Mycophagous Drosophilidae (Diptera) guild and their hosts in the Brazilian Amazon

The composition and potential hosts of mycophagous Drosophilidae from a section of the Brazilian Amazon forest in the Caxiuanã National forest were investigated. Sampling was performed in three different periods at long the wet season (January (beginning) and July (end) 2013 and May (middle) 2014). The samples were collected from existing trails by actively searching for fungal fruiting bodies where Drosophilidae were present. We present composition and richness analysis over two years of sampling sampling Drosophilidae and Fungi. We evaluate sampling completeness using asymptotic species richness estimators. Out of 159 fruiting body samples and 64 fungal species, 5,124 drosophilids belonging to 55 species and 5 genera were collected. The mycophagous Drosophilidae richness values estimated by Jackknife 1 and Bootstrap were 69 and 61, respectively. The estimated fly richness correlated positively with fungal richness and abundance. Among the Drosophilidae species identified in this study, approximately 5% represent new occurrences for Brazil and 56% represent new species. Four genera belonging to the Zygothrica genus group are found in the Amazon region, and these genera represent 80% of the fungus-associated fauna known to date for the tropics. In conclusion, our results show that the fungal richness and abundance were the factors that determined the high diversity of mycophagous Drosophilidae.

Mycophagous Drosophilidae (Diptera) guild and their hosts in the Brazilian Amazon

The composition and potential hosts of mycophagous Drosophilidae from a section of the Brazilian Amazon forest in the Caxiuanã National forest were investigated. Sampling was performed in three different periods at long the wet season (January (beginning) and July (end) 2013 and May (middle) 2014). The samples were collected from existing trails by actively searching for fungal fruiting bodies where Drosophilidae were present. We present composition and richness analysis over two years of sampling sampling Drosophilidae and Fungi. We evaluate sampling completeness using asymptotic species richness estimators. Out of 159 fruiting body samples and 64 fungal species, 5,124 drosophilids belonging to 55 species and 5 genera were collected. The mycophagous Drosophilidae richness values estimated by Jackknife 1 and Bootstrap were 69 and 61, respectively. The estimated fly richness correlated positively with fungal richness and abundance. Among the Drosophilidae species identified in this study, approximately 5% represent new occurrences for Brazil and 56% represent new species. Four genera belonging to the Zygothrica genus group are found in the Amazon region, and these genera represent 80% of the fungus-associated fauna known to date for the tropics. In conclusion, our results show that the fungal richness and abundance were the factors that determined the high diversity of mycophagous Drosophilidae.(AU)

Serum hepatic biochemistry and electrophoretic protein profile of healthy and Ehrlich tumor-bearing mice treated with extracts of Agaricus blazei Murill / Bioquímica hepática sérica e perfil proteico eletroforético de camundongos saudáveis ou portadores do tumor de Ehrlich tratados com frações de extratos de Agaricus blazei Murril

Compounds isolated from Agaricus blazei Murill represent a group of promising natural immunomodulators for use in the treatment of neoplasms. We have evaluated the serum biochemical profile of healthy and Ehrlich tumor-bearing mice treated with different extracts of A. blazei. Total, supernatant, and polysaccharide extracts of A. blazei were obtained from suspensions (at acidic or neutral pH) kept in a water bath at 60 °C or in an ultrasonic bath at 37 °C. After oral administering the extracts to mice for 21 days, blood samples were collected for determination of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine kinase (CK), urea, total protein, albumin, globulins, and alpha-, beta- and gamma-globulin fractions. The presence of the tumor led to a significant increase in serum CK and AST activities and in the concentrations of total globulin and the gamma-globulin fraction, and to a decrease in the albumin and alpha2-globulin levels. The polysaccharide extracts of A. blazei reduced the serum AST and ALT activities, probably due to a hepatoprotective effect. In addition, polysaccharide and supernatant extracts inhibited the tumor-induced increase in gamma-globulin levels. Thus, the supernatant and polysaccharide fractions of the extract of A. blazei have potential for use in complementary antineoplastic treatments.(AU)

