Comparative reproductive biology of two southwestern Atlantic populations of the hermit crab Pagurus exilis (Crustacea: Anomura: Paguridae)

Pagurus exilis (Benedict, 1892) is an endemic South Atlantic hermit crab with a distribution ranging from Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, to Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. The present study analyzed the reproduction of two populations at the extremes of this geographical distribution, and compared their reproductive period, fecundity, and changes in egg size and egg volume during the incubation period in order to assess the variability over this latitudinal range. Hermit crabs were collected monthly over a 2-year period. In total, 108 females were analyzed for Brazil (44 non-ovigerous and 64 ovigerous), and 141 for Argentina (87 non-ovigerous and 54 ovigerous). Reproduction in Brazil occurs year-round, with peaks in the fall and winter seasons; in Argentina reproduction occurs only in spring and summer. The Brazilian ovigerous females were significantly larger than the Argentina ones (Brazil: SL = 5.33 +/- 1.45 mm; Argentina: SL = 4.15 +/- 0.52 mm; P < 0.001). The fecundity was 1447 +/- 831 eggs (317 to 2885) in Brazil and 987 +/- 711 eggs (114 to 2665) in Argentina, with a trend towards higher fecundity in Brazil. Eggs in the Argentina population were larger than those in Brazil for all the three stages investigated, and no changes in egg volume were found during egg development for both populations. The reproductive traits of the two populations showed some important differences, which may reflect adaptations to local environmental conditions, demonstrating a high plasticity of reproductive features of the species in Brazilian and Argentine waters. The strategy adopted by the Argentina population involves a lower production of larger eggs compared to the population in Brazil; this lower production is associated with reproduction in cold-water regions.

Allozymatic divergence between border populations of two cryptic species of the Drosophila buzzatii cluster species (Diptera: Drosophilidae)

Drosophila antonietae and Drosophila gouveai are allopatric, cactophilic, cryptic and endemic of South America species, which aedeagus morphology is considered the main diagnostic character. In this work, single close populations from the edge distributions of each species, located in an ""introgressive corridor"", were analyzed regarding temporal isozenzymatic genetic variability. Isocitrate dehydrogenase (Idh) appeared as a diagnostic locus between D. antonieate and D. gouveai because each population was fixed for different alleles. Moreover, several polymorphic loci showed accentuated divergence in the allele frequency, as evidenced by Nei`s l(0.3188) and D (1.1432), and also by Reynolds` genetic distance and identity (1.3207 and 0.7331, respectively). Our results showed that, in spite of the very similar external morphology, related evolutionary histories, close distributions, and events of introgression in the studied area, these cryptic species have high allozymatic differentiation, and this is discussed here. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Asymptotic behaviour of two-dimensional time-delayed Navier-Stokes equations

We consider the two-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations with a time-delayed convective term and a forcing term which contains some hereditary features. Some results on existence and uniqueness of solutions are established. We discuss the asymptotic behaviour of solutions and we also show the exponential stability of stationary solutions.

Two novel reports of semidry stigmatic surface in Asteraceae

Research documents related to the morphology and function of style branches and stigmatic surface of Asteraceae are still rather few, and the literature reports are thus controversial. We report in the present study that the stigmatic surfaces of two non-related species of Asteraceae (Lessingianthus grandiflorus and Lucilia lycopodioides) have features of semidry stigmas. Sporodermis of both species was also analyzed so that we could understand how the stigmatic surface works during pollen deposition and rehydration. Stylar branches and pollen grains (sporodermis) were studied using scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) and histochemistry techniques. The inner and marginal bands of stylar branches in these species display intermediary features between the dry and wet types of stigma: the cuticle characterizes the dry stigma and cells with secretory activity characterize the wet stigma; these showed differences from what has been described to the Asteraceae family, where stigmatic surface of species from several tribes is considered dry. Pollen grains are medium-size to large with exine ornamentation (echinate and echinolophate) and abundant secretion which latter characterizes pollenkitt. We can assume that two processes might help pollen grain hydration on stigmatic surface in Lessingianthus grandiflorus and Lucilia lycopodioides: (1) the presence of pollenkitt, as observed in the secretory content inside exine cavities and around pollen grains; and (2) the secretory activity of stigmatic surface cells, whose secretion accumulates among intercellular and subcuticular spaces and leads to cuticle disruption during the floral receptive phase. Our results suggest that ultrastructural and histochemical studies should be considered when describing stigmatic surface and that the ""semidry"" feature within Asteraceae should be investigated still more in detail, so that the taxonomic or adaptation value of this trait in the family can be verified. (C) 2010 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

A comparative study of population traits between two South American populations of the striped-legged hermit crab Clibanarius vittatus

