ABSTRACT This is the first report of Cotesia scotti (Valerio and Whitfield) comb. nov. in Brazil, attacking larvae of the black armyworm, Spodoptera cosmioides, and the southern armyworm, S. eridania. The moth larvae were found respectively, infesting a protected cropping of organic tomato in Hidrolândia, Goiás, Brazil, and a transgenic soybean crop in São José dos Pinhais, Paraná, Brazil. Biological, molecular and morphological characters were used to confirm the identity of the specimens. Parasitoid identification presented a challenge since the species has most diagnostic characters of the genus Cotesia Cameron, but few in the poorly defined genus Parapanteles Ashmead. Based on morphological and molecular evidence, we transfer Parapanteles scotti to the genus Cotesia. The new combination is discussed by comparison with morphologically similar species and available molecular data.

Cardiopulmonary bypass causes an inflammatory response and consumption of coagulation factors, increasing the risk of bleeding and neurological and renal complications. Its use during lung transplantation may be due to pulmonary hypertension or associated cardiac defects or just for better exposure of the pulmonary hilum. We describe a simple technique, or open pericardium retraction, to improve hilar exposure by lifting the heart by upward retraction of the pericardial sac. This technique permits lung transplantation without cardiopulmonary bypass when bypass use is recommended only for better exposure.

Lung transplantation is a well-established treatment for advanced lung diseases. In children, the diseases that most commonly lead to the need for a transplantation are cystic fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, and bronchiolitis. However, the number of pediatric lung transplantations being performed is low compared with the number of transplants performed in the adult age group. The objective of this study was to demonstrate our experience with pediatric lung transplants over a 10-year period in a program initially designed for adults.

A agricultura orgânica é um método de cultivo que visa o estabelecimento de sistemas agrícolas ecologicamente equilibrados e estáveis, economicamente produtivos e de elevada eficiência. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as características físicas, físico-químicas e sensoriais de cultivares de tomate de mesa cultivados em sistema orgânico e convencional. Dois experimentos foram realizados; no primeiro dez cultivares foram plantadas em sistema orgânico e os frutos em estádio de maturação 3 (quando apresentavam 60 a 90% na coloração róseo-vermelha ou vermelha da casca) foram avaliados quanto às características físicas e sensoriais, e a polpa (mesocarpo) em relação às características físico-químicas. No segundo, a cultivar Débora produzida nos sistemas orgânico e convencional foi comparada quanto às mesmas características. Os maiores teores de sólidos solúveis (SS) foram observados nas cultivares Milenium, Andréia e Tathy 1, seguidas pelas cultivares Giovanna 1, Colibri, Débora, Setcopa e Bonus 1. Os menores valores de acidez total (AT) foram verificados nas cultivares Colibri, Andréa, Tathy 1, Débora e Setcopa, que não diferiram entre si (p>0,05) e também não diferiram das cultivares Bônus-1 e Stillus. As cultivares Andréa e Tathy 1 apresentaram as maiores relações SS/AT, não diferindo (p>0,05) das cultivares Débora, Setcopa e Colibri. A cultivar Débora, cultivada no sistema orgânico, foi a mais preferida em relação aos atributos textura (maciez), cor externa e interna, além de apresentar a menor acidez, maior relação SS/AT e densidade. Conclui-se que mais se destacaram ao nível das necessidades do produtor (maior massa e densidade) as cultivares Setcopa, Milenium, Giovanna 1, Stillus, Thaty 1 e Colibri, enquanto que para o consumidor, cuja necessidade esta mais voltada aos aspectos sensoriais e físico-químicos (cor, aroma, sabor, textura, sólidos solúveis e acidez), destacaram-se as cultivares Débora, Bônus-1, Andréa, Setcopa, Stillus, Thaty 1 e Colibri. A cultivar Débora obteve menor massa, volume e diâmetro longitudinal quando cultivada em sistema orgânico, assim como maior teor de sólidos solúveis e menor acidez, que refletiu em maior aceitação quanto ao aroma, sabor e textura pelos consumidores.

