The wound healing potential of collagen peptides derived from the jellyfish Rhopilema esculentum / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PURPOSE@#Wound represents a major health challenge as they consume a large amount of healthcare resources to improve patient's quality of life. Many scientific studies have been conducted in search of ideal biomaterials with wound-healing activity for clinical use and collagen has been proven to be a suitable candidate biomaterial. This study intended to investigate the wound healing activity of collagen peptides derived from jellyfish following oral administration.@*METHODS@#In this study, collagen was extracted from the jellyfish--Rhopilema esculentum using 1% pepsin. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and fourier transform infrared (FTIR) were used to identify and determine the molecular weight of the jellyfish collagen. Collagenase II, papain and alkaline proteinase were used to breakdown jellyfish collagen into collagen peptides. Wound scratch assay (in vitro) was done to determine migration potential of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) covering the artificial wound created on the cell monolayer following treatment with collagen peptides. In vivo studies were conducted to determine the effects of collagen peptides on wound healing by examining wound contraction, re-epithelialization, tissue regeneration and collagen deposition on the wounded skin of mice. Confidence level (p < 0.05) was considered significant using GraphPad Prism software.@*RESULTS@#The yield of collagen was 4.31%. The SDS-PAGE and FTIR showed that extracted collagen from jellyfish was type I. Enzymatic hydrolysis of this collagen using collagenase II produced collagen peptides (CP) and hydrolysis with alkaline proteinase/papain resulted into collagen peptides (CP). Tricine SDS-PAGE revealed that collagen peptides consisted of protein fragments with molecular weight <25 kDa. Wound scratch assay showed that there were significant effects on the scratch closure on cells treated with collagen peptides at a concentration of 6.25 μg/mL for 48 h as compared to the vehicle treated cells. Overall treatment with collagen peptide on mice with full thickness excised wounds had a positive result in wound contraction as compared with the control. Histological assessment of peptides treated mice models showed remarkable sign of re-epithelialization, tissue regeneration and increased collagen deposition. Immunohistochemistry of the skin sections showed a significant increase in β-fibroblast growth factor (β-FGF) and the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) expression on collagen peptides treated group.@*CONCLUSION@#Collagen peptides derived from the jellyfish-Rhopilema esculentum can accelerate the wound healing process thus could be a therapeutic potential product that may be beneficial in wound clinics in the future.

Distribución y abundancia espacial y temporal de Stomolophus meleagris (Rhizostomae: Stomolophidae) en un sistema lagunar del sur del Golfo de México / Spatial and temporal abundance and distribution of Stomolophus meleagris (Rhizostomae: Stomolophidae) in a lagoon system Southern Gulf of Mexico

ResumenLas escifomedusas se alimentan principalmente de crustáceos microscópicos, huevos y larvas de peces, moluscos y de otras medusas. La distribución y abundancia de la escifomedusa tiene una importancia económica y ecológica ya que son depredadores que influyen en la dinámica poblacional de otras pesquerías. El presente trabajo se realizó de septiembre 2013 hasta agosto 2014 en el sistema lagunar Arrastradero-Redonda, Tabasco, con el objetivo de aportar información sobre la distribución y abundancia espacial y temporal de la escifomedusa Stomolophus meleagris y su relación con los parámetros ambientales. Para su realización se efectuaron recorridos mensuales durante un ciclo anual y se recolectaron muestras biológicas; realizándose tres arrastres en cada una de las estaciones, en una área de 1 km2, con una duración de 5 a 10 min con un chinchorro playero de monofilamento de 20 m de longitud por 3 m de altura y luz de malla de 1.5 cm, con esos datos se realizó el análisis de eficiencia pesquera, (CPUE con Org./Unidad de superficie evaluada) y se determinó la relación con los parámetros ambientales. Se estableció que la mayor abundancia se presentó de la estación 1 a la 3 con 7 a 19 Org/km2 en los meses de abril hasta agosto 2014 y su menor abundancia se observó en las estaciones 6 a 10 con un promedio de 1 Org./km2 desde octubre 2013 a marzo 2014. El análisis de correlación múltiple por pasos indicó que existe una fuerte asociación entre la CPUE y algunas variables ambientales estudiadas, observándose el 70.9 % de la variabilidad de los datos. La salinidad fue la variable más influyente explicando el 64.3 % de la variabilidad, seguida por la temperatura con un 3.6 % mientras el oxígeno disuelto explica solo el 2.9 % de variabilidad, principalmente debido a que en la zona confluyen una serie de factores geológicos, oceanográficos y biológicos favorables para la proliferación de esta especie debido al aporte de agua marina de la barra de Tupilco. Sin embargo falta realizar mayores investigaciones que permita cuantificar este recurso y establecer zonas de explotación comercial y realizar estudios sobre el aspecto biológico, principalmente hábitos reproductivos y alimenticios; que aporten información necesaria para diseñar planes adecuados sobre su posible uso de manera adecuada. Así mismo con los datos obtenidos en el presente trabajo podamos determinar el potencial pesquero de este recurso en el estado de Tabasco.

