bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fatty Acid Metabolism in the Elderly: Effects of Dehydroepiandrosterone and Testosterone Replacement in Hormonally Deficient Men and Women
Authors: Koutsari Christina , Ali Asem H. , Nair K. Sreekumaran , Rizza Robert A. , O'Brien Peter , Khosla Sundeep , Jensen Michael D.
Published: July 2009

Context: Aging, low dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and testosterone are associated with increased adiposity and metabolic risk. Treatment with these hormones may improve these abnormalities.

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine effects of aging, DHEA, or testosterone replacement on adiposity, meal fat partitioning, and postabsorptive lipolysis.

Design: This was a cross-sectional, 2-yr, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Setting: The study was conducted in the general community.

Patients: Elderly women and men (≥60 yr) with low DHEA sulfate (women and men) and bioavailable testosterone (men) concentrations and young adults.

Interventions: Thirty elderly women each received 50 mg DHEA or placebo daily for 2 yr. Thirty elderly men received 75 mg DHEA, 29 received 5 mg testosterone (patch), and 32 received placebo daily for 2 yr. Thirty young women and 32 young men served as controls.

Main Outcome Measures: In vivo measures of meal fat storage into sc fat, postabsorptive lipolysis, and regional adiposity at baseline and after treatment.

Results: At baseline, the elderly had more body fat, greater systemic lipolysis (women, P = 0.0003; men, P < 0.0001) adjusted for resting energy expenditure, greater meal fat oxidation (women, P = 0.026; men, P = 0.0025), and less meal fat storage in sc fat (women, P = 0.0139; men, P= 0.0006). Although testosterone treatment increased meal fat storage into upper- vs. lower-body fat in elderly men, neither hormone affected regional adiposity, meal fat oxidation, or systemic lipolysis.

Conclusions: Aging, in the context of low DHEA sulfate (women and men) and bioavailable testosterone (men) concentrations, is associated with changes in meal fat partitioning and postabsorptive lipolysis that are not corrected by DHEA and only partly corrected by testosterone replacement.

DHEA or testosterone treatment of hormone-deficient elderly does not normalize adipose tissue lipolysis, but testosterone restores a “youthful” meal fat storage pattern in elderly men.
Uncoupling Protein-1 and Related Messenger Ribonucleic Acids in Human Epicardial and Other Adipose Tissues: Epicardial Fat Functioning as Brown Fat
Authors: Sacks Harold S. , Fain John N. , Holman Ben , Cheema Paramjeet , Chary Aron , Parks Frank , Karas James , Optican Robert , Bahouth Suleiman W. , Garrett Edward , Wolf Rodney Y. , Carter Russell A. , Robbins Todd , Wolford David , Samaha Joseph
Published: July 2009

Context: Uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) is the inner mitochondrial membrane protein that is a specific marker for and mediator of nonshivering thermogenesis in brown adipocytes.

Objective: This study was performed to better understand the putative thermogenic function of human epicardial fat.

Design: We measured the expression of UCP-1 and brown adipocyte differentiation transcription factors PR-domain-missing 16 (PRDM16) and peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor γ co-activator-1α (PGC-1α) in epicardial, substernal, and sc thoracic, abdominal, and leg fat.

Setting: The study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital cardiac center.

Patients: Forty-four patients had coronary artery bypass surgery, and six had heart valve replacement.

Interventions: Fat samples were taken at open heart surgery.

Results: UCP-1 expression was 5-fold higher in epicardial fat than substernal fat and barely detectable in sc fat. Epicardial fat UCP-1 expression decreased with age, increased with body mass index, was similar in women and men and patients on and not on statin therapy, and showed no relationship to epicardial fat volume or waist circumference. UCP-1 expression was similar in patients without and with severe coronary atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes. PRDM16 and PGC-1α expression was 2-fold greater in epicardial than sc fat. Epicardial fat UCP-1, PRDM16, and PGC1-α mRNAs were similar in diabetics treated with thiazolidinediones compared to diabetics not treated with thiazolidinediones.

Conclusion: Because UCP-1 is expressed at high levels in epicardial fat as compared to other fat depots, the possibility should be considered that epicardial fat functions like brown fat to defend the myocardium and coronary vessels against hypothermia. This process could be blunted in the elderly.

Since uncoupling protein-1 is highly expressed in epicardial fat compared to other fat depots, epicardial fat might function like brown fat, defending the heart against hypothermia.
Management of Altered Hydrocortisone Pharmacokinetics in a Boy with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Using a Continuous Subcutaneous Hydrocortisone Infusion
Authors: Bryan Sinead M. , Honour John W. , Hindmarsh Peter C.
Published: July 2009

Background: Conventional hydrocortisone dosing schedules do not mimic the normal circadian rhythm of cortisol, making it difficult to optimize treatment in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).

Case Details: We report a 14.5-year-old boy with CAH who had reduced bioavailability [42% (normal 80% orally and 100% by im route)] and increased clearance [half-life 50 min (normal range, 70–100 min)] of oral doses of hydrocortisone leading to ambient serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone concentrations of 400 nmol/liter (14.5 ng/ml) and androstenedione concentrations of 24.9 nmol/liter (7.1 ng/ml).

Intervention: Using a continuous but variable sc hydrocortisone infusion via an insulin pump, rapid control of his CAH was attained with a normal cortisol circadian profile. Average daily hydrocortisone dose was 17.4–18.6 mg/m2, which produces on average 24-h serum cortisol and 17-hydroxyprogesterone concentrations of 316 nmol/liter (115 ng/ml) and 4.3 nmol/liter (1.4 ng/ml), respectively. Therapy has been maintained over 4 yr with suppression of normal adrenal androgen production and normal progression through puberty.

