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Rivera F, Narciso C, Oliveira R, Cerri RLA, Correa-Calderón A, Chebel RC, Santos JEP. Effect of bovine somatotropin (500 mg) administered at ten-day intervals on ovulatory responses, expression of estrus, and fertility in dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2010; 93:1500-10. [PMID: 20338427 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2009-2489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2009] [Accepted: 12/13/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of administering 500 mg of recombinant bovine somatotropin (bST) every 10 d on ovulatory responses, estrous behavior, and fertility of lactating Holstein cows. Lactating dairy cows were assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: a control with no administration of bST (73 primiparous and 120 multiparous cows) or 6 consecutive administrations of 500 mg of bST (83 primiparous and 123 multiparous cows) given subcutaneously at 10-d intervals starting 61+/-3 d postpartum (study d 0), concurrent with the initiation of the timed artificial insemination (AI). Blood samples were collected thrice weekly from 61+/-3 to 124+/-3 d in milk (DIM), and plasma samples were analyzed for concentrations of estradiol, glucose, insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1, and progesterone. The estrous cycle of cows was presynchronized with 2 injections of PGF(2alpha) at 37+/-3 and 51+/-3 DIM, and the Ovsynch timed AI protocol was initiated at 61+/-3 DIM. Ovaries were scanned to determine ovulatory responses during the Ovsynch protocol. Pregnancy was diagnosed at 33 and 66 d after AI. Body condition was scored on study d 0, 10, 42, and 76. Sixty-four cows were fitted with a pressure mounting sensor with radiotelemetric transmitters to monitor estrous behavior. Treatment of lactating dairy cows with 500 mg of bST at 10-d intervals increased yields of milk and milk components in the first 2 mo after treatment. Body condition of bST-treated cows remained unaltered, whereas control cows gained BCS. Treatment with bST increased concentrations of insulin-like growth factor 1 chronically, but concentrations of insulin and glucose increased only transiently in the first 7 d after the first injection of bST. Concentrations of progesterone during and after the Ovsynch protocol remained unaltered after treatment with bST; likewise, ovulatory responses during the Ovsynch protocol were mostly unaltered by treatment. Concentration of estradiol tended to be greater for bST cows than for control cows immediately before induction of ovulation in the Ovsynch protocol. Similarly, the mean and the peak concentrations of estradiol were greater for bST cows than for control cows when monitored during spontaneous estrus. Nevertheless, duration of estrus and the median number of standing events were less for bST cows than for control cows. Pregnancies per AI after the first and second postpartum inseminations were not affected by bST treatment. Treatment of lactating dairy cows with 500 mg of bST every 10 d improved lactation performance, but it did not affect pregnancies per AI and it reduced expression of estrus.
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Souza JCM, Henriques M, Oliveira R, Teughels W, Celis JP, Rocha LA. Do oral biofilms influence the wear and corrosion behavior of titanium? BIOFOULING 2010; 26:471-8. [PMID: 20383799 DOI: 10.1080/08927011003767985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The main aim of this work was to study the simultaneous wear-corrosion of titanium (Ti) in the presence of biofilms composed of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans. Both organisms were separately grown in specific growth media, and then mixed in a medium supplemented with a high sucrose concentration. Corrosion and tribocorrosion tests were performed after 48 h and 216 h of biofilm growth. Electrochemical corrosion tests indicated a decrease in the corrosion resistance of Ti in the presence of the biofilms although the TiO(2) film presented the characteristics of a compact oxide film. While the open circuit potential of Ti indicated a tendency to corrosion in the presence of the biofilms, tribocorrosion tests revealed a low friction on biofilm covered Ti. The properties of the biofilms were similar to those of the lubricant agents used to decrease the wear rate of materials. However, the pH-lowering promoted by microbial species, can lead to corrosion of Ti-based oral rehabilitation systems.