Biocompostos de Agaricus blazei Murril representam imunomoduladores naturais promissores para uso no tratamento de neoplasias. Objetivou-se avaliar o perfil bioquímico hepático sérico camundongos saudáveis ou portadores do tumor de Ehrlich tratados com diferentes extratos de A. blazei. Em pH ácido ou neutro e sob temperatura de extração de 60 ºC em banho-maria ou 37 ºC em banho ultrassônico foram obtidos extratos totais, de sobrenadante e de polissacarídeos de A. blazei. Após administração oral dos tratamentos para camundongos por 21 dias foram realizadas coletas de sangue e determinadas as atividades de aspartato aminotransferase (AST), alanina aminotransferase (ALT), creatina quinase (CK) e as concentrações de ureia, proteína total, albumina, globulinas e frações alfa, beta e gama-globulina. A presença do tumor de Ehrlich foi responsável por aumento significativo nas atividades séricas de AST e CK e das concentrações de globulinas totais e da fração gama-globulina, além de redução dos níveis de albumina e das alfa2-globulinas. Os extratos de polissacarídeos de A. blazei reduziram as atividades séricas de AST e ALT, provavelmente devido a um efeito hepatoprotetor. Além disto, extratos de polissacarídeos e sobrenadante inibiram o aumento das gama-globulinas induzido pelo tumor. Assim, as frações de polissacarídeos e sobrenadante do extrato de A. blazei apresentam bom potencial para uso complementar ao tratamento antineoplásico.(AU)

Ocorrência do gênero Marasmius Fr. (Tricholomataceae, Agaricales) na Reserva Biológica Walter Egler, Amazonas, Brasil

The genus Marasmius Fr. (Tricholomataceae, Agaricales) take in fungus commonly well-known as mushrooms. It's cosmopolitan, but much more numerous in carpophore production and number of species in the tropical regions than in the temperate and frigid zones. Most frequently on wood or leaves, dead or living, more rarely among mosses or grasses on earth. A study of the representatives of the genus Marasmius occurring in the Reserva Biológica Walter Egler, Rio Preto da Eva, in the Amazon State, was carried out. The collection was carried out from December 2000 to June 2001 and the mushrooms were identified based on usual methodology for identification of Agaricales. A total of nine species were studied: Marasmius bellus, Marasmius haedinus var. haedinus, Marasmius cf.leoninus, Marasmius cf.mazatecus, Marasmius cf. ruber, Marasmius cf. setulosifolius, Marasmius tageticolor, Marasmius cf. variabiliceps var. variabiliceps and Marasmius sp. The taxa Marasmius cf.mazatecus, Marasmius cf. setulosifolius and Marasmius cf.variabiliceps var. variabiliceps are here cited for the first time from Brazil. Except of M. tageticolor Berk, all species are cited for the first time as occurring in Reserva Walter Egler. Morphological descriptions, identification-key of the taxa and illustrations are supplied.

O gênero Marasmius Fr. (Tricholomataceae, Agaricales) compreende fungos comumente conhecidos como cogumelos. São cosmopolitas, mas muito mais numerosos em corpos de frutificação e espécies nas regiões tropicais do que em regiões temperadas ou frias. Ocorrem mais freqüentemente sobre madeira ou folhas mortas ou vivas e mais raramente entre musgos ou gramíneas no solo. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo de estudo os representantes do gênero Marasmius Fr. ocorrentes na Reserva Biológica Walter Alberto Egler, município de Rio Preto da Eva, Amazonas. As coletas foram realizadas no período de dezembro de 2000 a junho de 2001 e seguiu-se a metodologia usual para identificação de Agaricales. Foi estudado um total de nove espécies: Marasmius bellus, Marasmius haedinus var. haedinus,Marasmius cf. leoninus, Marasmius cf. mazatecus, Marasmius cf. ruber,Marasmius cf. setulosifolius, Marasmius tageticolor, Marasmius cf. variabiliceps var. variabiliceps e Marasmius sp. Os táxons Marasmius cf. mazatecus, Marasmius cf. setulosifolius e Marasmius cf. variabiliceps var. variabiliceps são citados pela primeira vez para o Brasil. Com exceção de M. tageticolor Berk, as demais espécies são citadas pela primeira vez para a Reserva Walter Egler. São apresentadas descrições morfológicas, chave para identificação dos taxa e ilustrações.

