A review of Skutzia Reiss, 1985, with the description of three new species (Diptera:Chironomidae:Chironominae)

Skutzia epleri sp. n. from USA, S. inthanonensis sp. n. from Thailand, and S. quetzali sp. n. from Panama and Mexico are described and figured as male imagines, and S. gaianii Andersen is recorded from Trinidad and Tobago. The genus now consists of 6 species. In addition to the species mentioned above, S. inopinata Reiss from Canada and S. bahiensis Reiss from Brazil are included. Skutzia is placed in the subtribe Zavreliina of the tribe Tanytarsini, but because the immatures are not known, this placement must be regarded as tentative. The distribution of the genus, previously known only from the Nearctic and the Neotropical regions, is expanded to include the Oriental region, indicating a Beringian connection. An emended diagnosis and a key to the males of Skutzia are provided.

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.

Species richness, abundance, and body size relationships from a neotropical chironomid assemblage: Looking for patterns

We investigated two of the most studied relationships in the macroecological research program (species richness vs. body size and abundance vs. body size) of a local chironomid assemblage from southeastern Brazil. Although numerous Studies have examined these relationships, few have investigated how they vary at different temporal scales. We used data from a forested stream to document and examine these patterns at monthly intervals. Both the species body size distribution and the abundance-body size relationship varied temporally. In some months the body size distribution was skewed to the right. whereas in others it approached normality. We Found both linear relationships (with different values of slopes). and a polygonal pattern in the abundance-body size relationship. This temporal variation was not related to environmental variables. Our results suggest that body size relationships are temporally instable properties of this chironomid assemblage. (C) 2007 Gesellschaft fur Okologie. Published by Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Impact of clinical varicocele and testis size on seminal reactive oxygen species levels in a fertile population: a prospective controlled study

Objective: To investigate: 1) the impact of clinical varicocele on reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in neat and washed semen in a proven fertile population; and 2) the correlation between ROS levels, testicular volume, and varicocele grade in the same population of fertile men. Design: Prospective controlled clinical study. Setting: Andrology laboratory at tertiary-care hospital. Patient(s): One hundred fourteen healthy fertile men (81 normal fertile and 33 fertile with clinical varicocele) and 30 infertile patients (control subjects). Intervention(s): Standard semen analysis and measurement of sperm ROS production. Main Outcome Measure(s): Seminal parameters, seminal ROS levels, seminal leukocyte levels, clinical varicocele, and testis size. Result(s): Thirty-three of the 11.4 (29%) fertile men had clinical varicocele (grade 1, n = 14; grade 2, n = 11; and grade 3, n = 8), and the remaining 81 (71%) had a normal physical examination. Levels of ROS and semen quality did not differ significantly between the fertile men with or without varicocele. No significant differences in ROS levels in neat and washed semen were observed compared with fertile men with grades 2 and 3 varicocele and with fertile men with varicocele grade 1. The ROS levels in neat and washed semen were not significantly correlated with varicocele grade in fertile men. No significant correlations between ROS levels and testis volume were observed between the fertile groups. Conclusion(s): The presence of clinical varicocele in fertile men is not associated with higher seminal ROS levels or abnormal semen parameters. Levels of ROS are not correlated with varicocele grade or testis volume in the same population of fertile men.

Five-year evaluation of bloodstream yeast infections in a tertiary hospital: the predominance of non-C. albicans Candida species

This is a retrospective observational study of clinical and epidemiologic data from bloodstream yeast infections over 5 years (2004-2008) in a tertiary-care hospital. During this period, there were 52 such infections, at a rate of 2.4 per 1,000 hospital admissions. Non-C. albicans Candida species and other genera were responsible for 82% of infections, with C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis being the most common. In 2008 no C. albicans infections occurred. Several uncommon fungal pathogens were observed, including Trichosporon asahii, Rhodotorula spp. and Candida zeylanoides. Of 16 isolates tested, 3 (19%) were resistant to fluconazole, including one C. zeylanoides (MIC 8 mu g/ml) and one C. tropicalis (MIC 16 mu g/ml) isolate, as well as intrinsically resistant C. krusei. All isolates tested were susceptible to itraconazole (n = 7) and amphotericin B (n = 8). Yeast infections were associated with severe underlying diseases, mainly hematological/solid cancers (71%), hospitalization in the ICU (41%), central venous catheters (80%), and use of antimicrobials (94%). The overall mortality rate was 50%. Our finding of a predominance of non-C. albicans Candida species infection with uncommon yeasts, and fluconazole resistance, suggests the need for continuous surveillance of fungemia and of antibiotic susceptibility trends, in order to adopt treatment strategies applicable to particular healthcare institutions.

