Variations of the External Male Genitalia in Three Populations of Triatoma infestans Klug, 1834

Triatoma infestans is the triatomine that presents the greatest dispersion area in South America. However, it is not known whether the original characteristics of this insect remained in its long dispersion process. The purpose of this work was to study comparatively the external male genitalia of insects from different populations of T. infestans, two from Brazil (Minas Gerais and Bahia) and one from Bolivia (Cochabamba Valley), and to investigate the correlation between the morphological and behavioral variations. Differences were observed in one of the structures of the external genitalia (endosoma process) that could be used to characterize the insects from the three populations studied.

Why boys will be boys: two pathways of fetal testicular androgen biosynthesis are needed for male sexual differentiation

Human sexual determination is initiated by a cascade of genes that lead to the development of the fetal gonad. Whereas development of the female external genitalia does not require fetal ovarian hormones, male genital development requires the action of testicular testosterone and its more potent derivative dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The "classic" biosynthetic pathway from cholesterol to testosterone in the testis and the subsequent conversion of testosterone to DHT in genital skin is well established. Recently, an alternative pathway leading to DHT has been described in marsupials, but its potential importance to human development is unclear. AKR1C2 is an enzyme that participates in the alternative but not the classic pathway. Using a candidate gene approach, we identified AKR1C2 mutations with sex-limited recessive inheritance in four 46,XY individuals with disordered sexual development (DSD). Analysis of the inheritance of microsatellite markers excluded other candidate loci. Affected individuals had moderate to severe undervirilization at birth; when recreated by site-directed mutagenesis and expressed in bacteria, the mutant AKR1C2 had diminished but not absent catalytic activities. The 46,XY DSD individuals also carry a mutation causing aberrant splicing in AKR1C4, which encodes an enzyme with similar activity. This suggests a mode of inheritance where the severity of the developmental defect depends on the number of mutations in the two genes. An unrelated 46,XY DSD patient carried AKR1C2 mutations on both alleles, confirming the essential role of AKR1C2 and corroborating the hypothesis that both the classic and alternative pathways of testicular androgen biosynthesis are needed for normal human male sexual differentiation.

46,XY DSD due to impaired androgen production

Disorders of androgen production can occur in all steps of testosterone biosynthesis and secretion carried out by the foetal Leydig cells as well as in the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The differentiation of Leydig cells from mesenchymal cells is the first walk for testosterone production. In 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSDs) due to Leydig cell hypoplasia, there is a failure in intrauterine and postnatal virilisation due to the paucity of interstitial Leydig cells to secrete testosterone. Enzymatic defects which impair the normal synthesis of testosterone from cholesterol and the conversion of testosterone to its active metabolite DHT are other causes of DSD due to impaired androgen production. Mutations in the genes that codify the enzymes acting in the steps from cholesterol to DHT have been identified in affected patients. Patients with 46,XY DSD secondary to defects in androgen production show a variable phenotype, strongly depending of the specific mutated gene. Often, these conditions are detected at birth due to the ambiguity of external genitalia but, in several patients, the extremely undervirilised genitalia postpone the diagnosis until late childhood or even adulthood. These patients should receive long-term care provided by multidisciplinary teams with experience in this clinical management. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Estudos morfológicos de Cavernicola lenti Barrett & Arias, 1985 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae)

In order to widen the present knowledge of this species, was done a detailed description of eggs and all nymphal stages as well as the external genitalia of the males and females using light and scanning electron microscopy. The characteristics were compared with another species of the same genus C. pilosa Barber, 1937. Observations on the male internal genitalia were also done.

Rhodnius stali n. sp., afim de Rhodnius pictipers Stal, 1872 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae)

Rhdnius stali n. sp. was described based on specimens deposited in the Herman Lent Collection of Entomological Collection of Oswaldo Cruz Institute, until now identified as Rhodnius pictipes Stal, 1872 and compared with specimens of R. pictipes proceeding from state of Amazonas and Pará, Brazil. R. stali is related to R. pictipes though distinguished by the total length, 15 to 17 mm male and 16,5 to 19 mm female, the anteocular region 2,5 times larger than postocular region and by the shape of phallic strictures known as: phallosoma, struts, gonopore process and endosoma process.

