Rapid assessment of the orchid bee fauna (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Euglossini) in the vicinity of an urban Atlantic Forest remnant in São Paulo, Brazil

Euglossini (Hymenoptera: Apidae, Apini), also known as orchid bees, are endemic to the Neotropical region (Nemésio and Rasmussem, 2011). They are well-known and widely distributed taxon in the Atlantic Forest with more than 60 species (included in four distinct genera) registered in this biome (Nemésio, 2009; Garraffoni et al., 2017). The Atlantic Rain Forest originally occupied about 15% of the Brazilian territory, but it was completely fragmented in forest remnants, and now covers 11-16% of its original area (Ribeiro et al., 2009; Joly et al., 2014). Our knowledge about orchid bee diversity in urban forest fragments is very scarce (Nemésio and Silveira, 2007; Cordeiro et al., 2013), although diverse communities of wild bees have been surprisingly found in cities around the world (Nemésio and Silveira, 2007; Burr et al., 2016). Thus, our aim in this study was a rapid assessment of the orchid bee fauna in the vicinity of an Atlantic Forest remain. The strategy of intensive sampling over a few days in the rainy season are common and has been demonstrated to be very useful to know the orchid bee fauna of an area (Nemésio, 2013a, b). Data were collected in an urban area (22º4940”S-47º0610”W; altitude 630 m), among fruit and ornamental trees, distant 200 m of the east edge of an Atlantic Forest remnant called Santa Genebra Forest (Campinas, SP), the second larger urban forest in Brazil (252 ha). It is a semideciduous forest and the regional climate is the Cfa of Köppen (humid subtropical with a hot summer). Orchid bee males were collected at a fixed site using seven bait traps as described in Viotti et al. (2013), and bottles of 0.5 L. Each trap received one of the seven baits: 1,8-cineole, eugenol, vanillin, β-ionone, benzyl acetate, methyl trans-cinnamate, and methyl salicylate; and were randomly hanged in shaded branches at about 1.5 m above the ground and distant at least 2 m from each other. The collections were done during five consecutive days (from day 6th to 10th) in February of both 2015 and 2016, from 9:00 to 17:00 h (when the bees are most active). The scents were replaced every day, and cineole three times a day. Captured bees were pinned, identified and deposited at Coleção de Abelhas da Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri. Taxonomic decisions were based on Moure's Bee Catalogue (Moure et al., 2012). Species accumulation curves were constructed for the data set from each sampling year separately or for both years jointly. Sampling efficiency was also evaluated by nonparametric richness estimators (Chao 1, Chao 2, Jackknife 1, Jackknife 2, and Bootstrap) available in the EstimateS 9.1.0 software (Colwell, 2006).(AU)

Silencing of Apis mellifera dorsal genes reveals their role in expression of the antimicrobial peptide defensin-1.

Like all other insects, two key signalling pathways [Toll and immune deficiency (Imd)] regulate the induction of honey bee immune effectors that target microbial pathogens. Amongst these effectors are antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that are presumed to be produced by the nuclear factors kappa B (NF-κB) Dorsal and Relish from the Toll and Imd pathways, respectively. Using in silico analysis, we previously proposed that the honey bee AMP defensin-1 was regulated by the Toll pathway, whereas hymenoptaecin was regulated by Imd and abaecin by both the Toll and Imd pathways. Here we use an RNA interference (RNAi) assay to determine the role of Dorsal in regulating abaecin and defensin-1. Honey bees have two dorsal genes (dorsal-1 and dorsal-2) and two splicing isoforms of dorsal-1 (dorsal-1A and dorsal-1B). Accordingly, we used both single and multiple (double or triple) isoform knockdown strategies to clarify the roles of dorsal proteins and their isoforms. Down-regulation of defensin-1 was observed for dorsal-1A and dorsal-2 knockdowns, but abaecin expression was not affected by dorsal RNAi. We conclude that defensin-1 is regulated by Dorsal (Toll pathway).

Trap-Nesting Bees in Montane Grassland (Campo Rupestre) and Cerrado in Brazil: Collecting Generalist or Specialist Nesters.

Species richness and seasonal abundance of solitary bees were investigated in rocky, montane grassland (campo rupestre) (1180 m asl) and cerrado sensu stricto (680 m asl) in the Biribiri State Park, Diamantina, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Three hundred nineteen nest traps of bamboo canes and black cardboard tubes were monthly inspected at each site during 15 months. A total of eight species of bees built 97 nests. Four species were common to both sites. Tetrapedia aff. curvitarsis Friese and Tetrapedia aff. peckoltii Friese were the most abundant at campo rupestre and cerrado s.s., respectively, followed by Centris analis (Fabricius) in campo rupestre and Centris tarsata Smith in cerrado s.s. The nesting peaks occurred in May in campo rupestre and in February in cerrado s.s. Three cuckoo bees and one bee-fly were collected as natural enemies. The findings suggest that differences between the sites were related more to ecological factors (floral resources, natural nest sites) than to the altitudinal difference. The species richness was similar to that in other habitats with open vegetation. We demonstrate the need to use several types of trap-nest to increase the range of species sampled; some species used only one of the two types traps provided. We also comment on the limitations of trap-nests in cerrado vegetation. Most cerrado species of bees are very selective in their choice for a nesting site, but bees that use trap-nests are more generalists.

