Population structure and natural diet of Astyanax cf. paranae Eigenmann 1914 a typical species of neotropical headwaters streams

This work describes the habits of individuals of the species Astyanax cf. paranaethat inhabitRibeirão do Ferro,a bedside stream. Overall,92 specimens were analyzed (53 females and 39 males),and the size ranged from class 4.7-5.7 cm to class 10.7-11.7 cm. The females consisted in thelarger portion of the samples,except for classes of 4.7-5.7 and 5.7-6.7 cm. The condition factor between males and females (t = 2.1545; p < 0.05) shows distinguished values,with females having higher averages. Fragments of allochthonous insects and plant matter make up the basis of the species' diet. The study showed that the population of A. cf. paranaeis predominantly females and have the highest standard for length and weight,which may favor biological diversity and increased larvae and juveniles,maximizing the chance of individuals reaching adulthood. The species prefers an environment with predominance of rocks and logs,which favors shelters. Its diet comes mostly from the riparian forest,with a high dependence on the allochthonous items, thus, these vegetations are very important for maintaining populations of the species.

Microscopic aspects of electrosensory system on the partially euryhaline lesser guitarfish

ABSTRACT The electrosensory system on elasmobranchs consists of subcutaneous electroreceptor organs known as ampullae of Lorenzini. The present study investigated the ampullae of Lorenzini morphology of the lesser guitarfish Zapteryx brevirostris, using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The pore number found in the ventral skin surface is much higher than that found in the dorsal portion, characteristic of species that inhabit the euphotic zone. Under light microscopy it was possible to observe that the wall canal consists of a single layer of squamous epithelial cells. The canal features distal expansion, where the ampullae are located with up to six alveoli. The sensory epithelium of ampullae is composed by cubic cells, with oval nucleus, restricted to the interior of the alveoli. With analysis the clusters under scanning electron microscopy, it was possible to observe the structure and the random arrangement of individual ampullae, canals and nerves. The distribution of dorsal and ventral pores and ampullae in Z. brevirostris resembled those of the same family. The number of alveoli per ampullae was similar to that found in euryhaline elasmobranchs species, suggesting that the morphological organization in Z. brevirostris is linked to its possible evolutionary transitory position among batoids.

Two new species and updated checklist of Oxyethira Eaton, 1873 (Trichoptera, Hydroptilidae) from Brazil

ABSTRACT Two new species of Oxyethira Eaton, 1873 are described: Oxyethira cascadanta sp. n. and Oxyethira quadrilobata sp. n. Description and illustrations of the new species are provided based on specimens collected in Parque Nacional da Serra da Canastra, Minas Gerais State, Southeast Brazil. Both species are assigned to the subgenus Loxotrichia but differ from other species mainly in morphology of the subgenital plate, subgenital processes and inferior appendages. Additionally, we provide an updated checklist of the Oxyethira species from Brazil.

Yungahelea, a new genus of predaceous midge from northwestern Argentina (Culicomorpha: Ceratopogonidae)

ABSTRACT A new monotypic genus and species of predaceous midge from the southernmost area of the Argentinean Yungas, Yungahelea australis Spinelli and Ronderos, is described and illustrated from male and female adults. It belongs to a group containing the Ceratopogonini genera Parabezzia Malloch, Diaphanobezzia Ingram and Macfie, Spinellihelea Borkent, Grogan and Picado, Leptohelea Wirth and Blanton, and Fittkauhelea Wirth and Blanton. Phylogenetic interpretation indicates that Yungahelea is the sister group of Spinellihelea or the clade composed by Parabezzia and Diaphanobezzia.

Experimental infection with Brazilian Newcastle disease virus strain in pigeons and chickens

Abstract This study was designed with the goal of adding as much information as possible about the role of pigeons (Columba livia) and chickens (Gallus gallus) in Newcastle disease virus epidemiology. These species were submitted to direct experimental infection with Newcastle disease virus to evaluate interspecies transmission and virus-host relationships. The results obtained in four experimental models were analyzed by hemagglutination inhibition and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for detection of virus shedding. These techniques revealed that both avian species, when previously immunized with a low pathogenic Newcastle disease virus strain (LaSota), developed high antibody titers that significantly reduced virus shedding after infection with a highly pathogenic Newcastle disease virus strain (São Joao do Meriti) and that, in chickens, prevent clinical signs. Infected pigeons shed the pathogenic strain, which was not detected in sentinel chickens or control birds. When the presence of Newcastle disease virus was analyzed in tissue samples by RT-PCR, in both species, the virus was most frequently found in the spleen. The vaccination regimen can prevent clinical disease in chickens and reduce viral shedding by chickens or pigeons. Biosecurity measures associated with vaccination programs are crucial to maintain a virulent Newcastle disease virus-free status in industrial poultry in Brazil.

