Microbial Control of Leptopharsa heveae Drake & Poor (Hemiptera: Tingidae) in Brazilian Rubber Tree Plantations: a Brief Historical Account and Identification of Entomopathogenic Fungi by Means of Multigene Phylogeny.

Over the last decades, a few fungal species have been mentioned in the literature associated with the rubber tree lace bug, Leptopharsa heveae Drake & Poor (Hemiptera: Tingidae). The rubber plantation area treated with these biocontrol agents has been steady since the 1990s, estimated in 10,000-15,000 ha per year. A few large-scale rubber operations, one biocontrol company, and three government-owned laboratories were, and currently one still is, involved in their commercialization. One species, currently referred to as Sporothrix insectorum, has been historically deployed in biocontrol applications in Brazilian rubber farms. However, L. heveae-infecting isolates have only been identified through morphological examinations; therefore, proper molecular assessments are needed for accurate identifications. Hence, DNA of six L. heveae-infecting isolates (five of which have been deployed in field applications) were extracted and sequenced. Multigene phylogeny found that both Simplicillium lanosoniveum and Cordyceps (formerly Isaria) sp. have been sprayed on rubber plantations to manage L. heveae populations, although the former is the only one currently applied. Simplicillium lanosoniveum and Cordyceps sp. have no relation whatsoever to true Sporothrix species associated with human and animal diseases. Therefore, our molecular data may encourage biocontrol companies to register mycoinsecticides targeting L. heveae. We also added unpublished historical accounts after contacting key contributors to the launching of this not so well-known biocontrol program in the 1980s.

Congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens as an atypical form of cystic fibrosis: reproductive implications and genetic counseling.

Congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD) is found in 1% to 2% of males with infertility and is present in 6% of obstructive azoospermia cases. Nearly 95% of men with cystic fibrosis (CF, an autosomal recessive disorder) have CBAVD. There are genetic links between CBAVD and CF. Some mutations in the gene encoding cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) can lead to CBAVD as a monosymptomatic form of CF. With the use of assisted reproductive techniques (ART), especially testicular or epididymal sperm aspiration, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and in vitro fertilization, it is possible that men with CBAVD can produce offspring. Therefore, genetic counseling should be offered to couples undergoing ART to discuss the probability of having offspring that carry CFTR gene mutations. The aim of this review was to present the main cause of CBAVD, to call attention to its implications for assisted reproduction, and to show the importance of genetic counseling for couples where men have CBAVD, as they can have offspring with a lethal disease.

Cystic fibrosis in Afro-Brazilians: XK haplotypes analysis supports the European origin of p.F508del mutation.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a common autosomal recessive disorder, being the p.F508del the most frequent mutation. Also, a nearby restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) named XK (KM19 and XV2C) is non-randomly associated with specific CF alleles. Our aim was to analyze the occurrence of the p.F508del mutation and XK haplotypes in Afro-Brazilians CF patients and controls, since these data is available for the other two main ethnic groups found in Brazil (Euro-Brazilians and Brazilian Amerindians), contributing for the whole comprehension of these haplotypes in the Brazilian population. A total of 103 patients and 54 controls were studied. PCR and PCR-RFLP methodologies were used to identify the presence of the p.F508del and the XK haplotype in the subjects. The combined data show that 84.2% of p.F508del mutation is associated with haplotype B and only 15.8% with haplotype A; no other haplotypes were found to be associated with this mutation. Our data suggest that the occurrence of p.F508del mutation and haplotype B in Afro-Brazilian patients occurs probably due to admixture with Euro-descendants. Therefore this mutation and haplotype could be used as a admixture marker.

Nycthemeral Rhythm of Phlebotominae (Diptera: Psychodidae) in a Craggy Region, Transitioning Between the Wetland and the Plateau, Brazil.

Recording the nycthemeral rhythm of sand flies allows the evaluation of the daily activity in different ecotypes, the period of greatest activity, and their degree of anthropophily. We investigated the fauna and the rhythm of sand fly activity in an ecotourism region in Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) state, Brazil. Sand flies were captured monthly, using a Shannon trap for 24 h periods between July 2012 and June 2014. We collected 1,815 sand flies, in which Lutzomyia whitmani (=Nyssomyia whitmani, sensu Galati) and Lutzomyia longipalpis were the most abundant species during the dry season, with activity from 5 p.m.-7 a.m. and 6 p.m.-5 a.m., respectively. Both species require particular attention as vectors of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum in several regions of Brazil, including MS. However, Lutzomyia dispar was more anthropophilic, and was most active between January and March, from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. Lutzomyia misionensis (=Pintomyia misionensis, sensu Galati) was present throughout both years, active from 4 p.m. to 5 a.m. Other species were active from 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. Due to intense tourism in the months that coincide with a high number of vectors for leishmaniases in Piraputanga, it is essential to determine vector-monitoring strategies in the area by investigating sand fly rhythm while not neglecting other periods of the year when the insects are present.