Bioaccumulation of mercury, cadmium, zinc, chromium, and lead in muscle, liver, and spleen tissues of a large commercially valuable catfish species from Brazil.

The increasing amounts of heavy metals entering aquatic environments can result in high accumulation levels of these contaminants in fish and their consumers, which pose a serious risk to ecosystems and human health. We investigated the concentrations of mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb) in muscle, liver, and spleen tissues of Pseudoplatystoma corruscans specimens collected from two sites on the Paraopeba River, Brazil. The level of heavy metals concentrations in the tissues was often higher in viscera (i.e. liver and spleen) than in muscle, and thus, the viscera should not be considered for human consumption. Correlations between metal concentrations and fish size were not significant. Although the levels of muscle bioaccumulation of Hg, Cd, Zn, Cr, and Pb, generally do not exceed the safe levels for human consumption, the constant presence of heavy metals in concentrations near those limits considered safe for human consumption, is a reason for concern, and populations who constantly consume fish from polluted rivers should be warned. Our findings also indicate that in a river network where certain areas are connected to other areas with high rates of environmental pollutants, people should be cautious about the regular consumption of fish, even when the fish consumed are caught in stretches of the basin where contamination levels are considered low, since many of the freshwater fish with high commercial value, such as the catfish surubim, are migratory.

Endocrine and metabolic function in male Carioca High-conditioned Freezing rats.

The aim of this study was to characterize Carioca High-conditioned Freezing rats (CHF) regarding their endocrine and metabolic backgrounds. We found an increase in serum corticosterone (CTRL: 96.7 ± 21.65 vs CHF: 292.0 ± 4 0.71 ng/ml) and leptin (CTRL: 9.5 ± 1.51 vs CHF: 19.2 ± 4.32 ng/ml). Serum testosterone (CTRL: 3.3 ± 0.29 vs CHF: 2.0 ± 0.28 ng/ml) and T3 (CTRL: 52.4 ± 2.74 vs CHF: 42.7 ± 2.94 ng/dl) were decreased in the CHF group, but serum TSH and T4 were unaffected. Body weight and food intake were unchanged, nevertheless retroperitoneal fat (CTRL: 2.2 ± 0.24 vs CHF: 4.8 ± 0.64 g) and epididymal fat (CTRL: 2.6 ± 0.20 vs CHF: 4.8 ± 0.37 g) depot weights were around 2-fold higher in CHF animals. BAT weight was similar in both groups. Serum triglycerides (CTRL: 41.4 ± 6.03 vs CHF: 83.2 ± 17.09 mg/dl) and total cholesterol (CTRL: 181.6 ± 5.61 vs CHF: 226.4 ± 13.04 mg/dl) were higher in the CHF group. Fasting glycemia (CTRL: 68.7 ± 3.04 vs CHF: 82.3 ± 2.99 mg/dl) was also higher in the CHF group, however glucose tolerance test response and serum insulin levels were similar between the groups. Oxygen consumption (CTRL: 10.5 ± 0.40 vs CHF: 7.9 ± 0.58 VO2ml/min/kg(0.75)) and BAT D2 activity (CTRL: 0.7 ± 0.17 vs CHF: 0.3 ± 0.04 fmolT4/min/mg ptn) were lower in the CHF group. Our data show that anxiety could impair endocrine and metabolic functions and may contribute to the development of metabolic diseases.

Influence of oily vehicles on fetal testis and lipid profile of rats exposed to di-butyl phthalate.

It has been hypothesized that oils containing high levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as canola and fish oil, could counteract some of the adverse effects induced by phthalates. In the present study, the influence of different oily vehicles on di-butyl phthalate (DBP)-induced testicular toxicity and lipid profile was investigated. Pregnant Wistar rats were treated by oral gavage from gestation days 13 to 20 with DBP (500 mg/kg/day) diluted in three different vehicles: corn, canola or fish oil. Male fetuses were analyzed on gestation day 20. DBP exposure lowered intratesticular testosterone levels and anogenital distance, regardless of the vehicle used. The percentage of seminiferous cords containing multinucleated gonocytes and cord diameter was increased in DBP-exposed groups, compared with vehicle controls, with no difference between the three DBP-exposed groups. Clustering of Leydig cells was seen in all DBP groups. Lipid profile indicated that administration of canola and fish oil can increase the content of omega-3 fatty acids in rat testis. However, content of omega-3 was diminished in DBP-treated groups. Overall, our results indicate that different oily vehicles did not alter fetal rat testicular toxicity induced by a high DBP dose.

Effects of the combined artesunate and mefloquine antimalarial drugs on rat embryos.

