The Viromes of Six Ecosystem Service Provider Parasitoid Wasps.

Parasitoid wasps are fundamental insects for the biological control of agricultural pests. Despite the importance of wasps as natural enemies for more sustainable and healthy agriculture, the factors that could impact their species richness, abundance, and fitness, such as viral diseases, remain almost unexplored. Parasitoid wasps have been studied with regard to the endogenization of viral elements and the transmission of endogenous viral proteins that facilitate parasitism. However, circulating viruses are poorly characterized. Here, RNA viromes of six parasitoid wasp species are studied using public libraries of next-generation sequencing through an integrative bioinformatics pipeline. Our analyses led to the identification of 18 viruses classified into 10 families (Iflaviridae, Endornaviridae, Mitoviridae, Partitiviridae, Virgaviridae, Rhabdoviridae, Chuviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Xinmoviridae, and Narnaviridae) and into the Bunyavirales order. Of these, 16 elements were described for the first time. We also found a known virus previously identified on a wasp prey which suggests viral transmission between the insects. Altogether, our results highlight the importance of virus surveillance in wasps as its service disruption can affect ecology, agriculture and pest management, impacting the economy and threatening human food security.

Mining Public Data to Investigate the Virome of Neglected Pollinators and Other Floral Visitors.

This study reports the virome investigation of pollinator species and other floral visitors associated with plants from the south of Bahia: Aphis aurantii, Atrichopogon sp., Dasyhelea sp., Forcipomyia taiwana, and Trigona ventralis hoozana. Studying viruses in insects associated with economically important crops is vital to understand transmission dynamics and manage viral diseases that pose as threats for global food security. Using literature mining and public RNA next-generation sequencing data deposited in the NCBI SRA database, we identified potential vectors associated with Malvaceae plant species and characterized the microbial communities resident in these insects. Bacteria and Eukarya dominated the metagenomic analyses of all taxon groups. We also found sequences showing similarity to elements from several viral families, including Bunyavirales, Chuviridae, Iflaviridae, Narnaviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Rhabdoviridae, Totiviridae, and Xinmoviridae. Phylogenetic analyses indicated the existence of at least 16 new viruses distributed among A. aurantii (3), Atrichopogon sp. (4), Dasyhelea sp. (3), and F. taiwana (6). No novel viruses were found for T. ventralis hoozana. For F. taiwana, the available libraries also allowed us to suggest possible vertical transmission, while for A. aurantii we followed the infection profile along the insect development. Our results highlight the importance of studying the virome of insect species associated with crop pollination, as they may play a crucial role in the transmission of viruses to economically important plants, such as those of the genus Theobroma, or they will reduce the pollination process. This information may be valuable in developing strategies to mitigate the spread of viruses and protect the global industry.

Evaluation of the pharmacotherapeutic follow-up effectiveness in patients with dyslipidemia in the secondary health care in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS)

Abstract Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are one of the main causes of mortality in the world. Dyslipidemia treatment can reduce the number of deaths caused by CVD, by decreasing the lipid profile. Evaluate the pharmacotherapeutic follow-up effectiveness in patients with dyslipidemia, regarding clinical and laboratory aspects. A quasi-experimental trial was performed in 12 months. The studied population was included patients with dyslipidemia who received a pharmacotherapeutic follow-up, which was evaluated according to the Pharmacotherapy Workup developed by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Clinical and laboratory evaluations were performed at the baseline, after a 6 and 12-months period. The statistical analyzes were performed with the normality test of Lilliefors, Cramer Von Misses, and Anderson Darling, later the t-paired test. This study demonstrated that after 6-months of intervention, statistically significant results were verified in the reduction of LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, increase in HDL-cholesterol, and reduction in the blood pressure. It was observed that for high-risk patients, the achievement of targets in the lipid profile and HbA1C occurred only after 12-months, because, this population needs more aggressive targets and expressive interventions. Pharmacotherapeutic follow-up in patients with dyslipidemia reduced lipid blood levels and promoted positive clinical and laboratory outcomes.

Genome-wide identification of miRNAs and target regulatory network in the invasive ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor.