The striped-legged hermit Crab Clibanarius vittatus, with a geographical distribution covering a wide range Of latitudes in the western Atlantic, was selected for a comparative study on population features between two different areas of the Brazilian coast that are separated by approximately 3000 km. The two populations Were sampled concurrently for nine months. The populations in northern and southeastern Brazil showed different profiles in terms of size of specimens, sex ratio, and shell occupation. The observed plasticity of these life-cycle traits of C. vittatus in relation to local environmental conditions is discussed. (C) 2009 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved

Two new species of Simothraulopsis Traver, 1947 (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae: Atalophlebiinae) from northeastern Brazil

The genus Simothraulopsis contains three described species, one of which occurs in Brazil. The new species Simothraulopsis diamantinensis sp. n. and Simothraulopsis janae sp. n. are figured and described from male imagines. The main discriminating character of these two new species from their congeners is the fused forceps socket. The material was collected in Bahia State in northeastern Brazil.

Generic classification for the Gasteruptiinae (Hymenoptera: Gasteruptiidae) based on a cladistic analysis, with the description of two new Neotropical genera and the revalidation of Plutofoenus Kieffer

Gasteruptiinae is the largest Gasteruptiidae subfamily, with circa 400 species that have been grouped into the worldwide Gasteruption Latreille. Based on a cladistic analysis with 43 morphological characters, 40 ingroup taxa representing all biogeographic regions, and seven outgroups (four Hyptiogastrinae, two Aulacidae and one Evaniidae), I confirm the monophyly of Gasteruptiinae and Gasteruption and recognize three exclusively Neotropical small genera: Plutofoenus Kieffer (revalidated) (southern South America), Spinolafoenus Macedo n. gen. (Chile) and Trilobitofoenus Macedo n. gen. (Central and South America). Gasteruption, supported by four synapomorphies, remains the most speciose genus in the subfamily. The four Gasteruptiinae genera are keyed and described. Seven species are keyed and described or redescribed: Plutofoenus chaeturus (Schletterer) n. comb., P. edwardsi Turner, P. paraguayensis (Schrottky), Spinolafoenus ruficornis (Spinola) n. comb., Trilobitofoenus alvarengai Macedo n. sp., T. plaumanni Macedo n. sp. and T. sericeus (Cameron) n. comb. (lectotype designated).

Two new species of Baetodes Needham & Murphy (Ephemeroptera : Baetidae) from Brazil

Baetodes santatereza, new species, and B. liviae, new species, are described based on nymphs collected from Sao Paulo, and Parana states, Brazil. They both possess one gill on each coxa and tubercles on metanotum and abdominal segments 1 - 9. Besides these characteristics, they can be distinguished from the other known species of the genus by the following combination of characters: B. santatereza, n. sp., glossae with two bladelike setae, one pectinate and one nonpectinate, and dorsal edge of femora with five to seven clavate setae, nearly one half the length of long, fine setae; B. liviae, n. sp., glossae with one pectinate bladelike setae, dorsal edge of femora often with 6 to 8 clavate setae, nearly the length of long fine setae, besides body color pattern and body length.

Eating Disorders in Patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Prevalence and Clinical Correlates

Objective: The objective is to evaluate the prevalence and associated clinical characteristics of eating disorders (ED) in patients with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Method: This is a cross-sectional study comparing 815 patients with OCD. Participants were assessed with structured interviews and scales: SCID-I, Y-BOCS, Dimensional Y-BOCS, BABS, Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories. Results: Ninety-two patients (11.3%) presented the following EDs: binge-eating disorders [= 59 (7.2%)], bulimia nervosa [= 16 (2.0%)], or anorexia nervosa [= 17 (2.1%)]. Compared to OCD patients without ED (OCD-Non-ED), OCD-ED patients were more likely to be women with previous psychiatric treatment. Mean total scores in Y-BOCS, Dimensional Y-BOCS, and BABS were similar within groups. However, OCD-ED patients showed higher lifetime prevalence of comorbid conditions, higher anxiety and depression scores, and higher frequency of suicide attempts than did the OCD-Non-ED group. Primarily diagnosed OCD patients with comorbid ED may be associated with higher clinical severity. Discussion: Future longitudinal studies should investigate dimensional correlations between OCD and ED. (C) 2009 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Prostatic Artery Embolization as a Primary Treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Preliminary Results in Two Patients

Symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) typically occurs in the sixth and seventh decades, and the most frequent obstructive urinary symptoms are hesitancy, decreased urinary stream, sensation of incomplete emptying, nocturia, frequency, and urgency. Various medications, specifically 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors and selective alpha-blockers, can decrease the severity of the symptoms secondary to BPH, but prostatectomy is still considered to be the traditional method of management. We report the preliminary results for two patients with acute urinary retention due to BPH, successfully treated by prostate artery embolization (PAE). The patients were investigated using the International Prostate Symptom Score, by digital rectal examination, urodynamic testing, prostate biopsy, transrectal ultrasound (US), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Uroflowmetry and postvoid residual urine volume complemented the investigation at 30, 90, and 180 days after PAE. The procedure was performed under local anesthesia; embolization of the prostate arteries was performed with a microcatheter and 300- to 500-mu m microspheres using complete stasis as the end point. One patient was subjected to bilateral PAE and the other to unilateral PAE; they urinated spontaneously after removal of the urethral catheter, 15 and 10 days after the procedure, respectively. At 6-month follow-up, US and MRI revealed a prostate reduction of 39.7% and 47.8%, respectively, for the bilateral PAE and 25.5 and 27.8%, respectively, for the patient submitted to unilateral PAE. The early results, at 6-month follow-up, for the two patients with BPH show a promising potential alternative for treatment with PAE.

Randomized Evaluation of Two Drug-Eluting Stents With Identical Metallic Platform and Biodegradable Polymer But Different Agents (Paclitaxel or Sirolimus) Compared Against Bare Stents: 1-Year Results of the PAINT Trial

Objectives: We tested two novel drug-eluting stents (DES), covered with a biodegradable-polymer carrier and releasing paclitaxel or sirolimus, which were compared against a bare metal stent (primary objective). The DES differed by the drug, but were identical otherwise, allowing to compare the anti-restenosis effects of sirolimus versus paclitaxel (secondary objective). Background: The efficacy of novel DES with biodegradable polymers should be tested in the context of randomized trials, even when using drugs known to be effective, such as sirolimus and paclitaxel. Methods: Overall, 274 patients with de novo coronary lesions in native vessels scheduled for stent implantation were randomly assigned (2:21 ratio) for the paclitaxel (n = 111), sirolimus (n = 106), or bare metal stent (n = 57) groups. Angiographic follow-up was obtained at 9 months and major cardiac adverse events up to 12 months. Results: Both paclitaxel and sirolimus stents reduced the 9-month in-stent late loss (0.54-0.44 mm, 0.32-0.43 mm, vs. 0.90-0.45 mm respectively), and 1-year risk of target vessel revascularization and combined major adverse cardiac events (P < 0.05 for both, in all comparisons), compared with controls. Sirolimus stents had lower late loss than paclitaxel stents (P < 0.01), but similar 1-year clinical outcomes. There were no differences in the risk of death, infarction, or stent thrombosis among the study groups. Conclusion: Both novel DES were effective in reducing neointimal hyperplasia and 1-year re-intervention, compared to bare metal stents. Our findings also suggest that sirolimus is more effective than paclitaxel in reducing angiographic neointima, although this effect was not associated with better clinical outcomes. (C) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

CLINICAL TUMOR DIMENSIONS MAY BE USEFUL TO PREVENT GEOGRAPHIC MISS IN CONVENTIONAL RADIOTHERAPY OF UTERINE CERVIX CANCER-A MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING-BASED STUDY

Purpose: To evaluate the risk of geographic miss associated with the classic four-field ""box"" irradiation technique and to define the variables that predict this risk. Materials and Methods: The study population consisted of 80 patients with uterine cervix cancer seen between 2001 and 2006. Median age was 55 years (23-82 years), and 72 (90%) presented with squamous cell carcinoma. Most patients (68.7%) presented with locally advanced disease (IIb or more). Magnetic resonance imaging findings from before treatment were compared with findings from simulation of the conventional four-field ""box"" technique done with rectal contrast. Study variables included tumor volume; involvement of vagina, parametrium, bladder, or rectum; posterior displacement of the anterior rectal wall; and tumor anteroposterior diameter (APD). Margins were considered adequate when the target volume (primary tumor extension, whole uterine body, and parametrium) was included within the field limits and were at least 1 cm in width. Results: Field limits were inadequate in 45 (56%) patients: 29 (36%) patients at the anterior and 28 (35%) at the posterior border of the lateral fields. Of these, 12 patients had both anterior and posterior miss, and this risk was observed in all stages of the disease (p = 0.076). Posterior displacement of the anterior rectal wall beyond S2-S3 was significantly correlated with the risk of geographic miss (p = 0.043). Larger tumors (APD 6 cm or above and volume above 50 cm(3)) were also significantly correlated with this risk (p = 0.004 and p = 0.046, respectively). Conclusions: Posterior displacement of the anterior rectal wall, tumor APD, and volume can be used as guidance in evaluating the risk of geographic miss. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc.

