-sectional and analytical study conducted with 105 adult patients of both genders. The Pearson’s coefficient showed a correlation between the patients’ temperature with the duration of the anesthetic-surgical period, the stay in the operating room, and the average temperature in the operating room. Results Of the 105 (100%) participants, 73 (69.5%) were female and 85 (81%) were adults. Hypothermia occurred in 98 (93.3%) patients. The average temperature was 36.1°C at the start of anesthetic procedure, with gradual decrease, reaching the average of 34°C. At the beginning of anesthetic induction, 29 (27.6%) patients had ear temperature <36 ° C and 60 minutes after induction, 78 (85.7%) patients were hypothermic, with an average temperature of 35.2 ° C. At the end of anesthesia, 93 (88.6%) patients had hypothermia with a minimum temperature of 31.4ºC. Conclusion There was no significant correlation between the patient’s average temperature and the average temperature of the operating room. The variables of female gender, combined anesthesia, duration of the procedure and the length of stay in the operating room were statistically significant to predict hypothermia.

A utilização de resíduos urbanos compostados como fonte de nutrientes na agricultura é uma alternativa econômica de descarte deste material. Todavia, devido à diversidade dos materiais que compõem estes resíduos, há a necessidade de estudos constantes sobre os efeitos de sua utilização nas propriedades químicas do solo e na produtividade das culturas. Objetivou-se avaliar o potencial fertilizante de um composto de lixo urbano (CLU) nas culturas de girassol e milho e seu efeito nas propriedades químicas de um Latossolo Vermelho. Realizou-se experimento de campo com tratamentos compostos por doses de 0 Mg ha-1, 10 Mg ha-1, 20 Mg ha-1, 30 Mg ha-1 e 40 Mg ha-1 de CLU e adubação mineral conforme a recomendação de cada cultura. Os resultados indicaram aumento no pH do solo de 6 para 6,5, com a adição do CLU. A acidez potencial do solo diminuiu linearmente de 3,0 cmol c dm-3 para 2,4 cmol c dm-3, contribuindo para o acréscimo no índice SMP, o que refletiu no aumento da capacidade de troca de cátions do solo. A saturação por bases aumentou de 77% para 85%, devido, principalmente, ao acréscimo nos teores de cálcio e magnésio. O CLU proporcionou produtividade de grãos de girassol semelhante à da adubação mineral, nas doses de 10 Mg ha-1, 20 Mg ha-1 e 30 Mg ha-1, sendo que, na dose de 40 Mg ha-1, foi significativamente superior. A produtividade de grãos de milho em doses iguais ou superiores a 20 Mg ha-1 de CLU não diferiu da adubação mineral. O CLU apresentou potencial fertilizante, podendo substituir a adubação mineral nas culturas de girassol e milho.

The use of composted urban waste as a source of nutrients in agriculture is an economic alternative for discarding this material. However, due to the diversity of materials that compose this waste, long term studies on its effects on soil chemical attributes and crop yield are necessary. This study aimed at evaluating the potential of urban waste compost (UWC) as a fertilizer for sunflower and maize crops, as well as its effects on the chemical attributes of an Oxisol. A field experiment, with UWC doses of 0 Mg ha-1, 10 Mg ha-1, 20 Mg ha-1, 30 Mg ha-1 and 40 Mg ha-1 and mineral fertilization according to the recommendation for each crop, was carried out. The results showed an increase in soil pH from 6 to 6.5, with the UWC application. The soil potential acidity decreased linearly from 3.0 cmol c dm-3 to 2.4 cmol c dm-3, contributing to the SMP index increase, what reflected on the increase of the soil cation exchange capacity. The bases saturation increased from 77% to 85%, mainly due to the increase in calcium and magnesium levels. The use of UWC resulted in sunflower grain yield similar to that for mineral fertilization, at 10 Mg ha-1, 20 Mg ha-1 and 30 Mg ha-1, being significantly higher at 40 Mg ha-1. The maize grain yield at or above 20 Mg ha-1 of UWC did not differ from the mineral fertilization. The UWC presented potential to replace the mineral fertilization for sunflower and maize crops.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a função mitocondrial do fígado remanescente (FR) na fase precoce da regeneração hepática em ratos após hepatectomia parcial (HP) a 70%. MÉTODOS: Sessenta ratos machos Wistar (200 - 250g) submetidos à HP a 70%, foram distribuídos em cinco grupos de acordo com o tempo de eutanásia e com aplicação ou não de luz laser: C= Controle,tempo zero; 2 minutos, 4, 6 e 24 horas após HP. O laser foi utilizado na dose 22.5 J/cm², 660 nm, no FR.Estudou-se o estado 3 (respiração ativada por ADP), estado 4 (respiração mitocondrial basal), razão de controle respiratório,estado 3/estado 4 (RCR) e o potencial de membrana mitocondrial(PMM). RESULTADOS: A função mitocondrial do FR alterou-se no período de 4 e 6 horas após a HP com aumento significativo do estado 3 e aumento concomitante do estado 4, com manutenção da RCR. O PMM apresentou diferença significativa entre os grupos bioestimulados com laser e o controle a partir de 4 horas pós HP, com queda importante do grupo sem laser e tendência a equiparação dos valores após 24 horas. CONCLUSÃO: A luz laser, na dose utilizada no presente estudo, não induziu lesão adicional ao FR e parece ter retardado a sobrecarga hepatocelular do fígado remanescente.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the mitochondrial function of the remnant liver (RL) in the early phase of liver regeneration in rats after 70% partial hepatectomy (PH). METHODS: Sixty male Wistar rats (200-250g) submitted to 70% PH were divided into five groups according to the time of euthanasia and application or not of laser light: C = Control, time zero; 2 minutes, 4, 6 and 24 hours after PH. The dose of laser radiation was 22.5 J/cm², wavelength of 660 nm (visible/red), in the remnant liver. We studied the respiration activated by ADP (state 3), basal mitochondrial respiration (state 4), respiratory control ratio (RCR) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). RESULTS: The mitochondrial function of RL changed at 4 and 6 hours after PH, with a significant increase in state 3 and a concomitant increase in state 4 and with maintenance of RCR. MMP differed significantly between the groups biostimulated with laser radiation and the control group 4 hours after HP, with a substantial reduction in the non-laser groups. CONCLUSION: The laser light at the dose used in this study did not induce additional damage to the RL and seems to have delayed the hepatocellular metabolic overload of the remnant liver.

