Venomous Loxosceles Species (Araneae, Haplogynae, Sicariidae) from Brazil: 2n♂ = 23 and X1X2Y Sex Chromosome System as Shared Characteristics.

The family Sicariidae comprises the genera Hexophthalma, Sicarius and Loxosceles. This latter is subdivided in eight monophyletic groups based on genitalia morphology and molecular analyses: amazonica, gaucho, laeta, and spadicea (South America); reclusa (North America); rufescens (Mediterranean); spinulosa and vonwredei (Africa). In Brazil, the genus Loxosceles is represented by 50 species. The mitotic and meiotic characteristics of eight Loxosceles species were analyzed in order to discuss the chromosome evolution, as well as the correspondence between cytogenetic data and morphological/molecular data for the delimitation of the South American groups of species belonging to this genus. All species studied in this work showed 2n♂ = 23, including a X1X2Y sex chromosome system (SCS). Despite the similarity of diploid number and SCS, the species studied here differed regarding the chromosome morphology of some autosomal pairs, presence of secondary constrictions, size of X chromosomes and localization of Ag-NOR/rDNA sites. Based on all these chromosomal data, we verified a close relationship between Loxosceles species belonging to the amazonica and gaucho groups. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of spread pachytene cells of L. gaucho showed regular synapsis between homologous autosomal chromosomes, but asynaptic behavior of the sex chromosomes. The axial elements of the sex chromosomes undergo conspicuous morphological modifications resulting in shortening of their length.

Bucrates lanista Rehn 1918 (Tettigoniidae: Conocephalinae): The First Record from the Brazilian Pantanal, the First Description of the Male, the First Karyotypic Report for the Genus, and the First Telomeric Hybridization of the Subfamily.

Bucrates lanista, the most southerly distributed species in the genus Bucrates Burmeister, was originally described from Brazil based on a female collected in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, but the species has not been recorded since 1918. In this work, we report that B. lanista inhabits the Pantanal Wetland in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul and, for the first time, describe the male. Individuals of B. lanista are gregarious and present a brown/green color dimorphism; this behavior and color variation are also observed in species of closely related genera. Individuals from the Pantanal vary slightly from those of Rio Grande do Sul. The karyotype was determined to be 2n♂ = 21 = 20 + X0 and 2n♀ = 22 = 20 + XX. The X chromosome is metacentric and the largest of the complement, and all of the autosomes are submetacentrics. All chromosomes solely present telomeric (TTAGG)n repeats at their ends, and some chromosomes present positive and negative DAPI bands.

Comparative cytogenetics of seven Ctenidae species (Araneae).

The present study elevates the number of cytogenetically analyzed ctenid species and genera from two to eight and six, respectively, presenting comparisons between chromosomal data obtained and the phylogenetic hypothesis proposed in the literature. Six ctenid species presented 13 autosomal pairs, exhibiting either X1X2O (Ctenus ornatus, Ctenus sp., Parabatinga brevipes and Phoneutria nigriventer) or X1X2X3O sex chromosome systems (Nothroctenus sp. and Viracucha andicola). Asthenoctenus borellii showed 2n ♂ = 20 + X1X2O. In all species, the chromosomes were telocentric. Some cells of one C. ornatus specimen exhibited one extra chromosome that, considering the behavioral similarities between the two chromosomes, can be considered to be supernumerary, derived from or giving rise to a sex chromosome. Silver impregnation revealed nucleolar organizer regions on one autosomal pair of C. ornatus and P. nigriventer (Cteninae) and two pairs of V. andicola (Acanthocteninae). Chromosomal data suggests that the X1X2X3O system arose several times in the evolution of entelegyne spiders, and that conversion of an X1X2O system into an X1X2X3O system and vice-versa has been a relatively common event in spiders. All the chromosomal data corroborate the close relationship between Ctenus and Phoneutria, the placement of P. brevipes within Cteninae, the placement of Anahita in a separated branch within Cteninae, and the inclusion of A. borellii in a distinct group within the ctenids (Viridasiinae), all of which are as proposed by phylogenetic hypotheses available in the literature.