Somatic cytogenetic and azoospermia factor gene microdeletion studies in infertile men

The objective of the present study was to determine the frequency of somatic chromosomal anomalies and Y chromosomal microdeletions (azoospermia factor genes, AZF) in infertile males who seek assisted reproduction. These studies are very important because the assisted reproduction techniques (mainly intracytoplasmic sperm injection) bypass the natural selection process and some classical chromosomal abnormalities, microdeletions of AZF genes or some deleterious genic mutations could pass through generations. These genetic abnormalities can cause in the offspring of these patients male infertility, ambiguous external genitalia, mental retardation, and other birth defects. We studied 165 infertile men whose infertility was attributable to testicular problems (60 were azoospermic, 100 were oligospermic and 5 were asthenospermic). We studied 100 metaphases per patient with GTG banding obtained from temporary lymphocyte culture for chromosomal abnormality detection and performed a genomic DNA analysis using 28 Y chromosome-specific sequence-tagged sites for Y AZF microdeletion detection. Karyotyping revealed somatic anomalies in 16 subjects (16/165 = 9.6%). Of these 16, 12 were in the azoospermic group (12/60 = 20%) and 4 were in the oligospermic group (4/100 = 4%). The most common chromosomal anomaly was Klinefelter syndrome (10/165 = 6%). Microdeletions of AZF genes were detected in 12 subjects (12/160 = 7.5%). The frequencies detected are similar to those described previously. These results show the importance of genetic evaluation of infertile males prior to assisted reproduction. Such evaluation can lead to genetic counseling and, consequently, to primary and secondary prevention of mental retardation and birth defects.

Análise cladística e descrição de um grupo novo de espécies de Edessa (Heteroptera, Pentatomidae, Edessinae)

A subordem Heteroptera, é o maior táxon dentre os hemimetábolos, composta por sete infraordens, 23 superfamílias e 80 famílias. Dentre estas, Pentatomidae é a quarta família mais numerosa e diversa entre os heterópteros, possuindo 4.100 espécies distribuídas em 760 gêneros e em sete subfamílias. Edessinae possui atualmente cerca de 290 espécies distribuídas em seis gêneros: Edessa, Brachystethus, Peromatus, Olbia, Pantochlora e Doesburgedessa. De todos estes gêneros, Edessa é o que possui o maior número de espécies e o que concentra quase a totalidade dos problemas taxonômicos e nomenclaturas da subfamília. Devido ao seu tamanho, a revisão está sendo feita em partes, a partir do estudo de grupos de espécies unidos por possíveis sinapomorfias. Assim o objetivo geral do trabalho é propor e descrever um novo grupo de espécies com base em uma análise cladística. Para o estudo foram examinados 114 exemplares pertencentes a instituições nacionais e internacionais e a coleções particulares. As descrições seguem um modelo tradicional também usado para Edessinae. São apresentadas medidas e fotografias das espécies, desenhos do processo metasternal e genitália de ambos os sexos, chave dicotômica e mapa de distribuição. Para a analise cladística, foram levantados 22 caracteres morfológicos polarizados através do método do grupo externo, composto pelas espécies: Tibilis sp., Neotibilis fulvicornis, Brachystethus cribrus, Pantochlora vivida, Olbia elegans, Peromatus sp., Doesburgedessa elongatispina, Edessa cervus e Edessa affinis. Através do programa NONA foi obtida uma única árvore mais parcimoniosa, com 30 passos, índice de Consistência de 0,93 e índice de Retenção de 0,97. Com base nessa análise, o monofiletismo do grupo de espécie é confirmado. Assim, o grupo stolida aqui proposto é formado por quatro espécies já descritas Edessa stolida (Linnaeus, 1758), Edessa heymonsi Breddin, 1904, Edessa verhoeffi Breddin, 1904 e Edessa paravinula Barber, 1935 e por cinco espécies novas. O grupo stolida de Edessa é reconhecido pela presença de uma expansão que se projeta da margem lateral da face posterior do segmento X; região mediana do parâmero com uma projeção de formato triangular; ausência de uma faixa ou de tufo de pelos na face posterior do segmento X e gonapófise 8 esclerotizada. As espécies do grupo stolida são muito parecidas externamente e sua identificação só pode ser feita através da análise da genitália externa de ambos os sexos. A análise cladística apóia a idéia tradicional e o grupo stolida deve ser considerado parte do subgênero Hypoxys de Edessa. A topologia do cladograma resultante é (Tibilis sp. + Neotibilis fulvicornis (Brachystethus cribus (Pantochlora vivida ((Doesbuergedessa elongatispina + Edessa cervus (Peromatus sp. + Olbia elegans)) (Edessa affinis ((Edessa sp. nov 3 + Edessa sp. nov 3a) ((Edessa sp. nov 2 (Edessa verhoeffi + Edessa heymonsi)) (Edessa stolida (Edessa sp. nov 4 (Edessa paravinula + Edessa sp. nov 5))))))))). A fêmea de Edessa stolida e o macho de Edessa verhoeffi são descritos pela primeira vez neste trabalho. Os registros de distribuição das espécies são ampliados.

