Bifidobacterium longum LBUX23 Isolated from Feces of a Newborn; Potential Probiotic Properties and Genomic Characterization.

Bifidobacterium longum is considered a microorganism with probiotic potential, which has been extensively studied, but these probiotic effects are strain dependent. This work aims to characterize the probiotic potential, based on the biochemical and genomic functionality, of B. longum LBUX23, isolated from neonates' feces. B. longum LBUX23 contains one circular genome of 2,287,838 bp with a G+C content of 60.05%, no plasmids, no CRISPR-Cas operon, possesses 56 tRNAs, 9 rRNAs, 1 tmRNA and 1776 coding sequences (CDSs). It has chromosomally encoded resistance genes to ampicillin and dicloxacillin, non-hemolytic activity, and moderate inhibition of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and to some emergent pathogen's clinical strains. B. longum LBUX23 was able to utilize lactose, sucrose, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and lactulose. The maximum peak of bacterial growth was observed in sucrose and FOS at 6 h; in lactose and lactulose, it was shown at 8 h. B. longum LBUX23 can survive in gastrointestinal conditions (pH 4 to 7). A decrease in survival (96.5 and 93.8%) was observed at pH 3 and 3.5 during 120 min. argC, argH, and dapA genes could be involved in this tolerance. B. longum LBUX23 can also survive under primary and secondary glyco- or tauro-conjugated bile salts, and a mixture of bile salts due to the high extracellular bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity (67.3 %), in taurocholic acid followed by taurodeoxycholic acid (48.5%), glycocholic acid (47.1%), oxgall (44.3%), and glycodeoxycholic acid (29.7%) probably due to the presence of the cbh and gnlE genes which form an operon (start: 119573 and end: 123812). Low BSH activity was determined intracellularly (<7%), particularly in glycocholic acid; no intracellular activity was shown. B. longum LBUX23 showed antioxidant effects in DPPH radical, mainly in intact cells (27.4%). In the case of hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity, cell debris showed the highest reduction (72.5%). In the cell-free extract, superoxide anion radical scavenging capacity was higher (90.5%). The genome of B. longum LBUX23 contains PNPOx, AhpC, Bcp, trxA, and trxB genes, which could be involved in this activity. Regarding adherence, it showed adherence up to 5% to Caco-2 cells. B. longum LBUX23 showed in vitro potential probiotic properties, mainly in BSH activity and antioxidant capacity, which indicates that it could be a good candidate for antioxidant or anti-cholesterol tests using in vivo models.

The Brachypterous Species of Passalus (Pertinax) (Coleoptera: Passalidae), with the Description of a New Species from Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia.

Brachypterism is a common condition cited in passalid beetles, mainly associated to species with strictly montane distributions. In the New World Passalids, brachypterism has been reported especially in the tribe Proculini, for which almost all genera have brachypterous species; meanwhile, in Passalini, the other Netropical tribe, it has been cited only for the genus Passalus, mainly in the subgenus Passalus (Passalus). Here we present a commented list of the brachypterous species of the subgenus Passalus (Pertinax); we redescribed Passalus gravelyi Moreira, P. quitensis (Kaup), P. striatissimus Luederwaldt, and P. sulcifrons (Kuwert) and describe a new species from Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia.

The Passalidae (Coleoptera, Scarabaeoidea) from Bolivia, with the descriptions of three new species.

Employing data from literature, examination of specimens in collections, and a field trip, a list of the species of Passalidae from Bolivia is elaborated. A total of 38 species is reported, including new records of Passalus inca Zang, 1905 and P. lunaris (Kaup, 1871), and three new brachypterous species: Passalus bolivianus sp. nov., P. canoi sp. nov., and P. gonzalezae sp. nov. Most of the species (27) belongs to the Passalini tribe, especially to the genus Passalus Fabricius, 1792 (19 species); the Proculini tribe is represented by eleven species in three genera. The number of species of Bolivia is low and reflects the lack of a systematic exploration of this country; more surveys are needed, especially in ecosystems such as montane forest and tropical rain forest.

ResumenEmpleando datos de literatura, el examen de especímenes en colecciones y recolectados en campo, elaboramos una lista de las especies de Passalidae de Bolivia. Registramos un total de 38 especies, incluidos los nuevos registros de Passalus inca Zang, 1905 y P. lunaris (Kaup, 1871), y tres nuevas especies braquípteras: Passalus bolivianus sp. nov., P. canoi sp. nov. y P. gonzalezae sp. nov. La mayoría de las especies (27) pertenecen a la tribu Passalini, especialmente al género Passalus Fabricius, 1792 (19 especies); la tribu Proculini está representada por 11 especies de tres géneros. El número de especies registradas para Bolivia es bajo y refleja la falta de una exploración sistemática de este país. Se necesitan más muestreos, especialmente en ecosistemas como el bosque montano y la selva tropical.