Diversidade de Agaricales (Basidiomycota) na Reserva Biológica Walter Egler, Amazonas, Brasil

A study of the order Agaricales Clements (Hymenomycetes, Basidiomycotina), occurring in the Reserva Biológica Walter Egler was carried out from December 2000 to June 2001. The area of study is situated at Road AM-010, Manaus-Itacoatiara, km 64, Latitude 02° 43' S and Longitude 59° 47' W, Rio Preto da Eva, in the State of Amazonas, with a total area of 709 ha of terra firme rain forest. The fungi collected were identified based on traditional methodology for identification of Agaricales. A total of 39 species were studied, distributed in 13 genera and six families: Polyporaceae: Pleurotus sp.; Hygrophoraceae: Hygrocybe cf. megistospora, Hygrocybe aff. miniceps, Hygrocybe occidentalis var. scarletina and eight indeterminate species of Hygrocybe; Tricholomataceae: Clitocybe sp., Hydropus sp.1 and Hydropus sp.2, Macrocystidia sp., Marasmiellus sp., Marasmius bellus, Marasmius haedinus var. haedinus, Marasmius cf. leoninus, Marasmius cf. mazatecus, Marasmius cf. ruber, Marasmius cf. setulosifolius, Marasmius tageticolor, Marasmius cf. variabiliceps var. variabiliceps, Marasmius sp.1, Marasmius sp.2, Marasmius sp.3 and Marasmius sp.4, Tricholoma sp.; Agaricaceae: Agaricus sp.1 and Agaricus sp.2, Lepiota sp., Cystoderma sp.; Entolomataceae: Entoloma cf. azureoviride, Entoloma cf. cystidiophorum, Entoloma strigosissima, Entoloma sp.; Russulaceae: Lactarius panuoides. Entoloma azureoviride, Hygrocybe miniceps, Lactarius panuoides, Marasmius cf. mazatecus, Marasmius cf. setulosifolius and Marasmius variabiliceps var. variabiliceps, apparently are here cited for the first time from Brazil. With exception of Marasmius tageticolor, all species are cited here for the first time as occurring in Egler Forest. The tables with the species occurrence, in accordance with the topographical gradient (sand bank, incline, plateau) and its respective habitat, are supplied.

Foi realizado um estudo dos representantes da Ordem Agaricales Clements (Hymenomycetes, Basidiomycotina), ocorrentes na Reserva Biológica Walter Egler, situada na Estrada AM-010, Manaus-Itacoatiara, Km 64, Latitude 02° 43' S e Longitude 59° 47' W, Rio Preto da Eva, Amazonas. A área abrange 709 ha de floresta de terra firme primária. As coletas foram realizadas no período de dezembro de 2000 a junho de 2001 e seguiu-se a metodologia usual para identificação de Agaricales. Foram estudadas um total de 39 espécies, distribuídas em 13 gêneros e seis famílias: Polyporaceae: Pleurotus sp.; Hygrophoraceae: Hygrocybe cf. megistospora, Hygrocybe aff. miniceps, Hygrocybe occidentalis var. scarletina, e mais oito espécies de Hygrocybe indeterminadas; Tricholomataceae: Clitocybe sp., Hydropus sp.1 e Hydropus sp.2, Macrocystidia sp., Marasmiellus sp., Marasmius bellus, Marasmius haedinus var. haedinus,Marasmius cf. leoninus, Marasmius cf. mazatecus, Marasmius cf. ruber,Marasmius cf. setulosifolius, Marasmius tageticolor, Marasmius cf. variabiliceps var. variabiliceps, Marasmius sp.1, Marasmius sp.2, Marasmius sp.3 e Marasmius sp.4, Tricholoma sp.; Agaricaceae: Agaricus sp.1 e Agaricus sp.2, Lepiota sp., Cystoderma sp.; Entolomataceae: Entoloma cf. azureoviride, Entoloma cf. cystidiophorum, Entoloma strigosissima, Entoloma sp.; Russulaceae: Lactarius panuoides. Destas, Entoloma azureoviride, Hygrocybe miniceps, Lactarius panuoides, Marasmius cf. mazatecus, Marasmius cf. setulosifolius e Marasmius variabiliceps var. variabiliceps, provavelmente, estão sendo aqui citadas pela primeira vez, para o Brasil. Com exceção de Marasmius tageticolor, as demais espécies são citadas pela primeira vez, para a Reserva Egler. São fornecidas tabelas com a ocorrência das espécies de acordo com o gradiente topográfico (baixio, vertente, platô) e seus respectivos habitats.

