Effect of slope on the forest structure of the Atlantic Forest domain in southern Brazil

Abstract The mosaic landscape composition of forest fragments located on high slopes, shallow soils hinder ecological interactions and the survival of plant species. This study aimed to show, in an environment with these characteristics, the effect of the environmental gradient relating the soil, slope, and vegetation of a fragment of the Montane Seasonal Semideciduous Forest. The forest structure was sampled in 12 continuous rectangular plots, with 30 X 20m, totaling 0.72ha. Soil samples were taken by drilling every 20m along the hydrographic divisor and opening of three trenches used as soil sampling sites for in situ determination of soil color, horizon, and nutrients. Horizons were classified as O/A/Cr in the altered rock with a marked presence of gravels, and the soil was classified as Litholic Neosol. The area has a steep slope, from 18.05% to 36.99%. Linear regression analysis indicated an opposite pattern for species richness in relation to slope and a positive relationship between slope and the number of standing dead individuals. Species richness was also positively related to the distance from forest edges. The evaluation evidenced the strong influence of slope and human activities in forest remnant as common to several high-altitude remnants, and small conservation actions can guarantee their maintenance.

Antiproliferative, genotoxic and mutagenic potential of synthetic chocolate food flavoring

Flavoring additives are of great technological importance for the food industry. However, there is little information regarding the toxicological properties of these micro-ingredients, especially at the cellular level. The present study used meristematic root cells of Allium cepa L. to evaluate the toxicity of a liquid, aroma and flavor synthetic chocolate additive, manufactured and widely marketed throughout Brazil and exported to other countries in South America. The flavoring concentrations evaluated were 100.00; 50.00; 25.00; 1.00; 0.50 and 0.25 µL/L, where the highest concentration established was one-hundred times lower than that commercially suggested for use. The concentration 100 µL/L substantially reduced cell division of meristems within 24- and 48-hours exposure. Concentrations from 100.00 to 0.50 µL/L resulted in a significant number of prophases to the detriment of the other phases of cell division, indicating an aneugenic activity, and induced a significant number of cellular changes, with emphasis on micronuclei, nuclear buds and chromosomal breaks. Under the established analysis conditions, with the exception of concentration 0.25 µL/L, the flavoring of chocolate caused cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and mutagenicity to root meristems.

Role of Synadenium grantii latex proteases in nematicidal activity on Meloidogyne incognita and Panagrellus redivivus

Abstract Synadenium grantii is a Euphorbiaceae plant commonly found in Brazil, known as Janaúba or Leitosinha, whose latex is traditionally used for several purposes. However, it is not known whether the nematicidal action of this plant latex occurs due to the action of proteases. The present work aims to evaluate the nematicidal activity of proteases from Synadenium grantii latex on Meloidogyne incognita and Panagrellus redivivus. S. grantii latex used in the present study was collected from specimens found in Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The drained latex was collected in Eppendorf microtubes and immediately stored on ice at 4 °C. After this extraction, the latex was frozen (-20 °C) during 2 hours, thawed at room temperature (25 °C) and centrifuged at 10,000 g at 4 °C for 30 minutes to remove larger particles and concentrate the proteases. After the centrifugation, assays of enzymatic activity were performed in order to know in which of the phases the enzymes were found. S. grantii latex presented protease, but no chitinase activity. The results show that there was a significant difference (p <0.01) between the treated and control groups, with 100% mortality of Meloidogyne incognita and 72% average mortality of Panagrellus redivivus. In addition, it was demonstrated that the nematicidal action occurred due to the action of the proteases, since the control was only differentiated from the treatment by the presence of the enzymes with biological activity.

