Global warming assessment suggests the endemic Brazilian kelp beds to be an endangered ecosystem.

Kelps are canopy-forming brown seaweed sustaining critical ecosystem services in coastal habitats, including shelter, nursery grounds, and providing food resources to a myriad of associated species. This study modeled the fundamental niche of Laminaria abyssalis along the Brazilian continental margin, an endemic species of the South Atlantic, to anticipate potential distributional range shifts under two contrasting scenarios of future environmental changes (RCP2.6 and RCP8.5). The model for fundamental niche predictions considering the "present scenario" has shown a wider potential area than the realized niche (i.e., the area where the species actually occurs) along the Brazilian coast. In both future scenarios, the models have shown niche erosion on the northern portion of the Brazilian coast and niche gains towards the south. In both scenarios, L. abyssalis populations tend to shift to deeper regions of the reef. The restricted range of occurrence (33,000 km2), intense anthropic activities along these beds (e.g., trawling fisheries, oil/gas mining, or removal for agricultural purposes) acting synergically with global warming, may drive this ecosystem to collapse faster than kelp species' ability to adapt. We propose to classify L. abyssalis as Endangered - (EN) under IUCN criteria, and highlight that long-term monitoring of kelp beds is an urgent need to develop effective conservation initiatives to protect such rare and invaluable ecosystem.

Physical mapping of 18S and 5S rDNA loci and histone H3 gene in grasshopper species of the subfamily Gomphocerinae (Acrididae).

In this study, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis was used to determine and compare the numbers and chromosomal locations of two multigene families (rDNA and histone H3) in four Neotropical species of gomphocerine grasshoppers. FISH using the 18S rDNA probe identified a single site on the S9 chromosome of Amblytropidia sp and Cauratettix borelli, a single site on chromosome M6 of Compsacris pulcher, and two sites (chromosomes L1 and L2) in Orphulella punctata. By contrast, FISH with a 5S rDNA probe identified dispersion of this sequence in the genomes of the four species, with evidence of intraspecific variations. Amblytropidia sp had six to eight FISH signals on autosomal chromosomes, while C. pulcher exhibited a signal only on the M5 bivalent. The histone H3 gene was less variable and was restricted to a single pair in all species. The conservation of the numbers and locations of 18S rDNA and H3 genes in conjunction with data from the literature was useful for evaluating karyotype evolution in this subfamily. The variation in the number and sizes of 5S rDNA sites indicates a process of recent dispersion that might have been mediated by transposition.

Seasonal dynamics of megafauna on the deep West Antarctic Peninsula shelf in response to variable phytodetrital influx.

The deep West Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) shelf is characterized by intense deposition of phytodetritus during spring/summer months, while very little food material reaches the seafloor during winter. The response of the shelf benthic megafauna to this highly variable food supply is still poorly understood. In order to characterize the deposition of phytodetritus and the megabenthic community response, we deployed a seafloor time-lapse camera at approximately 590 m depth on the mid WAP shelf west of Anvers Island for 15 months. Seafloor photographs were taken at intervals of 12 or 24 h nearly continuously from 9 December 1999 (austral winter) to 20 March 2001 (summer) and analysed for phytodetritus deposition and megafaunal dynamics. Seafloor images indicated a marked seasonal arrival of greenish phytodetritus, with large interannual and seasonal variability in the coverage of depositing phytodetrital particles. The surface-deposit-feeding elasipod holothurians Protelpidia murrayi and Peniagone vignoni dominated the epibenthic megafauna throughout the year, frequently constituting more than 80% of the megafaunal abundance, attaining total densities of up to 2.4 individuals m(-2). Elasipod abundances were significantly higher in summer than winter. During summer periods of high phytodetrital flux, Pr. murrayi produced faecal casts at higher rates, indicating intensified population-level feeding activity. In March-June 2000, faecal casts lasted longest, suggesting lower horizontal bioturbation activity during autumn-winter. Our data indicate that the Pr. murrayi population increases its feeding rates in response to increasing amounts and/or lability of organic matter on the sediment surface. Assuming that this species feeds on the top millimetre of the sediment, we estimate that, during periods of high phytodetrital flux, the Pr. murrayi population reworks one square metre of sediment surface in approximately 287 days. We suggest that Pr. murrayi is an important species for organic-carbon recycling on the deep WAP shelf, controlling the availability of deposited labile phytodetritus to the broader shelf benthic community.

Passive immunity of progeny from broiler breeders vaccinated with oil-emulsion bacterin against Salmonella enteritidis.

