Molecular barcode and morphological analyses reveal the taxonomic and biogeographical status of the striped-legged hermit crab species Clibanarius sclopetarius (Herbst, 1796) and Clibanarius vittatus (Bosc, 1802) (Decapoda: Diogenidae)

The taxonomic status of the species Clibanarius sclopetarius (Herbst, 1796) and Clibanarius vittatus (Bosc, 1802), which have sympatric biogeographical distributions restricted to the western Atlantic Ocean, is based only on differences in the colour pattern of the walking legs of adults. Their morphological similarity led to the suggestion that they be synonymised. In order to investigate this hypothesis, we included species of Clibanarius Dana, 1892 in a molecular phylogenetic analysis of partial sequences of the mitochondrial 16S rDNA gene and the COI barcode region. In addition, we combined the molecular results with morphological observations obtained from several samples of these two species. The genetic divergences of the 16S rDNA and COI sequences between C. sclopetarius and C. vittatus ranged from 4.5 to 5.9% and 9.4 to 11.9%, which did not justify their synonymisation. Differences in the telson morphology, chela ornamentation, and coloration of the eyestalks and antennal peduncle provided support for the separation of the two species. Another interesting result was a considerable genetic difference found between populations of C. vittatus from Brazil and the Gulf of Mexico, which may indicate the existence of two homonymous species.

Update on the status of the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph onboard the Hubble Space Telescope

The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) has been on orbit for approximately 16 years as one of the 2nd generation instruments on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). Its operations were interrupted by an electronics failure in 2004, but STIS was successfully repaired in May 2009 during Service Mission 4 (SM4) allowing it to resume science observations. The Instrument team continues to monitor its performance and work towards improving the quality of its products. Here we present updated information on the status of the FUV and NUV MAMA and the CCD detectors onboard STIS and describe recent changes to the STIS calibration pipeline. We also discuss the status of efforts to apply a pixel-based correction for charge transfer inefficiency (CTI) effects to STIS CCD data. These techniques show promise for ameliorating the effects of ongoing radiation damage on the quality of STIS CCD data.

Eating behaviors and the social status of families of malnourished children

The objective of this study was to learn about the everyday eating behaviors and the social status of the families of malnourished children. This qualitative study involved eight families. Data were collected by participant observation and semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed the following themes: family eating; the family's social status and eating during childhood; and the presence of social programs and equipment. The family did not gather for meals and their food consisted basically of different sources of carbohydrates. Fruits and vegetables were very limited and considered to be food choices that did not provide sustenance. Differences were observed between the family's' and the children's' eating habits. Social programs and equipment provided important support, especially regarding the positive attachment with institutions and professionals and following the children's health. The family's social status does not allow the offering of appropriate quantities and quality of food throughout the month, thus compromising the nutritional status of the children, who are deprived of appropriate foods of adequate nutritional value.

On the taxonomic status of Chactas camposi Mello-Leitao, 1939 (Scorpiones, Chactidae)

The true taxonomic status of the chactid scorpion Chactas camposi Mello-Leitao, 1939 from Ecuador is established based in the recently discovered holotype female, until now considered lost, at the Museu Nacional do Rio de Janeiro. In base on the analysis of the external morphology, we transfer this species to the genus Teuthraustes Simon, 1878. A detailed redescription and diagnosis according to modern standards are provided. Teuthraustes camposi comb. n. is closely related with Teuthraustes whymperi (Pocock, 1893) from Ecuadorian provinces Pichincha and Cotopaxi.

Taxonomic and distributional notes on Telebasis Selys, 1865, with a redescription of T. pallida Machado, 2010, and an evaluation of the T. racenisi Bick & Bick, 1995 "complex" of species (Odonata, Coenagrionidae)

A full checklist of the species of Telebasis Selys, 1865, housed in the Brazilian collections Colecao Entomologica Prof. Jose Alfredo Pinheiro Dutra, Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio do Janeiro (DZRJ), and Museu de Zoologia, Universidade de Sao Paulo (MZSP) is presented. A total of 325 specimens representing 19 species were studied. Ten new records for Brazilian States were found for T. carmesina Calvert, 1909 (Rio de Janeiro and Rio Grande do Sul), T. corallina (Selys, 1876) (Pernambuco), T. demarara (Williamson, 1917) (Maranhao), T. filiola (Perty, 1834) (Paraiba and Santa Catarina), T. gigantea Daigle, 2002 (Sao Paulo), T. inalata (Calvert, 1961) (Mato Grosso do Sul), T. pallida Machado, 2010 (Goias) and T. obsoleta (Selys, 1876) (Mato Grosso do Sul), as well as a new record of T. carminita Calvert, 1909 for Suriname. Telebasis pallida Machado, 2010 is redescribed and diagnosed based on 14 males collected near the type locality, and its genital ligula is described and illustrated for the first time. Furthermore, the status of the three species of the Telebasis racenisi Bick & Bick, 1995 complex is evaluated. Of these, Telebasis pareci Machado, 2010 syn. n. is proposed as junior subjective synonym of Telebasis lenkoi Machado, 2010, and a possible synonymy among the three species is discussed under T. racenisi. ((c) 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

