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The Euphresco (European phytosanitary research coordination) network is an ERA-NET initially funded by the 6 th and 7 th EU Framework Programmes as an initiative to enhance public-public partnership in the statutory plant health sector. An inventory was organised in 2015 to collect information on the national phytosanitary research programmes and their research projects in the EPPO region. The information collected through the Euphresco inventory provides precious insights into national research activities to avoid programme duplication and to increase programme depth among the phytosanitary research funders of the EPPO region and beyond.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver componentes de uma Rede de Sensores sem Fio (RSSF) que permitisse a automação de um sistema de irrigação e utilizá-la para avaliar o efeito da frequência da irrigação no desenvolvimento da cultura da melancia. A RSSF utilizada é formada por módulos sensores capazes de comunicar-se entre si por rádio frequência, possuindo um ponto de comunicação final (estação base). Os tratamentos consistiram de diferentes manejos da irrigação da melancia, variedade Crimson Sweet: 1 – frequência de 5 irrigações; 2 – 4 irrigações; 3 – 3 irrigações e 4 – 2 irrigações, em horários pré-definidos. O experimento foi conduzindo no delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Foram avaliados os seguintes parâmetros: diâmetro médio do fruto; comprimento médio do fruto, massa média dos frutos e produtividade por hectare. As médias foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5 e 1%. A cultura apresentou diferença significativa para as variáveis analisadas. A RSSF mostrou-se um sistema dinâmico e preciso. Os módulos de acionamento de bomba e válvulas foram eficientes nos comandos ligar e desligar, possibilitando a automação dos sistemas de irrigação. Quanto ao fracionamento das irrigações, o tratamento 2 mostrou-se o mais adequado, principalmente no quesito produtividade.

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o potencial biomodificador dentinário de diferentes agentes naturais incorporados ao sistema adesivo OptiBond S (OB) e seu efeito no grau de conversão (GC). Testou-se o líquido da casca da castanha de caju (LCC), seus constituintes purificados (Cardol e Cardanol) e proantocianidinas (PAC) do extrato da semente de uva por meio da alteração de massa (OM) e determinação do módulo de elasticidade (ME) de barras de dentina desmineralizadas. O GC dos adesivos foi avaliado por espectroscopia Raman. Quatro adesivos (LCC, cardol, cardanol e PAC) foram preparados com 1% em peso dos agentes. O grupo controle foi OB puro. Barras de dentina (1,5x1,0x6,0 mm) foram cortadas de molares humanos hígidos e completamente desmineralizadas. Barras com as mesmas medidas foram confeccionadas com os adesivos e justapostas às de dentina, fixadas com fio dental e armazenadas em água destilada por até 4 semanas, sendo o ME (máquina de ensaio universal) e o peso (balança de precisão) da dentina mensurados após 1 e 4 semanas. Para análise estatística foi utilizado análise de variância e teste de comparações individuais (P

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar sensores capacitivos desenvolvidos para monitorar o teor de água do solo. Os sensores foram submetidos a testes para avaliar o efeito da temperatura, o tempo de resposta, obter a equação de calibração e determinar a sua sensibilidade. Foram analisados em diferentes situações (solo, água e ar) e temperaturas (25 ºC; 20 ºC; 15 ºC; 10 ºC; 5º C e 0 ºC). A calibração foi efetuada com um dos sensores capacitivos instalado em uma coluna de solo (indeformada) contida em um tubo de PVC (0,015066 m³) e suspensa em um dos lados de uma balança de braços. Na outra extremidade da balança, havia uma célula de carga conectada a um sistema de aquisição de dados. Os resultados indicaram redução na frequência do sensor capacitivo com o aumento da temperatura. O sensor capacitivo apresentou alta velocidade de resposta (menos de um segundo) ao imergi-lo na água e às variações da quantidade de água na amostra de solo e detectou as mudanças de perda de água pela coluna de solo no decorrer deste experimento, apresentando maior sensibilidade à medida que se diminui o conteúdo de água no solo. Portanto, o sensor capacitivo pode ser utilizado para determinar o teor de água do solo de forma adequada.

