Proteomes of plasmodium knowlesi early and late ring-stage parasites and infected host erythrocytes.

The emerging malaria parasite Plasmodium knowlesi threatens the goal of worldwide malaria elimination due to its zoonotic spread in Southeast Asia. After brief ex-vivo culture we used 2D LC/MS/MS to examine the early and late ring stages of infected Macaca mulatta red blood cells harboring P. knowlesi. The M. mulatta clathrin heavy chain and T-cell and macrophage inhibitor ERMAP were overexpressed in the early ring stage; glutaredoxin 3 was overexpressed in the late ring stage; GO term differential enrichments included response to oxidative stress and the cortical cytoskeleton in the early ring stage. P. knowlesi clathrin heavy chain and 60S acidic ribosomal protein P2 were overexpressed in the late ring stage; GO term differential enrichments included vacuoles in the early ring stage, ribosomes and translation in the late ring stage, and Golgi- and COPI-coated vesicles, proteasomes, nucleosomes, vacuoles, ion-, peptide-, protein-, nucleocytoplasmic- and RNA-transport, antioxidant activity and glycolysis in both stages. SIGNIFICANCE: Due to its zoonotic spread, cases of the emerging human pathogen Plasmodium knowlesi in southeast Asia, and particularly in Malaysia, threaten regional and worldwide goals for malaria elimination. Infection by this parasite can be fatal to humans, and can be associated with significant morbidity. Due to zoonotic transmission from large macaque reservoirs that are untreatable by drugs, and outdoor biting mosquito vectors that negate use of preventive measures such as bed nets, its containment remains a challenge. Its biology remains incompletely understood. Thus we examine the expressed proteome of the early and late ex-vivo cultured ring stages, the first intraerythrocyte developmental stages after infection of host rhesus macaque erythrocytes. We used GO term enrichment strategies and differential protein expression to compare early and late ring stages. The early ring stage is characterized by the enrichment of P. knowlesi vacuoles, and overexpression of the M. mulatta clathrin heavy chain, important for clathrin-coated pits and vesicles, and clathrin-mediated endocytosis. The M. mulatta protein ERMAP was also overexpressed in the early ring stage, suggesting a potential role in early ring stage inhibition of T-cells and macrophages responding to P. knowlesi infection of reticulocytes. This could allow expansion of the host P. knowlesi cellular niche, allowing parasite adaptation to invasion of a wider age range of RBCs than the preferred young RBCs or reticulocytes, resulting in proliferation and increased pathogenesis in infected humans. Other GO terms differentially enriched in the early ring stage include the M. mulatta cortical cytoskeleton and response to oxidative stress. The late ring stage is characterized by overexpression of the P. knowlesi clathrin heavy chain. Combined with late ring stage GO term enrichment of Golgi-associated and coated vesicles, and enrichment of COPI-coated vesicles in both stages, this suggests the importance to P. knowlesi biology of clathrin-mediated endocytosis. P. knowlesi ribosomes and translation were also differentially enriched in the late ring stage. With expression of a variety of heat shock proteins, these results suggest production of folded parasite proteins is increasing by the late ring stage. M. mulatta endocytosis was differentially enriched in the late ring stage, as were clathrin-coated vesicles and endocytic vesicles. This suggests that M. mulatta clathrin-based endocytosis, perhaps in infected reticulocytes rather than mature RBC, may be an important process in the late ring stage. Additional ring stage biology from enriched GO terms includes M. mulatta proteasomes, protein folding and the chaperonin-containing T complex, actin and cortical actin cytoskeletons. P knowlesi biology also includes proteasomes, as well as nucleosomes, antioxidant activity, a variety of transport processes, glycolysis, vacuoles and protein folding. Mature RBCs have lost internal organelles, suggesting infection here may involve immature reticulocytes still retaining organelles. P. knowlesi parasite proteasomes and translational machinery may be ring stage drug targets for known selective inhibitors of these processes in other Plasmodium species. To our knowledge this is the first examination of more than one timepoint within the ring stage. Our results expand knowledge of both host and parasite proteins, pathways and organelles underlying P. knowlesi ring stage biology.

Thrombogenicity of biodegradable metals.

Biodegradable metals offer a promising means to ameliorate many of the long-term risks associated with vascular devices made of conventional biostable stent metals. While numerous biodegradable metal alloys have been developed and characterized in animal models, knowledge of their blood reactivity and thrombogenicity remains unknown. Metal hemocompatibility is particularly valuable because current generation drug-eluting stents pose a significant long-term thrombosis risk. In this study, four pure metals, widely used as degradable base materials (Fe, Zn, Mg, and Mo), and three alloys commonly used in cardiovascular devices [NiTi, CoCr, and stainless steel (SS)] were evaluated. This work examined how each of these metals activate platelets, coagulation factors, and inflammation using in vitro hemocompatibility assays and a clinically relevant ex vivo non-human primate arteriovenous shunt model. Testing found that while all metals promoted a downstream activation of platelets and coagulation in flowing whole blood, platelet and fibrin attachment to Mg was markedly reduced. Additionally, Fe and Mo trended toward higher platelet attachment and contact pathway activation. Overall, the results suggest that Mg may delay clot initiation, but not eliminate clot formation, indicating the importance of understanding thrombosis in Mg alloys that are currently being developed for clinical use as biodegradable stents.

Protection from plague via single dose administration of antibody to neutralize the type I interferon response.

