The small species of Belostoma Latreille (Heteroptera, Belostomatidae). III. A revision of oxyurum group, with a new species from Brazil and description of the male of B. noualhieri Montandon

Species of the oxyurum group (sensu Lauck) consist of five extant Neotropical small species, whose lengths range 15.0 to 20.0 mm. The anterior interocular width about 1.5 times the width of an eye and ventral diverticulum of phallus flattened, circular, and large are, in combination, diagnostic. The small species of the oxyurum group were included in the Lauck´s key to the identification of the species groups, without dealing with the species included in it because many of them are very similar in appearance. Therefore here we redescribe and key the Belostoma species of the oxyurum group. Belostoma oxyurum (Dufour) is newly recorded from Brazil (Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul). Holotype and lectotype are designated for B. oxyurum and B. sanctulum Montandon, respectively. The aspect of the prosternal keel, the ratio between the width of the ventral diverticulum of phallus and its length in ventral view, and the aspect of dorsal arms of ventral diverticulum have proven useful for better species delimitation. Based on specimens from Pará State (N. Brazil), Belostoma carajaensis Ribeiro & Estévez, sp. nov. is described and illustrated. This new species differs from B. sanctulum in having anteoculus shorter than interoculus and the dorsal arms of ventral diverticulum divergent and large. A male specimen of B. noualhieri Montandon was collected in São Paulo State and based mainly on features of male genitalia, this species is here also included under oxyurum group.

A new way of quantifying dominant upper-limb mobility in healthy and painful shoulders

Introduction: Quantification of daily upper-limb activity is determinant in the evaluation of shoulder surgery. For a number of shoulder diseases, roblems in performing daily activities have been expressed in terms of upper-limb usage. Althought many instruments measure upper-limb movements, there is no accepted standard or widely used objective measure and no device to differenciate left or right shoulder usage. We present an objective method to measure the mobility and quantify the usage of dominant and healthy or painfull shoulder movement during daily life. Methods: 12 patients with unilateral pathological shoulder (rotator cuff disease) are compared to 18 control subjects (10 right and 8 left handed). Both SST and DASH questionnaires were completed by each one. Three inertial miniature modules including triaxial gyroscopes and accelerometers were fixed on the dorsal side of both humerus, and on the thorax. An ambulatory datalogger have recorded the signals during one day. Results: We observed that right handed healthy subjects used 18% and 26% more their dominant shoulder during respectively stand and sit postures while left handed subjects used 8% and 18% more their left side. In walking periods, shoulder mobility was quite alike for both sides. Patients affected on their dominant arm (PD group) mostly used their non-dominant side (respectively 5% and 9% during stand and sit). For the patients affected on their non-dominant shoulder (PND group), this difference is respectively 28% and 26%. Moreover, we can note that, during walking periods, a difference can be observed (on the contrary to controls). Patients used 13% and 15% more their nonpathologic side respectively for PD and PND groups. Conclusion: Inertial sensors, during long-term ambulatory monitoring of upper limbs, can quantify the difference between dominant and nondominant sides. Patients used more their non affected shoulder during daily life. For the PD group, the difference with control can be shown during walking. These results are very encouraging for future evaluation of patients with shoulder injuries since it can provide an objective evaluation of the shoulder mobility and of the treatment outcome during daily life.

Diversity of social wasps (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Polistinae) in three fragments of semideciduous seasonal forest in the northwest of São Paulo State, Brazil

Human exploitation of the forest in the northwest of São Paulo State has generated enormous fragmentation of that forest. Such disturbance has reduced the populations of insects in general. This work was a survey of social wasps (Hymenoptera, Vespidae; Polistinae) in three areas in different stages of regeneration: Paulo de Faria - SP (435 ha), Pindorama - SP (128 ha) and Neves Paulista - SP (1 ha). These three areas were chosen for comparative purposes. To capture the wasps, it was used: active collecting with attractant liquid (solution of water, salt and sugar) with the aid of a dorsal spray bag. During the period from July to December 2006, 414 social wasps were collected in Paulo de Faria, constituting seven species belonging to four genera; 111 social wasps were collected in Pindorama, constituting six species belonging to four genera, and 129 social wasps were collected in Neves Paulista constituting 12 species belonging to seven genera. In order to compare these three areas ecological indexes were calculated. Neves Paulista had the greatest diversity, and Paulo de Faria presented greater abundance. These factors were probably caused by neighboring areas and ecological corridors, which were limited in Paulo de Faria and Pindorama.