Abstract:The scyphomedusae feed mainly on microscopic crustaceans, eggs and fish larvae, molluscs and some other jellyfishes. The distribution and abundance of the scyphomedusae has an economic and ecological impact as they are predators that have an influence on the population dynamics of other fisheries. This investigation took place in the lagoon system 'ArrastraderoRedonda', Tabasco, from September 2013 to August 2014, with the purpose to provide information on the distribution, and spatial and temporal abundance of Stomolophus meleagris; along with its relation to environmental parameters. A total of 10 stations were defined and biological samples were taken on a monthly basis during this annual cycle. For this purpose, three pulls with a beach seine monofilament (20 m long by 3 m height, mesh opening 1.5 cm, 5 to 10 minutes) per station were made within a 1 km2 area. Information obtained was used to calculate the fishing efficiency analysis (CPUE con org./Evaluated Area Unit) and to determine the relationship with the environmental parameters. Our results showed that the abundance in the stations 1 to 3 was from 7 to 19 org./km2 from April to August 2014; less organisms were observed in stations 6 to 10 (an average of 1 org./ km2) from October 2013 to March 2014. The multiple correlation steps analysis indicated that there is a strong association between the CPUE and some environmental investigated variables, and a 70.9 % variability of the data was observed. The salinity resulted the most important variable because it determined a 64.3 % of variation; it was followed by the temperature with a 3.6 %; meanwhile, dissolved oxygen explained only the 2.9 %, this was mainly because within the area there are several geological, oceanographic and biological factors that favor the distribution of this species due to seawater contribution through the Tupilco bar. With the provided data with this investigation we were able to determine the fishery potential of this resource for Tabasco state. However, additional research is required to allow an extended quantification of this resource, to determine the commercial exploitation areas, and drive studies about reproductive and feeding habits, that may provide the necessary information to establish plans for sustainable use. Rev. Biol. Trop. 65 (1): 167-179. Epub 2017 March 01.

Injuries caused by aquatic animals in Brazil: an analysis of the data present in the information system for notifiable diseases

We present a review of injuries in humans caused by aquatic animals in Brazil using the Information System for Notifiable Diseases [ Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN)] database.

Catostylus tagi: partial rDNA sequencing and characterisation of nematocyte structures using two improvements in jellyfish sample preparation

Background More than 200 Scyphozoa species have been described, but few have been properly studied regarding their chemical and genetic characteristics.Catostylus tagi, an edible Scyphozoa and the sole European Catostylidae, occurs in summer at Tagus and Sado estuaries. Neither a systematic comparison between the two Catostyluscommunities nor a chemical approach on their nematocytes had been carried out yet.Methods In order to achieve these purposes, optimisation of DNA extraction and of histochemical staining procedures were developed.Catostylus specimens from Tagus and Sado estuaries were compared by ribosomal 18S, 28S, and ITS1 partial sequencing. The morphochemistry of nematocytes was studied by optical and electronic microscopy.Results Macroscopic and molecular results indicated that both communities belong to the same species, C. tagi. The hematoxylin and eosin staining allowed the visualisation of nematocyst genesis and indicated a basic character for the macromolecules on the shaft of euryteles and on the tubule of isorhizae and birhopaloids. By Massons trichrome procedure, the basic properties of the tubules were confirmed and a collagenous profile for the toxins was suggested. Results of the alcian blue staining showed that the outer membrane of nematocyte may consist of macromolecules with acidic polysaccharides, consistent with NOWA and nematogalectin glycoproteins detected in Hydra, but also with poly-gamma-glutamate complex, chitin-like polysaccharides and hyaluronic acids. Through the von Kossa assays, calcium was detected; its position suggested interactions with polysaccharides of the membrane, with proteins of the contractile system or with both.Conclusions The optimisation of sample preparation for DNA extraction may facilitate further studies on little known jellyfish species. The improvement of the smear procedure simplified the use of stained reactions in zooplankton. Moreover, it was shown that good slide images might be acquired manually. The development of specific reactions, with traditional dyes and others, can give important contributions to clarify the chemical nature of the components of nematocytes. The characterisation of nematocyst toxins by staining tests is a goal to achieve.