Tumor venéreo transmissível canino com enfoque nos diversos tratamentos

The canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor (TVT) is a neoplasm of round cells that primarily affects the external genitalia of both male and female dogs with high casuistry. Its transmission occurs by the tumor cells’ implementation in the mucous membranes during the coitus or in other body parts through licking, scratching or direct contact with the tumor. The clinical manifestations vary according to the location. Despite being a malignant neoplasm, TVT’s metastatic potential is low. The diagnosis is based on macroscopic characteristics, clinical signs, cytology and/or histopathology exam, among which cytology is considered the best method. There are several treatment protocols for the TVT, among which, surgical excision, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Chemotherapy with vincristine sulfate is the elected treatment. However, more and more new alternatives have been developed, as the usage of natural products, homeopathy and ivermectina. They can be used as a unique treatment to neoplasm or combined to the chemotherapy in order to decrease the dose and the application number of the chemotherapic and its side effects

DSD Due to 5 alpha-Reductase 2 Deficiency - from Diagnosis to Long Term Outcome

Most of the patients with 5 alpha-RD 2 deficiency are reared in the female social sex due to their severely undervirilized external genitalia but similar to 60% who have not been submitted to orchiectomy in childhood undergo male social sex change at puberty. In our cohort of 30 cases from 18 families, all subjects were registered in the female social sex except for two children-one who had an affected uncle and the other who was diagnosed before being registered. The majority of the patients were satisfied with the long-term results of their treatment and surprisingly, penile length was not associated with satisfactory or unsatisfactory sexual activity. Steroid 5 alpha-RD2 deficiency should be included in the differential diagnosis of all newborns with 46,XY DSD with normal testosterone production before gender assignment or any surgical intervention because these patients should be considered males at birth.

Characterization of mice deficient in aromatase (ArKO) because of targeted disruption of the cyp19 gene

The formation of estrogens from C19 steroids is catalyzed by aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom), the product of the cyp19 gene. The actions of estrogen include dimorphic anatomical, functional, and behavioral effects on the development of both males and females, considerations that prompted us to examine the consequences of deficiency of aromatase activity in mice. Mice lacking a functional aromatase enzyme (ArKO) were generated by targeted disruption of the cyp19 gene. Male and female ArKO mice were born with the expected Mendelian frequency from F1 parents and grew to adulthood. Female ArKO mice at 9 weeks of age displayed underdeveloped external genitalia and uteri. Ovaries contained numerous follicles with abundant granulosa cells and evidence of antrum formation that appeared arrested before ovulation. No corpora lutea were present. Additionally the stroma were hyperplastic with structures that appeared to be atretic follicles. Development of the mammary glands approximated that of a prepubertal female. Examination of male ArKO mice of the same age revealed essentially normal internal anatomy but with enlargement of the male accessory sex glands because of increased content of secreted material. The testes appeared normal. Male ArKO mice are capable of breeding and produce litters of approximately average size. Whereas serum estradiol levels were at the limit of detection, testosterone levels were elevated, as were the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. The phenotype of these animals differs markedly from that of the previously reported ERKO mice, in which the estrogen receptor α is deleted by targeted disruption.

