Mantodea (Insecta) in the Invertebrate Collection of Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amaznia (INPA), Manaus, Brazil.

Increasingly, scientific collections play a fundamental role in the conservation and analysis of biodiversity as a witness and repository of ecosystem organisms at risk of losing their species. The Invertebrate Collection of the Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amaznia (INPA) safeguards biological information, mainly from the Amazon biome, one of the most diverse and threatened ecosystems on the planet. Mantodea specimens deposited dry in the INPA Collection were reviewed. A total of 2,721 specimens were found deposited until the year 2019. A total of 194 species and 81 genera were found with representatives of all the neotropical and several "Old-World" families. Families such as Mantidae, Photinaidae, and Thespidae represented the highest percentages of specimens collected within the sample, with 30%, 11%, and 9%, respectively. Four genera and fourteen species are recorded for the first time for Brazil, bringing the number of species to 247. This officially makes Brazil the most diverse country in terms of Mantodea fauna on the planet. The Collection stands out for being the most diverse reported in Latin America, even with several species yet to be described. Presently it has seven primary type specimens and 26 secondary type specimens. The excellent state of conservation of the specimens, the number of specimens, and the diversity represented have made the INPA Collection an international benchmark for Amazonian and Neotropical studies on Mantodea.

Safety and efficacy of bariatric surgery in Mexico: A detailed analysis of 500 surgeries performed at a high-volume center. / Seguridad y eficacia de la cirugía bariátrica en México: análisis detallado de 500 cirugías en un centro de alto volumen.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Bariatric surgery is the best method for treating obesity and its comorbidities. Our aim was to provide a detailed analysis of the perioperative outcomes in Mexican patients that underwent surgery at a high-volume hospital center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on all the patients that underwent bariatric surgery at a single hospital center within a time frame of 4 and one-half years. Demographics, the perioperative variables, complications (early and late), weight loss, failure, and type 2 diabetes mellitus remission were all analyzed. RESULTS: Five hundred patients were included in the study, 83.2% of whom were women. Mean patient age was 38.8 years and BMI was 44.1kg/m2. The most common comorbidities were high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, and diabetes. Laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery was performed in 85.8% of the patients, sleeve gastrectomy in 13%, and revision surgeries in 1%. There were 9.8% early complications and 12.2% late ones, with no deaths. Overall weight loss as the excess weight loss percentage at 12 and 24 months was 76.9 and 77.6%. The greatest weight loss at 12 months was seen in the patients that underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass. A total of 11.4% of the patients had treatment failure. In the patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, 68.7% presented with complete disease remission and 9.3% with partial remission. There was improvement in 21.8% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience at a high-volume hospital center, bariatric surgery is safe and effective, based on the low number of adverse effects and consequent weight loss and type 2 diabetes mellitus control. Long-term studies with a larger number of patients are needed to determine the final impact of those procedures.

Antimicrobial activity of the extract and isolated compounds from Baccharis dracunculifolia D. C. (Asteraceae).

Baccharis dracunculifolia D.C. (Asteraceae) is the most important plant source of the Brazilian green propolis. Since propolis is known for its antimicrobial activity, the aim of this work was to evaluate the antimicrobial activities of B. dracunculifolia and some of its isolated compounds. The results showed that the leaves extract of B. dracunculifolia (BdE) presents antifungal and antibacterial activities, especially against Candida krusei and Cryptococcus neoformans, for which the BdE showed IC50 values of 65 microg mL(-1) and 40 microg mL(-1), respectively. In comparison to the BdE, it was observed that the green propolis extract (GPE) showed better antimicrobial activity, displaying an IC50 value of 9 microg mL(-1) against C. krusei. Also, a phytochemical study of the BdE was carried out, affording the isolation of ursolic acid (1), 2a-hydroxy-ursolic acid (2), isosakuranetin (3), aromadendrin-4'-methylether (4), baccharin (5), viscidone (6), hautriwaic acid lactone (7), and the clerodane diterpene 8. This is the first time that the presence of compounds 1, 2, and 8 in B. dracunculifolia has been reported. Among the isolated compounds, 1 and 2 showed antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, displaying IC50 values of 5 microg mL(-1) and 3 microg mL(-1), respectively. 3 was active against C. neoformans, showing an IC50 value of 15 microg mL(-1) and a MIC value of 40 microg mL(-1), while compounds 4-8 were inactive against all tested microorganisms. The results showed that the BdE, similar to the GPE, displays antimicrobial activity, which may be related to the effect of several compounds present in the crude extract.

