New taxa of Hemilophini (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae) of the Americas

New taxa of Hemilophini (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae) of the Americas. The new genus Mexicoscylus is described to include: M. rosae sp. nov., type species of the genus, and M. bivittatus (Gahan, 1892), comb. nov. both from Mexico. A key to the species of Mexicoscylus is added. More three species are described: Cotycuara villosa sp. nov., from Costa Rica; Phoebe parvimacula sp. nov., from Bolivia and Adesmus beruri sp. nov., from Brazil (Amazonas). All new species are illustrated.

Consumer attitudes, knowledge, and behavior related to salt consumption in sentinel countries of the Americas

Objective. To describe individual attitudes, knowledge, and behavior regarding salt intake, its dietary sources, and current food-labeling practices related to salt and sodium in five sentinel countries of the Americas. Methods. A convenience sample of 1 992 adults (>= 18 years old) from Argentina, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, and Ecuador (approximately 400 from each country) was obtained between September 2010 and February 2011. Data collection was conducted in shopping malls or major commercial areas using a questionnaire containing 33 questions. Descriptive estimates are presented for the total sample and stratified by country and sociodemographic characteristics of the studied population. Results. Almost 90% of participants associated excess intake of salt with the occurrence of adverse health conditions, more than 60% indicated they were trying to reduce their current intake of salt, and more than 30% believed reducing dietary salt to be of high importance. Only 26% of participants claimed to know the existence of a recommended maximum value of salt or sodium intake and 47% of them stated they knew the content of salt in food items. More than 80% of participants said that they would like food labeling to indicate high, medium, and low levels of salt or sodium and would like to see a clear warning label on packages of foods high in salt. Conclusions. Additional effort is required to increase consumers' knowledge about the existence of a maximum limit for intake and to improve their capacity to accurately monitor and reduce their personal salt consumption.

A review of the genus Speocarcinus Stimpson, 1859 (Crustacea: Brachyura: Xanthidae), with a key to its species and the description of one new species

Speocarcinus dentatus n. sp. is described from the southwestern Atlantic. The new species can be easily separated from its congeners by a suite of carapace and appendage characters. Speocarcinus Stimpson, 1859, now includes eight extant species, all from the Atlantic or Pacific coasts of the Americas. Additional characters to further differentiate between S. carolinensis Stimpson, 1859, and S. lobatus Guinot, 1969, and between S. granulimanus Rathbun, 1894, and S. spinicarpus Guinot, 1969 are documented. The lectotype of S. granulimanus is first described and a key to the species of Speocarcinus is provided.

Segregated anatomical input to sub-regions of the rodent superior colliculus associated with approach and defense

The superior colliculus (SC) is responsible for sensorimotor transformations required to direct gaze toward or a way from unexpected, biologically salient events. Significant changes in the external world are signaled to SC through primary multisensory afferents, spatially organized according to a retinotopic topography. For animals, where anunexpected event could indicate the presence of either predator or prey, early decisions to approach or avoid are particularly important. Rodents' ecology dictates predators are most often detected initially as movements in upper visual field (mapped in medial SC), while appetitive stimuli are normally found in lower visual field (mapped in lateral SC). Our purpose was to exploit this functional segregation to reveal neural sites that can bias or modulate initial approach or avoidance responses. Small injections of Fluoro-Gold were made into medial or lateral sub-regions of intermediate and deep layers of SC (SCm/SCl). A remarkable segregation of input to these two functionally defined areas was found. (i) There were structures that projected only to SCm (e.g., specific cortical areas, lateral geniculate and suprageniculate thalamic nuclei, ventromedial and premammillary hypothalamic nuclei, and several brain-stem areas) or SCl (e.g., primary somatosensory cortex representing upper body parts and vibrissae and parvicellular reticular nucleus in the brainstem). (ii) Other structures projected to both SCm and SCl but from topographically segregated populations of neurons (e.g., zona incerta and substantia nigra pars reticulata). (iii) There were a few brainstem areas in which retrogradely labeled neurons were spatially overlapping (e.g., pedunculopontine nucleus and locus coeruleus). These results indicate significantly more structures across the rat neuraxis are in a position to modulate defense responses evoked from SCm, and that neural mechanisms modulating SC-mediated defense or appetitive behavior are almost entirely segregated.

