ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate changes in germination and in the amount of carbohydrates, starch, proteins, and lipids of A. angustifolia seeds at different stages of development. Seeds were collected in the Cotyledonary Stage and Stages I, II, III and IV. Germination, moisture content, dry matter amount, and levels of carbohydrates, starch, proteins, lipids and fatty acids were determined. Both embryo and megagametophyte contained the starch as the large reserve content, while proteins and mainly lipids represented only a small proportion. During seed development, the highest values for germination, starch and soluble carbohydrate content were observed at stage IV. Although, soluble protein content had decreased from Cotyledonary Stage to Stage III, an increase at Stage IV was observed in the embryo. No difference was observed in lipid content. Linoleic acid was more abundant in fatty acids. Thus, A. angustifolia embryo showed an increase soluble protein content, an accumulation of dry matter and soluble carbohydrate content at Stage IV. It seems that these compounds collaborate to faster and higher germination.

Resumen Introducción: Los montes submarinos y las islas oceánicas son conocidos como “puntos calientes” de biodiversidad pelágica, los cuales son utilizados por especies altamente migratorias como corredores biológicos naturales. En el Pacífico Tropical Oriental se han establecido una serie de Áreas Marinas Protegidas (AMPs) cuyo objetivo principal es proteger y manejar los recursos marinos que se encuentran dentro de esta región. Sin embargo, muchas de estas AMPs no incluyen esquemas de protección absoluta, y ninguna cuenta con la capacidad de de proteger a las especies altamente móviles una vez que estas se desplazan fuera de sus límites. Objetivos: El objetivo del presente estudio es dar a conocer la primer evidencia de conectividad entre el Parque Nacional Isla del Coco (PNIC) y el monte submarino Las Gemelas ubicado dentro del Área Marina de Manejo Montes Submarinos (AMM-MS) registrada por un tiburón martillo hembra (Sphyrna lewini). Métodos: Entre mayo del 2015 y mayo del 2016 un tiburón martillo y un tiburón zorro (Alopias pelagicus) fueron marcados (V16, Vemco Ltd.) y monitoreados por una serie de receptores acústicos ubicados en el PNIC y en Las Gemelas. Los datos fueron analizados descriptivamente y se calculó el índice de residencia (IR). Resultados: S. lewini realizó viajes de ida y vuelta entre los sitios ubicados dentro del PNIC y el AMM-MS. El mayor número de detecciones registradas por S. lewini ocurrieron en Roca Sucia, y todas las detecciones tuvieron lugar durante las horas de la mañana (7:00 - 12:00 h). S. lewini exhibió una baja residencia (IR=0.02) y una presencia periódica en el área de estudio. Se detectó la presencia de A. pelagicus en Las Gemelas casi un año después de haber sido marcado en ese mismo lugar. Conclusiones: La presencia periódica de S. lewini entre estas dos AMPs, y la presencia de A. pelagicus en Las Gemelas sugiere que los movimientos entre las islas oceánicas de la región puede ser más complejo que simples movimientos de “ida y vuelta”, donde los montes submarinos juegan un papel importante en el desplazamiento de dichas especies. Nuestros resultados destacan la importancia de aumentar la protección a los montes submarinos y de crear corredores marinos que conecten las islas oceánicas con el fin de promover la conservación de especies altamente migratorias. Aunque la creación de AMPs alrededor de estas formaciones geológicas se ha propuesto como una manera efectiva de conservar y proteger la biodiversidad marina en aguas abiertas, su efectividad es solo parcial. Esta investigación resalta la importancia de estudiar la dinámica espacial de especies altamente migratorias con el objetivo de mejorar el diseño y la efectividad de AMPs ubicadas lejos del continente como es el caso del PNIC y el AMM-MS.