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103
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Lima JR, Rivera FA, Narciso CD, Oliveira R, Chebel RC, Santos JEP. Effect of increasing amounts of supplemental progesterone in a timed artificial insemination protocol on fertility of lactating dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2010; 92:5436-46. [PMID: 19841206 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2009-2134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objectives were to evaluate the effect of supplemental progesterone during a timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocol on pregnancy per insemination and pregnancy loss. Lactating dairy cows from 2 dairy herds were presynchronized with 2 injections of PGF(2alpha) 14 d apart, and cows observed in estrus following the second PGF(2alpha) injection were inseminated (n = 1,301). Cows not inseminated by 11 d after the end of the presynchronization were submitted to the TAI protocol (d 0 GnRH, d 7 PGF(2alpha), d 8 estradiol cypionate, and d 10 TAI). On the day of the GnRH of the TAI protocol (study d 0), cows were assigned randomly to receive no exogenous progesterone (control = 432), one controlled internal drug-release (CIDR) insert (CIDR1 = 440), or 2 CIDR inserts (CIDR2 = 440) containing 1.38 g of progesterone each from study d 0 to 7. Blood was sampled on study d 0 before insertion of CIDR for determination of progesterone concentration in plasma, and cows with concentration <1.0 ng/mL were classified as low progesterone (LP) and those with concentration > or =1.0 ng/mL were classified as high progesterone (HP). From a subgroup of 240 cows, blood was sampled on study d 3, 7, 17 and 24 and ovaries were examined by ultrasonography on study d 0 and 7. Pregnancy was diagnosed at 38 +/- 3 and 66 +/- 3 d after AI. Data were analyzed including only cows randomly assigned to treatments and excluding cows that were inseminated after the second PGF(2alpha) injection. The proportion of cows classified as HP at the beginning of the TAI protocol was similar among treatments, but differed between herds. Concentrations of progesterone in plasma during the TAI protocol increased linearly with number of CIDR used, and the increment was 0.9 ng/mL per CIDR. The proportion of cows with plasma progesterone > or =1.0 ng/mL on study d 17 was not affected by treatment, but a greater proportion of control than CIDR-treated cows had asynchronous estrous cycles following the TAI protocol. Treatment with CIDR inserts, however, did not affect pregnancy at 38 +/- 3 and 66 +/- 3 d after AI or pregnancy loss.
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González-Sixto B, García-Doval I, Oliveira R, Posada C, García-Cruz M, Cruces M. Aspectos prácticos de la quinacrina como tratamiento del lupus eritematoso cutáneo: serie de casos. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ad.2009.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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105
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González-Sixto B, García-Doval I, Oliveira R, Posada C, García-Cruz MA, Cruces M. [Quinacrine in the treatment of cutaneous lupus erythematosus: practical aspects and a case series]. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2010; 101:54-58. [PMID: 20109393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are antimalarials used as first-line treatment of cutaneous lupus. Quinacrine is not often employed by Spanish physicians due to a lack of information about its use and the fact that it is not marketed in Spain. It is effective in monotherapy or in combination therapy with other antimalarials. One of the advantages of quinacrine over chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine is that it does not appear to cause retinal toxicity. Quinacrine is used as second-line therapy in patients with pre-existing eye problems that contraindicate treatment with chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine (after evaluation of which drug has the better risk-benefit relationship), and in combination therapy with other antimalarials inpatients with resistance or only a partial response to chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine. We report 8 cases of patients with cutaneous lupus who received treatment with quinacrine in monotherapy or in combination with others antimalarials. Lesions resolved in 5 patients and improved in 3. Therapy had to be withdrawn in 1 patient due to an exacerbation of his psoriasis.
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106
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Naue W, Guntzel A, Silva A, Condessa R, Oliveira R, Vieira S. Increasing pressure support during vibrocompression is useful during respiratory therapy? Crit Care 2010. [PMCID: PMC2934283 DOI: 10.1186/cc8466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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107
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González-Sixto B, García-Doval I, Oliveira R, Posada C, García-Cruz M, Cruces M. Quinacrine in the Treatment of Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: Practical Aspects and a Case Series. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s1578-2190(10)70580-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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108
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Oliveira R, Ribeiro F, Oliveira J. Cryotherapy impairs knee joint position sense. Int J Sports Med 2009; 31:198-201. [PMID: 20221997 DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1242812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The effects of cryotherapy on joint position sense are not clearly established; however it is paramount to understand its impact on peripheral feedback to ascertain the safety of using ice therapy before resuming exercise on sports or rehabilitation settings. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the effects of cryotherapy, when applied over the quadriceps and over the knee joint, on knee position sense. This within-subjects repeated-measures study encompassed fifteen subjects. Knee position sense was measured by open kinetic chain technique and active positioning at baseline and after cryotherapy application. Knee angles were determined by computer analysis of the videotape images. Twenty-minute ice bag application was applied randomly, in two sessions 48 h apart, over the quadriceps and the knee joint. The main effect for cryotherapy application was significant (F (1.14)=7.7, p=0.015) indicating an increase in both absolute and relative angular errors after the application. There was no significant main effect for the location of cryotherapy application, indicating no differences between the application over the quadriceps and the knee joint. In conclusion, cryotherapy impairs knee joint position sense in normal knees. This deleterious effect is similar when cryotherapy is applied over the quadriceps or the knee joint.
