Morphological study of the testes of the dove Columba livia (Gmelin) (Columbidae, Columbiformes)

Known as "domestic dove", the Columba livia (Gmelin, 1789) is a columbidae species widely distributed in Brazil, whose reproductive biology has been studied by many researchers. The testes of 12 Columba livia males were collected and prepared for histologic examination under an optical microscope, the results of which were analysed and photographed. The tunica albuginea that covers the testes consists of a thick, not very cellular layer of dense connective tissue. Groups of interstitial cells with typical morphological appearance and surrounded by loose, well vascularized connective tissue are observable within the organ, between the seminiferous tubules. The seminiferous tubules are thick, intensely wound and, when seen in cross section, show Sertoli cells and spermatogenic lineage cells in different stages of development. These include spermatogonia (type A, clear; type A, dark; and type B), spermatocytes I and II, spermatids, and a large number of spermatozoons. Similarities are found between the histological findings described and those reported for the testes of Columbina talpacoti (Temminck, 1811)

Antibodies against Entamoeba histolytica in individuals with intestinal amoebiasis presenting cysts and/or trophozoites in the feces Anticorpos anti-Entamoeba histolylica em indivíduos com amebíase intestinal apresentando cistos e/ou trofozoitas nas fezes

Serum samples were obtained from 154 individuals infected with Entamoeba histolytica (78 symptomatic and 76 asymptomatic). Twelve had trophozoites in the feces whereas 142 had only cysts. The sera were used to test the existence of antibodies anti-Entamoeba histolytica employing the Indirect Hemagglutination (IHA), Indirect Immunofluoresccnce (IFAT), Complement Fixation Reaction (CFR) and Counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIEP). For those individuals with trophozoites in their feces, 75.0 were positive by IHA and IFAT, 83.0 by CFR and 41.7 by CIEP. In individuals who had only cysts, positive results by the same tests were respectively, 5.6%, 12.0%, 19.0% and 5.6%. The difference in relation to the tilers of antibodies detected through IHA, IFAT, CFR and CIEP and in relation to the presence of trophozoites or cysts in the feces was significative for four immunological reactions when X², was employed (P < 0.05).<br>Amostras de soros foram obtidas de 154 indivíduos comprovadamente parasitados pela Entamoeba histolytica (78 sintomáticos c 76 assintomáticos). Doze apresentavam trofozoitas nas fezes, enquanto 142 tinham apenas cistos. Os soros foram utilizados para testar a ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Entamoeba histolytica, empregando-se para tal, Reação de Hemaglutinação Indireta (HAI), Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI), Reação de Fixação de Complemento (RFC) e Contraimunoeletroforese (CIEP). Entre os soros dos indivíduos com trofozoitas em suas fezes, 75,0% foram positivos para HAI e RIFI, 83,3% por RFC, e 41,7% por CIEP. Nos indivíduos que tinham apenas cistos, resultados positivos pelos mesmos testes foram respectivamente, 5,6%; 12,0%; 19,0% c 5,6%. A diferença cm relação aos títulos de anticorpos detectados através de HAI, RIFI, RFC e CIEP e em relação à presença de trofozoitas ou cistos nas fezes foi significativa para as quatro reações imunológicas, quando X² foi empregado (P < 0,05)

Indução de embriogênese somática em cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum Schum.) Induction of somatic embryogenesis in cupuassu (Theobroma grandiflorum Schum.)

Folhas jovens de cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum Schum.) foram empregadas para indução de embriogênese somática, as quais foram cultivadas inicialmente em meio MS suplementado com 6,0 mg/L BAP e 0,5 mg/L AIA (meio de estabelecimento), seguindo-se o cultivo em meio MS suplementado com 2,20 mg/L TDZ (meio de indução). A região da nervura mostrou intumescimento três dias após inoculação no meio de estabelecimento, o qual foi seguido pela formação de cachos de calos. As massas calosas foram transferidas para o meio de indução, e as estruturas com características pró-embriogênicas puderam ser observadas após uma semana. Estudos de microscopia eletrônica de varredura revelaram estruturas com características de embriões somáticos no meio com TDZ.<br>Young leaves of cupuassu (Theobroma grandiflorum Schum.) were used to induce somatic embryogenesis, which were cultivated initially in MS basal medium suplemented with 6.0 mg/L BAP and 0.5 mg/L IAA (established medium ) followed by MS basal medium supplemented with 2,20 mg/L TDZ (induction medium). Vascular region of explants showed intumescement three days after inoculation in established medium, which was followed by the formation of calli clusters. Calli mass were transferred to induction medium, and the structures with proembryogenic characteristics could be observed after one week. Scanning electron microscopy studies revealed structures with somatic embryos characteristics in the medium with TDZ

Composição química e respiração de crescimento em frutos de Psidium cattleyanum sabine durante o ciclo de desenvolvimento Chemical composition and growth respiration in Psidium cattleyanum sabine fruits during the development cycle

O experimento foi conduzido em condições de campo, sendo os frutos colhidos em araçazeiros de seis anos, crescidos no pomar da EMBRAPA- Clima Temperado. O objetivo foi determinar a composição química, a eficiência de conversão da glicose em novos compostos e a estimativa da respiração de crescimento de araçá ao longo da ontogenia do fruto. Os teores de macronutrientes decresceram ao longo do desenvolvimento do fruto. Os conteúdos de amido, carboidratos solúveis totais, açúcares redutores, lipídeos e ácidos orgânicos aumentaram, enquanto os teores de proteína e os componentes da parede celular diminuíram com a idade do fruto de araçá, principalmente na fase de maturação. Os carboidratos foram os maiores componentes orgânicos, fazendo com que o custo da respiração do fruto fosse baixo. O araçá foi eficiente na conversão de glicose em outros compostos orgânicos. O coeficiente de respiração de crescimento decresceu com a idade do fruto. A taxa de respiração de crescimento incrementou até a metade do período de crescimento acelerado do fruto.<br>The experiment was carried out under field conditions, where the fruits were harvest in Brazilian guava trees with six years old, growing on orchard of EMBRAPA- Temperate weather. The aim of the research was to determine the chemical composition, the efficiency of glucose conversion in new compounds and growth respiration estimate of the fruits during its ontogeny. The macronutrients content decreased with fruit development cycle. The contents of starch, total soluble sugars, reduced sugars, lipids and organic acids augmented as the fruits aged, while the protein contents and the components of cell wall decreased during fruit ontogeny, with strong accumulation during ripening. The carbohydrates were the major organic compounds, determining low cost of fruit respiration. The Brazilian guava showed to be an efficient fruit on glucose conversion in other organic compounds. The respiratory coefficient decreased as the fruit aged. The growth respiration rate increased until the middle of accelerate growth phase of the fruit