In vitro infectivity of species of Leishmania (Viannia) responsible for American cutaneous leishmaniasis

There is little available information regarding the infectivity of New World Leishmania species, particularly those from the Amazonian Brazil, where there are six species of the subgenus Viannia causing American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL). The aim of this study was to compare, in vitro, the potential infectivity of the following Leishmania (Viannia) spp.: L. (V.) braziliensis from localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL) and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL) patients, L. (V.) guyanensis, L. (V.) shawi, L. (V.) lainsoni and L. (V.) naiffi from LCL patients only, in cultured BALB/c mice peritoneal macrophage, as well as the production of NO by the infected cells. The infectivity of parasites was expressed by the infection index and, the nitric oxide (NO) production in the macrophage culture supernatant was measured by the Griess method. It was found that L. (V.) braziliensis from MCL, the more severe form of disease, showed the highest (p <= 0.05) infection index (397), as well as the lowest NO production (2.15 mu M) compared with those of other species. In contrast, L. (V.) naiffi which is less pathogenic for the human showed the lowest infection index (301) and the highest NO production (4.11 mu M). These results demonstrated a negative correlation between the infectivity and the ability of these parasites to escape from the microbicidal activity of the host cell.

Targeted Mutagenesis in Pathogenic Leptospira Species: Disruption of the LigB Gene Does Not Affect Virulence in Animal Models of Leptospirosis

The pathogenic mechanisms of Leptospira interrogans, the causal agent of leptospirosis, remain largely unknown. This is mainly due to the lack of tools for genetically manipulating pathogenic Leptospira species. Thus, homologous recombination between introduced DNA and the corresponding chromosomal locus has never been demonstrated for this pathogen. Leptospiral immunoglobulin-like repeat (Lig) proteins were previously identified as putative Leptospira virulence factors. In this study, a ligB mutant was constructed by allelic exchange in L. interrogans; in this mutant a spectinomycin resistance (Spc(r)) gene replaced a portion of the ligB coding sequence. Gene disruption was confirmed by PCR, immunoblot analysis, and immunofluorescence studies. The ligB mutant did not show decrease virulence compared to the wild-type strain in the hamster model of leptospirosis. In addition, inoculation of rats with the ligB mutant induced persistent colonization of the kidneys. Finally, LigB was not required to mediate bacterial adherence to cultured cells. Taken together, our data provide the first evidence of site-directed homologous recombination in pathogenic Leptospira species. Furthermore, our data suggest that LigB does not play a major role in dissemination of the pathogen in the host and in the development of acute disease manifestations or persistent renal colonization.

Age-related increase of reactive oxygen species in neat semen in healthy fertile men

OBJECTIVES The effects of advancing paternal age on the male reproductive system are well known, but its effects on fecundity remain controversial. Although oxidative stress is associated with poor semen quality and function, a relationship with advancing male age has not been established. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between male age and seminal reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in men presenting for voluntary sterilization. METHODS We prospectively evaluated 98 fertile men who were candidates for vasectomy. These were divided into 2 age groups: less than 40 years (n = 78) and 40 or more years (n = 20). We used 46 infertile patients as positive controls. Standard semen analysis, seminal leukocyte count and ROS levels were measured in all samples. Fertile men with leukocytospermia were excluded. RESULTS The mean age of the men was 35.1 +/- 5.6 years. Men 40 years and older had significantly higher ROS levels compared with younger men (P < 0.001). We observed a positive correlation between seminal ROS levels and age (r = 0.20; P = 0.040). In addition, ROS was negatively correlated with sperm concentration (r = -0-48; P < 0.001) and motility (r = -0.21; P = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS Reactive oxygen species levels are significant higher in seminal ejaculates of healthy fertile men older than 40 years. ROS levels in whole ejaculate are significantly correlated to age among fertile men. Because ROS are clearly implicated in the pathogenesis of male infertility, these data suggest that delayed fatherhood may reduce the chances of pregnancy as men become progressively less fertile with age.