Abstract Introduction: Seamounts and oceanic islands are known as hotspots of pelagic biodiversity, which highly migratory species use as natural biological corridors. Although marine protected areas have been established in the Eastern Tropical Pacific with a goal to protect and manage region’s marine biodiversity, not all utilize or enforce a no-take policy, and none are capable of protecting highly mobile species once they move outside of the limit of these areas. Objective: We present the first evidence of shark connectivity between Cocos Island National Park (CINP) and Las Gemelas seamount located in the Seamounts Marine Management Area (SMMA), by a female scalloped hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini). Methods: Between May 2015 and May 2016 a scalloped hammerhead shark and a pelagic thresher shark (Alopias pelagicus) were tagged (V16, Vemco Ltd.) and monitored by an array of acoustic receivers installed at CINP and Las Gemelas. We analyzed the acoustic data descriptively and we calculated the residency index (IR). Results: S. lewini performed persistent movements between these two marine protected areas. All detections in Cocos Island occurred during the morning (7:00-12:00 h) and Roca Sucia was the most visited site. The shark shows a low residency (IR=0.02) and intermittent presence in the study area. We recorded the presence of A. pelagicus at Las Gemelas almost one year after it was tagged at the site. Conclusions: The persistent movements of S. lewini between these two pelagic marine protected areas, and the presence of a tagged A. pelagicus at Las Gemelas seamount, suggests that movements between oceanic islands in the region may be more complex than simple “back and forth” movements, with seamounts in between them acting as stepping stones, where they may also stay for periods of time. Our results emphasize the importance of granting greater protection to seamounts and creating connecting swimways to oceanic island hotspots for the conservation of pelagic and highly migratory species. Although the establishment of marine reserves around oceanic islands and seamounts have been proposed as an effective way to conserve and protect marine biodiversity in the high seas, their effectiveness is only partial. This study highlights the importance of studying the spatial dynamics of highly migratory species to help improve the design and efficiency of marine protected areas located in the high seas such as CINP and SMMA.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar la eficiencia y el cambio de productividad de las Cooperativas de Crédito de Paraná. El análisis consideró 45 unidades (cada cooperativa estudiada), cada una con 10 variables en cada período (8 inputs y 2 outputs). Esta evaluación ha tenido en cuenta los datos de la cooperativa de crédito trimestral, de enero de 2009 a julio de 2015 (27 períodos). La metodología incluía Análisis de Envoltura de Datos (DEA), Análisis de Componentes Principales (PCA) y Indice de Malmquist (MI). Los resultados mostraron que las DMUs 453, 498 y 517 se consideraron 100% eficientes en todos los períodos, considerando como puntos de referencia. No hubo casos en que una DMU no se considerara 100% eficiente en al menos una observación. El MI mostró que la diferencia entre el mayor y el menor promedio fue significativa (variando entre 19.837 para DMU 251 y 0.926 para DMU 450). El promedio entre todos los MI fue 4,735 con una desviación estándar de 3,547, evidenciando las diferentes medidas de eficiencia entre cada DMU en comparación con las otras.

ABSTRACT The aim of this paper is to evaluate the efficiency and productivity change of Paraná's Credit Union. The analysis considered 45 units (each credit union researched), each of one with 10 variables in each period (8 inputs and 2 outputs). This evaluation has taken into account quarterly credit union's data, from January 2009 to July 2015 (27 periods). The methodology included Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and Malmquist Index (MI) techniques. The results showed that DMUs 453, 498 and 517 were considered 100% efficient in all periods, making them ideal benchmarks. There was no case that a DMU was not considered 100% efficient in at least one observation. The MI showed that the difference between the biggest and the smallest average was significant (varying between 19.837 for DMU 251 and 0.926 for DMU 450). The average between all MI was 4,735 with a standard deviation of 3,547, evidencing the different measures of efficiency between each DMU when compared to the others.

Abstract This study described a broad clinical characterization of classical homocystinuria (HCU) in Brazil. This was a cross-sectional, observational study including clinical and biochemical data from 72 patients (60 families) from Brazil (South, n = 13; Southeast, n = 37; Northeast, n = 8; North, n = 1; and Midwest, n = 1). Parental consanguinity was reported in 42% of families. Ocular manifestations were the earliest detected symptom (53% of cases), the main reason for diagnostic suspicion (63% of cases), and the most prevalent manifestation at diagnosis (67% of cases). Pyridoxine responsiveness was observed in 14% of patients. Only 22% of nonresponsive patients on treatment had total homocysteine levels <100 mmol/L. Most commonly used treatment strategies were pyridoxine (93% of patients), folic acid (90%), betaine (74%), vitamin B12 (27%), and low-methionine diet + metabolic formula (17%). Most patients diagnosed with HCU in Brazil are late diagnosed, express a severe phenotype, and poor metabolic control. Milder forms of HCU are likely underrepresented due to underdiagnosis.