Accidental envenomation caused by Tityus serrulatus scorpions is very common in Brazil and may result in serious cardiorespiratory alterations that are frequently fatal to children. In the present study, the effects of T. serrulatus venom on the cardiorespiratory system of recently weaned male Wistar rats were evaluated. Fifteen animals were distributed into three groups (n = 5). The control group A received 400 μL ultrapure water by subcutaneous injection, while the experimental groups B and C were injected with scorpion venom (100 and 450 μg, respectively, in 400 μL water). Electrocardiogram (ECG) traces were obtained prior to the experiment, at five-minute intervals up to 30 minutes after treatment. At 40 minutes after envenomation, the animals had severe acute symptoms and were subsequently anesthetized for blood collection by means of intracardiac puncture. Biochemical profiles for the cardiac muscle were established by colorimetric analysis of creatine kinase (CK) and CK-MB isoenzyme. Semiquantitative analysis of troponin was performed using the immunochromatographic assay. Following euthanasia, the lungs and hearts were removed and subjected to histopathological examination. All experimental animals had ECG alterations compatible with electrolytic imbalance, myocarditis and alterations of the cardiac conduction system. Envenomed animals had accentuated bradycardia at 25 and 30 minutes after venom inoculation. All experimental animals had myocardial lesions, which were confirmed by increased serum levels of CK and CK-MB, although there were no alterations in the serum concentration of troponin. Pulmonary hemorrhage was detected in whole lungs and microscopically confirmed by the presence of congested capillaries and erythrocytes in the alveolar parenchyma. In conclusion, T. serrulatus venom caused great cardiorespiratory damage to weaned rats.

The European Phytosanitary Research and Coordination network (Euphresco, www.euphresco.net) is a network of organisations which were initiated as EU funded ERA-NET projects in 2006 and 2010. The goal of the network is to strengthen the networking of research activities carried out at national or regional level and the mutual opening of research programmes. In 2014, having received EU funding twice, Euphresco members decided to continue to work together as a long-term and self-sustaining network. The coordination of Euphresco is now hosted within the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO), and in addition to consolidating the network and its procedures, it is also preparing the ground for future developments. Euphresco: une opportunite pour la coordination et le financement de la recherche phytosanitaire dans la region OEPP et d'autres pays Le reseau de recherche et de coordination phytosanitaire europeen (Euphresco, www.euphresco.net) est un reseau d'organisations qui a ete lance sous forme de projets ERA-NET finances par l'UE en 2006 et 2010. L'objectif du reseau est de renforcer la mise en reseau des activites de recherche menees au niveau national ou regional, et l'ouverture mutuelle des programmes de recherche. En 2014, ayant recu a deux reprises un financement de l'UE, les membres d'Euphresco ont decide de continuer a travailler ensemble dans le cadre d'un reseau a long terme et autonome. Le secretariat de coordination d'Euphresco est maintenant heberge au sein de l'Organisation Europeenne et Mediterraneenne pour la Protection des Plantes (OEPP). Outre la consolidation du reseau et de ses procedures, il prepare aussi le terrain pour de futurs developpements. Euphresco: вoзмoжнocть кoopдинaции и финaнcиpoвaния фитocaнитapныx иccлeдoвaний в peгиoнe EOКЗP и зa eё пpeдeлaми

This paper describes the voltammetric behavior of primaquine as a previous support to the further understanding of the delivery and action mechanisms of its respective synthesized prodrugs. There are few papers describing the drug behavior and most of the time no correlation between oxidation process and pH is done. Our results showed that primaquine oxidation is a one-step reaction involving two electrons with the charge transfer process being strongly pH-dependent in acid medium and pH-independent in a weak basic medium, with the neutral form being easily oxidized. This leads to the conclusion that quinoline nitrogen ring neutralization is a determinant step to the formation of the oxidized primaquine form. The existence of a relationship between the primaquine dissociation equilibrium and its electrooxidation process is shown. This work points the importance of voltammetric methodology as a tool for further studies on quantitative relationship studies between chemical structure and biological activity (QSAR) for electroactive drugs.

The newly developed DNA-biosensor is a very promising tool for the investigation and study of the action of drugs specifically designed to interact with DNA. In this work the electrochemical reduction of nitroimidazole drugs was studied in the presence of DNA immobilized onto the surface of a glassy carbon electrode. This enabled preconcentration of the drug onto the electrode surface, which was then electrochemically reduced to the corresponding hydroxylamine which followed by reoxidation give the nitroso compound and subsequently an azoxycompound. Moreover, as the target of the nitroimidazole action was the DNA, the damage caused to DNA on the electrode surface by a reduction product of this drug could be detected in situ.

