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.

Spermatophore and Gonopore Morphology of the Southwestern-Atlantic Hermit Crab Pagurus exilis (Benedict, 1892) (Anomura, Paguridae)

Marcelo A. Scelzo, Marina Z. Fantucci, and Fernando L. Mantelatto (2010) Spermatophore and gonopore morphology of the southwestern-Atlantic hermit crab Pagurus exilis (Benedict, 1892) (Anomura, Paguridae). Zoological Studies 49(3): 421-433. The form and function of the spermatophore have been used as a complementary tool in studies of the reproductive biology and systematics of hermit crabs. In this context, we describe the spermatophore and gonopore morphology of Pagurus exilis. The spermatophores were extracted from the distal part of the vas deferens of specimens collected in Argentina and Brazil. The spermatophores were composed of 3 major regions: a main ampulla (with a sperm capsule inside and an accessory ampulla at the base), a stalk, and a pedestal. Each spermatophore had a distinct dorsolateral suture line around the ampulla, where the rupture occurs to release the sperm. The spermatophore total length was 1.5 times the main ampulla length. The main ampulla was oval and slightly flattened. A triangular accessory ampulla extended from the main ampulla base to the pedestal on 1 side, and contained no to several sperm. The stalk is short and flattened, and as wide as the main ampulla. One to 3 spermatophores were found attached to each pedestal, which was almost oblong in shape. The dimensions of the spermatophore and its component parts were directly influenced by the size of the hermit crab. Gonopores of males were covered by long pappose setae, while female gonopores bore a few short cuspidate setae. Specimens from Brazil and Argentina had the same spermatophore morphology, corroborating the previously observed absence of genetic differences between the both populations. The spermatophore morphology of this species has similarities with the broad general pattern of the Paguridae, being most similar to one of the (at least) 3 patterns of spermatophore morphology described for Pa gurus. http://zoolstud.sinica.edu.tw/Journals/49.3/421.pdf

Reproductive biology of Trichocentrum pumilum: an orchid pollinated by oil-collecting bees

The reproductive biology, reward production and pollination mechanism of Trichocentrum pumilum were studied in a gallery forest in the interior of the State of Sao Paulo, southeast Brazil. The floral visitors and pollination mechanism were recorded, and experimental pollinations were carried out in order to determine the breeding system of this species. Trichocentrum pumilum blooms in spring. Each paniculate inflorescence bears an average of 85 flowers that present a central yellow callus and finger-like trichomes on the lateral lobes of the lip. A lipoidal substance is produced and stored among these trichomes. In the studied population, T. pumilum is exclusively visited and pollinated by two bee species (Tetrapedia diversipes and Lophopedia nigrispinis). Pollinaria are deposited on mouthparts of bees during collection of the lipoidal substance from the lateral lobes of the labellum. Trichocentrum pumilum is self-incompatible and pollinator-limited. Natural fruit set was low (9%, compared to 45% in experimentally cross-pollinated flowers). Potentially viable seed exceed 97% in fruits obtained through cross-pollination and in natural conditions (open pollination).

Sexual ratio, reproductive period and seasonal variation of the gonochoric shrimp Hippolyte obliquimanus (Caridea: Hippolytidae)

Hippolyte obliquimanus is a small, gonochoric shrimp found in algal substrates along the western Atlantic coast of Brazil, particularly in association with seaweed of the genus Sargassum. We studied population features (sexual ratio, reproductive period and temporal distribution) of H. obliquimanus in southeastern Brazil, including its relationships with the seasonality of banks of this alga. Specimens were collected at two-monthly intervals from March 2005 to January 2006, in Ubatuba Bay. The sex of individuals was checked, and the carapace length measured. In total, 668 individuals were collected: 211 males (0.70-2.50 mm carapace length), 341 non-ovigerous females (0.55-2.90 mm), and 116 ovigerous females (1.55-3.20 mm). Hippolyte obliquimanus showed seasonal-continuous reproduction and variable continuous recruitment. The highest number of animals (75%) was collected in fall-winter. The percentages of ovigerous females/total females (fall-winter: 27%; spring-summer: 26%) and the sexual ratio (fall-winter: 31%; spring-summer: 32%) were practically equal in both periods. The sexual ratio showed a predominance of females in almost all size classes, and we detected a new sex ratio pattern for this species. The seasonal variation in the number of individuals can be related to its migration to deeper areas, due to the decrease in the abundance of Sargassum sp. in shallower waters in spring-summer.

