Novo gênero de nematóide do solo da família Actinolaimidae

Caryboca paranaensis n.g., n.sp. (Nemata, Actinolaimidae) was found inhabiting soil around coffee roots sent in from Cornélio Procópio, State of Paraná, Brazil. Definition of the new genus: Actinolaimidae, Actinolaiminae. Lip region distinctly offset by a constriction and showing a cuticularized basket-like structure provided with lateral denticles and two rather strong teeth pointing forwards. Cuticular rod-like thickenings extending back from the basket-like structure to the guiding-ring. Anterior part of oesophagus a non-muscular, narrow tube; posterior part wider and provided with strongly developed radial musculature. Gonads paired and reflexed. Tail attenuated, pointed. Males and food habits unknown. Caryboca n.g. differs from Actinolaimus Cobb, 1913, by having a labial basket-like structure as well as by the non-muscular nature of the anterior part of oesophagus. Caryboca n.g. differs from Carcharolaimus Thome, 1939, by having two strong pharingeal teeth and pointed tail.

Sobre um gênero e três espécies de nematóides da família Dorylaimidae

This paper deals with one genus and three species of dorylaimid nematodes found inhabiting soil in Brazil, as follows: Eudorylaimus ibiti Lordello, 1965. Closely resembling E. ibiti are E. humilis (Thorne & Swanger, 1936) Andrássy, 1959, E. diadematus (Cobb, 1936) Andrássy, 1959, and E. santosi (Meyl, 1957) Andrássy, 1959. it differs from E. humilis in the following aspects: a) longer and thicker body (1,126.0-1,520.8: 1,000 microns; a=21.0-26.0 : a= 31); b) less prominent lips; and, c) tail terminus decidedly acute; differs from E. diadematus in having: a) less prominent lips; b) posterior region of body ventrally concave; and, c) a different organization in the walls of the pre-rectum; differs from E. santosi in having: a) longer body (1,126.0-1,520.8 : 900-1,000 microns); b) spear with undiscernible aperture; c) a different organization in the guiding-ring of spear; and, d) caudal papillae closer together and located in front of the middle of the tail. Mesodorylaymus pizai Lordello, 1965. M. pizai most closely resembling species is M. mesonyctius (Kreis, 1930) Andrássy, 1959, from which it differs in having: a) lip region amalgamated, continuous with neck contour (lateral view); b) males with 11-12 supplements; and, c) females with longitudinal vulva. Metaporcelaimus Lordello, 1965. This genus differs from Aporcelaimus Thorne & Swanger, 1936, in having oesophagus made up of three regions, a cardia like structure being seen between the posterior and middle parts. Type species: M.mombucae Lordello, 1965.

Cytological Findings Suggesting Sexuality in Phytomonas davidi (Protozoa: Kinetoplastida)

On few occasions, Phytomonas davidi (McGhee & Postell isolate) cultures in LIT (liver infusion-tryptose) medium around 27oC presented, as seen in Giemsa-stained smears, a set of peculiar morphological features, among them being noticeable the pairs of apposed cells attached by their posterior ends, where occurred a stained line and/or a dilatation, usually bulb-like in shape; sometimes this dilatation could occupy one of the cells or hold both together. In some pairs, the nucleus of each parasite seemed migrating towards the other, entering into such dilatation; in others, both nuclei were inside it, sometimes in close proximity or seeming fused; peculiar chromatin arrangements involving both nuclei were occasionally observed. Several mono or binucleate round forms bearing one or two flagella, as well as flagellate slender cells without nucleus were concomitantly seen there. In some instances, an intriguing small stained body occurred beside a single large nucleus, either in pairs presenting the bulb-like structure or in round cells. These cytological findings seemed steps of a dynamic process suggesting sexuality, since in several of them nuclear interactions following fusion of two parasites appeared to occur

Morphological Study of Adult Male Worms of Schistosoma mansoni Sambon, 1907 by Scanning Electron Microscopy

