Sperm morphology: A novel way to associate female-males of highly sexual dimorphic fig wasp species

Males of pollinating and some non-pollinating fig wasps are wingless and quite dissimilar to their co-specific females. Due to the accentuated sexual dimorphism, males and females of some fig wasp species were described in different genera. We used morphological sperm features obtained from male seminal vesicles and female spermathecas to associate sexes in three non-pollinating fig wasp species, genus Idarnes, that are associated with Ficus citrifolia in Brazil. Sperm obtained from each female morph species presented diagnostic features that led to the association with sperm obtained from males. This method can potentially be used to help enlighten taxonomic problems in other wasp species with sexual di- or polymorphism.

The making and the actions of the Holy Inquisition Commissioners` network in Colonial Minas Gerais

Through the study of the action of the inquisition commissioners, this article seeks to reveal the relations between the Portuguese Inquisition and the ecclesiastical structure of the Minas Gerais State Captaincy in the colonial period. The focus of the analysis will be the making and the action of the network of Holy Inquisition commissioners in the gold Captaincy. What was the profile of these commissioners? How were they recruited from the local ecclesiastical hierarchy? What was the role assigned to them in the inquisitional action that took place in Minas Gerais? How did they act? What was the relationship between the introduction of the commissioners into the local ecclesiastical structures and the commissioners` inquisitorial activities?

ISPRM`S WAY FORWARD

This paper outlines approaches to developing the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (ISPRM) and addresses many current challenges Most importantly, these approaches provide the basis for ISPRM to develop its leadership role within the field of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) and in relation to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) system at large. They also address a number of specific critiques of the current situation. A positioning of ISPRM within the world architecture of the UN and WHO systems, as well as the consideration and fostering of respective emerging regional PRM societies, is central to establishing networking connections at different levels of the world society. Yearly congresses, possibly in co-operation with a regional society, based on a defined regional rotation, are suggested. Thus, frustration with the current bidding system for a biennial congress and an intermediate meeting could be overcome. Yearly congresses are also an important step towards increasing the organization`s funding base, and hence the possibility to expand the functions of ISPRM`s central office. ISPRM`s envisioned leadership role in the context of an international web of PRM journals complementing the formally defined official journal of ISPRM, regional societies and so forth, is an inclusive rather than exclusive approach that contributes to the development of PRM journals worldwide. An important prerequisite for the further development of ISPRM is the expansion and bureaucratization of its Central Office, adding professionalism and systematic allocation of resources to the strengths of the voluntary engagement of individual PRM doctors.

Coronary CT angiography using 64 detector rows: methods and design of the multi-centre trial CORE-64

Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) for the noninvasive detection of coronary artery stenoses is a promising candidate for widespread clinical application because of its non-invasive nature and high sensitivity and negative predictive value as found in several previous studies using 16 to 64 simultaneous detector rows. A multi-centre study of CT coronary angiography using 16 simultaneous detector rows has shown that 16-slice CT is limited by a high number of nondiagnostic cases and a high false-positive rate. A recent meta-analysis indicated a significant interaction between the size of the study sample and the diagnostic odds ratios suggestive of small study bias, highlighting the importance of evaluating MSCT using 64 simultaneous detector rows in a multi-centre approach with a larger sample size. In this manuscript we detail the objectives and methods of the prospective ""CORE-64"" trial (""Coronary Evaluation Using Multidetector Spiral Computed Tomography Angiography using 64 Detectors""). This multi-centre trial was unique in that it assessed the diagnostic performance of 64-slice CT coronary angiography in nine centres worldwide in comparison to conventional coronary angiography. In conclusion, the multi-centre, multi-institutional and multi-continental trial CORE-64 has great potential to ultimately assess the per-patient diagnostic performance of coronary CT angiography using 64 simultaneous detector rows.