Tonantzin, a New Genus of Bess Beetle (Coleoptera, Passalidae) from a Montane Subtropical Forest in Central Mexico, with a Review of the Taxonomic Significance of the Mesofrontal Structure in Proculini.

Mexico has the third highest diversity of passalid beetles in the World. Here we describe Tonantzin new genus, a new monotypic genus, potentially endemic to the mountains of central Mexico. The new genus is diagnosed by a new configuration of characters from the mesofrontal structure (MFS) in addition to other characters. The MFS in Passalidae has been treated either as a composite complex character or a combination of individual characters. Using a broad taxonomic sample within Proculini, we discuss the taxonomic and systematic implications of the MFS for the tribe. We define the MFS type tepetl. Given the importance of the MFS for passalid taxonomy we propose a new delimitation of the structure using boundaries based on internal and external head structures. We argue that the treatment of the MFS as a complex character better captures the nature of this structure but we ultimately find a need to standardize the way in which this structure is described in the taxonomic literature and used in phylogenetic analyses.

Ingesta alimentaria y composición corporal asociadas a síndrome metabólico en estudiantes universitarios / Dietary intake and body composition associated with metabolic syndrome in university students

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer la relación de la ingesta alimentaria (IA) y la composición corporal (CMC) con el síndrome metabólico (SM) entre estudiantes universitarios. Participaron 50 alumnos (56% mujeres) de entre 19 y 25 años de edad (M = 20.58, DE = 1.86), quienes completaron un cuestionario dirigido a evaluar IA, además se recabaron parámetros bioquímicos y de CMC. De acuerdo con el porcentaje de grasa corporal (PG), se identificó una alta ocurrencia de sobrepeso (22%) y obesidad (38%). Además, la grasa visceral incrementó conforme aumentó el PG. En ambos sexos existió un consumo bajo de hidratos de carbono y alto en lípidos, mayormente de origen animal, así como alto consumo de grasas saturadas, pero bajo de omegas 3 y 6. El SM fue identificado en 20% de la muestra, principalmente mujeres. El criterio de riesgo más frecuente fue los bajos niveles séricos de colesterol HDL, seguido de la obesidad abdominal; en tanto que la dislipidemia más frecuente fue la hipertrigliceridemia. En este estudio, aunque no se encontró relación directa entre IA y SM, si de éste con indicadores de CMC. Resulta inminente la necesidad de implementar estrategias que permitan a los estudiantes universitarios adquirir hábitos alimentarios y de actividad física saludables.

Abstract The objective of this study was to know the relationship between dietary intake (DI) and body composition (BC) with the metabolic syndrome (MS) among university students. A total of 50 students (56% female) among 19 and 25 years of age (M = 20.58, SD = 1.86), completed a questionnaire aimed at assessing DI, in addition biochemical and BC parameters were collected. According to the percentage of body fat (BF), a high prevalence of overweight (22%) and obesity (38%) was identified. In addition, visceral fat increased as the BF increased. In both sexes, there was a low consumption of carbohydrates and high in lipids, mostly of animal fat as well as high consumption of saturated fats, but low omegas 3 y 6. The MS was identified in 20% of the sample, mainly in women. The most frequently risk criteria were low levels of HDL cholesterol, followed by abdominal obesity; whereas the most frequent dyslipidemia was hypertriglyceridemia. In this study, although no direct relationship was found between DI and MS, it was found between MS and BC indicators. It is imminent the need to implement strategies that allow university students to acquire healthy eating and physical activity habits.

Diversity and deadwood-based interaction networks of saproxylic beetles in remnants of riparian cloud forest.

We studied the saproxylic beetle community inhabiting deadwood in remnants of riparian cloud forests in "La Antigua" basin, in central Veracruz (Mexico). We assessed the influence of deadwood features (tree species, trunk position, trunk diameter, trunk volume and decomposition stages) on saproxylic beetle diversity. In order to assess the stability of beetle species-deadwood interactions, we also analyzed the ecological networks structure. A total of 63 deadwood trunks, belonging to four tree species, were sampled by standardized hand-collection throughout well-preserved remnants of riparian cloud forest. We found that tree species and deadwood decay stage are the main drivers that determine the diversity and stability of saproxylic beetle species interactions. Our results indicate that Quercus corrugata is the main tree species in terms of maintaining the significantly highest saproxylic beetle diversity, but with no stable interactions (saproxylic beetle-deadwood). A nested network structure was detected for Clethra mexicana and Liquidambar styraciflua, with a pool of core (generalist) saproxylic beetle species. We observed that beetle diversity from the early and late deadwood stages comprises distinct assemblages and the four stages of decomposition showed a nested network structure. During deadwood succession, community composition and guilds changed among networks; the early successional stage had more specialized xylophagous beetles, while other guilds (mycophagous, saprophagous and zoophagous) arrive later and become the core species in the advanced stages of decomposition networks. Heliscus tropicus (Passalidae) is a key species constituting the core of all of the networks and could be considered an ecosystem engineer in cloud forests. By exploring links between saproxylic beetles and deadwood characteristics, we can further our understanding of species interaction in order to develop management strategies oriented towards the protection of species and their habitats in this threatened ecosystem.