Tubercles, spines and sensory receptors are the most studied structures of adult male worms of Schistosoma mansoni isolated in other countries. The purpose of this investigation was to properly define these structures in Brazilian worms. Specimens 7-8 weeks after infection were recovered from albino SW mice and from a wild rodent (Nectomys squamipes) and processed for scanning electron microscopy studies. Photomicrographs of the anterior region with the aspects related to the outer and inner regions of both suckers were considered. The ventral portion of the middle region was represented by the anterior of gynaecophoric canal while the dorsal surface was studied in its ventral and dorsal regions mainly focusing the aspect of the tubercles, spines and sensorial papillae. The outer surface of the oral sucker is spiny and spines are bigger, sharp with sensory receptors in their posterior edge. Tubercles with spines or receptors are more concentrated in the middle region and in one of the margins of the gynaecophoric canal. An excretory pore-like structure in the posterior portion was observed. The gynaecophoric canal has few sensory structures, spines broadned in their mid-region and are sharp pointed at the distal end. It was concluded that the presently studied characters are similar to those previously reported

A Preliminary Investigation on the Chemical Composition of the Cell Surface of Five Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli Serotypes

The cell surfaces of five enteropathogenic Escherichia coli serotypes (O111:H2; O111:H12; O125:H9; O119:H6; O26:H11) were assayed by chemical methods, lectin agglutination tests and spectroscopy associated to transmission electron microscopy. Results of lectin agglutination assays showed that all strains reacted with mannosebinding lectins. Strains belonging to serotype O125:H9 also agglutinated with lectins which recognize galactose and Nacetylgalactosamine residues. The bacterial cells were treated with 0.01M phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.0) at 100oC for 2 hr and the extracts were submitted to precipitation and fractionated by Cetavlon. Phosphate, total sugar and protein contents were determined. Gas liquid chomatography-mass spectrometry analysis of alditol acetates showed the presence of galactose, mannose, fucose, glucose and traces of ribose. Spectroscopic analysis of intact cells showed the presence of a capsule-like structure which was not totally preserved after extraction. Some cells were still surrounded by an amorphous capsular-like material after polysaccharide extraction.

Ultrastructure and chaetotaxy of sensory eeceptors in the cercaria of a species of Allopodocotyle Pritchard, 1966 (Digenea: Opecoelidae)

Previous investigations of sensory systems in opecoelid cercariae have focused on chaetotaxy and ultrastructure of sensory receptors. They revealed chaetotaxic patterns within family, genus, and species as well as different receptors. Chaetotaxic and ultrastructural observations have rarely been combined. We investigated the ultrastructure of cercarial sensory receptors in conjunction with chaetotaxy and neuromorphology in a species of Allopodocotyle. Cercariae were treated with acetylthiocholine iodide and silver nitrate, and some were processed for light, scanning (SEM), and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy. Five nerve regions were distinguished. Chaetotaxy was consistent with that of other opecoelids. Five types of receptors were distinguished with SEM. Types differed in number of cilium-like structures (one or more), length of cilium-like structure (short, moderately long, or long), presence or absence of a tegumentary collar, and length of tegumentary collar (low, moderately low, or very high). Internal ultrastructure of some types revealed unsheathed cilium-like structures, basal body, and thickened nerve collars. Possible subtegumentary and sheathed receptors are introduced. Some receptor types were site-specific. For example, receptors with multiple cilium-like structures were concentrated on cephalic region whereas receptors with short cilium-like structure were widespread throughout most regions. Ultrastructure and site-specificity observations suggest that most receptors are mechanoreceptors.