Is PHEEM a multi-dimensional instrument? An international perspective

Aim: To look at the characteristics of Postgraduate Hospital Educational Environment Measure (PHEEM) using data from the UK, Brazil, Chile and the Netherlands, and to examine the reliability and characteristics of PHEEM, especially how the three PHEEM subscales fitted with factors derived statistically from the data sets. Methods: Statistical analysis of PHEEM scores from 1563 sets of data, using reliability analysis, exploratory factor analysis and correlations of factors derived with the three defined PHEEM subscales. Results: PHEEM was very reliable with an overall Cronbach`s alpha of 0.928. Three factors were derived by exploratory factor analysis. Factor One correlated most strongly with the teaching subscale (R=0.802), Factor Two correlated most strongly with the role autonomy subscale (R=0.623) and Factor Three correlated most strongly with the social support subscale (R=0.538). Conclusions: PHEEM is a multi-dimensional instrument. Overall, it is very reliable. There is a good fit of the three defined subscales, derived by qualitative methods, with the three principal factors derived from the data by exploratory factor analysis.

White matter microstructure underlying default mode network connectivity in the human brain

Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) reveals a distinct network of correlated brain function representing a default mode state of the human brain The underlying structural basis of this functional connectivity pattern is still widely unexplored We combined fractional anisotropy measures of fiber tract integrity derived from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and resting state fMRI data obtained at 3 Tesla from 20 healthy elderly subjects (56 to 83 years of age) to determine white matter microstructure e 7 underlying default mode connectivity We hypothesized that the functional connectivity between the posterior cingulate and hippocampus from resting state fMRI data Would be associated with the white matter microstructure in the cingulate bundle and fiber tracts connecting posterior cingulate gyrus With lateral temporal lobes, medial temporal lobes, and precuneus This was demonstrated at the p<0001 level using a voxel-based multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) approach In addition, we used a data-driven technique of joint independent component analysis (ICA) that uncovers spatial pattern that are linked across modalities. It revealed a pattern of white matter tracts including cingulate bundle and associated fiber tracts resembling the findings from the hypothesis-driven analysis and was linked to the pattern of default mode network (DMN) connectivity in the resting state fMRI data Out findings support the notion that the functional connectivity between the posterior cingulate and hippocampus and the functional connectivity across the entire DMN is based oil distinct pattern of anatomical connectivity within the cerebral white matter (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc All rights reserved

Prevalence of, and risk factors for Kaposi`s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus infection among blood donors in Brazil: A multi-center serosurvey

Kaposi`s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is endemic in the Amazon and rare in southern regions of Brazil. However, geographical distribution and epidemiological correlates of infection in this large country are still poorly defined. To estimate the seroprevalence of, and risk factors for, KSHV infection in Brazil, a multi-center study was conducted among 3,493 first-time voluntary unpaid blood donors from Salvador, Sao Paulo and Manaus. Antibodies against KSHV were detected using a whole-virus ELISA validated prior to the serosurvey. Antibodies against the latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) were detected by immuno-fluorescence assay (IFA) among ELISA-positive sera and a random sample of ELISA-negative sera. Overall, seroprevalence of KSHV by whole-virus ELISA was 21.7% (95% confidence interval (Cl): 20-23.4%) in men and 31.7% (95% Cl: 29-34.3%) in women (P<0.0001). KSHV antibodies were detected by IFA-LANA in 3% (95% Cl: 2-4.3%) of 867 ELISA-positive samples and in none of 365 randomly selected ELISA-negative samples. In multivariate analysis, KSHV seroprevalence by whole-virus ELISA was independently associated with female sex (odds ratio [OR] = 1.6, 95% Cl: 1.4-1.9); residence in the Amazon (OR = 1.4, 95% Cl: 1.2-1.8; compared to Salvador); Caucasian ethnicity (OR = 1.3, 95% Cl: 1.1-1.6) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection (OR = 1.3, 95% Cl: 1.1-1.6). KSHV seroprevalence did not significantly increase with age, nor was it associated with self-reported sexual behavior. KSHV seroprevalence is high among Brazilian blood donors, particularly from the Amazon region. This study supports the co-existence of sexual and non-sexual routes of KSHV transmission in this population.