Organic agriculture is a cultivation method that looks for the establishment of agricultural systems balanced and ecologically stable, economically productive and highly efficient. The objective of this work was to evaluate the physical, physico-chemical and sensory characteristics of tomato cultivars for fresh consumption grown on organic and conventional systems. Two experiments were carried out; on the first ten cultivars were grown under organic system and fruits at maturity stages 3 (when they presented 60 to 90% of pink-red color or red peel) were evaluated for physical, physicochemical and sensorial characteristics. On the second experiment, cultivar Deborah produced in organic and conventional systems was compared based on the same characteristics. The highest levels of soluble solids (SS) were observed in cultivars Milenium, Andréa and Tathy 1, followed by Giovanna 1, Colibri, Débora, Setcopa and Bonus 1. The cultivars Colibri, Andréa, Thaty 1, Débora and Setcopa had the lowest values for total acidity (AT) and they did not differ (p>0.05), among themselves, neither from cultivars Bonus-1 and Stillus. The cultivars Andréa and Tathy 1 had the highest ratio SS/TA and did not differ (p>0.05) from cultivars Débora, Setcopa and Colibri. Debora, when cultivated in the organic system was more preferred on attribute texture (tenderness), external and internal color, besides presenting a lower acidity, higher SS/TA ratio and density. It is concluded that the most outstanding, in terms of producer (greater mass and density) requirements, were the cultivars Setcopa, Milenium, Giovanna 1, Stillus, Thaty 1 and Colibri, while for the consumer, whose requirements are more focused on sensory and physico-chemical aspects (color, aroma, flavor, texture, soluble solids and acidity), cultivars Deborah, Bonus-1, Andrea, Setcopa, Stillus, Thaty 1 and Colibri stood out. Cultivar Deborah had lower mass, volume and longitudinal diameter when grown in organic system, as well as higher soluble solids and lower acidity, which resulted in greater acceptance for aroma, flavor and texture by consumers.

A gravidade dos fogos florestais em Portugal, a representatividade, combustibilidade e importância económica da fileira do eucalipto, e as mais-valias do fogo controlado na gestão de combustíveis recomendam que se examine a possibilidade de uso desta técnica na mitigação do risco de incêndio em eucaliptal. O projeto FIREglobulus visa criar a base científica para o desenvolvimento tecnológico do fogo controlado em plantações de Eucalyptus globulus. Agestão da biomassa combustível em plantações florestais de espécies de elevada combustibilidade é uma componente essencial da sua gestão racional, visando limitar o potencial do incêndio e permitindo combatê-lo em condições meteorológicas extremas, reduzir o seu impacto ecológico e aumentar o valor dos salvados. Este projeto estuda o comportamento e severidade do fogo através de queimas experimentais em eucaliptal efetuadas do Outono à Primavera, complementadas por ensaios em laboratório. A análise dos dados relaciona as características do fogo com os descritores do complexo combustível e outros fatores ambientais, analisa o desempenho dos modelos de comportamento do fogo existentes, e desenvolverá uma cadeia de relações preditivas que ligará o piro-ambiente (meteorologia, combustível), o comportamento do fogo, e os seus impactos no combustível e nas árvores. Apresentam-se resultados preliminares relativos à avaliação da humidade do combustível morto, sustentabilidade da propagação do fogo e consumo do combustível lenhoso. A exploração operacional dos resultados permitirá definir as condições adequadas de uso do fogo e que são conducentes à satisfação de objetivos de redução de combustíveis sem efeitos nefastos para o eucaliptal.

Eucalypt stands are an important economic resource as well as inherently flammable, hence contributing to the extent of the fire problem in Portugal. The advantages of prescribed burning as a fuel management technique warrant investigation of its feasibility in industrial eucalypt plantations. Project FIREglobulus seeks to establish the scientific basis for the technological development of prescribed burning in Eucalyptus globulus plantations. Treatment of fuels in highly flammable forest plantations is an essential component of their sustainable management, to limit the probability of fire, be able to suppress it under extreme weather, decrease its ecological impact and increase the value of salvaged wood. This project studies the behaviour and severity of experimental fires carried out from autumn to spring, supplemented by laboratory trials data. Data analysis relates fire characteristics with fuel complex descriptors and other environmental factors, examines the performance of currently available fire-behavior prediction models, and develops predictive relationships for the chain fire environment -fire behaviour -fire effects in Eucalyptus globulus. Here we present preliminary results concerning the assessment of fine dead fuel moisture content, fire spread sustainability, and woody fuel consumption. The operational use of the results will define the conditions under which the use of fire is suitable and that are conducive to meet fuel reduction targets without adverse tree effects.

