Five new species of Culicoides Latreille described from Colombia, yielding a new species list and country records (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)

The following five new species of Culicoides from Colombia are described, illustrated and placed to subgenus or species group: Culicoides antioquiensis, Culicoides gabrieli, Culicoides inermis, Culicoides micayensis and Culicoides nigrifemur. C. gabrieli is also known from Peru. When possible, their position in previously published keys is indicated and their features discussed in light of the most recent revisions. A list of 180 Culicoides species known (114) or suspected of being in Colombia (66) is given in a Table. Of these, 12 including the new species are recorded from Colombia for the first time.

Evaluation of buffy coat 16S rRNA PCR, buffy coat culture and whole blood PCR for detection of bacteraemia

The use of Gram type-specific PCR on buffy coat from clinical specimens for the detection of bacteraemia was evaluated for the first time using whole blood culture as the gold standard. In addition, the established buffy coat culture and whole blood PCR were also compared. Gram-positive bacteria belonging to six species and Gram-negative bacteria from 10 species were isolated and identified by culture and detected using broad-range 16S rDNA primers and Gram-specific primers. Data from the three methods all conferred very high sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values when compared to whole blood culture. The Kappa coefficients of agreement were 0.9819 (buffy coat PCR), 0.9458 (whole blood PCR) and 1.0 (buffy coat culture), which establishes their validity as alternative methods to routine blood culture in detecting bacteraemia. In addition, results showed that there was a direct correlation of WBC counts greater than 12,000 cells per mm³ to the occurrence of bacteraemia as detected by the four methods (p < 0.05).

Breeding sites of Culicoides pachymerus Lutz in the Magdalena River basin, Colombia

The breeding sites of Culicoides pachymerus are described for the first time in western Boyacá Province, Colombia, where this species is a public health problem. In addition to being a nuisance due to its enormous density and its high biting rates, C. pachymerus cause dermatological problems in the human population. Analysis of microhabitats by the sugar flotation technique and the use of emergence traps allowed us to recover 155 larvae of Culicoides spp and 65 adults of C. pachymerus from peridomiciliary muddy substrates formed by springs of water and constant rainwater accumulation. These important findings could aid in the design of integrated control meas-ures against this pest.

Establishment and characterisation of a new cell line derived from Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae)

Insect cell cultures are an important biotechnological tool for basic and applied studies. The objective of this work was to establish and characterise a new cell line from Culex quinquefasciatus embryonic tissues. Embryonated eggs were taken as a source of tissue to make explants that were seeded in L-15, Grace's, Grace's/L-15, MM/VP12, Schneider's and DMEM culture media with a pH range from 6.7-6.9 and incubated at 28ºC. The morphological, cytogenetic, biochemical and molecular characteristics of the cell cultures were examined by observing the cell shapes, obtaining the karyotypes, using a cellulose-acetate electrophoretic system and performing random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction analysis, respectively. The Grace's/L-15 medium provided the optimal nutritional conditions for cell adhesion and proliferation. Approximately 40-60 days following the explant procedure, a confluent monolayer was formed. Cellular morphology in the primary cultures and the subcultures was heterogeneous, but in the monolayer the epithelioid morphology type predominated. A karyotype with a diploid number of six chromosomes (2n = 6) was observed. Isoenzymatic and molecular patterns of the mosquito cell cultures matched those obtained from the immature and adult forms of the same species. Eighteen subcultures were generated. These cell cultures potentially constitute a useful tool for use in biomedical applications.

Comparative bionomics of four populations of Meccus longipennis (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) under laboratory conditions

The values of biological parameters related to the life cycles of four populations of Meccus longipennis (Reduviidae: Triatominae) were evaluated. Cohorts of each of the four studied populations from different geographical areas of Mexico were maintained under similar laboratory conditions and then compared. The population from El Saucito de Araujo was different from the other three studied populations, which could help explain the secondary importance of M. longipennis in the state of Chihuahua. This paper also supports the proposition that biological traits are important criteria for determining relationships between populations.

