Genetic variability of Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) populations from Latin America is associated with variations in susceptibility to Bacillus thuringiensis cry toxins

Bacillus thuringiensis strains isolated from Latin American soil samples that showed toxicity against three Spodoptera frugiperda populations from different geographical areas (Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil) were characterized on the basis of their insecticidal activity, crystal morphology, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of parasporal crystals, plasmid profiles, and cry gene content. We found that the different S. frugiperda populations display different susceptibilities to the selected B. thuringiensis strains and also to pure preparations of Cry1B, Cry1C, and Cry1D toxins. Binding assays performed with pure toxin demonstrated that the differences in the toxin binding capacities of these insect populations correlated with the observed differences in susceptibility to the three Cry toxins analyzed. Finally, the genetic variability of the three insect populations was analyzed by random amplification of polymorphic DNA-PCR, which showed significant genetic diversity among the three S. frugiperda populations analyzed. The data presented here show that the genetic variability of S. frugiperda populations should be carefully considered in the development of insect pest control strategies, including the deployment of genetically modified maize in different geographical regions.     

Loss of escape-related giant neurons in a spiny lobster, Panulirus argus

When attacked, many decapod crustaceans perform tailflips, which are triggered by a neural circuit that includes lateral giant interneurons, medial giant interneurons, and fast flexor motor giant neurons (MoGs). Slipper lobsters (Scyllaridae) lack these giant neurons, and it has been hypothesized that behavioral (e.g., digging) and morphological (e.g., flattening and armor) specializations in this group caused the loss of escape-related giant neurons. To test this hypothesis, we examined a species of spiny lobster, Panulirus argus. Spiny lobsters belong to the sister taxon of the scyllarids, but they have a more crayfish-like morphology than scyllarids and were predicted to have escape-related giant neurons. Ventral nerve cords of P. argus were examined using paraffin-embedded sections and cobalt backfills. We found no escape-related giant neurons and no large axon profiles in the dorsal region of the nerve cord of P. argus. Cobalt backfills showed one fewer fast flexor motor neuron than in species with MoGs and none of the fast flexor motor neurons show any of the anatomical specializations of MoGs. This suggests that all palinuran species lack this giant escape circuit, and that the loss of rapid escape behavior preceded, and may have driven, alternative predator avoidance and anti-predator strategies in palinurans.     

Hormonal changes related to paternal and alloparental care in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

The physiological mechanisms of parental and alloparental care in cooperatively breeding nonhuman primate species such as the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) are poorly known. In this study, we examined prolactin and cortisol plasma levels of fathers and older offspring of both sexes, with and without previous experience in infant carrying, around parturition and during infant carrying. Blood samples were collected from fathers and older offspring and prolactin and cortisol were measured by RIA and EIA, respectively. Prolactin levels of both caretakers were not influenced by infant's birth, previous experience or proximity to parturition. However, prolactin levels increased in both caretakers while in physical contact with infants and also with the number of infants being carried in older offspring. These findings suggest that increased prolactin seems to be mainly due to physical effort rather than a physiological trigger of paternal and alloparental care in common marmosets. Cortisol levels were higher for experienced fathers shortly before parturition which could act to reinforce affiliative bonds between breeding males and females at this time or in the ability of males to detect the proximity of the parturition or both.     

Evaluation of the efficacy of two mouthrinses formulated for the relief of xerostomia of diverse origin in adult subjects

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2012.00626.x Evaluation of the efficacy of two mouthrinses formulated for the relief of xerostomia of diverse origin in adult subjects Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of two new mouthrinses in the reduction of xerostomía‐associated symptomatology. Background: Xerostomia is a common chronic health condition that affects a great number of adults and significantly deteriorates quality of life, such that treatment is necessary. Materials and methods: Sixty‐seven adult subjects of both sexes presenting xerostomia of diverse origin were selected. Mouthrinses were tested using a double‐blind, randomized, cross‐over clinical trial with an intervining wash out period. Results: The 100% of subjects presented sensation of dry mouth, and 86% stated sensation of thick saliva. Burning tongue sensation, need to drink liquids to swallow and the sensation of swallowing difficulty were recorded in more than 50% of the patients. The most frequent pathologies in the sample were depression, arthritis, and arterial hypertension. Results of the clinical tests showed that mouthrinse 1 relieves sensation of dry mouth, need to drink liquids, and swallowing difficulty. In contrast, mouthrinse 2 relieves only latter two symptoms. Both rinses were more effective in relieving xerostomía‐associated symptomatology in patients taking 3 or more medicines simultaneously. Conclusion: Both mouthrinses were effective in relieving various xerostomia symptoms, could be distributed at a low cost, thereby improving the quality of life of population affected.     

