Revision of the Neotropical robber fly genus Cnodalomyia Hull (Diptera, Asilidae, Asilinae) with description of two new species from Brazil

The genus Cnodalomyia includes only two Brazilian species: C. obtusa Hull, 1962 and C. catarinensis Lamas and Mellinger, 2008. Studying material deposited in the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de Sao Paulo (MZUSP), the authors found a long series of unidentified specimens of the genus, some of which are specimens of C. obtusa labelled with the same data as the type series as well as other specimens from different localities, representing an enlargement of the known geographic records of the species. This material, together with the types of C. catarinensis, enables this revision. A redescription of the genus and of its type species, C. obtusa, including descriptions and illustrations of its spermathecae and egg, until now never described, the description and illustration of two new species (C. artigasi sp. nov. and C. papaveroi sp. nov.), the diagnosis and egg description of C. catarinensis and an identification key to all included species are presented herein.

Genetic characterization of fig tree mutants with molecular markers

The fig (Ficus carica L.) is a fruit tree of great world importance and, therefore, the genetic improvement becomes an important field of research for better crops, being necessary to gather information on this species, mainly regarding its genetic variability so that appropriate propagation projects and management are made. The improvement programs of fig trees using conventional procedures in order to obtain new cultivars are rare in many countries, such as Brazil, especially due to the little genetic variability and to the difficulties in obtaining plants from gamete fusion once the wasp Blastophaga psenes, responsible for the natural pollinating, is not found in Brazil. In this way, the mutagenic genetic improvement becomes a solution of it. For this reason, in an experiment conducted earlier, fig plants formed by cuttings treated with gamma ray were selected based on their agronomic characteristics of interest. We determined the genetic variability in these fig tree selections, using RAPD and AFLP molecular markers, comparing them to each other and to the Roxo-de-Valinhos, used as the standard. For the reactions of DNA amplification, 140 RAPD primers and 12 primer combinations for AFLP analysis were used. The selections did not differ genetically between themselves and between them and the Roxo-de-Valinhos cultivar. Techniques that can detect polymorphism between treatments, such as DNA sequencing, must be tested. The phenotypic variation of plants may be due to epigenetic variation, necessitating the use of techniques with methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes.

Lufaxin, a Novel Factor Xa Inhibitor From the Salivary Gland of the Sand Fly Lutzomyia longipalpis Blocks Protease-Activated Receptor 2 Activation and Inhibits Inflammation and Thrombosis In Vivo

Objective-Blood-sucking arthropods' salivary glands contain a remarkable diversity of antihemostatics. The aim of the present study was to identify the unique salivary anticoagulant of the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis, which remained elusive for decades. Methods and Results-Several L. longipalpis salivary proteins were expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells and screened for inhibition of blood coagulation. A novel 32.4-kDa molecule, named Lufaxin, was identified as a slow, tight, noncompetitive, and reversible inhibitor of factor Xa (FXa). Notably, Lufaxin's primary sequence does not share similarity to any physiological or salivary inhibitors of coagulation reported to date. Lufaxin is specific for FXa and does not interact with FX, Dansyl-Glu-Gly-Arg-FXa, or 15 other enzymes. In addition, Lufaxin blocks prothrombinase and increases both prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time. Surface plasmon resonance experiments revealed that FXa binds Lufaxin with an equilibrium constant approximate to 3 nM, and isothermal titration calorimetry determined a stoichiometry of 1:1. Lufaxin also prevents protease-activated receptor 2 activation by FXa in the MDA-MB-231 cell line and abrogates edema formation triggered by injection of FXa in the paw of mice. Moreover, Lufaxin prevents FeCl3-induced carotid artery thrombus formation and prolongs activated partial thromboplastin time ex vivo, implying that it works as an anticoagulant in vivo. Finally, salivary gland of sand flies was found to inhibit FXa and to interact with the enzyme. Conclusion-Lufaxin belongs to a novel family of slow-tight FXa inhibitors, which display antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory activities. It is a useful tool to understand FXa structural features and its role in prohemostatic and proinflammatory events. (Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2012;32:2185-2196.)