Varroa destructor is an ectoparasite mite that attacks bees leading to colony disorders worldwide. microRNAs (miRNAs) are key molecules used by eukaryotes to post-transcriptional control of gene expression. Nevertheless, still lack information aboutV. destructor miRNAs and its regulatory networks. Here, we used an integrative strategy to characterize the miRNAs in the V. destructor mite. We identified 310 precursors that give rise to 500 mature miRNAs, which 257 are likely mite-specific elements. miRNAs showed canonical length ranging between 18 and 25 nucleotides and 5' uracil preference. Top 10 elements concentrated over 80% of total miRNA expression, with bantam alone representing ~50%. We also detected non-templated bases in precursor-derived small RNAs, indicative of miRNA post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. Finally, we note that conserved miRNAs control similar processes in different organisms, suggesting a conservative role. Altogether, our findings contribute to the better understanding of the mite biology that can assist future studies on varroosis control.

Cytogenetic Analysis in Trigona spinipes Fabricius (Hymenoptera, Meliponina) Reveals Intraspecific Variation.

Trigona spinipes Fabricius is a stingless bee with wide geographical distribution. Although being sometimes considered an agricultural pest, in fact, it has great pollinating potential, and therefore economic interest. Conventional and molecular cytogenetic techniques have been little used to verify genetic diversity in this species, despite its potential to reveal information about the reorganization of the genome having been demonstrated in other species. Conventional cytogenetic techniques, fluorochrome staining, and fluorescent in situ hybridization with 18S rDNA, telomeric, and microsatellite probes (GA)15 were used in this study to characterize and compare T. spinipes from different locations. The karyotypes showed a conserved chromosome number 2n = 34; however, geographic variations were verified in the different features and cytogenetic techniques analyzed, such as karyotype formulas, fluorocrome staining, and FISH. Although the 18S rDNA probe revealed the same number of markings in five rDNA clusters, the chromosomal pairs containing these markers varied between studied locations. The probe for microsatellite (GA)15 also showed polymorphisms within this species. The results reveal that T. spinipes has many intraspecific differences, revealing a higher chromosomal variation than expected.

Judicialização do acesso a medicamentos no município de Ivinhema, Mato Grosso do Sul / Judicialization of access to medicines in the municipality of Ivinhema, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil / Judicialización del acceso a medicamentos en la ciudad de Ivinhema, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil

Objetivo: conhecer o perfil das requisições de medicamentos na esfera administrativa, recebidas pela Secretaria de Saúde do Município de Ivinhema, Mato Grosso do Sul, no ano de 2017. Métodos: estudo descritivo, retrospectivo, com foco em base documental. Definiuse como universo da pesquisa os ofícios recebidos pelo departamento jurídico da Secretaria de Saúde no Município de Ivinhema/MS, no período de primeiro de janeiro a 31 de dezembro de 2017. As variáveis concatenadas foram: quantificação das requisições de medicamentos no período supracitado; classificação da autoria dos ofícios recebidos; características dos medicamentos requeridos: pertinência à rede de assistência farmacêutica do SUS e classificação pela Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification (ATC), de acordo com a recomendação da Organização Mundial de Saúde. Resultados: foram recebidos 59 ofícios, requisitando um total de 169 medicamentos. Desse total, 118 (69,8%) não faziam parte da rede de assistência farmacêutica do SUS. Dos 51 (30,2%) medicamentos listados na rede pública de saúde, 38 (74,5%) estavam elencados na Relação Estadual de Medicamentos Essenciais (Resme) e 13 (25,5%), na lista do componente especializado. Os fármacos solicitados com maior frequência foram: ácido acetilsalicílico (3,5%), metoprolol e cilostazol (2,4%). A maioria das requisições recebidas veio da Defensoria Pública (93,2%). Além disso, segundo a classificação terapêutica dos medicamentos solicitados, verificou-se que os grupos anatômicos mais frequentes foram: sistema nervoso central (31,9%), sistema cardiovascular (26,0%) e sangue e órgãos hematopoiéticos (10,6%). Conclusão: a maioria dos ofícios era de autoria da Defensoria Pública e requisitavam medicamentos que não faziam parte da rede de assistência farmacêutica do SUS