Risk assessment behaviors associated with corticosterone trigger the defense reaction to social isolation in rats: Role of the anterior cingulate cortex

The extent to which the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is activated by short-term and long-term consequences of stress is still open to investigation. This study aimed to determine (i) the correlation between plasma corticosterone and exploratory behavior exhibited by rats subjected to the elevated plus maze (EPM) following different periods of social isolation, (ii) the effects of the corticosterone synthesis blocker, metyrapone, on the behavioral consequences of isolation, and (iii) whether corticosterone produces its effects through an action on the anterior cingulate cortex, area 1 (Cg1). Rats were subjected to 30-min, 2-h, 24-h, or 7-day isolation periods before EPM exposure and plasma corticosterone assessments. Isolation for longer periods of time produced greater anxiogenic-like effects on the EPM. However, stretched attend posture (SAP) and plasma corticosterone concentrations were increased significantly after 30 min of isolation. Among all of the behavioral categories measured in the EPM, only SAP positively correlated with plasma corticosterone. Metyrapone injected prior to the 24 h isolation period reversed the anxiogenic effects of isolation. Moreover, corticosterone injected into the Cg1 produced a selective increase in SAP. These findings indicate that risk assessment behavior induced by the action of corticosterone on Cg1 neurons initiates a cascade of defensive responses during exposure to stressors.

Toward Global Standards for Comparator Pharmaceutical Products: Case Studies of Amoxicillin, Metronidazole, and Zidovudine in the Americas

This study compared in vitro dissolution characteristics and other quality measures of different amoxicillin, metronidazole, and zidovudine products purchased in the Americas to a comparator pharmaceutical product (CPP). These three drugs are classified as Biopharmaceutics Classification System Class I drugs with the possibility that dissolution findings might be used to document bioequivalence. All investigated zidovudine products were found to be in vitro equivalent to the CPP. Only 3 of 12 tested amoxicillin products were found to be in vitro equivalent to the CPP. None of the tested metronidazole products were in vitro equivalent to the CPP. These findings suggest but do not confirm bioinequivalence where in vitro comparisons failed, given that an in vivo blood level study might have confirmed bioequivalence. At times, identifying a CPP in one of the selected markets proved difficult. The study demonstrates that products sold across national markets may not be bioequivalent. When coupled with the challenge of identifying a CPP in different countries, the results of this study suggest the value of an international CPP as well as increased use of BCS approaches as means of either documenting bioequivalence or signaling the need for further in vivo studies. Because of increased movement of medicines across national borders, practitioners and patients would benefit from these approaches.

SOCIAL MONOGAMY AND BIPARENTAL CARE OF THE NEOTROPICAL SOUTHERN BAMBOO RAT (KANNABATEOMYS AMBLYONYX)

We analyzed social patterns indicative of the mating system and parental care in a population of the southern bamboo rat (Kannabateomys amblyonyx). This arboreal rodent feeds exclusively on bamboo stems and leaves. We conducted fieldwork from August 2003 to October 2004 in southern Brazil (30 degrees 20`-30 degrees 27`S, 50 degrees 50`-51 degrees 05`W), in patches of introduced Chinese bamboo (Bambusa tuldoides). We captured 18 individuals, 7 of which were adults that received radiotransmitters and were followed from 1 to 12 months. Another 5 animals (adults or subadults) received colored collars. We observed paternal care, delayed juvenile dispersal, and reduced degree of sexual dimorphism, all of which are traits typical of social monogamy. Mated males showed a direct parental behavioral repertoire similar to that of females (with the obvious exception of nursing), including grooming, huddling, and food provisioning. Potential monogamy in this species seems to be a flexible strategy linked to low density of bamboo patches. Females were confined to widely spaced., small home ranges, decreasing the possibility of male defense of and access to > 1 female. The arboreal habits of the species possibly increase the risk of inexperienced young falling from trees or else being depreciated when moving exposed through branches. This risk is probably reduced by the extensive biparental care observed, including the providing of low-energy plant food to young in the nest.

Solanum americanum as a reservoir of natural enemies of the tomato red spider mite, Tetranychus evansi (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Brazilian populations of the pathogenic fungus Neozygites floridana (Weiser & Muma) Remaudiere & S. Keller (Entomophthoromycotina: Entomophthorales) and the predatory mite Phytoseiulus longipes Evans (Acari: Phytoseiidae) are potential candidates for introduction into Africa for classical biological control of the tomato red spider mite, Tetranychus evansi Baker & Pritchard (Acari: Tetranychidae). The efficiency of these natural enemies against T. evansi has been demonstrated under laboratory conditions, but little is known about their performance on native Solanaceae in the field. The American nightshade, Solanum americanum Mill., is native to the Americas and may serve as an alternative host plant for T. evansi and its natural enemies in the absence of tomato plants. In this work, we studied the population dynamics of T. evansi and its natural enemies on S. americanum in a screen house, semi-field and field plots in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, to evaluate the potential of natural enemies for controlling T. evansi. Of the four natural enemies found in association with T. evansi, only N. floridana and P. longipes were clearly associated with the reduction of the populations of T. evansi. Neozygites floridana was observed in a screen house, semi-field and field plots, but P. longipes was only detected in the semi-field plots. Increases in the population of T. evansi were always followed by increases in the density of one of these natural enemies, suggesting that they were important factors regulating T. evansi populations on S. americanum. The presence of this host plant near the release sites in Africa thus might increase the chances for the permanent establishment of these natural enemies.