Scale-free network of a dengue epidemic

In this work we show that the dengue epidemic in the city of Singapore organized itself into a scale-free network of transmission as the 2000-2005 outbreaks progressed. This scale-free network of cluster comprised geographical breeding places for the aedes mosquitoes, acting as super-spreaders nodes in a network of transmission. The geographical organization of the network was analysed by the corresponding distribution of weekly number of new cases. Therefore, our hypothesis is that the distribution of dengue cases reflects the geographical organization of a transmission network, which evolved towards a power law as the epidemic intensity progressed until 2005. (c) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Salvage Radical Prostatectomy for Radiation-recurrent Prostate Cancer: A Multi-institutional Collaboration

Background: Oncologic outcomes in men with radiation-recurrent prostate cancer (PCa) treated with salvage radical prostatectomy (SRP) are poorly defined. Objective: To identify predictors of biochemical recurrence (BCR), metastasis, and death following SRP to help select patients who may benefit from SRP. Design, setting, and participants: This is a retrospective, international, multi-institutional cohort analysis. There was amedian follow-up of 4.4 yr following SRP performed on 404 men with radiation-recurrent PCa from 1985 to 2009 in tertiary centers. Intervention: Open SRP. Measurements: BCR after SRP was defined as a serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) >= 0.1 or >= 0.2 ng/ml (depending on the institution). Secondary end points included progression to metastasis and cancerspecific death. Results and limitations: Median age at SRP was 65 yr of age, and median pre-SRP PSA was 4.5 ng/ml. Following SRP, 195 patients experienced BCR, 64 developed metastases, and 40 died from PCa. At 10 yr after SRP, BCR-free survival, metastasis-free survival, and cancer-specific survival (CSS) probabilities were 37% (95% confidence interval [CI], 31-43), 77% (95% CI, 71-82), and 83% (95% CI, 76-88), respectively. On preoperative multivariable analysis, pre-SRP PSA and Gleason score at postradiation prostate biopsy predicted BCR (p = 0.022; global p < 0.001) and metastasis (p = 0.022; global p < 0.001). On postoperative multivariable analysis, pre-SRP PSA and pathologic Gleason score at SRP predicted BCR (p = 0.014; global p < 0.001) and metastasis (p < 0.001; global p < 0.001). Lymph node involvement (LNI) also predicted metastasis (p = 0.017). The main limitations of this study are its retrospective design and the follow-up period. Conclusions: In a select group of patients who underwent SRP for radiation-recurrent PCa, freedom from clinical metastasis was observed in > 75% of patients 10 yr after surgery. Patients with lower pre-SRP PSA levels and lower postradiation prostate biopsy Gleason score have the highest probability of cure from SRP. (C) 2011 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.

Violence against women is strongly associated with suicide attempts: Evidence from the WHO multi-country study on women`s health and domestic violence against women

Suicidal behaviours are one of the most important contributors to the global burden of disease among women, but little is known about prevalence and modifiable risk factors in low and middle income countries. We use data from the WHO multi-country study on women`s health and domestic violence against women to examine the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and attempts, and relationships between suicide attempts and mental health status, child sexual abuse, partner violence and other variables. Population representative cross-sectional household surveys were conducted from 2000-2003 in 13 provincial (more rural) and city (urban) sites in Brazil, Ethiopia, japan, Namibia, Peru, Samoa, Serbia, Thailand and Tanzania. 20967 women aged 15-49 years participated. Prevalence of lifetime suicide attempts, lifetime suicidal thoughts, and suicidal thoughts in the past four weeks were calculated, and multivariate logistic regression models were fit to examine factors associated with suicide attempts in each site. Prevalence of lifetime suicide attempts ranged from 0.8% (Tanzania) to 12.0% (Peru city): lifetime thoughts of suicide from 7.2% (Tanzania province) to 29.0% (Peru province), and thoughts in the past four weeks from 1.9% (Serbia) to 13.6% (Peru province). 25-50% of women with suicidal thoughts in the past four weeks had also visited a health worker in that time. The most consistent risk factors for suicide attempts after adjusting for probable common mental health disorders were: intimate partner violence, non-partner physical violence, ever being divorced, separated or widowed, childhood sexual abuse and having a mother who had experienced intimate partner violence. Mental health policies and services must recognise the consistent relationship between violence and suicidality in women in low and middle income countries. Training health sector workers to recognize and respond to the consequences of violence may substantially reduce the health burden associated with suicidal behaviour. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Myofascial trigger point: A possible way of modulating tinnitus