Correlations between major risk factors and closely related Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates grouped by three current enotyping procedures: a population-based study in northeast Mexico

The characteristics of tuberculosis (TB) patients related to a chain of recent TB transmissions were investigated. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) isolates (120) were genotyped using the restriction fragment length polymorphism-IS6110 (R), spacer oligotyping (S) and mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units-variable number of tandem repeats (M) methods. The MTB isolates were clustered and the clusters were grouped according to the similarities of their genotypes. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients between the groups of MTB isolates with similar genotypes and those patient characteristics indicating a risk for a pulmonary TB (PTB) chain transmission were ana- lysed. The isolates showing similar genotypes were distributed as follows: SMR (5%), SM (12.5%), SR (1.67%), MR (0%), S (46.67%), M (5%) and R (0%). The remaining 35 cases were orphans. SMR exhibited a significant correlation (p < 0.05) with visits to clinics, municipalities and comorbidities (primarily diabetes mellitus). S correlated with drug consumption and M with comorbidities. SMR is needed to identify a social network in metropolitan areas for PTB transmission and S and M are able to detect risk factors as secondary components of a transmission chain of TB.

Comparative serology techniques for the diagnosis of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in a rural population from the state of Querétaro, Mexico

Immunological diagnostic methods for Trypanosoma cruzi depend specifically on the presence of antibodies and parasitological methods lack sensitivity during the chronic and “indeterminate” stages of the disease. This study performed a serological survey of 1,033 subjects from 52 rural communities in 12 of the 18 municipalities in the state of Querétaro, Mexico. We detected anti-T. cruzi antibodies using the following tests: indirect haemagglutination assay (IHA), indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), ELISA and recombinant ELISA (rELISA). We also performed Western blot (WB) analysis using iron superoxide dismutase (FeSOD), a detoxifying enzyme excreted by the parasite, as the antigen. Positive test results were distributed as follows: ELISA 8%, rELISA 6.2%, IFA and IHA 5.4% in both cases and FeSOD 8%. A comparative study of the five tests was undertaken. Sensitivity levels, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, concordance percentage and kappa index were considered. Living with animals, trips to other communities, gender, age, type of housing and symptomatology at the time of the survey were statistically analysed using SPSS software v.11.5. Detection of the FeSOD enzyme that was secreted by the parasite and used as an antigenic fraction in WBs showed a 100% correlation with traditional ELISA tests.

The efficacy of 2-nitrovinylfuran derivatives againstLeishmania in vitro and in vivo

Despite recent advances in the treatment of some forms of leishmaniasis, the available drugs are still far from ideal due to inefficacy, parasite resistance, toxicity and cost. The wide-spectrum antimicrobial activity of 2-nitrovinylfuran compounds has been described, as has their activity against Trichomonas vaginalis and other protozoa. Thus, the aim of this study was to test the antileishmanial activities of six 2-nitrovinylfurans in vitro and in a murine model of leishmaniasis. Minimum parasiticide concentration (MPC) and 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for these compounds against the promastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis, Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis were determined, as were the efficacies of two selected compounds in an experimental model of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) caused by L. amazonensis in BALB/c mice. All of the compounds were active against the promastigotes of the three Leishmania species tested. IC50 and MPC values were in the ranges of 0.8-4.7 µM and 1.7-32 µM, respectively. The compounds 2-bromo-5-(2-bromo-2-nitrovinyl)-furan (furvina) and 2-bromo-5-(2-methyl-2-nitrovinyl)-furan (UC245) also reduced lesion growth in vivo at a magnitude comparable to or higher than that achieved by amphotericin B treatment. The results demonstrate the potential of this class of compounds as antileishmanial agents and support the clinical testing of Dermofural(r) (a furvina-containing antifungal ointment) for the treatment of CL.