Epidermoid cysts of the velum interpositum.

The cistern of the velum interpositum is a space located between the corpus callosum dorsally and the roof of the third ventricle ventrally. Lesions located within the velum interpositum are rare and include meningiomas, pilocytic astrocytomas, atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors and arachnoid cysts. Epidermoid cysts in this location have not been reported previously. We report the clinical and radiological features of two patients with epidermoid cysts located in the velum interpositum. The patients presented with gait difficulty and features of raised intracranial pressure and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated large tumors in the velum interpositum with intensities suggestive of epidermoid cysts. There was ventral displacement of the internal cerebral veins and dorsal displacement of the corpus callosum in keeping with a mass in the velum interpositum. Tumors of the third ventricle displace the internal cerebral veins dorsally. A transcallosal approach was used in both patients to effectively excise the tumors.

Copitarsia uncilata Burgos & Leiva sp. nov. de Cuculliinae para Colombia y México (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae)

Se describe e ilustran los adultos y genitalia de macho y hembra de Copitarsia uncilata Burgos & Leiva sp. nov., que se distribuye en Colombia y México. La nueva especie se caracteriza por poseer un uncus ancho apicalmente espatulado con una diminuta proyección dorsal bulbosa, digitus de corte apical ampliamente cóncavo y una ampulla con ápice recurvado que sobresale de la valva, externamente es similar a Copitarsia decolora (Guenée).

Effect of an I.V. bolus of phenylephrine or ephedrine on skin blood flow during spinal anesthesia