Serum hepatic biochemistry and electrophoretic protein profile of healthy and Ehrlich tumor-bearing mice treated with extracts of Agaricus blazei Murill / Bioquímica hepática sérica e perfil proteico eletroforético de camundongos saudáveis ou portadores do tumor de Ehrlich tratados com frações de extratos de Agaricus blazei Murril

Compounds isolated from Agaricus blazei Murill represent a group of promising natural immunomodulators for use in the treatment of neoplasms. We have evaluated the serum biochemical profile of healthy and Ehrlich tumor-bearing mice treated with different extracts of A. blazei. Total, supernatant, and polysaccharide extracts of A. blazei were obtained from suspensions (at acidic or neutral pH) kept in a water bath at 60 °C or in an ultrasonic bath at 37 °C. After oral administering the extracts to mice for 21 days, blood samples were collected for determination of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine kinase (CK), urea, total protein, albumin, globulins, and alpha-, beta- and gamma-globulin fractions. The presence of the tumor led to a significant increase in serum CK and AST activities and in the concentrations of total globulin and the gamma-globulin fraction, and to a decrease in the albumin and alpha2-globulin levels. The polysaccharide extracts of A. blazei reduced the serum AST and ALT activities, probably due to a hepatoprotective effect. In addition, polysaccharide and supernatant extracts inhibited the tumor-induced increase in gamma-globulin levels. Thus, the supernatant and polysaccharide fractions of the extract of A. blazei have potential for use in complementary antineoplastic treatments.

Biocompostos de Agaricus blazei Murril representam imunomoduladores naturais promissores para uso no tratamento de neoplasias. Objetivou-se avaliar o perfil bioquímico hepático sérico camundongos saudáveis ou portadores do tumor de Ehrlich tratados com diferentes extratos de A. blazei. Em pH ácido ou neutro e sob temperatura de extração de 60 ºC em banho-maria ou 37 ºC em banho ultrassônico foram obtidos extratos totais, de sobrenadante e de polissacarídeos de A. blazei. Após administração oral dos tratamentos para camundongos por 21 dias foram realizadas coletas de sangue e determinadas as atividades de aspartato aminotransferase (AST), alanina aminotransferase (ALT), creatina quinase (CK) e as concentrações de ureia, proteína total, albumina, globulinas e frações alfa, beta e gama-globulina. A presença do tumor de Ehrlich foi responsável por aumento significativo nas atividades séricas de AST e CK e das concentrações de globulinas totais e da fração gama-globulina, além de redução dos níveis de albumina e das alfa2-globulinas. Os extratos de polissacarídeos de A. blazei reduziram as atividades séricas de AST e ALT, provavelmente devido a um efeito hepatoprotetor. Além disto, extratos de polissacarídeos e sobrenadante inibiram o aumento das gama-globulinas induzido pelo tumor. Assim, as frações de polissacarídeos e sobrenadante do extrato de A. blazei apresentam bom potencial para uso complementar ao tratamento antineoplásico.