Macro- and microstructural descriptions of the zebrafish (Danio rerio) liver.

The liver is an essential metabolically active organ, responsible for many vital life functions such as metabolism, synthesis, and storage. This study describes the macroscopic and microscopic zebrafish liver and its temporal changes during a period of 13 weeks. Forty-six adult zebrafish were used (46), of which 27 were females and were 19 males. Seven fish were euthanized initially for macroscopic evaluation and 3 fish were euthanized weekly for 13 weeks for microscopic evaluation. Routine histological technique was performed; the slides were stained with haematoxylin/eosin and periodic acid-Schiff. The volumetric (Vv(h)) and numerical (Nv(h)) densities of hepatocytes and vacuolation intensity were determined weekly. The liver was located in the coelomic cavity ventrally to the swim bladder, slightly brownish and divided into 3 hepatic lobes. Microscopically, it consisted of hepatocytes forming a muralium duplex around the sinusoids. The staining of the cytoplasm of hepatocytes was more eosinophilic and more basophilic in males and females, respectively. There was no formation of portal triads and phagocytic cells. The gallbladder had transitional epithelium, and the bile ducts had simple cuboidal epithelium. The volume and numerical density of hepatocytes during the 13 weeks was not statistically different, but these parameters displayed a positive correlation. The vacuolation was due to the presence of glycogen. The zebrafish liver has macro and micro structural particular features while, quantitatively, the volume and number of hepatocytes showed great capacity to respond to the physiological needs of the animal at the time.

Validation of Prediction Equations of Energy Values of a Single Ingredient or Their Combinations in Male Broilers.

A set of prediction equations to estimate the nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) of individual ingredients and diets used in the poultry feed industry was evaluated. The AMEn values of three energy ingredients (maize, sorghum and defatted maize germ meal), four protein ingredients (soybean meal, maize gluten meal 60% crude protein, integral micronized soy and roasted whole soybean) and four diets (three containing four feedstuffs, complex diets, and one containing only corn-soybean meal, basal diet) were determined using a metabolism assay with male broilers from 1 to 7, 8 to 21, 22 to 35, and 36 to 42 days old. These values were compared to the AMEn values presented in the tables of energy composition or estimated by equation predictions based on chemical composition data of feedstuffs. In general, the equation predictions more precisely estimated the AMEn of feedstuffs when compared to the tables of energy composition. The equation AMEn (dry matter [DM] basis) = 4,164.187+51.006 ether extract (% in DM basis)-197.663 ash-35.689 crude fiber (% in DM basis)-20.593 neutral detergent fiber (% in DM basis) (R(2) = 0.75) was the most applicable for the prediction of the energy values of feedstuffs and diets used in the poultry feed industry.

Quantification of the liver structure of zebrafish (Danio rerio) submitted to different diets and physical exercise.

The zebrafish has been used in research for over 80 years. In the last three decades, discoveries about the fundamental properties of development, regeneration, cancer, and other diseases have established the zebrafish as an important model organism in biomedical research. This study aimed to evaluate liver alterations in zebrafish by quantitatively assessing the areas occupied by hepatocytes, as well as connective and adipose tissues. Forty-eight adult Danio rerio (38 males and 10 females) of approximately 13 months of age were used. They were divided into four groups, with 12 animals each. The fish were randomly distributed to form the groups, which received a maintenance and/or hypercaloric diet, with or without the addition of physical exercise. The animals underwent six hours of forced exercise (5 cm/s) for thirteen weeks. The animals that practiced physical exercise had a higher volumetric density of the area occupied by hepatocytes (65.92%±1.81 - GMex and 50.75%±2.24 GHex) among the groups. The GH group had a higher volumetric density of the area occupied by connective tissue (15.12%±0.72), followed by the GHex group (13.53%±1.43). Regarding the volumetric density of the area occupied by adipose tissue, the GH group had a higher density (27.21%±1.36), followed by the GHex group (21.66%±1.11) with statistically significant differences. The GMex had a volumetric density of the area occupied by adipose tissue of 3.5%±0.76, while the GM had 5.7%±0.5, with statistical difference. In relation to the animals in the GHex group, they had 20.39% less fat than the animals in the GH group. The animals in the GMex group had 72.47% less fat than those in the GM group. It is concluded that the different dietary constitutions and the imposition of physical exercise were able to modify the structural architecture of the liver of Danio rerio. These are acceptable criteria for modulations, thus aiming at the control and possible interferences directly related to the metabolism of the species and therefore the control of diseases.