A new species of spider fly in the genus Sabroskya Schlinger from Malawi, with a key to Acrocerinae world genera (Diptera, Acroceridae)

In this paper we diagnose the genus Sabroskya Schlinger, 1960 and describe Sabroskya schlingeri sp. n. from Malawi. We also provide dichotomous keys to species of Sabroskya and to world genera of the subfamily Acrocerinae, both extant and extinct.

Is cardiac tissue more susceptible than lung to oxidative effects induced by chronic nasotropic instillation of residual oil fly ash (ROFA)?

The current study aimed to determine the role of oxidants in cardiac and pulmonary toxicities induced by chronic exposure to ROFA. Eighty Wistar rats were divided into four groups: G1 (10 mu L Saline), G2 (ROFA 50 mu g/10 mu L), G3 (ROFA 250 mu g/10 mu L) and G4 (ROFA 500 mu g/10 mu L). Rats received ROFA by nasotropic instillation for 90 days. After that, they were euthanized and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed for total count of leukocytes, protein and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) determinations. Lungs and heart were removed to measure lipid peroxidation (MDA), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. BAL presented an increase in leukocytes count in G4 in comparison to the Saline group (p = 0.019). In lung, MDA level was not modified by ROFA, while CAT was higher in G4 when compared to all other groups (p = 0.013). In heart, G4 presented an increase in MDA (p = 0.016) and CAT (p = 0.027) levels in comparison to G1. The present study demonstrated cardiopulmonary oxidative changes after a chronic ROFA exposure. More specifically, the heart tissue seems to be more susceptible to oxidative effects of long-term exposure to ROFA than the lung.

Diversification in the use of resources by Idarnes species: bypassing functional constraints in the fig-fig wasp interaction

Mutualisms such as the figfig wasp mutualism are generally exploited by parasites. We demonstrate that amongst nonpollinating fig wasps (NPFWs) parasitic on Ficus citrifolia, a species of Idarnes galls flowers and another species feeds on galls induced by other wasps killing their larvae. The galling wasp inserts its ovipositor through the fig wall into the fig cavity. The ovipositor then follows a sinuous path and is introduced through the stigma and style of the flower. The egg is deposited between the integument and nucellus, in the exact location where the pollinating mutualistic wasp would have laid its egg. Gall induction is a complex process. In contrast, the path followed by the ovipositor of the other species is straightforward: attacking a larva within a developed gall poses different constraints. Shifts in feeding regime have occurred repeatedly in NPFWs. Monitoring traits associated with such repeated evolutionary shifts may help understand underlying functional constraints. (c) 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 106, 114122.

Description of Two New Sand Fly Species Related to Nyssomyia antunesi (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae)

Both sexes of two new Brazilian phlebotomine sand flies of the genus Nyssomyia Barretto 1962 [= Lutzomyia (Nyssomyia) sensu Barretto], Nyssomyia delsionatali n. sp. and Nyssomyia urbinattii n. sp., presenting close affinity with Nyssomyia antunesi (Coutinho), are described and illustrated. N. delsionatali n. sp was captured on the edge of a riparian Amazonian forest on the Juruena river in the northwest of Mato Grosso state and N. urbinattii n. sp in a riparian Amazonian forest on the Teles Pires river between Mato Grosso and Para states. Some measurements of both sexes of N. antunesi and illustration of the male genitalia and the female spermathecae as well as an identi_cation key for males and females of the genus Nyssomyia are provided.

INHIBITION OF OVIPOSITION BY NEEM EXTRACT: A BEHAVIORAL PERSPECTIVE FOR THE CONTROL OF THE MEDITERRANEAN FRUIT FLY (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE)

The behavioral inhibitory effect of methanol extracts from neem leaves (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) at different concentrations (0, 10,000, 18,000, 32,000 and 56,000 ppm) was evaluated using naive and experienced medflies (Ceratitis capitata (Wied.)) ovipositing on the fruits of grape cv. 'Italia'. The grapes were immersed in the specific treatments and were exposed for 24 h to 3 pairs of female and male medflies, both nave and experienced, in a choice test. At concentrations >= 18,000 ppm, the extract that was applied to the grapes inhibited oviposition. The previous experience with treated grapes did not affect the response of the medflies. This study is the first step toward the application of the behavior control of the medflies as a tool in grape vineyards. The potential for using oviposition inhibitory in behavioral control of C. capitata are discussed.

