Evaluation of the immunomodulatory activity of thalidomide on tumor-associated macrophages in the 4T1 murine metastatic breast cancer model / [Avaliação do efeito imunomodulador da talidomida em macrófagos associados a tumores no modelo murino de câncer de mama metastático 4T1]

The present work evaluated the immunomodulatory effect of thalidomide (Thal) at different doses on tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) using a mouse model of human breast cancer. Mice were inoculated with 4T1 cells in the left flank and treated with Thal once a day at concentrations of 50, 100, and 150mg/kg body weight from the 5th day until the 28th day of tumor inoculation. The tumors were sized, proliferation index and TAMs count were evaluated in primary tumors and metastatic lungs. In addition, the metastasis rate was evaluated in the lungs. Thal at 150mg/kg significantly decreased tumor growth, proliferation index, and TAMs infiltration in primary tumors. Conversely, a higher number of TAMs and lower proliferation index were observed in metastatic lungs in mice treated with 150mg/kg of Thal. Furthermore, Thal at 150mg/kg significantly decreased the metastatic nodules in the lungs. Our findings demonstrated that Thal treatment considerably decreased the primary tumor and lung metastasis in mice associated with different TAM infiltration effects in these sites.(AU)

No presente trabalho, foi avaliado o efeito imunomodulador de diferentes doses de talidomida em macrófagos associados ao tumor (TAMs), em um modelo murino de câncer de mama. Camundongos foram inoculados com células 4T1, na região do flanco esquerdo, e tratados com talidomida, uma vez ao dia, nas doses de 50, 100 e 150mg/k, por massa corporal, do quinto dia ao 28º dia de inoculação tumoral. Os tumores foram medidos, o índice de proliferação celular e a contagem de TAMs foram avaliados nos tumores primários e nos pulmões com metástases. Além disso, a taxa de metástases pulmonares também foi avaliada. A talidomida na dose de 150mg/kg diminuiu significativamente o crescimento tumoral, o índice de proliferação celular e a infiltração de TAMs nos tumores primários. Por outro lado, maior número de TAMs e menor índice de proliferação celular foram observados nos pulmões metastáticos, em camundongos tratados com 150mg/kg de talidomida. Ademais, a talidomida na dose de 150mg/kg diminuiu significativamente os nódulos metastáticos nos pulmões. Os resultados demonstraram que o tratamento com talidomida diminuiu o crescimento tumoral e as metástases pulmonares em camundongos, associado com diferentes efeitos na infiltração de TAMs nesses locais.(AU)

Foraging behavior and at-sea distribution of White-Tailed Tropicbirds in tropical ocean / Comportamento de forrageio e distribuição no mar do Rabo-de-palha-de-bico-laranja em oceano tropical

Abstract We used miniaturized GPS loggers and site observations to access foraging patterns and nest behaviour of the White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus (WTTB), an endangered species at its South Atlantic breeding colony. Dual foraging pattern was observed with alternation between long and short foraging trips. Birds responsible for nest attendance engaged in short foraging trips with mean distance from colony of 25 ± 17 km, total distance covered of 79 ± 65 km and mean duration of 4.02 ± 5.28 hours. Birds flew by dawn and returned before dusk while partners were at sea for long foraging trips that ranged from four to 11 days, with mean maximum distance from colony of 105 ± 47.48 km. Chicks were usually left alone for hours and chick predation by Land Crab Johngartia lagostroma, egg consumption by Goniopsis cruentata and intra-specific competition are suspected to be responsible for high chick mortality rates.

Resumo Utilizamos aparelhos de GPS miniaturizados e observações de campo para determinar padrões de forrageio e comportamento em ninho da espécie ameaçada Rabos-de-palha-de-bico-laranja Phaethon lepturus em sua colônia reprodutiva do Atlântico Sul. Padrão dual de forrageio foi observado, com alternância entre viagens longas e curtas. Aves responsáveis por cuidado parental efetuaram viagens curtas de forrageio com em média 25 ± 17 km de distância da colônia, distância total percorrida média de 79 ± 65 km e duração média de 4.02 ± 5.28 horas. As aves saíram da colônia entre o amanhecer e o entardecer, enquanto seus parceiros estavam em alto-mar em viagens longas de quatro a 11 dias de duração, com média de distância máxima da colônia de 105 ± 47.48 km. Filhotes foram constantemente deixados sozinhos por várias horas, e predação por Johngartia lagostroma, consumo de ovos por Goniopsis cruentata e competição intra-específica possivelmente foram responsáveis por sua morte.