Temporal dynamic of the relationship between the parasitic isopod Aporobopyrus curtatus (Crustacea: Isopoda: Bopyridae) and the anomuran crab Petrolisthes armatus (Crustacea: Decapoda: Porcellanidae) in southern Brazil

The prevalence of the parasite Aporobopyrus curtatus in Petrolisthes armatus from southern Brazil was determined, and the effect the parasite had on host reproduction was evaluated. Of all 775 crabs sampled in Araca region from March 2005 to July 2006, 3.2% presented bopyrid parasites. All the parasitized individuals had one branchial chamber occupied by two mature parasites, with no preference for the right or left chamber. Male and female hosts were infested in equal proportions. Parasitized juveniles, large individuals and ovigerous females were not found in our study. The absence of parasitized ovigerous females seems to be insufficient evidence to support the hypothesis of parasitic castration and would require a histological study to confirm their reproductive death. The percentage of infestation observed in our study (3.1%) is lower than the one found in other studies and it could indicate the existence of factor(s) regulating the density of A. curtatus in the Araca region. At least in this population, the low but constant presence of the bopyrid A. curtatus population did not appear to have a negative effect on the porcellanid population, and parasitized individuals did not play a significant role in the natural history of P. armatus.

Reproductive strategy of the snapping shrimp Alpheus armillatus H. Milne-Edwards, 1837 in the South Atlantic: fecundity, egg features, and reproductive output

The family Alpheidae, composed by shrimps of relatively small size, popularly known as snapping shrimps, is the one of the most diverse decapod groups. These shrimps are found worldwide and Occur in tropical and subtropical waters, from the intertidal zone to great depths. We investigated reproductive aspects of Alpheus armillatus, in order to gather information on egg production, aiming to enhance knowledge of its reproductive strategies in a population in an intertidal area of the South Atlantic. Ovigerous females were collected under rocks, in May and July 2006 (dry season) and in November 2006 and March 2007 (rainy season). Egg production and reproductive output were analyzed and compared seasonally and during the period of embryonic development. Females measured on average 11.28 mm CL with a mean of 763 eggs and 0.11 mm(3) egg volume. The egg volume of this population was smaller than previous estimates for other species of snapping shrimps, but the mean egg number was higher. The volume of eggs doubled during the incubation period, but despite this increase, no significant loss of eggs was observed. Alpheus armillatus invests oil average about 12% of body weight in reproduction. The proportional investment in egg production IS Significantly higher in the rainy season when compared with the dry season (17.9% vs 4.8%), correlated with higher temperatures and increased food availability at this time. Our results corroborated the hypothesis of a pattern of egg production influenced by environmental conditions and intraspecific variability among the family Alpheidae, as a function of the biogeographic region.

The look of royalty: visual and odour signals of reproductive status in a paper wasp

Reproductive conflicts within animal societies occur when all females can potentially reproduce. In social insects, these conflicts are regulated largely by behaviour and chemical signalling. There is evidence that presence of signals, which provide direct information about the quality of the reproductive females would increase the fitness of all parties. In this study, we present an association between visual and chemical signals in the paper wasp Polistes satan. Our results showed that in nest-founding phase colonies, variation of visual signals is linked to relative fertility, while chemical signals are related to dominance status. In addition, experiments revealed that higher hierarchical positions were occupied by subordinates with distinct proportions of cuticular hydrocarbons and distinct visual marks. Therefore, these wasps present cues that convey reliable information of their reproductive status.

