Life history of Proctolaelaps bulbosus feeding on the coconut mite Aceria guerreronis and other possible food types occurring on coconut fruits

Aceria guerreronis Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae) is a major pest of coconut fruits (Cocos nucifera L.) in many countries of the Americas, Africa, and parts of Asia. Considerable attention has been given to studies of biological control agents of A. guerreronis. Proctolaelaps bulbosus Moraes, Reis and Gondim Jr. is a predator recently discovered in association with A. guerreronis. Nothing is known about its biology. The aim of this study was to determine suitable food sources for P. bulbosus, among items commonly found on coconut fruits, including A. guerreronis. Food sources evaluated included the mites A. guerreronis, Steneotarsonemus concavuscutum Lofego and Gondim Jr., and Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank), the fungus Rhizopus aff. stolonifer (Ehrenb.) Vuill and coconut pollen; the mite Tetranychus urticae Koch was also included in the assessments, for being a commonly used prey for mass production and laboratory rearing of predatory mites. Proctolaelaps bulbosus was able to develop up to adulthood when fed A. guerreronis, R. aff. stolonifer and T. putrescentiae. It had the highest population growth rates when feeding on the former (R (o) = 17.5; r (m) = 0.392). These results indicate that A. guerreronis is the most suitable food for P. bulbosus among the possible food sources found on coconut fruits and that P. bulbosus can survive in the absence of eriophyid using R. aff. stolonifer as a food source.

Life history of the predatory mite Phytoseiulus fragariae on Tetranychus evansi and Tetranychus urticae (Acari : Phytoseiidae, Tetranychidae) at five temperatures

Tetranychus evansi Baker and Pritchard and Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) are important pests of Solanaceae in many countries. Several studies have demonstrated that T. urticae is an acceptable prey to many predatory mites, although the suitability of this prey depends on the host plant. T. evansi, has been shown to be an unfavorable prey to most predatory mites that have been tested against it. The predator Phytoseiulus fragariae Denmark and Schicha (Acari: Phytoseiidae) has been found in association with the two species in Brazil. The objective of this work was to compare biological parameters of P. fragariae on T. evansi and on T. urticae as prey. The study was conducted under laboratory conditions at 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 degrees C. At all temperatures, survivorship was lower on T. evansi than on T. urticae. No predator reached adulthood at 10 degrees C on the former species; even on the latter species, only about 36% of the predators reached adulthood at 10 degrees C. For both prey, in general, duration of each life stage was shorter, total fecundity was lower and intrinsic rate of population increase (r(m) ) was higher with increasing temperatures. The slower rate of development of P. fragariae on T. evansi resulted in a slightly higher thermal requirement (103.9 degree-days) on that prey than on T. urticae (97.1 degree-days). The values of net reproduction rate (R-0), intrinsic rate of increase (r (m) ) and finite rate of increase (lambda) were significantly higher on T. urticae, indicating faster population increase of the predator on this prey species. The highest value of r (m) of the predator was 0.154 and 0.337 female per female per day on T. evansi and on T. urticae, respectively. The results suggested that P. fragariae cannot be considered a good predator of T. evansi.

Evolutionary History of Arabidopsis thaliana Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetase Dual-Targeted Proteins

Aminoacyl-transfer RNA (tRNA) synthetases (aaRS) are key players in translation and act early in protein synthesis by mediating the attachment of amino acids to their cognate tRNA molecules. In plants, protein synthesis may occur in three subcellular compartments (cytosol, mitochondria, and chloroplasts), which requires multiple versions of the protein to be correctly delivered to its proper destination. The organellar aaRS are nuclear encoded and equipped with targeting information at the N-terminal sequence, which enables them to be specifically translocated to their final location. Most of the aaRS families present organellar proteins that are dual targeted to mitochondria and chloroplasts. Here, we examine the dual targeting behavior of aaRS from an evolutionary perspective. Our results show that Arabidopsis thaliana aaRS sequences are a result of a horizontal gene transfer event from bacteria. However, there is no evident bias indicating one single ancestor (Cyanobacteria or Proteobacteria). The dual-targeted aaRS phylogenetic relationship was characterized into two different categories (paralogs and homologs) depending on the state recovered for both dual-targeted and cytosolic proteins. Taken together, our results suggest that the dual-targeted condition is a gain-of-function derived from gene duplication. Selection may have maintained the original function in at least one of the copies as the additional copies diverged.