Indução do estro em cutias (Dasyprocta leporina) utilizando-se protocolos à base de prostaglandina isolada ou em associação com análogo de GnRH / Estrus induction in agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina) using protocols based on prostaglandin isolated or in association to GnRH analogue

Comparou-se a eficiência de protocolos para indução de estro em cutias. Em cinco fêmeas, foram administradas duas doses de cloprostenol (5µg) com intervalo de nove dias, via intraperitoneal; em outras cinco, administraram-se 30µg de análogo do hormônio liberador de gonadotrofinas (GnRH), via intravulvar, seguidos de 5µg de cloprostenol, via intraperitoneal, após sete dias e, após mais dois dias, nova dose do análogo de GnRH. A cada três dias, a ciclicidade reprodutiva dos animais foi monitorada, por meio de coleta de sangue, para dosagem hormonal, ultrassonografia ovariana e citologia vaginal. Duas das fêmeas que receberam apenas prostaglandina, as quais estavam em fase luteal no início do tratamento, manifestaram o estro aos três e seis dias após a segunda administração da droga. Já nas fêmeas que receberam a prostaglandina associada ao análogo do GnRH, duas que originalmente estavam em fase luteal apresentaram estro aos quatro dias após o tratamento, e uma outra apenas após 10 dias. Não foram evidenciadas diferenças estatísticas quanto à eficiência dos tratamentos (P>0,05). Conclui-se que, de acordo com os protocolos utilizados, o uso da prostaglandina isolada ou em associação com análogo do GnRH para a indução do estro em cutias D. leporina apresenta eficiência limitada às fêmeas que estejam em fase luteal por ocasião do início do tratamento.(AU)

We compared the efficiency of protocols for estrus induction in agoutis. Five females received double intraperitoneal administration of cloprostenol (5µg) on a 2-days interval; other five females were treated with intravulvar administration of 30µg gonadotrophin release hormone analogue (GnRH associated to intraperitoneal administration of 5µg cloprostenol after seven days and a new administration of GnRH analogue after two days. Every 3 days, the agoutis' reproductive cycle was monitored by blood collection for hormonal analysis, ovarian ultrasound and vaginal cytology. Two females, originally in luteal phase, that received isolated prostaglandin presented estrous signs at 3 and 6 days after the second drug administration. From the females that received the association, two that were originally in luteal phase presented estrus at 4 days after treatment, and one other presented estrus only after 10 days. There was no significant statistical difference regarding the efficiency of treatments for estrus induction (P>0.05). We conclude that, according to the protocols tested in the study, the use of isolated prostaglandin or its association to GnRH analogue for estrus induction in D. leporine shows an efficiency limited to the females that were in luteal phase in the beginning of the treatment.(AU)

Segmentación automática del movimiento en la valoración funcional del miembro superior en niños con parálisis cerebral / Automatic movement segmentation in the upper limb functional assessment of children with cerebral palsy

Resumen: La Parálisis Cerebral (PC) es un grupo de trastornos pre, post y perinatales permanentes del desarrollo, movimiento y postura debidos a alteraciones no progresivas ocurridas durante el desarrollo cerebral, producto de lesiones del Sistema Nervioso Central. Debido a la importancia del uso del miembro superior en las actividades de la vida diaria, es importante considerar formas eficientes de medir el desempeño motor de este miembro en los pacientes con PC. Una forma de obtener la evaluación del miembro torácico es grabando movimientos definidos y calculando la suavidad de los mismos, utilizando un tablero seleccionador de figuras instrumentado. Nuestro objetivo es desarrollar un protocolo de valoración para el miembro superior, que a su vez sea objetivo, eficiente y que otorgue una medición cuantitativa del grado de afectación motora de los niños con PC en un entorno clínico.