In vitro schistosomicidal effects of some phloroglucinol derivatives from Dryopteris species against Schistosoma mansoni adult worms

The rhizomes of Dryopteris species have popularly been used as vermifuge in flatworm infections. The aim of this work was to evaluate the in vitro schistosomicidal activity of some phloroglucinol compounds, obtained from the rhizomes of Dryopteris species, against Schistosoma mansoni adult worms. All worm pairs were dead after 24 h of incubation with aspidin 25 to 100 mu M (1), flavaspidic acid 50 and 100 mu M (2), methylene-bis-aspidinol 100 mu M (3), and desaspidin 25 to 100 mu M (4). Worms incubated with 1 (25 to 100 mu M) and 2 (50 to 100 mu M) showed decrease motor activity with tegumental alterations, while 3 (100 mu M) and 4 (10 to 100 mu M) showed decrease motor activity without tegumental alterations. Desaspidinol (5) and filicinic acid (6), at the tested concentrations (10 to 100 mu M), did not show activity against adult worms of S. mansoni. Praziquantel (10 mu M), used as positive control, caused death of the parasites and tegumental alterations without separation of worms. In the groups treated with 100 A mu M of compounds 1-4, the viability of the adult worms was similar to the positive control group, in which the worms were dead. Also, both the egg productions and the development of eggs produced by the adult worms were inhibited by the incubation with compounds 1-4 (10 and 100 mu M) in comparison with the negative control (RPMI 1640 medium). It is suggested that the in vitro schistosomicidal effects of phloroglucinols derivatives 1, 2, 3, and 4 may be related to the inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation pathway in S. mansoni. The present results confirmed the traditional indications of rhizomes from Dryopteris species, which possess phloroglucinol compounds, in the treatment of tapeworm infections.

FREQUENCY OF HUMAN RHINOVIRUS SPECIES IN OUTPATIENT CHILDREN WITH ACUTE RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS AT PRIMARY CARE LEVEL IN BRAZIL

This study assessed the occurrence of human rhinovirus (HRV) species in outpatient children attending day-care in Sao Paulo, Brazil. HRV reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and amplicon sequencing were done in 120 samples collected in 2008. HRV was detected in 27.5% of samples. HRV C was detected in 60.7% of wheezers, a frequency not different from that observed in nonwheezers (69.6%).

Dissemination of bla(KPC-2) by the Spread of Klebsiella pneumoniae Clonal Complex 258 Clones (ST258, ST11, ST437) and Plasmids (IncFII, IncN, IncL/M) among Enterobacteriaceae Species in Brazil

This article reports the spread of bla(KPC-2) in the Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro states, facilitated by globally spread K. pneumoniae clonal complex 258 (CC258) clones (ST258, ST11, and ST437) and a diversity of plasmids (IncFII, IncN, and IncL/M, two untypeable plasmids carrying Tn4401a or Tn4401b) successfully disseminated among species of the Enterobacteriaceae (Enterobacter cloacae, Serratia marcescens, and Citrobacter freundii). It also constitutes the first description of sequence type 258 (ST258) in Brazil, which was associated with a nosocomial hospital outbreak in Ribeirao Preto city.