The authors investigated the effects of replacing a portion of a commercial broiler feed with false yam tuber meals on broiler growth performance, feed conversion rate (FCR) and blood parameters. Furthermore, wood charcoal was added at various levels to the meals to explore their potential to attenuate toxic effects. One hundred and sixty-eight 28-day-old healthy female broiler chickens (average initial bodyweight 1081.1 ± 66.20 g) were randomly assigned to 28 experimental groups (7 dietary treatments, 4 replicates) of six birds each, using a randomized complete block design. Dietary treatments included the control diet (commercial broiler feed) (C), raw false yam tuber meal (RFY) replacing 50 g/kg of the commercial broiler feed, false yam tuber meal soaked in water (SFY) replacing 150 g/kg of the commercial broiler feed, RFY with 30 g/kg and 60 g/kg wood charcoal, and SFY with 30 g/kg and 60 g/kg wood charcoal. Growth performance, feed intake and FCR were assessed over four weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected from 21 birds (three from each dietary treatment) to analyse haematological and serum biochemical parameters. Analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and simple regressions were used to evaluate the effects of the meals and charcoal. The results indicated that broilers fed 150 g/kg SFY had a significantly lower growth rate and poorest FCR. Consequently, highest bodyweights were observed for C and RFY diets. Additionally, blood serum proteins were below the references ranges for birds fed SFY, particularly with additional charcoal. In contrast, RFY could be included at 50 g/kg in broiler chicken diets without any adverse effects on their performance and blood (serum) parameters. Anti-nutritional substances contained in SFY at this substitution level are harmful to the birds, irrespective of whether charcoal is added or not. In contrast, RFY could replace commercial feed at the studied level (50 g/kg).

Abstract About 75% of the population of Metlatónoc, Guerrero, México, lives in extreme poverty (ENSANUT, 2012), which increases the probability of having health problems, regarding their hygiene and nutrition. In order to facilitate tools which can allow this population to improve their control over their decisions with respect to their health and disease prevention, a community-based program based on life skills and the Framework for Enabling Intrinsic Empowerment (Pick y Sirkin, 2010) was implemented. Thirty five promoters were trained through an experiential workshop, who replicated it with 4,728 people -mostly women-. To evaluate the program effect, a self-report questionnaire was applied; a longitudinal design (pre, post and follow-up) was used with the promoters and a pre-post with control group with the target population. With both groups, positive statistically significant effects were found in most of the variables: knowledge, attitudes and target behaviors, life skills, psychosocial barriers, personal agency and intrinsic empowerment. Findings are discussed in light of their contribution to diminish the vulnerability of this population, and strengthen their potential for development.

Resumen Alrededor del 75% de los habitantes de Metlatónoc, Guerrero, viven en pobreza extrema (ENSANUT, 2012), lo que aumenta sus probabilidades de padecer problemas de salud, fundamentalmente en materias de higiene y nutrición. Para proporcionar a esta población herramientas que mejoren el control sobre la toma de decisiones que afectan su salud y prevenir enfermedades, se implementó un programa comunitario basado en habilidades para la vida y en el Marco para Facilitar el Empoderamiento Intrínseco (Pick y Sirkin, 2010). Se impartió un taller para formar a 35 promotores, quienes lo replicaron con la población meta siguiendo una metodología participativa y vivencial, llegando a 4,728 personas -casi todas mujeres-. Para evaluar el efecto del programa se aplicó un cuestionario de autorreporte; con los promotores se utilizó un diseño longitudinal: pre, post y seguimiento, y con la población meta un diseño pre-post con grupo control. Se encontraron efectos favorables y significativos en gran parte de las variables evaluadas (conocimientos, actitudes y conductas meta, habilidades para la vida, barreras psicosociales, agencia personal y empoderamiento intrínseco), en ambos tipos de participantes. Los hallazgos se discuten a la luz de su contribución para disminuir la vulnerabilidad de las personas y potenciar su desarrollo.

