ABSTRACT
The eggshell fine structure of five sand fly species from Venezuela belonging to the genus Lutzomyia (L. migonei, L. ovallesi, L. absonodonta, L. gomezi and L. panamensis) was examined by scanning electron microscopy. The chorionic sculpturing of L. migonei, L. ovallesi, L. absonodonta and L. gomezi was characterized by series of columns arranged in palisade to form sinuous ridges. In inter-ridge areas, the basal layer was covered with fibrous material. The outer chorion of L. panamensis had a pattern known as "mountain- or volcano-like". The morphology of the posterior pole and aeropyle had a common structure in the five species, with some species-specific characters. The eggshell features of the five species are compared with those of other phlebotomine sand flies.
Subject(s)
Ovum/ultrastructure , Psychodidae/classification , Animals , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Psychodidae/ultrastructure , VenezuelaABSTRACT
The eggshell fine structure of five sand fly species from Venezuela belonging to the genus Lutzomyia (L. migonei, L. ovallesi, L. absonodonta, L. gomezi and L. panamensis) was examined by scanning electron microscopy. The chorionic sculpturing of L. migonei, L. ovallesi, L. absonodonta and L. gomezi was characterized by series of columns arranged in palisade to form sinuous ridges. In inter-ridge areas, the basal layer was covered with fibrous material. The outer chorion of L. panamensis had a pattern known as "mountain- or volcano-like". The morphology of the posterior pole and aeropyle had a common structure in the five species, with some species-specific characters. The eggshell features of the five species are compared with those of other phlebotomine sand flies
Subject(s)
Animals , Ovum/ultrastructure , Psychodidae/classification , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Psychodidae/ultrastructure , VenezuelaABSTRACT
The morphology of the spiracles of fourth instar larva in eight sandfly species were examined by light and scanning electron microscopy. Species studied were: Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva), L. ovallesi (Ortiz), L. youngi Feliciangeli & Murillo, L. evansi (Nuñez-Tovar), L. trinidadensis (Newstead), L. migonei (França), L. absonodonta Feliciangeli, and L. venezuelensis (Floch & Abonnenc). In larvae of all eight species both thoracic and abdominal spiracles are located at the top of a globular bulge. Their structure consists of a spiracular plate with a sclerotized central portion and a rose-like peripheral portion. The latter has circularly arranged papillae, separated from each other by elongated septa. Each papilla is longitudinally crossed by a fine cleft dividing it into two identical parts. The taxonomic and adaptative value of spiracular morphology is discussed.
Subject(s)
Larva/anatomy & histology , Psychodidae/anatomy & histology , Psychodidae/growth & development , Animals , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Psychodidae/classificationABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Interventional techniques in endoscopy such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) have greatly increased since laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become widespread; mainly these techniques deal with common bile duct stones. Fluoroscopy is usually employed, and chronic exposure to X-ray, in spite of the relative low dose, can lead to potentially unhealthy conditions such as malignancies like bone marrow and other solid cancers. A median of 18 years of life is lost per fatal cancer, including the time of latency since exposure. Nor should one forget benign condition such as cataracts that can lead to partial or complete blindness and which surely impair life's quality. METHODS: Simulated examinations were carried at the University Hospital (São Paulo, Brazil) using an anthropomorphic phantom in place of the physician. Four sets of dosimeters were placed in the forehead, neck, torso, and lower abdomen (with and without a lead apron) and standard ERCP fluoroscopic techniques were employed. RESULTS: The dose equivalents were calculated and compared to the recommended exposure doses of national and international boards of radiation protection. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results found and compared to standards, working safely means: (1) A lead (0.5 mm thickness) apron is fundamental. Without it less than one ERCP\month should be performed. (2) With an apron, 23 examinations/month are allowed. (3) No thyroid protection grants only 19 exams/month. (4) Performing ERCP without lead glasses is hazardous to the eye, allowing only seven ERCPs monthly.