Catostylus tagi: partial rDNA sequencing and characterisation of nematocyte structures using two improvements in jellyfish sample preparation

Background More than 200 Scyphozoa species have been described, but few have been properly studied regarding their chemical and genetic characteristics.Catostylus tagi, an edible Scyphozoa and the sole European Catostylidae, occurs in summer at Tagus and Sado estuaries. Neither a systematic comparison between the two Catostyluscommunities nor a chemical approach on their nematocytes had been carried out yet.Methods In order to achieve these purposes, optimisation of DNA extraction and of histochemical staining procedures were developed.Catostylus specimens from Tagus and Sado estuaries were compared by ribosomal 18S, 28S, and ITS1 partial sequencing. The morphochemistry of nematocytes was studied by optical and electronic microscopy.Results Macroscopic and molecular results indicated that both communities belong to the same species, C. tagi. The hematoxylin and eosin staining allowed the visualisation of nematocyst genesis and indicated a basic character for the macromolecules on the shaft of euryteles and on the tubule of isorhizae and birhopaloids. By Masson's trichrome procedure, the basic properties of the tubules were confirmed and a collagenous profile for the toxins was suggested. Results of the alcian blue staining showed that the outer membrane of nematocyte may consist of macromolecules with acidic polysaccharides, consistent with NOWA and nematogalectin glycoproteins detected in Hydra, but also with poly-gamma-glutamate complex, chitin-like polysaccharides and hyaluronic acids. Through the von Kossa assays, calcium was detected; its position suggested interactions with polysaccharides of the membrane, with proteins of the contractile system or with both.Conclusions The optimisation of sample preparation for DNA extraction may facilitate further studies on little known jellyfish species. The improvement of the smear procedure simplified the use of stained reactions in zooplankton. Moreover, it was shown that good slide images might be acquired manually. The development of specific reactions, with traditional dyes and others, can give important contributions to clarify the chemical nature of the components of nematocytes. The characterisation of nematocyst toxins by staining tests is a goal to achieve.(AU)

Seabather's eruption in two triathletes at Samal Island, Davao, Philippines

Seabather's eruption (SBE) is characterized by pruritic erythematous papules on the covered areas of the body that appear within 24 hours after exposure to seawater. SBE is known to be caused by the planula of a thimble jellyfish (Linuche unguiculata) or a sea anemone (Edward siellalineata). We report cases of two adult male triathletes who developed pruritic erythematous papules on the chest and back after a swim training along the coastal waters of Samal island, Davao City. Examination of samples of the seawater revealed multiple planulae or larval forms of cnidarians. The histopathologic examination revealed moderately dense superficial and deep perivascular and periadnexal inflammatory infiltrates consisting predominantly of lymphocytes, few eosinophils and neutrophils. Treatment with a short course of systemic corticosteroids proved beneficial in both patients. A review of published literature regarding this interesting aquatic sports dermatosis was also conducted.

Fecundidad de la medusa Stomolophus meleagris (Rhizostomeae: Stomolophidae) en el Golfo de California / Stomolophus meleagris fecundity (Rhizostomeae: Stomolophidae) in the Gulf of California

The cannonball jellyfish Stomolophus meleagris is regarded as a fishery resource with high commercial value, but with scarce biological information. With the aim to generate preliminary information on reproductive aspects, the present study analyzes its fecundity, based on the estimated number of vitellogenic oocytes in the gonad; in addition, we evaluated its relationship with the jellyfish body length, diameter and wet weight; and we established the relationship of the gonadosomatic index (IGS) with the jellyfish diameter and length. For this, a total of 30 specimens were collected, measured and weighed in a monthly basis, in Las Guásimas lagoon from January to May 2006. In order to estimate the gonad volume, 60 mature females were analyzed and their gonads were extracted and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Gonad images from histological preparations were analyzed and the number of vitellogenic and previtellogenic oocytes obtained. We used catch data from The Guásimas for population recruitment analysis, that was estimated with FISAT II. Among results, we found that fecundity increased with jellyfish length, diameter and total wet weight. The lower fecundity rates occured on February and the highest during May (11 873 071 and 37 528 197 millions of vitellogenic oocytes per gonad, respectively). The IGS increased with length and diameter of the specimens, at its maximum value of 3.7% was observed in May. A continuous production of previtellogenic oocytes were observed during the full collection period. The maximum recruitment was observed in July and November (37.50% and 28.01% respectively). The high fecundity observed in S. meleagris, suggests a high population reproductive potential that may support the possibility of an important fishery consolidation on this jellyfish.