Objective: to know the profile of medicines requests in the administrative level, received by the Secretary of Health of Ivinhema, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, in 2017. Methodology: descriptive, retrospective study, focusing on documentary basis. The universe of research was defined as the documents received by the law department of Secretary of Health of Ivinhema, Mato Grosso do Sul, from January 1 to December 31, 2017. The variables studied were: quantification of medicines requests; authorship classification of the received documents; characteristics of the required medicines: relevance to the SUS pharmaceutical assistance network and classification by the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification (ATC), according to the recommendation of the World Health Organization. Results: 59 documents were received, requesting a total of 169 medicines. Of this total, 118 (69.8%) were not part of SUS's pharmaceutical assistance network. Of the 51 (30.2%) medicines listed in the public health network, 38 (74.5%) were listed in the State List of Essential Medicines (Resme), and 13 (25.5%) in the specialized component list. The most frequently requested medicines were acetylsalicylic acid (3.5%), metoprolol and cilostazol (2.4%).Most of the documents received came from the Public Defender's Office (93.2%). In addition, according to the therapeutic classification of the medicine requested, it was found that the most frequent anatomical groups were: central nervous system (31.9%), cardiovascular system (26.0%) and blood and hematopoietic organs (10.6%). Conclusion: Most of the documents were from the Public Defender's and requested medicines that were not part of SUS's pharmaceutical assistance network.

Objetivo: conocer el perfil de las requisiciones de medicamentos en la esfera administrativa, recibidas por la Secretaría de Salud del Municipio de Ivinhema, Mato Grosso do Sul, en el año 2017. Metodología: estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo con foco en base documental. Se definió como universo de la investigación los oficios recibidos por el departamento jurídico de la Secretaría de Salud en el Municipio de Ivinhema/MS, en el período del primero de enero al 31 de diciembre de 2017. Las variables concatenadas fueron: cuantificación de las solicitudes de drogas en el período mencionado; clasificación de autoría de los oficios recibidas; características de los medicamentos requeridos: relevancia para la red de atención farmacéutica del SUS y clasificación según la Clasificación Química Terapéutica Anatómica (ATC), según la recomendación de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Resultados: recibieron 59 oficios, solicitando un total de 169 medicamentos. De este total, 118 (69,8%) no formaban parte de La red de Asistencia Farmacéutica del SUS. De los 51 (30,2%) medicamentos listados en la red pública de salud, 38 (74,5%) estaban enumerados en la Lista Estatal de Medicamentos Esenciales (Resme) y 13 (25,5%) en la lista del componente especializado. Los fármacos solicitados com mayor frecuencia fueron: ácido acetilsalicílico (3,5%), metoprolol y cilostazol (2,4%). La mayoría de las acciones recibidas vinieron de La Defensoría Pública (93,2%). Además, según La clasificación terapéutica de los medicamentos solicitados, se verificó que los grupos anatómicos más frecuentes fueron: sistema nervioso central (31,9%), sistema cardiovascular (26,0%) y sangre y órganos hematopoyéticos (10,6%). Conclusion: La mayoría de los documentos provenían de la Oficina del Defensor Público y solicitaban medicamentos que no formaban parte de la red de asistencia farmacéutica del SUS.

A cytogenetic study of three parasitic wasp species (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea, Eulophidae, Trichogrammatidae) from Brazil using chromosome morphometrics and base-specific fluorochrome staining.

Chromosomes of three chalcid wasp species from Brazil, Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare et LaSalle, 1993, Trichospilus diatraeae Cherian et Margabandhu, 1942 (both belonging to the family Eulophidae) and Trichogramma pretiosum Riley, 1879 (Trichogrammatidae), were studied using chromosome morphometrics and base-specific fluorochrome staining. The present study confirmed that these species respectively have 2n = 12, 14 and 10. Chromomycin A3 / 4', 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (CMA3/DAPI) staining revealed a single CMA3-positive and DAPI-negative band within haploid karyotypes of both Palmistichus elaeisis and Trichogramma pretiosum. This CG-rich band clearly corresponds to the nucleolus organizing region (NOR). Moreover, analogous multiple telomeric bands found on all chromosomes of Trichospilus diatraeae may also represent NORs. Certain features of karyotype evolution of the phylogenetic lineage comprising both Eulophidae and Trichogrammatidae are discussed. The results obtained during the present study demonstrate the importance of chromosome research on tropical parasitoids that remain poorly known in this respect.

Model-based analyses reveal insular population diversification and cryptic frog species in the Ischnocnema parva complex in the Atlantic forest of Brazil.