Abstract: Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of permanent pre, post and perinatal disorders of the motor and posture development due to non-progressive alterations in brain's natural development caused by injuries in the Central Nervous System. Due to the importance of the daily use of the upper limb members, it's important to consider more efficient ways to evaluate the performance in patients diagnosed with CP. One way to obtain an evaluation of the performance of the thoracic member is recording defined movements and calculating the smoothness, using an instrumented sorting block box. Our objective is to create a protocol of valuation for the upper member that is objective, efficient and that gives a quantitative feedback of the grade of the motor affectation of child with PC in a clinical environment.

Foraging behavior and at-sea distribution of White-Tailed Tropicbirds in tropical ocean

Abstract We used miniaturized GPS loggers and site observations to access foraging patterns and nest behaviour of the White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus (WTTB), an endangered species at its South Atlantic breeding colony. Dual foraging pattern was observed with alternation between long and short foraging trips. Birds responsible for nest attendance engaged in short foraging trips with mean distance from colony of 25 ± 17 km, total distance covered of 79 ± 65 km and mean duration of 4.02 ± 5.28 hours. Birds flew by dawn and returned before dusk while partners were at sea for long foraging trips that ranged from four to 11 days, with mean maximum distance from colony of 105 ± 47.48 km. Chicks were usually left alone for hours and chick predation by Land Crab Johngartia lagostroma, egg consumption by Goniopsis cruentata and intra-specific competition are suspected to be responsible for high chick mortality rates.

Resumo Utilizamos aparelhos de GPS miniaturizados e observações de campo para determinar padrões de forrageio e comportamento em ninho da espécie ameaçada Rabos-de-palha-de-bico-laranja Phaethon lepturus em sua colônia reprodutiva do Atlântico Sul. Padrão dual de forrageio foi observado, com alternância entre viagens longas e curtas. Aves responsáveis por cuidado parental efetuaram viagens curtas de forrageio com em média 25 ± 17 km de distância da colônia, distância total percorrida média de 79 ± 65 km e duração média de 4.02 ± 5.28 horas. As aves saíram da colônia entre o amanhecer e o entardecer, enquanto seus parceiros estavam em alto-mar em viagens longas de quatro a 11 dias de duração, com média de distância máxima da colônia de 105 ± 47.48 km. Filhotes foram constantemente deixados sozinhos por várias horas, e predação por Johngartia lagostroma, consumo de ovos por Goniopsis cruentata e competição intra-específica possivelmente foram responsáveis por sua morte.

Avaliação de diferentes fixadores na preservação das características histológicas de pele de orelha de cães / Evaluation of different fixatives for histological studies in canine ear skin

Os fixadores biológicos desempenham um papel importante na qualidade final da histologia. Na rotina veterinária, a biópsia de pele é um procedimento comum e a escolha do fixador é primordial para resultado final adequado. Os fixadores mais usados são à base de formalina, ainda que sejam tóxicos, cancerígenos, de baixa penetração e de fixação lenta. Mesmo assim, não existe um fixador ideal que substitua as suas qualidades. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar qualitativamente a preservação das características histológicas de pele de cão utilizando diferentes fixadores de tecidos incluídos em parafina, cortados e corados pela hematoxilina-eosina. Utilizou-se uma caneta Punch de 4 milímetros para coletar amostras de pele de orelha em seis cadáveres de cães. Após coleta, os tecidos foram fixados em: (1) Bouin, durante seis horas; (2) Carnoy, durante quatro horas; (3) formaldeído tamponado 10% durante 24 horas, todos sob refrigeração (4ºC). Posteriormente, os tecidos foram processados, cortados e corados em hematoxilina e eosina. As lâminas foram avaliadas, às cegas, por quatro patologistas diferentes, que consideraram aspectos qualitativos a seguir: (1) qualidade da coloração; (2) preservação das características histológicas; e (3) preservação dos limites citoplasmáticos utilizando a escala de LIKERT de pontuação para cada lâmina. O fixador com a maior média de pontuação em todos os itens foi o formol tamponado com 3,76 pontos, seguido pelo Bouin (3,39) e pelo Carnoy (2,52). O formol pode trazer riscos à saúde do profissional que rotineiramente o manuseia, portanto se faz necessária a busca por fixadores com as mesmas qualidades, mas menos nocivos à saúde.(AU)