Effet d'un bolus intraveineux de phénylephrine ou d'éphedríne sur le flux sanguin cutané lors d'une anesthésie rachidienne Introduction : La phénylephrine et l'éphedrine sont des substances vaso-actives utilisées de routine pour corriger des épisodes d'hypotension artérielle induits par l'anesthésie intrarachidienne. L'influence de ces deux vasopresseurs sur le flux sanguin cutané (FSC) dans ce contexte n'a jusqu'à maintenant pas été décrite. Cette étude évalue l'effet d'une injection intraveineuse de 75 µg de phénylephrine ou de 7.5 mg d'éphedrine sur le FSC mesuré par Laser Doppler, dans les zones concernées parle bloc sympathiqué induit par l'anesthésie intrarachidienne (membres inférieurs) et dans les zones non concernées (membres supérieurs). Méthode :Après acceptation par le Comité d'Éthique, et obtention de leur accord écrit, 20 patients devant subir une intervention chirurgicale élective en décubitus dorsal sous anesthésie. intrarachidienne ont été inclus dans cette étude randomisée en double insu. Le FSC a été mesuré en continu par deux sondes fixées l'une à la cuisse (zone avec bloc sympathique) et l'autre sur l'avantbras (zone sans bloc sympathique). Les valeurs de FSC ont été enregistrées après l'anesthésie rachidienne (valeur contrôle), puis après l'injection i.v. dè phénylephrine (10 patients) ou d'éphedrine (10 patients) pour corriger une hypotension définie comme une chute de 20 mmHg de la pression artérielle systolique. Les variations de FSC exprimées en pourcentage de la valeur contrôle moyenne (+/- écart type) ont été analysées par le test t de Student. Résultats :Les données démographiques des patients et le niveau sensitif induit par l'anesthésie rachidienne sont similaires dans les deux groupes. Aux doses utilisées, seule l'éphedrine restaure la pression artérielle aux valeurs précédant l'anesthésie rachidienne. La phénylephrine augmente le FSC de l'avant-bras de 44% (+/- 79%) et de la cuisse de 34% (+/-24%), alors que l'éphedrine diminue le débit sanguin cutané de l'avant-bras de 16% (+/- 15%) et de la cuisse de 22% (+/-11%). Conclusion : L'injection intraveineuse de phénylephrine et d'éphedrine ont des effets opposés sur le flux sanguin cutané, et cette réponse n'est pas modifiée par le bloc sympathique.. Cette différence peut s'expliquer par la distribution des sous-types de récepteurs adrénergiques alpha et leur prédominance relative dans les veines et les artères de différents diamètres perfusant le tissu sous-cutané et la peau. L'éphedrine, èn raison de sa meilleure efficacité pour traiter les épisodes d'hypotension artérielle après anesthésie intrarachidienne devrait être préféré à la phénylephrine, leurs effets opposés sur le flux sanguin cutané n'étant pas pertinents en pratique clinique. SUMMARY Background: Phenylephrine or ephedrine is routinely used to correct hypotensive episodes fallowing spinal anaesthesia (SA). The influence of these two vasopressors on skin blood flow (SBF) has not yet been described. We have therefore evaluated the effects of an i.v. bolus of 75 µg phenylephrine or 7.5 mg of ephedrine on SBF measured by laser Doppler flowmetry during sympathetic blockade induced by SA. Methods: With Ethical Committee approval and written consent, 20 patients scheduled for elective procedures in supine position under SA were enrolled in this double-blind randomized study. SBF was measured continuously by two probes fixed at the thigh (area with sympathic blockade) and forearm level (area without sympathic blockade) respectively. SBF values were recorded after SA (control values) and then after a bolus administration of phenylephriné (n=10) or ephedrine (n=10) when systolic blood pressure decreased by 20 mmHg. Changes were expressed as percentage of control SBF values and analysed by Student's paired t-test. Results: Patient characteristics and dermatomal sensory levels were similar in both groups. Phenylephrine increases mean SBF at the forearm level by 44% (79%) [mean (SD)j and at the thigh by 34% (24%). Ephedrine decreases SBF at the forearm level by 16% (15%) and at the thigh by 22% (il%). Ephedrine bolus restores arterial blood pressure to pre-anaesthesia values, whereas phenylephrine does not. Conclusion: Administratión of phenylephrine and ephedrine has opposite effects on skin blood flow and sympathetic blockade does not modify this response. These findings could be explained by the distribution of the alpha-adrenoréceptor subtypes and their relative predominance among veins and arteries of different size perfusing the subcutaneous tissue and the skin. Ephedrine, due to its better efficacy to correct hypotensive episodes following SA, should be preferred, to phenylephrine, their opposite effects on SBF being not relevant for clinical practice.

Navicordulia aemulatrix sp. nov. (Odonata, Corduliidae) from northeastern Santa Catarina State, Brazil

Navicordulia aemulatrix sp. nov. (holotype male deposited in MZSP: Brazil, Santa Catarina State, [São Bento do Sul municipality, 26°14'58"S, 49°22'59"W], [railroad station] Rio Vermelho, II.1952) is described and illustrated based on three males. The long cercus (2.9-3.2 mm) places this species in the longistyla-group together with N. kiautai, N. longistyla and N. nitens but it differs from them mainly by the shape of cercus, with carinated part occupying 0.33 of cercus total length, and also by dorsal, ventro-medial and ventro-lateral tubercles developed. An unusual process on tergal portion of prothorax is reported for the first time in Navicordulia. The rate of description of new species of South American 'Corduliidae' is discussed. A map with records of Atlantic Forest Navicordulia species and a list of Brazilian corduliids by state are also presented.

Contribución a la identificación de dos especies de Cachema, Cynoscion analis y Cynoscion altipinnis (Pisces: Scianidae) de la costa norte del Perú

Caracteres merísticos y morfométricos de Cynoscion analis y altipinnis de la zona norte del Perú (03°52'-06°53') son analizados con el fin de contribuir en la identificación estas especies comunmente llamadas "cachemas". Los caracteres merísticos como el número de radios de la aleta anal y dorsal , utilizados por otros autores para la distinción entre las mencionadas especies, podrían causar algunos errores ya que ofrecen rangos que se superponen. Se recomienda utilizar la morfología de los otolitos (sagitae) y se sugiere tomar un nuevo carácter externo como util en la separación de estas especies muy parecidas.