Stereotactic radiotherapy for liver oligometastases: a pooled analysis following the estro/eortc consensus recommendations.

A large pooled analysis of liver oligometastases, classified accordingly to the ESTRO/EORTC recommendations, treated by stereotactic radiotherapy (SBRT) and Radiosurgery (SRS) was carried out. The clinical and dosimetric data of patients who underwent SBRT/SRS for liver metastases were analysed in terms of efficacy and toxicity profile. In particular, the Local Control (LC), the Distant Metastases Free Survival (DMFS), the Disease-Free Survival (DFS), the Overall Survival (OS), and the Next Systemic Therapy Free Survival (NEST-FS) rates were analysed. 113 patients (M/F: 49/64), accounting for a total of 150 hepatic lesions (March 2006-February 2023) in two Italian radiotherapy Institutions were evaluated. Median age was 67 years old (36-92) and 48 (42.5%) patients had at least one comorbidity. The majority of the lesions were induced (30.7%) or repeated oligoprogressive (12.7%) metastases. 98 lesions were treated with more than one daily fraction (mainly 50 Gy in 5 fractions), while 52 were radiosurgery treatments (mainly 32 Gy). The treatment response at 3-4 months was evaluable in 147 lesions: complete response was 32.0%, partial response 17.0%, and stable disease 32.0%. Actuarial LC, DMFS, DFS, OS, and NEST-FS at 1 year were 75.8%, 37.7%, 34.9%, 78.7%, and 59.4% respectively; while actuarial LC, DMFS, DFS, OS, and NEST-FS at 2 years were 52.1%, 24.9%, 21.9%, 51.3%, and 36.8%, respectively. The achievement of complete response, synchronous oligometastases, and no treatment interruptions correlated with a more favorable outcomes. As per the toxicity profile, we registered only two acute and one late toxicity cases higher than grade 2. Stereotactic treatment for liver metastases seems to be a safe and promising option in terms of local control. The best results in term of outcomes have been obtained in patients with complete response, synchronous oligometastases, favorable histology, and no treatment interruptions.

The energy value of biodiesel glycerine products fed to broilers at different ages.

The objective of this study was to determine the apparent metabolisable energy corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn) of some products containing glycerine from soybean oil (GOIL), a mixture of frying oil and lard (GMIX) and a semi-purified process (GSP) in broilers of different ages (10, 20, 30 and 40 days post-hatching), using two methodologies. In trial 1, the basal diets were replaced with 100 g/kg of each studied glycerine product and the diets were supplied ad libitum. Three hundred broilers were used in five replicates, with five, four, three and three animals per cage in each age group, respectively. The AMEn was calculated for each experimental unit. In trial 2, dietary treatments included the addition of glycerine at 0, 40, 80 or 120 g/kg for each crude glycerine product, with 900 broilers in six replicates, using the same number of animals per cage as described in trial 1. Depending on the experimental unit, the feeding was restricted in 88%, 92%, 96% and 100% of estimated intake according to the Cobb guide. The AMEn was determined using linear regression between the feed intake and the AMEn of each diet. In both trials, the total excreta collection method was used. Because of the chemical composition, GMIX was not considered crude glycerine. The mean AMEn values of the products were 20.55 MJ/kg, 15.80 MJ/kg and 15.05 MJ/kg for GMIX, GSP and GOIL, respectively. There was a linear decrease (p < 0.01) in the AMEn values with the increasing age of the broilers. Numerically, it was observed that the AMEn values decreased until 28-30 day post-hatching and then remained constant until the finishing phase. It is concluded that products containing glycerine can be used as an energy source for broilers, but that AMEn values can vary according to age. Younger broilers have a higher capacity of energy utilisation from these feedstuffs.

Supplemental L-arginine improves feed conversion and modulates lipid metabolism in male and female broilers from 29 to 42 days of age.