Phylogenetic analysis of Dengue virus 1 isolated from South Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract Dengue is a major worldwide public health problem, especially in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Primary infection with a single Dengue virus serotype causes a mild, self-limiting febrile illness called dengue fever. However, a subset of patients who experience secondary infection with a different serotype can progress to a more severe form of the disease, called dengue hemorrhagic fever. The four Dengue virus serotypes (1–4) are antigenically and genetically distinct and each serotype is composed of multiple genotypes. In this study we isolated one Dengue virus 1 serotype, named BR/Alfenas/2012, from a patient with dengue hemorrhagic fever in Alfenas, South Minas Gerais, Brazil and molecular identification was performed based on the analysis of NS5 gene. Swiss mice were infected with this isolate to verify its potential to induce histopathological alterations characteristic of dengue. Liver histopathological analysis of infected animals showed the presence of inflammatory infiltrates, hepatic steatosis, as well as edema, hemorrhage and necrosis focal points. Phylogenetic and evolutionary analyses based on the envelope gene provided evidence that the isolate BR/Alfenas/2012 belongs to genotype V, lineage I and it is probably derived from isolates of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The isolate BR/Alfenas/2012 showed two unique amino acids substitutions (SER222THRE and PHE306SER) when compared to other Brazilian isolates from the same genotype/lineage. Molecular models were generated for the envelope protein indicating that the amino acid alteration PHE 306 SER could contribute to a different folding in this region located within the domain III. Further genetic and animal model studies using BR/Alfenas/2012 and other isolates belonging to the same lineage/genotype could help determine the relation of these genetic alterations and dengue hemorrhagic fever in a susceptible population.

Larval structure of Passalus gravelyiand sexual dimorphism in Passalid larvae / Estructura larval de Passalus gravelyi y dimorfismo sexual en larvas de Passalidae

The adults and larvae of Passalidae are subsocial insects commonly found in tropical forests, living in decaying wood gallery systems constructed by adults. Currently, few repots on the larvae of Neotropical Passalidae have been published and information is scarce. In this study, the Passalus (Pertinax) gravelyiMoreira, 1922 larvae is described for the first time, based on ten larval specimens 1 (1° instar), 4 (2° instar), and 5 (3° instar) associated with three adults collected from a single colony at the Parque Nacional do Itatiaia (Itatiaia, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). The description was carried out based on electronic and digital photographs of diagnostic structures, with some details on the systematic of the species. The larvae of Passalus gravelyihas the general setal 'Pertinax' pattern and differed from others by 16 to 18 setae on the anal ring, the other larvae data from Brazilian species show the anal ring with 10 to 12 setae. A discussion on the presence of sexual dimorphism in 62 species of two and three instars of Passalidae larvae is provided for the first time. Besides, a description of the terminal ampullapresent as a cuticular structure found in the medial-ventral area of the 9th abdominal sternite in males is also given. The terminal ampullawas only observed in the Passalidae male larvae and was not visible in female larvae. The terminal ampullaare acknowledged now in males of 64 passalid species, that are taxonomically distributed in world tropical forests, at the Oriental and Australian subfamily Aulacocyclinae (Aulacocyclini & Ceracupini) and the cosmotropical subfamily Passalinae (Solenocyclini, Macrolinini, Passalini, & Proculini).