Variaciones en la intensidad del desove de la sardina Sardinops sagax sagax (J) en la costa peruana en los años 1966-1973

Un marcado incremento den la extensión y densidad de las áreas de desove de la "sardina" en 1972 con respecto al los años anteriores así como el aumento considerable de las capturas comerciales de esta especie, nos indujo a efectuar un estudio de las variaciones del desove con el fin de analizar las fluctuaciones, como parte del Programa de Ictioplancton que desarrolla el Instituto del Mar del Perú (IMARPE). Con el propósito anterior hemos analizado un total de 3,389 muestras de zooplancton colectadas en 29 cruceros, desde febrero de 1966 hasta enero de 1973. Las muestras fueron colectadas a lo largo del litoral peruano, de 03°16 ' a 20°52 ' Latitud Sur y hasta una distancia máxima de 350 millas de la costa. Se describe el huevo de "sardina", en la diferentes fases de desarrollo y larva hasta la longitud de 16.6 mm. El huevo de "sardina" es característico por la presencia de una sola gota oleosa y amplio espacio perivitelínico y mide de 1.12 a 1.94 mm. La larva es diferenciable por las proporciones del cuerpo, especialmente, boca-ano en longitud estándar y posición de aletas dorsal y anal. Las temperaturas superficiales en las que fueron hallados los huevos, fluctúan entre 15.4 a 27.2 °C, y las más adecuadas para el desove de esta especie variaron entre 19 y 22 °C, y salinidades entre 35 y 35.26%, a juzgar por el hallazgo de las mejores y más frecuentes concentraciones de huevos en estos niveles.

A new species of Sycorax Curtis, 1839 from Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil

A new species of Sycorax Curtis, 1839 (Diptera, Psychodidae) from the Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil. Sycorax bravoi Santos, Ferreira & Falqueto sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on samples collected with a Möricke trap installed on the ground at the Biological Station of Santa Lúcia, municipality of Santa Teresa, in the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo. Males have a paramere with a spiniform prolongation on the distal surface and an aedeagus with a long posterior membranous dorsal prolongation. Females have a racket-shaped genital furca and tubular spermatheca, tapered on the apical third. This finding raises the number of Sycorax species known from Brazil to seven.

Sobre el carácter sexual secundario de las hembras de cachalote en Paita

Da a concer la presencia de una callosidad en la aleta dorsal, como carácter sexual secundario, existente en algunas hembras de cachalote capturadas frente a Paita, Perú. El período de estudios comprensió del 19 de junio de 1959 al 28 de agosto de 1963, en el cual se trabajaron 785 especímenes hembras, clasificándilas con callosidad presente y ausente; paralelamente se realizó observaciones de las glándulas mamarias, cantidad de cuerpo lúteos y albicans, determinando la condicións sexual.

Uma nova espécie de Orthoderella Giglio-Tos (Mantodea, Mantidae, Photinainae) do Brasil

A new species of Orthoderella Giglio-Tos (Mantodea, Mantidae, Photinainae) from Brazil. The Neotropical genus Orthoderella Giglio-Tos includes four species recorded in Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay, and from central western, southern, and southeastern Brazil. Orthoderella caatingaensis sp. nov., from the Caatinga biome in northeastern Brazil, is described here. This new species can be recognized by having a black spot on the inner face of the fore coxae, which extends to its posterior external face; phalloid apophysis of the left dorsal phallomere trapezoidal in shape with the right margin sinuous and a laminate anterior process; and a ventral phallomere with a sclerotized and rugous distal process. An identification key, in both Portuguese and English, to the five species of Orthoderella is presented.