Yersinia pestis is a gram-negative bacterium and the causative agent for the plague. Yersinia spp . use effector proteins of the type III secretion system (T3SS) to skew the host immune response toward a bacterial advantage during infection. Previous work established that mice which lack the type I IFN receptor (IFNAR), exhibit resistance to pulmonary infection by Y. pestis . In this work, we addressed the efficacy of a single dose administration of neutralizing antibody to IFNAR (MAR1) as a preventive treatment for plague. We show that single dose administration of MAR1 provides protection from mortality due to secondary septicemic plague where it appears to reduce the production of serum TNFα during the disease phase. We further demonstrate that the T3SS effector protein YopJ is necessary for MAR1-induced protection, however IFNAR-dependent serum TNFα was observed independent of YopJ. We further define tissue-specific anti-bacterial roles of IFNAR that are blocked by YopJ activity indicating that YopJ and IFNAR work in parallel to promote disease. The combined data suggest that therapeutic targeting of IFNAR signaling may reduce the hyper-inflammatory response associated with plague.

Imaging associations enhance the understanding of ECG abnormalities in male Brazilian football players: findings from the B-Pro Foot ECG study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of abnormal ECG findings and their association with imaging results in male Brazilian football players. METHODS: The 'B-Pro Foot ECG' is a multicentre observational study conducted in 82 Brazilian professional clubs. It analysed 6125 players aged 15-35 years (2496 white, 2004 mixed-race and 1625 black individuals) who underwent cardiovascular screening from 2002 to 2023. All ECGs were reviewed by two experienced cardiologists in the athlete's care. Those with abnormal findings underwent further investigations, including a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) was subsequently performed based on TTE findings or clinical suspicion. RESULTS: In total, 180 (3%) players had abnormal ECGs and 176 (98%) showed normal TTE results. Athletes aged 26-35 years had a higher prevalence of abnormal ECGs than younger athletes (15-25 years). Black players had a higher prevalence of T-wave inversion (TWI) in the inferior leads than white players (2.6% vs 1.4%; p=0.005), as well as in V5 (2.9%) and V6 (2.1%) compared with white (1.2% and 1.0%; p<0.001) and mixed-race (1.5% and 1.2%; p<0.05) players, respectively. TTE parameters were similar across ethnicities. However, four out of 75 players with inferolateral TWI showed abnormal TTEs and CMR findings consistent with cardiomyopathies. CMR also showed cardiomyopathies or myocarditis in four players with inferolateral TWI and normal TTEs. In total, nine (0.1%) athletes were diagnosed with cardiac diseases and were followed for 40±30 months, with no cardiac events documented. CONCLUSION: This study found a 3% prevalence of abnormal ECGs in male Brazilian football players. Inferolateral TWI was associated with cardiac pathologies confirmed by CMR, even in athletes with a normal TTE.

Recreational Marijuana Laws and Teen Marijuana Use, 1993-2021.

This cross-sectional study uses data from the Youth Risk Behavior surveys to assess the association of state-level recreational marijuana laws and youth marijuana use.

The relationship between depressive symptoms and physical performance in postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional investigation.

OBJECTIVE: The relationship between depressive symptoms and declining physical performance in postmenopausal women has been extensively examined. However, various confounding factors can influence this association. This study aimed to investigate the link between depressive symptoms and physical performance in postmenopausal women while considering potential interfering factors. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 137 postmenopausal women were categorized into two groups based on the presence of depressive symptoms (n = 58; mean ± SD age, 60.12 ± 8.45 y) and absence of depressive symptoms (n = 79; mean ± SD age, 60.72 ± 7.45) using the Geriatric Depression Scale (short version) (GDS-15). Thoracic kyphosis angle was measured using the flexicurve method. Physical performance was assessed through various tests, including Timed Up and Go, Five Times Stand and Sit Test, 6-minute Walking Speed, 10-meter Usual Walking Speed, 10-meter Fast Walking Speed, and dynamometry. The study compared variables between the two groups and used linear regression models adjusted for dynamometry, kyphosis angle, age, antidepressant usage, sitting time, and fall history to evaluate the relationship between GDS-15 scores and physical performance. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in physical performance, body mass index, kyphosis angle, antidepressant usage, sitting time, and fall history between women with and without depressive symptoms. The GDS-15 showed a negative association with all walking speed tests (10-meter Usual Walking Speed, m/s; P < 0.001; B = -0.01; 10-meter Fast Walking Speed, m/s; P < 0.001; B = -0.02; 6-minute Walking Speed, m/s; P < 0.004; B = -0.01) and a positive association with the Five Times Stand and Sit Test ( P < 0.002; B = 0.21) and Timed Up and Go ( P < 0.001; B = 0.13) tests, regardless of grip strength, kyphosis angle, age, antidepressant use, sitting time, or fall history in postmenopausal women. CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the independent and substantial impact of depressive symptoms on the physical performance of postmenopausal women. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing both mental health and physical well-being when providing care and support for this demographic.

Avaliação no Mundo Real de um Stent Eluidor de Sirolimus de Hastes Ultrafinas em Pacientes com Infarto do Miocárdio com Supradesnivelamento do Segmento ST Submetidos à Intervenção Coronária Percutânea Primária (Registro INSTEMI) / Real-World Assessment of an Ultrathin Strut, Sirolimus-Eluting Stent in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Submitted to Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (INSTEMI Registry)