OBJETIVOS: Verificar a diversidade de criadouros e tipos de imóveis freqüentados por fêmeas de Aedes albopictus e Aedes aegypti. MÉTODOS: O estudo foi realizado nos anos de 2002 e 2003 no bairro de Campo Grande, Rio de Janeiro, RJ. Realizou-se pesquisa larvária em diferentes tipos de imóveis. As larvas encontradas foram identificadas em laboratório. A freqüência de larvas dessas duas espécies foi computada nos diversos criadouros disponíveis. Foram calculados os índices de infestação predial e de Breteau, as diferenças foram testadas pelo qui-quadrado. RESULTADOS: Os tipos de imóveis positivos para os aedinos foram: residências (83,9% do total); igrejas, escolas, clubes (6,8%); terrenos baldios (6,4%); e comércios (2,8%). Das 9.153 larvas, 12,0% eram de Aedes albopictus e 88,0% de Aedes aegypti. Para aquela espécie, os recipientes onde foram mais encontradas foram ralos (25,4%), latas, garrafas, vasilhames (23,9%) e vasos com plantas (16,2%). Aedes aegypti mostrou-se mais freqüente nos criadouros que Aedes albopictus (chi2=145,067, p<0,001). Também ocorreu diferença significante na freqüência dessas espécies em criadouros artificiais do que em naturais (chi2=31,46; p<0,001). O índice de infestação predial e índice de Breteau para Aedes albopictus foram respectivamente em 2002 (0,3%; 0,28), em 2003 (0,4%; 0,5); para Aedes aegypti, em 2002 (1,0%;1,16) e 2003 (3,5%; 4,35). CONCLUSÕES: Verificou-se a freqüência das fêmeas de Aedes albopictus e Ae. aegypti em variados tipos de criadouros e tipos de imóveis para postura. A oferta abundante de recipientes artificiais inservíveis nas residências, associada à capacidade de Ae. albopictus de freqüentar também os criadouros naturais, contribui sobremaneira para sua adaptação gradativa ao meio antrópico.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the diversity of oviposition containers and buildings where females of Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti can be found. METHODS: A study was carried out in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Southern Brazil, between 2002 and 2003. Larvae in different types of buildings were investigated, and immature forms found were then sent to the laboratory for identification. The larval frequency for both mosquitoes was estimated in the oviposition containers available. The Breteau index and the building infestation index were calculated and differences were tested using the Chi-square test. RESULTS: The types of buildings that were positive for Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti were: dwellings (83.9%); churches, schools, clubs (6.8%); vacant land (6.4%); and businesses (2.8%). Of 9,153 larvae collected, 12.0% were Aedes albopictus and 88.0% were Aedes aegypti. Aedes albopictus were mostly found in drains (25.4%); cans, bottles, empty bottles (23.9%); and plant vases (16.2%). Aedes aegypti was much more frequently found than Aedes albopictus (chi2=145.067; p<0.001). Both species were significantly more frequent in artificial than in natural oviposition containers (chi2=31.46; p<0.001). The building infestation index and Breteau index for Aedes albopictus were 0.3% and 0.28% in 2002 and 0.4% and 0.5 in 2003, respectively. For Aedes aegypti, they were 1.0%, 1.16 in 2002 and 3.5% and 4.35 in 2003, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The present study assessed the frequencies of Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti females in various types of oviposition containers and types of buildings. The abundant availability of artificial containers in dwellings, associated with the capacity of Ae. albopictus to be also found in natural oviposition containers, has greatly contributed for their gradual adaptation to human environment.

