Contribuição para o estudo dos Rhinotragini (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae). II. Revisão de Ommata White, 1855

O gênero Ommata é revisto e dividido em quatro gêneros: Ommata sensu strictu, Acatainga gen. nov. (espécie-tipo Odontocera (?) maia Newman, 1841), Etimasu gen. nov. (espécie-tipo Ommata cosmipes Peñaherrera-Leiva & Tavakilian, 2003) e Pyrpotyra gen. nov. (espécie-tipo Ommata (Ommata) paradisiaca Tippmann, 1953). São descritas cinco espécies novas provenientes do Brasil e Bolívia: Ommata nigricollis (Brasil, Espírito Santo), O. andina (Bolívia), Pyrpotyra pytinga (Brasil, Pará), P. capixaba (Brasil, Espírito Santo) e P. paraensis (Brasil, Pará). As seguintes espécies são transferidas de Ommata para os novos gêneros, além das espécies-tipos: Acatinga boucheri (Tavakilian & Peñaherrera-Leiva, 2005), comb. nov.; A. gallardi (Peñaherrera-Leiva & Tavakilian, 2004), comb. nov.; A. quinquemaculata (Zajciw, 1966), comb. nov.; Pyrpotyra albitarsis (Galileo & Martins, 2010), comb. nov.

On the type material of Scyllarides deceptor Holthuis, 1963 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Scyllaridae)

The only specimen listed in the original description of Scyllarides deceptor Holthuis, 1963 is the holotype from São Paulo, Brazil, presently housed in the Leiden Museum. From the original description, however, it is clear that the new species was actually based on a number of additional specimens. Six of them exist in the collections of the Museum of Zoology in São Paulo, and are shown herein to be paratypes of S. deceptor. Scyllarides deceptor and S. brasiliensis Rathbun, 1906, continue to be confounded with one another, in consequence of their very similar color patterns and locally sympatric distributions. As many as 251,786 tons of slipper lobsters have been landed in Santa Catarina between 2000 and 2007. These catches have been attributed to S. deceptor alone and did not take into consideration the existence of a second species in the area, S. brasiliensis. Correct recognition of slipper-lobster species will be critical to properly evaluate the lobster stocks in southeastern Brazil. An opportunity is taken herein to elaborate on the taxonomy of S. deceptor and S. brasiliensis.

Notas e novos táxons em Acanthoderini (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae). V. Três gêneros novos e notas em Irundisaua

Caracteres genéricos são ampliados para Irundisaua Martins & Galileo, 2005 (configuração das antenas; processo prosternal com largura menor ou igual à largura de uma procoxa; protíbias achatadas e fortemente alargadas para o ápice) ao qual se adicionam espécies transferidas de Acanthoderes Audinet-Serville, 1835: I. forsteri (Tippmann, 1960) comb. nov. do Peru e Brasil (Amazonas) e I. ucayalensis (Tippmann, 1960) comb. nov. do Equador, Peru e Brasil (Amazonas).Três novos gêneros são descritos: (1) Catuana comb. nov., espécie-tipo, C. thoracica (Tippmann, 1960) comb. nov., caracterizado pelo mesosterno com tubérculo; (2) Mundeu comb. nov., espécie-tipo, M. maculicollis (Bates, 1861) comb. nov., com protórax arredondado nos lados e protíbias alargadas; (3) Urangaua comb. nov., caracteriza-se pelos olhos finamente facetados e divididos, comprimento dos antenômeros III e IV subigual ao comprimento dos antenômeros V-XI em conjunto; é proposto para duas espécies: U. analis Melzer, 1935, comb. nov., espécietipo, e U. subanalis (Zajciw, 1964) comb. nov. Adiciona-se chave para as espécies de Urangaua.

Revision of the genus Physoclypeus Hendel, 1907 (Diptera, Lauxaniidae), with description of seven new species

The genus Physoclypeus Hendel, 1907 has its distribution restricted to the Neotropical region. In this study, its species have been redescribed, three new combinations have been proposed, three lectotypes have been designated, seven new species have been described, and an identification key to the species is presented. An updated list of species of Physoclypeus is presented as: P. annulatus Hendel, 1925; P. coquilletti (Hendel, 1908); P. farinosus (Hendel, 1925); P. flavus (Wiedemann, 1830); P. hendeli sp. nov. (Type locality, Jamaica, N. Irish Town); P. lineatus (Williston, 1896) new comb.; P. montanus (Becker, 1919) new comb.; P. plaumanni sp. nov. (Type locality, Brazil, Santa Catarina); P. risaraldensis sp. nov. (Type locality, Colombia, Risaralda); P. saltensis sp. nov. (Type locality, Argentina, Salta); P. scutellatus (Curran, 1926) new comb.; P. unimaculatus sp. nov. (Type locality, Mexico, Vera Cruz); P. vitattus sp. nov. (Type locality, Brazil, Santa Catarina) and P. zebrinus sp. nov. (Type locality, Costa Rica, Limón).