We used ultraviolet, optical and infrared data of eleven HII regions in the Magellanic Clouds in order to determine their physical parameters and chemical abundances. The photoionization modeling of six HII regions in the LMC and five HII regions in the SMC, allowed us to derive the abundances of He, C, N, O, Ne, S and Ar, which were compared with those obtained in the literature for HII regions, PN, and stars. The abundances were obtained by adjusting models of the CLOUDY code to the observed line intensities. The observations obtained at the Observatório Pico dos Dias of [S II] λ6717/λ6731 line ratios for HII regions in the SMC allowed the determination of the electron density with a high precision. Furthermore, the IUE data on [C III] λ1909 lines were used to determine the abundance of carbon of six and five HII regions in the LMC and SMC, respectively.

Usamos datos en la región ultravioleta, visible e infrarroja de 11 regiones HII en las Nubes de Magallanes, a fin de determinar sus parámetros físicos y abundancias químicas. Así, hacemos un modelo de fotoionización de seis regiones HII en la Gran Nube de Magallanes (GNM) y cinco regiones HII en la Pequeña Nube de Magallanes (PNM), lo cual nos permite calcular las abundancias de He, G, N, O, Ne, S y Ar. Los valores calculados se comparan con los encontrados en la literatura para regiones HII, nebulosas planetarias y estrellas. Obtuvimos los valores de las abundancias ajustando modelos del código CLOUDY para las intensidades de línea observadas. Además, las observaciones en el Observatorio Pico dos Dias de [S II] λ6717/λ6731 para regiones HII en la PNM nos permiten determinar la densidad electrónica. Los datos IUE de las líneas [C III] λ1909 se usan para determinar la abundancia de C de seis y cinco regiones HII en la GNM y en la PNM, respectivamente.

Este estudo objetivou estabelecer um protocolo de criopreservação para culturas embriogênicas de A. angustifolia, possibilitando a conservação ex situ da espécie. Culturas embriogênicas foram estabelecidas a partir de sementes imaturas e tratadas com variações das soluções crioprotetoras SuDG, SoD e PVS2 antes da imersão em nitrogênio líquido. A viabilidade celular foi avaliada após 30, 60 e 90 dias de recrescimento. O maior recrescimento sem alterações morfológicas e composição bioquímica normal foi obtido com a solução PVS2 com 40 min de imersão em etanol (-20 °C). Este procedimento abre novos horizontes para a conservação ex situ dos recursos genéticos da espécie.

This study aimed to establish a cryopreservation protocol for embryogenic cultures of A. angustifolia, enabling the ex situ conservation of the species. Embryogenic cultures were established from immature seeds and treated with variations of the cryoprotectant solutions SuDG, SoD and PVS2 prior to immersion in liquid nitrogen. Cell viability was evaluated after 30, 60 and 90 days of re-growth. The highest re-growth without morphological alterations and with normal biochemical composition was obtained with the PVS2 solution with 40 min immersion in ethanol (-20 °C). This procedure opens new horizons for the ex situ conservation of the species genetic.

Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, avaliar a nutrição mineral e a resposta do pinhão-manso à adubação potássica, bem como se a espécie pode absorver K da fração não-trocável do solo. O estudo foi conduzido em estufa plástica, em blocos casualizados com quatro repetições. Plantas de pinhão-manso foram cultivadas em vasos plásticos preenchidos com 50 dm³ de um Latossolo Vermelho Escuro testando-se as doses de 0, 40, 80, 120 e 160 mg K dm-3 do solo; após 150 dias do plantio foram mensurados altura, diâmetro de colo e área foliar das plantas e se determinou massa seca, teores foliares e acúmulo total de macro e micronutrientes, além dos teores de K trocável e K não-trocável do solo. O balanço do K no sistema solo-planta também foi calculado. O aumento da adubação potássica resulta em maior absorção de K, Ca e Mn mas não altera a produção de massa seca total do pinhão-manso. A espécie é capaz de disponibilizar e absorver K da fração não-trocável do solo.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the mineral nutrition and the response of physic nut to potassium fertilization as well as to assess whether the species can absorb K from the non-exchangeable soil fraction. The study was conducted in a greenhouse, in randomized blocks, and with four repetitions. Physic nut plants were cultivated in plastic recipients filled with 50 dm³ of a Dark Red Latosol fertilized with rates of 0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 mg K dm-3 of soil. One hundred and fifty days after planting, the height, stem diameter and leaf area of the plants were measured, and the dry mass, concentration in leaf and total accumulation of macro and micronutrients were determined, as well as the soil contents of exchangeable and non-exchangeable K. The K balance in the soil-plant system was also calculated. The increase of potassium fertilization resulted in a greater uptake of K, Ca and Mn but did not alter the total dry mass production of physic nut. The species can release and absorb K from the non-exchangeable soil fraction.

