Morphology of immatures of Caonabo pseudoscylax (Bergroth) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae).

Characters of immatures are potentially useful in identifying taxa, but few immatures of Pentatomidae were described. The objectives here are to describe the egg and five nymphal instars of Caonabo pseudoscylax (Bergroth) under light and scanning electron microscopy. Adults, eggs, and nymphs were collected on Homolepsis glutinosa during 2008, in Criciúma (Santa Catarina, Brazil). The egg of C. pseudoscylax is subcylindrical, chorion reddish brown, slightly translucent, and with granulate surface. Aero-micropylar processes translucent, spongy, and strongly clavate. Nymphs without punctures, spiracles placed near the lateral abdominal margin. The dorsal abdominal gland has rounded ostioles bearing cuticular valve; spout peritreme smooth, directed anteriorly; evaporatorium network-shaped; and microsculpture poorly ornamented. Humeral angles of the pronotum were produced from fourth instar. The almost marginal placement of abdominal spiracles may diagnose the nymphs of C. pseudoscylax from first instar to adulthood.

Phenotypic aspects of oral strains of Candida albicans in children with Down's syndrome.

The aim of this article is to characterize the biological aspects of oral strains of C. albicans in children with Down's syndrome. These yeasts were analyzed as to their macromorphological and enzymatic aspects and were tested as to their in vitro susceptibility to antifungal drugs using broth microdilution to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The morphotyping revealed that all oral C. albicans isolates from children with Down's syndrome promoted the formation of fringes regardless of size, while the control group presented smaller fringes. All oral C. albicans strains produced proteinase, but those with phospholipolytic activity showed greater enzyme capacity in the test group. In vitro susceptibility showed that all oral C. albicans isolates were sensitive to the drugs used.

Phenotypic aspects of oral strains of Candida albicans in children with down's syndrome / Aspectos fenotípicos de cepas de Candida albicans orais em crianças com síndrome de down

The aim of this article is to characterize the biological aspects of oral strains of C. albicans in children with Down's syndrome. These yeasts were analyzed as to their macromorphological and enzymatic aspects and were tested as to their in vitro susceptibility to antifungal drugs using broth microdilution to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The morphotyping revealed that all oral C. albicans isolates from children with Down's syndrome promoted the formation of fringes regardless of size, while the control group presented smaller fringes. All oral C. albicans strains produced proteinase, but those with phospholipolytic activity showed greater enzyme capacity in the test group. In vitro susceptibility showed that all oral C. albicans isolates were sensitive to the drugs used.

O objetivo deste artigo foi caracterizar os aspectos biológicos de cepas de C. albicans orais em crianças com síndrome de Down. Estas leveduras foram analisadas quanto aos seus aspectos macromorfológicos e enzimáticos e foram testadas quanto a sua suscetibilidade in vitro a drogas antifúngicas, usando a microdiluição em caldo para a determinação da concentração inibitória mínima (CIM). A morfotipagem revelou que todos os isolados de C. albicans orais de crianças com síndrome de Down induziram à formação de franjas independente do tamanho, enquanto o grupo controle teve franjas menores. Todas as cepas de C. albicans orais produziram proteinase, mas aquelas com atividade fosfolipidolítica mostraram maior capacidade enzimática no grupo teste. A suscetibilidade in vitro mostrou que todos os isolados de C. albicans orais foram sensíveis a drogas empregadas.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction studies of isoform alpha1 of the human thyroid hormone receptor ligand-binding domain.

Thyroid hormone receptors (TR) play critical roles in virtually all tissues. The TR ligand-binding domain (LBD) participates in important activities, such as transcriptional activation and repression, through conformational changes induced by hormone binding. Two crystal forms of isoform alpha1 of the human thyroid hormone receptor LBD (hTRalpha1) in complex with the thyroid hormones T3 and Triac were obtained. The hTRalpha1-T3 complex was crystallized in a previously unobserved crystal form (space group P2(1)2(1)2(1), a = 59.98, b = 80.80, c = 102.21 A), with diffraction patterns extending to 1.90 A resolution on a rotating-anode X-ray source, and in space group C2 (a = 117.54, b = 80.66, c = 62.55 A, beta = 121.04 degrees), with data extending to 2.32 A resolution. The hTRalpha1-Triac complex was also crystallized in the new space group P2(1)2(1)2(1), with unit-cell parameters a = 60.01, b = 80.82, c = 102.39 A; its resolution limit extended to 2.20 A on a home source. Phasing was carried out by the molecular-replacement method and structural refinement is currently in progress. The refined structures may provide insight into the design of new thyromimetics.

Marchantia polymorpha mitochondrial orf identifies transcribed sequence in angiosperm mitochondrial genome.

Heterologous hybridizations performed using nine Marchantia polymorpha mitochondrial orfs and the sdh4 gene against angiosperm mtDNA suggested that three of them and the sdh4 gene have been conserved in the mitochondrial genome of different angiosperm species. Solanum tuberosum mtDNA fragments, which hybridized to M. polymorpha orf207 and sdh4 gene, were cloned, sequenced, and their expressions evaluated by Northern and RT-PCR. Hybridizing fragments to sdh4 gene and orf207 from potato mtDNA were shown to be transcribed, but only in the case of sdh4 gene was there homology between the protein encoded by the DNA sequence from M. polymorpha and the potato mitochondrial genome. M. polymorpha orf207 showed little similarity to an open reading frame from potato mtDNA, named here orf78. The putative proteins encoded by both orf207 and orf78 were not related, indicating that these orfs do not constitute homologous sequences.