Artemisinins combination therapy (ACT) is the first choice therapy for falciparum malaria. Data on the safety of ACTs in pregnancy are limited and controversial and the use is not recommended on the first trimester. To evaluate the effects of isolated and combined artesunate (AS)/mefloquine (MQ) on embryo rats, pregnant rats were treated orally with AS (15 and 40 mg/kg body weight (bwt)/day), MQ (30 and 80 mg/kg bwt/day) and AS/MQ (15/30 and 40/80 mg/kg bwt/day) on days 9-11 post coitum (pc). The dams were euthanized on day 12 pc and gestational and embryos histological parameters were evaluated. Embryolethality and histopathological anomalies were significant when AS was given alone or combined with MQ. Combination of AS and MQ did not enhance their toxicity compared to their separate administrations; on the other side, there was a reduction in the toxic effects of the AS when combined with MQ. Isolated MQ did not induce developmental toxicity.

Species Diversity and Temporal Variation of the Orchid-Bee Fauna (Hymenoptera, Apidae) in a Conservation Gradient of a Rocky Field Area in the Espinhaço Range, State of Minas Gerais, Southeastern Brazil.

This study investigated the orchid-bee community in a conservation gradient of the high-altitude rocky fields in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Sampling was performed at two sites with different anthropic influences: a disturbed area (DA), with exotic plant species, and a preserved area (PA). From September 2009 through February 2011, males of euglossine bees were sampled using aromatic bait-traps. We collected a total of 819 specimens belonging to 11 species and three genera: Euglossa Latreille, Eulaema Lepeletier, and Eufriesea Cockerell. Despite the proximity of DA and PA (about 1.2 km), differences in orchid-bee abundance and richness were observed. Higher abundance was observed in the PA (n = 485) compared with the DA (n = 334). Eight species were common to both sites, and only the DA showed exclusive species. The DA showed higher diversity and higher estimated species richness. Euglossa leucotricha Rebêlo & Moure was the most abundant species at both sites followed by Euglossa melanotricha Moure. Higher abundance and richness were found in the warm rainy season. This study contributes to the knowledge of the orchid-bee fauna in the rocky fields and suggests that the greater resource availability in the DA was responsible for the higher orchid-bee diversity.

Correction of neglected idiopathic club foot by the Ponseti method.

The Ponseti method of treating club foot has been shown to be effective in children up to two years of age. However, it is not known whether it is successful in older children. We retrospectively reviewed 17 children (24 feet) with congenital idiopathic club foot who presented after walking age and had undergone no previous treatment. All were treated by the method described by Ponseti, with minor modifications. The mean age at presentation was 3.9 years (1.2 to 9.0) and the mean follow-up was for 3.1 years (2.1 to 5.6). The mean time of immobilisation in a cast was 3.9 months (1.5 to 6.0). A painless plantigrade foot was obtained in 16 feet without the need for extensive soft-tissue release and/or bony procedures. Four patients (7 feet) had recurrent equinus which required a second tenotomy. Failure was observed in five patients (8 feet) who required a posterior release for full correction of the equinus deformity. We conclude that the Ponseti method is a safe, effective and low-cost treatment for neglected idiopathic club foot presenting after walking age.

Análise epidemiológica de consenso nacional sobre espasticidade / Epidemiological analysis of nacional consense about spasticity

The National Consense abot Spasticity by Brazilian Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (SBMFR) and Brazilian Medical Association (AMB) was done based on critical analysis of epidemiological studies, showing that traditional terapeutic resources need more studies for posterior approving

Increased apolipoprotein B serum concentration in Alzheimer's disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the lipoprotein profile in a group of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients with AD and 32 elderly controls were evaluated. Fasting blood samples were obtained for determination of total VLDL, HDL and LDL cholesterol, lipoprotein (a), triglycerides, apolipoprotein A1 and apolipoprotein B. RESULTS: Significantly higher levels of apolipoprotein B were found in AD patients (P = 0.004), whereas the concentration of lipoprotein (a) and plasma lipids was not statistically different. Apo B levels were similar between AD patients with or without leukoaraiosis on CT scan. CONCLUSION: AD patients had high serum concentration of apolipoprotein B. This finding suggests that apolipoprotein E may not be the single factor in lipid metabolism to play a role in AD pathogenesis.

Tratamento cirúrgico do pé torto equinovaro congênito idiopático: avaliaçäo pó-operatória de 164 pés / Surgical treatment of congenital clubfoot: postoperative evaluation of 164 feet

A via de acesso de Cincinnati foi utilizada em 111 pacientes (164 pés) portadores de pé torto eqüinovaro congênito (PTC) no período de 1985 a 1994. Os autores descrevem a técnica cirúrgica empregada e as facilidades que envolvem a abordagem das regiöes medial, posterior e lateral através dessa via de acesso. Os resultados säo analisados por um sistema de avaliaçäo funcional que permite, por meio de exame clínico e radiográfico, classificá-los em excelentes, bons, regulares e ruins. Os autores, entretanto, sugerem que os resultados excelentes e bons sejam denominados satisfatórios e os regulares e ruins, insatisfatórios. A análise comparativa entre duas faixas etárias é submetida ao estudo estatístico. Dessa forma, foi possível concluir que a idade influenciou significantemente os resultados obtidos.