Monoamines (MA) such as dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) are now generally regarded as widely distributed and essential endogenous mediators contributing to the integration of reproductive physiology. MA measured in the hypothalamus tissue of male and female rats aged 1 to 90 days showed its own characteristic development pattern. Significant differences were observed at 5, 15, and 90 days of age in NE mean levels and at all ages except for 3 days of age in 5-HT mean levels. In contrast, no sex differences were seen in DA mean levels.

A bacterial disease causing stalk rot of maize was observed in Portugal, during the summer of 1991, in overhead sprinkler-irrigated fields. Affected plants showed symptoms of a soft rot disease and isolations made from infected tissues consistently yielded a bacterium. On the basis of morphological, cultural, biochemical, physiological and pathological properties, the pathogen was identified as Erwinia chrysanthemi. According to biovar discrimination tests, the maize isolates were allocated to biovars 2 and 3 of E. chrysanthemi.

We compared two groups of patients with cognitive deterioration secondary to Alzheimer's disease (AD) of minimal and slight degree (CAMDEX criteria), one treated with donepezil and the other without this drug (a case history sample) over a period of six months.Both groups received the CAMCOG battery of neuropsychological tests at basal (pretreatment) time and six months later.Those in the study sample who received donepezil (5-10 mg/day) were 91 patients (average age: 75.25, standard deviation = 6.01) of whom 28.6% were men. The control group, who did not receive anticholinesterase drugs (case history sample) consisted of 84 persons (average age: 75.98, standard deviation = 5.01) with 29.8% men. There were no significant differences with regard to age, sex, basal CAMCOG score or period of time between the two CAMCOG determinations. The averages of the differences between the basal CAMCOG scores and those six months later in the two groups was statistically significant (-1.5275 +/- 7.8458 against -6.7143 +/- 6.1234; p0.001). Multivariate analysis of repeat measurements corroborates these findings since significant differences were found between the two groups (p0.001) in the results of CAMCOG after six months.Donepezil was seen to be effective in that it delayed cognitive deterioration after six months in patients with minimal and slight degrees of AD.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of several drug combinations (atropine, xylazine, romifidine, methotrimeprazine, midazolam, or fentanyl) with ketamine for short term anesthesia in cats. Twelve cats were anesthetized 6 times by using a cross-over Latin square protocol: methotrimeprazine was combined with midazolam, ketamine, and fentanyl; midazolam and ketamine; romifidine and ketamine; and xylazine and ketamine. Atropine was combined with romifidine and ketamine, and xylazine and ketamine. Temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate decreased in all groups. Apnea occurred in 1 cat treated with methotrimeprazine, romifidine, and ketamine, suggesting that ventilatory support may be necessary when this protocol is used. Emesis occurred in some cats treated with alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists, and this side effect should be considered when these drugs are used.

Publisher Summary The electrochemical reduction of nitroimidazoles follows a complex mechanism and in theory the nitro group is able to receive up to six electrons to form the corresponding amine. Under anaerobic and low oxygen pressure conditions metronidazole follows a reduction mechanism similar to that of nitrobenzene. Electrochemical reduction of nitroimidazole derivatives shows two reduction waves in aqueous acid media, the first involving four electrons and corresponding to the reduction of the nitro group to form the intermediate hydroxylamine (-NHOH) and the second involving two electrons and corresponding to the reduction of the hydroxylamine to amine (-NH2). Using three different electrode materials (bare glassy carbon electrode, mercury thin film electrode, and DNA biosensor), it has been verified that hydroxylamine formation involves four electrons and is pH dependent. This chapter shows that the DNA biosensor developed provides a new perspective to the research and study of the mechanism of action of nitroimidazoles with DNA.

Proceedings de 2 Conferencias simultâneas: "International Conference on Natural Antioxidants and Lipid Peroxidation in Atherosclerosis and Cancer (ALPAC)" e "International Conference on Quality and Safety Aspects and Nutrition in Europe'95 (QSFNE), 22-25 Agosto 1995, Helsinquia, Finlândia.

The author provides an introduction to the risk management process in the hospital industry as well as explains some of the basic elements in a risk management program in such industry. The author also explains the factors to be evaluated in a risk management program.