Anthropometric measure and adipokine levels of a young undergraduate population with a usual diet.

INTRODUCTION: Background: the aim of this study was to evaluate the intake of nutrients, anthropometric parameters, health indicators, adipokines and insulin levels in a population of young undergraduates. Method: in this study, 378 young undergraduates were invited to participate. Due to the inclusion criteria and their own decision of participating, 90 attended the anthropometric, health indicators: waist circumference (WC), waist to hip ratio (WHR), waist to height ratio (WHtR), and homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) studies and completed the questionnaire of frequency of food intake; and 34 participants were selected to perform the determination of biochemical parameters, insulin and adipokines levels: leptin, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Results: according to WC, WHR and WHtR, obese population showed health, cardiovascular and metabolic risk. Overweight population showed cardiometabolic risk. In general, lipid intake was higher than 30%, being animal fat the most consumed. The levels of leptin (women: 17.2 ± 9.2, 28 ± 11.3, 36.8 ± 17.8; men: 4.3 ± 3.6, 9.5 ± 3.1, 24.6 ± 16.4 to lean overweight and obese, respectively) and insulin (women: 408 ± 182, 438 ± 187, 768 ± 167; men: 244 ± 88, 520 ± 256, 853 ± 590) increased along with body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BFP), visceral fat area (VFA), WC, WHR and WHtR. Lean (2.4 ± 1.3), overweight (2.2 ± 0.9) and obese (4.3 ± 1.1) women and overweight (2.8 ± 1.2) and obese (5.0 ± 3.1) men showed insulin resistance according to HOMA-IR. Significant correlation between leptin and HOMA-IR was found (p = 0.41). BMI, BFP, VFA, WC, and WHtR positively correlated with leptin (p = 0.67, 0.75, 0.66, 0.60, 0.67, respectively) and insulin (p = 0.37, 0.40, 0.48, 0.49, 0.42, respectively), while WHR only with insulin (p = 0.43). No significant differences were found in the other adipokines. Conclusion: the use of health indicators such VFA, WC, WHR, WHtR and HOMA-IR are useful tools in the determination of health, cardio vascular and metabolic risk and are correlated with levels of leptin and insulin in the studied population.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la ingesta de nutrientes, parámetros antropométricos, indicadores de salud, adipocinas y niveles de insulina en una población de jóvenes universitarios con una dieta habitual. Método: en este estudio se invitó a participar a 378 jóvenes universitarios. Debido a los criterios de inclusión y su propia decisión de participar, 90 asistieron a los estudios antropométricos y de indicadores de salud: circunferencia de cintura (WC), índice de cadera cintura (WHR), índice de cintura-talla (WHtR) y modelo homeostático de evaluación-índice de resistencia a la insulina (HOMA-IR) y completaron el cuestionario de frecuencia de ingesta de alimentos. Treinta y cuatro participantes fueron seleccionados para realizar la determinación de los parámetros bioquímicos, niveles de insulina y adipocinas (leptina, IL-6, IL-8, factor de necrosis tumoral alfa [TNF-α], proteína quimioatractante de monocitos-1 [MCP-1] y factor de crecimiento hepático [HGF]). Resultados: de acuerdo con WC, WHR y WHtR, la población obesa mostró riesgo cardiovascular, metabólico y para la salud. La población con sobrepeso mostró riesgo cardiometabólico. En general, la ingesta de lípidos fue superior al 30% y la grasa animal fue la más consumida. Los niveles de leptina (mujeres: 17,2 ± 9,2, 28 ± 11,3, 36,8 ± 17,8; hombres: 4,3 ± 3,6, 9,5 ± 3,1, 24,6 ± 16,4 para delgados, sobrepeso y obesos, respectivamente) e insulina (mujeres: 408 ± 182, 438 ± 187, 768 ± 167; hombres: 244 ± 88, 520 ± 256, 853 ± 590) aumentaron junto con el índice de masa corporal (BMI), porcentaje de grasa corporal (BFP), área de grasa visceral (VFA), WC, WHR y WHtR. Las mujeres delgadas (2,4 ± 1,3), con sobrepeso (2,2 ± 0,9) y obesas (4,3 ± 1,1) y los hombres con sobrepeso (2,8 ± 1,2) y obesos (5,0 ± 3,1) mostraron resistencia a la insulina de acuerdo con HOMA-IR. Se encontró una correlación significativa entre leptina y HOMA-IR (p = 0,41). BMI, BFP, VFA, WC y WHtR correlacionaron positivamente con leptina (p = 0,67, 0,75, 0,66, 0,60 y 0,67, respectivamente) e insulina (p = 0,37, 0,40, 0,48, 0,49 y 0,42, respectivamente), mientras que el WHR solo con insulina (p = 0,43). No se encontraron diferencias significativas en las otras adipocinas. Conclusión: el uso de indicadores de salud como VFA, WC, WHR, WHtR y HOMA-IR es una herramienta útil en la determinación del riesgo metabólico, cardiovascular y de salud, y dichos indicadores correlacionaron con los niveles de leptina e insulina en la población estudiada.