La medusa Stomolophus meleagris es considerada un recurso pesquero de alto valor comercial. Debido a la relevancia de conocer aspectos de importancia biológica actualmente desconocidos, el presente trabajo analiza la fecundidad con base en la estimación del número de ovocitos vitelogénicos en la gónada; su relación con la longitud, diámetro y peso húmedo; y la relación del índice gonadosomático (IGS) con su diámetro y longitud. De enero a mayo 2006 se recolectaron 30 ejemplares mensuales que fueron medidos y pesados, de los cuales se analizaron 60 hembras maduras para calcular el volumen de sus gónadas. Se extrajeron las gónadas, se tiñeron con hematoxilina-eosina y se seleccionaron las hembras con madurez gonadal. Mediante la digitalización de imágenes se estimó el número de ovocitos vitelogénicos y previtelogénicos. Se emplearon datos de captura en Las Guásimas para el análisis de reclutamiento poblacional, estimado con FISAT II. La fecundidad se incrementó con la longitud, el diámetro y el peso húmedo total. La menor fecundidad se observó en febrero y la mayor en mayo (11 873 071 y 37 528 197 millones de ovocitos vitelogénico por gónada, respectivamente). El IGS se incrementó con la longitud y diámetro de los ejemplares, con su máximo en mayo de 3.7%. Se observó una producción continua de ovocitos previtelogénicos en todo el periodo de recolecta. El máximo reclutamiento se observó en julio y noviembre (37.50% y 28.01% respectivamente). La alta fecundidad encontrada en S. meleagris sugiere un alto potencial reproductivo para la población y sustenta la posibilidad de la consolidación de una importante pesquería de esta medusa.

Seabather's eruption: report of case in northeast region of Brazil / Prurido do traje do banho: relato de caso na região nordeste do Brasil

Seabather's eruption is characterized by the occurrence of intensely itchy erythematous papules observed mainly in the region covered by swimwear. The dermatitis occurs due to the contact of planula larvae of scyphomedusae Linuche unguiculata with the skin. The swimsuit pressure triggers the action of the poisonous stinging structures carried by the larvae. The case described occurred in a child who, while bathing in the ocean waters of the Northeast coast of Bessa's Beach located in the city of Joao Pessoa, state of Paraiba, showed typical clinical signs of the disease. It was concluded that the report of the case showed clinical and therapeutic implications for doctors working in all of the Brazilian coastal areas.

O prurido do traje de banho é uma erupção caracterizada por pápulas eritematosas, intensamente pruriginosas, localizadas principalmente sob os trajes dos banhistas de mar. A dermatite ocorre pelo contato com as larvas plânulas da cifomedusa Linuche unguiculata que disparam seus nematocistos na pele do acidentado a partir das suas células de defesa, os cnidócitos. O caso ocorreu em uma criança que ao se banhar nas águas oceânicas do litoral da Região Nordeste na Praia do Bessa localizada na cidade de João Pessoa, Estado da Paraíba, apresentou quadro clínico típico da enfermidade. Concluiu-se que o relato do caso evidenciou implicações clínicas e terapêuticas para os médicos que atuam em todas as áreas litorâneas brasileiras.

Protein-protein complexation in bioluminescence

In this review we summarize the progress made towards understanding the role of protein-protein interactions in the function of various bioluminescence systems of marine organisms, including bacteria, jellyfish and soft corals, with particular focus on methodology used to detect and characterize these interactions. In some bioluminescence systems, protein-protein interactions involve an "accessory protein" whereby a stored substrate is efficiently delivered to the bioluminescent enzyme luciferase. Other types of complexation mediate energy transfer to an "antenna protein" altering the color and quantum yield of a bioluminescence reaction. Spatial structures of the complexes reveal an important role of electrostatic forces in governing the corresponding weak interactions and define the nature of the interaction surfaces. The most reliable structural model is available for the protein-protein complex of the Ca(2+)-regulated photoprotein clytin and green-fluorescent protein (GFP) from the jellyfish Clytia gregaria, solved by means of Xray crystallography, NMR mapping and molecular docking. This provides an example of the potential strategies in studying the transient complexes involved in bioluminescence. It is emphasized that structural studies such as these can provide valuable insight into the detailed mechanism of bioluminescence.