Anemia screening in potential female blood donors: comparison of two different quantitative methods

Anemia screening before blood donation requires an accurate, quick, practical, and easy method with minimal discomfort for the donors. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of two quantitative methods of anemia screening: the HemoCue 201(+) (Aktiebolaget Leo Diagnostics) hemoglobin (Hb) and microhematocrit (micro-Hct) tests. Two blood samples of a single fingerstick were obtained from 969 unselected potential female donors to determine the Hb by HemoCue 201(+) and micro-Hct using HemataSTAT II (Separation Technology, Inc.), in alternating order. From each participant, a venous blood sample was drawn and run in an automatic hematology analyzer (ABX Pentra 60, ABX Diagnostics). Considering results of ABX Pentra 60 as true values, the sensitivity and specificity of HemoCue 201(+) and micro-Hct as screening methods were compared, using a venous Hb level of 12.0 g per dL as cutoff for anemia. The sensitivities of the HemoCue 201(+) and HemataSTAT II in detecting anemia were 56 percent (95% confidence interval [CI], 46.1%-65.5%) and 39.5 percent (95% CI, 30.2%-49.3%), respectively (p < 0.001). Analyzing only candidates with a venous Hb level lower than 11.0 g per dL, the deferral rate was 100 percent by HemoCue 201(+) and 77 percent by HemataSTAT II. The specificities of the methods were 93.5 and 93.2 percent, respectively. The HemoCue 201(+) showed greater discriminating power for detecting anemia in prospective blood donors than the micro-Hct method. Both presented equivalent deferral error rates of nonanemic potential donors. Compared to the micro-Hct, HemoCue 201(+) reduces the risk of anemic female donors giving blood, specially for those with lower Hb levels, without increasing the deferral of nonanemic potential donors.

DISCORDANCE FOR RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA IN TWO MONOZYGOTIC TWIN PAIRS

Background: Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of genetically heterogeneous diseases with progressive degeneration of the retina. The condition can be inherited as an autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, and X-linked trait. Methods: We report on two female twin pairs. One twin of each pair is affected with RP, the other twin is unaffected, both clinically and functionally. Molecular analysis in both twins included zygosity determination, arrayed primer extension chip analysis for autosomal recessive and dominant RP, sequencing of the entire RPGR gene, and analysis of X-chromosome inactivation status. Results: Both unrelated twin pairs were genetically identical. Of the potential pathogenetic mechanisms, skewed X-inactivation was excluded on leukocytes. Autosomal recessive RP and autosomal dominant RP arrayed primer extension chip analysis result was completely normal, excluding known mutations in known genes as the cause of disease in the affected twins. Sequencing excluded mutations in RPGR. A postzygotic recessive or dominant genetic mutation of an RP gene is not impossible. A postfertilization error as a potential cause of uniparental isodisomy is unlikely albeit not entirely impossible. Conclusion: The authors report on the second and third unrelated identical twin pair discordant for RP. The exact cause of the condition and the explanation of the clinical discordance remain elusive. RETINA 31:1164-1169, 2011

Value of real time three-dimensional echocardiography in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Comparison with two-dimensional echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging

Real time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) has been demonstrated to be an accurate technique to quantify left ventricular (LV) volumes and function in different patient populations. We sought to determine the value of RT3DE for evaluating patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), in comparison with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: We studied 20 consecutive patients with HCM who underwent two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE), RT3DE, and MRI. Parameters analyzed by echocardiography and MRI included: wall thickness, LV volumes, ejection fraction (LVEF), mass, geometric index, and dyssynchrony index. Statistical analysis was performed by Lin agreement coefficient, Pearson linear correlation and Bland-Altman model. Results: There was excellent agreement between 2DE and RT3DE (Rc = 0.92), 2DE and MRI (Rc = 0.85), and RT3DE and MRI (Rc = 0.90) for linear measurements. Agreement indexes for LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes were Rc = 0.91 and Rc = 0.91 between 2DE and RT3DE, Rc = 0.94 and Rc = 0.95 between RT3DE and MRI, and Rc = 0.89 and Rc = 0.88 between 2DE and MRI, respectively. Satisfactory agreement was observed between 2DE and RT3DE (Rc = 0.75), RT3DE and MRI (Rc = 0.83), and 2DE and MRI (Rc = 0.73) for determining LVEF, with a mild underestimation of LVEF by 2DE, and smaller variability between RT3DE and MRI. Regarding LV mass, excellent agreement was observed between RT3DE and MRI (Rc = 0.96), with bias of -6.3 g (limits of concordance = 42.22 to -54.73 g). Conclusion: In patients with HCM, RT3DE demonstrated superior performance than 2DE for the evaluation of myocardial hypertrophy, LV volumes, LVEF, and LV mass.