The biological fixatives have an important role in the final histology quality. In veterinary, routine skin biopsy is a common procedure and the choice of fixative is essential for the final result. The most common fixative is Formalin, even though it is toxic, carcinogenic, and has low and slow penetration. Still, there isn't a fixer which can replace the qualities of formalin. The aim of this study was to evaluate qualitatively the preservation of the histological features of dog skin using different tissue fixative embedded in paraffin, sectioned and stained with hematoxylin - eosin. We used a 4 mm punch pen to collect ear skin samples in six dog cadavers. After collection, the tissues were fixed in: (1) Bouin for 6 hours; (2) Carnoy for 4 hours; (3) 10% buffered formaldehyde for 24 hours, all under refrigeration (4 ° C). The tissues were then processed, sectioned and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The slides were evaluated blindly by four different pathologists who considered the qualitative aspects below: (1) quality of coloring; (2) preservation of the histological characteristics; (3) preservation of cytoplasmic boundaries using a Likert scale score for each blade. The fixative with the highest mean score on all items was buffered formalin with 3.76 points followed by Bouin (3.39) and Carnoy (2.52). Formaldehyde can bring health a risk of professional routine handling, so it is necessary to search for a biological fixative with the same qualities being less harmful to health.(AU)

Histopathological characterization of experimentally induced cutaneous loxoscelism in rabbits inoculated with Loxosceles similis venom

Envenomation by Loxosceles bites is characterized by dermonecrotic and/or systemic features that lead to several clinical signs and symptoms called loxoscelism. Dermonecrotic lesions are preceded by thrombosis of the dermal plexus. Recent studies show that atheromatous plaque is prone to thrombosis due to endothelial cell apoptosis. To the best of our knowledge, there are no reports of microscopic dermal lesion and endothelial cell apoptosis induced by Loxosceles similis venom in the literature. Thus, the aim of the present study is to describe histological lesions induced by L. similis venom in rabbit skin and to elucidate whether apoptosis of endothelial cells is involved in the pathogenesis of loxoscelism. Forty male rabbits were split into two groups: the control group (intradermally injected with 50 µL of PBS) and the experimental group (intradermally injected with 0.5 µg of L. similis crude venom diluted in 50 µL of PBS). After 2, 4, 6 and 8 hours of injection, skin fragments were collected and processed for paraffin or methacrylate embedding. Sections of 5 µm thick were stained by HE, PAS or submitted to TUNEL reaction. Microscopically, severe edema, diffuse heterophilic inflammatory infiltrate, perivascular heterophilic infiltrate, thrombosis, fibrinoid necrosis of arteriolar wall and cutaneous muscle necrosis were observed. Two hours after venom injection, endothelial cells with apoptosis morphology were evidenced in the dermal plexus. Apoptosis was confirmed by TUNEL reaction. It seems that endothelial cell apoptosis and its consequent desquamation is an important factor that induces thrombosis and culminates in dermonecrosis, which is characteristic of cutaneous loxoscelism.

Experimental Tityus serrulatus scorpion envenomation: age- and sex-related differences in symptoms and mortality in mice

Among the various methods for evaluating animal venom toxicity, the calculation of the median lethal dose (LD50) is the most widely used. Although different protocols can be used to calculate the LD50, the source of the venom and the method of extraction, as well as the strain, age, and sex of the animal model employed, should be taken into consideration. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of sex and age on the toxicity of Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom in Swiss mice. Although the symptoms of envenomation were similar in male and female animals, female mice proved to be more resistant to the venom. In females, age had no impact on the susceptibility to scorpion envenomation. Male mice were more sensitive to T. serrulatus venom. Moreover, in males, age was an important parameter since sensitivity to the venom increased with age.