Transdermal estrogen therapy effects on fibrinogen levels in women with a past history of venous thromboembolism: a pilot study

Objective: To evaluate thromboelastographic parameters and fibrinogen levels in women treated with transdermal 17 beta estradiol. Methods: 29 menopausal women with a history of venous thromboembolic disease were included. Nine patients composed the treatment (HT) group and 20 the control group. Coagulation was assessed by thromboelastography in samples of whole blood and platelet-poor plasma (PPP). The following thromboelastographic variables were measured: time for initial coagulation (R), blood clotting speed (K and the a angle), clot tensile strength (MA and G), global index of coagulation (Cl) and fibrinolysis (LY30) and fibrinogen levels. Results: There were no differences in the other parameters comparing both groups. Fibrinogen levels showed a 13.77 +/- 19.94% reduction in the HT group and a 5.51 +/- 8.09% increase in the control group after 6 months. Conclusions: Our data suggested that transdermal estrogen may not increase blood coagulability, but that it reduces fibrinogen levels in FIT women.

Family history of cancer: Pooled analysis in the International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology consortium

Alcohol and tobacco consumption are well-recognized risk factors for head and neck cancer (HNC). Evidence suggests that genetic predisposition may also play a role. Only a few epidemiologic studies, however, have considered the relation between HNC risk and family history of HNC and other cancers. We pooled individual-level data across 12 case-control studies including 8,967 HNC cases and 13,627 controls. We obtained pooled odds ratios (OR) using fixed and random effect models and adjusting for potential confounding factors. All statistical tests were two-sided. A family history of HNC in first-degree relatives increased the risk of HNC (OR = 1.7, 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.2-2.3). The risk was higher when the affected relative was a sibling (OR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.6-3.1) rather than a parent (OR = 1.5, 95% CI 1.1-1.8) and for more distal HNC anatomic sites (hypopharynx and larynx). The risk was also higher, or limited to, in subjects exposed to tobacco. The OR rose to 7.2 (95% CI 5.5-9.5) among subjects with family history, who were alcohol and tobacco users. A weak but significant association (OR = 1.1, 95% CI 1.0-1.2) emerged for family history of other tobacco-related neoplasms, particularly with laryngeal cancer (OR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.5). No association was observed for family history of nontobacco-related neoplasms and the risk of HNC (OR = 1.0, 95% CI 0.9-1.1). Familial factors play a role in the etiology of HNC. In both subjects with and without family history of HNC, avoidance of tobacco and alcohol exposure may be the best way to avoid HNC. (C) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc,

Patients Receiving Physical Rehabilitation: Records of Sexual Function Before the Introduction of Erectogenic Drugs

The objective of this study is to evaluate the entries associated to the sexual function of patients undergoing physical disability rehabilitation, as well as the course of changes and medical approach through a retrospective review of medical charts. Methods: Medical records referring to the period between July and September, 1998 were evaluated. The data was divided into two groups, records containing physician`s entries on sexual function and/or entries of other health care professionals. The following aspects were investigated: whether complaints were spontaneously voiced by the patient, and whether diagnosis had been reached, with corresponding management. Results: Out of 245 medical records investigated, 17 (6.9%) contained clinical observations on the sexual function; out of those, 14 reached diagnosis. Twelve records (4.9%) had information by non-medical healthcare professionals. Out of 17 entries by doctors, 16 referred to male patients, which was found to be significant (p = 0.0202). Conclusions: Records for the sexual function of patients undergoing physical rehabilitation are scarce. In this population, the sexual function of male patients had more extensive investigation on the part of physicians when compared to other health care professionals.

Conceptualizing impulsivity and risk taking in bipolar disorder: importance of history of alcohol abuse

Elevated levels of impulsivity and increased risk taking are thought to be core features of both bipolar disorder (BD) and addictive disorders. Given the high rates of comorbid alcohol abuse in BD, alcohol addiction may exacerbate impulsive behavior and risk-taking propensity in BD. Here we examine multiple dimensions of impulsivity and risk taking, using cognitive tasks and self-report measures, in BD patients with and without a history of alcohol abuse. Thirty-one BD subjects with a prior history of alcohol abuse or dependence (BD-A), 24 BD subjects with no history of alcohol abuse/dependence (BD-N), and 25 healthy control subjects (HC) were assessed with the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS) and the computerized Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART). Both BD groups scored significantly higher than controls on the BIS. In contrast, only the BD-A group showed impaired performance on the BART. BD-A subjects popped significantly more balloons than the BD-N and HC groups. In addition, subjects in the BD-A group failed to adjust their performance after popping balloons. Severity of mood symptomatology was not associated with performance on either task. The current study supports a primary role of prior alcohol abuse in risk-taking propensity among patients with bipolar disorder. In addition, findings suggest that impulsivity and risky behavior, as operationalized by self-report and experimental cognitive probes, respectively, are separable constructs that tap distinct aspects of the bipolar phenotype.

