Impact of parental attributes on the oral health-related quality of life of Brazilian preschool children.

PURPOSE: Considering the importance of parental attitudes and their influence on children's oral health, it is important to know which characteristics may impact it. The aim of this population study was to evaluate the impact of the parental sociodemographic characteristics on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of preschool children from southeastern Brazil. METHODS: A population-based study was conducted with a sample of 321 children aged 2 to 5 years old who underwent a calibrated clinical oral examination to assess oral health status and their parents were asked to answer the two following questionnaires: (1) sociodemographic conditions and (2) Brazilian version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (B-ECOHIS). Descriptive analysis, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests and adjusted Poisson regression models were used. RESULTS: Younger mothers (RP: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.11-1.95), lower household income (RP: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.11-1.96) and the presence of dental caries (RP: 2.28; 95% CI: 1.74-3.0) were more likely to have a negative impact on the OHRQoL B-ECOHIS total scores (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The characteristics of mothers, such as age, schooling and salary, influenced the mean B-ECOHIS total score; however, paternal attributes were not associated with a negative impact on the children's quality of life. Also, dental caries and household income influenced the children's oral health-related quality of life.

Risk factors for developmental defects of enamel in children from southeastern Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Developmental Defects of Enamel (DDEs) comprise qualitative and/or quantitative changes to the enamel during amelogenesis. The aetiology of DDE remains inconclusive. AIM: To determine the association of pre, peri, and postnatal factors with the presence of DDE. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study with 353 children (8 to 11 years-old) in a Brazilian town. METHODS: One calibrated dentist assessed DDE using the Developmental Defects of Enamel Index and a questionnaire collected medical and sociodemographic data. MAIN OUTCOMES: Children with at least one type of DDE were categorized into the DDE group. Subtypes of DDE were also recorded. RESULTS: 63.1% of children had at least one type of DDE. Diffuse opacity was present in 36.7%, demarcated opacity in 14.8%, and hypoplasia in 5.83% of the children. In multivariate analysis, demarcated opacities and hypoplasia were associated with birth weight ⟨ 2500g (OR = 4.82; 95% CI 1.23-1.95). CONCLUSION: Low birth weight predicted DDE.

Período de adaptação a dietas com baixa ou alta fibra sobre a digestibilidade e as características fecais em cães / Adaptation period to diets with low or high fiber on digetibility and faecal characteristics in dogs

Objetivou-se avaliar três períodos de adaptação, cinco, 10 e 15 dias, a dietas com baixa ou alta fibra sobre a digestibilidade e características fecais. Foram utilizadas duas dietas, uma contendo 0% de casca de soja (0%CS) e outra com 15% de casca de soja (15%CS), fornecidas a 12 cães adultos. Ao final de cada período, houve coleta total de fezes para avaliação dos coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente (CDA), energia metabolizável (EM) e características fecais. Além disso, foi avaliada a palatabilidade das dietas. Como resultado, não houve efeito do período de adaptação sobre a digestibilidade das dietas (P>0,05). A dieta 15%CS apresentou menor CDA da matéria seca (MS) e EM, em relação à dieta 0%CS (P<0,05). A consistência fecal dos cães não diferiu entre as dietas e os períodos (P>0,05). Houve redução no pH e na amônia fecal dos cães alimentados com a dieta 15%CS (P<0,05), após 10 dias de alimentação. Não houve diferença na palatabilidade das dietas (P>0,05). Períodos de adaptação à dieta superiores a cinco dias não alteram a digestibilidade e a maioria das características fecais de cães, exceto a amônia fecal. A inclusão de 15%CS na dieta reduz a digestibilidade da MS e a EM, bem como o pH e a amônia fecal.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate three periods of adaptation, 5, 10 and 15 days, to diets with low or high fiber on digestibility and fecal characteristics. Two diets were used, one containing 0% (0% SH) and one containing 15% soybean hulls (15% SH). Diets were provided to 12 adult dogs. At the end of each period there was total collection of feces to evaluate the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC), metabolizable energy (ME) and fecal characteristics. We also evaluated diet palatability. There was no effect of the adaptation period on digestibility of diets (P> 0.05). The 15% SH diet reduced ADC of dry matter (DM) and ME, compared to the 0% SH diet (P< 0.05). Fecal consistency of the dogs did not differ among diets and periods (P> 0.05). There was a decrease in fecal pH and ammonia in dogs fed the diet with 15% SH (P< 0.05) after 10 days of feeding (P< 0.05). There was no difference in diet palatability (P> 0.05). Diet adaptation longer than 5 days did not alter the digestibility and most fecal characteristics of dogs, except for fecal ammonia. The inclusion of 15% SH in diet reduces DM digestibility and fecal pH and ammonia in dogs.(AU)

Anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii em carcarás (Caracara plancus) procedentes da região aeroportuária do Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil / Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in Crested Caracara (Caracara plancus) from Recife Airport, Pernambuco, Brazil

Objetivou-se com este estudo pesquisar a ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii em carcarás (Caracara plancus) capturados no Aeroporto Internacional do Recife/Guararapes Gilberto Freyre, Pernambuco, Brasil. Foram analisadas 115 amostras de soros sanguíneos pelo teste de aglutinação modificada (IgG, MAT≥25) utilizando taquizoítos inativados em formalina. Do total de amostras analisadas, 5,21% (6/115) foram positivas para presença de anticorpos anti-T. gondii, 16,67% com título 1:25 (1/06) e 83,33% (5/06) com título 1:50. A ocorrência de anticorpos em carcarás procedentes de região aeroportuária fomenta a preocupação em relação a aspectos ainda pouco elucidados, relacionados principalmente à inserção de aves silvestres na cadeia epidemiológica da toxoplasmose conectada à ação antrópica, tornando próxima a interação entre animais silvestres, domésticos e o homem. Dessa forma, é notória a necessidade de estudos relacionados à dinâmica de transmissão entre os diferentes genótipos existentes nessa tríade e sua relação com o meio ambiente, a fim de determinar a influência dessa espécie animal na cadeia epidemiológica da toxoplasmose.(AU)

The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in carcarás (Caracara plancus) captured in the Recife/Guararapes Gilberto Freyre International Airport, in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil. 115 samples of blood sera were tested by the Modified Agglutination Test technique (IgG, MAT > 25) using tachyzoites inactivated in formalin. Of the total of the analyzed samples, 5,21% (6/115) were positive for the presence of antibodies against T. gondii, 16,67% with a titer of 1:25 (1/06) and 83,33% (5/06) with a titration of 1:50. The occurrence of antibodies in caracaras coming from airport region generate concern about aspects still poorly understood, mainly related to the inclusion of wild birds in the epidemiological chain of toxoplasmosis connected to human action, making close interaction between wild animals, domestic and man. Thus, the need for studies related to the dynamics of transmission between the different existing genotypes in this triad is evident as is its relationship with the environment to determine the influence of this animal species in the epidemiological chain of toxoplasmosis.(AU)

Phylogenetic analysis, biofilm production, and antimicrobial resistance profile of Escherichia coli isolated from slaughtered pigs / Análise filogenética, produção de biofilme e perfil de resistência antimicrobiana de Escherichia coli isoladas de suínos abatidos

Enteric diseases of bacterial origin are frequent in the pig industry, of particular notoriety are the colibacillosis that mainly affect piglets and cause great damage to the swine industry worldwide. The aim of the study was to analyze phylogenetics, to detect biofilm production, and to determine antimicrobial resistance profile in 126 strains of Escherichia coli isolated from swabs obtained from fragments of the small intestines of 235 healthy pigs killed in slaughterhouses in Pernambuco (Brazil) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), adherence to microplates test and disc diffusion technique. Of the analyzed samples, 88.10% (111/126) were classified in phylogenetic group B1; 4.76% (6/126) in group D; 3.97% (5/126) in group B2 and, 3.17% (4/126) in group A. Antimicrobial resistance rates observed were: lincomycin 100% (126/126), erythromycin 100% (126/126), chlortetracycline 94.44% (119/126), cephalothin 51.59% (65/126), ampicillin 38.89% (49/126), sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim 37.3% (47/126), ciprofloxacin 19.84% (25/126), norfloxacin 14.29% (18/126), gentamicin 8.73% (11/126) and, chloramphenicol 5.55% (7/126). Multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) ranged from 0.2 to 0.9. Of the strains tested 46.03% (58/126) produced biofilm, and 99.21% (125/126) of the strains exhibited multi-resistance. Further studies are required to elucidate the importance of each phylogenetic group in pigs and to prevent the propagation of multi-resistant E. coli strains.(AU)