Leprosy and its impact on the quality of life of people with physical disabilities: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVES: to identify and synthesize, from the literature, the impacts of physical disability caused by leprosy on the quality of life of individuals receiving care within the Health Care Network. METHODS: this is a scoping review conducted following the JBI recommendations. The databases used in the search included the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Lilacs, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus, Embase, Leprosy Information Services, and Google Scholar. RESULTS: 1690 documents were identified, of which 36 were included in the review. Physical disability caused by leprosy affects the quality of life in the areas of daily activities, socioeconomic aspects, psychological well-being, pain, and overall well-being. CONCLUSIONS: we identified the impairments caused by physical disability in the quality of life, highlighting the need for prevention, promotion, and rehabilitation actions, such as screening, case management, and health education.

Chromosomal Study on Selected Small Araneomorph Spiders from Brazil, Including the First Records in Palpimanidae and Theridiosomatidae (Araneae, Araneomorphae).

Among the 50,474 spider species, only 849 have chromosomal data available in the literature. Fifty spider families remain unknown from a cytogenetic perspective. The aim of this study was to analyze chromosomally selected araneomorph spiders from Brazil, to contribute to the cytotaxonomy and chromosome evolution of this group. The karyotypes of 12 species belonging to families Corinnidae, Linyphiidae, Oonopidae, Palpimanidae, Theridiidae, Theridiosomatidae, Trachelidae, and Zodariidae were analyzed, including the first chromosomal record for the first two families. Specimens (with the abdomen content partially exposed by perforation) were subjected to colchicine, hypotonization, and fixation. In most cases, the total content of the abdomen was used to prepare slides by spreading of cell suspension and subsequent Giemsa staining. The results were as follows: Cinetomorpha simplex Simon, 1892 (Oonopidae) 2n♂ = 9, X0; Neotrops sp. and Neoxyphinus termitophilus (Oonopidae), 2n♂ = 7, X0; Otiothops birabeni (Palpimanidae); Agyneta sp. (Linyphiidae), 2n♂ = 24, X1X20; Coleosoma floridanum, Thymoites sp.1 and Thymoites sp.2 (Theridiidae), 2n♂ = 22, X1X20; Naatlo sp. (Theridiosomatidae), 2n♂ = 30, X1X20; Orthobula sp. (Trachelidae) 2n♂ = 21, X0; Falconina sp. (Corinnidae), 2n♂ = 28, X1X20; Epicratinus sp. (Zodariidae) 2n♂ = 42, X1X20. The chromosomal morphology was determined for all the samples except for Oonopidae. Most species exhibited telocentric chromosomes, with the exception of Palpimanidae and Theridiosomatidae. The main findings: 1) support an hypothesis on ancestral karyotype of Zodariidae and Oonopidae; 2) reveal a relatively high chromosome number in Palpimanidae that supports an idea on relatively high ancestral chromosome number (2n♂ = 42) of entelegyne spiders (Palpimanoidea is sister group of entelegyne spiders); 3) show that the karyotype found in Theridiosomatidae is exceptional within the Araneoidea.

Taxonomic notes, distribution update and the first chromosomal analysis of Vectius niger (Simon, 1880) and Trochanteria gomezi Canals, 1933 (Araneae: Trochanteriidae).

Spiders of the family Trochanteriidae are characterized by the carapace being extremely flat, with a reflex border, medium posterior eyes flattened, laterigrade legs, the absence of claw tufts, anterior lateral spinnerets with an incomplete distal article, and an inflatable and epiginal plate formed by a divided plate. Two out of the six worldwide genera of Trocantheriids have species in the Brazilian areas: Trochanteria Karsch and Vectius Simon. Here we present the redescription of Vectius niger and morphological data of Trochanteria gomezi, with an expansion of the distribution of these species in the Neotropical region and unpublished chromosomal data of both species. Mitotic and meiotic cells of both T. gomezi and V. niger showed 2n=22 and 2n=24 telocentric chromosomes, with a sex chromosome system of the type X1X2 in males/X1X1X2X2 in females. The chromosomal data shown here matches those found in trochanteriids to date.

First chromosomal analysis in Deinopidae (Araneae) reveals Sex Chromosome System X1X2X3X4, B chromosomes and polymorphism for centric fusion.