In order to obtain data about clinical manifestations of symptomatic leptospiral infection in children, the authors reviewed 188 microscopic agglutination tests performed on sera of patients aged 0 to 12 years, made at the National Reference Laboratory of Leptospirosis (FIOCRUZ-RJ) from January 1983 to June 1991. Fifty two (27.6%) sera were positive. Twenty three (12.2%) children had serological evidence of acute infection. The most frequent signs and symptoms of these 23 cases were: fever (100%); myalgia (69.5%); headache (52.1%); jaundice (47.8%); vomit (34.8%); abdominal pain, hemorrhagic manifestations and impaired renal function (17.4%); conjunctivitis (13%); hepatomegaly (4.3%).

385 Background: Effective prevention of colitis-associated cancer still needs to be achieved. There is evidence that the microflora plays an important role in the progression of chronic inflammation to neoplastic transformation, so the aim of this study was to evaluate the potential efficacy of the probiotic VSL#3 in preventing this transition. Methods: Chronic colitis was induced in male Sprague Dawley rats by the administration of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS; 30 mg in 50% ethanol ic), followed six weeks later by reactivation with TNBS (5 mg/kg iv) for 3 days. To induce colitis-associated dysplasia and cancer the animals then received TNBS (iv) twice a week for ten weeks. One group of rats received the probiotic in drinking water (VSL#3; ∼5 billion cfu /100 gram body weight) from 1 week prior to initial colitis induction until the time of sacrifice (n = 22-23/group). After sacrifice the colons were removed and analyzed for total macroscopic damage, microscopic damage and presence of dysplasia or cancer. Tissue and serum samples were analyzed for cell proliferation and apoptosis, angiogenic factors and presence of alkaline sphingomyelinase. Results: Those animals receiving the probiotic had significantly less macroscopic and microscopic damage than the vehicle treated-controls in all areas of the colon (p < 0.05). Pathological analysis revealed that 29% of the vehicle treated animals developed carcinoma, which was confined to the proximal region. None of the probiotic treated animals developed carcinoma. Treatment with the probiotic caused a significant shift to a less severe diagnosis with no high-grade dysplasia found in either the proximal or midcolon. Treatment with the probiotic reduced crypt cell proliferation by 22% as assessed by measurement of BrdU incorporation in comparison with the vehicle treated group. Levels of the antiangiogenic factor angiostatin were higher in the probiotic treated animals (5-fold), as were serum levels of alkaline sphingomyelinase (2-fold). Conclusions: Treatment with the probiotic VSL#3 can delay the transition of chronic inflammation to dysplasia and cancer via effects on processes such as modulation of cell proliferation and angiogenesis. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Meal-fed (3 h) rats had a decreased food intake, body weight and carcass fat compared with rats fed ad libitum. On refeeding a chow meal containing [1-14C]triolein, the production of 14CO2 was lower (45%) and the accumulation of carcass [14C]lipid higher (37%) in the meal-fed rats. There was higher lipoprotein lipase activity and greater accumulation of [14C]lipid in the epididymal and subcutaneous adipose-tissue depots of the meal-fed rats. In contrast, heparin-releasable lipoprotein lipase was not increased in perfused hearts of meal-fed rats on refeeding. Return of meal-fed rats to feeding ad libitum reversed these changes before the restoration of body weight or carcass fat. Evidence is presented that decreased dietary intake rather than meal pattern is an important determinant of the alterations in adipose lipid metabolism in the meal-fed rat in response to a meal.

The most important aspects of the federal law entitled "Health Care Quality Improvement Act of 1986" are discussed in general terms by the author from the point of view of hospital entities in Puerto Rico. In addition, aspects of suspension of privileges, obtention of immunity protection and the obligation to solicit and report information to the National Data Bank under the federal law are also discussed.

Gynaecological surgery and obstetric manipulations in horses are usually performed under extradural anaesthesia. Lidocaine provides effective short duration anaesthesia, but may produce ataxia or recumbency. Ropivacaine has a longer duration of action and produces less motor block, in humans and dogs, when compared to lidocaine. This study investigated the speed of onset and duration of anaesthesia, and the degree of muscle relaxation, produced by various local anaesthetics used for extradural anaesthesia in mares.