The contribution of a murine CNS-TB model for the understanding of the host-pathogen interactions in the formation of granulomas

Central nervous system (CNS) tuberculosis (TB) is the most severe form of TB, characterized morphologically by brain granulomas and tuberculous meningitis (TBM). Experimental strategies for the study of the host-pathogen interaction through the analysis of granulomas and its intrinsic molecular mechanisms could provide new insights into the neuropathology of TB. To verify whether cerebellar mycobacterial infection induces the main features of the disease in human CNS and better understand the physiological mechanisms underlying the disease, we injected bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) into the mouse cerebellum. BCG-induced CNS-TB is characterized by the formation of granulomas and TBM, a build up of bacterial loads in these lesions, and microglial recruitment into the lesion sites. In addition, there is an enhanced expression of signaling molecules such as nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) and there is a presence of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the lesions and surrounding areas. This murine model of cerebellar CNS-TB was characterized by cellular and biochemical immune responses typically found in the human disease. This model could expand our knowledge about granulomas in TB infection of the cerebellum, and help characterize the physiological mechanisms involved with the progression of this serious illness that is responsible for killing millions people every year. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Global pharmacogenomics: Impact of population diversity on the distribution of polymorphisms in the CYP2C cluster among Brazilians

The impact of biogeographical ancestry, self-reported 'race/color' and geographical origin on the frequency distribution of 10 CYP2C functional polymorphisms (CYP2C8*2, *3, *4, CYP2C9*2, *3, *5, *11, CYP2C19*2, *3 and *17) and their haplotypes was assessed in a representative cohort of the Brazilian population (n = 1034). TaqMan assays were used for allele discrimination at each CYP2C locus investigated. Individual proportions of European, African and Amerindian biogeographical ancestry were estimated using a panel of insertion-deletion polymorphisms. Multinomial log-linear models were applied to infer the statistical association between the CYP2C alleles and haplotypes (response variables), and biogeographical ancestry, self-reported Color and geographical origin (explanatory variables). The results showed that CYP2C19*3, CYP2C9*5 and CYP2C9*11 were rare alleles (<1%), the frequency of other variants ranged from 3.4% (CYP2C8*4) to 17.3% (CYP2C19*17). Two distinct haplotype blocks were identified: block 1 consists of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (CYP2C19*17, CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C9*2) and block 2 of six SNPs (CYP2C9*11, CYP2C9*3, CYP2C9*5, CYP2C8*2, CYP2C8*4 and CYP2C8*3). Diplotype analysis generated 41 haplotypes, of which eight had frequencies greater than 1% and together accounted for 96.4% of the overall genetic diversity. The distribution of CYP2C8 and CYP2C9 (but not CYP2C19) alleles, and of CYP2C haplotypes was significantly associated with self-reported Color and with the individual proportions of European and African genetic ancestry, irrespective of Color self-identification. The individual odds of having alleles CYP2C8*2, CYP2C8*3, CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3, and haplotypes including these alleles, varied continuously as the proportion of European ancestry increased. Collectively, these data strongly suggest that the intrinsic heterogeneity of the Brazilian population must be acknowledged in the design and interpretation of pharmacogenomic studies of the CYP2C cluster in order to avoid spurious conclusions based on improper matching of study cohorts. This conclusion extends to other polymorphic pharmacogenes among Brazilians, and most likely to other admixed populations of the Americas. The Pharmacogenomics Journal (2012) 12, 267-276; doi: 10.1038/tpj.2010.89; published online 21 December 2010

Effects of exposition to polluted environments on blood cells of the fish Prochilodus lineatus

In this study, we investigated the effects of contaminated water on the blood parameters of the fish Prochilodus lineatus exposed during 7 and 20 days. Blood was collected with heparinized syringes, and blood smears were prepared and stained with Leishman stain. Slides were examined and photographed using a Leica light microscope. Total white blood cell counts and differential counts of thrombocytes and leukocytes were obtained for statistical analysis. The group exposed to water samples from Lago Azul exhibited an increase in the number of leukocytes and in the total number of white blood cells, suggesting that the chemical contaminants in this environment were acting similarly to antigens in this fish species, causing the proliferation of defense cells. In the group exposed to detergent during 20 days, the number of thrombocytes decreased. These results suggest that the variations in the number of leukocytes were indicators of environmental pollution and that biodegradable detergents may, after a certain time of exposure, affect vital functions in fish, such as coagulation and prevention of infections, which directly involves thrombocytes. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2012. (c) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Accumulation of the SET protein in HEK293T cells and mild oxidative stress: cell survival or death signaling