Here we present the first cytogentic study concerning Deinopidae and their controversial phylogenetic position. This study karyologically analyzed one population of Deinopis biaculeata Simon, 1906 and five populations of Deinopis plurituberculata Mello-Leitão, 1925. The majority of specimens of D. plurituberculata exhibited 2n♂ = 40 and 2n♀ = 44 telocentric chromosomes (however some of them showed B chromosomes, belongs to Aquidauana and Botucatu population). The Deinopis biaculeata and D. plurituberculata meiosis of males showed 18 autosomal bivalents + X1X2X3X4, n = 22 and n = 18, a rare sex chromosome system (SCS) in spiders. Some individuals of D. plurituberculata from the Campo Grande population exhibited 2n♂ = 39 and 2n♀ = 43, with a metacentric chromosome (heterozygotes for centric fusion). The D. plurituberculata males with the rearrangement exhibit diplotenes with 16 autosomal bivalents + 1 autosomal trivalent + X1X2X3X4 and metaphases II with n = 22 (18 telocentric autosomes + X1X2X3X4), n = 21 (16 telocentric autosomes + a metacentric autosome + X1X2X3X4), n = 18 (18 telocentric autosomes) and n = 17 (16 telocentric autosomes + a metacentric autosome). The Ag-NORs (silver impregnation) are terminally located in a pair, coinciding with secondary constriction, which is the most common configuration for Araneae. The relatively high diploid number in Deinopis corroborates phylogenies that place it in a basal position among Entelegynes, in the UDOH grade (Uloboridae, Deinopidae, Oecobiidae and Hersiliidae). Centric fusion in only one population of D. plurituberculata suggests low dispersion capacity of this species and an absence of homozygotes for fusion suggests their low viability or a need to increase the population sampling of D. plurituberculata exhibiting the rearrangement. B chromosomes were detected in D. plurituberculata, with interpopulacional, intrapopulacional and intraindividual numerical variation, with cells presenting 0 - 3 and 0 - 6 B chromosomes in populations of Aquidauana and Botucatu, respectively.

The Highest Chromosome Number and First Chromosome Fluorescent in situ Hybridization in the velvet worms of the family Peripatidae.

The diversity of Onychophora is poorly studied, despite there being nearly 200 described species divided in two families: Peripatidae and Peripatopsidae. Peripatid velvet worms are found mainly in the Neotropical region. The low morphological diversity in Peripatidae is an obstacle to determining its taxonomy, and chromosomal analyses can help clarify this. The aim of this work was to chromosomally analyze one species of Epiperipatus from Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Conventional staining and telomeric fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) were performed with the gonads of three males of Epiperipatus sp. The specimens showed 2n♂ = 73, the largest diploid number found in Onychophora to date, with the majority of chromosomes acro/telocentrics and the largest element submetacentric. The FISH marked the telomeric region of all elements and revealed one Interstitial Telomeric Site (ITS) on the proximal region of the long arm large submetacentric chromosome. The absence of male meiosis and female cell division in the analyzed specimens prevented us from determining whether the unpaired large submetacentric is a sex chromosome, which could lead to the description of a rare sex chromosome system (SCS) in Onychophora, or a case of fusion between autosomes. In either case, the presence of ITS is a clear indication of chromosomal fusion.

Karyotypes of three species of Hyperophora Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1878 (Tettigoniidae, Phaneropterinae) enable morphologically similar species to be distinguished.

Phaneropterinae is the largest subfamily of Tettigoniidae, distributed across the globe. There are few cytogenetic studies regarding this group, as in the case of the genus group Aniarae, which represents only two karyotyped species. The current study aims to analyze cytogenetically three species of Hyperophora Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1878 from Brazil. The male diploid number of Hyperophoraminor Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1891 and Hyperophoramajor Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1878 is 2n♂= 31, whereas Hyperophorabrasiliensis Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1878 has shown 2n♂= 29. These three species possess an X0 sex chromosome system and telo/acrocentric chromosome morphology. The only species found in the Pantanal biome, H.brasiliensis, can be chromosomally distinguished from the Cerrado biome species H.major and H.minor, due to the difference in chromosome number (2n♂= 29 and 2n♂= 31, respectively).