White mold resistance-associated quantitative trait loci in the Jalo x Small White common bean population.

We aimed to identify simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers linked to quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with white mold resistance in a segregating population derived from a cross between common bean cultivars Jalo and Small White, in the Southern State of Minas Gerais. Parents were crossed to obtain the F2 generation of 190 plants. From these, F2:3 and F2:4 progenies were obtained for phenotypic evaluation. DNA was extracted from F2 plants and parents for genotyping with SSR primers. For phenotypic assessment by the straw test, we used 190 F2:3 progenies and six lines in a triple-lattice design of 14 x 14 m. Nine trials were conducted for phenotyping by the oxalic acid method to evaluate 177 F2:4 progenies, in addition to the two parents and two common treatments represented by the Jalo and Corujinha lines. The experimental design for the oxalic acid method was completely randomized with three replicates. Adjusted means of evaluations related to F2:3 and F2:4 were used to identify QTLs by using the moving away method from the marker under Bayesian analysis. The markers GATS91, BM197, and X60000 stood out with high heritability and with effects on disease reduction by the straw test; therefore, these markers are promising for selection. The markers BM183, BM189, and SSR-IAC143 were associated with the QTLs identified by oxalic acid, providing greater effects in white mold resistance with high heritability. Based on the oxalic acid and straw test methods, the most prominent marker was PVBR189.

Morfologia radicular da dentição permanente de Sapajus apella: morfometria, anatomia macroscópica, ultraestrutura e propriedades físicas / Root morphology of the permanent dentition Sapajus apella: morphometry, gross anatomy, ultrastructure and physical properties

O objetivo desse trabalho foi contribuir com o estudo anatômico, morfométrico, ultraestrutural e propriedades físicas dos dentes permanentes do primata Sapajus apella. Para tal, foram utilizados 10 animais adultos e machos. Os dentes foram avaliados quanto ao seu comprimento e quanto à anatomia radicular externa e interna considerando número de raízes e canais, forma e direção radicular e forma do canal, assim como análise da densidade e diâmetro tubular do canal radicular, composição e microdureza dentinária. A anatomia radicular desse primata apresentou especificidades, como o número de raízes do segundo pré-molar superior e a presença do terceiro pré-molar. Quanto à densidade e o diâmetro dos túbulos dentinários, observou-se uma diminuição do número e diâmetro de túbulos ao longo do canal radicular, havendo diferença estatisticamente significante ao se comparar o terço apical com as regiões cervical e média, padrão de densidade e tamanho semelhantes a dentes humanos. Semelhanças também foram encontradas com dentes humanos quando comparados os valores de microdureza e proporção de elementos químicos encontrados na dentina radicular...

This paper aimed the anatomical study including morphometric, ultrastructural and physical properties of permanent teeth of Sapajus apella primate. Ten adult male monkeys were studied. The teeth were evaluated for their length, root anatomy (external and internal considering the number of roots and canals), direction and shape of the root canal, density and diameter of the tubular root canal, dentin microhardness, and composition. The root anatomy showed specificity regarding the number of roots of the second premolar and the presence of the third premolar. We observed a decrease in the number and diameter of dentinal tubules along the root canal, a statistically significant difference when compared with the apical and cervical regions. Similarities with human teeth were found in regard to microhardness values and proportion of chemical elements in the root dentin...

Experimental evaluation of the reproductive quality of Africanized queen bees (Apis mellifera) on the basis of body weight at emergence.

There has been much speculation about which phenotypic traits serve as reliable indicators of productivity in queen honeybees (Apis mellifera). To investigate the predictive value of queen body weight on colony development and quality, we compared colonies in which queens weighed less than 180 mg to those in which queens weighed more than 200 mg. Both groups contained naturally mated and instrumentally inseminated queens. Colonies were evaluated on the basis of performance quality, growth rate, and queen longevity. We found that queen body weight was significantly correlated with fecundity and colony quality. Heavy queens exhibited the most favorable performance and colony quality. In contrast, naturally mated, with the opposite trend being obtained for light-weight queens. We found no statistically significant difference between instrumentally inseminated queens and naturally mated queens. Our results support the use of queen body weight as a reliable visual (physiological) indicator of potential colony productivity in honey bees to enhance genetic lines in genetic improvement programs.

Genetic diversity and pathogenicity of Metarhizium spp. associated with the white grub Phyllophaga capillata (Blanchard) (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae) in a soybean field.