Com o objetivo de avaliar produtos químicos no controle da mancha-bacteriana em tomate para processamento industrial, foram conduzidos dois ensaios na área experimental da Unilever Bestfoods, em Goiânia-GO. No primeiro, o híbrido Heinz 9992 foi inoculado com Xanthomonas perforans em blocos casualizados, com 15 tratamentos e três repetições. O segundo ensaio foi em blocos ao acaso com parcelas subdivididas com três repetições. A parcela principal foi "tratamento químico" (10 tratamentos) e a subparcela "híbrido" (Hypeel 108 e U2006). Inoculou-se X. perforans e X. gardneri. Em ambos os ensaios os produtos testados, em diferentes números de aplicações e regimes, foram: acibenzolar-S-metil (ASM); famoxadona + mancozebe; metiram + piraclostrobina; fosfito PK; cloretos de benzalcônio; óxido cuproso e hidróxido de cobre (SC, WP e WG). Em ambos os ensaios, foram avaliados severidade da doença nas folhas, número de frutos com sintomas e produtividade. No segundo ensaio avaliou-se também o número de frutos com escaldadura. No primeiro ensaio foram detectadas diferenças significativas (p>0,05) entre os tratamentos somente nas duas primeiras avaliações de severidade, mas nenhum dos tratamentos diferiu da testemunha. No segundo ensaio, para severidade foliar, foi detectada diferença significativa apenas para os híbridos na primeira avaliação. Para número de frutos com sintomas e escaldadura a interação entre os fatores "tratamento químico" e "híbrido" foi também significativa. Nas folhas, 'U2006' foi mais resistente do que 'Hypeel 108', que apresentou maior incidência de escaldadura, mas nos frutos ocorreu o inverso. Para produtividade, os dois fatores foram significativos. 'U2006' foi mais produtivo do que 'Hypeel 108'. Entre os 10 tratamentos químicos, apesar de nenhum ter diferido da testemunha, famoxadona + mancozebe, que resultou em maior produtividade, diferiu de hidróxido de cobre (WG), ASM - famoxadona + mancozebe e cloretos de benzalcônio. ASM e famoxadona + mancozebe foram os que promoveram uma relação benefício/custo superior a 1.

In order to evaluate chemical control of bacterial spot on tomato for industrial processing, two field trials were carried out at the Unilever Bestfoods experimental station, in Goiânia, Goias state, Brazil. The first trial was in a randomized complete block design, with 15 treatments and three replications, using the hybrid Heinz 9992 inoculated with Xanthomonas perforans. The second trial was in a split-plot randomized complete block design with chemical foliar applications (10 treatments) and hybrids (Hypeel 108 and U2006) as factors. Plants were inoculated with X. perforans and X. gardneri. In both trials the chemicals, in different number of applications and combinations, were: acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM); famoxadone + mancozeb; metiram + pyraclostrobin; phosphite PK; benzalkonium chlorides; cuprous oxide, and copper hydroxide (SC, WP and WG). For both trials, disease severity on leaves, number of fruits with symptoms and yield were evaluated. In the second one, sunscald was also evaluated. For the first trial, significant severity differences (p>0.05) among treatments were observed only in the first two evaluations, but none of them differed from the water check control. In the second trial, significant differences were detected only in foliar severity in first evaluation for hybrids. For number of fruits with symptoms and sunscald, besides hybrids, interaction among factors was also significant. 'U2006' was more resistant than 'Hypeel 108', which also had highest sunscald values, but concerning fruits with symptoms, the opposite was observed. The two factors were significant for yield data, 'U2006' yielded better than 'Hypeel 108'. Despite none of the treatments have differed in yield from the water control, famoxadone + mancozeb, which resulted in the highest yield, differed from copper hydroxide, ASM - famoxadone + mancozeb, and benzalkonium chlorides. ASM and famoxadone + mancozeb were those that promoted benefit/cost relation higher than 1.

OBJECTIVE: Experimental studies on lung preservation have always been performed using animal models. We present ex vivo lung perfusion as a new model for the study of lung preservation. Using human lungs instead of animal models may bring the results of experimental studies closer to what could be expected in clinical practice. METHOD: Brain-dead donors whose lungs had been declined by transplantation teams were used. The cases were randomized into two groups. In Group 1, Perfadex®was used for pulmonary preservation, and in Group 2, LPDnac, a solution manufactured in Brazil, was used. An ex vivo lung perfusion system was used, and the lungs were ventilated and perfused after 10 hours of cold ischemia. The extent of ischemic-reperfusion injury was measured using functional and histological parameters. RESULTS: After reperfusion, the mean oxygenation capacity was 405.3 mmHg in Group 1 and 406.0 mmHg in Group 2 (p = 0.98). The mean pulmonary vascular resistance values were 697.6 and 378.3 dyn·s·cm-5, respectively (p =0.035). The mean pulmonary compliance was 46.8 cm H20 in Group 1 and 49.3 ml/cm H20 in Group 2 (p =0.816). The mean wet/dry weight ratios were 2.06 and 2.02, respectively (p=0.87). The mean Lung Injury Scores for the biopsy performed after reperfusion were 4.37 and 4.37 in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (p = 1.0), and the apoptotic cell counts were 118.75/mm² and 137.50/mm², respectively (p=0.71). CONCLUSION: The locally produced preservation solution proved to be as good as Perfadex®. The clinical use of LPDnac may reduce costs in our centers. Therefore, it is important to develop new models to study lung preservation.

