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For decades, inbreeding in cattle has been evaluated using pedigree information. Nowadays, inbreeding coefficients can be obtained using genomic information such as runs of homozygosity (ROH). The aims of this study were to quantify ROH and heterozygosity‐rich regions (HRR) in a subpopulation of Guzerá dual‐purpose cattle, to examine ROH and HRR islands, and to compare inbreeding coefficients obtained by ROH with alternative genomic inbreeding coefficients. A subpopulation of 1733 Guzerá animals genotyped for 50k SNPs was used to obtain the ROH and HRR segments. Inbreeding coefficients by ROH (FROH), by genomic relationship matrix based on VanRaden's method 1 using reference allele frequency in the population (FGRM), by genomic relationship matrix based on VanRaden's method 1 using allele frequency fixed in 0.5 (FGRM_0.5), and by the proportion of homozygous loci (FHOM) were calculated. A total of 15,660 ROH were identified, and the chromosome with the highest number of ROH was BTA6. A total of 4843 HRRs were identified, and the chromosome with the highest number of HRRs was BTA23. No ROH and HRR islands were identified according to established criteria, but the regions closest to the definition of an island were examined from 64 to 67 Mb of BTA6, from 36 to 37 Mb of BTA2 and from 0.50 to 1.25 Mb of BTA23. The genes identified in ROH islands have previously been associated with dairy and beef traits, while genes identified on HRR islands have previously been associated with reproductive traits and disease resistance. FROH was equal to 0.095 ± 0.084, and its Spearman correlation with FGRM was low (0.44) and moderate‐high with FHOM (0.79) and with FGRM_0.5 (0.80). The inbreeding coefficients determined by ROH were higher than other cattle breeds' and higher than pedigree‐based inbreeding in the Guzerá breed obtained in previous studies. It is recommended that future studies investigate the effects of inbreeding determined by ROH on the traits under selection in the subpopulation studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate in a laboratory setting the performance of two reciprocating glide path systems, WaveOne Gold Glider (WO) and R‐Pilot (RP), to create a glide path in mesial root canals of mandibular molars and to assess the torsional resistance of instruments after performing the glide path. Methodology: A total of 60 mesial root canals of extracted human mandibular molars were divided into two groups (n = 30) according to the glide path system to be used. The data from the volume of each canal, acquired by microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT), were validated statistically for the anatomical pairing of the groups. Preparation time, frequency in gaining apical patency, plastic deformation rate of instruments, and canal transportation and centring ability were recorded and compared statistically. The torsional fatigue of the instruments after use was also evaluated. Data were analysed using Fisher's exact test and Mann–Whitney U‐test with a 5% significance level. Results: No significant differences were found between groups regarding the time required to perform the glide path, the frequency distributions of the canals classified as patent and the instruments with plastic deformation after use (P > 0.05). No significant differences were found between groups regarding the degree of canal transportation and centring ability at the cervical, middle and apical thirds (P > 0.05). The RP groups had significantly greater maximum torsional strength values compared with the WO groups (P < 0.05). The used WO group had greater angular deflection to fracture when compared to the new WO group (P < 0.05). A significant difference was also found in the percentage of loss of angular deflection in a comparison of the WO group with the RP group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The WO and RP instruments performed the same in terms of preparation time, plastic deformation, gaining apical patency, degree of canal transportation and centring ability. The RP instruments had greater torsional strength, less angular deflection and lower percentage of loss in angular deflection than the WO. The used WO group had the greatest angular deflection values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) of rats with maternal apical periodontitis (AP) and to explore the effect of maternal inflammation on the initial steps of insulin signalling and the inflammatory pathway in the gastrocnemius muscle (GM) and periepididymal white adipose tissue (pWAT) of adult offspring. Methodology: Fifteen female Wistar rats were distributed into a control group (CN), a group with 1 tooth with AP (1AP) and a group with 4 teeth with AP (4AP). Thirty days following induction of AP, female rats from all groups were mated with healthy male rats. When male offspring reached 75 days of age, plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin and TNF‐α were quantified. Insulin resistance was evaluated by the homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) index. Phosphorylation status of pp185 tyrosine, insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS‐1) serine, IκB kinase α/β (IKKα/β) and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) in the GM and pWAT were measured by Western blot. Analysis of variance was performed, followed by the Tukey's post hoc test. P values <0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Results: Maternal AP promoted insulin resistance, impaired the initial steps of insulin signalling, significantly increased plasma concentrations of insulin (P < 0.001) and TNF‐α (P < 0.05), and enhanced IKKα/β phosphorylation in the GM and pWAT (P < 0.05) of adult offspring. However, maternal AP did not affect fasting glycaemia and JNK phosphorylation in the GM and pWAT of adult offspring. Conclusions: Maternal AP was associated with insulin resistance in adult offspring through alterations in insulin signalling and inflammation pathways. The study provides information on the impact of maternal AP on the development of metabolic alterations such as insulin resistance in adult offspring and reinforces the importance of preventing maternal AP in order to maintain the general health of offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the bond strength and adhesive interface between several resin cements and root dentine immediately and 6 months after radiotherapy. Methodology: Sixty maxillary canines were selected and randomly assigned to two groups (n = 30): one group was not irradiated and the other one was subjected to a cumulative radiation dose of 60 Gy. The teeth were sectioned to obtain roots 16 mm long and the canals were prepared with the Reciproc system (R50) and filled using a lateral condensation technique with an epoxy resin sealer. Each group was divided into three subgroups (n = 10) according to the resin cement used for fibreglass fibre post cementation: RelyX‐U200, Panavia‐F2.0 and RelyX ARC. The posts were cemented in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Three 1‐mm‐thick dentine slices were then obtained from each root third. The first two slices in the crown‐apex direction of each third were selected for the push‐out test. The failure mode after debonding was determined with a stereo microscope. The third slice from each root third was selected for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses to examine the resin cement–dentine interface with 100, 1000, 2000 and 4000× magnification. Bond strength data were analysed by anova and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). Results: Significantly lower bond strength (P < 0.0001) was obtained after irradiation compared to nonirradiated teeth. RelyX‐U200 cemented fibre posts had the higher bond strength (15.17 ± 5.89) compared with RelyX ARC (P < 0.001) and Panavia‐F2.0 (P < 0.001). The evaluation after 6 months revealed lower bond strength values compared to the immediate values (P < 0.001) for irradiated and nonirradiated teeth. Cohesive failures occurred in the irradiated dentine. SEM revealed fractures, microfractures and fewer collagen fibres in irradiated root dentine. RelyX‐U200 and Panavia‐F2.0 were associated with a juxtaposed interface of the cement with the radicular dentine in