The Atlantic Forest (AF) of Brazil has long been recognized as a biodiversity conservation hotspot. Despite decades of studies the species inventory of this biome continues to increase with the discovery of cryptic diversity and the description of new species. Different diversification mechanisms have been proposed to explain the diversity in the region, including models of forest dynamics, barriers to gene flow and dispersal. Also, sea level change is thought to have influenced coastal diversification and isolated populations on continental islands. However, the timing and mode of diversification of insular populations in the AF region were rarely investigated. Here, we analyze the phylogeography and species diversity of the small-sized direct-developing frog Ischnocnema parva. These frogs are independent from water bodies but dependent on forest cover and high humidity, and provide good models to understand forest dynamics and insular diversification. Our analysis was based on DNA sequences for one mitochondrial and four nuclear genes of 71 samples from 18 localities including two islands, São Sebastião, municipality of Ilhabela, and Mar Virado, municipality of Ubatuba, both in the state of São Paulo. We use molecular taxonomic methods to show that I. parva is composed of six independently evolving lineages, with the nominal I. parva likely endemic to the type locality. The time-calibrated species tree shows that these lineages have diverged in the Pliocene and Pleistocene, suggesting the persistence of micro-refuges of forest in the AF. For the two insular populations we used approximate Bayesian computation to test different diversification hypotheses. Our findings support isolation with migration for São Sebastião population, with ∼1Mya divergence time, and isolation without migration for Mar Virado population, with ∼13Kya divergence time, suggesting a combination of different processes for diversification on AF islands.

Cytogenetic data on six leafcutter ants of the genus Acromyrmex Mayr, 1865 (Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Myrmicinae): insights into chromosome evolution and taxonomic implications.

Cytogenetic data for the genus Acromyrmex Mayr, 1865 are available, to date, for a few species from Brazil and Uruguay, which have uniform chromosome numbers (2n = 38). The recent cytogenetic data of Acromyrmex striatus (Roger, 1863), including its banding patterns, showed a distinct karyotype (2n = 22), similar to earlier studied Atta Fabricius, 1804 species. Karyological data are still scarce for the leafcutter ants and many gaps are still present for a proper understanding of this group. Therefore, this study aimed at increasing cytogenetic knowledge of the genus through the characterization of other six species: Acromyrmex balzani (Emery, 1890), Acromyrmex coronatus Fabricius, 1804, Acromyrmex disciger (Mayr, 1887), Acromyrmex echinatior (Forel, 1899), Acromyrmex niger (Smith, 1858) and Acromyrmex rugosus (Smith, 1858), all of which were collected in Minas Gerais - Brazil, except for Acromyrmex echinatior which was collected in Barro Colorado - Panama. The number and morphology of the chromosomes were studied and the following banding techniques were applied: C-banding, fluorochromes CMA3 and DAPI, as well as the detection of 45S rDNA using FISH technique. All the six species had the same chromosome number observed for already studied species, i.e. 2n = 38. Acromyrmex balzani had a different karyotype compared with other species mainly due to the first metacentric pair. The heterochromatin distribution also showed interspecific variation. Nevertheless, all the studied species had a pair of bands in the short arm of the first subtelocentric pair. The fluorochrome CMA3 visualized bands in the short arm of the first subtelocentric pair for all the six species, while Acromyrmex rugosus and Acromyrmex niger also demonstrated in the other chromosomes. The AT-rich regions with differential staining using DAPI were not observed. 45S ribosomal genes were identified by FISH in the short arm of the first subtelocentric pair in Acromyrmex coronatus, Acromyrmex disciger and Acromyrmex niger. The uniform chromosome number in the genus Acromyrmex (2n = 38) suggests that Acromyrmex striatus (2n = 22) should be transferred to a new genus. Other aspects of the chromosome evolution in ants are also discussed.

Covalently-layers of PVA and PAA and in situ formed Ag nanoparticles as versatile antimicrobial surfaces.