Resumo Fundamento O padrão-ouro atual dos stents farmacológicos (SF) coronários consiste em ligas metálicas com hastes mais finas e polímeros bioabsorvíveis. Objetivos Nosso objetivo foi comparar um stent eluidor de sirolimus de hastes ultrafinas (Inspiron®) com outras plataformas de SF de terceira geração em pacientes com infarto do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMCSST) submetidos à intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP) primária. Métodos Analisamos dados de um registro multicêntrico de IAMCSST de centros de referência da Região Sul do Brasil. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à ICP primária, seja com Inspiron® ou outro SF de segunda ou terceira geração. Foi calculado pareamento por escore de propensão (PEP) para gerar grupos semelhantes (Inspiron® versus outros stents) em relação às características clínicas e do procedimento. Todos os testes de hipótese tiveram um nível de significância bilateral de 0,05. Resultados De janeiro de 2017 a janeiro de 2021, 1.711 pacientes foram submetidos à ICP primária, e 1.417 pacientes preencheram nossos critérios de inclusão (709 pacientes no grupo Inspiron® e 708 pacientes no grupo dos outros SF de segunda ou terceira geração). Após PEP, a amostra do estudo foi composta por 706 pacientes (353 pacientes no grupo Inspiron® e 353 pacientes no grupo dos demais SF de segunda ou terceira geração). As taxas de revascularização do vaso alvo (odds ratio [OR] 0,52; intervalo de confiança [IC] 0,21 a 1,34; p = 0,173), trombose de stent (OR 1,00; IC 0,29 a 3,48;p = 1,000), mortalidade (hazard ratio 0,724; IC 0,41 a 1,27; p = 0,257) e os desfechos cardiovasculares maiores (OR 1,170; IC 0,77 a 1,77; p = 0,526) foram semelhantes entre os grupos após um acompanhamento mediano de 17 meses. Conclusão Nossos achados mostram que o stent Inspiron® foi eficaz e seguro quando comparado a outros SF de segunda ou terceira geração em uma coorte contemporânea do mundo real de pacientes com IAMCSST submetidos à ICP primária.

Abstract Background The current gold standard of coronary drug-eluting stents (DES) consists of metal alloys with thinner struts and bioresorbable polymers. Objectives Our aim was to compare an ultrathin strut, sirolimus-eluting stent (Inspiron®) with other third-generation DES platforms in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) submitted to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods We analyzed data from a STEMI multicenter registry from reference centers in the South Region of Brazil. All patients were submitted to primary PCI, either with Inspiron® or other second- or third-generation DES. Propensity score matching (PSM) was computed to generate similar groups (Inspiron® versus other stents) in relation to clinical and procedural characteristics. All hypothesis tests had a two-sided significance level of 0.05. Results From January 2017 to January 2021, 1711 patients underwent primary PCI, and 1417 patients met our entry criteria (709 patients in the Inspiron® group and 708 patients in the other second- or third-generation DES group). After PSM, the study sample was comprised of 706 patients (353 patients in the Inspiron® group and 353 patients in the other the other second- or third-generation DES group). The rates of target vessel revascularization (OR 0.52, CI 0.21 - 1.34, p = 0.173), stent thrombosis (OR 1.00, CI 0.29 - 3.48, p = 1.000), mortality (HR 0.724, CI 0.41 - 1.27, p = 0.257), and major cardiovascular outcomes (OR 1.170, CI 0.77 - 1.77, p = 0.526) were similar between groups after a median follow-up of 17 months. Conclusion Our findings show that Inspiron® was effective and safe when compared to other second- or third-generation DES in a contemporary cohort of real-world STEMI patients submitted to primary PCI.

The diversity of Odonata adults's at Pampa Biome from Brazil / Diversidad de adultos de Odonata en el Bioma Pampa brasileño

Abstract The growth of humankind has brought with it several environmental problems that have worsened over time, including the loss of insect biodiversity. The Odonata order have been indicated by several authors as relevant bioindicators for assessing and monitoring environmental conditions of specific locations. The main objective of this study was to conduct an inventory of the Odonata diversity in the Pampa Biome, of the Southern region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The species survey was conducted between November 2014 and October 2015. Adult insects were collected in Capão do Leão, Pelotas and Rio Grande cities. Each location was visited nine times, totalizing 54 samplings. Entomological nets were used for capturing adult insects, which were then kept in entomological envelopes. The identification of the specimens was carried out with taxonomic keys of Lencioni and Heckman. In addition, Chao-1, the Shannon-Wiener and Jackknife indexes were associated with the sampling areas. During the species survey a total of 2 680 Odonata specimens were collected, representing 45 species encompassed in 22 genera and six families. The Libellulidae and Coenagrionidae families were registered in 60 and 30 % of the specimens sampled, followed of the Aeshnidae, Calopterygidae, Gomphidae and Lestidae, of reduced occurrence. The genera Erythrodiplax, Micrathyria and Ischnura were found at least once in all the visited sites. The study resulted in the registration for the first time of the following species: Progomphus complicatus Selys, Lestes minutus Selys, Homeoura ambigua Ris, and Tauriphila xiphea Ris. These species were not previously reported in any Odonata study of the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. In regard to Odonata diversity in the Southern region of Rio Grande do Sul, Libellulidae and Coenagrionidae are the families more abundants. Erythrodiplax and Micrathyria are the most common genera. Miathyria marcella represented 9.6 % of all collected libellulidae and was the most abundant specie. Capão do Leão has the largest species diversity (wealth), the largest number of collected specimens and more diversity than Pelotas and Rio Grande. However, the results showed that the Odonatofauna in the State are still little known, and new studies are needed to better describe this group in other regions.(AU)