Variación lipídica en los ovocitos de la medusa Stomolophus meleagris (Scyphozoa: Rhizostomeae), durante el desarrollo gonádico, en la laguna Las Guásimas, Sonora, México

Lipid variation in oocytes of the jellyfish Stomolophus meleagris (Scyphozoa: Rhizostomeae) from Las Guasimas Lagoon, Mexico, during gonadal development. The jellyfish Stomolophus meleagris has potential for commercial exploitation but there is little information on their reproductive biology. This paper seeks to evaluate some biochemical and demographic characteristics of the species. Samples were taken monthly during 2005 and 2006. Jellyfish collected in 2005 were used to describe the characteristics and quantity of oocyte triglycerides and phospholipids with the Sudan black technique, and to ascertain the degree of gonadal development and sex ratio by the hematoxylin-eosin technique. The 2006 jellyfish were used to determine the size at first maturity and protein and total lipids contents. Four stages of development in both sexes were determined, with a continuous gamete development. The highest percentage of mature organisms was recorded in April. The proportion of sexes was 0.7:1.3. We found higher concentrations of triglycerides than phospholipids in the cytoplasm. There was a positive correlation between triglycerides and the diameter of the oocyte. The size at first maturity for both sexes was 105mm. The highest protein and lipids contents were obtained in April and March respectively. Rev. Biol. Trop. 58 (1): 119-130. Epub 2010 March 01.

La medusa S. meleagris, ha mostrado potencial de explotación pero hay escasa información sobre su biología reproductiva. El presente trabajo pretende conocer el contenido de los triglicéridos y fosfolípidos en los ovocitos durante el desarrollo gonadal, así como la proporción de sexos, talla de primera madurez y la concentración de proteínas y lípidos totales en la medusa. Se realizaron muestreos mensuales durante 2005 y 2006. A las medusas recolectadas en 2005, se les aplicó la técnica del sudán negro, para describir las características del ovocito y la cantidad triglicéridos y fosfolípidos y la técnica de hematoxilina-eosina para conocer el grado de desarrollo gonádico y la proporción de sexos. Las medusas del 2006 se emplearon para determinar la talla de primera madurez y el contenido de proteínas y lípidos totales. Se observaron cuatro fases de desarrollo en ambos sexos, con un desarrollo gamético continúo. El mayor porcentaje de organismos maduros se registró en abril. La proporción de sexos fue de 0.7:1.3. Se encontró mayor concentración de triglicéridos que de fosfolípidos en el citoplasma. Se obtuvo una correlación positiva entre triglicéridos y el diámetro del ovocito. La talla de primera madurez para ambos sexos fue de 105 mm. El mayor contenido de proteínas se obtuvo en abril y para lípidos en marzo.

Skin lesions in envenoming by cnidarians (Portuguese man-of-war and jellyfish): etiology and severity of accidents on the Brazilian coast / Lesões dermatológicas observadas nos acidentes por cnidários (águas-vivas e caravelas): etiologia e gravidade dos envenenamentos no litoral do Brazil

This work attempts to establish dermatological identification patterns for Brazilian cnidarian species and a probable correlation with envenoming severity. In an observational prospective study, one hundred and twenty-eight patients from the North Coast region of São Paulo State, Brazil were seen between 2002 and 2008. About 80 percent of these showed only local effects (erythema, edema, and pain) with small, less than 20 cm, oval or round skin marks and impressions from small tentacles. Approximately 20 percent of the victims had long, more than 20 cm, linear and crossed marks with frequent systemic phenomena, such as malaise, vomiting, dyspnea, and tachycardia. The former is compatible with the common hydromedusa from Southeast and Southern Brazil (Olindias sambaquiensis). The long linear marks with intense pain and systemic phenomena are compatible with envenoming by the box jellyfish Tamoya haplonema and Chiropsalmus quadrumanus and the hydrozoan Portuguese man-of-war (Physalis physalis). There was an association between skin marks and probable accident etiology. This simple observation rule can be indicative of severity, as the Cubozoa Class (box jellyfish) and Portuguese man-of-war cause the most severe accidents. In such cases, medical attention, including intensive care, is important, as the systemic manifestations can be associated with death.