An Extreme Case of Plant-Insect Codiversification: Figs and Fig-Pollinating Wasps

It is thought that speciation in phytophagous insects is often due to colonization of novel host plants, because radiations of plant and insect lineages are typically asynchronous. Recent phylogenetic comparisons have supported this model of diversification for both insect herbivores and specialized pollinators. An exceptional case where contemporaneous plant-insect diversification might be expected is the obligate mutualism between fig trees (Ficus species, Moraceae) and their pollinating wasps (Agaonidae, Hymenoptera). The ubiquity and ecological significance of this mutualism in tropical and subtropical ecosystems has long intrigued biologists, but the systematic challenge posed by >750 interacting species pairs has hindered progress toward understanding its evolutionary history. In particular, taxon sampling and analytical tools have been insufficient for large-scale cophylogenetic analyses. Here, we sampled nearly 200 interacting pairs of fig and wasp species from across the globe. Two supermatrices were assembled: on an average, wasps had sequences from 77% of 6 genes (5.6 kb), figs had sequences from 60% of 5 genes (5.5 kb), and overall 850 new DNA sequences were generated for this study. We also developed a new analytical tool, Jane 2, for event-based phylogenetic reconciliation analysis of very large data sets. Separate Bayesian phylogenetic analyses for figs and fig wasps under relaxed molecular clock assumptions indicate Cretaceous diversification of crown groups and contemporaneous divergence for nearly half of all fig and pollinator lineages. Event-based cophylogenetic analyses further support the codiversification hypothesis. Biogeographic analyses indicate that the present-day distribution of fig and pollinator lineages is consistent with a Eurasian origin and subsequent dispersal, rather than with Gondwanan vicariance. Overall, our findings indicate that the fig-pollinator mutualism represents an extreme case among plant-insect interactions of coordinated dispersal and long-term codiversification.

FIG CLONES SELECTION OF cv. ROXO DE VALINHOS OBTAINED BY IRRADIATED BUDS

The fig tree (Ficus carica L.) is a fruit tree of great world importance and, therefore, the genetic improvement becomes an important field of research for the crop improvement, being necessary to gather information on this species, mainly regarding its genetic variability so that appropriate propagation projects and management are made. However, the fig, in Brazil, is all produced from only one cultivar, Roxo de Valinhos, which produces seedless fruit, making impossible the conventional breeding. So, the fig breeding through induced mutagenic becomes a very important research line, greatly contributing to the fig culture development. The objective of this study was to select fig plants formed by cuttings treated with gamma ray. The plants used were obtained from buds of the cv. Roxo de Valinhos. The cuttings were irradiated with gamma rays in an irradiator Gamma Cell at 10 cm from the tip of the cutting, at doses of 30 Gy with dose rate of 238 Gy/h. The experiment consisted of 450 treatments, where each formed plant was a treatment. The treatments were numbered sequentially from 1 to 450 and spaced 2.5 x 1.5 m. It was evaluated the vegetative and the fruits characteristics, and the incidence of major crop pests and diseases. The analysis data showed that there is genetic variability among treatments and that the plants under numbers 1, 5, 20, 79, 164, 189, 194, 201, 221, 214, 258, 301, 322, 392, 433 and 440 are probably genetic mutants that should be tested as commercial orchards.

