Diversity and genetic structure of mangaba remnants in states of northeastern Brazil.

In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity and structure of remnants of mangaba populations in states of northeastern Brazil by applying 9 microsatellite markers previously developed to establish conservation strategies for germplasm and species preservation. Six to 20 individuals per population were analyzed, with a total of 94 individuals and 6 populations from the states of Ceará, Pernambuco, and Sergipe, Brazil. The intra-population positive fixation index (f) in all populations indicated inbreeding resulting from the lack of random mating. The mean genetic diversity index values GST, FST, and RST estimated for divergence among the 6 populations were 0.14 (P < 0.05), revealing moderate genetic differentiation. The smallest FST value (P ≥ 0.05) was observed between the Jacarecoara and Tapera populations (0.005) and the highest between the Barra dos Coqueiros and Jacarecoara populations (0.287). The Jacarecoara population was the most divergent among the populations analyzed. According to analysis of molecular variance results, the largest variation percentage resulted from variability within populations (83.18%). Bayesian clustering analysis showed the formation of 2 sets (K = 2). Our results are important for developing strategies for in situ conservation of the species, seed collection, and ex situ conservation. For both methods, conservation of the greatest possible genetic variability of the species is essential.

Aquatic Macrophytes Hosting Immature Mansonia (Mansonia) Blanchard, 1901 (Diptera, Culicidae) in Porto Velho, Rondonia State, Brazil.

High abundance of hematophagous mosquitoes of the genus Mansonia Blanchard, 1901 (Diptera: Culicidae) threatens human and domestic animal health and well-being. Knowledge of the biology of nuisance mosquito species is necessary to understand specific ecological and biological factors to enable rapid and effective monitoring measures for sustainable control programs. The establishment and dispersion of Mansonia species are associated with the occurrence of aquatic macrophytes species, which are indispensable for the development of larvae and pupae. To increase knowledge of the host plants for Mansonia immature stages in Porto Velho, Rondonia State, Brazil, specimens of four plant species, which occur across the tributaries of the Madeira River were sampled and inspected for the presence of egg batches, larvae, and pupae. A total of 1,386 larvae and pupae of Mansonia spp. were collected attached to the roots of Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms (Commelinales: Pontederiaceae), Pistia stratiotes L. (Alismatales: Araceae), and Limnobium laevigatum (Humb. and Bonpl. Ex Willd.) Heine (Alismatales: Hydrocharitaceae). The novel association of Mansonia species with L. laevigatum is presented. Egg batches of Mansonia spp. were found only on Salvinia molesta D.S. Mitch. (Salviniales: Salviniaceae). Possible differences in the roles played by E. crassipes and S. molesta in the reproductive cycle of Mansonia spp. in the surveyed area are discussed. All species of host plants including E. crassipes, P. stratiotes, S. molesta, and L. laevigatum should be considered when planning macrophyte management for the control of Mansonia species.

Postdural puncture headache is a risk factor for new postdural puncture headache.

The aim of this study was to determine if patients with a previous history of postdural puncture headache (PDPH) might be prone to a new episode after spinal anaesthesia. Consecutive patients (n = 258) who had had surgery under spinal anaesthesia were studied. Of 42 patients with a previous history of PDPH, eight (19.0%) developed a new PDPH episode; whereas out of 216 without a previous history of PDPH, only 15 (6.9%) presented with PDPH. Previous PDPH history indicates a higher chance of a new episode of PDPH after spinal anaesthesia. Women are more susceptible to such recurrences.

Nutritional status: anthropometry. Euronut SENECA investigators.

In 19 towns and cities across Europe anthropometric data--body weight, height, skinfold thicknesses and circumferences--have been obtained from 2332 elderly subjects born between 1913 and 1918, according to a strictly standardized methodology. Large variations exist among research towns even within countries. For body weight, means ranged from 70.1 +/- 15.4 kg to 78.2 +/- 10.7 kg in men and from 56.8 +/- 8.1 to 71.4 +/- 11.4 kg in women. In the North European towns and cities both men and women were taller than their counterparts in the southern towns. Mean body mass index varied from 24.4 +/- 3.8 kg m-2 to 30.3 +/- 5.2 kg m-2 among men. In women the range of means was from 23.9 +/- 3.6 kg m-2 to 30.5 +/- 5.1 kg m-2. Triceps skinfold thicknesses suggest that females had more fat at subcutaneous sites than the males, and the waist-hip ratio was consistently lower in elderly women.

Distinction among the puparia of three blowfly species (Diptera: Calliphoridae) frequently found on unburied corpses.

Calliphorid larvae are important in the decomposition of carrion. Since these larvae are present in the primary stages of succession on carcasses, they may be important indicators of death time and the movement of corpses in homicide investigations. In this study we examined the morphological differences among puparia of Chrysomya megacephala, C. putoria and Cochliomyia macellaria. Puparia of the three species (N=30, each) were obtained from the F2 generation bred in culture medium at 25 degrees C, and 60% relative humidity on a 12 h photoperiod. The interspecific differences found were related to the conspicuousness of six tubercles located in the region near the posterior spiracles and to the distance between the two peritrema involving the spiracles. The latter were (mean +/- SD) 15.2 +/- 3.1 microm for C. megacephala, 18.8 +/- 2.8 microm for C. putoria and 16.5 +/- 3.5 microm for C. macellaria. The results of the present study may be useful in forensic entomology.