Leprosy and its impact on the quality of life of people with physical disabilities: a scoping review / Lepra e impactos en la calidad de vida de personas con discapacidades físicas: revisión de alcance / Hanseníase e impactos na qualidade de vida de pessoas com incapacidades físicas: revisão de escopo

ABSTRACT Objectives: to identify and synthesize, from the literature, the impacts of physical disability caused by leprosy on the quality of life of individuals receiving care within the Health Care Network. Methods: this is a scoping review conducted following the JBI recommendations. The databases used in the search included the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Lilacs, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus, Embase, Leprosy Information Services, and Google Scholar. Results: 1690 documents were identified, of which 36 were included in the review. Physical disability caused by leprosy affects the quality of life in the areas of daily activities, socioeconomic aspects, psychological well-being, pain, and overall well-being. Conclusions: we identified the impairments caused by physical disability in the quality of life, highlighting the need for prevention, promotion, and rehabilitation actions, such as screening, case management, and health education.

RESUMEN Objetivos: identificar y sintetizar, a partir de la literatura, los impactos de la discapacidad física causada por la lepra en la calidad de vida de los individuos atendidos en la Red de Atención a la Salud. Métodos: se trata de una revisión de alcance, realizada de acuerdo con las recomendaciones del JBI. Las bases de datos utilizadas en la búsqueda fueron el Sistema de Análisis y Recuperación de Literatura Médica en Línea, la Biblioteca Cochrane, Web of Science, Lilacs, el Índice Cumulativo de Literatura en Enfermería y Ciencias Afines, Scopus, Embase, Leprosy Information Services y Google Scholar. Resultados: se identificaron 1690 documentos, de los cuales 36 fueron parte de la revisión. La discapacidad física causada por la lepra afecta la calidad de vida en términos de actividades de la vida diaria, socioeconómicas, psicológicas, dolor y bienestar general. Conclusiones: se identificaron los compromisos causados por la discapacidad física en la calidad de vida, indicando la necesidad de acciones de prevención, promoción y rehabilitación, como el seguimiento, el acompañamiento de los casos y la educación en salud.

RESUMO Objetivos: identificar e sintetizar, a partir da literatura, os impactos da incapacidade física causada pela hanseníase na qualidade de vida dos indivíduos atendidos na Rede de Atenção à Saúde. Métodos: trata-se de uma revisão de escopo, realizada de acordo com as recomendações do JBI. As bases de dados utilizadas na busca foram Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Cochrane library, Web of Science, Lilacs, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus, Embase, Leprosy Information Services e Google Scholar. Resultados: foram identificados 1690 documentos, dos quais 36 compuseram a revisão. A incapacidade física causada pela hanseníase impacta na qualidade de vida no âmbito de atividades de vida diária, socioeconômico, psicológico, da dor e no bem-estar geral. Conclusões: foram identificados os comprometimentos causados pela incapacidade física na qualidade de vida, indicando a necessidade de ações de prevenção, promoção e reabilitação, como rastreamento, acompanhamento dos casos e educação em saúde.

Taxonomic notes, distribution update and the first chromosomal analysis of Vectius niger (Simon, 1880) and Trochanteria gomezi Canals, 1933 (Araneae: Trochanteriidae)

Spiders of the family Trochanteriidae are characterized by the carapace being extremely flat, with a reflex border, medium posterior eyes flattened, laterigrade legs, the absence of claw tufts, anterior lateral spinnerets with an incomplete distal article, and an inflatable and epiginal plate formed by a divided plate. Two out of the six worldwide genera of Trocantheriids have species in the Brazilian areas: Trochanteria Karsch and Vectius Simon. Here we present the redescription of Vectius niger and morphological data of Trochanteria gomezi, with an expansion of the distribution of these species in the Neotropical region and unpublished chromosomal data of both species. Mitotic and meiotic cells of both T. gomezi and V. niger showed 2n♂=22 and 2n♀=24 telocentric chromosomes, with a sex chromosome system of the type X1X2 in males/X1X1X2X2 in females. The chromosomal data shown here matches those found in trochanteriids to date.