SET protein (I2PP2A) is an inhibitor of PP2A, which regulates the phosphorylated Akt (protein kinase B) levels. We assessed the effects of SET overexpression in HEK293T cells, both in the presence and the absence of mild oxidative stress induced by 50 mu M tert-butyl hydroperoxide. Immunoblotting assays demonstrated that SET accumulated in HEK293T cells and increased the levels of phosphorylated Akt and PTEN; in addition, SET decreased glutathione antioxidant defense of cell and increased expression of genes encoding antioxidant defense proteins. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that accumulated SET was equally distributed in cytoplasm and nucleus; however, in cells that had been exposed to oxidative stress, SET was found in large aggregates in the cytoplasm. SET accumulation in HEK293T cells correlated with inhibition of basal apoptosis as evidenced by a decrease in annexin V staining and activity of caspases; under mild oxidative stress, SET accumulation correlated with caspase-independent cell death, as evidenced by increased PI and annexin V/PI double staining. The results suggest that accumulated SET could act via Akt/PTEN either as cell survival signal or as oxidative stress sensor for cell death.

The occurrence of defensive alkaloids in non-integumentary tissues of the Brazilian red-belly toad Melanophryniscus simplex (Bufonidae)

The red-belly toads (Melanophryniscus) of southern South America secrete defensive alkaloids from dermal granular glands. To date, all information on Melanophryniscus alkaloids has been obtained by extraction from either skins or whole organisms; however, in other amphibians, tetrodotoxins, samandarines, and bufadienolides have been detected in both skin and other organs, which raise the possibility that lipophilic alkaloids may occur in non-integumentary tissues in Melanophryniscus as well. To test this hypothesis, we studied the distribution of alkaloids in the skin, skeletal muscle, liver, and mature oocytes of the red-belly toad M. simplex from three localities in southern Brazil. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry of skin extracts from 11 individuals of M. simplex resulted in the detection of 47 alkaloids (including isomers), 9 unclassified and 38 from 12 known structural classes. Each alkaloid that was present in the skin of an individual was also present in the same relative proportion in that individual's skeletal muscle, liver, and oocytes. The most abundant and widely distributed alkaloids were the pumiliotoxins 251D, 267C, and 323A, 5,8-disubstituted indolizidines 207A and 223D, 5,6,8-trisubstituted indolizidine 231B, 3,5-disubstituted pyrrolizidines cis-223B and cis- and trans-251K, and izidine 211C. We report the first record of piperidines in Melanophryniscus, bringing the total number of alkaloid classes detected in this genus to 16. Alkaloid composition differed significantly among the three study sites. The functional significance of defensive chemicals in non-integumentary tissues is unknown.

Behavioral analysis of the interaction between the spitting spider Scytodes globula (Araneae: Scytodidae) and the harvestman Discocyrtus invalidus (Opiliones: Gonyleptidae)

Spitting spiders (Scytodidae) have a distinct predatory strategy in which they eject a sticky secretion from their cheliceral fangs to immobilize prey. This behavior could potentially allow the spider not only to avoid defensive secretions but also to bite specific vulnerable spots of a potential prey such as a harvestman. We used an ethogram, a fluxogram and an experiment to analyze the interaction between the harvestman Discocyrtus invalidus Piza 1938 (Arachnida: Opiliones) and the syntopic spider Scytodes globula (Nicolet 1849) (Arachnida: Araneae). These spiders, while readily taking crickets as prey, seldom spat at and never bit the harvestmen, which apparently did not exude repugnatorial secretions. We therefore tested, by clogging the glands and using appropriate controls, whether non-visible amounts of secretions could cause the rejection, but the harvestmen were still refused. This is the first detailed and quantified description of an interaction between a spitting spider and a harvestman. The general conclusions are that S. globula avoids preying on D. invalidus, S. globula behaves differently when attacking harvestmen and crickets and the scent gland secretions of D. invalidus do not play a direct role in this predator-prey interaction.

Budd-Chiari syndrome in a 25-year-old woman with Behçet's disease: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract Introduction The risk that patients with Behçet's disease will develop thrombotic complications has been previously described. Although it is distributed worldwide, Behçet's disease is rare in the Americas and Europe. Even though the pathogenic mechanisms of vascular complications of Budd-Chiari syndrome in patients with Behçet's disease are unknown, severe vascular complications of Budd-Chiari syndrome associated with Behçet's disease seem to affect mainly young men. Case presentation We report a case of Budd-Chiari syndrome, a severe vascular complication that developed in a 25-year-old Afro-Brazilian woman with Behçet's disease. Conclusion Severe vascular complications of Budd-Chiari syndrome in patients with Behçet's disease are much more common in young adult male patients; we present a rare case of Budd-Chiari syndrome in a young Afro-Brazilian woman with Behçet's disease.