Conclusions: Continuous sc infusion of hydrocortisone may prove a valuable adjunct to therapy for CAH, particularly in patients requiring high doses of oral hydrocortisone and in those with abnormal hydrocortisone pharmacokinetics.

A boy is described with congenital adrenal hyperplasia and altered hydrocortisone pharmacokinetics managed by continuous subcutaneous hydrocortisone infusion.
Successful Control of Intractable Hypoglycemia Using Rapamycin in an 86-Year-Old Man with a Pancreatic Insulin-Secreting Islet Cell Tumor and Metastases
Authors: Bourcier Matthew E. , Sherrod Amanda , DiGuardo Margaret , Vinik Aaron I.
Published: July 2009

Context: Insulinomas are rare tumors of the pancreatic islet cells that produce insulin. Approximately 5 to 10% of these tumors are cancerous, and control of insulin secretion and hypoglycemia may be difficult in these patients. Malignant insulinomas generally respond poorly to traditional chemotherapeutic agent regimens. At present, streptozotocin is the only approved drug for the treatment of pancreatic islet cell tumors.

Setting and Patient: This report describes a case of an elderly gentleman with a metastatic pancreatic insulinoma and severe hypoglycemia. A continuous infusion of octreotide lowered the blood glucose levels further. He required diazoxide, a thiazide diuretic, phenytoin, and a constant infusion of glucose to control the hypoglycemia and elevated insulin levels.

Intervention: Rapamycin was administered at an oral dose of 2 mg/d.

Results: On the mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) agent rapamycin, he was weaned off all drugs except for the thiazide diuretic and maintained euglycemia with a reduction of circulating insulin levels. He remained euglycemic for the past year with no evidence of tumor progression based on Octreoscan. His quality of life is excellent, and he remains active having recently completed a triathlon.

Conclusions: Rapamycin may provide a useful means of abrogating tumor growth and controlling hypoglycemia in malignant insulinomas by reducing the malignant β-cell growth and proliferation as well as inhibiting insulin production.

Rapamycin may abrogate tumor growth and control hypoglycemia in malignant insulinomas by reducing malignant β-cell growth and proliferation, as well as inhibiting insulin production.
Anti-angiogenic drugs to treat human disease: an interview with Napoleone Ferrara
Authors: Kain Kristin H.
Published: July 2009

Napoleone Ferrara identified vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as a major regulator of blood vessel development. The antibodies that he and his colleagues created to block VEGF action also block cancer growth. Here, he discusses the work that led to the development of the anti-cancer drug Avastin (bevacizumab), and discusses the role of basic science in clinical medicine.
PML-IV functions as a negative regulator of telomerase by interacting with TERT
Authors: Oh Wonkyung , Ghim Jaewang , Lee Eun-Woo , Yang Mi-Ran , Kim Eui Tae , Ahn Jin-Hyun , Song Jaewhan
Published: July 2009

Maintaining proper telomere length requires the presence of the telomerase enzyme. Here we show that telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), a catalytic component of telomerase, is recruited to promyelocytic leukemia (PML) nuclear bodies through its interaction with PML-IV. Treatment of interferon-α (IFNα) in H1299 cells resulted in the increase of PML proteins with a concurrent decrease of telomerase activity, as previously reported. PML depletion, however, stimulated telomerase activity that had been inhibited by IFNα with no changes in TERT mRNA levels. Upon treatment with IFNα, exogenous TERT localized to PML nuclear bodies and binding between TERT and PML increased. Immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence analyses showed that TERT specifically bound to PML-IV. Residues 553-633 of the C-terminal region of PML-IV were required for its interaction with the TERT region spanning residues 1-350 and 595-946. The expression of PML-IV and its deletion mutant, 553-633, suppressed intrinsic telomerase activity in H1299. TERT-mediated immunoprecipitation of PML or the 553-633 fragment demonstrated that these interactions inhibited telomerase activity. H1299 cell lines stably expressing PML-IV displayed decreased telomerase activity with no change of TERT mRNA levels. Accordingly, telomere length of PML-IV stable cell lines was shortened. These results indicate that PML-IV is a negative regulator of telomerase in the post-translational state.
Nuclear shape, growth and integrity in the closed mitosis of fission yeast depend on the Ran-GTPase system, the spindle pole body and the endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Gonzalez Yanira , Meerbrey Kristen , Chong Jennifer , Torii Yoshihiro , Padte Neal N. , Sazer Shelley
Published: July 2009

The double lipid bilayer of the nuclear envelope (NE) remains intact during closed mitosis. In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, the intranuclear mitotic spindle has envelope-embedded spindle pole bodies (SPB) at its ends. As the spindle elongates and the nucleus divides symmetrically, nuclear volume remains constant but nuclear area rapidly increases by 26%. When Ran-GTPase function is compromised in S. pombe, nuclear division is strikingly asymmetrical and the newly synthesized SPB is preferentially associated with the smaller nucleus, indicative of a Ran-dependent SPB defect that interferes with symmetrical nuclear division. A second defect, which specifically influences the NE, results in breakage of the NE upon spindle elongation. This defect, but not asymmetric nuclear division, is partially rescued by slowing spindle elongation, stimulating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) proliferation or changing conformation of the ER membrane. We propose that redistribution of lipid within the ER-NE network is crucial for mitosis-specific NE changes in both open and closed mitosis.
Troponin I and Tropomyosin regulate chromosomal stability and cell polarity
Authors: Sahota Virender Kumar , Grau Benjamin Filip , Mansilla Alicia , Ferrús Alberto
Published: July 2009