The effect of chlormadinone acetate (CA) on mammary growth and lactation was studied in the New Zealand white rabbit. Mammary development studies were performed in 5-month males castrated prepuberally. All rabbits were treated for 28 days. Ten μg estrone (E) produced good ductal development without alveolar growth (mean mammary area = 376 mm2). CA alone did not stimulate mammary growth. Administration of 0.5 mg CA plus 10 Mg E produced optimal ductal and alveolar development (mean mammary area = 765 mm2). By contrast, a larger dose of CA (2.5 mg) combined with 10 μg E resulted in a much smaller mammary response (mean mammary area = 284 mm2). Administration of 100 ng or 2.5 mg CA from day 10 to 25 of lactation neither inhibited nor facilitated milk production in lactating rabbits. It is concluded that prolonged administration of CA when combined with estrogen stimulates mammary growth at moderate doses (0.5 mg) and inhibits it at large doses (2.5 mg). CA has no clear effect on milk production and/or remova...

In this article the author gives a general overview of the classification of incompetent persons, the determination of competency, and the role of the guardian or tutor according to the Civil Code of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The article takes into consideration the special characteristics of the hospitals and the medical profession. Finally, the author gives his recommendations as to how hospitals and physicians should act in situations that involve incompetent patients in order to minimize the risk of possible legal responsibility.

The effect of prepuberal ovariectomy on the subsequent adult sexual behavior of New Zealand white rabbits was studied. Three groups of rabbits were ovariectomized at 30 (infantile), 60 (juvenile) and 90–100 (late juvenile) days of age. Tests for both mating and mounting behavior were initiated when the subjects (Ss) were 90–107 days old and continued twice weekly until each subject totaled 25 tests. Sporadic mating behavior was displayed by 33, 45 and 42% of the infantile, juvenile and late juvenile Ss, respectively. Nine per cent of the juveniles and 28% of the late juveniles showed mounting behavior. None of the infantiles mounted. The average age at which the Ss of the diverse groups mated for the first time was: infantile 144 days, range 135–164; juvenile 138 days, range 95–186; and late juvenile 123 days, range 109–139. No significant differences in the frequency with which sexual behavior was displayed as adults were noted between the diverse groups. It is concluded that: a) the ovaries are not indi...

Sixty-three New Zealand white rabbits were ovariectomized and tested for sexual behavior. Eighteen subjects (Ss) displayed sexual behavior at least once after ovariectomy (10 mated, 4 mounted, and 4 both mated and mounted). Adrenalectomy was successfully performed in 24 Ss. Fourteen of them had displayed sexual behavior after ovariectomy (9 mated, 3 mounted, and 2 mated and mounted). All Ss were maintained with cortisol acetate. Six Ss mated, 1 mounted, and another mated and mounted after adrenalectomy. The frequency with which these adrenalectomized Ss displayed sexual behavior was significantly lower than before adrenalectomy. None of the 10 Ss that failed to mate or mount after ovariectomy presented sexual behavior when adrenalectomized. The results suggest that adrenal steroids contribute to the persistence of sexual activity shown by some ovariectomized rabbits, but that other factors are involved in this phenomenon. A possible extraglandular source of sex steroids is discussed in the light of these ...

The synthesis, elemental and spectrometric analysis of isoniazid conjugates with polyethylene glycol) (PEG) were obtained. In the first part of the work, acyl isoniazid, hydroxymethyl isoniazid, and modified poly(ethylene glycol) were synthesized. These compounds were characterized by FTIR, by elemental analysis, and by NMR. To obtain antituberculosis macromolecular prodrugs with sustained delivery, the modified PEG were used as carriers by linking, via end group, either isoniazid or its hydroxymethyl derivative.

Almost all attempts to improve animal production systems in developing countries have failed because they relied on the transfer of technologies from developed countries. Livestock production systems in industrialized conuntries have high rates of animal productivity, which at the same time require high quality feeds, rich in energy and protein. Most developed countries are located in temperate climates in which cereals and high quality feeds and grains can be readily grown and have the currency to provide all the fossil fuel inputs required.In order for Third World countries, located mostly in tropical regions, to adapt these systems, they must import exotic livestock and provide the high level of feeding at high cost. The transferred system has led to a loss of interest in indigenous breeds and local resources.It is clear that there is a great need for new rural development strategies that should take into account not only food production but also renewable energy resources, employment generation, self reliance and protection of the enviroment. This strategy includes selection of crops and cropping systems which maximize biomass production, nitrogen fixation and minimize the use of imported or expensive inputs.