Passalidae son insectos subsociales, los adultos y larvas son comunes en bosques tropicales, viven dentro de troncos podridos en un sistema de galerías construido por los adultos. A la fecha, pocos estudios han sido publicados sobre larvas de Passalidae neotropicales. En el presente trabajo, se describe por primera vez la larva de Passalus (Pertinax) gravelyiMoreira, 1922, con base en 10 especímenes: uno de primer estadio, cuatro de segundo estadio y cinco de tercer estadio, asociados con tres adultos de un grupo familiar recolectado en el Parque Nacional de Itatiaia (Río de Janeiro, Brasil). La descripción esta fundamentada en microfotografías electrónicas y digitales de los caracteres diagnósticos que muestran detalles sobre la sistemática de la especie. La larva de Passalus gravelyimuestra el patrón setal general de 'Pertinax' y difiere de otras larvas del sub&género Pertinaxpor tener el anillo anal con 16 a 18 setas, las seis especies de larvas descritas del Brasil tienen en el anillo anal con 10 a 12 setas. Por primera vez se discute la presencia de dimorfismo sexual en larvas de 62 especies de Passalidae, describiendo el ampulla terminalpresente en el macho y localizada en el área cuticular media ventral del noveno esternito abdominal. El ampulla terminales visible ventralmente solo en la larva macho y no es visible en la larva hembra; esta estructura cuticular es común en el macho sobre el noveno esternito abdominal del segundo y tercer estadio larval y no está presente en la larva de primer estadio. El ampulla terminales conocida en 62 especies agrupadas taxonómicamente en la subfamilia oriental y australiana Aulacocyclinae (Aulacocyclini e Ceracupini) y en la subfamilia cosmotropical Passalinae (Solenocyclini, Macrolinini, Passalini, e Proculini).

Larval Gnathostoma spinigerum Detected in Asian Swamp Eels, Monopterus albus, Purchased from a Local Market in Yangon, Myanmar

The present study was performed to determine the infection status of swamp eels with Gnathostoma sp. larvae in Myanmar. We purchased total 37 Asian swamp eels, Monopterus albus, from a local market in Yangon in June and December 2013 and 2014. All collected eels were transferred with ice to our laboratory and each of them was examined by the artificial digestion technique. A total of 401 larval gnathostomes (1-96 larvae/eel) were detected in 33 (89.2%) swamp eels. Most of the larvae (n=383; 95.5%) were found in the muscle. The remaining 18 larvae were detected in the viscera. The advanced third-stage larvae (AdL3) were 2.3-4.4 mm long and 0.25-0.425 mm wide. The characteristic head bulb (0.093 x 0.221 mm in average size) with 4 rows of hooklets, muscular long esophagus (1.025 mm), and 2 pairs of cervical sacs (0.574 mm) were observed by light microscopy. The average number of hooklets in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th rows was 41, 45, 48, and 51, respectively. As scanning electron microscopic findings, the characteristic 4-5 rows of hooklets on the head bulb, a cervical papilla, tegumental spines regularly arranged in the transverse striations, and an anus were well observed. Based on these morphological characters, they were identified as the AdL3 of Gnathostoma spinigerum. By the present study, it has been confirmed for the first time that Asian swamp eels, M. albus, from Yangon, Myanmar are heavily infected with G. spinigerum larvae.

Preventive effects of the polysaccharide of Larimichthys crocea swim bladder on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic damage / 中国天然药物

The aim of the present study was to determine the preventive effects of the polysaccharide of Larimichthys crocea swim bladder (PLCSB) on CCl4-induced hepatic damage in ICR mice. The in vitro preventive effects of PLCSB on CCl4-induced liver cytotoxic effect were evaluated in BRL 3A rat liver cells using the MTT assay. The serum levels of AST, ALT, and LDH in mice were determined using commercially available kits. The levels of IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-γ were determined using ELISA kits. The pathological analysis of hepatic tissues was performed with H and E staining, and the gene and protein expressions were determined by RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. PLCSB (20 μg·mL(-1)) could increase the growth of BRL 3A rat liver cells treated with CCl4. The serum levels of AST, ALT, and LDH were significantly decreased when the mice were treated with two doses of PLCSB, compared with the control mice (P < 0.05). PLCSB-treated groups also showed reduced levels of the serum pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. PLCSB could decrease the liver weight, compared to the CCl4-treated control mice. The histopathology sections of liver tissues in the 100 mg·kg(-1) PLCSB group indicated that the animals were recovered well from CCl4 damage, but the 50 mg·kg(-1) PLCSB group showed necrosis to a more serious extent. The 100 mg·kg(-1) PLCSB group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression levels of NF-κB, iNOS, and COX-2, and increased expression of IκB-α compared with the CCl4-treated control group. In conclusion, PLCSB prevented from CCl4-induced hepatic damage in vivo.