The in situ synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) within covalently-modified poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) films possessing ultra-thin layer of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) is successfully demonstrated. The resulting polymeric films are shown to exhibit antimicrobial activities toward Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria and fungus (Candida albicans). To make the films, first PET surfaces were subject to photo-oxidation and subsequent solid-state grafting to attach a PVA layer, followed by a PAA layer. To synthesize the AgNPs inside the films, the PVA and PAA-modified PET was soaked in AgNO3 solution and the polymeric film was modified with the Ag(+) ions via Ag(+)-carboxylate interaction, and then the Ag(+) ions-containing polymer film was subject to either photo-reduction or thermal reduction processes. The PVA and PAA thin layers attached by covalent bonds to the PET surface uniquely promoted not only the in situ synthesis but also the stabilization of AgNPs. The formation of the AgNPs was confirmed by UV-vis spectroscopy or by monitoring the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak associated with AgNPs. The resulting PVA and PAA ultrathin layers modified and AgNPs containing PET served as bactericide and fungicide, inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi on the surfaces. Given PET's versatility and common use in many commercial processes, the method can be used for producing plastic surfaces with versatile antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.

Molecular phylogeny and historical biogeography of the neotropical swarm-founding social wasp genus Synoeca (Hymenoptera: Vespidae).

The Neotropical Region harbors high biodiversity and many studies on mammals, reptiles, amphibians and avifauna have investigated the causes for this pattern. However, there is a paucity of such studies that focus on Neotropical insect groups. Synoeca de Saussure, 1852 is a Neotropical swarm-founding social wasp genus with five described species that is broadly and conspicuously distributed throughout the Neotropics. Here, we infer the phylogenetic relationships, diversification times, and historical biogeography of Synoeca species. We also investigate samples of the disjoint populations of S. septentrionalis that occur in both northwestern parts of South America through Central American and the Brazilian Atlantic rainforests. Our results showed that the interspecific relationships for Synoeca could be described as follows: (S. chalibea + S. virginea) + (S. cyanea + (S. septentrionalis/S. surinama)). Notably, samples of S. septentrionalis and S. surinama collected in the Atlantic Forest were interrelated and may be the result of incomplete lineage sorting and/or mitochondrial introgression among them. Our Bayesian divergence dating analysis revealed recent Plio-Pleistocene diversification in Synoeca. Moreover, our biogeographical analysis suggested an Amazonian origin of Synoeca, with three main dispersal events subsequently occurring during the Plio-Pleistocene.

First description of the karyotype of a eucharitid wasp (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea, Eucharitidae).

The haploid karyotype of Kapala sp. (Eucharitidae), a parasite of the Neotropical ant Dinoponera lucida Emery, 1901 (Hymenoptera, Formicidae), is reported for the first time. It consists of four metacentric chromosomes. Chromosomes in the family Eucharitidae were unknown so far; therefore, our results confirm that multiple parallel chromosomal fusions have taken place in several lineages within the superfamily Chalcidoidea.

Characterization of Potentized (Homeopathic, Anthroposophical and Antihomotoxic) Medicines Registered and Notified In Brazil

Potentized medicines include, according to the Brazilian legislation, homeopathic, anthroposophic, and antihomotoxic medicine and are regulated by the Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA). Aim: This study aims to analyze and describe a profile of potentized medicines manufactured in Brazil, either registered or notified. Methodology: Information was obtained by data analysis related to ANVISA’s electronic medicine registration system. Results: The results, obtained as of September 2012, showed that 106 potentized medicines were registered and 519 were notified. Among the registered medicines, 92.0% were combined and 100.0% of the notified were simple medicines. For registered medicines, there were equivalent manufacturing scales among them, whereas for notified medicines, there was a predominance of centesimal scales. Active pharmaceutical ingredients (API’s) of vegetal origin were the most commonly used for potentized medicine manufacturing processes; the oral route was the most common form of administration. Potentized medicines manufacturing units are more often located in southeast region of Brazil. In addition, homeopathic medicines prevail as registered or notified medicines, followed by anthroposophic medicines. Conclusions: The results of the study are expected to be useful as reference material for ANVISA to improve its regulatory activity as well the industry sector and other stakeholders...

Characterization of Potentized (Homeopathic, Anthroposophical and Antihomotoxic) Medicines Registered and Notified In Brazil

Background: Potentized medicines include, according to the Brazilian legislation, homeopathic, anthroposophic, and antihomotoxic medicine and are regulated by the Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA). Aim: This study aims to analyze and describe a profile of potentized medicines manufactured in Brazil, either registered or notified. Methodology: Information was obtained by data analysis related to ANVISA’s electronic medicine registration system. Results: The results, obtained as of September 2012, showed that 106 potentized medicines were registered and 519 were notified. Among the registered medicines, 92.0% were combined and 100.0% of the notified were simple medicines. For registered medicines, there were equivalent manufacturing scales among them, whereas for notified medicines, there was a predominance of centesimal scales. Active pharmaceutical ingredients (API’s) of vegetal origin were the most commonly used for potentized medicine manufacturing processes; the oral route was the most common form of administration. Potentized medicines manufacturing units are more often located in southeast region of Brazil. In addition, homeopathic medicines prevail as registered or notified medicines, followed by anthroposophic medicines. Conclusions: The results of the study are expected to be useful as reference material for ANVISA to improve its regulatory activity as well the industry sector and other stakeholders. (AU)