The Troponin-Tropomyosin (Tn-Tm) complex regulates muscle contraction through a series of Ca2+-dependent conformational changes that control actin-myosin interactions. Members of this complex in Drosophila include the actin-binding protein Troponin I (TnI), and two Tropomyosins (Tm1 and Tm2), which are thought to form heterodimers. We show here that pre-cellular embryos of TnI, Tm1 and Tm2 mutants exhibit abnormal nuclear divisions with frequent loss of chromosome fragments. During cellularization, apico-basal polarity is also disrupted as revealed by the defective location of Discs large (Dlg) and its ligand Rapsynoid (Raps; also known as Partner of Inscuteable, Pins). In agreement with these phenotypes in early development, on the basis of RT-PCR assays of unfertilized eggs and germ line mosaics of TnI mutants, we also show that TnI is part of the maternal deposit during oogenesis. In cultures of the S2 cell line, native TnI is immunodetected within the nucleus and immunoprecipitated from nuclear extracts. SUMOylation at an identified site is required for the nuclear translocation. These data illustrate, for the first time, a role for TnI in the nucleus and/or the cytoskeleton of non-muscle cells. We propose that the Tn-Tm complex plays a novel function as regulator of motor systems required to maintain nuclear integrity and apico-basal polarity during early Drosophila embryogenesis.
Control of KIT signalling in male germ cells: what can we learn from other systems?
Authors: Mithraprabhu Sridurga , Loveland Kate L
Published: July 2009

The KIT ligand (KITL)/KIT-signalling system is among several pathways known to be essential for fertility. In the postnatal testis, the KIT/KITL interaction is crucial for spermatogonial proliferation, differentiation, survival and subsequent entry into meiosis. Hence, identification of endogenous factors that regulateKITsynthesis is important for understanding the triggers driving germ cell maturation. Although limited information is available regarding local factors in the testicular microenvironment that modulateKITsynthesis at the onset of spermatogenesis, knowledge from other systems could be used as a basis for identifying how KIT function is regulated in germ cells. This review describes the known regulators of KIT, including transcription factors implicated inKITpromoter regulation. In addition, specific downstream outcomes in biological processes that KIT orchestrates are addressed. These are discussed in relationship to current knowledge of mammalian germ cell development.
En-bloc pancreatoduodenectomy and right hemicolectomy for treating locally advanced right colon cancer (T4): a series of five patients
Authors: Costa Sergio Renato Pais , Henriques Alexandre Cruz , Horta Sergio Henrique Couto , Waisberg Jaques , Speranzini Manlio Basílio
Published: July 2009

A series of five cases of right-colon adenocarcinoma that invaded the proximal duodenum is presented. All patients underwent successful en-bloc pancreatoduodenectomy plus right hemicolectomy by General Surgery Service of the Teaching Hospital of the ABC Medical School, Santo André, SP, Brazil. The study was conducted between 2000 and 2007. There were two major complications but no mortality. Three patients did not present any recurrence over the course of 15 to 54 months of follow-up. Multivisceral resection with en-bloc pancreatoduodenectomy should be considered for patients who are fit for major surgery but do not present distant dissemination. Long-term survival may be attained.
Behavior of triatomines (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) vectors of Chagas' disease: I. Courtship and copulation of Panstrongylus megistus (Burm-1835) in the laboratory
Authors: Lima Marli Maria , Jurberg Pedro , Almeida Josimar Ribeiro de
Published: July 2009

A study of the courship and copulation behaviour of Panstrongylus megistus was carried out in the laboratory. fifty-five newly-fed virgin couples were used. Experiments were performed during the day (9:00 to 12:00 a.m.) and at night (7:00 to 10:00 p.m). Behaviour was recorded by direct observation and was found to consist of the following sequence of behavioral patterns: the male approached the female and jumped on her or mounted her; he took on a dorsolateral position and immobilized the female dorsally and ventrally with his three pairs of legs; the male genital was placed below those of the female; the paramers of the male immobilized the female's genitals; copulation started. The couple joined by the iniciative of the male. The female could be receptive and accept copulation, or nonreceptive and reject the male. Copulation occurred more often on the occasion of the first attempt by the male. Duration of copulation was X = 29.3 ± 9.3 min (CV = 83%). No behavioral differences were observed couples tested during the day or at night.
Alguns aspectos da ecologia dos mosquitos (Diptera: Culicidae) de uma área de planície (granjas Calábria) em Jacarepaguá, Rio de Janeiro: IV. Preferências alimentares quanto ao hospedeiro e freqüência domiciliar
Authors: Lourenço-de-Oliveira Ricardo , Heyden Rosemarie
Published: July 2009

Apresentamos os resultados de capturas de mosquitos, realizadas entre janeiro de 1982 e março de 1983, em Granjas Calábria, com a finalidade de avaliar suas preferências alimentares. Usamos seis iscas: homem, cavalo, vaca, carneiro, galo e sapo. O cavalo atraiu o maior número de exemplares, seguindo-se a vaca, o homem, o galo e o carneiro, sendo que o sapo não foi atacado. A isca humana foi a que atraiu mais espécies. Observamos uma tendência zoófila para as espécies locais - An. albitarsis, An. aquasalis, Ae. scapularis, Ae. taeniorhynchus, Cq. venezuelensis, Ma. titillans, Ps. ciliata, Ph. davisi e Ph. deanei sugaram principalemte cavalo e vaca, enquanto os Culex do subgênero Culex pareceram-nos mais ornitófilos e os do subgênero Microculex preferiram animais pecilotérmicos em experimentos que realizamos no laboratório. Ma. titillans foi a espécie preponderante em todas as iscas, demonstrado elevado ecletismo. Para estudar a freqüência domiciliar e peridomiciliar fizemos, mensalmente, de agosto de 1981 a julho de 1982, capturas dentro e fora de uma casa. Excetuando algumas espécies com maior propensão à endofilia principalmente An. aquasalis e Cx. quinquefasciatus, os mosquitos locais mostram-se mais exófilos. Foram visitantes ocasionais do domicílo: Ma. titillans, Ae. scapularis, Ae. taeniorhynchus e Cx. saltanensis.
O foco brasileiro de oncocercose: novas observações feitas nas áreas dos rios Mucajaí e Catrimâni, Território de Roraima
Authors: Moraes Mário Augusto Pinto de , Shelley Anthony J. , Dias Antonio Paulino A. Luna
Published: July 2009