Chromosomal study on selected small araneomorph spiders from Brazil, including the first records in Palpimanidae and Theridiosomatidae (Araneae, Araneomorphae)

Among the 50,474 spider species, only 849 have chromosomal data available in the literature. Fifty spider families remain unknown from a cytogenetic perspective. The aim of this study was to analyze chromosomally selected araneomorph spiders from Brazil, to contribute to the cytotaxonomy and chromosome evolution of this group. The karyotypes of 12 species belonging to families Corinnidae, Linyphiidae, Oonopidae, Palpimanidae, Theridiidae, Theridiosomatidae, Trachelidae, and Zodariidae were analyzed, including the first chromosomal record for the first two families. Specimens (with the abdomen content partially exposed by perforation) were subjected to colchicine, hypotonization, and fixation. In most cases, the total content of the abdomen was used to prepare slides by spreading of cell suspension and subsequent Giemsa staining. The results were as follows: Cinetomorpha simplex Simon, 1892 (Oonopidae) 2n♂ = 9, X0; Neotrops sp. and Neoxyphinus termitophilus (Oonopidae), 2n♂ = 7, X0; Otiothops birabeni (Palpimanidae); Agyneta sp. (Linyphiidae), 2n♂ = 24, X1X20; Coleosoma floridanum, Thymoites sp.1 and Thymoites sp.2 (Theridiidae), 2n♂ = 22, X1X20; Naatlo sp. (Theridiosomatidae), 2n♂ = 30, X1X20; Orthobula sp. (Trachelidae) 2n♂ = 21, X0; Falconina sp. (Corinnidae), 2n♂ = 28, X1X20; Epicratinus sp. (Zodariidae) 2n♂ = 42, X1X20. The chromosomal morphology was determined for all the samples except for Oonopidae. Most species exhibited telocentric chromosomes, with the exception of Palpimanidae and Theridiosomatidae. The main findings: 1) support an hypothesis on ancestral karyotype of Zodariidae and Oonopidae; 2) reveal a relatively high chromosome number in Palpimanidae that supports an idea on relatively high ancestral chromosome number (2n♂ = 42) of entelegyne spiders (Palpimanoidea is sister group of entelegyne spiders); 3) show that the karyotype found in Theridiosomatidae is exceptional within the Araneoidea.

Meadow katydids (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Conocephalini) from the Central-West Region of Brazil: Morphological, bioacoustic and cytogenetic study.

Three species of Conocephalus and two of Euxiphidion from several localities of the Central-West Region of Brazil were studied. Conocephalus goianus Piza, 1977, C. saltator (Saussure, 1859) and C. versicolor (Redtenbacher, 1891) are recorded for the first time from Mato Grosso do Sul, one new species Euxiphidion veroni sp. nov. is described, and a new combination, Euxiphidion caizanum comb. nov. is proposed. The calling songs of C. saltator, C. versicolor, and E. veroni sp. nov. are described. All these three species call very continuously, also in the daytime. The three species of Conocepha-lus have mitotic metaphases with 2n♂ = 33 = 32 + X and 2n♀ = 34 = 32 + XX. Euxiphidion caizanum comb. nov. and    E. veroni sp. nov. have 2n♂ = 31 = 30 + X and 2n♀ = 32 = 30 + XX. Most of the autosomes of C. saltator and C. versicolor are meta/submetacentric, differing from C. goianus that has seven biarmed and nine monoarmed autosomes. Both Euxiphidion species present mostly telo/subtelocentric autosomes. The X chromosome is metacentric, and the largest element of the karyotype in the five species. No interstitial telomeric site (ITS) was observed in mitotic metaphases submitted to telomeric fluorescent in situ hybridization. Ecological aspects of the studied species are discussed.