O sistema plantio direto (SPD) é uma técnica eficiente no controle da erosão do solo porém alguns estudos indicam a ocorrência de compactação, principalmente na camada superficial. Estratégias que elevem o teor de matéria orgânica, como a rotação de culturas e a adubação orgânica, podem ser utilizadas para resolver este problema. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de sistemas de manejo (rotação e sucessão de culturas) e adubações (mineral, orgânica e organomineral) sobre as propriedades físicas do solo e a produtividade do milho, de 2006 a 2008. As avaliações foram realizadas em fevereiro de 2007, após a colheita do milho de verão, e em setembro de 2008, após a colheita do milho safrinha. A rotação de culturas promoveu redução na densidade e resistência do solo à penetração e elevação na macroporosidade e porosidade total. O uso de fontes orgânicas de adubação não apresentou efeito sobre os atributos físicos do solo. Na safra de verão a produtividade do milho foi superior na sucessão de culturas e na adubação mineral; entretanto, na safrinha não houve diferença entre os sistemas de manejo nem entre as adubações.

No-tillage system is an efficient technique in control of soil erosion, when compared with conventional tillage, however, some studies indicate higher compaction under no-tillage, mainly in the surface layer. Strategies that increase the organic matter content, as crop rotation and organic fertilization, can be used to solve the soil compaction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of soil managements (crop succession and crop rotation) and fertilization (organic, mineral and organic-mineral) in the physical properties of the soil, under no-tillage system, from 2006 to 2008. The evaluations were carried out in February 2007, after the summer corn harvest, and in September 2008, after the winter corn harvest. Crop rotation decreased the soil density and soil resistance to penetration and increased the macroporosity and total porosity. The use of organic sources of fertilization did not affect any of the physical attributes of soil. The yield of summer corn was highest in succession crop and mineral fertilization, however, in the winter, there was no difference between the soil managements and among the fertilizations.

No presente trabalho foram investigadas as condições para a indução, estabilização e proliferação de culturas embriogênicas de A. angustifolia. Foram também descritos os padrões de morfogênese e histodiferenciação de culturas embriogênicas e embriões somáticos desta espécie em resposta a diferentes fontes e concentrações de carboidratos. Embriões zigóticos no estágio pré-cotiledonar, inoculados em meio de cultura BM, suplementados com 5 µM de 2,4-D, 2 µM de BAP e Kin e 3% de maltose ou sacarose resultaram em uma taxa de indução de 66,7%. A fonte de carbono afetou a taxa de indução, a multiplicação e a morfologia das culturas. Culturas embriogênicas mantidas em meio de cultura BM suplementado com maltose apresentaram morfologia bipolar. Embriões somáticos globulares foram obtidos em meio de cultura BM suplementado com PEG e maltose. Os resultados obtidos permitirão avançar na direção de um protocolo regenerativo in vitro visando à conservação e o melhoramento genético desta espécie.

The aim of the present work was to establish in vitro conditions for the induction, stabilization and proliferation of embryogenic cultures of A. angustifolia. Pre-cotyledonary staged zygotic embryos inoculated BM medium supplemented with 5 µM 2,4- D, 2 µM BAP and Kin, and 3% maltose or sucrose resulted in 66.7% induction rate. The rate of induction of embryogenic cultures was affected by the carbon source, as well the multiplication and morphology of the embryogenic cultures. Embryogenic cultures maintained in BM medium with maltose presented bipolar morphology. Globular somatic embryos were obtained BM medium with 9% (PEG) and (9%) maltose. These results could establish an in vitro regenerative protocol towards the conservation and improvement of this important species.