Historical Pollution of an Urban Watershed Based in Geochemical, Geoacumulation, and EROD Activity in PLHC-1 Analyses in Sediment Cores

In the present study, the environmental changes over the past 100 years in the Cambé River watershed in Southern Brazil were investigated. For this, a sediment core was collected to examine the distribution of metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and ecotoxicological markers. The core corresponds from 1914 to 2012, which was obtained by the decay of ²¹⁰Pb. Changes in the study area also were examined by: Geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and enrichment factor (EF), sediment quality guidelines (SGQs), and ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity in Poeciliopsis lucida hepatocellular carcinoma (PLHC-1) cells line. The Σ16 PAHs ranged from 242.6 to 40,775 ng g^-1, with pyrogenic source at the beginning of the core, which likely corresponds to the burning of forests to establish the city and the later use of fossil fuels from 1960 to 2012. In the 1930s, most of metals presented a concentration below the background. After the 1930s, high concentrations can be associated with the intense use of fertilizers (Cd, Cu, Zn, Hg) and increases in urban traffic (Zn and Pb). Igeo showed that the distribution of Cu is considered moderately to strongly polluted, and the EF of Pb was considered as moderately polluted. Statistical analyses showed a strong relation between the presence of the ANP, FLU, PHE, BaP, IND, and Bghi compounds and the induction of EROD activity, and no correlation with heavy metals. A prediction model for the linear regression was obtained between the ANP and BaP concentrations and the EROD activity, with an accuracy of 99%.

Water level effect on herbaceous plant assemblages at an artificial reservoir-Lago Azul State Park, Southern Brazil

This study presents the effect of water level variation on the assemblages of herbaceous species in Mourão I Reservoir, Lago Azul State Park, Southern Brazil. The structure and distribution of populations was examined in February (dry period) and April (rainy period), 2011, in two transects. These transects started at the forest edge towards the center of the lake. The end of the transect coincided with the end of the plants within the lake. On every two meters along of the transects we sampled a wooden square of 0.25 m(2) for species biomass analysis.The macrophyte stand was composed entirely of emergent species. Considering the periods, most species were less frequent in the rainy period (April), but Ipomea ramosissima (Poir.) Choisy, Commelina nudiflora L., Eleocharis acuntagula (Roxb.) Schult. and Verbena litorales (Kunth.) had their frequency increased during this period, probably due to their resistance. The influence of flood as measured by the NMDS point out that both before and after the flood, there are plots with distinct compositions and biomass. The water level variation affects the dynamics of plant composition and structure in marginal areas of the Reservoir.

Influence of urban area on the water quality of the Campo River basin, Paraná State, Brazil

The Campo River basin is located on the third plateau of the Paraná State or trap plateau of Paraná, at the middle portion between the rivers Ivaí and Piquiri, southern Brazil, between the coordinates 23° 53 and 24° 10’ South Latitude and 52° 15’ and 52° 31’ West Longitude. The basin has 384 Km² area, being 247 km2 in the municipality of Campo Mourão and 137 km2 in the municipality of Peabiru, in Paraná State. The Campo River is a left bank tributary of the Mourão River, which flows into the Ivaí River. The objective of this study was to monitor water quality in the Km 119 River and the Campo River, tributaries of the Mourão River, with monthly collection of water samples to determine pH, temperature, turbidity, biochemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, fecal coliforms, total solids, total nitrogen, ammoniacal nitrogen, nitrite, nitrate and total phosphorus. The results obtained were compared with the indices established by the environmental legislation and applied in the determination of the Water Quality Index (WQI) used by the Water Institute of Paraná State, regulating environmental agency. Poor water quality in these rivers presents a worrying scenario for the region, since this river is the main source of water supply for the public system. Results of organic matter, fecal coliforms and total phosphorus were higher than the limits established by Resolution CONAMA 357/2005 to river class 2, specially at downstream of the Km 119 River and the Campo River, due to the significant influence of the urban anthropic activity by the lack of tertiary treatment and also rural by the lack of basic sanitation in this area. Results of WQI of Km 119 River and do Campo River indicated that water quality can be classified as average in 71% and good in 29% of the sites evaluated.