Risk factors associated with the death of patients hospitalized for juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus

We assessed the risk factors associated with death in patients hospitalized for juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) and evaluated the autopsy reports. A total of 57,159 hospitalizations occurred in our institution from 1994 to 2003, 169 of them involving 71 patients with JSLE. The most recent hospitalization of these patients was evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups based on mortality during hospitalization: those who survived (N = 53) and those who died (N = 18). The main causes of hospitalization were JSLE activity associated with infection in 52 percent and isolated JSLE activity in 44 percent. Univariate analysis showed that a greater risk of death was due to severe sepsis (OR = 17.8, CI = 4.5-70.9), systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) ³8 (OR = 7.6, CI = 1.1-53.8), general infections (OR = 6.1, CI = 1.5-25), fungal infections (OR = 5.4, CI = 3.2-9), acute renal failure (OR = 5.1, CI = 2.5-10.4), acute thrombocytopenia (OR = 3.9, CI = 1.9-8.4), and bacterial infections (OR = 2.3, CI = 1.2-7.5). Stratified analysis showed that severe sepsis and SLEDAI ³8 were not confounder variables. In the multivariate analysis, logistic regression showed that the only independent variable in death prediction was severe sepsis (OR = 98, CI = 16.3-586.2). Discordance between clinical diagnosis and autopsy was observed in 6/10 cases. Mortality of hospitalized JSLE patients was associated with severe sepsis. Autopsy was important to determine events not detected or doubtful in dead patients and should always be requested.

Síndrome de Horner pediátrico: análisis de 5 casos / Horner Syndrome: 5 case reports

Introducción: El síndrome de Horner (SH) u oculosimpaticoparesia es causado por la interrupción de la vía simpática (VS) que va desde el cerebro hasta el ojo. Los signos clínicos son miosis, ptosis, enoftalmos, heterocromía del iris y hemianhidrosis facial ipsilateral, en su forma completa. Generalmente es benigno pero la proximidad arterias carotídeas, órganos torácicos y cerebro nos obliga a descartar patologías potencialmente riesgosas. Objetivo: Describir la utilidad de la historia clínica y el examen neurológico en la evaluación de la etiología y localización de la lesión en el SH. Pacientes y Método: 5 pacientes de sexo masculino entre 2-72 meses edad controlados en Neurología infantil de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile entre los años 2003-2004. Resultados: Según tiempo de aparición, 4 casos fueron congénitos y 1 caso adquirido. Los signos neurológicos acompañantes clasificaban los casos como SH periférico (4) y SH central (1). La hemianhidrosis clasificaban 3 casos como preganglionares y dos postganglionares Conclusión: En niños con SH la anamnesis, el análisis de la signología propia y asociada del SH nos ayudan a localizar la lesión y reducen una extensa evaluación sistémica.

Genetics of Euglossini bees (Hymenoptera) in fragments of the Atlantic Forest in the region of Viçosa, MG

Com o desmatamento descontrolado das florestas há a formação de fragmentos de mata que, na maioria das vezes, se encontram em distintos estágios de regeneração, mantendo populações isoladas. Neste trabalho foi feita a análise dos padrões genéticos de populações de Eulaema nigrita de fragmentos de mata Atlântica de diferentes tamanhos e estágios sucessionais por meio de marcadores moleculares RAPD da região de Viçosa, MG. Pode-se verificar que a área dos fragmentos não apresentou efeito sobre a variabilidade genética em E. nigrita na direção predita pelos modelos de metapopulação. Uma mata de tamanho médio e bem preservada apresentou a menor variabilidade, enquanto matas grandes e pequenas foram estatisticamente iguais. As evidências sustentam que áreas rurais apresentam maior dispersão entre fragmentos, implicando maior similaridade entre as populações de fragmentos localizados em áreas rurais se comparados com fragmentos nas áreas urbanizadas.