Um novo inquérito para oncocercose, realizado em 1984, entre índios Yanomami da parte média dos rios Mucajaí e Catrimâni (Território de Roraima), mostrou que, decorridos vários anos das primeiras investigações - uma década no caso do rio Mucajaí - os índices de prevalência, nesses dois locais da periferia do foco brasileiro, não haviam sofrido alteração significativa. Levando-se em conta apenas os residentes nas aldeias ou malocas abrangidas pelo inquérito, a prevalência atingiu 3,1% nos índios do rio Mucajaí, enquanto ficou em zero nos do rio Catrimâni. Dada a presença contínua, nas referidas aldeias, de índios visitantes, altamente infectados, oriundos da parte central e mais elevada do território indígena - onde cerca de 90% doa adultos têm oncocercose - seria de esperar o achado de valores bem maiores (acima pelo menos daqueles encontrados anteriormente), caso um vetor apropiado estivesse presente na região. Simulium oyapockense s.1. é a única espécie antropofílica de simulídeo, em toda zona inferior da área ocupada pelos Yanomami (altitude ao redor de 200 metros), abundante o suficiente para constituir-se em transmissor da oncocercose. Sem dúvida, no entanto, trata-se de um mau vetor (como aliás já foi demonstrado experimentalmente para Mansonella ozzardi) ou, até mesmo, de espécie não vetora de Onchocerca volvulus, pois, de outra forma, os índices de prevalência na parte média dos rios Mucajaí e Catrimâni já teriam crescido durante o período assinalado. Para explicar as altas taxas alcançadas pela endemia na porção central e cheia de acidentes (altitude superior a 900 metros) do território Yanomami, há que se admitir a presença aí de um outro vetor, muito eficiente, cujos hábitos estariam ligados à região montanhosa da fronteira entre o Brasil e a Venezuela.
Infecção experimental de Lutzomyia whitmani em cães infectados com Leishmania braziliensis braziliensis
Authors: Vexenat Julio A. , Barretto Air C. , Rosa Ana de Cassia O. C.
Published: July 2009

Lutzomyia (N.) whitmani foi infectada em lesões leishmanióticas de três de nove cães parasitados por Leishmania braziliensis braziliensis . Os índices de infecção desses flebotomíneos foram 8,3% (1/12), 7,1% (1/14) e 1,8% (3,160), respectivamente. Por outro lado, 180 Lu. whitmani que se alimentaram em áreas não-ulceradas em um dos cães foram negativos, após dissecação. É discutida a potencialidade de Lu. whitmani como vector de L.B. braziliensis na região endêmica de Três Braços, Bahia, Brasil.
RS virus diagnosis: comparison of isolation, immunofluorescence and enzyme immunoassay
Authors: Siqueira Marilda M. , Ferreira Vanja , Nascimento Jussara P.
Published: July 2009

Two techniques for rapid diagnosis, immunofluorescence (IFAT) and enzyme immunoassay (EIA), have been compared with virus isolaion in tissue culture for the detection of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in specimens of nasopharyngeal secretions. The specimens were obtained from children under five years of age suffering from acute respiratory iliness, during a period of six months from January to June 1982. Of 471 specimens examined 54 (11.5%) were positive by virus isolation and 180 (38.2%) were positive by immunofluorescence. The bacterial contamination of inoculated tissue cultures unfortunately prevented the isolation of virus from many samples. Specimens from 216 children were tested to compare enzyme immunoassay and immunofluorescence. Of these 60 (27%) were positive by EIA and 121 (56%) were positive by IFAT. Our results suggest that the EIA technique although highly specific is rather insensitive. This may be because by the time these tests were done the originl nasopharyngeal secretions were considerably diluted and contained more mucus fragments than the call suspension used for IFAT. Of the three techniques, IFAT gives the best results although EIA may be useful where IFAT is not possible.
Ectoparasitos de roedores e marsupiais no ambiente silvestre de Ilha Grande, Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
Authors: Guitton Neide , Araújo Filho Nelson A. , Sherlock Ítalo A.
Published: July 2009

Apresentamos uma lista de ectoparasitos encontrados em mamíferos silvestres de Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro.
An outbreak of dengue virus at Rio de Janeiro - 1986
Authors: Schatzmayr Hermann G. , Nogueira Rita Maria R. , Rosa Amélia P. A. Travassos da
Published: July 2009

Dengue virus type 1 has been isolated in Aedes albopictus cell strain, from sera of patients living in the Nova Iguaçu county, by Rio de Janeiro. The clinical picture was characterized by fever, headache, retrobulbar pain, backache, pains in the muscles and the joints and prostration. Studies in paired sera confirmed the presence of recent infection by dengue virus type 1. The outbreak reached adjacent areas, including Rio de Janeiro city (May, 1986).
A genitália externa dos machos em quatro espécies do gênero Sirthenea Spinola, 1837 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Peiratinae)
Authors: Victório Vânia Maria Nunes , Jurberg José , Lent Herman
Published: July 2009

Com o intuito de acrescentar parâmetros à taxonomia do gênero Sirthenea Spinola, 1837, realizamos uma análise morfológica comparativa da genitália externa dos machos de quatro espécies: S. carinata (Fabricius, 1798), S. stria (Fabricius, 1794), S. flavipes (Stal, 1855) e S. amazona Stal, 1866. Foram evidenciadas 10 estruturas (8º esternito, processo do pigóforo, parâmeros, falosoma e seus quatro processos e os dois processos do endosoma) que permitem diferenciar as quatro espécies. Uma descrição resumida da morfologia geral de cada espécie é adicionada.
New Phlebotomine Sandflies of the walkeri group (Diptera: Psychodidae) from Pará State, Brazil, with a pictorial key 1
Authors: Ryan Lee , Fraiha Habib , Lainson Ralph , Shaw Jeffrey J.
Published: July 2009