Traumatic insemination and sexual conflict in the bed bug Cimex lectularius

The bed bug, Cimex lectularius, has a unique mode of copulation termed “traumatic” insemination [Carayon, J. (1966) in Monograph of the Cimicidae, ed. Usinger, R. (Entomol. Soc. Am., Philadelphia), pp. 81–167] during which the male pierces the female's abdominal wall with his external genitalia and inseminates into her body cavity [Carayon, J. (1966) in Monograph of the Cimicidae, ed. Usinger, R. (Entomol. Soc. Am., Philadelphia), pp. 81–167]. Under controlled natural conditions, traumatic insemination was frequent and temporally restricted. We show for the first time, to our knowledge, that traumatic insemination results in (i) last-male sperm precedence, (ii) suboptimal remating frequencies for the maintenance of female fertility, and (iii) reduced longevity and reproductive success in females. Experimental females did not receive indirect benefits from multiple mating. We conclude that traumatic insemination is probably a coercive male copulatory strategy that results in a sexual conflict of interests.

The status of Petalocotyle Ozaki, 1934 (Digenea : Gyliauchenidae), including the description of two new species from acanthurid fishes in Queensland, Australia

The status of Petalocotyle Ozaki, 1934 within the Gyliauchenidae Goto & Matsudaira, 1918 is reviewed. Two new species, P. adenometra from Prionurus microlepidotus (Amity Point, Queensland, Australia) and P. diverticulata from Acanthurus nigrofuscus and A. lineatus (Heron Island, Queensland, Australia), are described. The body plan of Petalocotyle conforms to that of members of the Gyliauchenidae (oral sucker absent, well-developed pharynx, complex oesophagus and characteristic male terminal genitalia), indicating justifiable inclusion in this family. A new diagnosis is given for the genus, such that Petalocotyle is now identified by the presence of an anterior, protuberant ventral sucker, long caeca, a large, sigmoid cirrus-sac containing a coiled ejaculatory duct, and an extensive vitellarium. We suggest that, of all the known genera of gyliauchenids, Petalocotyle may most closely resemble the 'archaetypal gyliauchenid', that is, it may be placed basally within the radiation of the Gyliauchenidae. However, derived characters, like diverticula in the reproductive system, indicate that some characters of individual members of Petalocotyle may be considered advanced and do not reflect an archaetypal condition. Parallels in the structure of the male and female genitalia of Robphildollfusium Paggi & Orecchia, 1963 and Petalocotyle, along with the shared morphology of the digestive tract, indicate possible phylogenetic links between the two genera. This affinity is difficult to infer using morphology alone and recommend that Robphildollfusium remain detached from the Gyliauchenidae.

Mutilação Genital Feminina - a Importância de Reconhecer e de Saber como Agir

Female genital mutilation, also named female genital cutting or female circumcision, refers to all practices involving total or partial removal of female external genitalia, or causing other lesions without an established health benefit. The World Health Organization estimates that 130 million women have been submitted to genital mutilation and 3 million are annually exposed to such risk in Africa. It has classified the practice of female genital mutation in four types. Portugal is considered a risk country for the practice of genital mutilation because of the high migration rates from the African continent, and women from Guinea-Bissau are at particular risk. A multidisciplinary commission published an Action Program in 2009, with measures directed at providing healthcare professionals with information on how to deal with this problem.

Comparative study of four species of Trichuris roederer, 1761 (Nematoda, Trichurinae) by scanning electron microscopy

A comparative morphological study of Trichuris travassosi, T. vulpis, T. discolor and T. suis was perfomed using scanning electron microscopy. Cuticular inflation associated with the bacillar band, vulva and male external genital appendages were analyzed. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of these structures were made for each species; they are of taxonomic value.

Mermaid syndrome: virtually no hope for survival.

Sirenomelia, also called the mermaid syndrome is a severe malformation involving multiple organs and characterized by partially or completely developed lower extremities fused by the skin. The birth of a "mermaid" is very rare (1.2-4.2 cases for 100,000 births); most are stillborn, or die at or shortly after birth. The case of a living female neonate with dipodic simelia (fusion of well-developed legs) is presented. No prenatal diagnosis was made and the newborn had an uneventful neonatal course following Cesarean section delivery. The complex and striking malformation was obvious at birth and further evaluation revealed very poorly functioning kidneys, associated with abnormal anorectum, urogenital tract, and external genitalia, as well as a pelvic malformation. Supportive care was applied because of the poor prognosis and the child died at 7 weeks of age, due to renal failure.