irradiated and nonirradiated teeth, and for RelyX ARC, hybrid layer formation and tags were observed in both irradiated and nonirradiated teeth. Conclusion: Radiation was associated with a decrease in the push‐out bond strength and with lower resin cement/root dentine interface adaptation. Self‐adhesive resin cement was a better alternative for fibre post cementation in teeth subjected to radiation therapy. The bond strength decreased after 6 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Choline is an essential nutrient in poultry diets because it performs various important metabolic functions. The objective of this study was to re‐evaluate the choline requirements of male broiler chickens from 1 to 21 days of age at two levels of methionine. Two assays using 2,160 Cobb® chickens (1,080 in each assay) were conducted. The study design was completely randomized and consisted of six treatments and six replicates, with 30 animals per experimental unit. The semipurified basal diet was formulated with corn, soya bean meal, soya protein concentrate, starch and sugar, providing 390 mg/kg choline and 0.593% digestible methionine (requirement level) in Assay 1 and a reduction of about one‐quarter in the requirement level of digestible methionine (0.440%) in Assay 2. Choline chloride (62.5%) was added by a supplementation technique to both basal diets to compose crescent levels of choline supplementation (715, 1,040, 1,365, 1,690 and 2,015 mg/kg). The weight gain responses were fitted using quadratic polynomial (QP) and broken‐line (BL) models. The ideal intake of choline (mg/bird.day) was estimated from the first intercept of the QP with the BL plateau (BL + QP). The results showed that the diet with the 25% reduction in digestible methionine limited the maximum weight gain by approximately 10%. The choline requirements of broilers from 1 to 7, 1 to 14 and 1 to 21 days of age were 27,013, 44,458 and 62,535 mg/bird.day, respectively, for the requirement level of digestible methionine and 26,796, 41,820 and 56,578 mg/bird.day for the broilers receiving the diet with the 25% reduction in digestible methionine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objective: Excess body weight negatively impacts health, but there are few evaluations of low‐intensity weight management challenge programs in defined populations. This study examined weight change in adults who participated in the LOSE IT to WIN IT (LIWI) health challenge in a US community. The community‐level impact on body mass index was also explored. Methods: Body weight was analysed over 1 year in the cohort of LIWI enrolees, stratified by participants who were healthy weight or overweight/obese at baseline. Secondarily, a multiple cross‐sectional analysis compared the 2.5‐year trends in body mass index between community adults who did vs. did not participate in LIWI. Results: LOSE IT to WIN IT participants who were overweight/obese lost a mean (95% confidence interval) 1.6 (1.2, 2.0) kg (~2%) over 1 year (p < 0.001), whereas healthy weight participants lost 0.7 (0.3, 1.1) kg. Across the community, LIWI participants and non‐participants both gained 0.4 kg m−2 over the 2.5‐year study period (p = 0.884). Conclusions: LOSE IT to WIN IT was modestly effective among enrolees, resulting in a small weight loss of 2% over 1 year among those who were overweight/obese. However, LIWI did not impact weight gain in the community. To slow such community‐level weight gain trends, weight management challenges must reach larger fractions of the populations that they target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents: Sperm DNA fragmentation is a condition that interferes directly in the reproductive efficiency. Currently, there are several methods for assessing the sperm DNA integrity, such as Alkaline Comet, TUNEL and Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay. However, many of these techniques are laborious and require high‐precision equipment. Thus, the development of new techniques can optimize the evaluation of sperm DNA damage. Therefore, the aim of this study was to standardize the toluidine blue (TB) stain technique for the analysis of DNA fragmentation of dog, cat, bull, stallion and ram spermatozoa. For this purpose, we used six animals of each specie (n = 30), in reproductive age. Sperm was collected by different methods according to the particularities of each species, and such samples were divided into two aliquots: a sperm sample was kept at 5°C (considered as intact sperm DNA), and the remaining samples were submitted to the induction of DNA fragmentation by exposure to ultraviolet light for 4 hr. Samples were then mixed with the intact sample to obtain known and progressive proportions of sperm with fragmented DNA (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%). Semen smears were performed and subjected to staining with TB. Blue‐stained spermatozoa were considered to have DNA fragmentation. We observed high linear regression coefficients between the expected proportion of damaged DNA and the results of TB for dog, cat, ram, bull and stallion samples. In conclusion, TB stain was considered a fast and effective technique for the study of spermatozoa DNA in several species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To evaluate the effect of ultrasonic and sonic activation of two root canal sealers on interfacial adaptation and push-out bond strength (BS) to root canal dentine. Methodology The root canals of seventy-eight roots of maxillary canines were prepared with NiTi rotary instruments under irrigation with 2.5% NaOCl and 17% EDTA. Canals were filled by lateral condensation of gutta-percha and AH Plus ( n = 39) or MTA Fillapex ( n = 39). Three subgroups ( n = 13) were formed according to sealer activation: no activation (NA), sonic activation (SA, 20 s) and ultrasonic activation (US, 20 s). In three specimens of each subgroup, 0.1% rhodamine B was added to the sealer. Three 1-mm-thick slices were obtained from each root third. The first and second were used for push-out BS test and the third for a qualitative analysis of interfacial adaptation (gaps) and voids by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Intratubular penetration of rhodamine B-labelled sealer was also assessed by CLSM. Data were analysed by two-way anova and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). Results AH Plus (2.58 ± 1.21) had higher push-out BS than MTA Fillapex (1.45 ± 0.71) ( P = 0.000). UA (2.64 ± 1.44) had higher BS ( P = 0.000) than NA (1.58 ± 0.73) and SA (1.83 ± 0.85), which did not differ significantly from each other ( P = 0.3303). The coronal third had higher BS (2.48 ± 1.49) than the middle (2.08 ± 0.94) ( P = 0.0003) and apical (1.48 ± 0.58) ( P = 0.00) thirds. For both sealers, UA was associated with a more homogeneous filling material with better interfacial adaptation and greater quantity, density and length of tags in dentinal tubules. When UA was used, the tags had similar quantity, density and length to those formed without activation, but interfacial gaps and voids were observed. Conclusion Ultrasonic activation was associated with higher BS values, deeper intratubular penetration and greater interfacial adaptation to root dentine than sonic activation and no activation techniques, AH Plus had higher BS values than MTA Fillapex irrespective of the type of activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorghum grain can be used to replace corn in broiler diets. However, the effects related to an abrupt change between these grains are not yet clear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance and intestinal health of broilers fed diets containing corn and/or sorghum during different periods of rearing. To accomplish this aim, 2100 male chicks were fed the following experimental diets: C100% (corn-based diet); S100% (sorghum-based diet); C:S50% (diet based on corn and sorghum 1:1); PC-S (corn-based diet in the pre-starter phase and sorghum-based diet in subsequent phases); and PS-C (sorghum-based diet in the pre-starter phase and corn-based diet in subsequent phases). The study was conducted with two simultaneous trials in a randomized block design as follows: a performance trial up to 40 days occurred in floor pens ( n = 8), and the metabolism trial occurred in cages ( n = 10). Performance, jejunal morphometry, number of goblet cells, apparent metabolizable energy ( AME), apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen ( AMEn) and the coefficient of apparent metabolizability of dry matter ( CMDM) of the diets, and the intestinal microbiota of small intestine and caeca at 10 and 21 days of age (16S gene sequencing) were evaluated. The different experimental diets did not affect performance, jejunal epithelium, AME, AMEn or CMDM. However, the experimental diets altered the percentages of the genera Clostridium, Weissella, Bacillus and Alkaliphilus in the small intestine. In addition, the genera Lactobacillus and Desulfotomaculum in the caeca were altered. The age also affected the microbiota of the intestinal segments. In conclusion, feeding sorghum in place of corn as well as the grain change after the pre-starter phase does not alter broiler performance. However, sorghum alters the intestinal microbiota, resulting in a lower percentage of Clostridium and a higher percentage of Lactobacillus in the small intestine and caeca, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes a methodology for designing airfoils suitable to employ actuation in a wind energy environment. The novel airfoil sections are baptized wind energy actuated profiles (WAP). A genetic algorithm-based multi-objective airfoil optimizer is formulated by setting two cost functions: one cost function for wind energy performance and the other representing actuation suitability. The wind energy cost function compares the candidate airfoils' performance with 'reference' wind energy airfoils, considering a probabilistic approach to include the effects of turbulence and wind shear. The actuation suitability cost function is developed considering horizontal axis wind turbines active stall control, including two different control strategies designated by 'enhanced' and 'decreased' performance. Two different actuation types are considered, namely, boundary layer transpiration and dielectric barrier discharge plasma. Results show that using WAP airfoils provides much higher control efficiency than adding actuation on reference wind energy airfoils, without detrimental effects in non-actuated operation. The WAP sections yield an actuator employment efficiency that is two to four times larger than those obtained with reference wind energy airfoils, at equivalent wind energy performance. Regarding geometry, and compared with typical wind energy airfoils, WAP sections for decreased performance display an upper surface concave aft region, while for increased performance, a convex upper surface aft region is obtained. The present study emphasizes that there is much to gain in designing airfoils from the beginning to include actuation effects, especially compared with employing actuation on already existing airfoils. The results demonstrate the potential of including actuation effects in the airfoil design process, thus enabling novel horizontal axis wind turbines control strategies. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To evaluate the effect of root canal cross-sectional shape on single-cone root filling bond strength, as well as to determine the percentage of gutta-percha-filled areas ( PGFA) and sealer-filled areas ( PSFA), establishing a relationship between these variables. Methodology Distal roots of mandibular molars were selected using microcomputed tomography imaging and allocated into three groups ( n = 10) according to canal shape: round, oval and long oval. The canals were prepared with an R40 reciprocating instrument and filled with matching single-cone gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer. Two 1-mm-thick dentine slices were obtained from each third of each root. PGFA and PSFA were calculated in digital images (x25 magnification) of each slice. Next, the slices were subjected to a push-out test and the failure modes (adhesive, cohesive or mixed) were assessed. Data were analysed using parametric tests ( P < 0.05). Results In the coronal (2.17 ± 0.56 MPa) and middle thirds (1.78 ± 0.45 MPa), the round canals were associated with higher bond strength values ( P < 0.01), with no difference between the groups for the apical third ( P > 0.05). Adhesive and mixed failures predominated in round canals, whilst cohesive failures were more frequent in oval and long oval canals. Round canals had significantly higher PGFA and lower PSFA than all other groups ( P = 0.000). The PGFA and PSFA had a positive ( r = 0.521, P = 0.000) and a negative ( r = −0.523, P = 0.000) correlation with bond strength, respectively. Conclusion Bond strength values of gutta-percha and sealer were affected by canal shape. Higher percentage of gutta-percha-filled area resulted in higher bond strength to dentine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bed bugs as pests of public health importance recently experienced a resurgence in populations throughout the U.S. and other countries. Consequently, recent research efforts have focused on improving understanding of bed bug physiology and behaviour to improve management. While few studies have investigated the visual capabilities of bed bugs, the present study focused specifically on eye morphology and spectral sensitivity. A 3- D imaging technique was used to document bed bug eye morphology from the first instar through adult and revealed morphological characteristics that differentiate the common bed bug from the tropical bed bug as well as sex-specific differences. Electrophysiological measurements were used to evaluate the spectral sensitivity of adult bed bugs. Male bed bugs were more responsive than females at some wavelengths. Electrophysiological studies provided evidence for at least one photoreceptor with a spectral sensitivity curve peak in the green (λmax 520 nm) region of the spectrum. The broadened long wavelength portion of the spectral sensitivity curve may potentially indicate another photoreceptor in the yellow-green (λmax 550 nm) portion of the spectrum or screening pigments. Understanding more about bed bug visual biology is vital for designing traps, which are an important component of integrated bed bug management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated whether the body morphology of the tetra fish Astyanax lacustris (previously Astyanax asuncionensis) varied between populations inhabiting one lagoon (a lentic, shallow environment, with great habitat complexity created by aquatic macrophytes) and an adjacent river (a deeper, lotic environment where aquatic macrophytes are scarce) in a seasonally flooded wetland, despite population mixing during the wet season. Morphological differences matched a priori predictions of the theory relating functional body morphology and swimming performance in fishes between lagoon and river habitats. Observed morphological variation could have resulted from adaptive habitat choice by tetras, predation by piscivores and adaptive phenotypic plasticity during development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work demonstrates the formation of Ag fractals on top of a Ag:TiO2 thin film. The dendrite-type objects emerged from a homogeneous and highly transparent Ag:TiO2 nanocomposite, via the mechanism of diffusion-limited-aggregation of Ag atoms, during heat-treatment at 500 °C. A porous TiO2 matrix was also formed during this process, opening a wide range of possible applications, namely in sensing-based ones, together with surface enhanced spectroscopies. Furthermore, fractals incorporate a wide range of shapes and spatial scales, inducing a potentially interesting optical response, over the whole visible range, presumably related with localized surface plasmon modes with very broad spectral distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lower results in cryopreservation of in vitro-produced ( IVP) sheep embryos, when compared to the in vivo derived, limits its use. Four groups of blastocyst ( BL) were evaluated: fresh IVP ( n = 3), fresh in vivo derived ( n = 3), warmed IVP cryopreserved in open pulled straws ( OPS, n = 3) and warmed in vivo derived cryopreserved in OPS ( n = 3). Ultrastructural observation of processed fresh embryos showed a reduced number of microvilli and mitochondria in the IVP ones, as well as a lower number of mature