FUNDAMENTO: O nível da atividade nervosa simpática é um dos mais importantes determinantes prognósticos em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca. OBJETIVO: O propósito dessa investigação foi realizar um estudo de viabilidade do emprego do bloqueio simpático esquerdo por toracoscopia em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca (IC) para avaliar a segurança e os efeitos imediatos. MÉTODOS: Quinze pacientes com cardiomiopatia dilatada e fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE) < 40%, classe funcional II ou III (NYHA) e frequência cardíaca > 65 bpm, a despeito do uso adequado de beta-bloqueadores ou intolerantes a eles, forma selecionados. Dez pacientes foram submetidos à clipagem do espaço inter-espinhal em nível de T3-T4 e da porção inferior dos gânglios estrelados esquerdos através de videotoracocopia, enquanto outros cinco pacientes foram randomizados para um grupo controle. RESULTADOS: Nenhum dos pacientes operados apresentou qualquer evento cardiovascular adverso relacionado ao procedimento cirúrgico no período perioperatório. Dois pacientes do grupo cirúrgico morreram devido a tromboembolismo pulmonar ou infarto do miocárdio nos 6 meses de seguimento inicial, enquanto três pacientes do grupo controle apresentaram progressão da IC e morreram ou desenvolveram choque cardiogênico no mesmo período. Nos pacientes tratados, houve melhora na qualidade de vida, nível de atividade física e FEVE (de 25 ± 9% para 32 ± 8%, p=0,024) aos 6 meses de seguimento, enquanto esses parâmetros não se alteraram nos pacientes do grupo controle. CONCLUSÃO: O bloqueio simpático esquerdo via toracoscopia é factível e parece ser seguro em pacientes com IC grave. Esse estudo inicial sugere que esse procedimento pode ser uma abordagem alternativa eficaz para o bloqueio simpático no tratamento de cardiomiopatias dilatadas.

BACKGROUND: The level of sympathetic nervous activity is a major determinant of prognosis in patients with heart failure. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this investigation was to perform a proof-of-principle trial of therapeutic endoscopic left thoracic sympathetic blockade in heart failure patients to assess safety and immediate effects. METHODS: Fifteen patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 40%, New York Heart Association functional class II or III, and heart rate > 65 bpm, despite either adequate betablocker use or intolerant to it, were enrolled. Ten patients underwent left infra-stellate ganglion plus T3-T4 interspinal space clipping through videothoracoscopy, while the other five patients were randomized to a control group. RESULTS: None of the treated patients had any procedure-related adverse cardiovascular events at the perioperative period. Two patients from the surgical group died due to pulmonary thromboembolism or myocardial infarction within 6 months of the initial follow-up, while three patients from the control group had heart failure progression and died or developed cardiogenic shock during the same period. Treated patients presented improvement in quality of life, level of physical activity and LVEF (from 25 ± 9% to 32 ± 8%, p=0.024) at 6 months of follow-up, whereas these parameters did not change in control patients. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic left thoracic sympathetic blockade is feasible and appears to be safe in severe heart failure patients. This initial study suggests that this procedure might be an effective alternative approach to sympathetic blockade in the treatment of dilated cardiomyopathies.