Anthropometric measure and adipokine levels of a young undergraduate population with a usual diet / Medidas antropométricas y niveles de adipocinas de una población joven de pregrado con dieta habitual

Background: obesity is the excessive accumulation of adipose tissue related to food intake and other factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the intake of nutrients, anthropometric parameters, health indicators, adipokines and insulin levels in a population of young undergraduates. Method: in this study, 378 young undergraduates were invited to participate. Due to the inclusion criteria and their own decision of participating, 90 attended the anthropometric, health indicators: waist circumference (WC), waist to hip ratio (WHR), waist to height ratio (WHtR), and homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) studies and completed the questionnaire of frequency of food intake; and 34 participants were selected to perform the determination of biochemical parameters, insulin and adipokines levels: leptin, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF- α), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Results: according to WC, WHR and WHtR (women: 104 ± 20, 0.87 ± 0.08, 0.6 ± 0.13; men: 112 ± 10, 0.95 ± 0.09, 0.64 ± 0.06, respectively), obese population showed health, cardiovascular and metabolic risk. Overweight population showed cardiometabolic risk. In general, lipid intake was higher than 30%, being animal fat the most consumed. The levels of leptin (women: 17.2 ± 9.2, 28 ± 11.3, 36.8 ± 17.8; men: 4.3 ± 3.6, 9.5 ± 3.1, 24.6 ± 16.4 to lean overweight and obese, respectively) and insulin (women: 408 ± 182, 438 ± 187, 768 ± 167; men: 244 ± 88, 520 ± 256, 853 ± 590) increased along with body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BFP), visceral fat area (VFA), WC, WHR and WHtR. Lean (2.4 ± 1.3), overweight (2.2 ± 0.9) and obese (4.3 ± 1.1) women and overweight (2.8 ± 1.2) and obese (5.0 ± 3.1) men showed insulin resistance according to HOMA-IR. Significant correlation between leptin and HOMA-IR was found (p = 0.41). BMI, BFP, VFA, WC, and WHtR positively correlated with leptin (p = 0.67, 0.75, 0.66, 0.60, 0.67, respectively) and insulin (p = 0.37, 0.40, 0.48, 0.49, 0.42, respectively), while WHR only with insulin (p = 0.43). No significant differences were found in the other adipokines. Conclusion: the use of health indicators such VFA, WC, WHR, WHtR and HOMA-IR are useful tools in the determination of health, cardio vascular and metabolic risk and are correlated with levels of leptin and insulin in the studied population