The male and female of Lutzomyia carmelinoi n.sp., and the female only of L. baculus and L. williamsi, (Diptera:Psychodidae) are described and illustrated from specimens collected in Pará state, Brazil. A pictorial key is presented to these and the other members of the walkeri group.
Estudos bionômicos de Dipetalogaster Maximus (Ihler, 1894) (Hemiptera, Triatominae) I. influência da dieta sobre ritmo de postura, viabilidade dos ovos, curva de fertilidade e moetalidade das fêmeas
Authors: Costa Jane Margaret , Jurberg José , Almeida Josimar Ribeiro de
Published: July 2009

A dieta alimentar teve influência marcante na bionomia de Dipetalogaster maximus. Os registros obtidos, são resultantes de observações diárias durante dez meses em relação à postura e à mortalidade dos adultos. Utilizaram-se dois grupos de dez casais da mesma idade (A e B), alimentados semanalmente em sangue de camundongos normais e dois grupos de dez casais (C e D) que nas mesmas condições se alimentaram em sangue de pombo. Todos os grupos mantidos em estufa B.O.D a 28ºC e 65% ± 2,5% U.R, condições consideradas adequadas ao seu desenvolvimento. No grupo A registraram-se 101 posturas com total de 1.018 ovos; em B observaram-se 118 posturas, totalizando 1.318 ovos. Nos grupos alimentados em pombo observou-se produtividade inferior: 70 posturas em C, com 398 ovos e 66 posturas em D com 495 ovos. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas na curva de motalidade das fêmeas.
Behavior of triatomines (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) vectors of Chagas' disease. II. Influence of feeding, lighting and time of day on the number of mating, mating speed and duration of copulation of Panstrongylus megistus (Burm, 1835) under laboratory conditions
Authors: Lima Marli Maria , Jurberg Pedro , Almeida Josimar Ribeiro de
Published: July 2009

To determine in influence of feeding, lighting and time of day on the copulating behavior of Panstrongylus megistus, 480 insect pairs were divided into four groups of 120 each and tested in the following respective situations: without food deprivation (F.D.), with five days of F.D., with ten days of F.D., and with 20 days of F. D. The tests were performed between 9:00 a.m. to 12:00a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with light (700-1400 lux) and in the dark (1.4-2.8 lux) and behavior was recorded by the time sampling technique. Mating spped (MS) and duration of copulation (DC) were also calculated for each situation. The maximum frequency of copulation was observed after five days of F.D., at night, in the dark (n = 16), and the minimum was observed for recently-fed pairs, at night, with light (n = 4). Males approached females more often than females approached males. MS was lowest in pairs with twenty days of F.D., at night, with light (X = 23.0 ± 16.0 minutes), and highest in recently-fed pairs, during the day, with light (X = 2.9 ± 2.5 minutes). DC was shortest in recently-fed insects, during the day, in the dark (X = 23.5 ± 6.7 minutes), and longest in recently-fed animals, at night, in the dark (X = 38.3 ± 6.9 minutes).
Physa Marmorata Guilding, 1828 (Pulmonata: Physidae)
Authors: Paraense W. Lobato
Published: July 2009

A description of Physa marmorata Guilding, 1828, based on material collected at its type-locality, the Caribbean island of Saint Vincent, is presented. The shell is thin, horn-colored, surface very glossy, diaphanous. Spire acute, elevated; protoconch distinct, rounded-conical, reddish-brown; five not shouldered, broadly convex whorls with subobsolete spiral lines and thin growth lines. Aperture elongated, 1.4-2.0 times as long as the remaining shell length, narrow obovate-lunate; upper half acute-angled,lower half oval,narrowly rounded at the base, outer lip sharp, inner lip completely closing the umbilical region; a very distinct callus on the parietal wall; columellar lip with a low ridge gradually merging into the callus. ratios: shell width/shell length = 0.44 - 0.52 (mean 0.47); spire length /shell lenght = 0.33-0.41 (mean 0.39); aperture length/shell lenght = 0.59-0.67 (mean 0.62). Oral lappets laterally mucronate, foot spatulate with deeply pigmented acuminate tail. Mantle reflection with 6-10 short triangular dentations covering nearly half the right surface of the body whorl, and 4-6 covering a part of the ventral wall. Body surface with tiny dots of greenish-yellow pigment besides melanin. Renal tube tightly folded in toa zigzag course. Ovotestis diverticula acinous, laterally pressed against each other around a collecting canal. Ovispermiduct with well-developed seminal vesicle. oviduct highly convoluted, merging into a less convoluted nidamental gland which narrows to a funnel-shaped uterus and a short vagina. Spermathecal body oblong, more or less constricted in the middle and somewhat curved; spermathecal duct uniformly narrow, a little longer than be body. About 20 prostatic diverticula, simple, bifurcate or divided into a few short branches, distalmost ones assembled into a cluster. Penis long, nearly uniformly narrow; penial canal with lateral opening about the junction of its middle and lower thirds. Penial sheath with a bulbous terminal expasion the tip of which isinserted into the caudal end of the prepuce. Prepuce shouldered, much wider than the narrow portion of the penial sheath. Penial sheath/prepuce ratio about 2.08 (1.45-2.75). The main extrinsic muscles of the penial complex are a retractor, with a branch attached to the bulb, and another to the caudal end of the penial sheath; and a protractor, with a branch attached to the shoulder of the prepuce and adjoining area of the penial sheath, and another to the caudal end of the penial sheath. Egg capsule C-shaped, with 10-30 elliptical eggs (snails 10mm long) measuring about 1.10 mm (0.90-1.32) through the long axis and surrounded by an inner and an outer lamellate membranes. Jaw a simple obtusely V-shaped plate. radula will be described separately.
Variabilidade de cepas de Schistosoma mansoni na produção de cercárias
Authors: Conceição Mario José da , Coura José Rodrigues , Cheever A. W.
Published: July 2009