The excessive accumulation of abdominal fat in broilers is an economic waste. Supplemental dietary L-arginine has been shown to reduce lipogenesis in broilers, but studies on this subject are still scarce. Two experiments were conducted in a 5×2 factorial design, with five L-arginine concentrations in diets (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 g/kg) provided to male and female broilers, from 29 to 42 days of age, reared in boxes or cages, with six replicates of 23 broilers per box and six replicates of three broilers per cage, totalling 1560 broilers. Data on performance, carcass and cuts yield, abdominal fat deposition, chemical composition of the breast, lipid profile and liver enzyme activity were evaluated in experiment 1. In experiment 2, the balance and retention of nitrogen, metabolizability coefficients and metabolizable energy of feed were determined and the treatments were evaluated in six replicates of three broilers per cage, totalling 180 broilers. In both experiments, there was no interaction (P > 0.05) between L-arginine concentration in the diet and sex of the broilers for all parameters evaluated. Male broilers showed higher (P < 0.05) weight gain, noble cuts yield, levels of CP and mineral matter in the breast, better feed conversion (P < 0.05) and lower (P < 0.05) malic enzyme activity in the liver and abdominal fat deposition. On the other hand, regardless of sex, the increase in L-arginine concentration in the diet improved (P < 0.05) the feed conversion in addition to reducing (P < 0.05) serum levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, the malic enzyme activity in the liver and abdominal fat deposition. In conclusion, male broilers had better productive results than females. However, supplementing the diet of male or female broilers from 29 to 42 days of age with L-arginine at a concentration of 6.87 g/kg represents a nutritional strategy to improve feed conversion and reduce circulating triacylglycerol and cholesterol levels, NADPH synthesis by liver malic enzyme and abdominal fat deposition, without negatively affecting the carcass and noble cuts yield, the amount of nitrogen excreted by the broilers and the energy value of the feed.

Nanoparticle agglomerates in magnetoliposomes.

Magnetoliposomes consist of vesicles composed of a phospholipid membrane encapsulating magnetic nanoparticles. These systems have several important applications, such as in MRI contrast agents, drug and gene carriers, and cancer treatment devices. For all of these applications, controlling the number of encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles is a key issue. In this work, we used a magneto-optical technique to obtain information about the efficiency of encapsulation, the number of nanoparticles encapsulated per liposome and also about the formation of the nanoparticle structures. The parameters studied included the effect of the duration of sonication, the presence of cholesterol in the liposome membrane, as well as time-related stability. For the liposomal vesicles prepared in this work, we found between 35 and 300 nanoparticles encapsulated per liposome, depending on the experimental conditions, consisting of small linear chains of nanoparticles, basically trimers and tetramers. The methodology developed might be useful for the investigation and improvement of the properties of several magnetic nanocarrier systems.

Behavioral disorders and impairment of quality of life in children and adolescents with lower urinary tract dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) is a broad term describing the full spectrum of disorders in any of the stages of bladder function-storage or voiding LUTD is a clinical condition associated with emotional and behavioral disorders in children. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association of emotional and behavioral symptoms and their impact on the quality of life (QoL) in children and adolescents with LUTD. METHODS: Eighty-eight patients and their parents enrolled in an interdisciplinary program for children and adolescents with LUTD were included in the analysis. Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) was used to estimate the prevalence of behavioral and emotional problems through the assessment of 14 items. Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (versions for parents and children) was applied in the versions for parents and children to evaluate the QoL. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory-PedsQL, version 4.0-was applied separately for parents and patients. The association of clinical variables and aspects related to QoL of patients were evaluated through non-parametric correlations (Spearman) and multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: According to CBCL's clinical scores, 56% of the patients showed total behavioral problems, 55% internalizing, and 38% externalizing. When comparing the conditions of LUTD and the CBCL scores, patients with voiding postponement had the lowest rates of total problems (P = 0.036). Children and adolescents with LUTD who also had enuresis showed a higher frequency of externalizing problems (P = 0.001), especially aggressive behavior (P = 0.013). Scores of patients with LUTD were significantly lower in all domains of QoL than normative data. Presence of behavioral problems was associated with worse QoL in all evaluated aspects. The total QoL was most influenced by the CBCL school competence scale according to the regression model analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings suggest the relevance of evaluation of behavioral and social repercussions of LUTD to improve the multidisciplinary approach for this condition in pediatric population.