FUNDAMENTO: El nivel de la actividad nerviosa simpática es uno de los más importantes determinantes pronósticos en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca. OBJETIVO: El propósito de esta investigación fue realizar un estudio de viabilidad del empleo del bloqueo simpático izquierdo por toracoscopia en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) para evaluar la seguridad y los efectos inmediatos. MÉTODOS: Quince pacientes con cardiomiopatía dilatada y fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo (FEVI) < 40%, clase funcional II o III (NYHA) y frecuencia cardíaca > 65 lpm, a despecho del uso adecuado de betabloqueantes o intolerantes a ellos, fueron seleccionados. Diez pacientes fueron sometidos a clipaje del espacio interespinal a nivel de T3-T4 y de la porción inferior de los ganglios estrellados izquierdos a través de videotoracocopia, mientras que otros cinco pacientes fueron randomizados para un grupo control. RESULTADOS: Ninguno de los pacientes operados presentó ningún evento cardiovascular adverso relacionado al procedimiento quirúrgico en el período perioperatorio. Dos pacientes del grupo quirúrgico murieron debido a tromboembolismo pulmonar o infarto de miocardio en los 6 meses de seguimiento inicial, mientras tres pacientes del grupo control presentaron progresión de la IC y murieron o desarrollaron shock cardiogénico en el mismo período. En los pacientes tratados, hubo mejora en la calidad de vida, nivel de actividad física y FEVI (de 25±9% a 32±8%, p=0,024) a los 6 meses de seguimiento, mientras que esos parámetros no se alteraron en los pacientes del grupo control. CONCLUSIÓN: El bloqueo simpático izquierdo vía toracoscopia es factible y parece ser seguro en pacientes con IC grave. Este estudio inicial sugiere que este procedimiento puede ser un abordaje alternativo eficaz para el bloqueo simpático en el tratamiento de cardiomiopatías dilatadas.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare spirometry data between patients who underwent single-lung or double-lung transplantation the first year after transplantation. INTRODUCTION: Lung transplantation, which was initially described as an experimental method in 1963, has become a therapeutic option for patients with advanced pulmonary diseases due to improvements in organ conservation, surgical technique, immunosuppressive therapy and treatment of post-operative infections. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of the 39 patients who received lung transplantation in our institution between August 2003 and August 2006. Twenty-nine patients survived one year post-transplantation, and all of them were followed. RESULTS: The increase in lung function in the double-lung transplant group was more substantial than that of the single-lung transplant group, exhibiting a statistical difference from the 1st month in both the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and the forced vital capacity (FVC) in comparison to the pre-transplant values (p <0.05). Comparison between double-lung transplant and single lung-transplant groups of emphysema patients demonstrated a significant difference in lung function beginning in the 3rd month after transplantation. DISCUSSION: The analyses of the whole group of transplant recipients and the sub-group of emphysema patients suggest the superiority of bilateral transplant over the unilateral alternative. Although the pre-transplant values of lung function were worse in the double-lung group, this difference was no longer significant in the subsequent months after surgery. CONCLUSION: Although both groups demonstrated functional improvement after transplantation, there was a clear tendency to greater improvement in FVC and FEV1 in the bilateral transplant group. Among our subjects, double-lung transplantation improved lung function.

Os estudos de levantamento populacional e distribuição vertical de Scaptocoris carvalhoi Becker foram realizados em área de pastagem de Paraúna, GO, entre os meses de novembro de 2004 e outubro de 2005. Em cada avaliação foram realizadas escavações de 1 m de profundidade, coletando os indivíduos e agrupando-os de acordo com a profundidade em que se localizavam no perfil do solo (0-20, 21-40, 41-60, 61-80 e 81-100 cm). Quando os insetos foram encontrados em quantidades baixas até 1 m, as escavações foram realizadas até 2 m de profundidade (junho, agosto e setembro de 2005). As ninfas foram predominantes durante todo o período. O número de adultos foi dependente das chuvas, constatando-se maior incidência com o incremento da precipitação. Ninfas e adultos mantiveram-se nas camadas superficiais do solo no período chuvoso e aprofundaram-se nos períodos de deficiência hídrica. No entanto, os adultos demonstraram menor tolerância ao estresse hídrico e aprofundaram-se logo no início da época seca, enquanto as ninfas o fizeram somente no final desse período. Os resultados obtidos nesse trabalho são semelhantes aos verificados para outras espécies de Scaptocoris, em outras regiões.

Studies on population dynamics and vertical distribution in the soil of Scaptocoris carvalhoi Becker were carried out in a pasture area in Paraúna, State of Goias, Brazil, from November 2004 to October 2005. One meter-deep holes were excavated in the soil, except on the season of lower precipitation, when 2-meter holes were excavated (June, August and September 2005). On each evaluation, the specimens were collected and grouped according to the depth they were found in the soil profile (0-20, 21-40, 41-60, 61-80 and 81-100 cm). Nymphs occurred during the entire length of the study and were more abundant than adults. Adult population augmented with the increase of rainfall. Nymphs and adults were located in the top layer of the soil during the rainy season and were found deeper in the soil during droughts. However, adults were less tolerant to hydric stress and burrowed deeper into the soil at the beginning of the dry season, while nymphs burrowed deeper only at the end of the season. Results of this study are in accordance to other studies on various species of Scaptocoris, in other regions of Brazil.

In children, chylothorax occurs mainly after cardiac and thoracic surgeries. One of the recommended postsurgery treatments is ligation of the thoracic tract, when all other conservative treatments have failed. We report 4 cases of chylothorax in patients who were successfully treated with this approach, which resulted in a decrease in pleural drainage without recurrent chylothorax.