Cnidários são animais que apresentam no corpo (especialmente nos tentáculos) organelas de defesa chamadas nematocistos, podendo causar graves envenenamentos. Este trabalho procura estabelecer padrões clínicos auxiliares na identificação das espécies de cnidários brasileiros e pesquisar provável correlação das lesões na pele com a gravidade do acidente. Cento e vinte e oito pacientes foram observados no Pronto-Socorro de Ubatuba (Litoral Norte do estado de São Paulo) em período de seis anos (2002-2008). Cerca de 80 por cento dos acidentes mostraram apenas manifestações locais (dor, eritema e edema). Nestes casos, as marcas cutâneas foram pequenas, ovais e arredondadas, algumas vezes com impressões de pequenos tentáculos. As marcas foram menores que 20 cm. Aproximadamente 20 por cento das vítimas tinham lesões longas, lineares e cruzadas, maiores que 20 cm com frequente observação de fenômenos sistêmicos, como mal estar, vômitos, dispnéia e taquicardia. O padrão das marcas arredondadas e curtas é compatível com hidromedusa muito comum nas regiões Sudeste e Sul do Brasil (Olindia sambaquiensis), que causa acidentes de pequena magnitude. As marcas longas e lineares, associadas à dor intensa e fenômenos sistêmicos, são compatíveis com envenenamento pelas cubomedusas Tamoya haplonema e Chiropsalmus quadrumanus e o hidrozoário Physalis physalis, a caravela. Houve associação entre as marcas cutâneas e a provável etiologia do acidente. Esta regra simples de observação clínica pode ter valor clínico, uma vez que a Classe Cubozoa (vespas-do-mar) e as caravelas causam os acidentes mais graves. Nestes casos, a atenção médica deve ser redobrada, incluindo cuidados intensivos, uma vez que fenômenos sistêmicos podem se associar a óbitos.

Seabather's eruption: a clinical and epidemiological study of 38 cases in Santa Catarina State, Brazil / Prurido do traje de banho: estudo clínico e epidemiológico de 38 casos no Estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil

Seabather's eruption (SBE) is an intensely itchy, papule-erythematous dermatitis that occurs predominantly in regions of the body covered by bathing costumes, after exposure to marine water. The planulae larvae of Linuche unguiculata scyphomedusae (thimble jellyfish) are the etiologic agent of the dermatitis, which is frequent in waters of Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and Florida. The authors report 38 cases of SBE in the State of Santa Catarina (Southern region of Brazil), with emphasis on their clinical and epidemiological aspects, such as profile of victim, topography of the papules and conditions predisposing to the accident.

Os Cnidários são animais marinhos que estão relacionados com uma variedade de acidentes acometendo banhistas em regiões litorâneas. A larva plânula da cifomedusa Linuche unguiculata (uma pequena água-viva) é o agente etiológico de uma dermatite pápulo-eritematosa, intensamente pruriginosa, denominada Prurido do Traje de Banho. Acomete principalmente áreas do corpo cobertas pelo traje de banho, após exposição à água do mar. Sua presença é freqûente nas águas do Caribe, Golfo do México e da Flórida (Estados Unidos), local onde foi descrita pela primeira vez. Os autores relatam uma série de casos de Prurido do Traje de Banho ocorridos no Estado de Santa Catarina (região do sul do Brasil), com ênfase em seus aspectos clínicos e epidemiológicos.

Skin and systemic manifestations of jellyfish stings in Iraqi fishermen

Jellyfish stings are common worldwide with an estimated 150 million cases annually, and their stings cause a wide range of clinical manifestations from skin inflammation to cardiovascular and respiratory collapse. No studies on jellyfish stings have been carried out in Basra, Iraq. To describe the immediate and delayed skin reactions to White Jellyfish [Rhizostoma sp.] stings and the types of local treatment used by fishermen.] 150 fishermen were enrolled at three Marine stations in Basra, Iraq. Demographic data, types of skin reactions, systemic manifestations and kinds of treatments were collected. Overall, 79% of fishermen in all three Marine stations gave a history of having been stung. The common sites of sings were the hands and arms followed by the legs. Most fishermen claimed that stings led to skin reactions within 5 minutes. The presenting complaints were itching, burning sensation, and erythematic wheals. A few days after the sting, new groups of painless and itchy erythematous monomorphic papular rashes developed at the site of the sting in 62% of cases as a delayed type of skin reaction that resolved spontaneously. The local remedies commonly used by the fishermen were seawater, tap water and ice. A few fishermen considered stings as insignificant and did not think there was a need to seek medical help. We conclude that jellyfish causes many stings among fishermen in the Basra region. Their stings lead to immediate and delayed skin reactions. Self-treatment by topical remedies is common