Mondor's disease in puerperium: case report

Mondor's disease is a rare entity characterized by sclerosing thrombophlebitis classically involving one or more of the subcutaneous veins of the breast and anterior chest wall. It is usually a self-limited, benign condition, despite of rare cases of association to cancer. We present the case of a 32 year-old female, breast-feeding, who went to emergency due to left mastalgia for the past week. She was taking antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, previously prescribed for suspicious of mastitis, for three days, with no clinical improvement. Physical examination showed an enlarged left breast, an axillary lump and a painful cord-like structure in the upper outer quadrant of the same breast. Ultrasound scan showed a markedly dilated superficial vein in the upper outer quadrant of left breast. The patient was given a ventropic therapy and was kept in anti-inflammatory, with progressive pain improvement. Ultrasound control was performed after four weeks, showing reperfusion.

Ultrastructure of the intercellular protuberances in leaves of Paepalanthus superbus Ruhl. (Eriocaulaceae)

Mature leaves of Paepalanthus superbus exhibit intercellular protuberances between the inner periclinal walls of the epidermal and the parenchyma cells surface, as well as on the surface of the parenchyma mesophyll cells. These structures are mostly prominent around the parenchyma cells, forming a gel capsule-like structure. Histochemical tests with ruthenium red indicate the pectic nature of the intercellular deposits, with scattered lipidic inclusions as revealed by sudan IV and sudan black B. Ultrastructural analyses show a fibrillar matrix with scattered fimbriate and tubular structures, and a distinct margin delimited by a dense membrane-like structure. Our results suggest that the protuberances are derived from secretory activity, and are formed after the development of the intercellular spaces. For P. superbus this structure may represent an important cell wall specialisation, related with the adhesion and transport mechanisms between cells.

Reproductive biology of the herkogamous vine Chiococca alba (L.) Hitchc. (Rubiaceae) in the Atlantic Rain Forest, SE Brazil

The family Rubiaceae comprises a wide spectrum of floral mechanisms and two of them seem to be common in certain groups, e.g., distyly in Rubioidae and styllar pollen in Ixoroidae. These mechanisms include herkogamy, which is interpreted as a strategy that avoids self-pollination. This is the first report on the reproductive biology of Chiococca alba, a species that is widely distributed in America. We studied floral biology and the mating system, which were evaluated through fruit set comparisons after controlled crosses (self- and cross-pollinations and test for apomixis), as well as through the evaluation of pollen tube growth resulting from these controlled crosses. Flowers of C. alba are herkogamous, cream, protandrous and lasted for two days. No measurable nectar was found, despite the presence of a nectary-like structure at the base of the corolla tube. Chiococca alba is a preferentially self-incompatible species, but self-pollination and apomixis also contribute to the natural fruit-set. Its reproductive strategy (herkogamy associated with protandry) is different from that expected for members of Chiococceae tribe (i.e., styllar pollen presentation).

Chemical, morphological, and thermogravimetric of Terminalia catappa Linn

The objective of this study is to evaluate the chemical composition, morphology, and the thermogravimetric behavior of the pulp of Terminalia catappa, also known as tropical almond. The analytical results show, based mainly on its lipid content, that this fruit has a considerable energy value. Its fiber content contributes to enhance the functional properties of the fruit. Morphological characteristics show a spongy-like structure with dispersion of starch granules and high concentration of fiber bundles, confirming the results of the chemical composition analysis. The thermogravimetric behavior exhibited by this fruit pulp when submitted to progressive temperature increase under dynamic air atmosphere shows that this raw material has great potential for industrial use due to its high absorption rate of water soluble and/or lipid-based compounds, allowing its use as a dietary complement or supplement ingredient in food products.

Effect of scorpion toxin on the enterochromaffin-like cells in normal and Trypanosoma cruzi-infected rats: a morphological study

Intravenous injection of scorpion toxin (Tityus serrulatus) in normal and Trypanosoma cruzi infected rats did not cause ultrastructural morphologic changes on enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells of the stomach, although it induced a significant increase of the gastric secretion. Our data seem to indicate that gastric ECL cells structure is not affected by stimulation with scorpion toxin or by acute infection with T. cruzi in the rat.