Introducción: la obesidad es la acumulación excesiva de tejido adiposo relacionada con la ingesta de alimentos y otros factores. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la ingesta de nutrientes, parámetros antropométricos, indicadores de salud, adipocinas y niveles de insulina en una población de jóvenes universitarios con una dieta habitual. Método: en este estudio se invitó a participar a 378 jóvenes universitarios. Debido a los criterios de inclusión y su propia decisión de participar, 90 asistieron a los estudios antropométricos y de indicadores de salud: circunferencia de cintura (WC), índice de cadera cintura (WHR), índice de cintura-talla (WHtR) y modelo homeostático de evaluación-índice de resistencia a la insulina (HOMA-IR) y completaron el cuestionario de frecuencia de ingesta de alimentos. Treinta y cuatro participantes fueron seleccionados para realizar la determinación de los parámetros bioquímicos, niveles de insulina y adipocinas (leptina, IL-6, IL-8, factor de necrosis tumoral alfa [TNF- α], proteína quimioatractante de monocitos-1 [MCP-1] y factor de crecimiento hepático [HGF]). Resultados: de acuerdo con WC, WHR y WHtR (mujeres: 104 ± 20, 0,87 ± 0,08, 0,6 ± 0,13; hombres: 112 ± 10, 0,95 ± 0,09, 0,64 ± 0,06, respectivamente), la población obesa mostró riesgo cardiovascular, metabólico y para la salud. La población con sobrepeso mostró riesgo cardiometabólico. En general, la ingesta de lípidos fue superior al 30% y la grasa animal fue la más consumida. Los niveles de leptina (mujeres: 17,2 ± 9,2, 28 ± 11,3, 36,8 ± 17,8; hombres: 4,3 ± 3,6, 9,5 ± 3,1, 24,6 ± 16,4 para delgados, sobrepeso y obesos, respectivamente) e insulina (mujeres: 408 ± 182, 438 ± 187, 768 ± 167; hombres: 244 ± 88, 520 ± 256, 853 ± 590) aumentaron junto con el índice de masa corporal (BMI), porcentaje de grasa corporal (BFP), área de grasa visceral (VFA), WC, WHR y WHtR. Las mujeres delgadas (2,4 ± 1,3), con sobrepeso (2,2 ± 0,9) y obesas (4,3 ± 1,1) y los hombres con sobrepeso (2,8 ± 1,2) y obesos (5,0 ± 3,1) mostraron resistencia a la insulina de acuerdo con HOMA-IR. Se encontró una correlación significativa entre leptina y HOMA-IR (p = 0,41). BMI, BFP, VFA, WC y WHtR correlacionaron positivamente con leptina (p = 0,67, 0,75, 0,66, 0,60 y 0,67, respectivamente) e insulina (p = 0,37, 0,40, 0,48, 0,49 y 0,42, respectivamente), mientras que el WHR solo con insulina (p = 0,43). No se encontraron diferencias signifi cativas en las otras adipocinas. Conclusión: el uso de indicadores de salud como VFA, WC, WHR, WHtR y HOMA-IR es una herramienta útil en la determinación del riesgo metabólico, cardiovascular y de salud, y dichos indicadores correlacionaron con los niveles de leptina e insulina en la población estudiada

Phylogeny of the genus Yumtaax Boucher (Coleoptera, Passalidae, Proculini): Taxonomic and evolutionary implications with descriptions of three new species.

Yumtaax Boucher (Coleoptera: Passalidae) is an endemic genus from the temperate sierras of Mexico and includes six narrowly distributed species. Yumtaax species have been assigned to several genera of Passalidae throughout history, and a phylogenetic approach is necessary to understand species delimitation and interspecific relationships. This study reconstructed the molecular phylogeny of six Yumtaax morphotypes using parsimony and Bayesian analysis of DNA sequence data from the ribosomal nuclear gene region 28S and the mitochondrial gene regions 12S and cytochrome oxidase I (COI) in addition to morphological characters. Analyses recovered two well-supported Yumtaax clades (the Yumtaax laticornis and Yumtaax imbellis clades) that are possible sister lineages. One synapomorphic morphological character state and the geographic isolation of the group provide corroborative evidence for monophyly. Molecular phylogenetic analyses and traditional morphological examinations also resulted in the discovery of two undescribed Yumtaax species and the discovery of two separate evolutionary lineages (cryptic species) within Yumtaax recticornis. As a result we describe three new species (Yumtaax veracrucensis Beza-Beza, Reyes-Castillo & Jameson, sp. n., Yumtaax cameliae Beza-Beza, Reyes-Castillo & Jameson, sp. n., and Yumtaax jimenezi Beza-Beza, Reyes-Castillo & Jameson, sp. n.), redescribe two species (Yumtaax recticornis [Burmeister 1847] and Yumtaax laticornis [Truqui 1857]), and provide a key to all nine Yumtaax species. This study is one of two studies to use molecular data to evaluate the evolutionary relationships of a genus of Bess Beetles (Passalidae), an ecologically important insect group exhibiting low morphological variability and heretofore lacking molecular phylogenetic study.

Aulacocyclus yorkensis a new species of Passalidae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) from Australia, with a key to the identification of Australian species of the genus

ABSTRACT A new species, Aulacocyclus yorkensis sp. nov., is described from Cape York Peninsula, Australia. This species is similar to A. teres Percheron, these two being the largest Aulacocyclus in Australia, but they can be distinguished by the shape of the central tubercle and the pattern of pubescence on the mentum and metasternum. Additionally, illustrations of the new species and a key to the identification of the species of Aulacocyclus of Australia are provided.

Correlation between diet and gut bacteria in a population of young adults.