mitochondria, that can be associated with deficient metabolism in IVP embryos, possibly involved in the lower resistance to cryopreservation. Both in vivo-derived and IVP embryos had a large number of vesicles, with light and dense content. In embryos vitrified by OPS, major changes were observed mainly in IVP embryos with small changes in grade 2 (fair) and high changes in grade 3 (bad) semithin scoring. The main changes associated with cryopreservation included disruption of cellular membranes and poor intracellular preservation, with loss of microvilli and the presence of cellular debris. In conclusion, ultrastructural evaluation of IVP blastocysts cryopreserved in OPS was herein described for the first time, reporting more severe cellular damage in these embryos when compared to those produced in vivo. This is probably associated with a lower cryotolerance that can be related to their lipid content and metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report describes a case of severe supracondylar lysis of the third metatarsal bone of a mature Cob gelding. The gelding presented with moderate to severe lameness and soft tissue swelling in the distal metatarsal region. A mass was present plantar to the third metatarsal bone and dorsal to the suspensory ligament branches. The mass was removed surgically, and was found to be a large blood coagulum within an enlargement of the plantar pouch of the metatarsophalangeal joint. The mass was pedunculated and attached to a region of abnormal synovium. This synovium was identified histologically as being an area of villonodular synovitis. The lesion had similarities with human pigmented villonodular synovitis. Removal of the abnormal tissue resulted in resolution of the lameness and of the lysis of the third metatarsal bone. Haemarthrosis should be considered in the list of differential diagnoses for focally mineralised soft tissue masses found within an articulation, and may be associated with pigmented villonodular synovitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to search for polymorphisms in the ovine prion-related protein (testis-specific) gene ( PRNT). Sampling included 567 sheep from eight Portuguese breeds. The PRNT gene-coding region was analyzed by single-strand conformation polymorphism and sequencing, allowing the identification of the first ovine PRNT polymorphisms, in codons 6, 38, 43 and 48: c.17C>T (p.Ser6Phe, which disrupts a consensus arginine-X-X-serine/threonine motif); c.112G>C (p.Gly38>Arg); c.129T>C and c.144A>G (synonymous) respectively. Polymorphisms in codons 6, 38 and 48 occur simultaneously in 50.6% of the animals, 38.8% presenting as heterozygous. To study the distribution of the polymorphism in codon 43, a restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis was performed. Polymorphic variant c.129C, identified in 89.8% of the animals with 32.8% presented as heterozygous, was considered the wild genotype in Portuguese sheep. Eight different haplotypes which have comparable distribution in all breeds were identified for the PRNT gene. In conclusion, the PRNT coding region is highly polymorphic in sheep, unlike the prion protein 2 dublet gene ( PRND), in which we previously found only one synonymous substitution (c.78G>A), in codon 26. The absence or reduced number of PRND heterozygotes (c.78G>A) was significantly associated with three PRNT haplotypes ( 17C-112G-129T-144A,17 CT-112 GC-129 CT-144 AG and 17T-112C-129C-144G), and the only three animals found homozygous at c.78A had the 17C-112G-129C-144A PRNT haplotype. These results constitute evidence of an association between polymorphic variation in PRND and PRNT genes, as has already been observed for PRND and prion protein gene ( PRNP). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to homologies between the chicken egg perivitelline membrane with mammalian zona pellucida proteins, spermatozoa of several species are able to bind to this membrane. However, adequate standardisation is required to attest possible applications of this technique for semen evaluation of a given species. Therefore, we thawed and divided cryopreserved semen samples into two aliquotes, one kept in water bath at 37 °C (thawed) and the other submitted to snap-freezing to damage sperm cells (dead spermatozoa). Aliquotes were mixed into different ratios of thawed:dead cells and analysed for motility, membrane and acrosomal integrity, and mitochondrial activity. In parallel, chicken egg perivitelline membranes were inseminated with these ratios, and the number of spermatozoa bound per mm2 of membrane was assessed by conventional microscopy ( CM) and computer-assisted sperm analysis ( CASA). Linear regression showed high correlation between thawed:dead sperm ratio and number of spermatozoa bound to the membrane ( CM: r2 = 0.91 and CASA: r2 = 0.92 respectively). Additionally, positive correlations were found between the number of spermatozoa bound to the membrane and acrosomal integrity, membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity and motility. These findings indicate that sperm-egg-binding assay associated with CASA is a reliable, practical and inexpensive method for examining the fertilising capacity of cryopreserved bull semen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To evaluate the effect of adhesive restorations on fracture resistance and stress distribution in teeth with simulated immature apices and apical plugs of mineral trioxide aggregate ( MTA). Methodology Sixty bovine incisors were sectioned 8 mm above and 12 mm below the cemento-enamel junction ( CEJ). The root canal was enlarged using a diamond bur, resulting in remaining root canal walls with 0.1-0.2 mm of thickness. A 5-mm apical plug of MTA was placed and the teeth were restored according to the following groups: GP - the root canal was filled with gutta-percha and endodontic sealer; CR - the root canal was filled with light-cured composite resin inserted incrementally; FP - a fibre post was cemented into the root canal; and RFP - the fibre post was relined with composite resin prior to the cementation into the root canal. A load was applied on the crown of all teeth at 135° to their long axis until fracture. Data was analysed by one-way anova and SNK tests (α = 0.05), whilst the fracture pattern was evaluated according to the position of the fracture. Stress distributions in the restored teeth were verified by finite element analysis. Results Teeth restored with fibre posts and relined fibre posts were associated with the highest fracture resistance, whilst the GP group had the lowest values. GP and RC groups had similar fracture resistance values ( P = 0.109). All fractures types involved the cervical and middle thirds of roots. The GP model had high levels of stress concentration in the cervical and middle thirds of roots. No difference was found amongst the stress concentration in the RC, FP and RFP models. Conclusion Restorative protocols alter the fracture resistance and stress distribution of immature teeth after placement of MTA apical plugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the effects of recreational football training combined with calorie-restricted diet (football + diet) vs calorie-restricted diet alone (diet) on aerobic fitness, lipid profile, and insulin resistance indicators in type 2 diabetes ( T2 D) patients. Forty-four T2 D patients aged 48-68 years (27 females, 17 males) were randomly allocated to the football + diet group ( FDG; n = 22) or to the diet group ( DG; n = 22), of whom 19 FDG and 15 DG subjects completed the study. The football training was performed for 3 × 40 min/week for 12 weeks. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanning, treadmill testing, and fasting blood samplings were performed pre and post-intervention. After 12 weeks, maximal oxygen uptake ( VO2max) was elevated ( P < 0.05) by 10 ± 4% in FDG but not in DG (−3 ± 4%, P < 0.05). After 12 weeks, reductions in blood triglycerides (0.4 ± 0.1 mmol/L), total cholesterol (0.6 ± 0.2 mmol/L), low-density lipoprotein, and very low-density lipoprotein levels were observed only in FDG. Fat mass decreased ( P < 0.05) by 3.4 ± 0.4 kg in FDG and 3.7 ± 0.4 kg in DG. The lower ( P < 0.05) glucagon and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance indicated an improvement in insulin sensitivity in FDG. In conclusion, football combined with restricted diet was effective in enhancing VO2max, reducing total cholesterol and triglycerides, and increasing insulin sensitivity, potentially providing better tools for the prevention of T2 D complications than diet alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To evaluate streaking artifacts produced by several root canal sealers on CBCT images with variations in voxel resolution. Methodology Single-rooted premolars were selected and root filled using gutta-percha cones and one of the following sealers: Endofill, Sealer 26, Fillapex or AH Plus. Root canals filled only with gutta-percha were used as control. Scans of teeth using a small-volume CBCT were performed, and the images acquired were evaluated by two calibrated observers (k > 0.75). Artifacts were identified as streaks and dark bands on root dentine in axial slices with 2 voxel sizes (0.076 and 0.2 mm). Fisher's exact test ( P < 0.05) was used to compare the presence/absence ratio of artifacts considering the factors 'sealer' and ' voxel size'. Results For the 0.20 mm voxel size, Sealer 26 had significantly more artifacts than Fillapex ( P = 0.006) or AH Plus ( P = 0.017). No differences existed between the sealers when the 0.07 mm voxel size was used. Sealer 26 ( P = 0.042) and Endofill ( P = 0.035) had significantly more artifacts in the 0.20 mm voxel size than with the 0.076 mm voxel size, whilst no difference was noted for other filling conditions. Conclusions The material used for root filling and the voxel resolution can influence the presence of streaking artifacts observed in CBCT images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensory information from visual, vestibular and proprioceptive systems is necessary to control posture and balance. Impairment in proprioception due to repetitive joints bleeding may lead to a deficit in postural balance which, in turn, leads to high joint stress and risk of bleeding recurrence. Despite the increase in attention in this field during the past few years, the data concerning to how bleeds can affect postural control in children with haemophilia (CWH) remain scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the postural balance in CWH. Twenty CWH Haemophilia Group ( HG) and 20 age-matched children Control Group ( CG) were recruited to this study. A force plate was used to record centre of pressure (COP) displacement under four different postural conditions during quiet standing: eyes open on firm surface, eyes open on foam surface, eyes closed on firm surface and eyes closed on a foam surface. Variables of COP as sway area and mean velocity and in anterior-posterior ( y) medio-lateral ( x) direction were processed and for each variable sensory, quotients were calculated and compared between groups. No differences were found in visual and vestibular quotients variables between groups. A higher value was found in sway area variable on proprioception quotient in the HG when compared with CG ( P = 0.042). CWH with repetitive joint bleed on lower limbs showed differences in postural balance when compared with non-haemophiliac children. The identification of early balance impairments in CWH can help us understand better the effects of bleeds inside joints on postural control and plan a more effective preventive and rehabilitative treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have been studying the behavioural and physiological mechanisms associated with coordination of reproductive maturity and sex pheromone communication in male tephritid flies in order to develop methods for acceleration of reproductive maturity among sterilized males. Our studies revealed that exposure to the juvenile hormone analogue methoprene can accelerate the rate of sexual maturity in some but not all tephritid species tested. Additionally, we have determined that incorporation of protein hydrolysate into the adult diet improves sexual performance of sterile males. Coupling a diet enriched with protein hydrolysate for adult food and application of methoprene to adult males or pupae was found to advance significantly the age at which males of a number of species of flies from the genus Anastrepha and Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillet) become sexually mature and improve reproductive success of the males. These results have led to the development of a novel strategy to accelerate the reproductive development and increased competitiveness of mass-reared fruit flies for use in the sterile insect technique by incorporating methoprene treatment and protein hydrolysate diets into protocols for fruit fly emergence and release facilities. The following reviews research conducted to develop the system and our suggestions for use in improving efficacy of mating by sterile males destined for release in programmes to control some species of tephritid flies using the sterile insect technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sterile insect technique (SIT) is being applied against fruit fly pests in many areas of the world. Currently, factories have a capacity to produce several billion sterile insects per week, to irradiate them and to make them available for shipment to their destinations. There the emerging flies are fed and maintained for various periods of time in fly emergence and release facilities, and then collected for release. While much research effort has been invested in improving mass rearing and quality control procedures at the fly factory level, the post-factory handling of sterile flies has received much less attention. A 6-year FAO/IAEA Coordinated Research Project (CRP) was initiated with the participation of 31 research institutes from 17 countries to assess and validate ways to improve sterile male performance through better management during the critical period that starts with the arrival of pupae at the fly emergence and release facility and ends with the release of the sterile flies in the field. This review summarizes the research that was conducted under the CRP focusing on fruit fly species from the genera Anastrepha, Bactrocera and Ceratitis against which the SIT is being applied. To increase the effectiveness of SIT programmes, exposure of sterile males to nutritional, hormonal and semiochemical supplements was assessed and improved handling and release methods tested. Incorporation of protein and juvenile hormone into pre-release diets significantly accelerated sterile male maturation and improved sexual performance among several species, while semiochemical treatments using ginger root oil or citrus oils in Ceratitis capitata and methyl eugenol in Bactrocera dorsalis complex species significantly increased sterile male mating competitiveness. Improved fly emergence, holding and release procedures were also assessed, together with the compilation of all this knowledge into a manual. Several of these findings have been transferred to and are being applied in operational programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The success of the sterile insect technique (SIT) requires the release of males that can compete with wild males. Elevated juvenile hormone (JH) levels and hydrolysed yeast-enriched adult diets improve the sexual attractiveness and competitiveness of sterile male Anastrepha ludens (Loew; Mexican fruit fly), used in large-scale SIT programmes in Mexico and Texas. We applied methoprene (a JH analogue) to A. ludens using two methods, topically on individual sterile adults and mass- immersion of pupae after irradiation. Hydrolysed yeast was either used dry or in agar blocks. Laboratory and field cage experiments were conducted to compare male maturation and sexual performance when males exposed to four different treatments competed for females: (M+P+) application of methoprene and sugar plus hydrolysed yeast as adult food; (M+P−) application of methoprene and sugar only as adult food; (M−P+) no application of methoprene and sugar plus hydrolysed yeast as adult food; and (M−P−) no application of methoprene and sugar only as adult food. Methoprene and hydrolysed yeast accelerated the male sexual maturation from 9 to 5 days after the emergence. Combined application of methoprene and hydrolysed yeast had a significant effect on increased male sexual