Morphological modifications induced by an artificial diet on the hypopharyngeal glands of Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera, apidae) during their degenerative process

The morphological aspects of the hypopharyngeal glands were analyzed in worker bees of Apis mellifera of 15 and 30 days of age. The individuals were kept in a room with controlled temperature at 32degreesC where they received water and either a protein or a high energy food. Nurse and foraging workers were used as a control for the experiment. The morphological results showed that the different diets modified the cell death characteristics and intensified its occurrence. Both diets caused precocious glandular degeneration. However, this anticipation of cell death was more pronounced in the glandular tissue of the workers who received the high energy diet when compared to the glands of the bees fed with the protein meal.The degenerative signs observed were an intense cytoplasmic vacuolization, with a loss of cytoplasm and of the cell boundaries, dilation or condensation of the cells and nuclei, and nuclear fragmentation. At the end of the degenerative process, we observed the extrusion of nuclei and, finally, the dissolution of the glands. The hypopharyngeal glands' remains were found in the haemolymph.

Effect of narcosis with CO2 on the ovarian development in queens of Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera, Apini)

Exposure of 1, 4, 7 & 10 day-old virgin queens of Apis mellifera Linne 1758 for 1 min to CO2 accelerated their ovarian development, having a similar effect as mating on the initial formation of the ovarian follicles. In 3 day-old queens the exposure to CO2 enhanced the initial stage of germ cell differentiation into oocytes and nurse cells in the ovarioles, a developmental stage only seen in 5 day-old untreated virgin queens, the age at which they are ready to mate. In 10 day-old untreated virgin queens, some regions of the ovarioles presented tissue disorganization and many cells with pycnotic nuclei. However, narcotized virgin queens of the same age did not present such ovary degeneration. Conversely, they showed nitid follicle formation, arising in the ovarioles' initial differentiation between nurse and oocytic chambers, although still without vitellogenesis. The accelerative effect of CO2 is limited to the ages near to those proper for mating, since 15 and 18 day-old treated virgin queens presented ovaries with extensive regions of high tissue disorganization and a great number of cells with pycnotic nuclei. According to the results, the narcosis presented three levels of effect on the ovary of honeybee virgin queens: 1) accelerated the germ cell differentiation, 2) preserved the tissue integrity even after the queen mating period and 3) stimulated the initial differentiation of a vitellarium. This later condition was only seen in untreated queens after mating. All these effects are not maintained if the queen is kept virgin beyond 15 days old.

Ultrastructural features of the regenerative cells of the bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae) midguts

The epithelium of the bee ventriculus is formed by two cell types: the principal or digestive cells and the regenerative cells. In this article the ultrastructure of the regenerative cells is described, as well as the features of their differentiation into digestive cells during epithelium renewal.

Enzymatic activity of hypopharyngeal gland extractsfrom workers of Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Apinae)

This research presents a comparative study of enzymatic activity of the hypopharyngeal gland extracts from workers of Apis mellifera in three physiologic stages: newly emerged, nurse and forager workers, with the objective of contributing to the comprehension of the gland function. In order to determinate the enzymes present in the extracts, the Api Zym kit (Bio Merieux) was used to test the activity of 19 different enzymes. The enzymes found in larger amounts only in the hypopharyngeal glands from certain individuals were the following: in newly emerged workers, the N-acetyl-double down arrow-glucosaminidase that may be digesting the chitin of some food ingested by the bee; in forager workers, the acid phosphatase that is likely acting in authophagic processes, the a-glucosidase, in the processing of nectar into honey, and the double down arrow-glucosidases, in the pollen digestion.

Biometrics studies of caste development in Nasutitermes coxipoensis (Isoptera; Termitidae)

A biometric study of caste development was carried out using Nasutitermes sp., by measuring the height, width, and length of the head, the length and width of the pronotum and mesonotum, and the length of the posterior tibia. These measurements were taken on 200 individuals, including larvae, nymphs, workers, pre-soldiers and soldiers. For instar separation, it was verified that the Principal Component Analysis (P.C.A.) was the most efficient methodology. Results of this analysis showed that Nasutitermes coxipoensis follows the general pattern of development presented by other Nasutitermes.

A morpho-histological and ultrastructural study of the mandibular glands of Atta sexdens worker ants (Hymenoptera : Formicidae)

We describe here the morphology, histology and ultrastructure of the mandibular glands of Atta sexdens (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) worker ants. The mandibular glands consist of a reservoir with an excretory duct and a secretory portion linked to the reservoir trough canaliculi. These glands have the same morphology in the three castes studied, differing only in size, with smaller glands observed in minima workers and larger glands in soldiers.