Resumen El crecimiento de la humanidad ha traído consigo varios problemas ambientales que han empeorado con el tiempo, incluida la pérdida de biodiversidad de insectos. Varios autores han mencionado especies del orden Odonata como bioindicadores relevantes para evaluar y controlar las condiciones ambientales de lugares específicos. El objetivo principal de este estudio fue realizar un inventario de la diversidad de Odonata en el Bioma Pampa, en la región sur del estado de Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. El censo de especies se realizó entre noviembre 2014 y octubre 2015. Se recolectaron insectos adultos en las ciudades de Capão do Leão, Pelotas y Rio Grande. Cada área fue visitada nueve veces, totalizando 54 muestreos. Se usaron redes entomológicas para capturar insectos adultos, que luego se mantuvieron en sobres entomológicos. La identificación de los ejemplares se realizó con claves taxonómicas de Lencioni y Heckman. Además, Chao-1, los índices de Shannon-Wiener y Jackknife se asociaron con las áreas de muestreo. Durante el censo de especies se recolectó un total de 2 680 especímenes de Odonata, que representan 45 especies comprendidas en 22 géneros y seis familias. Las familias Libellulidae y Coenagrionidae se registraron en 60 y 30 % de los especímenes muestreados, seguidos de los Aeshnidae, Calopterygidae, Gomphidae y Lestidae, de presencia reducida. Los géneros Erythrodiplax, Micrathyria e Ischnura se encontraron al menos una vez en todos los sitios visitados. El estudio resultó en el registro por primera vez de las siguientes especies: Progomphus complicatus Selys, Lestes minutus Selys, Homeoura ambigua Ris y Tauriphila xiphea Ris. Estas especies no se informaron previamente en ningún estudio de Odonata en el estado brasileño de Rio Grande do Sul. Con respecto a la diversidad de Odonata en la región sur de Rio Grande do Sul, Libellulidae y Coenagrionidae son las familias más abundantes. Erythrodiplax y Micrathyria son los géneros más comunes. Miathyria marcella representó el 9.6 % de todos los libellulidae recolectados y fue la especie más abundante. La ciudad de Capão do Leão tiene la mayor diversidad de especies (riqueza), la mayor cantidad de especímenes recolectados y la mayor diversidad que Pelotas y Río Grande. Sin embargo, los resultados mostraron que la Odonatofauna en el estado aún es poco conocida, y se necesitan nuevos estudios para describir mejor este grupo en otras regiones.(AU)

Resistance training and hormone replacement increase MMP-2 activity, quality and quantity of bone in ovariectomized rats

AIMS: The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of resistance training (RT) and hormone replacement (HR) on MMP-2 activity, biomechanical and physical properties bone of ovariectomized (OVX) rats. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley female rats were grouped into six experimental groups (n = 11 per group): sham-operated sedentary (SHAM Sed), ovariectomized sedentary (OVX Sed), sham-operated resistance training (SHAM RT), ovariectomized resistance training (OVX RT), ovariectomized sedentary hormone replacement (OVX Sed-HR), and ovariectomized resistance training hormone replacement (OVX RT-HR). HR groups received implanted silastic capsules with a 5% solution of 17ß-estradiol (50 mg 17ß-estradiol/ml of sunflower oil). In a 12-week RT period (27 sessions; 4-9 climbs) the animals climbed a 1.1 m vertical ladder with weights attached to their tails. Biomechanical and physical bone analyses were performed using a universal testing machine, and MMP-2 activity analysis was done by zymography. RESULTS: Bone density and bone mineral content was higher in the RT and HR groups. The MMP-2 activity was higher in the RT and HR groups. The biomechanical analysis (stiffness, fracture load and maximum load) demonstrated better bone tissue quality in the RT associated with HR. CONCLUSION: The RT alone as well as when it is associated with HR was efficient in increasing MMP-2 activity, biomechanical and biophysical properties bone of ovariectomized rats.(AU)

New data on some species of Monogenea and Digenea parasites of marine fish from the coast of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Novos dados sobre algumas especies de Monogenea e Digenea parasitas de peixes marinhos da costa do estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Fifty four specimens of marine fish belonging to seven species collected from the coast of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil were examined for helminths, and results relating to Monogenea and Digenea are presented. The monogeneans Metamicrocotyla macracantha, Microcotyle pomatomi and Gotocotyla acanthura are reported in new hosts. The digeneans Parahemiurus merus, Lecithochirium microstomum, Gonocercella pacifica, Aponurus laguncula, Gonocerca trematomi and Lampritrema miescheri are reported in new hosts, and the latter two species are also reported for the first time in Brazil.

Cinquenta e quatro espécimens de peixes marinhos pertencentes a sete espécies coletados do litoral do estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil foram examinados para helmintos, os resultados referentes a Monogenea e Digenea são apresentados. Os monogenéticos Metamicrocotyla macracantha, Microcotyle pomatomi e Gotocotyla acanthura são apresentados em novos hospedeiros. Os digenéticos Parahemiurus merus, Lecithochirium microstomum, Gonocercella pacifica, Aponurus laguncula, Gonocerca trematomi e Lampritrema miescheri são registrados em novos hospedeiros, as duas últimas espécies são também registradas pela primeira vez no Brasil.

Diversidade genética de Tibraca limbativentris Stål (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) de Santa Catarina e do Rio Grande do Sul, usando marcadores RAPD / Genetic diversity of Tibraca limbativentris Stål (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, using RAPD

O trabalho objetivou testar protocolos de extração de DNA e caracterizar populações de Tibraca limbativentris, Stål, importante inseto-praga do arroz. Os insetos foram coletados em Joinville, Rio do Oeste e Turvo, em Santa Catarina, e Agudo, Uruguaiana, Pelotas e Palmares do Sul, no Rio Grande do Sul. Testaram-se seis protocolos de extração de DNA citados na literatura, e um novo protocolo adequado à espécie em questão. DNA de dez indivíduos de cada população foi extraído usando o melhor protocolo e reações de RAPD foram realizadas com dez iniciadores. O novo protocolo mostrou os melhores resultados e foi utilizado nas reações de PCR, que geraram 151 bandas polimórficas, permitindo acessar diferenças genéticas entre todas as populações; não ocorreram indivíduos de uma população agrupados com os de outra. A maior similaridade intrapopulacional foi encontrada em Uruguaiana (22 por cento), e a menor em Palmares do Sul (50 por cento), também a população mais divergente das demais. O valor Gst foi 0,5215, e de Nm 0,4588; esses valores refletem a pouca similaridade entre as populações. O menor Nm foi apresentado quando Palmares do Sul e Pelotas foram incluídos nas comparações, em consonância com a maior divergência apresentada por essas populações em relação às outras. Não se observou relação entre a distância geográfica e a similaridade genética das populações, o que refletirá o modelo de dispersão de T. limbativentris, ainda desconhecido. Estudos explorando as estratégias de dispersão da espécie poderiam ajudar no entendimento da distribuição do inseto, evidenciando qual a principal fonte de variabilidade genética.