OBJETIVO: Este trabalho teve por objetivo fazer uma revisão bibliográfica, relatar e discutir o caso clínico de um paciente com fenômeno de Marcus Gunn. DESCRIÇÃO: Criança de 5 anos de idade, sexo feminino, hígida. Nos primeiros meses de vida, em consulta de puericultura, foi detectada alteração no olho direito, que, a princípio, parecia tratar-se de estrabismo. Após consultas com vários oftalmologistas, não se alcançou um diagnóstico preciso. Já aos 4 anos de idade, após exame realizado por oftalmologista pediátrico, confirmou-se o diagnóstico do fenômeno de Marcus Gunn. O restante do exame físico, incluindo exame neurológico, estava normal. Por se tratar de ptose palpebral leve, sem outras patologias associadas, optou-se por uma conduta conservadora. COMENTÁRIOS: Este relato visa alertar os pediatras com relação ao fenômeno de Marcus Gunn, que ainda é pouco conhecido. A partir deste conhecimento, o pediatra poderá identificar o fenômeno, possibilitando o encaminhamento precoce para a abordagem de complicações ou condições associadas, além de diagnóstico diferencial com outros tipos de ptose palpebral.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to review existing literature on the subject and to report on and discuss a case of Marcus Gunn Phenomenon. DESCRIPTION: A five year-old female, otherwise a healthy patient, while still a few months old, was seen by a pediatrician who detected a disorder of the right eye, initially believed to be strabismus, at a follow-up childcare consultation. Several ophthalmologists failed to establish a precise diagnosis. After a pediatric ophthalmologist had examined the child at four years of age, a diagnosis of Marcus Gunn Phenomenon, otherwise known as jaw-winking phenomenon, was confirmed. Apart from this anomaly, physical, ophthalmological, and neurological examinations were normal. Since ptosis was mild and no association with strabismus, amblyopia or other conditions was established, no surgical procedures were necessary until now. COMMENTS: This report is an alert to pediatricians regarding the presence of this largely unknown phenomenon, making it possible for pediatricians to identify the phenomenon, refer the patient to an ophthalmologist, and establish differential diagnosis from other, more severe forms of ptosis, requiring more aggressive treatment.

Based on features of the holotype and seven Brazilian specimens examined under stereomicroscope, light microscope, and scanning electron microscope, Eunice rubra Grube, 1856 is redescribed, allowing for intraspecific variation and providing informationon characters not included in a previous redescription. Characters important for the taxonomy of the genus varied widely, although in some cases because of fixation artefacts.

Culturas embriogênicas de A. angustifolia foram induzidas a partir de embriões zigóticos dominantes e não-dominantes excisados de sementes imaturas provenientes de três diferentes genótipos, em cinco datas de coleta. Os embriões zigóticos foram inoculados em meio de cultura LP e BM suplementados ou não com 2,4-D (5 µM), BA (2 µM) e Kin (2 µM). O genótipo da planta doadora e o estádio de desenvolvimento do explante influenciaram significativamente a freqüência de indução. Na fase de manutenção, as culturas embriogênicas foram mantidas em ciclos contínuos de subcultivo a cada 20 dias em meios semi-sólidos ou líquidos. Na fase de maturação, foram testados fontes e níveis de fitorreguladores, agentes osmóticos, carboidratos e derivados. Meios de cultura suplementados com PEG 3350 (6 e 9%), maltose (6 e 9%), BA e Kin (1 µM cada) foram efetivos no desenvolvimento de embriões somáticos nos estádios globular e torpedo.

Embryogenic cultures of Araucaria angustifolia were induced from dominant and non-dominant zygotic embryos excised from immature seeds proceeding from three different genotypes and five harvest dates. Zygotic embryos were inoculated in inductive culture medium LP and BM supplemented with or without plant growth regulators 2,4-D (5 µM), BA (2 µM) and Kin (2 µM). The genotype of the mother tree and the developmental explant stage affected the induction frequency. In the maintenance phase, embryogenic cultures were maintained at continuous repetitive cell cycles every 20 days in semi-solid or liquid medium. In the maturation phase the culture medium was supplemented with different types and levels of growth regulators, osmotic agents, carbohydrates and derived. Embryogenic cultures inoculated in culture medium supplemented with PEG 3350 (6 and 9%), maltose (6 and 9%), plus BA and Kin (1 µM each) resulted in the progression of somatic embryos to globular and torpedo developmental stages.