Caracterização espacial da atividade apícola na microrregião de campos do Jordão, São Paulo, Brasil

Objetivou-se gerar uma base de dados relacionada à distribuição espacial, de colmeias e produtividade dos apicultores regionais, por meio do Sistema de Informações Geográficas (SIG) utilizando-se o Sistema de Posicionamento Global. Para a construção do banco de informações foi utilizado o software de processamento de informação georreferenciada. A microrregião (4 municípios e 54 apicultores) mostra concentrações (bolsões) de apicultores e de colmeias em determinadas localidades. São necessários mais estudos sobre a flora apícola local para se inferir sobre saturação de recursos para as abelhas, já que não foram observadas diferenças de produção entre os apiários isolados ou inseridos nos bolsões. O SIG mostrou-se eficiente para o mo-nitoramento da localização e procedência da produção regional e no planejamento da distribuição dos apiários e colmeias, podendo dessa forma contribuir para o melhor aproveitamento da flora local e melhoria da produtividade dos apiários.

273 OVUM PICKUP AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF A SYNCHRONIZED FOLLICULAR WAVE DID NOT AFFECT IVP IN BOS INDICUS, BOS TAURUS, OR BUBALUS BUBALIS

One important factor in the success of ovum pickup (OPU)/IVP in Bos taurus is the follicular status at OPU concerning the dominance period (Hendriksen et al. 2000 Theriogenology 53, 11-20). The hypothesis of the present study is that OPU performed after follicle deviation, when follicles show a mild level of atresia, improves competence for IVP in Nelore (NE), Holstein (HO), and buffaloes (BU). Objectives were to determine effects of OPU done at different times of synchronized follicular wave (1, 3, or 5 d after expected emergence) and of genetic group (NE, HO, and BU) on IVP. A total of 27 heifers (9 of each genetic group) were maintained in contemporary nutritional and environmental conditions during experiment, in a cross-over design, performed in 6 replicates. Recovered oocytes with at least one cumulus cell layer were matured in TCM-199 supplemented with 10% of FCS plus 50 μM of cysteamin and 0.3 mM of cystine, at 38.5°C with 5% CO2 in air for 24 h. IVF was done with 2 × 106 spermatozoa per mL of NE (for bovine oocytes) or BU semen (for BU oocytes), for 20 h at the same incubator conditions of IVM. After IVF, presumptive zygotes were denuded and cultured in SOF under the same previous atmosphere conditions. Medium was changed 3 d after IVF when cleavage rate (CR) was assessed. Blastocyst (BR) and hatching rates (HR) were evaluated 7 and 9 days after IVF, respectively. About 50% of hatched blastocysts were fixed until nuclei counting. Data were analyzed by ANOVA using the Proc Mixed model. No effects of interaction or time of synchronization were observed in any of the variables. Concerning genetic group, NE had better results than HO and BU (mean ± SEM / heifer / replicate), respectively, for visualized follicles (41.0a ± 2.1, 22.1b ± 1.3, 18.8b ± 0.9), total oocytes (37.1a ± 2.5, 15.4b ± 1.2, 14.8b ± 1.0), oocytes at IVM (30.8a ± 2.4, 10.7b ± 1.0, 7.9b ± 0.7), oocytes at IVC (18.7a ± 0.8, 8.0b ± 0.5, 7.5b ± 0.4), cleaved embryos (15.4a ± 0.7, 4.6b ± 0.4, 4.4b ± 0.3),CR(81.8a, 59.1b, 62.3b), blastocysts on Day 7 (5.1a ± 0.6, 1.0b ± 0.2, 0.6b ± 0.1), BR (25.8a, 13.6b, 9.1b), and hatched blastocysts on Day 9 (2.6a ± 0.4, 0.3b ± 0.1, 0.3b ± 0.1). Recovery rate and HR were greater for NE (89.4 and 50.6%, respectively) than for HO (73.3 and 23.2%), but neither differed from BU (82.8 and 31.9%). Also, the percentage of viable was greater for NE (83.0) than for HO (66.9) and BU (53.1). No effects were observed for nuclei counting (NE = 176.6 ± 5.3, HO = 168.9 ± 13.7 and BU = 206.1 ± 23.1). Results demonstrate that Nelore had a better efficiency for IVP than Holstein and buffaloes. OPU performed at different times of synchronized follicular wave did not influence IVP, conversely to the initial hypothesis of this study. FAPESP (06/59550-6, 07/04782-2), Tortuga Cia Zootecnica®, Santa Adele and São Caetano Farms, LMMD, PCAPS, HOVET (Dr. Ubiraem Schalch), VRA, VNP (Prof. Dr. Francisco de Palma Rennó).