Some peculiarities in the specific adsorption of phosphate ions on hematite and gamma-Al2O3 as reflected by radiotracer studies.

The specific adsorption of radiolabeled phosphate ions from perchlorate supporting electrolyte onto gamma-Al2O3 and hematite powder has been investigated. The pH dependence of the adsorption of phosphate species was compared with that of sulfate ions. It was demonstrated that in contrast to the behavior of sulfate ions the pH dependence of phosphate ions goes through a maximum. On the other hand, it was found that the reversible adsorption of phosphate ions is accompanied by the formation of strongly chemisorbed species. Results obtained from a study of the competitive adsorption of sulfate and phosphate ions at various pH values are reported and interpreted. An attempt is made to correlate the experimental findings with the models for anion adsorption reported in the literature.

Application of the Radiotracer Technique for the Study of the Specific Anion Adsorption on Al(2)O(3) in Acidic Medium.

The specific adsorption of radiolabeled anions (sulfate, chloride) from perchlorate supporting electrolyte on gamma-Al(2)O(3) powder has been investigated. It was demonstrated that a measurable adsorption occurs only at pH values under pH 6. The adsorption capacity of a given amount of gamma-Al(2)O(3) powder tends to a limiting value with decreasing pH. A Langmuir-like adsorption isotherm describes the concentration dependence of the adsorption of sulfate species. It was found that the experimental results are very similar to those obtained in the case of hematite. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

In Situ Study of the Specific Adsorption of HSO(4)(-)/SO(4)(2-) Ions on Hematite by Radiotracer Technique.

The specific adsorption of radiolabeled sulfate ions from perchlorate supporting electrolyte on hematite powder has been investigated. It was demonstrated that a measurable adsorption occurs only at pH values under 5. The adsorption capacity of a given amount of hematite powder tends to a limiting value with decreasing pH. A Langmuir-like adsorption isotherm describes the concentration dependence of the adsorption of sulfate species. It was found that the experimental results are in good agreement with the model suggested recently (Hug, S. J. J. Colloid Interface Sci. 188, 415 (1997)). Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

Radiotracer Study of the Specific Adsorption of Anions on Metal Oxides in Acid Media: An Experimental Approach.

The specific adsorption of anions (HSO(4)(-), H(2)PO(4)(-), and Cl(-)) was studied at Fe(2)O(3), ZnO, and CuO surfaces by the radiotracer technique in strongly acidic medium (1 M HClO(4)). A significant specific adsorption of HSO(4)(-) and H(2)PO(4)(-) ions was found in all cases studied while no measurable adsorption of Cl(-) ions was observed. In the cases of ZnO and CuO, the specific adsorption takes place over the course of continuous dissolution of the oxide. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

Fournier's gangrene.

Fournier's disease--gangrene of the penis and scrotum--is an uncommon condition. During the past 6 years, five patients, whose cases are described, were admitted to Toronto General Hospital with this diagnosis. Four had preceding trauma (ischiorectal abscess, puncture wound, surgery) and four had pre-existing debilitating problems (diabetes, rectal carcinoma, acute lymphocytic leukemia, alcoholic cirrhosis). Appropriate treatment must include urgent radical surgery to remove all necrotic tissue, and combination antibiotic therapy directed against the likely organisms, which are aerobic gram-negative rods, gram-positive cocci and anaerobes. Clindamycin in combination with tobramycin or gentamicin proved to be effective in this series.

Mycoplasma infection in the immunosuppressed leukemic patient.

A case of severe Mycoplasma sp pneumonia possibly potentiated by methotrexate occurred in a 7-year-old child with leukemia in remission. The case typifies the diagnostic dilemma that frequently occurs in the immunosuppressed host, namely an extensive bilateral pulmonary opacification that can have many causes.