Efectos procinéticos comparativos del cisapride y de la eritromocina sobre la motilidad del duodeno de conejo / Effects comparative procinetic of the cisapride and of the eritromocina about the motility of the rabbit duodenum

La eritromicina y el cisapride son fármacos procinéticos con diferentes vías de acción. El objeto del prersente estudio es avaluar comparativamente el efecto de eritromicina y cisapride en segmentos aislados de duodeno de conejo. Se extrajo el duodeno de 6 conejos y se mantuvieron funcionales en un baño de tejido. Se registro la motilidad duodenal usando un trasductor de tensión. El tono muscular duodenal aumentó dependiendo de la concentración del medicamento, siendo la acción de la eritromicina mas potente que la de el cisapride. La actividad de la eritromicina aumentó hasta alcanzar una meseta y no se observaron diferencias en la frecuencia de las contracciones. La eritromicina es un procinético mas potente que el cisapride en el duodeno del conejo

Genetic analysis of Melipona quadrifasciata Lep. (Hymenoptera: Apidae, Meliponinae) with RAPD markers

Melipona quadrifasciata ("mandaçaia") can be subdivided into two subspecies: M. q. anthidioides and M. q. quadrifasciata. In the present study we used RAPD markers to estimate intercolonial genetic variation among 69 colonies of Melipona quadrifasciata. Ten workers per colony were analyzed. The intercolony genetic distances based on RAPD markers ranged from 29.5 percent (colonies collected in the State of Säo Paulo vs colonies from the State of Minas Gerais) to 34.2 percent (Säo Paulo vs Santa Catarina). These results indicate a high genetic similarity among the colonies analyzed.According to the genetic distances two different groups could be distinguished. The first containing the samples from Santa Catarina region and the second, samples from Paraná, Säo Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Espírito Santo. Based on the molecular analysis, bees belonging to the different subspecies M. q. quadrifasciata (from Santa Catarina) and M. q. anthidioides (from the other regions) were distinguished

Genetic diversity of Bemisia tabaci (Genn. ) Populations in Brazil revealed by RAPD markers

Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) was considered a secondary pest in Brazil until 1990, despite being an efficient geminivirus vector in beans and soybean. In 1991, a new biotype, known as B. tabaci B biotype (=B. argentifolii) was detected attacking weed plants and causing phytotoxic problems in Cucurbitaceae. Nowadays, B. tabaci is considered one of the most damaging whitefly pests in agricultural systems worldwide that transmits more than 60 different plant viruses. Little is known about the genetic variability of these populations in Brazil. Knowledge of the genetic variation within whitefly populations is necessary for their efficient control and management. The objectives of the present study were to use RAPD markers (1) to estimate the genetic diversity of B. tabaci populations, (2) to study the genetic relationships among B. tabaci biotypes and two other whitefly species and (3) to discriminate between B. tabaci biotypes. A sample of 109 B. tabaci female individuals obtained from 12 populations in Brazil were analyzed and compared to the A biotype from Arizona (USA) and B biotype from California (USA) and Paraguay. Trialeurodes vaporariorum and Aleurodicus cocois samples were also included. A total of 72 markers were generated by five RAPD primers and used in the analysis. All primers produced RAPD patterns that clearly distinguished the Bemisia biotypes and the two other whitefly species. Results also showed that populations of the B biotype have considerable genetic variability. An average Jaccard similarity of 0.73 was observed among the B biotype individuals analyzed. Cluster analysis demonstrated that, in general, Brazilian biotype B individuals are scattered independently in the localities where samples were collected. Nevertheless, some clusters were evident, joining individuals according to the host plants. AMOVA showed that most of the total genetic variation is found within populations (56.70 per cent), but a significant portion of the variation is found between crops (22.73 per cent). The present study showed that the B biotype is disseminated throughout the sampled areas, infesting several host plants and predominates over the A biotype

Genetic analysis of Melipona quadrifasciata Lep. (Hymenoptera: Apidae, Meliponinae) with RAPD markers

Melipona quadrifasciata ("mandaçaia") can be subdivided into two subspecies: M. q. anthidioides and M. q. quadrifasciata. In the present study we used RAPD markers to estimate intercolonial genetic variation among 69 colonies of Melipona quadrifasciata. Ten workers per colony were analyzed. The intercolony genetic distances based on RAPD markers ranged from 29.5% (colonies collected in the State of São Paulo vs colonies from the State of Minas Gerais) to 34.2% (São Paulo vs Santa Catarina). These results indicate a high genetic similarity among the colonies analyzed.According to the genetic distances two different groups could be distinguished. The first containing the samples from Santa Catarina region and the second, samples from Paraná, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Espírito Santo. Based on the molecular analysis, bees belonging to the different subspecies M. q. quadrifasciata (from Santa Catarina) and M. q. anthidioides (from the other regions) were distinguished.