The methylation patterns of the IGF2 and IGF2R genes in bovine spermatozoa are not affected by flow-cytometric sex sorting

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of sexing by flow cytometry on the methylation patterns of the IGF2 and IGF2R genes. Frozen-thawed, unsorted, and sex-sorted sperm samples from four Nellore bulls were used. Each ejaculate was separated into three fractions: non-sexed (NS), sexed for X-sperm (SX), and sexed for Y-sperm (SY). Sperm were isolated from the extender, cryoprotectant, and other cell types by centrifugation on a 40:70% Percoll gradient, and sperm pellets were used for genomic DNA isolation. DNA was used for analyses of the methylation patterns by bisulfite sequencing. Methylation status of the IGF2 and IGF2R genes were evaluated by sequencing 195 and 147 individual clones, respectively. No global differences in DNA methylation were found between NS, SX, and SY groups for the IGF2 (P=0.09) or IGF2R genes (P=0.38). Very specific methylation patterns were observed in the 25th and 26th CpG sites in the IGF2R gene. representing higher methylation in NS than in the SX and SY groups compared with the other CpG sites. Further, individual variation in methylation patterns was found among bulls. In conclusion, the sex-sorting procedure by flow cytometry did not affect the overall DNA methylation patterns of the IGF2 and IGF2R genes, although individual variation in their methylation patterns among bulls was observed. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 79:7784, 2012. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Analysis of the concordance rates between core needle biopsy and surgical excision in patients with breast cancer

Objective: To evaluate whether immunohistochemical marker studies performed on core needle biopsy (CNB) specimens accurately reflect the marker status of the tumor obtained from final surgical specimen. Methods: This was a retrospective study that used the database of the Division of Mastology of the Hospital das Clinicas, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Sixty-nine patients submitted to ultrasound-guided CNB diagnosed with breast cancer were retrospectively analyzed. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) on core biopsy specimens was compared to that of excisional biopsy regarding estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal gowth factor receptor 2 gene (HER2), p53, and Ki67. The analysis of the concordance between CNB and surgical biopsy was performed using the kappa (k) coefficient (95% CI). Results: A perfect concordance between the labeling in the surgical specimens and the preoperative biopsies in p53 (k = 1.0; 95% CI: 0.76-1.0) was identified. There was an almost perfect concordance for ER (k = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.65-1.0) and a substantial concordance for PR (k = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.46-0.93). HER2 (k = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.38-0.84) and Ki-67 (k = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.58-0.98) obtained a substantial concordance this analysis. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the immunohistochemical analysis of ER, PR, Ki-67, and p53 from core biopsy specimens provided results that accurately reflect the marker status of the tumor. The concordance rate of HER2 was less consistent; although it produced substantial concordance, values were very close to moderate concordance.

Cryptic Species of the Anastrepha fraterculus Complex (Diptera: Tephritidae): A Multivariate Approach for the Recognition of South American Morphotypes

Although a large amount of data have been published in past years on the taxonomic status of the Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) species complex, there is still a need to know how many species this complex comprises, the distribution of each one, and their distinguishing features. In this study, we assessed the morphometric variability of 32 populations from the A. fraterculus complex, located in major biogeographical areas from the Neotropics. Multivariate techniques for analysis were applied to the measurements of 21 variables referring to the mesonotum, aculeus, and wing. For the first time, our results identified the presence of seven distinct morphotypes within this species complex. According to the biogeographical areas, populations occurring in the Mesoamerican dominion (Mexico, Guatemala, and Panama) were clustered within a single natural entity labeled as the "Mexican" morphotype; whereas in the northwestern South American dominion, samples fell into three distinct groups: the "Venezuelan" morphotype with a single population from the Caribbean lowlands of Venezuela, the "Andean" morphotype from the highlands of Venezuela and Colombia, and the third group or "Peruvian" morphotype comprised the samples from the Pacific coastal lowlands of Ecuador and Peru. Three additional groups were identified from the Chacoan and Paranaense sub-regions: the morphotype "Brazilian-1" was recognized as including the Argentinean samples with most pertaining to Brazil, and widely distributed in these biogeographical areas; the morphotype "Brazilian-2" was recognized as including two samples from the state of Sao Paulo (Ilha-Bela and Sao Sebastiao); whereas the morphotype "Brazilian-3" included a single population from Botucatu (state of Sao Paulo). Based on data published by previous authors showing genetic and karyotypic differentiation, as well as reproductive isolation, we have concluded that such morphotypes indeed represent natural groups and distinct taxonomic entities.