performance in both laboratory and field cage tests. Methoprene application also accelerates female maturation, although less than in males. The substantial improvements in male sexual performance and sexual maturation that can be obtained by incorporating the use of JH analogue and hydrolysed protein, and the development of techniques for their practical application on a large scale, can contribute to a more cost-effective deployment of sterile male Mexican fruit flies in SIT programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The success of using the sterile insect technique (SIT) for Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), suppression programmes is dependent on the release into the field of sterile males that survive and compete successfully with wild males for matings with wild females. The effects of pre-release aromatherapy using ginger root oil (GRO) and the addition of hydrolysed yeast (protein and other nutrients) to the fly diet, on sterile male dispersal, survival, sexual maturation and mating performance under laboratory and field conditions were evaluated. The interaction between providing protein and/or GRO treatment was also evaluated. Under field cage conditions, male mating performance was significantly higher in treatments with GRO but was unaffected by the provision of protein. There was no interaction between them. However, after releases under field conditions, survival of protein-fed sterile males was significantly longer compared with protein-deprived sterile males. The use of GRO should be incorporated into the sterile male-handling protocol for SIT programmes. In combination with the validation of the provision of these supplements, two new cage systems developed in the Madeira-Med Programme were tested in comparison with the standard plastic adult rearing containers boxes for a more cost-effective sterile male emergence, feeding, holding and collecting process at fly emergence and release facilities. This selected cages systems can handle approximately 1 million pupae and reduces manual labour and other costs while maintaining good sterile male quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The juvenile hormone analogue, methoprene, has been documented to accelerate the development of reproductive competence and sexual signalling of Caribbean ( Anastrepha suspensa), the Mexican ( Anastrepha ludens), the South American ( Anastrepha fraterculus) and West Indian ( Anastrepha obliqua) tephritid fruit flies. The incorporation of methoprene into sterile fly release protocols at fly emergence and handling facilities is a key step required for large-scale application of the technology to field release strategies. The goal of our study was to develop a method to supply, in large scale, methoprene to sterile Mexican fruit flies for release in the current Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) programme in Mexico. In field cage tests, the isolation index of sterile males after treatment with methoprene was reduced, increasing the percentage of mating between laboratory sterile males and wild females. In laboratory trials, males fed a diet containing 0.05% or 0.1% methoprene mated 4-day earlier than untreated control males. In a pilot area tested in 3500 ha to measure the impact of the sterile releases when methoprene was supplied, no adult wild flies were detected and no larvae were found after sampling more than 330 kg of fruit both in the treated and untreated blocks. Based on the results obtained in this study, we recommend the incorporation of the methoprene on adult diet to improve the Mexican fruit fly male sexual performance when release in the field, contributing to the increase in the cost-effectiveness of the SIT programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of host availability and feeding period on bed bugs, Cimex lectularius (L.) (Hemiptera: Cimicidae), were measured. Population growth and the potential harmful effect of bed bug populations on human hosts were modelled. Bloodmeal sizes were affected by both feeding length and frequency, with >2-fold difference between insects fed daily or weekly. Blood consumption increased >2-fold between bed bugs fed occasionally and often, and 1.5-fold between occasional and daily feeding. Bed bugs fed more often than once a week, potentially every 2-4 days. Egg production was associated with nutrition, being strongly correlated with blood consumption in the previous week. Bed bug populations can grow under different feeding regimes and are hard to control with <80% mortality. Bed bugs can survive and grow even in locations with a limited blood supply, where bed bug persistence may be important for the continual spread of populations. Persistence in non-traditional locations and a potential association with human pathogens increase the health risks of bed bugs. Potential blood loss as a result of a bed bug can have serious consequences because uncontrolled populations can reach harmful levels in 3-8 months. The reproduction potential of bed bug populations suggests serious consequences to human health and the need for efficacious control measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The toxicity of single and combined formulated herbicides (Mikado® and Viper®) was assessed on several endpoints in species from two trophic levels: algae growth- Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and Chlorella vulgaris-immobilization and life-history traits (only for single compound toxicity) of daphnids- Daphnia longispina and Daphnia magna. Viper was the most toxic formulated herbicide. It was hypothesized that the toxicity of both formulated herbicides could have been enhanced by adjuvants, especially for Viper. In most cases, the sublethal endpoints were the most sensitive and affected by both formulations, comparatively to their acute effects. Concentration addition (CA) and independent action (IA) models provided an accurate description of Mikado and Viper joint action on algae growth and immobilization of daphnids, although significant deviations were always detected. A low-dose antagonism and high-dose synergism were identified for P. subcapitata, whereas C. vulgaris response deviated antagonistically from CA and synergistically from IA. For both daphnids, however, synergistic effects were observed for higher mixture concentrations. Under a regulatory standpoint, CA provided the most conservative estimation either because the mixture effects were overestimated or less subestimated than IA. Overall, the great sensitivity differences observed within species did not allow the conclusion that one trophic level was more tolerant than the other. Instead, P. subcapitata was always the most sensitive species to both herbicide formulations, followed by D. longispina, while D. magna and C. vulgaris were the most tolerant species. On a whole, further studies are needed toward a comprehensive understanding of herbicides mode of action, their effects at lower biological-level endpoints, and under different mixture designs. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2012. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this work was the study of vibration effects on the viscoelastic coating protecting the steel layer in a metal-polymer composite, with simulated conditions of the transportation of food containers. Mechanical resonance tests in metal-polymer [electrolytic chromium-coated steel-poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)] sheets were performed to generate vibration conditions to induce structural modifications in the viscoelastic layer covering the surface of the plates. Consequently, schematic representations of the areas affected by these modifications were made. The modified structures were later analyzed by electron microscopy to detect and evaluate alterations in the morphology of the material. In addition, vibrational Raman spectroscopy analyses were performed to assess the chemical and structural changes on the protective PET at the metal-polymer interface level. The results of this study are expected to provide basic information on the mechanisms and nature of the delamination processes taking place in metal-polymer laminates employed in food-container applications. These damages have previously been detected in some food containers made of PET materials. The study of these damages can lead to the improvement of current composites or the development of higher quality materials. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