Doenças entéricas de origem bacteriana são frequentes na indústria de suínos, destacando-se a colibacilose, que afeta principalmente leitões e causa grandes danos à indústria suína em todo o mundo. Cento e vinte e seis cepas de Escherichia coli foram isoladas de swabs obtidos de fragmentos de intestino delgado de 235 suínos saudáveis abatidos em matadouros de Pernambuco (Brasil). O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar filogeneticamente essas cepas, bem como detectar a produção de biofilme e determinar o perfil de resistência antimicrobiana delas, utilizando-se a reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR), o teste de adesão em microplacas e a técnica de disco-difusão. 88,10% (111/126) das amostras foram classificadas no grupo filogenético B1; 4,76% (6/126) no grupo D; 3,97% (5/126) no grupo B2; e 3,17% (4/126) no grupo A. As taxas de resistência antimicrobiana observadas foram: lincomicina 100% (126/126), eritromicina 100% (126/126), clortetraciclina 94,44% (119/126), cefalotina 51,59% (65/126), ampicilina 38,89% (49/126), sulfametoxazol + trimetoprima 37,3% (47/126), ciprofloxacina 19,84% (25/126), norfloxacina 14,29% (18/126), gentamicina 8,73% (11/126) e cloranfenicol 5,55% (7/126). O índice de resistência múltipla (IRMA) variou de 0,2 a 0,9. Entre as amostras, 46,03% (58/126) produziram biofilme e 99,21% (125/126) foram multirresistentes. São necessários mais estudos para elucidar a importância de cada grupo filogenético em suínos e evitar a propagação de estirpes de E. coli multirresistentes.(AU)

Implications of mitotic and meiotic irregularities in common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

The common bean has great social and economic importance in Brazil and is the subject of a high number of publications, especially in the fields of genetics and breeding. Breeding programs aim to increase grain yield; however, mitosis and meiosis represent under explored research areas that have a direct impact on grain yield. Therefore, the study of cell division could be another tool available to bean geneticists and breeders. The aim of this study was to investigate irregularities occurring during the cell cycle and meiosis in common bean. The common bean cultivar used was BRSMG Talismã, which owing to its high yield and grain quality is recommended for cultivation in Brazil. We classified the interphase nuclei, estimated the mitotic and meiotic index, grain pollen viability, and percentage of abnormalities in both processes. The mitotic index was 4.1%, the interphase nucleus was non-reticulated, and 19% of dividing somatic cells showed abnormal behavior. Meiosis also presented irregularities resulting in a meiotic index of 44.6%. Viability of pollen grains was 94.3%. These results indicate that the common bean cultivar BRSMG Talismã possesses repair mechanisms that compensate for changes by producing a large number of pollen grains. Another important strategy adopted by bean plants to ensure stability is the elimination of abnormal cells by apoptosis. As the common bean cultivar BRSMG Talismã is recommended for cultivation because of its good agronomic performance, it can be concluded that mitotic and meiotic irregularities have no negative influence on its grain quality and yield.

GeLC-MS-based proteomics of Chromobacterium violaceum: comparison of proteome changes elicited by hydrogen peroxide.

Chromobacterium violaceum is a free-living bacillus with several genes that enables it survival under different harsh environments such as oxidative and temperature stresses. Here we performed a label-free quantitative proteomic study to unravel the molecular mechanisms that enable C. violaceum to survive oxidative stress. To achieve this, total proteins extracted from control and C. violaceum cultures exposed during two hours with 8 mM hydrogen peroxide were analyzed using GeLC-MS proteomics. Analysis revealed that under the stress condition, the bacterium expressed proteins that protected it from the damage caused by reactive oxygen condition and decreasing the abundance of proteins responsible for bacterial growth and catabolism. GeLC-MS proteomics analysis provided an overview of the metabolic pathways involved in the response of C. violaceum to oxidative stress ultimately aggregating knowledge of the response of this organism to environmental stress. This study identified approximately 1500 proteins, generating the largest proteomic coverage of C. violaceum so far. We also detected proteins with unknown function that we hypothesize to be part of new mechanisms related to oxidative stress defense. Finally, we identified the mechanism of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), which has not yet been reported for this organism.

Atypical Toxoplasma gondii genotype in feral cats from the Fernando de Noronha Island, northeastern Brazil.

Toxoplasma gondii isolates from Brazil have a different phenotypic and genotypic pattern, with predominance of virulent isolates and recombinant genotypes, compared to the North Hemisphere. Considering that a new T. gondii genotype, non-pathogenic to mice, was previously identified from free-range chickens from the Fernando de Noronha Island, Brazil, this study aimed to identify genotypes of this parasite in tissue samples of feral cats (Felis catus) from this Brazilian Island. Anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were detected in 18/31 (58%) feral cats. Two non-virulent T. gondii isolates were obtained by mouse bioassay. Genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP using 10 genetic markers (SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, PK1, L358 and Apico) and an atypical strain of T. gondii (ToxoDB #146) was identified. This is the first report of this genotype in feral cats.