Systematic position of the monotypic Azorean genus Falbouria Dyte with notes on the definition of Chrysotus Meigen (Diptera: Dolichopodidae)

The systematic position and the generic status of the monotypic genus Falbouria Dyte (Dolichopodidae: Diaphorinae) are evaluated. The type-species of the genus, F. acorensis (Parent), endemic to the Azores, is re-described, and hypopygial and oviscapt morphology illustrated in detail for the first time. Falbouria is kept as a separate genus, but close to Chrysotus Meigen, which is certainly paraphyletic (or even polyphyletic) in its present composition. A brief discussion on the delimitation of Chrysotus is provided and its laesus-group of species is suggested as the core clade of the genus.

Taxonomic Status and Redescription of the Gillbacker Sea Catfish (Siluriformes: Ariidae: Sciades parkeri)

The Gillbacker Sea Catfish is a valid species of ariid catfish from the northeastern coast of South America. There are many synonyms In the literature for the Gillbacker Sea Catfish and even recent classifications have used different scientific names. Examination of a wide range of sizes of Individuals from different localities and examination of types and original species descriptions of Silurus parkeri, Bagrus flavescens, B. emphysetus, Arius physacanthus, A. bonneti, A. clavispinosus, and A. despaxi has lead us to the conclusion that all these names refer to the Gillbacker Sea Catfish and the valid name for the species is Sciades parkeri. The species is distinguished from all other ariid species by the following combination of features: body coloration yellow; swim bladder divided Into three chambers, posterior chamber moderately sized; nuchal plate shield-shaped, usually larger than supraocciptal process; anterior notch of nuchal plate absent; head shield exposed and granulated In orbital and postorbital regions; lateral edge of accessory patches not emarginated or shallowly notched; fleshy furrow connecting posterior nares absent; and mesial gill rakers absent from first two gill arches. Striking intraspecific and/or ontogenetic variation In eye size, maxillary-barbel length, supraoccipital-process size, nuchal-plate size and shape, and dorsal-spine thickness contributed to the numerous synonyms and misidentifications for Sciades parkeri. Bagrus albicans, described from French Guiana, has at times been listed as a synonym of Sciades parkeri. Our examination of the holotype of B. albicans, however, led us to conclude that It is a synonym of Sciades proops.

Clinical and nutritional status in the late postoperative of pancreaticoduodenectomy. Influence of pylorus preservation procedure

PURPOSE: To evaluate the nutritional status of patients in the late postoperative period of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and compare the long-term outcome according to pylorus-preserving (PPPD) or the standard technique (SPD) in which the pylorus is resected. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted twelve months prior or more in patients who had underwent PD (PD Group, n=15) and health volunteers (Control Group, n=15). At a post hoc analysis, the PD Group was divided in PPPD Subgroup (n=9) and SPD Subgroup (n=6), according to the PD techniques. Gastrointestinal complaints and nutritional status were evaluated, apart from a biochemical assessment; Student t-test or Mann-Whitney test were used. RESULTS: The patients recovered their body weight and the gastrointestinal complaints were uncommon. The PD Group showed higher energy and protein intake even though BMI was lower than in Control Group. There were no differences in laboratorial data, except for higher glycemia, serum alkaline phosfatase and C-reactive protein in PD Group. There was no difference in the various parameters evaluated when the Subgroups (PPPD and SPD) were compared. CONCLUSION: For long-term pancreaticoduodenectomy, the gastrointestinal symptoms are minimal and the patients had the clinical and nutritional status preserved, regardless of pylorus preservation.

