Detection of two morphologically cryptic species from the cursor complex (Akodon spp; Rodentia, Cricetidae) through the use of RAPD markers.

The cursor complex is a group within the Akodon genus of South American rodents, formed by Akodon cursor and A. montensis. Correct distinction between these two species is of great importance since they can harbor different Hantavirus strains. These species are only distinguishable by means of karyotypic or internal anatomic features, requiring dissection; recently, some other genetic methods have become available. We developed RAPD markers capable of distinguishing between A. cursor and A. montensis. Samples included 42 individuals of A. cursor from four localities and 16 individuals of A. montensis from two localities. Fifty-five bands, 41 of which were polymorphic, were analyzed. A principal component analysis showed that this set of markers could successfully distinguish between the two species, mainly based on three RAPD bands. The number of bands in each population was compared within a 95% confidence interval as a measure of intraspecific variability. The A. cursor populations were found to have marked genetic structure across the study area (AMOVA; F(ST )= 0.21), which in part might be because of the relatively limited dispersal capabilities of this species. Species-specific bands, with potential for species identification, were identified.

PERMANENT GENETIC RESOURCES: Characterization of eight microsatellite loci in the woolly mouse opossum, Micoureus paraguayanus, isolated from Micoureus demerarae.

Eight novel microsatellite markers were isolated from the woolly mouse opossum from the Amazon Forest in Peru, Micoureus demerarae, using a partial genomic DNA library and an enrichment protocol. These loci were polymorphic in M. demerarae and Micoureus paraguayanus populations from the Atlantic Forest in Brazil with the number of alleles ranging from two to 23. Those eight loci plus another five already described for M. paraguayanus will allow for the evaluation of genetic diversity of populations from the 'Rio Doce' Park, one of the last Atlantic Forest fragments in Minas Gerais state, Brazil.

[Syphilis in an HIV-infected patient]. / Sífilis em doente com infecção pelo V.I.H.

We report the case of a 28-year-old female prostitute, intravenous drug user, seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus and with unusual manifestations of lues infection. The presence of plantar keratoderma, alopecia of the scalp, total loss of hair eyebrows and eyelashes with bilateral chorioretinitis is emphasised. Non-treponemal and treponemal tests for syphilis showed reactivity, but with abnormal serologic expression. The possible relationship between H.I.V. infection and the natural course of syphilis is discussed.

[Postural deficiency syndrome. Its importance in ophthalmology]. / Le syndrome de déficience posturale. Son intérêt en ophtalmologie.

The Postural Deficiency Syndrome (P.D.S.) is a clinical situation always accompanied by an alteration of the ocular and postural equilibrium and by a defect of proprioceptive and visual information. The P.D.S. patients may present an important ophthalmological symptomatology which the classical semiological methods are not able to identify. To study properly these patients it was indispensable to introduce new methods of ophthalmological exploration. Among these new methods, the A.A. point out specially the directional scotometry and the linear directional coordinometry, found out and introduced by them. All these methods have allowed to detect in P.D.S. patients, troubles of directional visual information and typical disturbances of the tonic convergence. As a result of their investigation, the A.A. also describe a new therapy to the P.D.S. This therapy may complement the effects of somatoanalysis and reprogramming, always essential in the treatment of this situation. This new therapy is based on the introduction of a special correction, by means of prismatic lenses of low power, prescribed according to the rules that the A.A. also disclosed. The prismatic correction, appearing to be extremely effective, is well accepted by the great majority of the patients. The investigation work performed by the A.A. gives a new dimension to ophthalmology in the field of diagnosis, prophylaxis, treatment and rehabilitation of different situations of disability and incapacity.