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109
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Neves L, Oliveira R, Alves MM. Fate of LCFA in the co-digestion of cow manure, food waste and discontinuous addition of oil. WATER RESEARCH 2009; 43:5142-5150. [PMID: 19846190 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2009.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2009] [Revised: 08/07/2009] [Accepted: 08/10/2009] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Different concentrations of oily waste were added in a discontinuous mode and recurrently to anaerobic continuous stirred tank reactors fed with cow manure and food waste. Four continuous stirred tank reactors were run in parallel. A control reactor (R1) received no additional oil and R2, R3 and R4 received increasing concentrations of oil in two different experimental approaches. First, the lipids composition was forced to change suddenly, in three moments, without changing the total chemical oxygen demand (COD) fed to the reactors. The only long chain fatty acid (LCFA) detected onto the R1 solid matrix was palmitic acid (C16:0). Nevertheless in the solid matrix of R2, R3 and R4C16:0 and stearic acid were detected. For occasional increase in the oil concentration up to 7.7gCOD(oil)/L(reactor) (55% Oil(COD)/Total(COD)) no statistical differences were detected between the reactors, in terms of methane production, effluent soluble COD, effluent volatile fatty acids and total and volatile solids removal. Therefore this experiment allowed to conclude that cow manure-food waste co-digestion presents sufficient buffer capacity to endure solid-associated LCFA concentration up to 20-25gCOD-LCFA/kgTS. In a second experiment higher concentrations of oil were added, raising occasionally the concentration in the reactors to 9, 12, 15 and 18gCOD(oil)/L(reactor). All pulses had a positive effect in methane production, with the exception of the highest oil pulse concentration, that persistently impaired the reactor performance. This experiment demonstrates that threshold values for LCFA and C16:0 accumulation onto the solid matrix, of about 180-220gCOD-LCFA/kgTS and 120-150gCOD-C16:0/kgTS, should not be surpassed in order to prevent persistent reactor failure, as occurs in some full scale co-digestion plants.
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Pina F, Figueiredo G, Lunet N, Silva P, Oliveira R, Lopes I, Cruz F, Barros H. MP-21.07: Human Serum Angiogenin (ANG-0) Increases with More Aggressive Prostate Pathology. Urology 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2009.07.751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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111
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Costa AR, Rodrigues ME, Silva F, Henriques M, Azeredo J, Faustino A, Oliveira R. MIC evaluation of Candida reference strains and clinical isolates by E-test. J Chemother 2009; 21:351-5. [PMID: 19567358 DOI: 10.1179/joc.2009.21.3.351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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112
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Roldão A, Carrondo M, Alves P, Oliveira R. In silico rotavirus-like particle production in the recombinant baculovirus/insect cell system. N Biotechnol 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2009.06.861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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113
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Sousa N, Franco A, Oliveira R, Castro. P. Ectomycorrhizal fungi as an alternative to the use of chemical fertilisers in nursery production of Pinus pinaster. N Biotechnol 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2009.06.880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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114
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Chagas B, Cruz L, João C, Freitas F, Oliveira R, Reis M. Extraction and purification of cell wall polysaccharides from Pichia pastoris biomass. N Biotechnol 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2009.06.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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115
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Freitas F, Alves V, Torres C, Oliveira R, Reis M. Conversion of glycerol byproduct into value-added bacterial polysaccharides. N Biotechnol 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2009.06.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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116
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Ataíde F, Freitas F, Reis MM, Oliveira R. Analysis of oxygen transport enhancement by functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (FMP) in biopolymer production processes. N Biotechnol 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2009.06.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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117
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von Stosch M, Oliveira R, Peres J, Azevedo SFD. A hybrid semi-parametric approach to dynamical modelling of biological systems based on delayed differential equations. N Biotechnol 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2009.06.846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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118
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Teixeira A, Dias J, Alves P, Carrondo M, Oliveira R. Macroscopic control of intracellular fluxes: application to mammalian cell cultures. N Biotechnol 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2009.06.804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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119
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Oliveira R, Castro D, Godinho R, Luikart G, Alves PC. Species identification using a small nuclear gene fragment: application to sympatric wild carnivores from South-western Europe. CONSERV GENET 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-009-9947-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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120
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Neves L, Oliveira R, Alves MM. Co-digestion of cow manure, food waste and intermittent input of fat. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2009; 100:1957-1962. [PMID: 19046878 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2008.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2008] [Revised: 10/15/2008] [Accepted: 10/16/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Pulses of oil were added to completely mixed reactors fed with dairy cow manure and food waste, after achieving a stable performance at an organic loading rate of 4.6+/-0.1gCOD/(l(reactor) day), an oily waste effluent from a canned fish processing industry was fed in the form of pulses. The oil concentration rose up to 9, 12, 15 and 18gCOD(oil)/l(reactor,) after the pulse feeding in the reactor. The highest fat concentration of 18gCOD(oil)/l(reactor) promoted a persistent inhibition in the process of the continuous reactor, although in batch assays, the reactor content evidenced a capacity to degrade more oil and to degrade the accumulated organic matter. All the other pulses had a positive effect in the methane production. From a practical point of view, this work demonstrates that controlled intermittent inputs of oil can enhance the methane production in a co-digestion of cow manure and food waste.