Resolution of sexual dysfunction during acute treatment of major depression with milnacipran

Objective The sexual function and enjoyment questionnaire (SFEQ) was developed to assess and detect changes in sexual function in men and women. The aim of the present study was to use the SFEQ to evaluate the effects of the serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, milnacipran, in the treatment of depression in two culturally different populations. Methods The SFEQ was employed in two studies investigating milnacipran in the treatment of major depression: a 12-week open study in Brazil and a 6-week randomised controlled study in Europe. Results At endpoint, 61.3% (Brazil) and 78.4% (Europe) of patients had >= 50% reduction of baseline Hamilton Depression Rating (HAMD) score. All SFEQ items showed improvements in sexual function in both Studies at endpoint, 60% (Brazil) and 56% (Europe) of patients stating that their Sexual desire was as great as or greater than it had been before their depressive episode. Conclusions Milnacipran appears to improve sexual function in parallel with improvement in other symptoms of depression. The SFEQ is a sensitive instrument for measuring changes in sexual function and appears to be unaffected by Cultural differences as shown by similar findings in Brazil and Europe. Copyright (C) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Prenatal diagnosis and natural history of fetuses presenting with pleural effusion

Objective To describe the natural history of fetuses presenting with pleural effusion. Methods Between January 2005 and December 2009 all fetuses diagnosed with pleural effusion were followed up. Fetuses were divided into three groups: I, isolated pleural effusion; II, associated structural anomalies but normal karyotype; and III, chromosomal anomalies. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the association between prenatal ultrasound findings and perinatal death. Results Fifty-six fetuses were included in the study. Associated structural or chromosomal anomalies occurred in 75.0% (42/56) of cases. Bilateral pleural effusion and fetal hydrops were associated with each other (p < 0.01) and with perinatal death (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated that only the presence of associated abnormalities was a statistical determinant of perinatal death (OR, 3.56; 95% CI, 1.48-5.64; p < 0.01). Conclusion Fetal pleural effusion is often associated with other abnormalities, and this association has poor perinatal outcome. Copyright (C) 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Evaluation of Sexual Function in Brazilian Pregnant Women

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the sexual function of pregnant women and to identify the potential variables associated with it. The study was conducted on 137 low-risk, sexually active pregnant women who filled out the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. Although 61% of the women assessed presented an FSFI score 26.5, they declared that they were satisfied with the emotional proximity to their partner, with their relationship, and with their sex life. A positive association was detected between sexual dysfunction and gestational age and a report of urinary incontinence and excessive weight gain in the current pregnancy.

Birth Prevalence and Natural History of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection in a Highly Seroimmune Population

Background. The natural history of congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is scarcely known in populations with high maternal CMV seroprevalence. This study evaluated the birth prevalence, clinical findings at birth, and hearing outcome in CMV-infected children from such a population. Methods. Consecutively born infants were screened for the presence of CMV in urine and/or saliva specimens during the first 2 weeks after birth. Neonatal clinical findings were recorded, and CMV-infected children were tested to document hearing function during follow-up. A subset of mothers of CMV-infected infants were prenatally tested for the presence of anti-CMV immunoglobulin G antibodies. Results. Congenital CMV infection was confirmed in 87 (1.08%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86%-1.33%) of 8047 infants. Seven infants (8.1%; 95% CI, 3.3%-15.9%) had at least 1 clinical finding suggestive of CMV infection, and 4 (4.6%; 95% CI, 1.3%-11.3%) had 13 findings of systemic disease. Sensorineural hearing loss was found in 5 (8.6%; 95% CI, 2.9%-19.0%) of 58 children tested at a median age of 21 months. Bilateral profound hearing loss was observed in 2 children, and the hearing threshold was 160 decibels in all 5 children with hearing loss, including 2 children born to mothers with probable nonprimary CMV infection. Conclusions. The results of this large newborn screening study in a population with high CMV seroimmunity provide additional evidence that congenital CMV disease occurs in populations with high seroprevalence rates, with a similar incidence of CMV-related hearing loss to that reported in the offspring of women from populations in developed countries with lower rates of seroimmunity to CMV.

Performance of the Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire Used in the Brazilian Center of the Prospective Study Natural History of Human Papillomavirus Infection in Men: The HIM Study

The Natural History of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection in Men: The HIM Study is a prospective multi-center cohort study that, among other factors, analyzes participants` diet. A parallel cross-sectional study was designed to evaluate the validity and reproducibility of the quantitative food frequency questionnaire (QFFQ) used in the Brazilian center from the HIM Study. For this, a convenience subsample of 98 men aged 18 to 70 years from the HIM Study in Brazil answered three 54-item QFFQ and three 24-hour recall interviews, with 6-month intervals between them (data collection January to September 2007). A Bland-Altman analysis indicated that the difference between instruments was dependent on the magnitude of the intake for energy and most nutrients included in the validity analysis, with the exception of carbohydrates, fiber, polyunsaturated fat, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The correlation between the QFFQ and the 24-hour recall for the deattenuated and energy-adjusted data ranged from 0.05 (total fat) to 0.57 (calcium). For the energy and nutrients consumption included in the validity analysis, 33.5% of participants on average were correctly classified into quartiles, and the average value of 0.26 for weighted kappa shows a reasonable agreement. The intraclass correlation coefficients for all nutrients were greater than 0.40 in the reproducibility analysis. The QFFQ demonstrated good reproducibility and acceptable validity. The results support the use of this instrument in the HIM Study. J Am Diet Assoc. 2011;111:1045-1051.