Expression of Translationally Controlled Tumor Protein (TCTP) Gene of Dirofilaria immitis Guided by Transcriptomic Screening

Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm) infections affect domestic dogs, cats, and various wild mammals with increasing incidence in temperate and tropical areas. More sensitive antibody detection methodologies are required to diagnose asymptomatic dirofilariasis with low worm burdens. Applying current transcriptomic technologies would be useful to discover potential diagnostic markers for D. immitis infection. A filarial homologue of the mammalian translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) was initially identified by screening the assembled transcriptome of D. immitis (DiTCTP). A BLAST analysis suggested that the DiTCTP gene shared the highest similarity with TCTP from Loa loa at protein level (97%). A histidine-tagged recombinant DiTCTP protein (rDiTCTP) of 40 kDa expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) showed immunoreactivity with serum from a dog experimentally infected with heartworms. Localization studies illustrated the ubiquitous presence of rDiTCTP protein in the lateral hypodermal chords, dorsal hypodermal chord, muscle, intestine, and uterus in female adult worms. Further studies on D. immitis-derived TCTP are warranted to assess whether this filarial protein could be used for a diagnostic purpose.

A New Species of Chigger Mite (Acari: Trombiculidae) from Rodents in Southwest China

This paper describes a new species of chigger mite (Acari: Trombiculidae), Gahrliepia cangshanensis n. sp., from rodents in southwest China. The specimens were collected from Yunnan red-backed voles, Eothenomys miletus (Thomas, 1914), and a Chinese white-bellied rat, Niviventer confucianus (Milne-Edwards, 1871) in Yunnan Province. The new species is unique mainly in its number of dorsal setae (n=21), and it has the following features: fT (formula of palpotarsus)=4B (B=branched), fp (formula of palpal seta)=B/N/N/N/B (N=naked), a broad tongue-shaped scutum with an almost straight posterior margin, and 17 PPLs (posterior posterolateral seta) with a length of 36-43 microm. This chigger mite may also infect other rodent hosts and may be distributed in other localities.

Proteomic analysis of pancreas in miniature pigs according to developmental stages using two-dimensional electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry / 한국실험동물학회지

Organ transplantation is limited by the shortage of human organs. Many studies have sought to overcome this hurdle by using animal organs. Porcine organs, especially from miniature pigs, have been used for organ xenotransplantation rather than nonhuman primates. While the molecular profiling for transplantation is well known in humans and rodents, the situation for pigs is almost completely unknown. The present study examined protein regulation of the developing stages of the pancreatic proteome (4 day-old miniature neonate, 19 day-old miniature piglet, and 14 month-old miniature adult pigs) using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. Thirteen different expressed spots were observed and nine were identified. The data presented within this study provides critical direction relating to the development of pancreas of miniature pigs, which will assist future proteome analysis of the pancreas, and advance our understanding of the hurdles facing xenotransplantation.

vivo effects of quantum dot on organs development before maturity

The field of nanotechnology is rapidly expanding .The development quantum dots quantum dot [QDs], show great promise for treatment and diagnosis of cancer and targeted drug delivery little data on the toxicity of QDs, especially for in vivo applications, are available. As a result, concerns exist over their toxicity for in vivo applications. Then, cytotoxic effects of cadmium selenide [CdSe] quantum dots on organs development before maturity were studied in this study. One month old male Mice treated by injection of CdSe at the doses of 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg. Structural and optical properties of quantum dots were studied by XRD, UV-Vis absorption spectrum and Scanning Tunneling Microscopy and the number of cells in seminiferous tubes of various groups were analyzed using SPSS 16 program [one way ANOVA test]. Histological studies of testis tissue showed high toxicity of cdse in the dose of 40 mg/kg which followed by decrease in lamina propria thickness, destruction in interstitial tissue, deformation of seminiferoustubes, and reduction in number cells. Also histological study of lung tissue showed in 20 and 40 mg/kg doses destruction in interstitial and epithelium tissues. On the whole, this study showed high toxicity of cdse on development of testis and lung tissues, even in low doses considering lack of literature review in this field, this study can be an introduction to researches about toxicity effect of quantum dots on development of organs

Ovary histology and quantification of hemolymph proteins of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus treated with Melia azedarach / Histologia do ovário e quantificação de proteínas na hemolinfa de Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus tratado com Melia azedarach

This study aimed to analyze ovary histology and quantify total protein in the hemolymph of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus females treated with hexane extracts from green fruits of Melia azedarach. Eight engorged females were immersed in the extract at 0.25% concentration, and eight in water containing 5% acetone (control). The females were dissected 72 hours after treatment, and the ovaries were weighed and subjected to standard histological techniques. The total protein concentration was measured in the hemolymph of 200 females, of which 100 were treated as described above and 100 served as a control. In the treated group, ovary weight reduction and predominance of immature oocytes were observed. In addition, there were decreases in the diameters of the cytoplasm and germ vesicle of the oocytes in the treated group, compared with the controls. The protein concentration in the hemolymph was higher in the treated group than in the controls. The morphological changes observed in the treated ovaries included: presence of vacuolization; alteration of oocyte morphology, which changed from rounded to elongated; deformation of the chorion; and disorganization of the yolk granules. These results demonstrate the action of M. azedarach fruit extracts on R. (B.) microplus oogenesis.