Phyllophaga capillata (Blanchard) was recently described as a soybean pest in Brazil. The occurrence of Metarhizium spp. associated with adults and their pathogenicity were investigated. Natural prevalence of Metarhizium anisopliae was 0.51% in adults collected by light trap. Most Metarhizium isolates were identified as Metarhizium robertsii, although M. anisopliae sensu stricto and a few unidentified isolates were also found. Bioassays with representative isolates selected from different genetic groups resulted in ≤5.6% confirmed mortality against larvae and adults, suggesting low potential of microbial control of this pest by use of indigenous Metarhizium isolates.

Clinical outcome of protein-energy malnourished patients in a Brazilian university hospital.

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is a treatable disease with high prevalence among hospitalized patients. It can cause significant increases in the duration of hospitalization and costs. PEM is especially important for health systems since malnourished patients present higher morbidity and mortality. The objective of the present study was to assess the evolution of nutritional status (NS) and the effect of malnutrition on clinical outcome of patients at a public university hospital of high complexity in Brazil. Patients hospitalized in internal medicine (n = 54), oncology (n = 43), and infectious diseases (n = 12) wards were included. NS was evaluated using subjective global assessment up to 48 h after admission, and thereafter at intervals of 4-6 days. On admission, patients (n = 109) were classified as well-nourished (n = 73), moderately malnourished or at risk of malnutrition (n = 28), and severely malnourished (n = 8). During hospitalization, malnutrition developed or worsened in 11 patients. Malnutrition was included in the clinical diagnosis of only 5/36 records (13.9% of the cases, P = 0.000). Nutritional therapy was administered to only 22/36 of the malnourished patients; however, unexpectedly, 6/73 well-nourished patients also received commercial enteral diets. Complications were diagnosed in 28/36 malnourished and 9/73 well-nourished patients (P = 0.000). Death occurred in 12/36 malnourished and 3/73 well-nourished patients (P = 0.001). A total of 24/36 malnourished patients were discharged regardless of NS. In summary, malnutrition remains a real problem, often unrecognized, unappreciated, and only sporadically treated, even though its effects can be detrimental to the clinical course and prognosis of patients. The amount of public and private funds unnecessarily dispersed because of hospital malnutrition is significant.

Clinical outcome of protein-energy malnourished patients in a Brazilian university hospital

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is a treatable disease with high prevalence among hospitalized patients. It can cause significant increases in the duration of hospitalization and costs. PEM is especially important for health systems since malnourished patients present higher morbidity and mortality. The objective of the present study was to assess the evolution of nutritional status (NS) and the effect of malnutrition on clinical outcome of patients at a public university hospital of high complexity in Brazil. Patients hospitalized in internal medicine (n = 54), oncology (n = 43), and infectious diseases (n = 12) wards were included. NS was evaluated using subjective global assessment up to 48 h after admission, and thereafter at intervals of 4-6 days. On admission, patients (n = 109) were classified as well-nourished (n = 73), moderately malnourished or at risk of malnutrition (n = 28), and severely malnourished (n = 8). During hospitalization, malnutrition developed or worsened in 11 patients. Malnutrition was included in the clinical diagnosis of only 5/36 records (13.9% of the cases, P = 0.000). Nutritional therapy was administered to only 22/36 of the malnourished patients; however, unexpectedly, 6/73 well-nourished patients also received commercial enteral diets. Complications were diagnosed in 28/36 malnourished and 9/73 well-nourished patients (P = 0.000). Death occurred in 12/36 malnourished and 3/73 well-nourished patients (P = 0.001). A total of 24/36 malnourished patients were discharged regardless of NS. In summary, malnutrition remains a real problem, often unrecognized, unappreciated, and only sporadically treated, even though its effects can be detrimental to the clinical course and prognosis of patients. The amount of public and private funds unnecessarily dispersed because of hospital malnutrition is significant.

A link between sleep loss, glucose metabolism and adipokines

The present review evaluates the role of sleep and its alteration in triggering problems of glucose metabolism and the possible involvement of adipokines in this process. A reduction in the amount of time spent sleeping has become an endemic condition in modern society, and a search of the current literature has found important associations between sleep loss and alterations of nutritional and metabolic contexts. Studies suggest that sleep loss is associated with problems in glucose metabolism and a higher risk for the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The mechanism involved may be associated with the decreased efficacy of regulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis by negative feedback mechanisms in sleep-deprivation conditions. In addition, changes in the circadian pattern of growth hormone (GH) secretion might also contribute to the alterations in glucose regulation observed during sleep loss. On the other hand, sleep deprivation stress affects adipokines - increasing tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and decreasing leptin and adiponectin -, thus establishing a possible association between sleep-debt, adipokines and glucose metabolism. Thus, a modified release of adipokines resulting from sleep deprivation could lead to a chronic sub-inflammatory state that could play a central role in the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Further studies are necessary to investigate the role of sleep loss in adipokine release and its relationship with glucose metabolism.

A link between sleep loss, glucose metabolism and adipokines.