Recurrent amplification of RTEL1 and ABCA13 and its synergistic effect associated with clinicopathological data of gastric adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Despite progression in treatment of gastric cancer, prognosis of patients remains poor, in part due to the low rate of diagnosis during its early stages. This paradigm implies the necessity to identify molecular biomarkers for early gastric cancer diagnosis, as well as for disease monitoring, thus contributing to the development of new therapeutic approaches. In a previous study, performed by array-Comparative Genomic Hybridization, we described for the first time in literature recurrent amplification of RTEL1 and ABCA13 genes in gastric cancer. Thus, the aim of the present study was to validate recurrent amplification of RTEL1 and ABCA13 genes and associate CNV status with clinicopathological data. FINDINGS: Results showed RTEL1 and ABCA13 amplification in 38 % of samples. Statistical analysis demonstrated that RTEL amplification is more common in older patients and more associated with intestinal type and ABCA13 amplification increases the risk of lymph node metastasis and is more common in men. Co-amplification of these genes showed a significant association with advanced staging. CONCLUSIONS: aCGH is a very useful tool for investigating novel genes associated with carcinogenesis and RTEL1 amplification may be important for the development of gastric cancer in older patients, besides being a probable event contributing for chromosomal instability in intestinal gastric carcinogenesis. ABCA13 amplification may have age-specific function and could be considered a useful marker for predicting lymph node metastasis in resected gastric cancer patients in early stage. Lastly, RTEL1 and ABCA13 synergistic effect may be considered as a putative marker for advanced staging in gastric cancer patients.

Molecular study of the tumour suppressor gene PTEN in gastric adenocarcinoma in Brazil.

Among all tumours diagnosed worldwide, gastric adenocarcinoma is the second most frequent type of malignancy. In Brazil, it is estimated to be the fifth most frequent type of neoplasia. According to the classification of Laurén, these tumours are divided into well differentiated and ill differentiated gastric adenocarcinomas. There are studies suggesting that the first type develops through remodulation of genes involved in the suppressor pathway and the second through remodulation of genes belonging to the mutational pathway. The gene PTEN is located in region 10q23 and is altered in several human tumours. In gastric cancer, this gene is thought to take part in the suppressor pathway. In our study, DNA was obtained from 48 gastric adenocarcinoma samples, amplified, screened for all exons of the PTEN gene by PCR-SSCP and then confirmed by sequencing. There was only one sample that presented an alteration and that was a transversion. Our results corroborate the hypothesis that somatic alterations in the PTEN gene are rare events in gastric cancer.

Testosterone induces apoptosis in cardiomyocytes by increasing proapoptotic signaling involving tumor necrosis factor-α and renin angiotensin system.

Anabolic androgenic steroids lead to cardiac complications and have been shown to exhibit proapoptotic effects in cardiac cells; however, the mechanism involved in those effects is unclear. The aim of this study was to assess whether apoptosis and the activation of caspase-3 (Casp-3) induced by testosterone in high concentrations involves increments in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentrations and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity in cardiomyocytes (H9c2) cell cultures. Cardiomyocytes were treated with testosterone (5 × 10(-6) mol/L), doxorubicin (9.2 × 10(-6) mol/L), testosterone + etanercept (Eta; 6.67 × 10(-5) mol/L), testosterone + losartan (Los; 10(-7) mol/L), and testosterone + AC-DEVD-CHO (10(-5) mol/L; Casp-3 inhibitor). Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry and by the proteolytic activity of Casp-3. We demonstrated that incubation of H9c2 cells for 48 h with testosterone causes the apoptotic death of 60-70% of the cells and co-treatments with Eta, Los, or AC-DEVD-CHO reduced this effect. Testosterone also induces apoptosis (concentration dependent) and increases the proteolytic activity of Casp-3, which were reduced by co-treatments. TNF-α and ACE activities were elevated by testosterone treatment, while co-treatment with Los and Eta reduced these effects. We concluded that an interaction between testosterone, angiotensin II, and TNF-α induced apoptosis and Casp-3 activity in cultured cardiomyocytes, which contributed to the reduced viability of these cells induced by testosterone in toxic concentrations.

Cytogenetics of epithelial hyperplasias of the human breast.

Generally, benign breast lesions behave like innocuous and limited proliferations; however, sometimes they can represent precancerous pathologies. The cytogenetic analysis of five mammary epithelial hyperplasias is reported. Four cases had clonal chromosome alterations. All of the cases presented a modal number of 46 chromosomes. Chromosome 9 monosomies and chromosome 1 deletions were common in these benign tumors. The study of benign proliferations of the breast may reveal a possible relationship between chromosomal alterations and the conditions of the tissue.

Cytogenetic description of breast fibroadenomas: alterations related solely to proliferation?