Este estudo foi desenvolvido, visando analisar a histologia do ovário e quantificar as proteínas totais na hemolinfa de fêmeas de Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus tratadas com extrato hexânico de frutos verdes de Melia azedarach. Oito fêmeas ingurgitadas foram tratadas por imersão com o extrato na concentração de 0,25%, e oito com água contendo 5% de acetona (controle). As fêmeas foram dissecadas 72 horas após o tratamento e os ovários foram pesados e submetidos a técnicas histológicas padrões. A concentração total de proteína foi mensurada na hemolinfa de 200 fêmeas, sendo 100 tratadas como descrito anteriormente e 100 como controle. Foi observada redução do peso dos ovários, predomínio de ovócitos imaturos e houve diminuição nos diâmetros do citoplasma e da vesícula germinal dos ovócitos do grupo tratado em comparação ao controle. A concentração de proteína na hemolinfa foi mais alta no grupo tratado que no controle. As alterações morfológicas observadas nos ovários tratados foram a presença de vacuolizações, alteração da morfologia dos ovócitos que mudaram de redondos para alongados, deformação do córion e desorganização dos grânulos de vitelo. Estes resultados demonstram a ação do extrato de M. azedarach na ovogênese de R. (B.) microplus.

Proteomic analysis of liver in miniature pigs according to developmental stages using two-dimensional electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry / 한국실험동물학회지

Due to the shortage of human organ donors for transplant, various studies of xenotransplantation, or the use of animal organs instead of human organs, have been carried out. The organs of porcine are thought to be safer and of a more suitable size for xenotransplantationthan those of nonhuman primates. Understanding the levels of expression of proteins, and their post-translational regulation, would be very practical between different species and among developing stages, though the molecular profiling for xenotransplantation has been rarely studied for porcine, while that of human and rodent is well known. Here, in this present study, we report protein regulation of the developing stages of liver (4-day old neonate, 19-day old piglet and 14-month old adult miniature pigs) using 2-DE and MALDI-TOF. From images of the three different stages, a total of 8 spotswhich were differently regulated were identified, and 5 spots were identified with MALDI-TOF MS. The data presented within this study provides critical direction relating to the development of livers of miniature pigs, which will assist future proteome analysis of the liver, and advance our understanding of the hurdles facing xenotransplantaion.

The Analysis of Reclaiming Ratio for 3 Diatom Species from Experimentally Drowned Animal Organs / 대한법의학회지

Drowning is one of the most common causes accidental death worldwide, but its diagnosis remains a challenging task in forensic pathology. Several authors have suggested that diatom analysis be conducted via an enzymatic digestion method that uses proteinase K to provide objective evidence for drowning; we employed this method in our study because of its superior applicability as compared to the conventional disorganization methods. The purpose of this study was to examine the reclaiming ratio of diatoms from experimentally drowned animal organs, which could be influenced by diatom morphology. The authors injected 3 diatoms species (Cyclotella striata, Navicula incerta, and Pleurosigma angulatum) into a rat's airway and compared the detection rate to investigate the factors that influence the sensitivity of diatom analysis. The results are as follows: (1) Average reclaiming ratio in the lungs was 81.07 for Navicula incerta, 48.26 for Cyclotella striata, and 5.35 for Pleurosigma angulatum. (2) The detection rates from the closed organs in 15 experimental animals were highest in the kidney (73%, 11/15), followed by the heart (67%, 10/15), brain (60%, 9/15), and liver (53%, 8/15). (3) Two Cyclotella striata was detected in the kidney of postmortem control group which suggest the possibility of contamination during laboratory procedure. In conclusion, the authors propose that diatom size could be a significant influencing factor for diatom extraction from the organs of drowned bodies; therefore, the results of diatom analysis must be interpreted after considering the diatom population of the drowning medium at the scene and the possibility of contamination during the laboratory procedure.