Um estudo preliminar mostrou que Biomphalaria glabrata infectadas com cepas de Schistosoma mansoni isoladas de pacientes com a forma hepatoesplênica da doença produziam proporcionalmente maior número de cercárias e morriam mais precocemente que as infectadas com cepas isoladas da forma intestinal e hepatointestinal, entretanto, em contagens posteriores verificou-se uma grande variabilidade de cercárias no mesmo sistema, independente da forma clínica da origem das amostras.
Redescrição de Pterobothrium crassicolle Diesing, 1850 (Cestoda: Trypanorhyncha) e revalidação da espécie
Authors: Rego A. Arandas
Published: July 2009

É feito um estudo dos plerocercos, larvas de Trypanorhyncha, coletados de peixes estuarinos (Bagrus marinus) e de peixes fluviais, da região de Belém, Pará; os peixes fluviais foram a dourada (Brachyplatystoma flavicans) e a piramutaba (Brachyplatystoma vaillanti). Estes plerocercos foram comparados com outros coletados de pescadas (Cynoscion) e corvinas (Micropogonias), do litoral do Rio de Janeiro. Foram identificados à espécie Pterobothrium crassicolle Diesing, 1850; é dada uma redescrição, uma vez que se considerava como espécie imperfeitamente conhecida.
Potencialidade de Biomphalaria tenagophila do lago Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, como hospederia do Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Souza Cecília Pereira de , Araújo Neusa , Carvalho Omar dos Santos , Freitas José Rabelo de
Published: July 2009

Caramujos Biomphalaria tenagophila descendentes de exemplares coletados no lago da Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, foram expostos a miracídios de quatro cepas de Schistosoma mansoni: LE e HK de origem local, Belo Horizonte, AL do Estado de Alagoas e SJ, de São José dos Campos, SP. As cepas LE, AL e SJ são mantidas em laboratório e HK foi obtida de fezes de paciente que reside próximo à Pampulha. As taxas de infecção experimental foram de 4% (LE), 6% (HK), 30% (SJ) e 40% (AL). Esses indícios de infecção foram semelhantes aos obtidos por vários autores para populações de B. tenagophila de Minas Gerais. Caramujos infectados experimentalmente eliminaram número de cercárias comparável ao de B. glabrata do controle e de B. tenagophila capturada no lago, com infecção natural (cerca de 2.000 cercárias/molusco). Devido à alta densidade planorbídica atual em alguns pontos do lago, número de cercárias eliminadas por exemplares naturalmente infectados, afluxo de pessoas para pesca e lazer, contaminação das águas por dejetos humanos, os autores alertam para o risco de crescimento do foco de esquistossomose no local.
Patogenesis of pipe-stem fibrosis of the liver (experimental observation on murine Schistosomiasis)
Authors: Andrade Zilton A.
Published: July 2009

Mice infected with 30 cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni developed portal and septal fibrosis due to the massive and concentrated deposition of eggs in the periportal areas which occurred following the 16th week after infection. The lesion resembled pipe-stem fibrosis seen in human hepatosplenic schistosomiasis in the following characters: portal fibrosis interconnecting portal spaces as well as portal spaces and central canals; portal inflammation; periovular granulomas; vascular obstruction and telangiectasia. The liver parenchyma maintained its normal architecture. Vascular injection techniques with Indian ink and vinylite revealed that the portal system developed numerous dilated collateral venules coming from the large and medium-sized portal branches, about 10 weeks after schistosome infection. The lodging of schistosome eggs into these collaterals resulted in granulomatous inflammation and fibrosis along all the portal tracts, thus forming the pipe-stem lesion. Although not readily demonstrable grossly, the pipe-stem fibrosis of murine schistosomiasis has many similarities with the human lesion and can be considered to have the same basic pathogenesis.
Behavior of triatomines (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) vectors of Chaga's disease: IV. Fecundity, fertility and longevity of Panstrongylus megistus (Burm., 1835) pairs and virgin females starved under laboratory conditions
Authors: Lima Marli Maria , Jurberg Pedro , Almeida Josimar Ribeiro de
Published: July 2009

A laboratory study was conducted on the fecundity, fertility and life span of Panstrongylus megistus pairs and on the fecundity and life span of P. megistus virgin females submitted to starvation after the last moulting. Of the mated females, 22.2% laid eggs, 4.4% of which were fertile. Females resisted starvation more than males. Of the starved virgin females, only 10% laid eggs, with a low egg-laying rate (0.47) per female. Resistance to starvation was lower in virgin than in mated females.
Estadisticas vitales de Rhodnius neivai Lent, 1953 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) en condiciones experimentales
Authors: Cabello D. R. , Lizano E. , Valderrama A.
Published: July 2009