The work was carried out to test DNA extraction protocols and to characterize populations of Tibraca limbativentris Stål, an important rice insect-pest. Insects were collected in Joinville, Rio do Oeste and Turvo, in Santa Catarina State, and Agudo, Uruguaiana, Pelotas and Palmares do Sul, in Rio Grande do Sul State, and six literature-referenced protocols, besides a new one, were tested. DNA from ten individuals of each population was extracted using the best protocol and RAPD reactions were carried out with ten initiators. The new protocol showed the best results and was used in the PCR reactions, that generated 151 polymorphic bands, allowing to access genetic differences among all the populations; no individuals from one population were clustered with individuals from another. The largest intrapopulacional similarity was found in Uruguaiana (22 percent), and the smallest in Palmares do Sul (50 percent), which was also the most divergent population in relation to the others. The Gst was 0.5215, and the Nm was 0.4588; these values reflect the low similarity between the populations. The smallest genic flow was obtained when Palmares do Sul and Pelotas were included in the comparisons, in accordance with the largest divergence of these two populations in relation to the others. There was no significant relation between geographic distance and genetic similarity, which can reflect unknown model of dispersion of T. limbativentris. New studies exploring the species dispersion strategies may help to understand the insect distribution and to unveil the main factors linked to the genetic variability within and between populations.

Ocorrência de Euphoria lurida (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) em milho cultivado em Várzea no Rio Grande do Sul / Occurrence of Euphoria lurida (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in the corn cultivated in Lowland at Rio Grande do Sul State

Adultos de Euphoria lurida (Fabricius) são registrados como insetos-praga de algumas frutíferas e roseiras. Este é o primeiro relato de ocorrência de E. lurida na cultura do milho. Em março de 2006, adultos do inseto atacaram cerca de 15 por cento das plantas de milho em cultivo numa área de aproximadamente 1 ha. Os danos foram causados em plantas na fase reprodutiva, constatando-se perfurações dispostas transversal e longitudinalmente nos colmos logo acima da inserção da espiga. O ataque às espigas deu-se mais intensamente na sua porção apical, onde o inseto consumiu estilo-estigmas e grãos em formação.

Euphoria lurida adults (Fabricius) is registered as pests of some fruits and flowers. However, this is the first record of this insect in maize fields. In march, 2006 adults attacked about 15 percent of maize plants in an area with almost 1 ha. The damage occurred in plants in the reprodutive stage. Transversal and longitudinal holes were found in the stalks just above the ear insertion. The attack to the ear occurred more intensively in the upper part of the plant, where the insect fed on the silk and the filling grains.

Susceptibilidade de adultos de Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) a fungicidas utilizados no controle de doenças da macieira / Susceptibility of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) adults to fungicides used to control apple diseases

Este trabalho objetivou avaliar a susceptibilidade em condições de laboratório de adultos do parasitóide de ovos Trichogramma pretiosum Riley a fungicidas utilizados na Produção Integrada da Maçã (PIM). Os bioensaios foram conduzidos utilizando-se protocolos padrões da Organização Internacional para o Controle Biológico (IOBC), Seção Regional Paleártica Oeste (WPRS). Foram testados doze fungicidas nas respectivas doses (g ou ml ingrediente ativo/100 L) captana 1 (0,115), captana 2 (0,120), cresoxim-metílico (0,010), enxofre 1 (AG) (0,480), enxofre 2 (0,480), folpete (0,105), mancozebe (0,160), piraclostrobina (0,010), tebuconazol (0,010), tetraconazol (0,005), tiofanato-metílico (0,050) e triforina (0,024). Adicionalmente, utilizou-se água destilada como testemunha negativa e o inseticida triclorfom (0,150) como testemunha positiva. Adultos do parasitóide foram expostos a resíduos dos tratamentos depositados sobre placas de vidro, sendo avaliadas as reduções no parasitismo em relação à testemunha (somente água). Cada tratamento teve quatro repetições. Os resultados permitiram classificar os fungicidas quanto ao impacto sobre os parasitóides em quatro classes: 1, inócuo (< 30 por cento); 2, levemente nocivo (30-79 por cento); 3, moderadamente nocivo (80-99 por cento); e 4, nocivo (> 99 por cento). Dentre os fungicidas testados, 75 por cento foram considerados seletivos (classes 1 e 2) ao parasitóide. Os fungicidas captana 1, captana 2, cresoxim-metílico, folpete, piraclostrobina, tebuconazol, tiofanato-metílico e triforina foram inócuos; mancozebe foi levemente nocivo; enxofre 1 (AG) e tetraconazol foram moderadamente nocivos e enxofre 2 foi nocivo. Estes resultados devem ser levados em consideração quando utilizamos fungicidas no controle de doenças fúngicas em pomares de macieira, preservando assim, o parasitóide de ovos T. pretiosum.