Propuesta organizacional de un archivo de gestión para organizaciones empresariales

Hoy día la gestión eficaz de los recursos de información y documentación en las empresas, genera la búsqueda de soluciones prácticas y exitosas. El presente artículo aborda el papel fundamental que han tenido los archivos, desde la antigüedad hasta la actualidad y su influencia en las funciones que desarrollan las organizaciones empresariales, como elemento indispensable para su cambio continuo. El presente artículo proviene de una pesquisa realizada en la Empresa Constructora de Obras de Arquitectura e Industria, No 8 (ECOAI) del territorio camagüeyano. Propone la organización de un Archivo de Gestión con sus respectivas fases de: Análisis, Diseño e Implantación; cada una posee un plan de actuación especifico. La propuesta tiene en cuenta la interrelación existente entre fases y etapas con un enfoque sistémico, con la finalidad de organizar, conservar y difundir la documentación como parte estratégica del patrimonio documental. Las consideraciones finales son presentadas sobre la aplicación de la propuesta en el ambiente empresarial cubano.

Interação com ambientes e estabilidade de genótipos de feijoeiro-comum na Região Centro-Sul do Brasil

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a estabilidade e adaptabilidade de genótipos, do programa de melhoramento genético do feijoeiro-comum, da Embrapa Arroz e Feijão, e comparar os métodos de AMMI (análise da interação multiplicativa e dos efeitos principais aditivos), de Lin & Binns e de Eberhart & Russell. Os ensaios foram compostos de 20 genótipos (grupos comerciais de grão preto, carioca, roxo, jalo e rajado), avaliados em 22 ensaios, na época das águas (safra) e na seca (safrinha) dos anos de 2002, 2003 e 2004, nos estados do Paraná, Santa Catarina e São Paulo. Foi encontrada baixa associação entre os métodos AMMI e Lin & Binns (r = 0,39), e AMMI e Eberhart & Russell (r = 0,40). Não houve correlação entre Lin & Binns e Eberhart & Russell. Os genótipos mais estáveis e produtivos, para tipo de grão comercial carioca são: as cultivares BRS Requinte e a linhagem CNFC 8075; para tipo de grão comercial preto, as cultivares BRS Supremo e BRS Campeiro; e para tipos de grãos comerciais roxo e rosinha, a cultivar BRS Vereda.

Comparação de métodos de análise de adaptabilidade e estabilidade fenotípica em feijoeiro-comum

O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar métodos de estudo de adaptabilidade e estabilidade fenotípica de feijoeiro-comum (Phaseolus vulgaris). Foram utilizadas avaliações de produtividade em 71 ensaios, com 16 genótipos em cada um. A adaptabilidade e a estabilidade dos genótipos foi avaliada por meio de seis métodos, e a associação entre os métodos foi determinada pela correlação de Spearman. Os métodos de Cruz e de Eberhart & Russel apresentaram forte correlação entre si. Os métodos de Lin & Binns, Lin & Binns modificado e Annicchiarico também apresentaram alta correlação entre si. Correlações intermediárias foram observadas entre os métodos de Eberhart & Russel e da análise da interação multiplicativa dos efeitos principais aditivos (AMMI). A utilização conjunta de métodos que apresentaram alta correlação não é indicada. Dessa forma, apenas um dos métodos, entre os de Cruz, Eberhart & Russel e AMMI, deve ser utilizado em conjunto com Lin & Binns, Lin & Binns modificado ou Annicchiarico, visto que não houve correlação entre métodos desses dois grupos. Os métodos de Lin & Binns modificado e Annicchiarico são indicados para utilização isolada, pois são de utilização simples e permitem a classificação dos ambientes em favoráveis e desfavoráveis e a identificação dos genótipos mais estáveis e adaptados entre os mais produtivos.