Dietary habits strongly influence gut microbiota. The aim of this study was to compare and correlated the abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla, some representative bacteria of these phyla such as Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, Prevotella, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Clostridium leptum and Bifidobacterium longum as a member of Actinobacteria phylum in young adults with their food intake. Faecal samples used came from lean subjects (BMI = 19.83 ± 0.94 kg/m(2)), overweight (BMI = 27.17 ± 0.51 kg/m(2)) and obese (BMI = 41.33 ± 5.25 kg/m(2)). There were significant differences in total studied gut microbiota between the overweight and lean groups. Members of the Firmicutes phylum, and Bifidobacterium longum, were more abundant in the lean group. The results suggest that diet rich in unsaturated fatty acids and fibre promote an abundant population of beneficial bacteria such as B. longum and Bacteroidetes. However, it has been considered that the results may be biased due to the size of the individuals studied; therefore the results could be only valid for the studied population.

Larval structure of Passalus gravelyi and sexual dimorphism in Passalid larvae.

The adults and larvae of Passalidae are subsocial insects commonly found in tropical forests, living in decaying wood gallery systems constructed by adults. Currently, few repots on the larvae of Neotropical Passalidae have been published and information is scarce. In this study, the Passalus (Pertinax) gravelyi Moreira, 1922 larvae is described for the first time, based on ten larval specimens 1 (1° instar), 4 (2° instar), and 5 (3° instar) associated with three adults collected from a single colony at the Parque Nacional do Itatiaia (Itatiaia, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). The description was carried out based on electronic and digital photographs of diagnostic structures, with some details on the systematic of the species. The larvae of Passalus gravelyi has the general setal 'Pertinax' pattern and differed from others by 16 to 18 setae on the anal ring, the other larvae data from Brazilian species show the anal ring with 10 to 12 setae. A discussion on the presence of sexual dimorphism in 62 species of two and three instars of Passalidae larvae is provided for the first time. Besides, a description of the terminal ampulla present as a cuticular structure found in the medial-ventral area of the 9th abdominal sternite in males is also given. The terminal ampulla was only observed in the Passalidae male larvae and was not visible in female larvae. The terminal ampulla are acknowledged now in males of 64 passalid species, that are taxonomically distributed in world tropical forests, at the Oriental and Australian subfamily Aulacocyclinae (Aulacocyclini & Ceracupini) and the cosmotropical subfamily Passalinae (Solenocyclini, Macrolinini, Passalini, & Proculini).

Larval structure of Passalus gravelyiand sexual dimorphism in Passalid larvae / Estructura larval de Passalus gravelyi y dimorfismo sexual en larvas de Passalidae

The adults and larvae of Passalidae are subsocial insects commonly found in tropical forests, living in decaying wood gallery systems constructed by adults. Currently, few repots on the larvae of Neotropical Passalidae have been published and information is scarce. In this study, the Passalus (Pertinax) gravelyiMoreira, 1922 larvae is described for the first time, based on ten larval specimens 1 (1° instar), 4 (2° instar), and 5 (3° instar) associated with three adults collected from a single colony at the Parque Nacional do Itatiaia (Itatiaia, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). The description was carried out based on electronic and digital photographs of diagnostic structures, with some details on the systematic of the species. The larvae of Passalus gravelyihas the general setal 'Pertinax' pattern and differed from others by 16 to 18 setae on the anal ring, the other larvae data from Brazilian species show the anal ring with 10 to 12 setae. A discussion on the presence of sexual dimorphism in 62 species of two and three instars of Passalidae larvae is provided for the first time. Besides, a description of the terminal ampullapresent as a cuticular structure found in the medial-ventral area of the 9th abdominal sternite in males is also given. The terminal ampullawas only observed in the Passalidae male larvae and was not visible in female larvae. The terminal ampullaare acknowledged now in males of 64 passalid species, that are taxonomically distributed in world tropical forests, at the Oriental and Australian subfamily Aulacocyclinae (Aulacocyclini & Ceracupini) and the cosmotropical subfamily Passalinae (Solenocyclini, Macrolinini, Passalini, & Proculini).

Passalidae son insectos subsociales, los adultos y larvas son comunes en bosques tropicales, viven dentro de troncos podridos en un sistema de galerías construido por los adultos. A la fecha, pocos estudios han sido publicados sobre larvas de Passalidae neotropicales. En el presente trabajo, se describe por primera vez la larva de Passalus (Pertinax) gravelyiMoreira, 1922, con base en 10 especímenes: uno de primer estadio, cuatro de segundo estadio y cinco de tercer estadio, asociados con tres adultos de un grupo familiar recolectado en el Parque Nacional de Itatiaia (Río de Janeiro, Brasil). La descripción esta fundamentada en microfotografías electrónicas y digitales de los caracteres diagnósticos que muestran detalles sobre la sistemática de la especie. La larva de Passalus gravelyimuestra el patrón setal general de 'Pertinax' y difiere de otras larvas del sub&género Pertinaxpor tener el anillo anal con 16 a 18 setas, las seis especies de larvas descritas del Brasil tienen en el anillo anal con 10 a 12 setas. Por primera vez se discute la presencia de dimorfismo sexual en larvas de 62 especies de Passalidae, describiendo el ampulla terminalpresente en el macho y localizada en el área cuticular media ventral del noveno esternito abdominal. El ampulla terminales visible ventralmente solo en la larva macho y no es visible en la larva hembra; esta estructura cuticular es común en el macho sobre el noveno esternito abdominal del segundo y tercer estadio larval y no está presente en la larva de primer estadio. El ampulla terminales conocida en 62 especies agrupadas taxonómicamente en la subfamilia oriental y australiana Aulacocyclinae (Aulacocyclini e Ceracupini) y en la subfamilia cosmotropical Passalinae (Solenocyclini, Macrolinini, Passalini, e Proculini).