Biologia comparada de populações de Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) em folhas de milho e arroz / Compared biology of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) populations in corn and rice leaves

O objetivo do trabalho foi estudar a biologia de populações de Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) em folhas de milho e arroz irrigado. Foram coletadas lagartas de quatro populações no Rio Grande do Sul: em áreas isoladas (distanciadas em mais de 300 km), municípios de Santa Rosa (M/SR) e Uruguaiana (A/U), tradicionalmente produtores de milho e arroz irrigado, respectivamente; e, em áreas adjacentes, município de Pelotas, que produz milho (M/P) e arroz irrigado (A/P) lado a lado. Individualizaram-se 150 lagartas em tubos de vidro contendo folhas do híbrido de milho Pioneer 30F33 e do cultivar de arroz irrigado Pelota, em condições controladas de temperatura (25 ± 1ºC), umidade relativa (70 ± 10 por cento) e fotofase (14h). Por ocasião da emergência dos adultos, 20 casais foram individualizados em gaiolas cilíndricas de PVC revestidas internamente com papel jornal, e alimentados com solução aquosa de mel a 10 por cento. As populações de S. frugiperda originárias do milho e arroz, independente do local de coleta, apresentaram necessidades fisiológicas intrínsecas e que são evidenciadas nos diferentes parâmetros biológicos avaliados. As populações M/SR e M/P (cultura do milho) e A/U e A/P (cultura do arroz irrigado), não apresentaram diferenças fisiológicas. Diante dos resultados, conclui-se que ambos biótipos "milho" e "arroz" de S. frugiperda ocorrem no Rio Grande do Sul.

The objective of this work was to analyze the biology of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E.Smith) populations in corn and irrigated rice leaves. Caterpillars from four populations from Rio Grande do Sul state were collected from isolated areas (distant more than 300 km apart), from the counties of Santa Rosa (M/SR) and Uruguaiana (A/U), traditional areas of corn and irrigated rice production, respectively, and in adjacent areas in Pelotas county, where corn (M/P) and rice (A/P) aregrown side by side. In the laboratory, 150 caterpillars were individualized in glass vials containing leaves of the Pioneer 30F33 corn hybrid and the cultivar of the irrigated rice Pelota, under controlled temperature (25 ± 1ºC), relative humidity (70 ± 10%) and photophase (14h). After adult emergence, 20 couples were individualized in cylindrical PVC cages, covered inside with paper towels, and fed with a 10% honey aqueous solution. All populations of S. frugiperda collected from corn and rice, regardless their place of origin, showed unique physiological needs, as evidenced by the different biological parameters evaluated. The Populations M/SR and M/P (maize) and A/U and A/P (irrigatedrice), did not differ physiologically. Based on the results, both “corn” and “rice” S. frugiperda biotypes are present in Rio Grande do Sul.

Análise da estrutura e diversidade molecular de populações de Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) associadas às culturas de milho e arroz no Rio Grande do Sul / Analysis of the molecular structure and diversity of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) populations associated to the corn and rice crops in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil

O objetivo do trabalho foi analisar a estrutura e a diversidade molecular de quatro populações de Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) associadas às culturas de milho e arroz no Rio Grande do Sul. Foram coletadas lagartas de quatro populações em áreas isoladas (distanciadas em mais de 300 km) nos municípios de Santa Rosa (milho) e Uruguaiana (arroz irrigado) e em áreas adjacentes, no município de Pelotas (milho e arroz irrigado). A análise de 40 lagartas (10 de cada população), com cinco combinações de oligonucleotídios iniciadores geraram o total de 241 locos, dentre os quais 229 (95 por cento) foram polimórficos. O dendrograma gerado pelo método de agrupamento UPGMA, baseado na matriz de similaridade de Dice, mostrou sobreposições entre as lagartas das populações estudadas. Os índices de diversidade evidenciaram que 88 por cento da diversidade genética foi observada dentro das populações e 12 por cento entre as populações de S. frugiperda. O dendrograma gerado pelo método de agrupamento UPGMA, baseado na matriz de dissimilaridade das distâncias euclidianas, evidenciou a existência de uma diferenciação entre as populações de acordo com a planta hospedeira, sendo os locos 42 e 47 (M-CTG/E-ACC) capazes de detectar 100 por cento das diferenças genéticas. Esses resultados sugerem que a variação genética das populações de S. frugiperda está associada às plantas hospedeiras, confirmando a presença dos biótipos "milho" e "arroz" de S. frugiperda no Rio Grande do Sul.

The goal of this work was to analyze the molecular structure and diversity of four Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) populations associated to the corn and rice crops in Rio Grande do Sul State. Four populations of caterpillars were collected from distinct areas (more than 300 km apart), from the counties of Santa Rosa (corn) and Uruguaiana (irrigated rice), and in adjacent areas in Pelotas county (corn and irrigated rice). The analysis of 40 caterpillars (10 from each population), with five combinations of primers generated a total of 241 loci, among then 229 (95 percent) were polymorphic. The dendrogram generated by the clustering method UPGMA, based on the Dice similarity matrix, showed overlappings among the studied populations. The diversity indexes evidenced that 88 percent of the genetic diversity was observed within populations and 12 percent between S. frugiperda populations. The dendrogram generated by clustering UPGMA method, based on the dissimilarity matrix from the euclydean distances, evidenced the existence of a differentiation among populations according to the host plant, being the loci 42 and 47 (M-CTG/E-ACC) capable of detecting 100 percent of the genetic differences. These results showed that the genetic variation of S. frugiperda populations is associated to host plants, confirming the presence of the "corn" and "rice" biotypes of S. frugiperda in Rio Grande do Sul State.