TOLL-LIKE RECEPTORS (TLR) 2 AND 4 EXPRESSION OF KERATINOCYTES FROM PATIENTS WITH LOCALIZED AND DISSEMINATED DERMATOPHYTOSIS

There are few studies on the role of innate immune response in dermatophytosis. An investigation was conducted to define the involvement of Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs) 2 and 4 in localized (LD) and disseminated (DD) dermatophytosis due to T. rubrum. Fifteen newly diagnosed patients, eight patients with LD and seven with DD, defined by involvement of at least three body segments were used in this study. Controls comprised twenty skin samples from healthy individuals undergoing plastic surgery. TLR2 and TLR4 were quantified in skin lesions by immunohistochemistry. A reduced expression of TLR4 in the lower and upper epidermis of both LD and DD patients was found compared to controls; TLR2 expression was preserved in the upper and lower epidermis of all three groups. As TLR4 signaling induces the production of inflammatory cytokines and neutrophils recruitment, its reduced expression likely contributed to the lack of resolution of the infection and the consequent chronic nature of the dermatophytosis. As TLR2 expression acts to limit the inflammatory process and preserves the epidermal structure, its preserved expression may also contribute to the persistent infection and limited inflammation that are characteristic of dermatophytic infections.

A malaria merozoite surface protein (MSP1)-structure, processing and function

Merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP-1, also referred to as P195, PMMSA or MSA 1) is one of the most studied of all malaria proteins. The proteins. The protein is found in all malaria species investigated and structural studies on the gene indicate that parts of the molecule are well-conserved. Studies on Plasmodium falciparum have shown that the protein is in a processed form on the merozoite surface, a result of proteolytic cleavage of the large percursor molecule. Recent studies have identified some of these cleavage sites. During invasion of the new red cell most of the MSP1 molecule is shed from the parasite surface except for a small C-terminal fragment which can be detected in ring stages. Analysis of the structure of this fragment suggests that it contains two growth factor-like domains that may have a functional role.

The population structure of Trypanosoma cruzi: expanded analysis of 54 strains using eight polymorphic CA-repeat microsatellites

Recently we cloned and sequenced the first eight Trypanosoma cruzi polymorphic microsatellite loci and studied 31 clones and strains to obtain valuable information about the population structure of the parasite. We have now studied 23 further strains, increasing from 11 to 31 the number of strains obtained from patients with chronic Chagas disease. This expanded set of 54 strains and clones analyzed with the eight microsatellites markers confirmed the previously observed diploidy, clonal population organization and very high polymorphism of T. cruzi. Moreover, this new study disclosed two new features of the population genetic structure of T. cruzi. The first was the discovery that, similarly to what we had previously shown for strains isolated from insect vectors, mammals and humans with acute disease, isolates from patients in the chronic phase of Chagas disease could also be multiclonal, albeit at a reduced proportion. Second, when we used parsimony to display the genetic relationship among the clonal lineages in an unrooted Wagner network we observed, like before, a good correlation of the tree topography with the classification in three clusters on the basis of single locus analysis of the ribosomal RNA genes. However, a significant new finding was that now the strains belonging to cluster 2 split in two distant sub-clusters. This observation suggests that the evolutionary history of T. cruzi may be more complex than we previously thought.

Transcription of meiotic-like-pathway genes in Giardia intestinalis

The reproductive mechanism of Giardia intestinalis, considered one of the earliest divergent eukaryotes, has not been fully defined yet. Some evidence supports the hypothesis that Giardia is an exclusively asexual organism with a clonal population structure. However, the high genetic variability, the variation in ploidy during its life cycle, the low heterozygosity and the existence of genes involved in the meiotic-like recombination pathway in the parasite's genome cast doubt on exclusively asexual nature of Giardia. In this work, semiquantitative RT-PCR analysis was used to assess the transcription pattern of three meiosis-like-specific genes involved in homologues recombination: dmc1, hop1 and spo11. The mRNAs were amplified during the parasite's differentiation processes, encystation and excystation, and expression was found at each stage of its life cycle. A semiquantitative assessment also suggests that expression of some of the genes is regulated during encystation process.