Abundance and Night Hourly Dispersal of the Vesicating Beetles of the Genus Paederus (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) Attracted to Fluorescent, Incandescent, and Black Light Sources in the Brazilian Savanna.

Paederus beetles are cosmopolitan medically important insects that cause dermatitis linearis to humans. In Brazil, despite the medical importance of these beetles, no studies focusing directly on the abundance and ecological features of harmful species exist. Therefore, this study aims at determining the abundance and the nocturnal hourly dispersal of Paederus species attracted to fluorescent, incandescent, and black light sources in the Brazilian savanna. Paederus species were captured from May to September for three consecutive years, between 2011 and 2013. The specimens were caught hourly, from 1800 to 0600 hours. Paederus beetles were attracted to incandescent, fluorescent, and black light lamps as light sources. A total of 959 individuals of five species were collected. The collected species were Paederus protensus Sharp (59.85%), Paederus columbinus Laporte de Castelnau (29.20%), Paederus mutans Sharp (7.09%), Paederus brasiliensis Erichson (3.34%), and Paederus ferus Erichson (0.52%). The black light was the most attractive source, and the darkest collecting point was the most representative for the number of individuals. The lowest catches were captured at full moon, and the highest catches were between 2200 and 0100 hours. Future investigations are needed to better understand the role of night temperature and soil humidity affecting the seasonal growth of Paederus beetle populations of northeastern Brazil.

The Influence of Weather and Lunar Phases on the Flight Activity of Paederus Rove Beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae).

Despite the medical importance of Paederus beetles, no studies have studied the influence of the abiotic factors on the flight activity and nighttime dispersal of these insects in Brazil. Therefore, the influence of both climatic factors and moon phase on black-light catches of Paederus rove beetles was investigated. Paederus beetles were attracted to a black light source hourly from 1800 to 0600 hours, and data on weather conditions as well as moon phase data were taken for every sampling date. Overall, 543 individuals of Paederus beetles belonging to four species were captured: P. protensus, P. columbinus, P. brasiliensis, and P. mutans. Paederus beetles were mostly active in the warmest parts of the studied nights. Variations in nighttime temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, cloud cover, and moon phases appear not to affect Paederus flight. The diurnal temperature was observed to affect the night hourly dispersal of Paederus rove beetles as well as their distribution pattern during the entire period of study. The true environmental condition responsible for Paederus beetles seasonal pattern and daily night dispersal in northeastern Brazil were the annual moisture and drought cycles and the diurnal maximum temperatures, respectively. Significant trap catches were observed in the earliest hours after sunset (1800-2100), and people must be aware of this fact, as it can notably increase the risk of acquiring linearis dermatitis from the contact with large numbers of active Paederus.

Antral follicle populations and embryo production--in vitro and in vivo--of Bos indicus-taurus donors from weaning to yearling ages.

Interest in indicus-taurus cattle has been increasing, as these animals are likely to present the best characteristics of Zebu and European bovine breeds. The aim of this study was to compare the embryo production of indicus-taurus donors with high vs low antral follicle counts obtained by ovum pickup/in vitro production (OPU/IVP) and superovulation (SOV)/embryo collection. Braford females at weaning age (3/8 Nelore × 5/8 Hereford, n = 137, 9 ± 1 month old) were subjected to six serial ovarian ultrasonographs and were assigned to two groups according to the number of antral follicles ≥ 3 mm as follows: G-High antral follicular count (AFC, n = 20, mean ≥ 40 follicles) and G-Low AFC (n = 20, mean ≤ 10 follicles). When the females (n = 40) reached 24 months of age, they were subjected to both OPU/IVP and SOV/embryo collection. The average number of follicles remained highly stable throughout all of the ultrasound evaluations (range 0.90-0.92). The mean number of COCs recovered (36.90 ± 13.68 vs 5.80 ± 3.40) was higher (p < 0.05) for females with high AFC, resulting in higher (p < 0.05) numbers of total embryos among females with high vs low AFC (6.10 ± 4.51 vs 0.55 ± 0.83). The mean number of embryos per collection was also higher (p < 0.05) for G-High vs G-Low (6.95 ± 5.34 vs 1.9 ± 2.13). We conclude that a single ultrasound performed at pre-pubertal ages to count antral follicles can be used as a predictor of embryo production following IVP and SOV/embryo collection in indicus-taurus females.