Evaluation of Moringa oleifera seed flour as a flocculating agent for potential biodiesel producer microalgae

Microalgal biofuel alternatives have been hindered by their cost and energy intensive production. In the microalgal harvesting process, the intermediate step of flocculation shows potential in drastically reducing the need for costly centrifugation processes. Moringa oleifera seeds, which have been used for water treatment due to their high flocculation potential, low cost and low toxicity, are presented in this paper as strong candidate for flocculating Chlorella vulgaris, a microalgae with high biodiesel production potential. Early results of our group showed a very high flocculation (around 85% of biomass recovery). The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of Moringa oleifera seed flour concentration, sedimentation time and pH on the flocculation efficiency. Cell suspensions treated with Moringa seed flour (1 g L^-1) had their flocculation significantly increased with the rise of pH, reaching 89% of flocculation in 120 min at pH 9.2. Sedimentation time of 120 min and a concentration of 0.6 g L^-1 proved to be ample for substantial flocculation efficiency. In spite of the need for more research to ensure the economic viability and sustainability of this process, these results corroborate Moringa oleifera seeds as a strong candidate as a bioflocculant for Chlorella vulgaris cells and indicate optimal pH range of its action.     

Do the phenology and functional stem attributes of woody species allow for the identification of functional groups in the semiarid region of Brazil?

The phenology of tree species in environments that are subject to strong climatic seasonality is mainly determined by water availability, which may vary as a function of wood density. The relationship among phenology, water potential, wood density and the capacity of water storage in the stem were determined for woody species of caatinga vegetation (dry forest) in the semiarid region of NE Brazil. Leaf flush and fall, flowering and fruiting events were recorded over a 31-month period, and the water potential was measured over a two-year period. These data were related to precipitation, water availability in the soil and photoperiod. Seven deciduous species exhibited low wood density (DLWD,?<0.5?g?cm^?3), high capacity of water storage in the stem (until 250?% of the dry weight) and high water potential during the year, as opposed to 15 deciduous species that showed high wood density (DHWD,?≥0.5?g?cm^?3). Leaf flush, flowering and the fruiting of DHWD species were related to precipitation, whereas these phenological events occurred at the end of the dry season and/or the beginning of the rainy season for DLWD species and were related to the photoperiod. The two evergreen species showed variations of water potential that were intermediate between those of DHWD and DLWD deciduous species, leaf flush during the dry season and flowering at the end of dry season. These results suggest the existence of three functional groups: evergreen species, DHWD deciduous species and DLWD deciduous species.     

Multi-population QTL detection for aerial morphogenetic traits in the model legume <Emphasis Type="Italic">Medicago truncatula</Emphasis>

Medicago truncatula, as a model species, is useful to study the genetic control of traits of agronomic interest in legumes species. Aerial morphogenesis is a key component of forage and seed yield. It was measured in four mapping populations originating from five parental lines. Single and multi-population quantitative trait locus (QTL) detections were carried out. A large variation was observed within populations and transgressive segregation was noted. Most traits showed high heritabilities in all seasons. Length of primary branches (LPB, cm) was positively correlated to branch elongation rate (BER, cm day⁻¹) and aerial dry matter (ADM, g). Flowering time (FT, °C day⁻¹) showed negative correlations with length of main stem (LMS, cm) and BER. One hundred and forty-one QTLs for BER, LMS, FT, LPB, diameter of primary branches (DPB), number of primary branches (NPB), number of nodes (NI) and ADM were identified and localized over all eight chromosomes. Single and multi-population analyses showed that the most important regions for aerial morphogenetic traits were chromosomes 1, 2, 7 and 8. Multi-population analysis revealed three regions of major QTLs affecting aerial morphogenetic traits (LPB, LMS, NPB, BER and FT). A region involved in flowering time variation was revealed on chromosome 6 on a single population. These results were used to identify candidate genes that could control variation for aerial morphogenesis traits in this species and in related crop legume species.     

Biosafety evaluation of recombinant protein production in goat mammary gland using adenoviral vectors: preliminary study

The production of recombinant proteins in the milk of non-transgenic goats can be achieved by transducing the mammary gland with recombinant adenoviral vectors. However, this process involves several regulatory issues. The current study evaluates the biosafety of this production system. We present a preliminary biosafety profile based on detection of adenoviral particles in different body fluids and the antibody response after adenoviral transduction of the goat mammary gland. In addition, two methods of adenoviral inactivation in milk were tested. Although adenoviral particles were detected in the milk until day 4 after transduction, they were absent in serum, saliva, urine and feces. Anti-adenovirus antibodies were detected in serum and milk. The virus inactivation methods neutralized adenoviral particles and preserved the immunological identity of the recombinant protein. These results support the idea of a safe production of recombinant proteins using adenoviral vectors.