Adequação de uma dieta artificial para a criação de Spodoptera cosmioides (Walk. ) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) em laboratório / Adaptation of an artificial diet for Spodoptera cosmioides (Walk. ) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) laboratory rearing

Avaliou-se a biologia de Spodoptera cosmioides (Walk.) sobre três dietas artificiais com diferentes fontes protéicas (d1 = feijão branco, levedura de cerveja, farelo de soja, leite em pó e germe de trigo; d2 = feijão carioca e levedura de cerveja; d3 = farinha de milho, germe de trigo e levedura de cerveja), visando determinar a mais adequada para sua criação em laboratório. Devido à elevada polifagia apresentada por S. cosmioides, trabalhou-se com a hipótese de que dietas adequadas ao desenvolvimento de outros lepidópteros permitem a sua criação preenchendo requisitos mínimos de qualidade biológica, quantidade e economicidade. Embora S. cosmioides tenha completado o ciclo biológico nas três dietas, a d1 foi a mais adequada para a sua criação, proporcionando maior velocidade de desenvolvimento, maior viabilidade total e peso de pupas, além de valores mais elevados para taxa líquida de reprodução (Ro), capacidade inata de aumentar em número (r m) e razão finita de aumento (l). O número de ínstares variou de seis a sete, predominando seis na d1 e d3. Na d2, metade da população apresentou seis ínstares e metade sete. As fêmeas apresentaram duração da fase pupal significativamente menor do que os machos em todas as dietas, fazendo com que as fêmeas emergissem antes dos machos. A longevidade dos adultos não foi afetada pelas dietas, enquanto que a fecundidade total foi superior na d1 e d2. Recomenda-se a utilização da dieta 1 para a manutenção de criações de S. cosmioides em laboratório

The biology of Spodoptera cosmioides (Walk.) was studied on three artificial diets with different protein sources (d1 = white bean, yeast extract, soybean flour, powder milk and wheat germ; d2 = 'carioca' bean and yeast extract; d3 = corn flour, wheat germ and yeast extract). The objective of this research was to determine the most suitable diet for mass rearing S. cosmioides in laboratory. The species is highly polyphagous, and for this reason we hypothesized that diets that are suitable for other Lepidoptera can allow its development and fulfill the minimum requirements of biological quality, quantity and economy. Although S. cosmioides has completed the biological cycle on the three diets, the d1 was the most suitable for its rearing and produced the fastest development, higher total survival and pupae weight, as well as higher net reproduction rate (Ro), intrinsic rate of natural increase (r m) and finite rate of natural increase (l). The number of instars varied from six to seven, predominating six in d1 and d3; in d2, half the population presented six instars and half seven. Females presented pupae duration significantly lower that the males in all diets, thus emerging earlier. Adult longevity was not affected by the diets, while total fecundity was higher in d1 and d2. In conclusion, the diet 1 is recommended to mass rearing S. cosmioides in the laboratory

Consumo e Utilização de Alimento por Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Originária de Diferentes Regiões do Rio Grande do Sul, das Culturas do Milho e do Arroz Irrigado / Consumption and Utilization of Food by Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Native to Different Areas in Rio Grande do Sul, from Corn and Irrigated Rice

The goal of this work was to determine by means of consumption and utilization of natural food, the existence of strains of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith)in different areas of corn and irrigated rice in Rio Grande do Sul. Four populations were collected: one in Santa Rosa, traditional area of corn cropping; one in Uruguaiana, traditional area of rice; and two in Pelotas, where corn and rice are planted side by side. In the laboratory, 20 larvae were individualized (second generation) and kept in petri dishes, in BOD, at 25°C temperature, 70 ± 10 percent RH and 14h photophase. The larvae were fed on leaves of their respective hosts, hybrid of corn BRS 8330 and the cultivar of irrigated rice Embrapa 6-Chuí. The leaves of both hosts were submitted to bromatological analysis. The dry weight of the larva at maximum development, food consumed and feces eliminated were determined and the nutritional ratios were calculated: relative consumption ratio (RCR), relative metabolic ratio (RMR), relative growth ratio (RGR), approximate digestibilidade (AD), efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI), efficiency of conversion of digested food (ECD) and the metabolic cost (100 - ECD). Rice was more suitable as food for S. frugiperda; it was ingested in smaller amount, presented smaller 100 - ECD and larger ECI and ECD. A strong possibility of existence of two strains of S. frugiperda is evidenced in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, the corn and rice strains, which are morphologically similar but physiologically different.

O objetivo do trabalho foi verificar, através de medidas de consumo e utilização de alimento natural, a existência de raças de Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) nas culturas do milho e do arroz irrigado no Rio Grande do Sul. Foram coletadas quatro populações: uma em Santa Rosa, região tradicionalmente produtora de milho; uma em Uruguaiana, região tradicionalmente produtora de arroz; e duas em Pelotas, região que produz milho e arroz lado a lado (uma em milho e outra em arroz). Individualizaram-se 20 lagartas de cada população (segunda geração) em placas de Petri, mantidas em BOD à temperatura de 25°C, UR 70 ± 10 por cento e fotofase de 14h. As lagartas foram alimentadas com folhas de seus respectivos hospedeiros, o híbrido de milho BRS 8330 e a cultivar de arroz irrigado Embrapa 6-Chuí. As folhas de ambos hospedeiros foram submetidas a análise bromatológica. Foram determinados o peso seco da lagarta no máximo desenvolvimento, do alimento consumido, e das fezes eliminadas, e calculados os índices nutricionais: taxa de consumo relativo (RCR), taxa metabólica relativa (RMR), taxa de crescimento relativo (RGR), digestibilidade aproximada (AD), eficiência de conversão do alimento ingerido (ECI), eficiência de conversão do alimento digerido (ECD) e custo metabólico (100 - ECD). O arroz apresentou-se mais adequado para a alimentação dos insetos, pois foi ingerido em menor quantidade, apresentando menor 100 - ECD, e maior ECI e ECD. Evidencia-se forte possibilidade de existirem duas raças de S. frugiperda no Rio Grande do Sul, a "raça do milho" e a "raça do arroz", morfologicamente iguais e fisiologicamente diferentes.