Antigenotoxic, and anticytotoxic activities of an ethanolic extract of Lafoensia pacari (Lythraceae) stem bark in bacteria and mice.

Lafoensia pacari (Lythraceae), popularly known in Brazil as "pacari", is a small tree native to the Cerrado that is used in folk medicine to treat cancer and as an anti-inflammatory and cicatrizing agent. We evaluated the genotoxic, cytotoxic, antigenotoxic, and anticytotoxic activities of an ethanol extract of L. pacari stem bark (EESB) using the Ames test and the mouse bone marrow micronucleus test. In the Ames test, EESB did not significantly increase the number of His(+) revertants in Salmonella typhimurium tester strains TA98 and TA100 at all doses, demonstrating lack of mutagenicity. Only the highest dose of EESB significantly increased the micronucleated polychromatic erythrocyte frequency in the micronucleus test, indicating mild genotoxicity. EESB produced a mutagenic index lower than the negative control in the Ames test. In the micronucleus test, at all doses, EESB caused a significant decrease in the polychromatic/normochromatic erythrocyte ratio (PCE/NCE) at 24 h compared with the negative control. EESB co-administered together with the respective positive control caused a significant decrease in the number of His(+) revertant colonies in the Ames test and in the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes in the micronucleus test, demonstrating a DNA protector effect. EESB co-administered with mitomycin C significantly increased the PCE/NCE ratio at all doses, showing an anticytotoxic effect. We conclude that EESB has antigenotoxic and anticytotoxic properties.

Modulatory effects of Duguetia furfuracea (A. St. Hil) Benth. and Hook. f. in Drosophila melanogaster somatic and germinative cells.

Mutagenic and antimutagenic activities of the medicinal plant Duguetia furfuracea were assessed using SMART/wing and ring-X-loss tests. For the ring-X-loss test, 2- to 3-day-old Drosophila melanogaster ring-X-lineage males and virgin ywsn³ females received D. furfuracea infusion at doses of 0.085, 0.042, or 0.014 g/mL for 24 h. We found that D. furfuracea did not produce any mutagenic effects in D. melanogaster germinative cells. The somatic cells of D. melanogaster were analyzed using the SMART/wing test involving three lineages - mwh, flr³, and ORR - and the same doses of D. furfuracea infusion employed in the ring-X-loss test, as well as 20 mM urethane. The results of both standard (ST) and high bioactivation (HB) crosses showed absence of mutagenic activity of D. furfuracea. In contrast, in both ST and HB crosses, we observed a modulatory effect of D. furfuracea against the genotoxic activity of urethane.

Mutagenic potential and modulatory effects of the medicinal plant Luehea divaricata (Malvaceae) in somatic cells of Drosophila melanogaster: SMART/wing.

Luehea divaricata is a native plant of the Brazilian Cerrado, known as "açoita-cavalo". It is used as a popular herbal medicine in the treatment of dysentery, bleeding, arthritis, tumors, ulcers, and gangrenous wounds. Considering that herbal medicines sometimes provoke tumors and/or may prevent mutational events, it is important to study the action of these natural drugs on DNA. Aqueous extract of the bark of L. divaricata was evaluated at three different concentrations (0.10, 0.30, 0.50 mg/mL), individually and in combination with the neoplastic drug doxorubicin (DXR), by the somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART/wing) in Drosophila melanogaster. Distilled water was included as a negative control. The mutation frequency in the treatments with L. divaricata extract alone was not significantly higher than in the negative control for standard (ST) and high bioactivation (HB) crosses. When L. divaricata extract was combined with DXR, there was a significant reduction in the frequency of spots when compared to DXR alone, in both crosses. Further studies with other experimental models would be useful to confirm that L. divaricata extract is not harmful and that it could be used in the prevention of cancer.

Evaluation of toothbrush bristles' deterioration used by preschool children.