Se siguieron seis cohortes de Rhodnius neivai en el laboratorio a fin de evaluar estadisticamente su dinámica poblacional. Utilizamos dos fuentes alimentarias: gallina y conejo. Determinamos percentaje e eclosión de huevos, mortalidad y tiempo de desarrollo ninfal, longevidad y mortalidad edad-específica de adultos, fecundidad y fertilidad edad-especifica de hembras. Igualmente, evaluamos algunos parámetros poblacionales, como expectativa de vida, tasa intínseca de crecimiento natural, tasa neta de reporducción, tasa finita de crecimiento, valor reproductivo y distribución estable de edades. La duración del ciclo de vida fue mayor en los animales alimentados en conejo, la supervivencia ninfal fue ligeramente mayor en los individuos alimentados en gallina. La reproducción se inició antes en los ejemplares alimentados en gallina, pero el rendimiento reproductivo y la duración de la ovoposición fueron mayores en los alimentados en conejo. Las tasas intrínseca y finita de crecimientofueron mayores en los triatominos alimentados en gallina. El tiempo generacional fue ligeramente mayor en las cohortes alimentadas en conejo. La tasa neta de reproducción fue muy similar con ambas fuentes alimentarias, aunque ligeramente mayor en los ejemplares alimentados en conejo. El valor reproductivo en los alimentados en conejo fue el doble que en los insectos alimentados en gallina.
Urocleidoides astyanacis n. sp. (Mongenva ancyrocephalinae) from frescwater characidians on the genus Astyanax
Authors: Gioia Ismael , Cordeiro Nelson da Silva , Artigas Paulo de Toledo
Published: July 2009

A new species of Urocleidoides, U. astyanacis (Monogenea, Ancyrocephalinae) is described from the "lambari" Astyanax scabripinnis (Jenyns, 1842) and A. fasciatus (Cuvier, 1819). Hosts were collected in Atibaia and Jaguari Rivers near Campinas, São Paulo State, Brazil.
The role of behavior in the survival of Biomphalaria glabrata in biossays with the plant molluscicide Phytolacca dodecandra
Authors: Jurberg P. , Barbosa J. V. , Rotenberg L.
Published: July 2009

This work examines the role of behavior in the survival of Biomphalaria glabrata exposed to 25, 50 75 and 100 mgl-1 of Phytolacca dodecandra. Time-lapse cinematography was used to quantify accurately the following parameters: (a) frequency of exits from the solution, (b) time spent out of the solution and (c) time elapsed until the first exit from the solution. These behavior patterns were statistically compared between surviving snails and those which later died. The proportion of surviving snails leaving the liquid medium was significantly higher than that of dying snails. In addition, the surviving group spent significantly more time out of the solution than the group which died, except for the 100 mgl-1 concentration. However, no significant difference was detected in the time elapsed until the first exit from the solution. It can be concluded that both the tendency to leave the P. dodecandra solutions, and the time spent out of them, contributed significantly to snail survival. Molluscicide bioassays should take into account the possibility that some behavior patterns of planorbids might contribute to the protection of the snails.
Influência de diversos derivados de vegetais na sobrevida das larvas de Aedes fluviatilis(Lutz) (Diptera: Culicidade) em laboratorio
Authors: Consoli Rotraut A. G. B. , Mendes Nelymar M. , Pereira José P. , Santos Bernadete de S. , Lamounier Marlúcia A.
Published: July 2009

As propriedades larvicidas de 34 extratos, provenientes de 29 vegetais, foram testados em larvas de Aedes fluviatilis (Lutz) (Diptera: Culicidae) nas concentrações de 100, 10 e 1 ppm. 26,5% dos exames utilizados, reduziram significamente a sobrevida larvária (alfa = 0,05), quando empregados na concentração de 100 ppm (Anacardium occidentale, Agave americana, Allium sativum, Coriandrum sativum, Nerium oleander, Spatodea campanulata, Tibouchina scrobiculata e Vernonia salzmanni). O ácido anacárdio (A. occidentale) mostrou-se larvicida na concentração de 10 ppm e o extrato bruto de A. sativum foi eficaz contra as larvas na concentração de 1 ppm.
Rheotaxis of Biomphalaria glabrata on vertical substrates and its role in the recolonization of habitats treated with molluscicides
Authors: Jurberg P. , Silva C. L. P. A. Coelho da , Barreto M. G. M. , Soares M. S.
Published: July 2009

The authors observed specimens of Biomphalaria glabrata climbing up the vertical wall of a ditch against the current. The snails that showed this behavior during application of a molluscicide in the breeding site survived and probably played a role in repopulation, which was observed three months later. These observations motivated field and laboratory investigations which led the authors to conclude that: a) this species is able to climb vertical surfaces both in field and laboratory situations; b) the current of water, as a physical stimulus, is sufficient to trigger this behavior (rheotaxis); c) rheotaxis on vertical surfaces depends on the presence of a necessarily moderate current; d) there are indications that B. glabrata may undergo habituation with respect to rheotaxis on vertical walls, e) the relationship between rheotaxis and habituation should be considered as a factor causing snail grouping in water bodies which may contribute to their localization in the field; f) rheotaxis on vertical surfaces may facilitate population dispersal, and its occurrence should be considered when campaigns for the control of schistosomiasis transmission are planned. The authors present some proposals to avoid the manifestation of this behavior in some filed situations.
Detection of viral infection by immunofluorescence in formalin-fixed tissues, pretreated with trypsin
Authors: Barth O. M. , Majerowicz S. , Menasce L. P. , Schatzmayr H. G.
Published: July 2009

The presence of viral antigen in sections from formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded human tissues was demonstrated by trypsin digestion followed by direct or indirect immunofluorescence. The specimens may be used for retrospective diagnosis. The immunofluorescence technique has to be adapted to the suspected virus infection on the basis of previous histopathology study. Variations of trypsin concentration time and temperature of incubation, expose different viral antigens and have to be previously tested for each unknown system. For measles virus detection in lung a stronger digestion has to be applied as compared to adenovirus or respiratory disease viruses in the same tisue. Flavivirus in liver tissue needs a weaker digestion. The reproducibility of the method makes it useful as a routine technique in diagnosis of virus infection.
Influence of larval and pupal products on the oviposition behavior of Aedes Fluviatilis (Lutz) (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Consoli Rotraut A. G. B. , Teixeira Marco Antonio
Published: July 2009