In order to investigate whether myofascial trigger points can modulate tinnitus, as well as the association between tinnitus and myofascial trigger points, 94 individuals with and 94 without tinnitus, matched by age and gender, were analyzed by means of bilateral digital pressure of 9 muscles. Temporary modulation of tinnitus was frequently observed (55.9%) during digital pressure, mainly in the masseter. The rate of tinnitus modulation was significantly higher on the same side of the myofascial trigger point subject to examination in 6 out of 9 muscles. An association between tinnitus and the presence of myofascial trigger points was observed (p < 0.001), as well as a laterality association between the ear with the worst tinnitus and the side of the body with more myofascial trigger points (p < 0.001). Thus, this relationship could be explained not only by somatosensory-auditory system interactions but also by the influence of the sympathetic system. Copyright (c) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Toxoplasma gondii isolates: Multi locus RFLP-PCR genotyping from human patients in Sao Paulo State, Brazil identified distinct genotypes

This study investigated the genetic characteristics of Toxoplasma gondii samples collected from 62 patients with toxoplasmosis in Sao Paulo State, Brazil. DNA samples were isolated from blood, cerebrospinal fluid and amniotic fluids of 25 patients with cerebral toxoplasmosis and AIDS, two patients with acute toxoplasmosis, 12 patients with ocular toxoplasmosis, six newborns with congenital toxoplasmosis and 17 pregnant women with acute infection. Diagnosis of toxoplasmosis was based in clinical, radiological and laboratory features. Genotyping was performed using multilocus PCR-RFLP genetic markers including SAG1, SAG2, 5`- and 3`-SAG2, alt.SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, C22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1 and Apico. Among the 62 clinical samples, 20 (32%) were successfully genotyped at eight or more genetic loci and were grouped to three distinct genotypes. Eighteen samples belonged to ToxoDB Genotype #65 and the other two samples were identified as ToxoDB Genotypes #6 and #71, respectively (http://toxodb.org/toxo/). Patients presenting Genotypes #6 and #71 had severe and atypical cerebral toxoplasmosis, characterized by diffuse encephalitis without extensive brain lesions. These results indicate that T. gondii Genotype #65 may have a high frequency in causing human toxoplasmosis in Sao Paulo State, Brazil. This unusual finding highlights the need to investigate the possible association of parasite genotypes with human toxoplasmosis. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evidence for a network transcriptional control of promiscuous gene expression in medullary thymic epithelial cells