. Children with haemophilia often bleed inside joints and muscles, which may impair postural adjustments. These postural adjustments are necessary to control postural balance during daily activities. The inability to quickly recover postural balance could elevate the risk of bleeding. To determine whether children with haemophilia have impaired postural adjustment after an unexpected perturbation compared with healthy children. Twenty children with haemophilia comprised the haemophilic group (HG), and 20 healthy, age-paired children comprised the control group (CG). Subjects stood on a force plate, and 4% of the subjects' body weight was applied via a pulley system to a belt around the subjects' trunks. The centre of pressure (COP) displacement was measured after the weight was unexpectedly released to produce a controlled postural perturbation followed by postural adjustment to recover balance. The subjects' postural adjustments in eight subsequent intervals of 1 s ( t1- t8), beginning with the moment of weight removal, were compared among intervals and between groups. The applied perturbation magnitudes were the same for both groups, and no difference was observed between the groups in t1. However, the COP displacement in t2 in the HG was significantly higher than in the CG. No differences were observed between the groups in the other intervals. Within-group analysis showed that the COP was higher in t2 than in t4 ( P = 0.016), t5 ( P = 0.001) and t8 ( P = 0.050) in the HG. No differences were observed among intervals in the CG. Children with haemophilia demonstrated differences in postural adjustment while undergoing unexpected balance perturbations when compared with healthily children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful management of the bed bug, Cimex lectularius L. (Hemiptera: Cimicidae), is difficult because of its pesticide resistance, which can allow a reduction in population, but not elimination. We evaluated the effect of heat and/or air circulation on the efficacy of dichlorvos resin strips in the control of bed bugs. Treatments were performed in unoccupied dormitory rooms and consisted of dichlorvos resin strips containing 18.6% active ingredient, the same strips + fan, and strips + fan + heat. The mortality of recently fed bed bugs and weight loss of the dichlorvos strips were evaluated over 7 days. Dichlorvos resin strips killed bed bugs and eggs in just over 7 days. The addition of a fan or a fan + heat decreased time to 100% mortality to 3 days and 36 h, respectively. Eggs located in treated rooms did not hatch. Resin strips in the strips + fan treatment and the strips + fan + heat treatment volatilized 10 and 70 times, respectively, faster than strips in the strips-only treatment. The addition of heat in treatments with dichlorvos resin strips enhances the overall efficacy of the volatile insecticide and reduces the time required to eliminate live bed bugs and eggs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a series of poly(styrene-co-vinyl phosphonic acid) [P(S-co-VPA)] copolymers were synthesized by the free-radical copolymerization of styrene and vinyl dimethyl phosphonate followed by alkaline hydrolysis. The P(S-co-VPA) copolymers were characterized by size exclusion chromatography (gel permeation chromatography), Fourier transform infrared vibrational spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Despite the difference between the copolymerization ratios of styrene and vinyl dimethyl phosphonate, the resulting copolymers presented single glass transitions at temperatures that depended on the acidic group amount. The glass transition shifted to a higher temperature and became broader as the amount of phosphonic acid increased. The storage modulus at temperatures higher than the glass transition also increased with increasing acidic groups because of intramolecular and intermolecular interactions. All of the acid copolymers were thermally stable to at least 300°C. A high oxidative stability was found for 3 : 1 P(S-co-VPA), which also presented conductivity values on the order of 10-6 Ω-1 cm-1 at room temperature. The 1 : 1 P(S-co-VPA) membrane presented Arrhenius-type behavior at temperatures from 30 to 80°C and conductivity on the order of 10-5 Ω-1 cm-1. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bitumen is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons for which microstructural understanding is incomplete. In an effort to detail this microstructure, a asphalt cement sample (CAP 30/45) was analysed by thermal phase detection atomic force microscopy. Phase contrast and topography images showed that sample morphology is highly dependent on temperature. The ‘bee structure’ changed considerably at temperatures between 50°C and 56°C. A decrease of the oscillation amplitude was observed upon heating and the ‘bees’ completely disappeared at temperatures above 57°C. When the temperature was decreased after melting at 170°C, the ‘bees’ began to nucleate gradually at temperatures of 57°C and its evolution with time was followed. Changes in morphology were compared to thermal analysis results and a model for the ‘bee’ structure was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The establishment of an association between prion protein gene ( PRNP) polymorphisms and scrapie susceptibility in sheep has enabled the development of breeding programmes to increase scrapie resistance in the European Union. Intense selection for PRNP genotype may lead to correlated selection for genes linked to PRNP. We intended to investigate if any association exists between genetic variation in prion-like protein Doppel gene ( PRND) and scrapie susceptibility, determined through PRNP genotyping. Sampling included 460 sheep from eight Portuguese breeds and the PRND gene coding region was analysed by multiple restriction fragment-single strand conformation polymorphism (MRF-SSCP), whereas PRNP genotyping was carried out by primer extension. A synonymous substitution (c.78G>A) was detected in codon 26 of the PRND gene, in all breeds except Churra Mondegueira. Linkage disequilibrium was found between the PRND and PRNP loci ( P = 0.000). Specifically, PRND was monomorphic in the 45 animals with the more resistant ARR/ARR PRNP genotype ( P = 0.003), whereas a higher frequency of PRND heterozygotes (GA) was associated with ARQ/AHQ ( P = 0.029). These results constitute preliminary evidence of an association between a polymorphism in the PRND gene and scrapie susceptibility, and indicate that the possibility of undesirable consequences from widespread selection for PRNP genotype on genetic diversity and reproduction traits needs to be further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pleistocene glaciations often resulted in differentiation of taxa in southern European peninsulas, producing the high levels of endemism characteristic of these regions (e.g. the Iberian Peninsula). Despite their small ranges, endemic species often exhibit high levels of intraspecific differentiation as a result of a complex evolutionary history dominated by successive cycles of fragmentation, expansion and subsequent admixture of populations. Most evidence so far has come from the study of species with an Atlantic distribution in northwestern Iberia, and taxa restricted to Mediterranean-type habitats remain poorly studied. The Iberian Midwife toad ( Alytes cisternasii) is a morphologically conserved species endemic to southwestern and central Iberia and a typical inhabitant of Mediterranean habitats. Applying highly variable genetic markers from both mitochondrial and nuclear genomes to samples collected across the species’ range, we found evidence of high population subdivision within A. cisternasii. Mitochondrial haplotypes and microsatellites show geographically concordant patterns of genetic diversity, suggesting population fragmentation into several refugia during Pleistocene glaciations followed by subsequent events of geographical and demographic expansions with secondary contact. In addition, the absence of variation at the nuclear β-fibint7 and Ppp3caint4 