The present review evaluates the role of sleep and its alteration in triggering problems of glucose metabolism and the possible involvement of adipokines in this process. A reduction in the amount of time spent sleeping has become an endemic condition in modern society, and a search of the current literature has found important associations between sleep loss and alterations of nutritional and metabolic contexts. Studies suggest that sleep loss is associated with problems in glucose metabolism and a higher risk for the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The mechanism involved may be associated with the decreased efficacy of regulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis by negative feedback mechanisms in sleep-deprivation conditions. In addition, changes in the circadian pattern of growth hormone (GH) secretion might also contribute to the alterations in glucose regulation observed during sleep loss. On the other hand, sleep deprivation stress affects adipokines - increasing tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and decreasing leptin and adiponectin -, thus establishing a possible association between sleep-debt, adipokines and glucose metabolism. Thus, a modified release of adipokines resulting from sleep deprivation could lead to a chronic sub-inflammatory state that could play a central role in the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Further studies are necessary to investigate the role of sleep loss in adipokine release and its relationship with glucose metabolism.

Epidemiological data of patients hospitalized with burns and other traumas in some cities in the southeast of Brazil from 1991 to 1997.

This retrospective analysis of burn patients and victims of other forms of trauma from Ribeirão Preto and nearby cities admitted to hospitals in the city of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, was carried out to determine the frequency of injuries of all types in order to identify the extent of the problem of burns relative to other forms of trauma. Data concerning 921 patients with burns and 60,344 patients with other traumatic injuries hospitalized during the period from 1991 to 1997 are described. Burns corresponded to 1.5% of the total number of traumatic injuries. When data are reported as absolute numbers or as incidence rate of hospitalized burn patients, burns were two times more frequent among men in most age groups. The case fatality ratio due to burns was 8.4% (77 deaths among 921 patients), with a rate of 6.4% for men and 12.2% for women. The case fatality ratio was higher among women than men regardless of the city of residence. The case fatality ratio was 3.2 and 4.4 times greater for men and women burn victims from other towns than for burn victims from Ribeirão Preto, indicating the need for additional equipment and training of medical and paramedical personnel in the initial measures to be taken with burn patients.

Epidemiological data and mortality rate of patients hospitalized with burns in Brazil.

This retrospective analysis of burn patients in a University Hospital in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, was carried out to characterize this population and to identify the factors that affect the mortality rate. All patients hospitalized from January 1990 to April 1995 (n = 229, 3.6 patients/month) and who terminated treatment were included. Of these, 80.8% (185 patients) were hospitalized within 24 h of the burn. Occupational and/or domestic accidents were responsible for most of the burns (78.6%), which were mainly caused by a direct flame (71.2%). with alcohol being the flammable fluid most frequently used. The average patient treated at the center was a male of 9 years of age or less with 20-40% burned body surface, who received care within 24 h after suffering an accidental alcohol burn and who was hospitalized for < or =30 days. The mortality rate was 18.8% for all patients and increased with burned body surface and age, and for suicide patients. Suicide attempts for all patients > or = 18 years were the cause of 46 .5% (20/43) of the burns involving women and of 8.9% (8/90) of the burns involving men. The mortality rate was significantly higher for self-inflicted burns (42.9%) than for accidental burns (20.2%).

Dipyrone, a novel anticonvulsant agent? Insights from three experimental epilepsy models.

Dipyrone, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, was anticonvulsant in three experimental epilepsy models. At a dose of 300 mg/kg i.p., dipyrone blocked the maximal hind limb extension in the electroshock model in Wistar rats, the tonic-clonic component of acute sound-induced seizures and the limbic component of audiogenic kindling in genetically susceptible Wistar-derived rats, all in 100% of the animals. In the electroshock model higher doses (400 and 500 mg/kg) were also effective but lower doses (100 and 200 mg/kg) were not. In this model dipyrone had no effect on the recovery of the righting reflex and intensified the postictal antinociception in a dose-dependent manner. Other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as indomethacin, diclofenac and aspirin had no anticonvulsant effect in the electroshock-induced seizures.

Pharmacological nutrition after burn injury.

Burn patients develop pathophysiological alterations, which include extensive nitrogen loss, malnutrition, markedly increased metabolic rate and immunologic deficiency. This predisposes burn patients to frequent infections, poor wound healing, increased length of hospitalization and increased mortality. The nutritional support requires high protein and high energy diets preferably administered enterally soon after injury. The effects of increased dietary components such as glutamine, arginine and (n-3) fatty acids and related compounds have been evaluated in burn victims. These components, when supplied in quantities two to seven times of those in normal diets of healthy persons, appear to have beneficial pharmacological effects on the pathophysiological alterations associated with burns. However, the efficacy of immune-enhancing diets remains to be convincingly shown.