Novos táxons de Apomecynini (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae)

Novos táxons descritos: Tethystola cincta sp. nov. e Rosalba formosa sp. nov. da Bolívia (Santa Cruz); Adetus stellatus sp. nov. da Costa Rica (Cartago); Acrepidopterum capilosum sp. nov. de Honduras (Ilha Roatán); Irundiaba gen. nov. espécie-tipo, I. waorani sp. nov. do Equador (Napo). Novo nome Neopoticatuca é proposto para Potiatuca Martins & Galileo, 2007 (Cerambycinae, Ibidionini) non Potiatuca Galileo & Martins, 2006 (Lamiinae, Apomecynini); Neopotiatuca brevis (Martins & Galileo, 2007) comb. nov.

Novos táxons de Hemilophini (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae) das Américas

Descreve-se o gênero Mexicoscylus para incluir M. rosae sp. nov., do México, espécie-tipo do gênero, e M. bivittatus (Gahan, 1892), comb. nov. Acrescenta-se chave para as espécies de Mexicoscylus. Mais três espécies são descritas: Cotycuara villosa sp. nov., da Costa Rica; Phoebe parvimacula sp. nov., da Bolívia e Adesmus beruri sp. nov., do Brasil (Amazonas). Todas as espécies novas são ilustradas.

Milk intake and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension and prostate cancer

Milk intake is widely recommended for a healthy diet. Recent evidences suggest that milk/dairy products are associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and hypertension. On the other hand, high calcium intake has been associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer. The calcium and vitamin D content in dairy foods could have beneficial effects on glucose metabolism and renin/angiotensin system as well regulates body weight. The association between high dairy/calcium consumption and prostate cancer risk are related to the presence of estrogens and insulin like growth factor (IGF-I) in milk. Based on the current evidence, it is possible that milk/dairy products, when consumed in adequate amounts and mainly with reduced fat content, has a beneficial effect on the prevention of hypertension and diabetes. Its potential role in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer is not well supported and requires additional study.

Emergence of carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli producing CMY-2-type AmpC 'beta'-lactamase in Brazil

FAPESP and CNPq

Changes in Glucose and Glutamine Lymphocyte Metabolisms Induced by Type I Interferon alpha

In lymphocytes (LY), the well-documented antiproliferative effects of IFN-alpha are associated with inhibition of protein synthesis, decreased amino acid incorporation, and cell cycle arrest. However, the effects of this cytokine on the metabolism of glucose and glutamine in these cells have not been well investigated. Thus, mesenteric and spleen LY of male Wistar rats were cultured in the presence or absence of IFN-alpha, and the changes on glucose and glutamine metabolisms were investigated. The reduced proliferation of mesenteric LY was accompanied by a reduction in glucose total consumption (35%), aerobic glucose metabolism (55%), maximal activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (49%), citrate synthase activity (34%), total glutamine consumption (30%), aerobic glutamine consumption (20.3%) and glutaminase activity (56%). In LY isolated from spleen, IFN alpha also reduced the proliferation and impaired metabolism. These data demonstrate that in LY, the antiproliferative effects of IFN alpha are associated with a reduction in glucose and glutamine metabolisms.

The burden of physical activity on type 2 diabetes public healthcare expenditures among adults: a retrospective study

Background: Determinants of public healthcare expenditures in type 2 diabetics are not well investigated in developing nations and, therefore, it is not clear if higher physical activity decreases healthcare costs. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between physical activity and the expenditures in public healthcare on type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out in Brazil. A total of 121 type 2 diabetics attended to in two Basic Healthcare Units were evaluated. Public healthcare expenditures in the last year were estimated using a specific standard table. Also evaluated were: socio-demographic variables; chronological age; exogenous insulin use; smoking habits; fasting glucose test; diabetic neuropathy and anthropometric measures. Habitual physical activity was assessed by questionnaire. Results: Age (r = 0.20; p = 0.023), body mass index (r = 0.33; p = 0.001) and waist-to-hip ratio (r = 0.20; p = 0.025) were positively related to expenditures on medication for the treatment of diseases other than diabetes. Insulin use was associated with increased expenditures. Higher physical activity was associated with lower expenditure, provided medication for treatment of diseases other than diabetes (OR = 0.19; p = 0.007) and medical consultations (OR = 0.26; p = 0.029). Conclusions: Type 2 diabetics with higher enrollment in physical activity presented consistently lower healthcare expenditures for the public healthcare system.