Reproductive biology of Cyrtopodium polyphyllum (Orchidaceae): a Cyrtopodiinae pollinated by deceit

The genus Cyrtopodium comprises about 42 species distributed from southern Florida to northern Argentina. Cyrtopodium polyphyllum occurs on rocks or in sandy soils, in restinga vegetation along the Brazilian coast. It flowers during the wet season and its inflorescences produce a high number of resupinate yellow flowers. Cyrtopodium polyphyllum offers no rewards to its pollinators, but mimics the yellow, reward-producing flowers of nearby growing Stigmaphyllon arenicola (oil) and Crotalaria vitellina (nectar) individuals. Several species of bee visit flowers of C. polyphyllum, but only two species of Centris (Centris tarsata and Centris labrosa) act as pollinators. Visits to flowers of C. polyphyllum were scarce and, as a consequence, low-fruit set was recorded under natural conditions. Such low-fruit production contrasts with the number of fruits each plant bears after manual pollination, suggesting deficient pollen transfer among plants. C. polyphyllum is self-compatible and has a high-fruit set in both manual self- and cross-pollinated flowers. Furthermore, fruits (2%) are formed by self-pollination assisted by rain. This facultative self-pollination mechanism is an important strategy to provide reproductive assurance to C. polyphyllum as rainfall restricts the foraging activity of its pollinating bees. Fruits derived from treatments and under natural conditions had a similar high rate of potentially viable seed. Moreover, these seeds had a low polyembryony rate, which did not exceed 5%. C. polyphyllum acts by deceit involving optical signals and exploits other yellow-flowered species within its habitat by attracting their pollinators. The low capsule production under natural conditions was expected, but its reproductive success is assured through self-pollination by rain and high seed viability.

Reproductive biology and pollination of Govenia utriculata: A syrphid fly orchid pollinated through a pollen-deceptive mechanism

The reproductive biology and pollination mechanisms of Govenia utriculata (Sw.) Lindl. were studied in a mesophytic semideciduous forest at Serra do Japi, south-eastern Brazil. The floral visitors and pollination mechanisms were recorded, and experimental pollinations were carried out to determine the breeding system of this species. Populations of G. utriculata growing at Serra do Japi are exclusively visited and pollinated by two species of hoverflies in the genus Salpingogaster (Diptera: Syrphidae) that are attracted by deceit to the flowers of this orchid species. The lip apex and the column base present small brownish and yellow to orange spots that mimic pollen clusters. Govenia utriculata is self-compatible, but pollinator dependent. Natural fruit set was low (10%), but similar to that of other non-obligatorily autogamous sympatric orchid species that occur at Serra do Japi and of other fly-pollinated orchid species pollinated through deceptive mechanisms.

Redescription of Riethia truncatocaudata (Edwards, 1931) (Diptera: Chironomidae), with description of female, pupa and larva and generic diagnosis for Riethia

The discovery of the immature life history stages of Riethia truncatocaudata (Edwards, 1931) from South America allows diagnosis of Riethia Kieffer, 1917 in all stages, incorporating reared species from the complete austral range. Pseudochironomus truncatocaudata Edwards, 1931 is a senior synonym (syn. n.) of Pseudochironomus melanoides Edwards, 1931. We redescribe the male to complement the short original descriptions of R. truncatocaudata and R. melanoides. The species is congeneric with Australian Riethia stictoptera Kieffer, the type species of the genus Riethia. Extensive material available from the western Pacific (Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia) confirms that the diagnosis extends to a gondwanan clade, likely sister group to the largely northern genus Pseudochironomus Kieffer.

Bladder irrigation with amphotericin B and fungal urinary tract infection-systematic review with meta-analysis

Background: Candiduria is a hospital-associated infection and a daily problem in the intensive care unit. The treatment of asymptomatic candiduria is not well established and the use of amphotericin B bladder irrigation (ABBI) is controversial. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the best place for this therapy in practice. Methods: The databases searched in this study included MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and LILACS (January 1960-June 2007). We included manuscripts with data on the treatment of candiduria using ABBI. The studies were classified as comparative, dose-finding, or non-comparative. Results: From 213 studies, nine articles (377 patients) met our inclusion criteria. ABBI showed a higher clearance of the candiduria 24 hours after the end of therapy than fluconazole (odds ratio (OR) 0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.32-1.00). Fungal culture 5 days after the end of both therapies showed a similar response (OR 1.51, 95% CI 0.81-2.80). The evaluation of ABBI using an intermittent or continuous system of delivery showed an early candiduria clearance (24 hours after therapy) of 80% and 82%, respectively (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.52-1.36). Candiduria clearance at >5 days after the therapy showed a superior response using continuous bladder irrigation with amphotericin B (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.29-0.94). The use of continuous ABBI for more than 5 days showed a better result (88% vs. 78%) than ABBI for less than 5 days, but without significance (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.34-1.04). Conclusion: Although the strength of the results in the underlying literature is not sufficient to allow the drawing of definitive conclusions, ABBI appears to be as effective as fluconazole, but it does not offer systemic antifungal therapy and should only be used for asymptomatic candiduria. (C) 2008 International Society for Infectious Diseases. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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.