Relapse rates following cessation of chemotherapy during complete remission of acute lymphocytic leukemia.

The therapeutic benefit of maintenance chemotherapy beyond three years for children with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) in continuous complete remission was evaluated by the investigators of Childrens Cancer Study Group (CCSG). Two hundred and twenty leukemic children in first remission for three years or longer and who had received at least three years of continuous chemotherapy were eligible. One hundred and one patients were randomized to either continue chemotherapy for an additional three years or to discontinue therapy, and 119 patients nonrandomly continued or discontinued therapy. The patients had received a variety of chemotherapy regimens. The study period extended from April 1970 until December 1977, with a median follow-up time of 25 months. Relapses occurred in 15 randomized patients (15%). Randomized patients remaining on chemotherapy experienced a statistically significant lower relapse rate than patients randomized to discontinue therapy. Also among randomized patients, bone marrow relapse was significantly more frequent in males than in females. Considering the total patient group, age and white blood count at diagnosis had no significance in predicting relapse. Of relapse events in males, 21% were isolated testicular relapses, identifying the testicles as a major risk site in males completing three years of continuous complete remission. This study demonstrates that continuing chemotherapy beyond three years results in a significant prolongation of remission in males, although the eventual survival outcome for later discontinuance of therapy will require longer follow-up.

Treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma in children with surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

From May, 1970 through December, 1972, Children's Cancer Study Group entered 112 patients on an amended treatment program for rhabdomyosarcoma and undifferentiated sarcoma in children. These patients had Group II disease with residual tumor remaining after surgery, or metastatic disease at onset. Another group consisted of patients who previously had treatment with surgery and radiotherapy and had recurrent disease. Cyclophosphamide was added to a previously used drug regimen which consisted of actinomycin D and vincristine. The drugs were given sequentially in repeated cycles for 18 months. Of 97 evaluable patients, there were 24 with microscopic residual disease, 37 with gross residual disease, 22 with metastatic disease at onset, and 14 patients who were treated with chemotherapy for the first time with recurrent or metastatic disease. All patients have been followed for 3 or more years. Survival in each group was 70.8%, 43.2%, 27.2%, and 28.2%, respectively. Although the number of complete remissions was greater than with two-drug therapy, survival with three-drug therapy was not significantly different than that seen in the earlier study.

Adriamycin cardiotoxicity in children: case reports, literature review, and risk factors.

Two children with Wilms' tumor and prior thoracic radiation developed congestive heart failure at cumulative adriamycin doses of 350 mg/m2 and 400 mg/m2. Details of these two cases and a summary of previously reported adriamycin cardiotoxicity in children are presented. Dose recommendations and predictive tests are discussed.

Radical partial renal irradiation. an alternative to partial nephrectomy in bilateral Wilms' tumor.

A 6-year-old girl with simultaneous bilateral Wilms' tumor was treated with a radical nephrectomy on the side of more extensive involvement, followed by postoperative renal bed irradiation (3500 rads over 32 days) and radical partial renal irradiation (4000 rads over 35 days) to the contralateral disease. Concurrent and subsequent adjuvant actinomycin-D and vincristine were given. She has remained disease-free for over 5 years after primary therapy, with satisfactory renal function. This case report suggest that radical partial renal irradiation may be an alternative to partial nephrectomy in the management of the lesser involved kidney in some patients with bilateral Wilms' tumor.

The rare problem of late recurrence in neuroblastoma.

Two-year disease-free survival is considered highly predictive of therapeutic success with neuroblastoma and death from neuroblastoma greater than 5 years after diagnosis is a rare event. We report of an unusual case of death from neuroblastoma 20 years after diagnosis; a literature review and discussion of this rare phenomenon of late recurrence is also included. Five additional cases of late recurrence, defined as greater than 5 years after diagnosis, were found in the literature with adequate detail to be reviewed. Advanced disease was present at diagnosis in five of six cases; three of six had disseminated disease. No age or sex differences were noted. A peculiar tencency for recurrence during the teenage years, preceded by a long disease-free interval, was also present in all cases, perhaps a reflection of maturational alterations in the immune system or hormonal changes that previously had suppressed extensive disease. This phenomenon of late recurrence in neuroblastoma, albeit rare, adds another facet to the clinical behavior of an enigmatic and therapeutically unyielding childhood tumor.