Morphology, ultramorpholgy and morphometry of the fat body of virgin females and queens of the ants Pachycondyla striata (Hymenoptera : Formicidae)

The fat body cells of virgin females and queens of Pachycondyla striata ants belonging to the subfamily Ponerinae are illustrated from morphologic, ultramorphologic and morphometric viewpoints. Camera lucida drawing techniques were used, as well as scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). Measurements of trophocytes and oenocytes areas in the tissue were recorded. The results showed that in P. striata queens and virgin females the trophocytes are arranged in cord-like formations in association with oenocytes. Trophocytes of both castes had round shapes, with rather vacuolized cytoplasm, whereas oenocytes, being smaller than trophocytes, had more homogeneous cytoplasm. It was also observed that both trophocytes and oenocytes of virgin females were larger than those found in the same queen cellular types.

Effect of topical application of juvenile hormone (JH) in honeybee worker larvae on the development of the Dufour's and Koschewnikow's glands

In order to investigate the action of the juvenile hormone (JH) on honeybee caste differentiation two exocrine glands, Koschewnikow and Dufour glands, were chosen for study. Two combs (I & II) were taken from a single posture of a queen to use for this research. In comb I the larvae were treated with a topical application of JH in Acetone, and those from the comb II (control group) received only Acetone. Immediately after the emergence of the workers, their glands were dissected and prepared for microscopic measurements. The results showed cell area reduction in the Koschewnikow gland induced by the JH application. The results for the Dufour gland displayed taller epithelial cells with the JH application. The difference in glandular responses to the JH relates to gland function, hormone targets, and individual homeostasis.

Ultramorphology of mandibles from Dolichoderus (=Monacis) bispinosus males.

Mandibles of ants are usual for many activities like cut and transport of food, transport of larvae and eggs, colony defense and to dig the rolls in the soil or/and wood for next building, among other activities. In male the principal function of the mandible is to act itself to female body during the mating by other hand the female use its mandibles to cut out the end of the male body after mating. The mandible movement are be possible because the different muscle presents in its articulation - the abductor and to adductor ones. The S.E.M. makes possible to study it in details to and showed the presence of skeletal muscle. This suggests its function to be instrument to use during the mating.

Colony defensive behavior by the social wasp Polybia (Trichothorax) sericea (Hymenoptera, Vespidae)

This work aimed at evaluating the aggressive response of Polybia sericea, incited by mechanical means, as well as collecting information on the biological and population parameters of this species in Caatinga environments. There were positive correlations (P < 0.05) between the number of aggressors and the number of eggs, larvae and adults present in the nests. These results showed that the magnitude of the defense response exhibited by P. sericea is proportional to the energetic investment carried out by the colony in making young forms. The positive significant correlation between the number of aggressors and the total number of adults of the colony corroborates the hypothesis that colonies with a large population of adults have greater potential to perform what is called defensive altruism.

A capoeira como escola de ofício

The purpose of this paper is to provide an in-depth look at the origins of the capoeira, as well as the occupation school, aiming to structure a work in the historic-bibliographic perspective which allows elucidating this relation with the occupation school, since this beging its origins until nowadays. It is a descriptive study, using the source documentary collection of data. Among the results it was observed that the capoeira it was not considered a ocupation (it was rather forbidden) but a "subsistence system", being transmitted from one generation to the other orally. The paths that the capoeira has walked through and, under certain circumstance, has draw for itself, make it a occupation school, such as in the relationship master-apprentice which lasts until the present moment. We are able to conclude that the capoeira as corporation and occupation school are realities lived due to its structure and function, both present in the contemporary world.

Historical aspects of Belly Dance and its practice in Brazil

Dance is regarded as one of the oldest art forms, which is based on evidence from prehistoric paintings found in caves; man expressed himself through body language prior to the development of spoken and written forms of communication. Dance was then used during important events, common to their era and culture, and often in religious rituals, to ensure good harvests - their economic activity. Belly-dance appeared approximately eight thousand years B. C. E. as a sacred dance firstly practiced by priestesses, and after that, it was popularized amongst women from Mesopotamia. Virtually considered an ancient form of physical exercise, it is still practiced by Bedouin women as a preparation for spontaneous delivery. In Brazil, belly-dance is widely practiced and our corporal culture enables its learning and improvement, resulting in professional dancers.

Respostas fisiológicas durante o exercício contínuo e intermitente: implicações para a avaliação e a prescrição do treinamento aeróbio

The objective of this study was to review the acute responses to maximal and supramaximal intermittent exercise (intensities near or above maximal oxygen uptake - iVO(2)max), and also at submaximal intermittent exercise, with intensities near maximal lactate steady state (MLSS). At the conditions of interval training above 100% iVO(2)max with short repetitions (<60 s), the passive recovery between the repetitions allows higher intensity during sets. For longer repetitions, the active recovery can be more efficient, since promotes greater blood lactate removal and longer time near VO(2)max. At the conditions of submaximal interval training, the relationship between intensity and duration of the repetitions are still maintained, i.e., the longer durations (>300 s) allow lower intensities and the shorter (150-300 s) allow higher intensities, with similar metabolic conditions (i.e., MLSS). However, both recovery types can be utilized, since they proportionate similar intensities at these conditions.