Degos` disease as a cutaneous manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus

Degos` disease or malignant atrophic papulosis is a rare vasculopathy characterized by the presence of a typical skin lesion and visceral vascular involvement of small vessels, mainly of the digestive tract or central nervous system. The most interesting fact in this disease is the benign appearance of cutaneous lesion, hiding the occlusion of skin and visceral vessels. The author reports the case of a female patient with systemic lupus erythematosus for eight years. During her follow up, generalized skin papules were observed on the trunk and limbs, sparing her face, hands and feet, compatible with Degos` disease. Additional. imaging investigation excluded systemic involvement of the disease. Treatment with acetylsalicylic acid prevented the appearance of new cutaneous manifestations and the patient remains clinically stable on the Outpatient Clinic without complications, until this moment. Malign atrophic papulosis is a rare disease with a poor prognosis. However, its association with systemic lupus erythematosus seems to follow a more benign course, without the typical visceral involvement.

Intra-bone marrow injection of mesenchymal stem cells improves the femur bone mass of osteoporotic female rats

The effect of intra-bone injection of differentiated rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) into the femur of osteoporotic female rats was studied. Osteoporosis was induced in Wistar female rats by bilateral ovariectomy. Then, 0.75 million BMMSCs isolated from healthy rats were injected into the femurs of osteoporotic rats. Histomorphometric analysis and histology clearly revealed improvements in the treated group as compared to untreated group. In 2 months, the femurs of treated rats, unlike untreated rats, showed trabecular bone percentage almost similar to the femurs from control healthy rats. To confirm the origin of newly formed bone, the experiment was repeated with BMMSCs isolated from green fluorescent protein transgenic rats. Confocal microscopy demonstrated green fluorescent protein-positive cells at the surface of trabecular bone of the treated rats. We investigated in vitro osteogenic differentiation of BMMSCs isolated from osteoporotic rats by studying alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen synthesis, and the ability to form mineralized nodules. Osteoporotic BMMSCs showed less differentiation capabilities as compared to those isolated from healthy rats. The results clearly demonstrated the importance of BMMSCs in osteoporosis and that the disease can be treated by injection of BMMSCs.

Urodynamic evaluation of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms and small prostate volume

Introduction: The relevance of prostate size in the pathophysiology of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is controversial. We evaluated the urodynamic findings in patients with LUTS and small prostate volumes. Materials and Methods: 84 patients aged >= 50 years with LUTS and prostates < 40 ml were evaluated. All had an International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) >= 8. Average age was 62.0 +/- 8.1 years. We evaluated the impact of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and detrusor overactivity (DO) on the voiding symptoms and urodynamic findings. Results: Mean prostate volume was 29.2 +/- 7.2 ml and mean IPSS was 13.5 +/- 4.6. BOO was the main finding, affecting 42 (50.0%) patients, followed by detrusor underactivity (DU) in 41 (48.8%) and DO in 28 (33.3%) patients. Patients without BOO were significantly older than the obstructed (64.0 +/- 8.8 and 60.1 +/- 6.9 years, respectively; p = 0.026) and had an increased prevalence of DU (76.2 and 21.4%, respectively; p < 0.001). Comparison of patients with and without DO showed reduced bladder capacity and compliance in the DO group (p < 0.001). No other comparisons were significant. Conclusion: Half of the patients with LUTS and small prostates are not obstructed and may have DO or decreased detrusor contractility as the basis for their voiding symptoms. Our results emphasize the value of urodynamics in this population, especially when invasive treatments are being considered. Copyright (c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.