Natural History of the Lutz`s Frog Cycloramphus lutzorum Heyer, 1983 (Anura: Cycloramphidae) in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest: Description of the Advertisement Call, Tadpole, and Karyotype

We describe the advertisement call, tadpole, karyotype, and additional information on the natural history of Cycloramphus lutzorum from southern Brazil. Sonograms were generated from digitally recorded calls. Tadpoles were collected in the field for description in the lab, and an adult was collected for karyotyping. Data on seasonal activity were gathered monthly from November 2005 to November 2007. All tadpoles (N = 21), juveniles (N = 18), and adults (N = 52) were found exclusively in streams. Reproduction, as identified by calling frogs, occurred from July through November. Frogs call all day long, but mostly at dusk, from rock crevices inside the stream edges near the splash zone. The call is short and loud, with 11 pulsed notes, of 491-641 ms, with a dominant frequency of 0.98-1.39 kHz. We describe the exotrophic and semiterrestrial tadpoles, always found in constantly humid vertical rock walls in the stream. Tadpoles of C. lutzorum are recognized by differences in labial tooth row formula, eye diameter, body shape, position of nares, and development of tail. Like congeneric species, the karyotype of C. lutzorum comprises 26 metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes. Cycloramphus lutzorum is restricted to and adapted for living in fast flowing streams, many of which are threatened by deforestation, pollution, and habitat loss. Therefore, we recommend the status of C. lutzorum be changed from its current ""Data Deficient"" to ""Near Threatened (NT)"" in the IUCN species red list.

Evolutionary history of Ramphastos toucans: Molecular phylogenetics, temporal diversification, and biogeography

The toucan genus Ramphastos (Piciformes: Ramphastidae) has been a model in the formulation of Neotropical paleobiogeographic hypotheses. Weckstein (2005) reported on the phylogenetic history of this genus based on three mitochondrial genes, but some relationships were weakly supported and one of the subspecies of R. vitellinus (citreolaemus) was unsampled. This study expands on Weckstein (2005) by adding more DNA sequence data (including a nuclear marker) and more samples, including R v. citreolaemus. Maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian methods recovered similar trees, with nodes showing high support. A monophyletic R. vitellinus complex was strongly supported as the sister-group to R. brevis. The results also confirmed that the southeastern and northern populations of R. vitellinus ariel are paraphyletic. X v. citreolaemus is sister to the Amazonian subspecies of the vitellinus complex. Using three protein-coding genes (COI, cytochrome-b and ND2) and interval-calibrated nodes under a Bayesian relaxed-clock framework, we infer that ramphastid genera originated in the middle Miocene to early Pliocene, Ramphastos species originated between late Miocene and early Pleistocene, and intra-specific divergences took place throughout the Pleistocene. Parsimony-based reconstruction of ancestral areas indicated that evolution of the four trans-Andean Ramphastos taxa (R. v. citreolaemus, R. a. swainsonii, R. brevis and R. sulfuratus) was associated with four independent dispersals from the cis-Andean region. The last pulse of Andean uplift may have been important for the evolution of R. sulfuratus, whereas the origin of the other trans-Andean Ramphastos taxa is consistent with vicariance due to drying events in the lowland forests north of the Andes. Estimated rates of molecular evolution were higher than the ""standard"" bird rate of 2% substitutions/site/million years for two of the three genes analyzed (cytochrome-b and ND2). (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evolutionary history of Dengue virus type 4: Insights into genotype phylodynamics

Dengue virus type 4 (DENV-4) circulates in tropical and subtropical countries from Asia and the Americas. Despite the importance of dengue virus distribution, little is known about the worldwide viral spread. Following a Bayesian phylogenetic approach we inferred the evolutionary history of 310 isolates sampled from 37 countries during the time period 1956-2008 and the spreading dynamics for genotypes I and II. The region (tropical rainforest biome) comprised by Malaysia-Thailand was the most likely ancestral area from which the serotype has originated and spread. Interestingly, cross-correlation analysis on demographic time series with the Asian sequences showed a statistically significant negative correlation that could be suggestive of competition among genotypes within the same serotype. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.