Several larval and pupal products of Aedes fluviatilis (Lutz) were tested for their influence on the oviposition behaviour of females of the same species. Significant (alfa = 0,05) atractiveness was shown by: larval water, previously containing 5 to 15 larvae/1,5 ml; larval water, preserved up to 38 days; evaporate and reconstructed larval water extracts up to 2 years after production and water filtered through fresh or dried ground larvae. hexanic larval water extracts and water filtered through fresh or dired ground pupae did not influence oviposition.
Phlebotominae de Venezuela: descripción de la hembra Lutzomyia amilcari (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae)
Authors: Cardona Conrado Arredondo , Falcão Alda Lima , Dias Edelberto Santos
Published: July 2009

Es dada una descripción de la hembra de Lutzomyia amilcari, que fué colectada en Cubiro, Municipio Diego de Lozada, Estado Lara. El macho de la misma especie fué descrito anteriormente (Arredondo, 1984).
Descripcion de la hembra de Lutzomya ceferinoi (Ortiz & Alvarez, 1963) y redescripcion del macho
Authors: Carzola D. , Añez N.
Published: July 2009

Se hace un análisis morfométrico en hembras, urtilizando un método numérico de ordenación, demonstrándose un amplio rango de variabilidad morfométrica.
Morphological evidence by scanning electron microscopy of excretion of metacyclic forms of Trypanosoma cruzi in vector's urine
Authors: Zeledon Rodrigo , Bolaños Rodolfo , Navarro M. R. Espejo , Rojas Miguel
Published: July 2009

Comparision by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of Trypanosoma cruzi flagellates attached to the cuticle of the rectal gland of infected Dipetalogaster maxima nymphs, showed marked differences before amd after feeding. Before feeding numerous metacyclic trypomastigotes were observed among the abundant epimastigotes that formed the carpet of flagellates. On the other hand, in insects that were allowed to urinate for 24 hours after a meal, the metacyclics were scarce,indicating that they had been detached by the urine flow. An asymetric type of cell division, probably originating both an epi-and a trypomastigote, was occasionally observed. The occurrence of swellings at different levels of the flagella of epimastigotes suggests that secondary sites of attachment may be common.
Serological evidence of rotavirus infection in guinea pig colony
Authors: Castro L. de , Araújo H. P. de , Fialho A. M. , Gouvea V. S. , Pereira H. G.
Published: July 2009

Antibodies reacting with simian rotavirus SAII were detected by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and Western blot assay (WBA) in sera from guinea pigs bred for experimental use at the Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The proportion of antibody-positive animals and the antibody titres rose sharply in 1985, were maintained at a high levels in 1986 and declined in 1987. There were no obvious signs of disease coinciding with serological evidence of infection. Results of WBA suggest that the virus involved belongs to subgroup 1 of group A rotaviruses.
First report of Mazocroeoides georgei price, 1936 and Mazocraeoides opisthonema Hargis, 1955 in Brazil with new synonysms (Monogenea, Mazocraeidae)
Authors: Kohn Anna , Santos Cláudia Portes
Published: July 2009

Mazocraeoides georgei price, 1936 and mazocraeoides opisthonema Hargis, 1955 are reported for the first time in Brazil in Brevoortia aurea (Spix, 1829) and in Harengula clupeola (Cuvier, 1829) respectively, clupeid fishes from the littoral of Rio de janeiro State, which represent new host records. Mazocraeoides olentangiensis Sroufe, 1958 and mazocraeoides hargisi Price, 1961 are considered new synonyms for Mazocraeoides georgei.
Perspectivas de jovens universitários da Região Norte do Rio Grande do Sul em relação à paternidade
Authors: Perosa Cleci Terezinha , Pedro Eva Neri Rubim
Published: July 2009

A visão do jovem em relação à paternidade e envolvimento com futuros filhos tem sido um assunto de veiculação ainda incipiente na nossa realidade. Este estudo, descritivo, qualitativo e exploratório, teve como objetivos estudar as perspectivas de jovens universitários da Região Norte do Rio Grande do Sul quanto à paternidade, estudar sua visão em relação à sua criação e educação para a paternidade e identificar como as instituições (família, grupo de amigos, escola) influenciam no seu desenvolvimento e modo de pensar. Realizou-se na Universidade Regional Integrada do Alto Uruguai e das Missões, RS, com oito jovens universitários com idades entre 20 e 24 anos. Os dados coletados por grupo focal e entrevistas foram analisados mediante análise temática e apontaram para relevância da família, o papel do pai, estabilidade financeira, a importância da companheira, o papel do matrimônio e o jeito de ser pai na construção de suas vidas e paternidade.
Relação entre a gravidade do trauma e padrões de analgesia utilizados em acidentados de transporte
Authors: Calil Ana Maria , Pimenta Cibele Andrucioli de Mattos
Published: July 2009

Trata-se de um estudo inédito realizado no país, que identificou relações entre o padrão analgésico e a gravidade do trauma. Para tal, analisou-se uma população de 200 acidentados de transporte admitidos para tratamento na unidade de emergência de um hospital referência para o atendimento ao trauma no Município de São Paulo. A gravidade das lesões e do trauma foi caracterizada por índices de gravidade anatômicos. A partir da análise da terapia analgésica encontrada, construíram-se padrões de analgesia, tendo como base a escala analgésica da Organização Mundial de Saúde. Os resultados permitiram identificar associação estatística entre a gravidade do trauma e padrões distintos de analgesia. Espera-se que a divulgação desses achados possa servir de base para a criação de protocolos de analgesia em trauma e melhoria da qualidade da assistência, além de servir de estímulo para o desenvolvimento de estudos em uma área com tantas lacunas de conhecimento em nosso meio.