Passalidae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) of the Greater and Lesser Antilles.

We present a synthesis of the state of knowledge concerning the species of Passalidae (Coleoptera) of the West Indies and we present a key to the species. The recently described genus Antillanax Boucher renders the subgenus Passalus (Pertinax) Kaup paraphyletic, therefore we place Antillanax in synonymy with Passalus (Pertinax) and we propose a new combination for Passalus (Pertinax) doesburgi (Boucher). The island richest in species is Hispaniola, with five species, three of them endemic. Excluding Trinidad and Tobago, the passalid fauna of the West Indies comprises 13 species; this is low richness, but with high endemism (50%), especially for the Greater Antilles.

A checklist and key for the identification of bess beetles (Coleoptera: Passalidae) of Argentina.

Based on field collections, museum specimens and literature review, we present a checklist of Argentine Passalidae, with a key to their identification. A total of five genera and 24 species are listed, including Passalus quadricollis, Passalus perplexus and Passalus elfriedae as first records for the country.

Coadaptación entre los ácaros (Arachnida: Klinckowstroemiidae) y coleópteros Passalidae (Insecta: Coleoptera) / Co-adaptation between mites (Arachnida: Klinckowstroemiidae) and Passalidae beteles (Insecta: Coleoptera)

Co-adaptation between mites (Arachnida: Klinckowstroemiidae) and Passalidae beteles (Insecta: Coleoptera). Mites of the family Klinckowstroemiidae establish an association with beetles of the family Passalidae known as phoresy. In order to obtain information about this association, we analyzed the relationship between mites of the family Klinckowstroemiidae and beetles of the family Passalidae, as adult mites have been exclusively collected from host beetles. We examined 1 150 beetles collected in seven states of the Mexican Republic, and found 19 species of klinckowstroemiid mites associated with 168 passalids, that belong to 28 different species in 15 genera. Host specificity between species of both groups does not exist, as one species of passalid beetle can have several different symbionts; conversely, a given mite species can associate with passalid beetles of different species and even of different genera. This way, Odontotaenius zodiacus has been found associated with mites of seven species of the genus Klinckowstroemia. Besides, Klinckowstroemia valdezi is associated with five species of passalids. Furthermore, two and even three different species of mites have been found on one host beetle (synhospitality). The lack of congruence between the phylogenies of the mites and that of the beetles indicates that a process of co-adaptation by colonization is going on, because the association is due to the resources that passalid beetles can offer to the mites, like transportation, food and refuge. Since these resources are not host-specific, the klinckowstroemiid mites can climb onto virtually any species of passalid beetles occurring on the same habitat. Rev. Biol. Trop. 60 (2): 599-609. Epub 2012 June 01.

Realizamos un análisis de la relación que existe entre los ácaros Klinckowstroemiidae y los coleópteros Passalidae, puesto que los ácaros adultos se recolectaron exclusivamente sobre pasálidos (huéspedes). Asimismo, examinamos 1 150 coleópteros recolectados en siete estados de la República Mexicana, y encontramos 19 especies de ácaros klinckowstroémidos asociados con 168 de ellos, pertenecientes a 28 diferentes especies de 15 géneros distintos. Estos táxones establecen una relación simbiótica llamada foresia. No existe una especificidad entre las especies de ambos grupos, debido a que una especie de pasálido puede tener varios forontes, y una especie de ácaro puede asociarse a pasálidos de diferentes géneros y especies. Un ejemplo es Odontotaenius zodiacus que presentó a siete especies de Klinckowstroemia asociadas, y por otro lado, Klinckowstroemia valdezi se encuentra asociada a cinco especies de pasálidos. Además, dos o hasta tres especies de ácaros se encontraron sobre un coleóptero huésped (synhospitality). La falta de congruencias entre la filogenia de los ácaros con la de los pasálidos nos indica que se está produciendo un proceso de coadaptación por colonización, y que ésta asociación se debe a los recursos que le brindan los pasálidos a los ácaros: transporte, refugio y alimento. Como estos recursos no son específicos para algún huésped los klinckowstroémidos se suben a cualquier especie de pasálido.