Twelve breast fibroadenomas were analyzed cytogenetically and only four were found to have clonal alterations. The presence of chromosomal alterations in fibroadenomas must be the consequence of the proliferating process and must not be related to the etiology of this type of lesion. In contrast, the few fibroadenomas that exhibit chromosomal alterations are likely to be those presenting a risk of neoplastic transformation. Clonal numerical alterations involved chromosomes 8, 18, 19, and 21. Of the chromosomal alterations found in the present study, only monosomy of chromosomes 19 and 21 has been reported in breast fibroadenomas. The loss of chromosome 21 was the most frequent alteration found in our sample. The study of benign proliferations and their comparison with chromosome alterations in their malignant counterparts ought to result in a better understanding of the genes acting on cell proliferation alone, and of the genes that cause these cells to exhibit varied behaviors such as recurrences, spontaneous regression and fast growth.

Conventional cytogenetic characterization of a new cell line, ACP01, established from a primary human gastric tumor.

Gastric cancer is the second most frequent type of neoplasia and also the second most important cause of death in the world. Virtually all the established cell lines of gastric neoplasia were developed in Asian countries, and western countries have contributed very little to this area. In the present study we describe the establishment of the cell line ACP01 and characterize it cytogenetically by means of in vitro immortalization. Cells were transformed from an intestinal-type gastric adenocarcinoma (T4N2M0) originating from a 48-year-old male patient. This is the first gastric adenocarcinoma cell line established in Brazil. The most powerful application of the cell line ACP01 is in the assessment of cytotoxicity. Solid tumor cell lines from different origins have been treated with several conventional and investigational anticancer drugs. The ACP01 cell line is triploid, grows as a single, non-organized layer, similar to fibroblasts, with focus formation, heterogeneous division, and a cell cycle of approximately 40 h. Chromosome 8 trisomy, present in 60% of the cells, was the most frequent cytogenetic alteration. These data lead us to propose a multifactorial triggering of gastric cancer which evolves over multiple stages involving progressive genetic changes and clonal expansion.

Effect of luting cement on dental biofilm composition and secondary caries around metallic restorations in situ.

Since the importance of luting cement on secondary caries in enamel and dentin is unknown, an in situ crossover study was conducted in three phases over 21 days using a fluoride-containing toothpaste. One hundred and twenty-six metallic restorations were cemented into the dentinoenamel junction of slabs of human teeth with zinc phosphate (ZP), resin-modified glass ionomer (GI) or resinous cement (RC). The slabs were inserted onto flanges of the removable partial acrylic dentures of 14 volunteers and covered with gauze to enhance dental plaque accumulation. The volunteers used fluoride toothpaste (1.100 microg F/g, w/w). After 21 days, the biofilm that formed on the slabs was collected for biochemical and microbiological analyses, and the demineralization in enamel-dentin around the restorations was evaluated. The fluoride concentration of biofilm in the GI group was higher (p<0.05) than the ZP and RC groups. Also, the concentration of Zinc in biofilm formed on the slabs cemented with ZP was higher (p<0.05) than the other groups. However, the effect of the luting material on enamel or dentin demineralization was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The data suggest that when fluoride toothpaste is used, the anticariogenic property of the luting cement may not be relevant to the reduction of secondary caries.

[Necessity to adopt and disseminate therapeutic schemes for the treatment of American tegumentary leishmaniasis in Paraná]. / Da necessidade de se adotar e divulgar esquemas terapêuticos para tratamento de leishmaniose tegumentar no Paraná.

American cutaneous leishmaniasis has shown an endemic character in areas of North-North-west Paraná State, which were populated in 40's, where residual forests persist with intense modifications. The infection has been found mainly in males, but was found also in females and children and in many individuals of a same family. 513 cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis notified to SUCAM by clinical diagnosis were investigated. Treatment was begun with Glucantime at State Health Centers or at SUCAM. Of 513 treated patients 260 (50.67%) were considered clinically cured. The remaining 253 (49.33%) abandoned treatment. The quantity of Glucantime supplied to the patients varied from 10 vials to more than 200, with or without intervals during the treatment. Two hundred and seventeen (85.46%) patients among 260 received from 10 to 75 vials. The occurrence of leishmaniasis in 163 (31.75%) women and in 34 (6.62%) children, of both sexes, up to 10 years old, suggests domiciliary transmission. It's not known if the 253 (49.33%) individuals who abandoned the treatment recovered. This high number shows the necessity of better knowledge of the consequences that can occur due to incomplete treatment.