Relationship between serum and saliva antibodies to Candida and isolation of Candida species from the mucosa of HIV-infected individuals

Colonisation and infection by Candida species occur frequently in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), but their relationship to the humoral immunity against candidiasis is controversial. To evaluate the levels of antibodies to Candida in the serum and in the saliva of HIV-1-infected patients in relation to the presence of immunodeficiency, oral candidiasis and Candida colonisation, Candida was investigated in the urine and in the oral and anal mucosae of HIV-1-infected patients, AIDS patients and healthy controls. The levels of IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies to Candida were determined in the serum and in the saliva by immunoassay. Candida species were detected in 76% of the patients. Mucosal yeast colonisation and the levels of serum and saliva antibodies to Candida were similar between asymptomatic HIV-infected and non-infected patients. Mucosal colonisation was highest in AIDS patients, who also had higher serum IgA and saliva IgG antibodies. Antibody levels were similar in patients with and without candidiasis oral lesions. Asymptomatic HIV-infected individuals are similar to non-infected individuals with respect to mucosal colonisation as well as serum and saliva levels of antibodies to Candida. The higher mucosal colonisation and clinical candidiasis observed in the AIDS patients apparently stimulated a more intense humoral response to the yeast.

Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of two medicinal species of Verbenaceae

Lantana camara L. and Lippia alba (Mill.) N. E. Br. are two important species of Verbenaceae family and are commonly used in folk medicine in many countries of Central and Southern America. The aim of this study was to investigate, for the first time, the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of aqueous extracts from leaves of both species on Lactuca sativa (lettuce) root tip meristem cells using a cytogenetic approach. Seeds of lettuce were separately treated during 72h with different concentrations of L. camara and L. alba aqueous extracts (5, 10, 20 and 30g/L). The percentage of germination, root development and cellular behavior were analyzed and the results showed that the highest concentration of aqueous extracts reduced the mitotic index, the seeds germination and the root development of lettuce. The extracts also induced chromosome aberrations and cellular death in roots cells of L. sativa. The cytogenotoxicity of L. camara and L. alba extracts was comparatively described.

Development and characterization of 15 microsatellite loci for Cariniana estrellensis and transferability to Cariniana legalis, two endangered tropical tree species

From a genomic library enriched for GA/CA repeats, 15 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed for Cariniana estrellensis, a tropical forest tree. The microsatellite loci were screened in 49 mature trees found between Pardo river and Mogi-Gua double dagger u river basins, in the state of So Paulo, Brazil. A total of 140 alleles were detected with an average of 9.33 alleles per locus. The expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.37 to 0.88. These loci showed a high probability of paternity exclusion. Additionally, 12 loci were effectively transferred to Cariniana legalis. High levels of polymorphism make the present SSR markers useful for population genetic studies.

Mechanisms of Action of Eicosapentaenoic Acid in Bladder Cancer Cells In Vitro: Alterations in Mitochondrial Metabolism, Reactive Oxygen Species Generation and Apoptosis Induction

Purpose: Eicosapentaenoic acid has been tested in bladder cancer as a synergistic cytotoxic agent in the form of meglumine-eicosapentaenoic acid, although its mechanism of action is poorly understood in this cancer. The current study analyzed the mechanisms by which eicosapentaenoic acid alters T24/83 human bladder cancer metabolism in vitro. Materials and Methods: T24/83 human bladder cancer cells were exposed to eicosapentaenoic acid for 6 to 24 hours in vitro and incorporation profiles were determined. Effects on membrane phospholipid incorporation, energy metabolism, mitochondrial activity, cell proliferation and apoptosis were analyzed Reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxide production were also determined. Results: Eicosapentaenoic acid was readily incorporated into membrane phospholipids with a considerable amount present in mitochondrial cardiolipin. Energy metabolism was significantly altered by eicosapentaenoic acid, accompanied by decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased lipid peroxide and reactive oxygen species generation. Subsequently caspase-3 activation and apoptosis were detected in eicosapentaenoic acid exposed cells, leading to decreased cell numbers. Conclusions: These findings confirm that eicosapentaenoic acid is a potent cytotoxic agent in bladder cancer cells and provide important insight into the mechanisms by which eicosapentaenoic acid causes these changes. The changes in membrane composition that can occur with eicosapentaenoic acid likely contribute to the enhanced drug cytotoxicity reported previously in meglumine-eicosapentaenoic acid/epirubicin/mitomycin studies. Dietary manipulation of the cardiolipin fatty acid composition may provide an additional method for stimulating cell death in bladder cancer. In vivo studies using intravesical and dietary manipulation of fatty acid metabolism in bladder cancer merit further attention.