Echinostoma macrorchis in Lao PDR: Metacercariae in Cipangopaludina Snails and Adults from Experimentally Infected Animals

The echinostome metacercariae encysted in Cipangopaludina sp. snails that were purchased from a market in Vientiane Municipality, Lao PDR, were identified as Echinostoma macrorchis (Digenea: Echinostomatidae) through recovery of adult flukes after experimental infection to rats and a cat. The metacercariae were round, 113-128 (121)x113-125 (120) microm, having a thick cyst wall, a head collar armed with collar spines, and excretory granules. The adult flukes recovered from the rats and cat at day 14 and 30 post-infection, respectively, were elongated, ventrally curved, and 3.9-6.3x0.7-1.1 mm in size. The head collar was distinct, bearing 43-45 collar spines with 5 angle spines on each side. Two testes were large (as the name implies), tandem, and slightly constricted at the middle, with irregular margins. Eggs were operculated, ovoid to elliptical, and 88-95x56-60 microm. In scanning electron microscopy, the head collar was prominent, with 43-45 collar spines. Scale-like tegumental spines were densely distributed on the ventral surface between the oral and ventral suckers. Sensory papillae were distributed mainly on the tegument around the 2 suckers. It is confirmed that E. macrorchis is distributed in Lao PDR using Cipangopaludina sp. snails as the second intermediate host.

Cercaria caribbea LVIII Cable, 1963 (Digenea: Cyathocotylidae) in the Republic of Korea and Its Surface Ultrastructure

Cercaria caribbea LVIII Cable, 1963 (Digenea: Cyathocotylidae) was detected from a brackish water gastropod species (Cerithideopsilla cingulata) in a coatal area of Shinan-gun, Jeollanam-do (Province), the Republic of Korea, and its surface ultrastructure was studied using a scanning electron microscope. The cercariae were found freely swimming or enveloped within daughter sporocysts when the snail host was mechanically broken. They were morphologically characterized by a linguiform and ventrally concave body, a long and bifurcated tail, and the presence of a holdfast (=tribocytic) organ posterior to the ventral sucker. On the whole ventral and dorsal surfaces, peg-like tegumental spines were densely distributed. Around the oral sucker, several sensory papillae, each with a short cilium, were distributed, and on the tail, sensory papillae, each with an extensively long cilium, were observed. This is the first record describing a cyathocotylid cercaria from a brackish water gastropod in the Republic of Korea.

Electron Microscopy of the Separated Outer Tegument of the Sparganum and Its Antigenicity

The author reported previously on separation of the outer tegument of the spargana (plerocercoids of Spirometra mansoni) using high concentration of urea solution. To determine which layer of the tegument is separated by this method, an electron microscopic analysis has been processed in this study. It was confirmed that the basement layer of the tegument is separated from the parenchyme of the sparganum. In addition, the antigenicity of the separated outer tegument against the human sparganosis patient sera was evaluated. Numerous antigenic proteins, including 16 and 55 kDa proteins, were noticed in the separated tegument; however, there were no diagnostic 31/36 kDa molecules in this tegument. The molecules reactive with the patient sera in the tegument are to be characterized in future studies.

Proboscis Length and Resource Utilization in Two Uruguayan Bumblebees: Bombus atratus Franklin and Bombus bellicosus Smith (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Bumblebees (Bombus sp.) are eusocial insects with an annual life cycle whose use as pollinator of crops has gained great importance in modern agriculture. Several authors have found that resource use in Bombus species is usually based on the correlation between the proboscis length of the bumblebees and the corolla depth of the flowers. The aim of this study was to determine proboscis length of Bombus atratus and B. bellicosus, two Uruguayan bumblebees, and verify the resource exploitation testing two cultivated species, the red clover and the bird's foot trefoil. Bumblebee foraging activity was recorded in two culture conditions: in a red clover and bird's foot trefoil mixed meadow, and in contiguous plots of these legumes, and the proboscis length of collected foragers was determined. Both species of bumblebees exploited red clover and bird's foot trefoil although they did it in different proportions in all instances tested. The results indicated that the choice of the resources in B. atratus and B. bellicosus was influenced by their proboscis length. Bombus atratus has a longer proboscis and preferably visited red clover, possibly obtaining nectar easier and faster than B. bellicosus, which has a shorter proboscis. Bombus bellicosus used both resources without any clear preference.