OBJETIVOS: Verificar a diversidade de criadouros e tipos de imóveis freqüentados por fêmeas de Aedes albopictus e Aedes aegypti. MÉTODOS: O estudo foi realizado nos anos de 2002 e 2003 no bairro de Campo Grande, Rio de Janeiro, RJ. Realizou-se pesquisa larvária em diferentes tipos de imóveis. As larvas encontradas foram identificadas em laboratório. A freqüência de larvas dessas duas espécies foi computada nos diversos criadouros disponíveis. Foram calculados os índices de infestação predial e de Breteau, as diferenças foram testadas pelo qui-quadrado. RESULTADOS: Os tipos de imóveis positivos para os aedinos foram: residências (83,9% do total); igrejas, escolas, clubes (6,8%); terrenos baldios (6,4%); e comércios (2,8%). Das 9.153 larvas, 12,0% eram de Aedes albopictus e 88,0% de Aedes aegypti. Para aquela espécie, os recipientes onde foram mais encontradas foram ralos (25,4%), latas, garrafas, vasilhames (23,9%) e vasos com plantas (16,2%). Aedes aegypti mostrou-se mais freqüente nos criadouros que Aedes albopictus (chi2=145,067, p<0,001). Também ocorreu diferença significante na freqüência dessas espécies em criadouros artificiais do que em naturais (chi2=31,46; p<0,001). O índice de infestação predial e índice de Breteau para Aedes albopictus foram respectivamente em 2002 (0,3%; 0,28), em 2003 (0,4%; 0,5); para Aedes aegypti, em 2002 (1,0%;1,16) e 2003 (3,5%; 4,35). CONCLUSÕES: Verificou-se a freqüência das fêmeas de Aedes albopictus e Ae. aegypti em variados tipos de criadouros e tipos de imóveis para postura. A oferta abundante de recipientes artificiais inservíveis nas residências, associada à capacidade de Ae. albopictus de freqüentar também os criadouros naturais, contribui sobremaneira para sua adaptação gradativa ao meio antrópico.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the diversity of oviposition containers and buildings where females of Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti can be found. METHODS: A study was carried out in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Southern Brazil, between 2002 and 2003. Larvae in different types of buildings were investigated, and immature forms found were then sent to the laboratory for identification. The larval frequency for both mosquitoes was estimated in the oviposition containers available. The Breteau index and the building infestation index were calculated and differences were tested using the Chi-square test. RESULTS: The types of buildings that were positive for Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti were: dwellings (83.9%); churches, schools, clubs (6.8%); vacant land (6.4%); and businesses (2.8%). Of 9,153 larvae collected, 12.0% were Aedes albopictus and 88.0% were Aedes aegypti. Aedes albopictus were mostly found in drains (25.4%); cans, bottles, empty bottles (23.9%); and plant vases (16.2%). Aedes aegypti was much more frequently found than Aedes albopictus (chi2=145.067; p<0.001). Both species were significantly more frequent in artificial than in natural oviposition containers (chi2=31.46; p<0.001). The building infestation index and Breteau index for Aedes albopictus were 0.3% and 0.28% in 2002 and 0.4% and 0.5 in 2003, respectively. For Aedes aegypti, they were 1.0%, 1.16 in 2002 and 3.5% and 4.35 in 2003, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The present study assessed the frequencies of Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti females in various types of oviposition containers and types of buildings. The abundant availability of artificial containers in dwellings, associated with the capacity of Ae. albopictus to be also found in natural oviposition containers, has greatly contributed for their gradual adaptation to human environment.

Lutzomyia intermedia (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) and L. whitmani (Antunes & Coutinho, 1939) (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae), two important vectors of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in Brazil, occur in sympatry in the locality of Posse county, Petrópolis municipality, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We investigated the influence of the lunar cycle on the frequency of specimens of the two species caught while attempting to bite the collectors and in CDC light traps. Analysis of the numbers of sand flies captured in different lunar phases for two consecutive years in the peridomestic site and forest shows that there is a significant positive correlation between moonlight intensity and the numbers of L. intermedia and L. whitmani females collected while blood-feeding, whereas the opposite was observed for the CDC traps.