Acute and Chronic Toxicity of an Aqueous Fraction of the Stem Bark of Stryphnodendron adstringens (Barbatimão) in Rodents.

Stryphnodendron adstringens has a high tannin content and is used as an antiseptic and antimicrobial and in the treatment of leucorrhea, gonorrhea, wound healing, and gastritis. The present study evaluated the toxic effects of the heptamer prodelphinidin (F2) from the stem bark of S. adstringens in rodents. In the acute toxicity test, the mice that received oral doses exhibited reversible effects, with an LD50 of 3.015 mg · kg(-1). In the chronic toxicity test at 90 days, Wistar rats were treated with different doses of F2 (10, 100, and 200 mg · kg(-1)). In the biochemical, hematological, and histopathological examinations and open-field test, the different dose groups did not exhibit significant differences compared with controls. The present results indicate that F2 from the stem bark of S. adstringens caused no toxicity with acute and chronic oral treatment in rodents at the doses administered.

Numerical and structural chromosome variation in the swarm-founding wasp Metapolybia decorata Gribodo 1896 (Hymenoptera, Vespidae).

The Neotropical Polistinae wasps are diverse in taxonomy, social behavior, and nesting founding characteristics. Although some species in this group have been used as models for studies on wasp's biology, they are poorly known in terms of cytogenetics. Here we reported an intraspecific numerical-structural chromosome variation in the swarm-founding wasp Metapolybia decorata from the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest using conventional and molecular cytogenetic techniques. The observed structural chromosome change involved a telomeric fusion that resulted in a chromosome number range of 2n = 34-36. The origin and geographic distribution of the variant chromosome forms as well as their frequency and maintenance in the studied populations are discussed. In addition, we reported a novel and geographically restricted deletion in the fused chromosomes indicating that the species is undergoing a continued process of karyotype evolution leading to fused chromosome stabilization by elimination of inactive centromeric sequences. Evidence of differences in the telomeric sequences of this wasp was also found by in situ hybridization using the motif (T2AG2)7 as probe.

Cytogenetic divergence in two sympatric fish species of the genus Astyanax Baird and Girard, 1854 (Characiformes, Characidae) from northeastern Brazil.

The fish genus Astyanax is widespread throughout the Neotropical region and is one of the most species-rich genera of the Characiformes. Cytogenetic studies of Astyanax have revealed marked intra- and interspecific diversity, with the identification of various species complexes. In this report, we describe the karyotypic structure of two sympatric species of Astyanax (Astyanax sp. and Astyanax aff. fasciatus) from the Middle Contas River basin in the northeastern Brazilian state of Bahia. Both species had 2n = 48 but differed in their karyotypic formulae. Small heterochromatic blocks and multiple nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) were identified in both species. Terminal CMA(3) (+)/DAPI(-) signals were observed in Astyanax sp. and A. aff. fasciatus, mostly coincident with NORs. These results show that chromosomal markers can be used to identify species in this fish complex. These markers can provide useful information for evolutionary studies and investigations on the mechanisms of chromosomal diversity in Astyanax.

[The importance of the contextual approach in the teaching of biosafety]. / A importância da abordagem contextual no ensino de biossegurança.

Biosafety is a field of knowledge that raises questions geared to genetically modified organisms that are linked to social and job-related employee protection. The educational process involves seeking to create a participative and transforming agent and must therefore transcend the simple concept of teaching. Thus, it is important to contextualize biosafety within a constructive teaching strategy by identification of its core concepts - risk, hazard and accident - which allows each individual to understand how risk is perceived within society and dealt with in academia in order to add multiple skills to tackle the situation. Understanding how the relationship between work and health and its consequences and effects are constructed over the course of time, makes it possible to train more critical and well prepared citizens to participate in decisions of a political and social nature that can influence their future.