Mutualism from the inside: coordinated development of plant and insect in an active pollinating fig wasp

Recent studies on the obligate interaction between fig trees and their pollinating agaonid wasps have focused on population aspects and wasp-seed exploitation at the level of the inflorescence. Detailed studies on larval and gall development are required to more fully understand how resources are exploited and adaptations fine-tuned by each partner in nursery pollination mutualisms. We studied the larval development of the active pollinating fig wasp, Pegoscapus sp., and the galling process of individual flowers within the figs of its monoecious host, Ficus citrifolia, in Brazil. The pollinator development is strongly dependent on flower pollination. Figs entered by pollen-free wasps were in general more likely to abort. Retained, unpollinated figs had both higher larval mortality and a lower number of wasps. Pegoscapus sp. larvae are adapted to plant development, with two contrasting larval feeding strategies proceeding alongside gall development. The first two larval stages behave as ovary parasites. Later larval stages feed on hypertrophied endosperm. This indicates that a successful galling process relies on endosperm, and also reveals why pollination would be a prerequisite for the production of high-quality galls for this Pegoscapus species.

Cutting Edge: Brazilian Pemphigus Foliaceus Anti-Desmoglein 1 Autoantibodies Cross-React with Sand Fly Salivary LJM11 Antigen

The environmental factors that contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases are largely unknown. Endemic pemphigus foliaceus in humans, known as Fogo Selvagem (FS) in Brazil, is mediated by pathogenic IgG4 autoantibodies against desmoglein 1 (Dsg1). Clusters of FS overlap with those of leishmaniasis, a disease transmitted by sand fly (Lutzomyia longipalpis) bites. In this study, we show that salivary Ags from the sand fly, and specifically the LJM11 salivary protein, are recognized by FS Abs. Anti-Dsg1 monoclonal autoantibodies derived from FS patients also cross-react with LJM11. Mice immunized with LJM11 generate anti-Dsg1 Abs. Thus, insect bites may deliver salivary Ags that initiate a cross-reactive IgG4 Ab response in genetically susceptible individuals and lead to subsequent FS. Our findings establish a clear relationship between an environmental, noninfectious Ag and the development of potentially pathogenic autoantibodies in an autoimmune disease. The Journal of Immunology, 2012, 189: 1535-1539.

A remarkable new species of flesh-fly mimicking weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Conoderinae) from Southeastern Brazil

Timorus sarcophagoides, new species (type-locality: Brazil, Minas Gerais, Santana do Riacho - Serra do Cipo, 43 degrees 35'W 19 degrees 17'S, 1200-1300m ASL), is described and illustrated. The new species can be distinguished mainly from the other species of the genus by the sexual dimorphism of the male rostrum armed with a hooked tubercle at the base of the dorsal carina, while the tubercle is absent in the female and the corresponding region of the carina is only tumid. The new species has a striking pattern of coloration and behavior that mimics flesh-flies in the family Sarcophagidae. Observations on the natural history of the new species are reported and discussed.

Fly ash as zeolites for reducing nitrogen losses by volatilization

The structural and chemical characteristics of fly ash from coal-fired mineral and fly ash zeolitized are similar to those of zeolites. Urea was added with these materials in the proportions of urea: fly ashes of 100:10, 100:20, 100:50, 100:100, with a control containing just urea. These treatments were applied in soil surface and the experimental design was a randomized block with clay and sandy soil. Nitrogen losses by ammonia volatilization and the chemical characteristics of soil fertility were evaluated. In sandy soil there was reduction of ammonia volatilization for the proportions of 100:10 and 100:20, while fly ash zeolitized and fly ash had no difference.

Mass-rearing of Mediterranean fruit fly using low-cost yeast products produced in Brazil

Ceratitis capitata is one of the most important pests of fruits for exportation, and Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) has been the most efficient and environmental friendly technique used to control fruit fly populations around the world. A key goal in achieving a successful SIT program is a mass rearing system producing high quality insects at low cost. Providing adults with an artificial diet containing hydrolysed protein has been the major obstacle for bio-production facilities in Brazil, because it is expensive and has to be imported. Two other commercial products, autolysed yeast (AY) and yeast extract (YE), of domestic origin and low cost, were tested as substitutes of the imported hydrolyzed protein. To compare their efficiency we observed the female fecundity, adult survival and egg viability of flies raised on diets containing one of each of the different protein products. Flies reared on the domestic yeast products had equivalent or superior performance to the flies reared on imported protein. Both AY and YE can be a possible substitute for imported hydrolyzed protein for C. capitata mass-rearing, as they are cheaper and are readily available in the national market.