Atividade física e saúde mental: intervenção no contexto da residência multiprofissional em saúde da família / Physical activity and mental health: intervention in the context of a multi-professional residence program in family health / Actividad física y salud mental: intervención en el contexto de un programa de residencia multiprofesional en salud familiar

Objetivou-se analisar as percepções de saúde física e mental dos participantes de um grupo de práticas corporais, antes e depois da intervenção, na Atenção Primária. Pesquisa-intervenção, com abordagem qualitativa, desenvolvida em Sobral, Ceará, Brasil, na Estratégia Saúde da Família, com 18 integrantes do grupo de práticas corporais do Centro de Saúde da Família José Mendes Mont'Alverne. O principal critério para escolha dos participantes foi que estes deveriam fazer uso de medicamentos antidepressivos e/ou ansiolíticos. A intervenção foi realizada durante quatro meses, de agosto a novembro de 2022. No decorrer da intervenção, os participantes eram acompanhados semanalmente para verificação, estímulos e avaliação da prática de atividades físicas. Os resultados apontam que a maioria obteve mudanças no índice de massa corpórea. As percepções antes da intervenção foram construídas com as categorias: fragilidade e indisposição, descompassos da saúde mental e "não vou nada bem", o que contrapõe, de forma positiva, as percepções que emergiram depois da intervenção: melhor força e disposição, flexibilidade/mobilidade e resistência, interação social e sociabilidade e ampliação da saúde mental. A intervenção evidenciou benefícios ao proporcionar melhora na saúde física e mental dos participantes. Assim, a Residência Multiprofissional em Saúde da Família demonstrou que tem oportunizado processo de formação efetivo.

The objective was to analyze the perceptions of physical and mental health of the participants of a group of corporal practices in Primary Care before and after the intervention. An intervention research was conducted with a qualitative approach, in Sobral, Ceará, Brazil, in the Family Health Strategy, with 18 members of the José Mendes Mont'Alverne Family Health Center corporal practices group. The main criterion for choosing participants was that they should use antidepressant or anxiolytic drugs. The intervention lasted four months, from August to November 2022. During the intervention, the participants were monitored weekly for verification, stimulation, and evaluation of physical activity practices. The results indicate that the majority obtained changes in the body mass index. Perceptions before the intervention were built with the analysis categories: frailty and indisposition, mental health imbalances, and "I'm not doing well at all", which contrasts, in a positive way, the perceptions that emerged after the intervention: better strength and willingness, flexibility/mobility, and resistance, social interaction and sociability, and mental health improvement. The intervention showed benefits by improving the participants' physical and mental health. Thus, the Multiprofessional Residency in Family Health Program was successful in providing training to its participants.

El objetivo fue analizar las percepciones de salud física y mental de los participantes de un grupo de prácticas corporales en Atención Primaria antes y después de la intervención. Se realizó una investigación de intervención con abordaje cualitativo, en Sobral, Ceará, Brasil, en la Estrategia de Salud de la Familia, con 18 integrantes del grupo de prácticas corporales del Centro de Salud de la Familia José Mendes Mont'Alverne. El principal criterio para elegir a los participantes fue que utilizaran fármacos antidepresivos o ansiolíticos. La intervención duró cuatro meses, de agosto a noviembre de 2022. Durante la intervención, los participantes fueron monitoreados semanalmente para verificación, estimulación y evaluación de las prácticas de actividad física. Los resultados indican que la mayoría obtuvo cambios en el índice de masa corporal. Las percepciones antes de la intervención fueron construidas con las categorías de análisis: fragilidad e indisposición, desequilibrios de salud mental y "no estoy nada bien", lo que contrasta, de forma positiva, las percepciones que surgieron después de la intervención: mejor fuerza y disposición, flexibilidad/movilidad y resistencia, interacción social y sociabilidad y mejora de la salud mental. La intervención mostró beneficios al mejorar la salud física y mental de los participantes. Así, el Programa de Residencia Multiprofesional en Salud Familiar tuvo éxito en la formación de sus participantes.