Diversas espécies de rãs terrestres, tartarugas e insetos desenvolveram mecanismos para resistência ao congelamento, como o aumento dos níveis de glicose, proteínas anticongelantes e enzimas antioxidantes. Neste estudo, verificou-se a importância da glicose para a crioresistência de dois anfíbios anuros: a rã Rana catesbeiana e o sapo Bufo paracnemis. Os animais foram expostos a -2ºC para medidas de glicemia, conteúdo de glicogênio muscular e hepático, hematócrito e volume celular das hemácias. As rãs sobreviveram à exposição, enquanto os sapos não. A glicemia aumentou de 40,35 ± 7,25 para 131,87 ± 20,72 mg/dl (P < 0.01) quando as rãs foram transferidas de 20 para -2ºC. Este acúmulo de glicose em resposta à exposição ao frio foi acompanhado por uma redução (P < 0.05) no conteúdo de glicogênio hepático de 3,94 ± 0,42 para 1,33 ± 0,36 mg/100 mg de tecido, indicando que o catabolismo do glicogênio hepático foi, provavelmente, a principal fonte de carbono para a síntese de glicose, enquanto o glicogênio muscular parace ser de menor importância. Nos sapos, a hiperglicemia induzida pelo frio foi relativamente menor (de 27,25 ± 1,14 para 73,72 ± 13,50 mg/dl; P < 0.05) e não verificou-se variação significativa no conteúdo de glicogênio muscular e hepático. A exposição a -2ºC não teve efeito sobre o hematócrito das rãs, mas reduziu significativamente (P < 0.01) o hematócrito dos sapos de 20,0 ± 2,1% para 5,8 ± 1,7%, devido a uma redução do volume das hemácias (de 1532 ± 63 para 728 ± 87 mm³). Quando glicose foi injetada nos sapos, a glicemia elevou-se a níveis similares àqueles das rãs e o hematócrito não variou, mesmo assim os sapos não se tornaram crioresistentes. Em conclusão, a deficiência no catabolismo da glicose, induzido pelo frio, não parece ser o único mecanismo responsável pela intolerância ao congelamento de Bufo paracnemis, uma espécie não tolerante ao congelamento.

Several species of terrestrially hibernating frogs, turtles and insects have developed mechanisms, such as increased plasma glucose, anti-freeze proteins and antioxidant enzymes that resist to freezing, for survival at subzero temperatures. In the present study, we assessed the importance of glucose to cryoresistance of two anuran amphibians: the frog Rana catesbeiana and the toad Bufo paracnemis. Both animals were exposed to -2ºC for measurements of plasma glucose levels, liver and muscle glycogen content, haematocrit and red blood cell volume. Frogs survived cold exposure but toads did not. Blood glucose concentration increased from 40.35 ± 7.25 to 131.87 ± 20.72 mg/dl (P < 0.01) when the frogs were transferred from 20 to -2ºC. Glucose accumulation in response to cold exposition in the frogs was accompanied by a decrease (P < 0.05) in liver glycogen content from 3.94 ± 0.42 to 1.33 ± 0.36 mg/100 mg tissue, indicating that liver carbohydrate reserves were probably the primary carbon source of glucose synthesis whereas muscle carbohydrate seems unimportant. In the toads, the cold-induced hyperglycaemia was less (P < 0.05) pronounced (from 27.25 ± 1.14 to 73.72 ± 13.50 mg/dl) and no significant change could be measured in liver or muscle glycogen. Cold exposition had no effect on the haematocrit of the frogs but significantly reduced (P < 0.01) the haematocrit of toads from 20.0 ± 2.1% to 5.8 ± 1.7% due to a decreased red blood cell volume (from 1532 ± 63 to 728 ± 87 mm³). When toads were injected with glucose, blood glucose increased to levels similar to those of frogs and haematocrit did not change, but this failed to make them cryoresistent. In conclusion, the lack of cold-induced glucose catabolism may not be the only mechanism responsible for the freeze intolerance of Bufo paracnemis, a freeze-intolerant species.