The expression of peripheral tissue antigens (PTAs) in the thymus by medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) is essential for the central self-tolerance in the generation of the T cell repertoire. Due to heterogeneity of autoantigen representation, this phenomenon has been termed promiscuous gene expression (PGE), in which the autoimmune regulator (Aire) gene plays a key role as a transcription factor in part of these genes. Here we used a microarray strategy to access PGE in cultured murine CD80(+) 3.10 mTEC line. Hierarchical clustering of the data allowed observation that PTA genes were differentially expressed being possible to found their respective induced or repressed mRNAs. To further investigate the control of PGE, we tested the hypothesis that genes involved in this phenomenon might also be modulated by transcriptional network. We then reconstructed such network based on the microarray expression data, featuring the guanylate cyclase 2d (Gucy2d) gene as a main node. In such condition, we established 167 positive and negative interactions with downstream PTA genes. Silencing Aire by RNA interference, Gucy2d while down regulated established a larger number (355) of interactions with PTA genes. T- and G-boxes corresponding to AIRE protein binding sites located upstream to ATG codon of Gucy2d supports this effect. These findings provide evidence that Aire plays a role in association with Gucy2d, which is connected to Several PTA genes and establishes a cascade-like transcriptional control of promiscuous gene expression in mTEC cells. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Role of dorsal raphe nucleus 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2) receptors in tonic immobility modulation in guinea pigs

Tonic immobility (TI) is an innate defensive behavior characterized by a state of physical inactivity and diminished responsiveness to environmental stimuli. Behavioral adaptations to changes in the external and internal milieu involve complex neuronal network activity and a large number of chemical neurotransmitters. The TI response is thought to be influenced by serotonin (5-HT) activity in the central nervous system (CNS) of vertebrates, but the neuronal groups involved in the mechanisms underlying this behavior are poorly understood. Owing to its extensive afferents and efferents, the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) has been implicated in a great variety of physiological and behavioral functions. in the current study, we investigated the influence of serotonergic 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2) receptor activity within the DRN on the modulation of TI behavior in the guinea pig. Microinjection of a 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist (8-OH-DPAT, 0.01 and 0.1 mu g) decreased TI behavior, an effect blocked by pretreatment with WAY-100635 (0.033 mu g), a 5-HT(1A) antagonist. In contrast, activation of 5-HT(2) receptors within the DRN (alpha-methyl-5-HT, 0.5 mu g) increased the TI duration, and this effect could be reversed by pretreatment with an ineffective dose (0.01 mu g) of ketanserine. Since the 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2) agonists decreased and increased, respectively, the duration of TI, different serotonin receptor subtypes may play distinct roles in the modulation of TI in the guinea pig. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Multi-system neurological disease is common in patients with OPA1 mutations

Additional neurological features have recently been described in seven families transmitting pathogenic mutations in OPA1, the most common cause of autosomal dominant optic atrophy. However, the frequency of these syndromal `dominant optic atrophy plus` variants and the extent of neurological involvement have not been established. In this large multi-centre study of 104 patients from 45 independent families, including 60 new cases, we show that extra-ocular neurological complications are common in OPA1 disease, and affect up to 20% of all mutational carriers. Bilateral sensorineural deafness beginning in late childhood and early adulthood was a prominent manifestation, followed by a combination of ataxia, myopathy, peripheral neuropathy and progressive external ophthalmoplegia from the third decade of life onwards. We also identified novel clinical presentations with spastic paraparesis mimicking hereditary spastic paraplegia, and a multiple sclerosis-like illness. In contrast to initial reports, multi-system neurological disease was associated with all mutational subtypes, although there was an increased risk with missense mutations [odds ratio = 3.06, 95% confidence interval = 1.44-6.49; P = 0.0027], and mutations located within the guanosine triphosphate-ase region (odds ratio = 2.29, 95% confidence interval = 1.08-4.82; P = 0.0271). Histochemical and molecular characterization of skeletal muscle biopsies revealed the presence of cytochrome c oxidase-deficient fibres and multiple mitochondrial DNA deletions in the majority of patients harbouring OPA1 mutations, even in those with isolated optic nerve involvement. However, the cytochrome c oxidase-deficient load was over four times higher in the dominant optic atrophy + group compared to the pure optic neuropathy group, implicating a causal role for these secondary mitochondrial DNA defects in disease pathophysiology. Individuals with dominant optic atrophy plus phenotypes also had significantly worse visual outcomes, and careful surveillance is therefore mandatory to optimize the detection and management of neurological disability in a group of patients who already have significant visual impairment.