Single-column chromatographic analysis of labeled glutamine and other amino acids in whole blood.

A method is presented for single-column analysis of the concentrations and specific activities of the free amino acids in both whole blood and plasma. Interference from glutathione in whole blood was eliminated by the use of sodium sulfite although losses of about one-half of the cystine and methionine occurred. Seventy-five percent +/- 1 of the glutamine was recovered consistently in both whole blood and plasma so that corrections for this loss readily could be made. Elimination of the baseline shift due to ammonia was accomplished by passing the buffers through ion-exchange columns before entering the sample loops. There were several significant differences between amino acid concentrations and specific activities in whole blood and in plasma, indicating that care should be taken in interpreting data on metabolism of amino acids.

Effects of glucagon and insulin on net hepatic metabolism of glucose precursors in sheep.

The net hepatic metabolism of amino glycerol, lactate, and pyruvate was determined in conscious fed sheep by multiplying the venoarterial concentration differences by the hepatic blood or plasma flow. In each experiment several sets of control blood samples were taken; glucagon or insulin then was infused intraportally for 2 h during which additional samples were taken. Four types of experiments were performed: 1) glucagon infusion (150 mug/h) into normal sheep, 2) glucagon infusion (100 mug/h) into insulin-treated alloxanized sheep, 3) insulin infusion (1.17 U/h) into normal sheep, and 4) insulin plus glucose infusion (12.3 mmol/h) into normal sheep. The second group of experiments was performed to prevent reflex hyperinsulinemia, and the fourth was performed to prevent reflex hyperglucagonemia. Glucagon directly stimulated the net hepatic uptake of alanine, glycine, glutamine, arginine, asparagine, threonine, serine, and lactate. Glucagon also stimulated lipolysis in adipose tissue. Insulin, on the other hand, appeared to have a lipogenic effect on adipose tissue and to stimulate directly the uptake of valine, isoleucine, leucine, tyrosine, lysine, and alanine only at extrahepatic sites. The study showed that, in sheep, the effects of glucagon primarily are on liver, and insulin's effects primarily are on skeletal muscle and adipose tissue where it promotes protein and lipid synthesis.

BCG in the treatment of acute lymphocytic leukemia.

Children with acute lymphocytic leukemia, who were in remission after induction with prednisone and vincristine and consolidation with intravenous methotrexate, were randomized into three groups receiving (1) no further therapy, (2) BCG, and (3) chemotherapy with biweekly methotrexate and monthly prednisone and vincristine. Children continuing in remission after 8 mo on chemotherapy in group 3 were rerandomized into three similar groups, i.e., no therapy, BCG, and chemotherapy. In the primary randomization, the median duration of remission was identical in the groups receiving no therapy or BCG, (4 and 4.3 mo respectively), and both were significantly less than the median duration of remission on chemotherapy which had not been reached prior to secondary randomization at 8 mo. Results of secondary randomization were similar to those of primary randomization. As used in this study, BCG was ineffective in prolonging drug-induced remissions either early in remission or when the leukemic cell population might have been further reduced after 8 mo of maintenance chemotherapy.

Clinical and theoretical aspects of the treatment of surgically unresectable retroperitoneal malignancy with combined intra-arterial actinomycin-D and radiotherapy.

A small pilot series (eight patients) of surgically unresectable retroperitoneal tumors treated with radiotherapy and a selective, prolonged, continuous intra-arterial infusion of actinomycin-D is discussed, in addition to the possible theoretical advantages for this therapy. For such tumors, there is a very low probability of obtaining local control with conventional radiotherapy alone. However, on the basis of recent knowledge from radiobiology and molecular biology, the technique is a rational attempt to improve the local control probability. Geographic miss with radiotherapy portals is another major cause for local failure with such tumors. We also emphasize the importance of detailed tumor localization procedures. The local responses, some of the local controls, the palliation achieved, and the lack of significant morbidity with this technique have been encouraging. We therefore consider it worthy of further clinical investigation.