HIV testing among tuberculosis patients in the era of antiretroviral therapy: a population-based study in Brazil.

SETTING: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a city with 29862 cases of tuberculosis (TB) reported between January 1995 and June 1998. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the counseling and testing practices for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among TB patients, and to identify the patient characteristics associated with HIV screening as antiretroviral therapy was introduced. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of patients with TB who were reported to the health department and who initiated anti-TB treatment. The main outcome measure was screened versus not screened for HIV. RESULTS: The proportion of TB patients who received HIV screening increased from January 1995 through June 1998 (P < 0.001). Among young adults aged 20-49 years with TB, the independent predictors of HIV screening were a diagnosis of both pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB (odds ratio [OR] = 2.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.1-2.8); TB meningitis (OR = 13.5, 95%CI 6.5-31.5); disseminated TB (OR = 8.2, 95%CI 5.3-12.9); lymphatic TB (OR = 5.6, 95%CI 4.7-6.6); and male sex (OR = 1.4, 95%CI 1.3-1.6). Patients with newly diagnosed TB who were women, lived in a low income neighborhood (OR = 0.7, 95%CI, 0.6-0.7), and sought TB treatment in their own residential neighborhood (OR = 0.3, 95%CI 0.3-0.4) were less likely to receive HIV counseling and testing. CONCLUSION: Health care providers in Rio de Janeiro selectively offered HIV counseling and testing to persons they perceived to be at risk for HIV and those with advanced stages of TB. HIV counseling and testing should be expanded and offered to all TB patients.

[Ultrastructural characteristics of Sertoli cells of the vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus rotundus, Geoffrey, 1810)]. / Características ultra-estruturais das células de Sertoli do morecego hematófago (Desmodus rotundus rotundus, Geoffrey, 1810).

This paper deals with the ultrastructural study of mature vampire bat Sertoli cells and their relationships with the different stages of testicular germ cells. In vampire bat seminiferous epithelium there are different types of junctional specializations among Sertoli cells and among Sertoli cells and different germ cells, with special emphasis to tight junctions and to junctions like as desmosomes. Ectoplasmic junctions through the Sertoli cells, including the smooth ER, are observed. These cellular interactions and their cytophysiological roles are discussed. Also are related some ultrastructural peculiarities of the Sertoli cell nucleus, nucleolus, cytoplasmic organelles and lipidic inclusions.

Ultrastructure of the rete testis in the cat (Felis domestica, L.).

The rete testis (RT) in the cat comprises three distinct and sequential parts: septal or adlobular; mediastinal and tunical parts. This last part is followed by the small extratesticular rete testis. The whole of the RT tubules and/or channels is lined by single low columnar and/or cuboidal epithelium with ultrastructural peculiarities of secretory and absorptive functions. The Golgi apparatus polarity (cis-trans surfaces), its relation with the long profiles of the ER, mainly with the rough ER, and presence of apical uncoated electrodense granules are suggestive of active release of macromolecules, probably glycoproteins. The absorptive function is proposed through the observation of a conspicuous microvacuolar-vesicular apical complex in epithelial cells. Moreover spermatozoa phagocytosis is also noticed, mainly in the septal part of the RT.

[Anatomical observations of the coronary artery vascularization in the guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus, L.)]. / Observations anatomiques sur la vascularisation artérielle coronarienne chez le Cobaye (Cavia porcellus, L.).

Through an examination of the subepicardial part of the heart in the guinea pig it was characterized a duality concerning to the origin and branching of the 2 coronary arteries which are represented by 4, and not by 2, aortic branches: the R. circumflexus sinister and the R. interventricularis paraconalis to the left coronary artery; the A. coronaria dextra and the R. coni arteriosi to the right coronary artery. The heart of the guinea pig was considered of the "left coronary pattern", but the whole characteristics of its arterial vascularization seem to be concerning to the "intermediate coronary pattern".

[Histochemical and structural characteristics of the testis of the vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus rotundus, Geoffrey, 1810)]. / Características histoquímicas e estruturais do testículo do morcego hematófago (Desmodus rotundus rotundus, Geoffrey, 1810).