Indicação de cultivares de feijoeiro-comum baseada na avaliação conjunta de diferentes épocas de semeadura

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram verificar a existência de interação entre genótipos de feijoeiro-comum e épocas de semeadura, avaliar a importância da interação complexa e verificar a necessidade de indicação de cultivares para cada época, em região de altitude intermediária nos estados do Paraná e Santa Catarina. Utilizaram-se avaliações de produtividade de grãos de 16 genótipos, em 12 ensaios realizados em duas épocas de semeadura. As análises de variância foram realizadas com decomposição da interação genótipos x ambientes. A percentagem complexa da interação para os pares de ambientes e também a correlação de Spearman entre épocas foram estimadas por meio de médias de produtividade e parâmetros de estabilidade dos genótipos, obtidos pela metodologia Annicchiarico. Detectaram-se diferenças entre épocas e presença de interação genótipos x épocas, mas com menor importância que as outras interações duplas com genótipos. As correlações de Spearman entre épocas mostraram interação predominantemente simples entre genótipos e épocas. A média da percentagem complexa da interação entre pares de ensaios mostrou que a alteração de classificação dos genótipos dentro de cada época tem a mesma magnitude do que a alteração entre épocas. Não é necessário indicar cultivares de feijoeiro comum para cada época isoladamente na região de estudo.

Cultivo de bananas em diferentes áreas na ilha de Tenerife

Objetivando caracterizar a produção e a qualidade de bananas produzidas em diferentes condições de cultivo na ilha de Tenerife, foram estudadas três regiões da ilha (Cueva del Polvo, Hoya Melleque e Canaria Forestal), onde se produzem bananas ao ar livre das cultivares Gruesa, Gran Enana e Laja. Nas áreas de Cueva del Polvo e Hoya Melleque, emprega-se o cultivo convencional e, na propriedade Canaria Forestal, pratica-se o orgânico. Os espaçamentos adotados foram de 1,67 x 5,0 m, com duas plantas por cova; 1,3 x 3,0 m, com uma planta por cova, e 2,0 x 5,0 m, com duas plantas por cova, respectivamente, para as propriedades em Cueva del Polvo, Hoya Melleque e Canaria Forestal. Diante dos dados observados, é possível verificar que as plantas da cv. Gran Enana apresentam maior altura e as da cv. Gruesa, maior espessura de pseudocaule. Também se pode inferir que, dentre as áreas e cultivares estudadas, não houve grande variabilidade nas características físicas dos frutos. A produtividade média encontrada foi de 99,8 t.ha-1, valor considerado adequado.

Influencia de la pérdida foliar sobre la cosecha en el cv. Gruesa, Musa acuminata Colla (AAA), cultivado bajo invernadero en las Islas Canarias

El cultivo de la variedad de platanera Gruesa, selección local de Dwarf Cavendish, ha experimentado un importante aumento en los últimos años en las Islas Canarias, tanto al aire libre como bajo invernadero. La eliminación de hojas, tras la floración, es una práctica habitual en los cultivos bajo invernadero. Asimismo es frecuente la pérdida de hojas por el efecto de los vientos en los cultivos al aire libre. El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar, mediante simulación de pérdida foliar por daños mecánicos, la influencia que tiene la disminución de superficie foliar sobre el llenado y cosecha de la fruta en dicho cultivar. Para ello, cuatro meses antes de la cosecha se efectuaron cinco niveles de defoliación: 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% y 100%. Se valoran dos métodos diferentes de defoliación, eliminación de limbo foliar y tronchado de hojas con posterior corte de éstas. Se analizan y presentan datos morfológicos, fenológicos y productivos, así como valoración de la metodología empleada en este trabajo para la simulación de daños. A partir de un 25% de defoliado, equivalente a 7.5 hojas funcionales por planta, se detectaron diferencias significativas con las plantas testigos.

Produção biotecnológica de poli-hidroxialcanoatos para a geração de polímeros biodegradáveis no Brasil

In recent years, several studies have been developed in Brazil to produce biodegradable materials. A particular family of bacterial polymers, the polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), has received special attention. PHAs are thermoplastic, biodegradable, biocompatible, are synthesised from renewable resources and can substitute petrochemical plastics in some applications. Different aspects have been focused to increase productivity and to reduce the cost of PHA production: bacterial improvement, use of industrial by-products as raw material, bioreactor design, process operation strategies, downstream process, mathematical modelling, polymer characterisation, application and biodegradability of blends. A production process was transferred to industry and studies to produce new PHA by controlling monomer composition are in progress. All these aspects are presented in this review.