First chromosomal analysis in Deinopidae (Araneae) reveals sex Chromosome system X1X2X3X4, B chromosomes and polymorphism for centric fusion

Here we present the first cytogentic study concerning Deinopidae and their controversial phylogenetic position. This study karyologically analyzed one population of Deinopis biaculeata Simon, 1906 and five populations of Deinopis plurituberculata Mello-Leitão, 1925. The majority of specimens of D. plurituberculata exhibited 2n♂ = 40 and 2n♀ = 44 telocentric chromosomes (however some of them showed B chromosomes, belongs to Aquidauana and Botucatu population). The Deinopis biaculeata and D. plurituberculata meiosis of males showed 18 autosomal bivalents + X1X2X3X4, n = 22 and n = 18, a rare sex chromosome system (SCS) in spiders. Some individuals of D. plurituberculata from the Campo Grande population exhibited 2n♂ = 39 and 2n♀ = 43, with a metacentric chromosome (heterozygotes for centric fusion). The D. plurituberculata males with the rearrangement exhibit diplotenes with 16 autosomal bivalents + 1 autosomal trivalent + X1X2X3X4 and metaphases II with n = 22 (18 telocentric autosomes + X1X2X3X4), n = 21 (16 telocentric autosomes + a metacentric autosome + X1X2X3X4), n = 18 (18 telocentric autosomes) and n = 17 (16 telocentric autosomes + a metacentric autosome). The Ag-NORs (silver impregnation) are terminally located in a pair, coinciding with secondary constriction, which is the most common configuration for Araneae. The relatively high diploid number in Deinopis corroborates phylogenies that place it in a basal position among Entelegynes, in the UDOH grade (Uloboridae, Deinopidae, Oecobiidae and Hersiliidae). Centric fusion in only one population of D. plurituberculata suggests low dispersion capacity of this species and an absence of homozygotes for fusion suggests their low viability or a need to increase the population sampling of D. plurituberculata exhibiting the rearrangement. B chromosomes were detected in D. plurituberculata, with interpopulacional, intrapopulacional and intraindividual numerical variation, with cells presenting 0 - 3 and 0 - 6 B chromosomes in populations of Aquidauana and Botucatu, respectively.

Venomous Loxosceles Species (Araneae, Haplogynae, Sicariidae) from Brazil: 2nmarte= 23 and X1X2Y sex chromosome system as shared characteristics

The family Sicariidae comprises the genera Hexophthalma, Sicarius and Loxosceles. This latter is subdivided in eight monophyletic groups based on genitalia morphology and molecular analyses: amazonica, gaucho, laeta, and spadicea (South America); reclusa (North America); rufescens (Mediterranean); spinulosa and vonwredei (Africa). In Brazil, the genus Loxosceles is represented by 50 species. The mitotic and meiotic characteristics of eight Loxosceles species were analyzed in order to discuss the chromosome evolution, as well as the correspondence between cytogenetic data and morphological/molecular data for the delimitation of the South American groups of species belonging to this genus. All species studied in this work showed 2nmarte = 23, including a X1X2Y sex chromosome system (SCS). Despite the similarity of diploid number and SCS, the species studied here differed regarding the chromosome morphology of some autosomal pairs, presence of secondary constrictions, size of X chromosomes and localization of Ag-NOR/rDNA sites. Based on all these chromosomal data, we verified a close relationship between Loxosceles species belonging to the amazonica and gaucho groups. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of spread pachytene cells of L. gaucho showed regular synapsis between homologous autosomal chromosomes, but asynaptic behavior of the sex chromosomes. The axial elements of the sex chromosomes undergo conspicuous morphological modifications resulting in shortening of their length.

The Role of Isotretinoin Therapy for Cushing's Disease: Results of a Prospective Study.

Objective. This prospective open trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of isotretinoin (13-cis-retinoic acid) in patients with Cushing's disease (CD). Methods. Sixteen patients with CD and persistent or recurrent hypercortisolism after transsphenoidal surgery were given isotretinoin orally for 6-12 months. The drug was started on 20 mg daily and the dosage was increased up to 80 mg daily if needed and tolerated. Clinical, biochemical, and hormonal parameters were evaluated at baseline and monthly for 6-12 months. Results. Of the 16 subjects, 4% (25%) persisted with normal urinary free cortisol (UFC) levels at the end of the study. UFC reductions of up to 52.1% were found in the rest. Only patients with UFC levels below 2.5-fold of the upper limit of normal achieved sustained UFC normalization. Improvements of clinical and biochemical parameters were also noted mostly in responsive patients. Typical isotretinoin side-effects were experienced by 7 patients (43.7%), though they were mild and mostly transient. We also observed that the combination of isotretinoin with cabergoline, in relatively low doses, may occasionally be more effective than either drug alone. Conclusions. Isotretinoin may be an effective and safe therapy for some CD patients, particularly those with mild hypercortisolism.