The testicular stroma of the vampire bat including the testicular capsula and the lamina propria of the seminiferous tubuli, was strongly PAS-positive. This observation was a possible indication of great amounts of structural glycogen and other glycoconjugates at the level of smooth muscle cells; elongated contractile cells and/or collagen frameworks of the tunica albuginea and tubular lamina propria. In the last the basement membranes of the seminiferous tubules were particularly strongly PAS positive, as an indication of their neutral mucosubstances structural composition, previously described (Malmi et al., 1987). The epithelium lining from the cavitary and surface rete testis complex showed low reactivities to mucosubstances; total proteins and lipids and oxidative enzymes studied. Although the apical granulation at the rete testis epithelium showed an intense PAS reactivity with hypothesis of glycoprotein secretion, through the rete. The PAS, Sudan Black B, NADH, MDH and LDH reactions of the testicular interstitium seem correlate to steroid metabolism (biosynthesis and secretion), at the Leydig cells level. The seminiferous epithelium generally had low reactions to all the histochemical studies realized. Particularly in the adbasal compartment the histochemical localizations of NADH diaphorase and LDH were possible related to glycolytic activities and general carbohydrates metabolism, both enzymes, and hydrogen transport, the NADH. The strong PAS, diastase and PAS, and alcian blue pH 2.5 and PAS reactions observed in the adluminal seminiferous epithelium compartment were directly related to the spermatids acrosomal glycoconjugates structuration. Also the SDH localization at this level seems to be related to the mitochondrial activities at the middle piece level in the late spermatids.

[Anatomical notes on the capsular veins of the kidney of the cat]. / Considérations anatomiques des veines capsulaires du rein du chat (Felis domestica).

Capsular veins of 36 kidneys in cat (Felis domestica) have been investigated on macroscopical level. There are venous shunts on the superficial renal level which occur in both surfaces (dorsal and ventral) and different pathways of these vessels for comparative diagnosis. The collateral renal circulation may be sufficient to maintain the renal vascularization in stress conditions.

Fine structure of the boundary tissue of the seminiferous tubuli of the vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus, G.; Microchiroptera).

Structurally the boundary tissue of the vampire bat seminiferous tubuli showed 2 to 5 layers of connective tissue in which elongated contractile cells and lamellar and/or fibrillar collagen were noticed. This boundary tissue forms the seminiferous tubular lamina propria. Its structure was more complex around the seminiferous tubuli near the Capsula testicularis than between the adjacent and contiguous tubuli into the testicular lobuli. The whole ultrastructural organization of the seminiferous lamina propria was described here.

Human necrotizing splenitis caused by Borrelia burgdorferi.

A 25-year-old Hispanic male presented to the emergency room with complaints of severe left upper quadrant pain. Physicians determined that the patient had an acute inflammatory process with a possible diagnosis of splenic abscess. A splenectomy was performed. Histologic examination of the tissue sections revealed extensive necrosis and inflammation, but no etiologic agent was discernible. Microbiologic cultures of the tissue had negative results. A Dieterle silver stain revealed an overwhelming number of spirochetal bacteria most closely resembling Borrelia spp. The patient's serum was tested for serologic evidence of antibody to Borrelia burgdorferi with the following results; by indirect fluorescent antibody 1:32; by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for IgM, 1:320; and Western blotting had positive results for the presence of B. burgdorferi outer-surface protein antibodies. This is the first human case report of an acute necrotizing splenitis resulting from B. burgdorferi.

[Morphological study of the heart of Electrophorus electricus]. / L'étude morphologique du coeur du "poraquê" (Electrophorus electricus).

Hearts of 7 Electrophorus electricus have been investigated on macroscopical and microscopical levels. Generally, the structure of the heart exhibits relative similarities with the other studied teleosts. The ventricular myocardium is mainly spongy and suggests that these structural features can offer an additional contraction power.

[The morphological study of the respiratory organ of Electrophorus electricus]. / Contribution à l'étude morphologique de l'organe respiratoire de l'Electrophorus electricus.

The respiratory organ of Electrophorus electricus is located in the oral cavity and is formed by papillar structures. The papilla consists basically of a cartilaginous central nucleus and is bounded by a connective layer. The results reveal structural adaptations for the respiration among fishes which have efficient respiratory circulation related with the venous blood.

[Structure of the efferent ductules of the domestic pig (Sus scrofa domestica)]. / Structure des canaux efférents du porc doméstique (sus scrofa domestica).

The ductuli efferentes of the pig have 2 distinct and continuous segments: the proximal or intratesticular segment that is formed in sequence to the labyrinthic portion of the rete testis, on the cranial extremity of the testis, and the distal or epididymal segment that forms the Cani vasculosi or Lobuli epididymidis. The testicular ductuli are more thicker and the epididymal ductuli are more thin, long and flexuous. The last segment is very coiled and forms a bulboid structure that is placed in the head of the epididymis, in which the ductuli jumped into the initial segment of the epididymis. Each efferent duct is formed by a single and cuboidal/columnar epithelium in which are identified three cellular types: ciliated cells, non ciliated cells and intra-epithelial lymphocytes. The epithelial lining rests on a conspicuous basement membrane that is surrounded by collagen fibrils. Among the ductuli is identified a loose connective tissue.

Fibre types of M. pectineus of the dog (Canis familiaris).

As revealed by the NADH-diaphorase, M. pectineus of the dog possesses at least three main kind of fibres: 45.99% of small and slow contracting-red fibres, presenting an intense reaction, specially in the subsarcolemmal region; 45.55% of large and fast contracting-white fibres, presenting a less intense reaction. The remainder 8.46% fibres possess intermediate characteristics. These findings suggest that the movements of slow and fast contraction of M. pectineus are somewhat equilibrated.