A abelha Melipona quadrifasciata Lep., conhecida popularmente como "mandaçaia", apresenta duas subespécies: Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides e Melipona quadrifasciata quadrifasciata. Utilizando-se marcadores RAPD, foram calculadas as distâncias genéticas entre 69 colônias de Melipona quadrifasciata. Foram coletadas 10 operárias de cada colônia. As distâncias genéticas entre as colônias dessas regiões variaram de 29,5% (entre São Paulo e Minas Gerais) a 34,2% (entre São Paulo e Santa Catarina), indicando alto grau de similaridade genética entre as abelhas provenientes de diferentes regiões. De acordo com a distância genética, dois grupos podem ser distinguidos, um pertencente à subespécie M. q. quadrifasciata (região de Santa Catarina) e outro pertencente à subespécie M. q. anthidioides (demais regiões amostradas).

The karyotype of the parasitoid Chenolus insularis Cresson (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Cheloninae)

The karyotype of Chelomus insularis (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Cheloninae) is described. The males show an haploid number of fourteen chromosomes, confirming haplo-diploid sex determination. Comparisons of these results with karyotypes of other species of the same family were done and a possible mechanism involved in the karyotype evolution of this species is discussed.

Clinical aspects, laboratory manifestation and serologic studies of a newly observed arbor a virus infection

18 cases of Chikungunya (or a very closely related virus) infection, a newly observed clinical entity in the Philippines, are presented. Diagnosis was established by serological studies consisting of hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) and complement fixation (CF) tests. (Summary)

Viruses of the respiratory tract in Filipinos I. Para influenza types 1 and 3

In 279 serums of young adults with ages ranging from 12 to 24 tested by HI against para influenza types 3 and 1 viruses, incidence rates of 76% and 25% were obtained respectively after 20% had been deducted from each of the rates due to heterotypic responses. This is very suggestive of a widespread infection due to para influenza 3 in the Philippines. (Summary)

Virological studies of hospitalized cases of poliomyelitis

One hundred nine cases of poliomyelitis admitted to the Polio Pavilion of the San Lazaro Hospital in 1961 were studied. At least paired serum samples and in some instances, triple serum samples were collected from them. Ninety-one had matching stool specimensVirus isolation was done on the 91 stool samples and complement fixation test on the 129 paired or triple serum samplesThe pertinent findings were as follows: (1) only half of the cases clinically recognized as poliomyelitis could be confirmed by either or both tests employed; (2) about one-third of the agents isolated from stools were non-polio; (3) the most prevalent type of poliovirus causing clinically apparent illness is type 1. The least common is type 2; (4) poliomyelitis is still an infantile type of disease in this country since the majority of the confirmed cases occurred in the age group 0-23 months; (5) maternal antibodies may cease to be protective even before an infant reaches 4 months of age; (6) during the period of study, cases of poliomyelitis were more or less evenly distributed throughout the year. (Summary)

Bacterial and sensitivity study of local cases of chronic suppurative otitis media

Chronic exudative otitis media usually results in impaired hearing and/or grave complications. Various predisposing factors, such as congenital or acquired anatomical barriers to drainage, allergy, systemic disease and low resistance of the patient, play a big role in its production. The exciting factor is usually bacterial in origin. This paper is chiefly concerned with the determination of the kind of organisms and their sensitivity reactions to various drugs, that may be encountered in cases of chronic exudative otitis media. For this purpose, cultures were made of material taken from the middle ear of patients with chronic otitis media. (Author)