Biologia e exigências térmicas de Spodoptera cosmioides (Walk. ) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) / Biology and thermal requirements of Spodoptera cosmioides (Walk. ) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The biology of Spodoptera cosmioides (Walk.) was studied under different temperatures and its thermal requirements were determined, aiming to aid the rearing of this insect in the laboratory. Embryonic and post-embryonic periods were evaluated at seven different temperatures (14, 18, 22, 25, 28, 30 and 32°C) under environmental chamber conditions, with 14h photophase. The caterpillars were reared on an artificial diet containing white bean, soybean meal, yeast extract, wheat germ and powder milk as source of protein. The extent of the embryonic period decreased with the increase of temperature within the 14°C to 25°C temperature range, remaining constant between 28°C and 32°C. For the other phases (caterpillar, pre-pupa and pupa) an inverse relationship between temperature and duration was observed within the 14°C to 30°C temperature range, extending to 32°C for pupae. Duration of pupal phase for males was larger than for females resulting in asynchronous adult emergence. The temperature thresholds for the embryonic, larval, pre-pupal, pupal periods and total cycle were 9.34°C, 11.65°C, 9.65°C, 11.08°C and 11.23°C, with thermal constants of 62,73 degree-days (DD), 254.61DD, 33.42DD, 177.55DD and 525.11DD, respectively. Evaluating the pupal phase alone, the threshold temperatures were 11.25°C for males and 10.81°C for females, with thermal constants of 188.26DD for males and 165.47DD for females. For total cycle, the threshold temperature and the thermal constant for males were 11.28°C and 535.85DD, whereas for females the same variables had values of 11.15°C and 513.17DD. So, the most adequate temperature for the development of S. cosmioides is within the range of 25°C and 28°C, where 9.6 to 11.7 generations of the insect can be annually obtained, in laboratory conditions.

O objetivo do trabalho foi estudar a biologia de Spodoptera cosmioides (Walk.) em diferentes temperaturas e determinar suas exigências térmicas, visando fornecer subsídios para a criação do inseto em laboratório. Para isso, os períodos embrionário e pós-embrionário foram avaliados em sete temperaturas (14, 18, 22, 25, 28, 30 e 32°C), em câmaras climatizadas, com fotofase de 14h. As lagartas foram criadas em dieta artificial, tendo como fontes protéicas feijão branco, farelo de soja, levedura de cerveja, germe de trigo e leite em pó. A duração do período embrionário decresceu com o aumento da temperatura na faixa de 14°C a 25°C, mantendo-se constante entre 28°C e 32°C. Para os demais estágios (lagarta, pré-pupa e pupa), foi observada uma relação inversa entre a temperatura e a duração na faixa de 14°C a 30°C, estendendo-se a 32°C para pupas. A duração da fase de pupa dos machos foi maior do que das fêmeas, o que promoveu assincronia na emergência de adultos. As temperaturas bases do período embrionário, fase de larva, pré-pupa, pupa e ciclo total foram 9,34°C; 11,65°C; 9,65°C; 11,08°C e 11,23°C, com constantes térmicas de 62,73 graus-dia (GD); 254,61 GD; 33,42 GD; 177,55 GD e 525,11 GD, respectivamente. Avaliando-se, separadamente, a fase de pupa, as temperaturas bases foram 11,25°C para machos e 10,81°C para fêmeas, com constantes térmicas de 188,26 GD para machos e 165,47 GD para fêmeas. Para o ciclo total, a temperatura base e a constante térmica para machos foram 11,28°C e 535,85 GD. Para as fêmeas, estas mesmas variáveis foram 11,15°C e 513,17 GD. Concluiu-se que a faixa de temperatura mais adequada para o desenvolvimento de S. cosmioides situa-se entre 25°C e 28°C, na qual pode-se obter de 9,6 a 11,7 gerações anuais do inseto, em condições de laboratório.

Redescription of Rhamnocercus stichospinus Seamster and Monaco, 1956 (Monogenea: Diplectanidae), parasitic on Menticirrhus americanus (Osteichthyes: Sciaenidae) from the Coastal Zone of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rhamnocercus stichospinus Seamster and Monaco, 1956 (Diplectanidae) parasitic on the sciaenid fish Menticirrhus americanus from the coastal zone of the State of Rio de Janeiro, is redescribed and recorded for the first time in the South American Atlantic Ocean. The generic diagnosis of Rhamnocercus is emended to accommodate the presence of confluent intestinal ceca in R. stichospinus.

Preparación y desarrollo de una metodología para determinar la prevalencia de diferentes enfermedades / Building and developping a methodology to recognize the prevalence of different diseases

Este trabajo se realizó siguiendo una metodología de investigación usada por el Instituto Nacional de Salud de los EE!UU!, adaptando y ajustando el cuestionario para rastreo de enfermedades neurológicas. Este estudio se desarrolla en tres etapas: la primera etapa consiste en probar el instrumento antes mencionado, contando con un grupo de 20-25 pacientes que padecen los desórdenes a estudiar y otro similar sin enfermedad alguna. La segunda etapa es realizar una experiencia piloto. Esta se desarrolló en A.Roca, pequeña localidad cercana a la ciudad de Junín, donde se llevará a cabo el estudio final. La tercera etapa es desarrollar esta experiencia en un grupo de 25.000 personas en la ciudad de Junín (Pcia. de Buenos Aires). Se completaron al momento la primera y segunda etapa. Los resultados obtenidos permiten concluir que el instrumento (cuestionario) utilizado, con algunas modificaciones, sería de absoluta confiabilidad, sensibilidad y especificidad.