Sistemas Integrados para Gestão Empresarial O caso da PHC e a sua utilização na gestão do Supermercado Palácio Fenícia

Os sistemas de informação sempre fizeram parte da gestão empresarial, quer fossem sistemas de arquivos ou sistemas informatizados. Porém, a aposta actual das empresas são os sistemas informatizados e de preferência, aqueles que integram e gerem numa mesma plataforma tecnológica todas as informações da empresa, independentemente do nível de gestão ou departamento, são os ditos sistemas ERP. Neste cenário, propusemos com este trabalho, realizar um estudo exploratório dos principais aspectos ligados aos sistemas ERP, como funcionamento, estruturação, implementação, benefícios e problemas. Os sistemas ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) são sistemas cuja utilização expandiu na década de noventa, devido a um leque de factores, como bug do milénio, problemas de redundância e inconsistência dos dados armazenados e problemas originados pelo uso de sistemas isolados. As principais características desses sistemas podem ser resumidas da seguinte forma: sistemas modular, comercializadas e destinadas a integrar todos os dados da empresa numa única plataforma. Actualmente, existem no mercado mundial vários sistemas ERP, sendo que um deles é a PHC, objecto do nosso estudo de caso. O ERP PHC é produzido em Portugal, mas já é uma realidade no mercado cabo-verdiano. O supermercado Palácio Fenícia é um dos testemunhos de uso do sistema ERP PHC em Cabo Verde. Para clarificar o funcionamento dos sistemas ERP na gestão empresarial, propusemos com este trabalho estudar o funcionamento do ERP PHC no Supermercado Palácio Fenícia, pois conhecendo o funcionamento de um sistema ERP específico, fica-se a entender a lógica geral de qualquer ERP.

Poly-N-acetyl glucosamine fibers are synergistic with vacuum-assisted closure in augmenting the healing response of diabetic mice.

BACKGROUND: Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) has become the preferred modality to treat many complex wounds but could be further improved by methods that minimize bleeding and facilitate wound epithelialization. Short fiber poly-N-acetyl glucosamine nanofibers (sNAG) are effective hemostatic agents that activate platelets and facilitate wound epithelialization. We hypothesized that sNAG used in combination with the VAC device could be synergistic in promoting wound healing while minimizing the risk of bleeding. METHODS: Membranes consisting entirely of sNAG nanofibers were applied immediately to dorsal excisional wounds of db/db mice followed by application of the VAC device. Wound healing kinetics, angiogenesis, and wound-related growth factor expression were measured. RESULTS: The application of sNAG membranes to wounds 24 hours before application of the VAC device was associated with a significant activation of wounds (expression of PDGF, TGFβ, EGF), superior granulation tissue formation rich in Collagen I as well as superior wound epithelialization (8.6% ± 0.3% vs. 1.8% ± 1.1% of initial wound size) and wound contraction. CONCLUSIONS: The application of sNAG fiber-containing membranes before the application of the polyurethane foam interface of VAC devices leads to superior healing in db/db mice and represents a promising wound healing adjunct that can also reduce the risk of bleeding complications.

Is Drosophila nasuta Lamb (Diptera, Drosophilidae) currently reaching the status of a cosmopolitan species?

ABSTRACT In early March 2015, three males and two females of one unknown species of Drosophila were collected from a compost pile and some garbage cans in the west region of the city of São Paulo, state of São Paulo, Brazil. Morphologically it is easily identified by the presence of the following conspicuous features: a brownish dorsal stripe along pleura, an entirely iridescent silvery-whitish frons when seen directly from the front, and a row of cuneiform setae on anteroventral side of femur of foreleg; the former two traits being more evident in males. The species was easily reared in a modified banana-agar medium and two isofemale lines were established allowing to obtain mitotic cells showing a diploid chromosome number of 2n = 8. Based both on morphological and chromosomal features, in addition to the geographical distribution, we concluded that the unknown flies belong to Drosophila nasuta Lamb, 1914, a tropical species of the nasuta subgroup of the Drosophila immigrans species group. Photomicrographs of male imagines, terminalia, mitotic and meiotic metaphase plates, as well as of female mitotic metaphase, are included.