Patterns of the aquatic macrophyte cover in Cachoeira Dourada Reservoir (GO-MG)

The relationship between the aquatic macrophyte cover in upper segments of tributaries and this cover in these tributaries but near the reservoir's main body was tested. Sixteen taxa belonging to 12 families of aquatic macrophytes were recorded in Cachoeira Dourada Reservoir. The most frequent species were Eichhornia azurea (frequency of occurrence = 92%; n = 37 sites) and E. crassipes (44%). Upper segments of the tributaries were the main areas colonized by these aquatic macrophytes. The positive relationship between the aquatic macrophyte cover between the upper and lower segments of tributaries indicates the importance of dispersion in the colonization of the arms and the reservoir's main body.

Characterization of a divergent vanD-type resistance element from the first glycopeptide-resistant strain of Enterococcus faecium isolated in Brazil

Enterococcus faecium 10/96A from Brazil was resistant to vancomycin (MIC, 256 microg/ml) but gave no amplification products with primers specific for known van genotypes. A 2,368-bp fragment of a van cluster contained one open reading frame encoding a peptide with 83% amino acid identity to VanH(D), and a second encoding a D-alanine-D-lactate ligase with 83 to 85% identity to VanD. The divergent glycopeptide resistance phenotype was designated VanD4.

[Secondary prophylaxis in rheumatic fever. Oral antibiotic therapy versus benzathine penicillin]

PURPOSE

To detect problems related to secondary prophylaxis of rheumatic fever in the setting out patient follow-up.

METHODS

Among 113 pediatric patients admitted with diagnosis of this disease, in a period of five years, we selected 80 records. They were divided in group 1 (60 cases), that only received prescription of benzathine penicillin for prophylaxis and group 2 (20 patients) to whom it was changed from parenteral to oral antibiotics after the detection problems using the first scheme.

RESULTS

In group 1, among 53 who had carditis, 27 (45%) had severe disease; 22 cases (37%) were re-admitted with relapsed carditis following the refusal to use benzathine penicillin. Also, we observed that after discharged 32 (55%) did not return to the out-patient clinic in HUAP. In group 2, from 16 who had carditis, 10 (50%) had severe disease. Only two (10%) did not return to ambulatory control and there was no case of readmission. The difference between the groups was statistically significant. (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

It was very high the percentage of cases that missed the control visits and abandoned the prophylaxis when it was insisted on parenteral penicillin. We should evaluate every case and remember that oral antibiotics might avoid a major problem.

[Clinical and echocardiographic study of mitral valve in children with severe rheumatic carditis. Aspects of prolapse or rupture]

PURPOSE

To describe cases of rheumatic carditis with echocardiographic aspects of prolapse or rupture of mitral structures.

METHODS

We described 16 cases of acute carditis (ages between 5-15 years). In 10 (group 1) there was aspect of mitral prolapse, in 6 (group 2) aspect of "flail". The measurements of anterior chordae and anuli were compared to the ones of 5 cases of chronic rheumatic fever with dilated left ventricle and aortic regurgitation (group 3) and to 20 normal children of same ages. The same measurements were repeated after treatment.

RESULTS

The mean of the measurements in group 1 was; 26.48 +/- 11.46mm-anterior chordae; 32.13 +/- 7.35mm anuli; in the group 2 was respectively 29.63 +/- 4.57mm and 35.63 +/- 7 mm. In the group 3 anterior chordae was 34.52 +/- 6.8mm, anuli: 34.8 +/- 4.61 mm. In the normal group, respectively was: 18.19 +/- 4.26mm and 24.66 +/- 2.85mm. After corticosteroid many cases improved. In the statistical analyses, the measurements among patients of group 1 and 2 compared to normal children, the difference was significant but it was not compared to group 3. Comparing the measurements pre and post treatment the decrease was not significant.

CONCLUSION

The acute carditis in these cases lead to significant elongation of anterior chordae and dilatation of anuli, but there was not a significant decrease after treatment.