The toothbrush is an effective instrument for oral diseases prevention. The flexibility and status of bristles, as well as the size of the handle are fundamental for an effective toothbrushing. Thus, the assessment of physical characteristics of toothbrushes is important. This study evaluated the deterioration and wear of bristles of toothbrushes used by preschool children. For the sample selection, five elementary schools were assorted from a city of the São Paulo State northwest region, one from each city area. All toothbrushes used by preschool children who aged between 5 and 6 years old and who attended the assorted schools were visually analysed by two calibrated examiners, according to the criteria proposed by Rawls HR, Mkwayi-Tulloch NJ, Casella R, Cosgrove R (J Dent Res 1989; 12:1781): 0 - it is impossible to state if the toothbrush was used or not; 1 - the bristles seem to be separated within some tufts; 2 - most tufts are separated, many cover other tufts and present a large number of curved and inclined bristles; 3 - most tufts are covered by others and bristles are folded and tipped. In total, 333 toothbrushes were evaluated. The data obtained revealed that 57.96% of the toothbrushes presented adequate condition for utilization (scores 0 and 1), whereas 42.04% presented inadequate bristles for their function (scores 2 and 3). It was concluded that a great number of toothbrushes presented deterioration of the bristles. Thus, there is the need to guide and promote awareness among teachers, parents and children as well as the need to replace toothbrushes.

Comparison between precipitin and ELISA tests in the bloodmeal detection of Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) and Aedes fluviatilis (Lutz) mosquitoes experimentally fed on feline, canine and human hosts.

The identification of arthropod bloodmeals is important in many epidemiological studies, as, the understanding of the life cycle of vectors and the pathogens they transmit, as well as helping to define arthropods' control strategies. The precipitin test has been used for decades, but ELISA is slowly becoming more popular. To compare the two tests for sensitivity, specificity and accuracy to detect small insect bloodmeals, Aedes aegypti or Ae. fluviatilis mosquitoes were fed either on feline, canine or human hosts. Mosquitoes were frozen at 6, 12, 24, 48 or 72 h after feeding. Precipitin test showed better specificity and accuracy and ELISA test showed higher sensitivity. Better results with both tests were achieved when mosquitoes were frozen within 48 h from feeding.

Faunal composition and behavior of anopheline mosquitoes in the Xavánte Indian reservation of Pimentel Barbosa, central Brazil.

Faunal composition and behavior of anopheline mosquitoes were studied in a Xavánte Indian reservation of Central Brazil. Altogether 558 anophelines were collected in three environments (intra, peri, and extra-domiciliary). Anopheles darlingi (30.9%), An. triannulatus s.l. (24.6%) and An. oswaldoi (19.7%) were the most common species. Average capture rates were higher in the rainy season (8.03 per hour) than in the dry season (4.37 per hour). Anophelines exhibited exophilic behavior almost exclusively. It was observed that Xavánte cultural practices facilitate outdoor exposure during peak hours of mosquito activities (e.g., coming to the creek early in the morning for bathing or to draw water, fishing, etc.). The results of this study raise the question of whether or not applying to the Xavánte the more commonly recommended malaria control strategies (e.g., in-house spraying, screening windows, and impregnated bed nets) which aim at hampering human-mosquito contact inside human dwellings may be effective.

Prompt mating of released Anopheles darlingi in western Amazonian Brazil.

To identify times and sites of mating, 1- and 2-day-old virgin female Anopheles darlingi were marked with fluorescent dusts and released at dusk, midnight or dawn in a village on the outskirts of Porto Velho, Rondônia State, Brazil. Dissections of marked females captured at human baits revealed that mating occurred in less than 2 h after dusk releases near houses, and among these early recaptures, older females were significantly more likely to be inseminated. We suggest that mating shortly after peridomestic releases occurred without swarming outside houses.

Egg maturation in neotropical malaria vectors: one blood meal is usually enough.

The requirement of more than one blood meal to complete a gonotrophic cycle is reported here to be infrequent among field-collected Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus), including Anopheles darlingi, South America's most important malaria vector. The overall frequencies of host-seeking females that did not develop eggs after one blood feeding were low for Anopheles darlingi (6.6%), Anopheles rondoni (5.0%), and Anopheles triannulatus (2.2%); the majority of wild-caught females that did not develop eggs after one blood meal were nulliparous. Laboratory-reared Anopheles albimanus and Anopheles albitarsis, other species of the same subgenus, were grown on enriched and impoverished larval diets to yield a range of adult sizes and to examine relationships between egg maturation, body size, and blood meal intake. 10.7% of nulliparous An. albimanus and 22.9% of An. albitarsis failed to mature eggs after sugar and one blood meal, and shorter wings and smaller blood meals predisposed females to require multiple blood feeds for egg maturation. Unmated An. albitarsis were significantly more likely than mated females not to develop eggs. Multiple blood meals within a single gonotrophic cycle appear to be less important in the life histories of neotropical Nyssorhynchus species compared to afrotropical malaria vectors.