gene fragments suggests that populations of A. cisternasii have been recurrently affected by episodes of extinction and recolonization, and that documented patterns of population subdivision are the outcome of recent and multiple refugia. We discuss the evolutionary history of the species with particular interest in the increasing relevance of Mediterranean refugia for the survival of genetically differentiated populations during the Pleistocene glaciations as revealed by studies in co-distributed taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to investigate the possible origin of local Brazilian pig breeds through Cytochrome b ( MT-CYB) mitochondrial analyses. The results indicated that the main local pig breeds descended from two different European maternal lineages, both Iberian varieties. The haplotype relationship analysis showed that Monteiro, Nilo, Piau and Tatu breeds share haplotypes only with Iberian varieties, while the Moura breed presented a different maternal lineage. The Moura appears to share a high frequency of haplotypes with the Black Hairy Iberian variety and Hungarian Mangalica breed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study associated with an ecological risk assessment that aims to use an entire sample toxicity assessment to evaluate the level of water and sediment toxicity in Lake Vela. Standard species, including Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and Daphnia magna, and local species, including Aphanizomenon flos-aquae and Daphnia longispina, were collected seasonally. These sample organisms were obtained from two locations in the lake: one surrounded by agricultural lands and one surrounded by forest. Bioassays found levels of pesticides, including organochlorine agents, and ammonia. The toxicological sensitivity of species was assessed.

The article discusses the effects of hydrogen-ion concentration (pH) and temperature on the sorption of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) by cellulose acetate/polyaniline (PANi) blend membranes. It notes that the selective detection of SDS is faster with a higher percentage of PANi in the blend. It mentions that the sorption kinetics changes at higher temperatures. Also noted is the increase of the response rate of blends to SDS detection with the temperature and PANi content.

The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata (Wied.), like many other polyphagous tephritids (Diptera: Tephritidae), preforms a lek as mating system. The sterile insect technique (SIT) requires released males to survive in the field, and to compete with wild males in attracting, courting and mating with wild females. The effects of the juvenile hormone analogue, methoprene, and the incorporation of hydrolyzed yeast protein into the adult diet, on survival, sexual maturation and sexual performance of male C. capitata were evaluated for the four possible combinations of methoprene-treated or untreated, and protein-fed or deprived flies. The incorporation of protein had a positive impact on laboratory survival and accelerates the sexual maturation of mass-reared males. In addition, in the laboratory, male sexual performance was significantly higher in treatments with methoprene. However, field cage tests with mature and protein-fed wild males and females failed to show any effects of either factor on male sexual performance. The increased survival and the earlier sexual maturation of sterile males due to the addition of protein to the adult diet can positively influence the efficacy of SIT application against C. capitata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the effect of ascorbic acid (AA) supplementation on the NADPH-diaphorase (NADPHd) and myosin-V myenteric neurons in the ileum of rats, after 4 months of treatment. Two groups were compared, i.e. controls rats (C) and AA-treated rats (CA). Myosin-V immunohistochemistry and NADPHd histochemistry were employed. We investigated the areas of 500 cell bodies of myosin-V neurons and of 500 NADPHd stained neurons from all groups. The quantitative analysis was performed using an area of 8.96 mm2 from each ileum. There was an increase of 21.9% in the myosin-V immunoreactive myenteric neurons (P > 0.05) and of 22.5% in the NADPHd in group CA when compared with C (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences when we compared the area of myosin-V stained neurons between groups C and CA. However, we verified an area reduction of 7.5% in NADPHd neurons when comparing group C to group CA (P < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) seems to be rising. Incidence studies could provide more insight into geographical differences and thereby lead to the identification of etiological factors. The aim of this study was to prospectively assess the incidence of pediatric IBD in the Netherlands from 1999 to 2001, using both an active physician case-reporting registry and a nationwide pathology database.Methods: All pediatricians in the Netherlands were sent monthly identification cards to be returned if they had diagnosed a new case of IBD in a pediatric patient. Follow-up questionnaires were sent to physicians reporting new cases of IBD. The pathology database contains reports from all cytologic and histologic diagnoses made in the Netherlands. Two independent raters searched the database for new IBD cases. Cases identified from the pathology database were labeled as "probable IBD" and "possible IBD." Cases were cross-checked across databases on the basis of gender, date of birth, date of biopsy, and place of residence. Age-specific incidence rates were calculated for the Dutch population for the year 2000.Results: Five hundred forty-six probable cases of IBD were identified; 217 cases were labeled as possible. The incidence rate was 5.2 new cases per 100000 children (<18 years) per year. An increase in incidence with age was observed. Only 24% of the cases were ascertained through the clinical registry.Conclusion: The incidence of IBD cases in the Netherlands is comparable with that reported in other European countries. Epidemiological studies using case reporting by physicians may be underestimates of true incidence rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of some isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana for use in the integrated management of Culex quinquefasciatus was evaluated. Metarhizium anisopliae isolate 1037 was selected in initial bioassays with a 50% lethal concentration (LC[sub 50]) of 1.97 × 10[sup 4] conidia/ml. This fungus caused higher mosquito larva mortality when applied as a conidial suspension to the surface of the water than as dry conidia, with a time to 50% lethal (LT[sub 50]) of 1 day compared with 3.6 days for the dry conidial application. However, results with UV- and heatinactivated conidia did not confirm a possible role of fungal toxins in causing mortality when ingested by C. quinquefasciatus larvae. Metarhizium anisopliae did not remain active for as long as the bacterium Bacillus sphaericus isolate 2362. At 24 h after application, the fungus-induced mortality on mosquito larvae was significantly lower than the mortality caused by the bacterium. By the second day, almost no activity by the fungus was observed. Results suggest that M. anisopliae isolate 1037 has potential for use in mosquito control programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mortality of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) larvae that were fed on leaves of Lycopersicon hirsutum f. glabratum (PI 134417, insect resistant) and Lycopersicon esculentum (cultivar Santa Clara, susceptible) treated with Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) was evaluated. Feeding on untreated PI 134417 was detrimental to the survival of T. absoluta larvae. When Btk was applied to the two Lycopersicon plants, mortality occurred in all T. absoluta instars. Application of Btk on tomato leaves had synergistic or additive effects with the resistant genotype on larval survival. This effect was dependent on the instar at which the larvae were fed Btk-treated leaves. Delayed Btk application may cause higher insect mortality if the insects become more susceptible to the pathogen after a longer period of feeding on the resistant crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]