[Co-adaptation between mites (Arachnida: Klinckowstroemiidae) and Passalidae beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera)]. / Coadaptación entre los ácaros (Arachnida: Klinckowstroemiidae) y coleópteros Passalidae (insecta: Coleoptera).

Mites of the family Klinckowstroemiidae establish an association with beetles of the family Passalidae known as phoresy. In order to obtain information about this association, we analyzed the relationship between mites of the family Klinckowstroemiidae and beetles of the family Passalidae, as adult mites have been exclusively collected from host beetles. We examined 1 150 beetles collected in seven states of the Mexican Republic, and found 19 species of klinckowstroemiid mites associated with 168 passalids, that belong to 28 different species in 15 genera. Host specificity between species of both groups does not exist, as one species of passalid beetle can have several different symbionts; conversely, a given mite species can associate with passalid beetles of different species and even of different genera. This way, Odontotaenius zodiacus has been found associated with mites of seven species of the genus Klinckowstroemia. Besides, Klinckowstroemia valdezi is associated with five species of passalids. Furthermore, two and even three different species of mites have been found on one host beetle (synhospitality). The lack of congruence between the phylogenies of the mites and that of the beetles indicates that a process of co-adaptation by colonization is going on, because the association is due to the resources that passalid beetles can offer to the mites, like transportation, food and refuge. Since these resources are not host-specific, the klinckowstroemiid mites can climb onto virtually any species of passalid beetles occurring on the same habitat.

Ácaros asociados al coleóptero Passalus cognatus (Coleoptera: Passalidae) de Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, México

Mites associated to the Coleopteran Passalus cognatus (Coleoptera:Passalidae) from Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, Mexico. There are few records of mites associated with the tropical coleopterans of Mexico. We examined 35 passalid beetles (bessbugs) Passalus cognatus from Los Tuxtlas region in Veracruz State, Mexico. Twenty of them had a total of 245 mites (representing eight species, eight genera, eight families and three suborders). The most abundant species were Uroobovella californiana Wisniewski & Hirschmann (35%), Euzercon hyatti Hunter & Rosario (20%), and Uropoda sp. (17.5%). The preferred attachment areas were the coxae; followed by the mesosternum and the humeri. Each beetle had 1 to 40 mites (average: 12); and we found 1-4 mite species per beetle. Rev. Biol. Trop. 56 (3): 1261-1268. Epub 2008 September 30.

Se revisaron 35 ejemplares de Passalus cognatus Truqui recolectados en Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, México. En 20 de ellos se encontraron 245 ácaros pertenecientes a ocho especies, ocho géneros, ocho familias y tres subórdenes. Las especies de acáros más abundantes fueron Uroobovella californiana Wisniewski y Hirschmann (35%), Euzercon hyatti Hunter y Rosario (20%) y Uropoda sp. (17.5%). Las zonas de fijación preferidas por los ácaros fueron las coxas; en menor proporción el mesoesternón y los húmeros. Los pasálidos infestados presentaron de 1 a 40 ácaros, con un promedio de 12. El número de especies de ácaros por pasálido infestado fue de 1 a 4.

[Mites associated to the Coleopteran Passalus cognatus (Coleoptera:Passalidae) from Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, Mexico]. / Acaros asociados al coleóptero Passalus cognatus (Coleoptera: Passalidae) de Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, México.

There are few records of mites associated with the tropical coleopterans of Mexico. We examined 35 passalid beetles (bessbugs) Passalus cognatus from Los Tuxtlas region in Veracruz State, Mexico. Twenty of them had a total of 245 mites (representing eight species, eight genera, eight families and three suborders). The most abundant species were Uroobovella californiana Wisniewski & Hirschmann (35%), Euzercon hyatti Hunter & Rosario (20%), and Uropoda sp. (17.5%). The preferred attachment areas were the coxae; followed by the mesosternum and the humeri. Each beetle had 1 to 40 mites (average: 12); and we found 1-4 mite species per beetle.

Los laboulbeniales de México y estudio sobre tres nuevos registros de Rickia parasitas de escarabajos (Passalidae) / The Laboulbeniales of México and a study on 3 new records of Rickia parasiting beetles (Passalidae)

Se describen tres especies del género Rickia (Laboulbeniomycetes, Laboulbeniaceae) por primera vez de México: R. apiculifera Thaxter, R. bifida Thaxter y R. passalina Thaxter, las cuales fueron encontradas parasitando varios escarabajos de la familia Passalidae, en regiones tropicales y subtropicales. Se present además una relación de los Laboulbeniales citados de México, desde 1893 hasta el presente, los cuales suman 73 especies