A scientific note about spectroscopic analysis of honey bee brood comb cappings in hygienic and non-hygienic honey bee colonies

Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES)

Effects of trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid on gene expression and lipid metabolism of adipose tissue of growing pigs

The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in adipose tissue explant cultures of growing pigs on the following responses: lipogenesis (measured as rate of C-14-labeled glucose incorporation over a subsequent 2-h incubation in the presence or absence of insulin), lipolysis (release of non-esterified fatty acid over a 2-h incubation in the presence or absence of isoproterenol), activities of lipogenic enzymes, and mRNA abundance of fatty acid synthase (FAS). Adipose tissue explants from nine growing pigs (78 +/- 3 kg) were cultured in 199 medium with insulin, dexamethasone and antibiotics for 4, 12, 24, and 48 h. The treatments were 1) control: 100 mu M polyvinyl alcohol (PVA); 2) pGH: 100 ng/mL porcine growth hormone (pGH) plus 100 mu M PVA; 3) CLA200: 200 mu M trans-10, cis-12 CLA; 4) CLA50: 50 mu M trans-10, cis-12 CLA, and 5) LA: 200 mu M linoleic acid. Fatty acids were added along with PVA (2: 1), respectively, for 24 h. Explants were collected after each culture period and assayed for lipogenesis. Transcripts of FAS mRNA were quantified by real-time RT-PCR after 24 and 48 h. Lipolysis and activities of FAS, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, and NADP-malate dehydrogenase were determined after 48 h. As expected, glucose incorporation was decreased (P < 0.05) in response to pGH treatment (positive control). LA had no effect on any parameter evaluated. Treatment with trans-10, cis-12 CLA decreased FAS activity (P < 0.05), but NADPH-generating enzymes were unaffected by treatments. Consistent with reduction in FAS activity, both lipid synthesis and FAS mRNA abundance were reduced with chronic CLA treatment, pGH increased baseline and stimulated lipolysis (P < 0.05) after 48 h of culture, while CLA treatment had no effect on non-esterified fatty acid release. Results of this study showed that trans-10, cis-12 CLA alters lipogenesis but has no effect on lipolysis in cultures of pig adipose tissue.

Evaluation of Antiproliferative, Anti-Type 2 Diabetes, and Antihypertension Potentials of Ellagitannins from Strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) Using In Vitro Models

Strawberries represent the main source of ellagic acid derivatives in the Brazilian diet, corresponding to more than 50% of all phenolic compounds found in the fruit. There is a particular interest in the determination of the ellagic acid content in fruits because of possible chemopreventive benefits. In the present study, the potential health benefits of purified ellagitannins from strawberries were evaluated in relation to the antiproliferative activity and in vitro inhibition of alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, and angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) relevant for potential management of hyperglycemia and hypertension. Therefore, a comparison among ellagic acid, purified ellagitannins, and a strawberry extract was done to evaluate the possible synergistic effects of phenolics. In relation to the antiproliferative activity, it was observed that ellagic acid had the highest percentage inhibition of cell proliferation. The strawberry extract had lower efficacy in inhibiting the cell proliferation, indicating that in the case of this fruit there is no synergism. Purified ellagitannins had high alpha-amylase and ACE inhibitory activities. However, these compounds had low alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity. These results suggested that the ellagitannins and ellagic acid have good potential for the management of hyperglycemia and hypertension linked to type 2 diabetes. However, further studies with animal and human models are needed to advance the in vitro assay-based biochemical rationale from this study.

Pimarane-type Diterpenes: Antimicrobial Activity against Oral Pathogens

Seven pimarane type-diterpenes re-isolated from Viguiera arenaria Baker and two semi-synthetic pimarane derivatives were evaluated in vitro against the following main microorganisms responsible for dental caries: Streptococcus salivarius, S. sobrinus, S. mutans, S. mitis, S. sanguinis and Lactobacillus casei. The compounds ent-pimara-8(14), 15-dien-19-oic acid (PA); ent-8(14), 15-pimaradien-3 beta-ol; ent-15-pimarene-8 beta, 19-diol; ent-8(14), 15-pimaradien-3 beta-acetoxy and the sodium salt derivative of PA were the most active compounds, displaying MIC values ranging from 2 to 8 mu g.mL(-1). Thus, this class of compounds seems promising as a class of new effective anticariogenic agents. Furthermore, our results also allow us to conclude that minor structural differences among these diterpenes significantly influence their antimicrobial activity, bringing new perspectives to the discovery of new natural compounds that could be employed in the development of oral care products.

Socioeconomic Differences in Preferences and Willingness-to-Pay for Insulin Delivery Systems in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Background: An evaluation of patients' preferences is necessary to understand the demand for different insulin delivery systems. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and patients' preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for various attributes of insulin administration for diabetes management. Methods: We conducted a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to determine patients' preferences and their WTP for hypothetical insulin treatments. Both self-reported annual household income and education completed were used to explore differences in treatment preferences and WTP for different attributes of treatment across different levels of SES. Results: The DCE questionnaire was successfully completed by 274 patients. Overall, glucose control was the most valued attribute by all socioeconomic groups, while route of insulin delivery was not as important. Patients with higher incomes were willing to pay significantly more for better glucose control and to avoid adverse events compared to lower income groups. In addition, they were willing to pay more for an oral short-acting insulin ($Can 71.65 [95% confidence interval, $40.68, $102.62]) compared to the low income group ($Can 9.85 [95% confidence interval, 14.86, 34.56; P < 0.01]). Conversely, there were no differences in preferences when the sample was stratified by level of education. Conclusions: This study revealed that preferences and WTP for insulin therapy are influenced by income but not by level of education. Specifically, the higher the income, the greater desire for an oral insulin delivery system, whereas an inhaled route becomes less important for patients.