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121
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Sousa C, Henriques M, Teixeira P, Oliveira R. Reduction of Staphylococcus epidermidis adhesion to indwelling medical devices: a simple procedure. Br J Biomed Sci 2009; 65:184-90. [PMID: 19181036 DOI: 10.1080/09674845.2008.11732826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The present study aims to find a method to reduce Staphylococcus epidermidis adhesion to acrylic and silicone--two materials used commonly in medical devices--by heparin and gentian violet surface preconditioning. Different periods of heparin preconditioning are studied to evaluate the influence of preincubation time on the reduction of bacterial adhesion. A two-hour period was chosen and applied in the adhesion assays with either heparin or gentian violet. Squares of the materials with adherent cells were also analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results of adhesion assays showed a significant reduction (53-90%, P<0.05) in bacterial adhesion to silicone and acrylic after precontact with the conditioning substances. No statistical differences (P>0.05) were found between the extent of adhesion on silicone coupons precontacted either with heparin or gentian violet for each of the strains tested. On acrylic, heparin was more efficient (P<0.001) in reducing S. epidermidis IE186 adhesion than was gentian violet (85% and 53% reductions, respectively). Therefore, immersion of acrylic and silicone in heparin or gentian violet may constitute a simple and effective method by which to reduce S. epidermidis adhesion to medical devices.
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122
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Rodrigues B, Faraco C, Oliveira R, Cheuiche S, Teixeira F, Kirst C, Faraon A, Sousa E. Pelvic osteosarcoma ressection in a bitch: case report. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2009. [DOI: 10.1590/s0102-09352009000100006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
An osteosarcoma involving the pelvis was diagnosed in a 9-year-old neutered Labrador bitch. The clinical signs manifested by the patient before surgical removal of the tumor included urinary difficulty, dyschezia, and inconstant non-weight-bearing on the hindlimbs. These signs were linked to the localization of the tumor, which was identified as a firm and painful mass of the size of an orange in the caudal abdomen. The favorable short term clinical results after surgery and carboplatin chemotherapy showed that the association of these approaches can be employed to manage discomfort inflicted by tumor and, therefore improve the quality of life of patient of bone cancer.
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123
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Costa AR, Henriques M, Oliveira R, Azeredo J. The role of polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA) in Staphylococcus epidermidis adhesion to host tissues and subsequent antibiotic tolerance. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2009; 28:623-9. [PMID: 19130107 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-008-0684-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2008] [Accepted: 12/01/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the role of polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA) in Staphylococcus epidermidis adhesion to host tissues and subsequent antibiotic tolerance. The adherence of S. epidermidis 1457 and the mutant defective in PIA production (1457-M10) to urinary epithelium and endothelium was estimated by colony counting. Minimum bactericidal concentration and mean reduction of cellular activity (XTT) following antibiotic exposure was determined for planktonic and adhered bacteria. S. epidermidis 1457 adhered to a greater extent to both cells than the mutant strain. The adhered strains had a significantly higher antimicrobial tolerance than their planktonic counterparts. The mutant strain was, in general, the most susceptible to the antibiotics assayed. In conclusion, PIA may influence S. epidermidis adherence to host tissues and their antimicrobial susceptibility. Initial adhesion may be the main step for the acquisition of resistance in S. epidermidis.
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Urban A, Nakamura R, Oliveira R, deFaria E. INCREASED POSTPRANDIAL LIPEMIA IN HUMAN PARTIAL DEFICIENCIES OF CHOLESTERYL ESTER TRANSFER PROTEIN OR HEPATIC LIPASE ACTIVITIES. ATHEROSCLEROSIS SUPP 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/s1567-5688(08)70147-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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125
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Pinto CE, Oliveira R, Schlindwein C. Do consecutive flower visits within a crown diminish fruit set in mass-flowering Hancornia speciosa (Apocynaceae)? PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2008; 10:408-12. [PMID: 18426489 DOI: 10.1111/j.1438-8677.2008.00045.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Hancornia speciosa is a self-incompatible, mass-flowering, sphingophilous fruit crop (mangaba) of northeast and central Brazil. The flowers have a precise pollination apparatus, which optimizes pollen transfer between flower and pollinator. While the pollination mechanism avoids self-pollination, mass-flowering promotes geitonogamy. During a flower visit, almost half of the exogenous pollen grains adhering to the proboscis are deposited on the stigma surface. A pollination experiment with a nylon thread simulating six consecutive flower visits within a crown revealed that only the first two flowers visited (positions 1 and 2) are highly likely to set fruit. Super-production of flowers, and consequently obligate low fruit set, seem to be part of the reproductive strategy of the obligate outcrossing plant, Hancornia speciosa.
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