Venomous Loxosceles Species (Araneae, Haplogynae, Sicariidae) from Brazil: 2nmarte= 23 and X1X2Y sex chromosome system as shared characteristics

The family Sicariidae comprises the genera Hexophthalma, Sicarius and Loxosceles. This latter is subdivided in eight monophyletic groups based on genitalia morphology and molecular analyses: amazonica, gaucho, laeta, and spadicea (South America); reclusa (North America); rufescens (Mediterranean); spinulosa and vonwredei (Africa). In Brazil, the genus Loxosceles is represented by 50 species. The mitotic and meiotic characteristics of eight Loxosceles species were analyzed in order to discuss the chromosome evolution, as well as the correspondence between cytogenetic data and morphological/molecular data for the delimitation of the South American groups of species belonging to this genus. All species studied in this work showed 2nmarte = 23, including a X1X2Y sex chromosome system (SCS). Despite the similarity of diploid number and SCS, the species studied here differed regarding the chromosome morphology of some autosomal pairs, presence of secondary constrictions, size of X chromosomes and localization of Ag-NOR/rDNA sites. Based on all these chromosomal data, we verified a close relationship between Loxosceles species belonging to the amazonica and gaucho groups. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of spread pachytene cells of L. gaucho showed regular synapsis between homologous autosomal chromosomes, but asynaptic behavior of the sex chromosomes. The axial elements of the sex chromosomes undergo conspicuous morphological modifications resulting in shortening of their length.

A new species of Synotaxus and the first chromosomal study on Synotaxidae, presenting a rare XY sex chromosome system in spiders (Araneae, Araneoidea)

Studies on spider chromosomes are very scarce, with 44 spider families without any cytogenetically analyzed species. Nevertheless, chromosomal characteristics can be useful for species delimitation, such as the sex chromosome system (SCS), which is particularly diverse in spiders. In this study, we describe Synotaxus jaraguari n. sp., based on male and female specimens from midwestern Brazil. This species has a distinctive "horn" in the male ocular area and seems related to a group of species that includes Synotaxus monocerus (Caporiacco, 1947), S. itabaiana Santos & Rheims, 2005 and S. siolli Santos & Rheims, 2005. We also present the first karyotype study on Synotaxidae. The mitotic and meiotic cells of S. jaraguari n. sp. revealed 2n male = 22 + XY and 2n male = 22 + XX telocentric chromosomes. This is the ninth spider species with a XY/XX SCS, which is extremely rare in the group.

Comparative cytogenetic analysis among filistatid spiders (Araneomorphae: Haplogynae)

The family Filistatidae is considered sister to Synspermiata or sister to Hypochilidae. Cytogenetic knowledge of this family could be useful for understanding the mechanism of chromosome evolution that has occurred within the group. In this work, two filistatid species belonging to distinct subfamilies, Kukulcania hibernalis (Hentz, 1842) (Filistatinae) and Misionella mendensis (Mello-Leitao, 1920) (Prithinae), were investigated using standard and differential chromosome staining. Analysis of mitotic and meiotic cells revealed the diploid 2n male = 25 for K. hibernalis and 2n male = 21 for M. mendensis. Both species exhibited a sex chromosome system of the X1X2Y type and metacentric/submetacentric chromosomes. In prophase I cells, the sex chromosomes were in a trivalent configuration with all elements associated without chiasma through their terminal regions. Both species revealed six nucleolar organizer regions on the terminal region of three autosomal pairs. In K. hibernalis, constitutive heterochromatin was located mainly in the terminal regions of autosomes and sex chromosomes while in M. mendensis, the heterochromatin occurred in the pericentromeric region of all chromosomes. Despite the scarcity of cytogenetic information for Filistatidae, the available results show the occurrence of high variability in the diploid number but with the maintenance of the X1X2Y sex chromosome system. Additionally, the karyotype differentiation in the species of this family seems to have involved not only the number of autosomes but also specific chromosomal sites, such as the constitutive heterochromatic regions.