Prurido do traje de banho: relato de seis casos no Sul do Brasil / Seabather's eruption: report of the six cases in southern Brazil

O prurido do traje de banho ou seabathers eruption é uma dermatite intensamente pruriginosa que ocorre pelo contato com larvas plânulas do cnidário cifozoário Linuche unguiculata, especialmente sob os trajes de banhistas. As larvas disparam seus nematocistos a partir de cnidócitos ou células urticantes de defesa na pele da vítima, causando uma típica erupção pápulo-eritemato-pruriginosa. Os primeiros cinco casos descritos no Brasil foram publicados em 2001, no litoral Sudeste (Ubatuba, SP), obtendo-se associação com larvas de Linuche unguiculata, uma vez que a ocorrência e o ciclo de vida do cnidário já haviam sido estudados no Canal de São Sebastião, SP. Os autores relatam os seis casos na região Sul do Brasil (Estado de Santa Catarina), enfatizando os aspectos clínicos e a pesquisa para identificação do agente na água do mar local.

Seabathers eruption is an intensely pruriginous form of dermatitis that occurs after contact with the planula larvae of the cnidarian scyphozoan Linuche unguiculata, especially under the bathers clothes. They discharge their poisonous nematocysts from the cnidocytes, causing a typical eruption presenting papules, erythema and intense itching. The first five cases described in Brazil were published in 2001 and occurred on the southeastern coast (Ubatuba, State of São Paulo). Those cases were linked to larvae of Linuche unguiculata, because the occurrence and life cycle of this cnidarian had been studied in the São Sebastião Channel, State of São Paulo. The present authors report the six cases observed in southern Brazil (State of Santa Catarina), with a description of the typical clinical aspects and an investigation linking the cases to Linuche unguiculata in the local seawater.

A survey of the Scyphozoa and Cubozoa (Cnidaria, Medusozoa) from the Ceará coast (NE Brazil) / Levantamento de Scyphozoa e Cubozoa (Cnidaria, Medusozoa) do litoral do Ceará (NE do Brasil)

Most of the scyphozoans and cubozoans recorded for the Brazilian coast are presumed to be distributed over the entire coastline, but little information on precise records is available. This paper presents the first published records for the Ceará state (northeastern region) of the cubozoan Chiropsalmus quadrumanus, and the scyphozoans Chrysaora lactea, Linuche unguiculata (polyp), Lychnorhiza lucerna, Nausithoe sp. (polyp), Phyllorhiza punctata, and Stomolophus meleagris. The medusoid species have been known by local fishermen and non-specialists for a long time in the area.

A maioria das cifomedusas e cubomedusas registradas para o litoral brasileiro é presumivelmente distribuída por toda a costa; porém poucos registros precisos estão disponíveis. Este estudo apresenta os primeiros registros publicados para o estado do Ceará (região Nordeste) da cubomedusa Chiropsalmus quadrumanus, e dos cifozoários: Chrysaora lactea, Linuche unguiculata (pólipo), Lychnorhiza lucerna, Nausithoe sp. (pólipo), Phyllorhiza punctata and Stomolophus meleagris. As espécies de medusas são conhecidas de longa data por pescadores locais e não-especialistas no grupo.

Construction and characterization of TetR and GFP fusion protein / 生物工程学报

Tetracycline repressor gene (tetR) from E. coli transposon Tn10 was fused in frame with green fluorescent protein gene (gfp) from jellyfish Aequorea Victoria on an E. coli expression vector and the fusion protein (TR::GFP) was purified. The binding of TR::GFP with tetracycline (tc) was demonstrated by nitrocellulose filter binding assay. TR::GFP also maintained the fluorescence property of GFP. Most significantly, fluorescence emission intensity of TR::GFP increased by 2-fold in the presence of tc, from 1.132 to 2.214, while those of GFP and TetR showed little change under similar conditions. The results indicated TR::GFP possesses characteristics of a tetracycline biosensor.