Redefining the taxonomic status of Laurencia dendroidea (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) from Brazil and the Canary Islands

Morphological and molecular studies have been performed on Laurencia dendroidea derived from Brazil and the Canary Islands. This species possesses all of the characters that are typical of the genus Laurencia, including the production of the first pericentral cell underneath the basal cell of the trichoblast; the production of tetrasporangia from particular pericentral cells without the formation of additional fertile pericentral cells; spermatangial branches that are produced from one of two laterals on the suprabasal cell of the trichoblasts; and a procarp-bearing segment that possesses five pericentral cells. The phylogenetic position of L. dendroidea was inferred by analysing the chloroplast-encoded rbcL gene sequences of 51 taxa. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the taxa previously identified and cited in Brazil as Laurencia filiformis, L. majuscula and L. obtusa and in the Canary Islands as L. majuscula all represent the same taxonomic entity and examination of type material allowed us to identify this entity as L. dendroidea, whose type locality is in Brazil. Laurencia obtusa from the Northern Atlantic is confirmed to represent a distinct species, which displays high genetic divergence with respect to western and eastern Atlantic samples. The phylogenetic analyses also supported the nomenclatural transfer of Chondrophycus furcatus (Cordeiro-Marino & M. T. Fujii) M. T. Fujii & Senties to Palisada furcata (Cordeiro-Marino & M. T. Fujii) Cassano & M. T. Fujii comb. nov.

Status of Aceria guerreronis Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae) as a Pest of Coconut in the State of Sao Paulo, Southeastern Brazil

The coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis Keifer, is one of the main pests of coconut palms (Cocos nucifera) in northeastern Brazil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the levels of the coconut mite and other mites on coconut palms in the state of So Paulo and to estimate the possible role of predatory mites in the control of this pest. The effect of cultivated genotypes and sampling dates on the mite populations was also estimated. We sampled attached fruits, leaflets, inflorescences, and fallen fruits. The coconut mite was the main phytophagous mite found on attached and fallen fruits, with average densities of 110.0 and 20.5 mites per fruit, respectively. The prevalent predatory mites on attached and fallen fruits were Proctolaelaps bulbosus Moraes, Reis & Gondim Jr. and Proctolaelaps bickleyi (Bram), both Melicharidae. On leaflets, the tenuipalpids Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijsks) and Tenuipalpus coyacus De Leon and the tetranychid Oligonychus modestus (Banks) were the predominant phytophagous mites. On both leaflets and inflorescences, the predominant predatory mites belonged to the Phytoseiidae. Neoseiulus baraki (Athias-Henriot) and Neoseiulus paspalivorus (De Leon), predators widely associated with the coconut mite in northeastern Brazil and several other countries, were not found. The low densities of the coconut mite in So Paulo could be related to prevailing climatic conditions, scarcity of coconut plantations (hampering the dispersion of the coconut mite between fields), and to the fact that some of the genotypes cultivated in the region are unfavorable for its development.

The effects of infertility on the spouses' relationship

The present study investigated the effects of infertility on the spouses' relationship, with the objectives to describe the profile of the studied population, and analyze the effects of infertility on their emotional, sexual and marital life. To do this, a cross-sectional and prospective study was performed in a specialist institution. The sample consisted of 50 infertile couples with a mean of six years of infertility. The women manifested negative feelings in view of the infertility, while the men assumed an attitude of support. The effects on the couples' sexual life were more pronounced in women, and the infertility treatment resulted in positive changes for both spouses. No differences were found regarding the effects of infertility between the women who had undergone more than one treatment and those undergoing treatment for the first time; between the men there were differences in the emotional aspect ( frustration and relief) and in the marital relationship ( strengthening and maturing).

Dietary carotenoid lutein protects against DNA damage and alterations of the redox status induced by cisplatin in human derived HepG2 cells

Several epidemiological and experimental studies has been reported that lutein (LT) presents antioxidant properties. Aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effects of LT against oxidative stress and DNA damage induced by cisplatin (cDDP) in a human derived liver cell line (HepG2). Cell viability and DNA-damage was monitored by MU and comet assays. Moreover, different biochemical parameters related to redox status (glutathione, cytochrome-c and intracellular ROS) were also evaluated. A clear DNA-damage was seen with cDDP (1.0 mu M) treatment. In combination with the carotenoid, reduction of DNA damage was observed after pre- and simultaneous treatment of the cells, but not when the carotenoid was added to the cells after the exposure to cDDP. Exposure of the cells to cDDP also caused significant changes of all biochemical parameters and in co-treatment of the cells with LT, the carotenoid reverted these alterations. The results indicate that cDDP induces pronounced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells that is related to DNA damage and that the supplementation with the antioxidant LT may protect these adverse effects caused by the exposure of the cells to platinum compound, which can be a good predict for chemoprevention. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.