[Phlebotomine behavior in forest and extraforest environments, in an endemic area of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in northern Paraná State, southern Brazil]. / Observações sobre o comportamento de flebotomíneos em ecótopos florestais e extraflorestais, em área endêmica de leishmaniose tegumentar americana, no norte do Estado do Paraná, sul do Brasil.

Between November 1988 and April 1990, 75,637 phlebotomines were captured with the use of Falcão light traps on Palmital farm in the north of Paraná State, Brazil. Fifteen species were represented. The percentage of 95.8% of the insects were captured within the domiciliary area and the remaining 4.2% in the forest environment. The percentage of 62 were captured in one single Falcão light trap installed in a henhouse, where Blancasmya migonei predominated. In all the other traps Psychodopygus whitmani was predominant. B. migonei, P. whitmani, Pintomyia pessoai, Pintomyia fischeri and Psychodopygus intermedius are highly significant vectors of American cutaneous leishmaniasis and represented 93.8% of all phlebotomines captured with 10 Falcão light traps. The monthly densities of these insects were obtained from one Falcão light trap installed in a henhouse and increased especially in the warmer and more humid months. In the forest environment the phlebotomines were captured principally in traps installed about 10 meters above the ground and P. whitmani, B. migonei, P. intermedius, Brumptomyia brumpti, Psychodopygus monticola and P. pessoai were the dominant species. The need for information about the epidemiology of American cutaneous leishmaniasis calls for further investigation with a view to clarifying the implications of the relationship between the phlebotomines and domestic animals in the Leishmania cycle of transmission in domiciliary areas.

[American cutaneous leishmaniasis: phlebotominae of the area of transmission in the north of Paraná, Brazil]. / Leishmaniose tegumentar americana: flebotomíneos de área de transmissão no Norte do Paraná, Brasil.

Most of the cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis diagnosed in the laboratory of the State University of Maringá, Paraná, Brazil, are related to areas of northern Paraná State, which have been settled since 40 years age, when the destructions of vast areas of forest in this region was begun. The native vegetation, already, in large part, destroyed is constituted of dense forest of the type found in the transition from tropical to subtropical regions. The landscape is constituted of plateau with a climate of transition from tropical to subtropical and annual mean temperatures of 20 degrees C to 22 degrees C, the mean of the hottest month being superior to 22 degrees C. The native forests are represented by small, sparse patches of vegetation, with some modification in the basins of the rivers Ivaí, Paranapanema and Paraná and their tributaries. In this environment 24 captures of phlebotomines were made--2 per month from October 1986 to September 1987, between 6 P.M. and 1 A.M. The captures with Shannon trap were made in the outlying forest of Palmital farm. The majority of the 16,496 phlebotomines were classified into 13 species. Lutzomyia whitmani was predominant with 11,188 (67.82%) specimens, followed by Lutzomyia intermedia with 2,900 (17.58%) and Lutzomyia migonei with 1,481 (9.03%). Lutzomyia whitmani and Lutzomyia intermedia have been manifesting great capacity of adaptation in modified environments, where they have played a significant role in transmission of leishmaniasis.

[Adult culicidae captured in the southern region of Brazil]. / Nota sobre culicídeos adultos coletados na região sul do Brasil.

During the period from September 1988 to April 1990, mosquitoes were captured using Shannon light trap and Falcão light traps, in Terra Boa county, in the north of Paraná State, Brazil. The Shannon trap was installed in the outlying modified forest and Falcão traps were installed in the modified forest and domiciliary areas. The prevalence of species was verified and the methods of capture compared.

[Phlebotomines in an area of transmission of tegumentar leishmaniasis in the northern region of Parana State, Brazil: seasonal variation and nocturnal activity]. / Flebotomíneos em área de transmissão de leishmaniose tegumentar na região norte do Estado do Paraná-Brasil: Variação sazonal e atividade noturna.

In two years of phlebotomine captures in a modified forest an appreciable decrease in the size of this insect population has been observed when compared to previous data from the same locality. The captures with the Shannon light trap were made in the outlying forest of Palmital farm in Terra Boa county, Parana State, Brazil. The predominant species were Lutzomyia withmani, Lutzomyia migonei, Lutzomyia intermedius e Lutzomyia fischeri. These insects were active from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. and the period of greatest activity varied according to the species. These species' densities were higher in the summer and autumn months. Environmental modifications may have influenced the observed changes in phlebotomine behavior.