Young poultry are very susceptible to Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) infections because of the absence of complete intestinal flora colonization and an immature immune system. This study evaluated the role of passive immunity on the resistance of young birds against early infections caused by SE. The progeny of broiler breeders vaccinated with an oil-emulsion bacterin was compared to the progeny of unvaccinated birds. Efficacy was determined by challenging birds at 1 and 14 days of age with SE Nal Spc strain, phage type 4. After challenge at 1 day of age, the progeny of vaccinated birds presented a significantly lower number (log10) of SE Nal Spc reisolation (P < 0.05) in liver (2.21), spleen (2.31), and cecal contents (2.85) compared with control groups (2.76, 3.02, and 6.03, respectively). The examination of the internal organs, 3 days after infection, revealed that 28% of the birds (7/25) from vaccinated breeders were positive, whereas 100% (25/25) of the chicks derived from unvaccinated birds were positive. Birds challenged at 14 days of age presented a lower number of positive samples compared with those challenged at 1 day of age, and the progeny of vaccinated birds presented statistically lower numbers (log10) of colony-forming units/ml of SE Nal Spc only in the cecal contents compared with nonvaccinated breeder progeny (2.11 vs. 2.94). Age seems to influence the susceptibility of birds to SE infections: in control groups, the number of positive birds at 14 days of age (9/25) was lower when compared with the group infected at 1 day of age (25/25). The number of positive fecal samples of the progeny of vaccinated birds was significantly lower (36) than those of the control group (108) after challenge at 1 day of age. Unchallenged progeny of vaccinated birds presented passive antibodies detectable by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) up to 21 days of age. On the other hand, antibodies of the control group were detected by ELISA 14 days after challenge. These results show a significant contribution of breeder vaccination by increasing the resistance of the progeny against early SE infections. However, the bacteria were not completely eliminated, suggesting that additional procedures are needed to effectively control SE infections.

Evaluation of anatomopathological, serological, immunological responses and protection in broilers vaccinated with live infectious bursal disease vaccines

ABSTRACT The study was divided into three experiments. In the first one, broilers were distributed into six groups and vaccinated against infectious bursal disease at 14 days of age: T1-not vaccinated, T2-Lukert1 (intermediate), T3-Lukert2 (intermediate plus), T4-228E, T5-V877 and T6-Winterfield 2512 (hot strains). Bursas of Fabricius (BF) were collected at 17, 21, 28 and 35 days to measure BF relative weight (BFRW), diameter, histological examination and image processing analysis (IPA). At one, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days of age, samples of blood taken from eight birds from each group for serology analysis by ELISA test. Hot strains vaccines induced reduction of BFRW and BF diameter, higher histological score lesion degree, more lymphocyte depletion on the BF follicles and higher IBD antibody titer. In the second experiment, 16 birds from groups T1 to T6 were isolated and challenged with a very virulent strain of IBDV (vvIBDV) at 25 days of age. Only groups T4, T5 and T6 were totally protected against vvIBDV challenge. In the third experiment, the immunosuppressive potential of each vaccine was determined by examining the ability of IBDVvaccinated birds to respond to Newcastle disease (ND) vaccination and challenge. None of the vaccines was found to be immunodepressive.

RESUMO O estudo foi dividido em três experimentos. No primeiro, frangos foram distribuídos em seis grupos e vacinados contra a Doença Infecciosa da Bursa (IBD) aos 14 dias de idade: T1-não vacinados, T2-Lukert1 (intermediária), T3-Lukert2 (intermediária plus), T4-228E, T5-V877 e T6-Winterfield 2512 (cepa forte). As bursas de Fabrícius (BF) foram colhidas aos 17, 21, 28 e 35 dias para mensurar o seus pesos relativos da BF (BFRW), diâmetros, exames histológicos e processamento de imagem imagens(IPA). Ao primeiro, 14, 21, 28 e 35 dias de idade, foram colhidas amostras de sangue de oito aves de cada grupo para a realização de sorologia através do método ELISA indireto. As vacinas cepa forte induziram redução do BFRW peso e do diâmetro da BF, maior grau de lesão histológica e depleção linfocitária e títulos mais elevados de anticorpos. No segundo experimento, 16 aves dos grupos T1 ao T6 foram isoladas e desafiadas com o vírus muito virulento da IBD (vvIBDV) aos 25 dias de idade. Somente os grupos T4, T5 e T6 foram completamente protegidos do desafio com vvIBDV. No terceiro experimento, o potencial imunossupressor de cada vacina foi determinado através da capacidade das aves vacinadas responderem à vacinação contra a Doença de Newcastle (ND) e posterior desafio. Nenhuma vacina apresentou-se imunossupressora.

Osteossarcoma de mama / Breast osteossarcoma

Os autores apresentam caso raro de osteossarcoma extra-esquelético primário de mama, fazendo breve revisão sobre o assunto.

The authors present a rare case of osteossarcoma primary of the breast and brief revision about thi theme.

Development and reproduction of Podisus distinctus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) fed on larva of Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae).

Biological control has been reducing the use of chemical products against insect pests, especially predatory Pentatomidae. Species of this group can present high variations in their life cycle as a result of their diet. Thus, the objective of this research was to study nymph development and reproduction of Podisus distinctus (Stäl, 1860) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) fed on Bombyx mori L., 1758 (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) larvae (T1), compared to those fed on Tenebrio molitor L., 1758 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) (T2) and Musca domestica L., 1758 (Diptera: Muscidae) larvae (T3) at a temperature of 25 +/- 0.5 degrees C, relative humidity of 70 +/- 2%, and photophase of 12 h. Predators fed on B. mori showed duration of the nymph phase (18.68 +/- 1.02) similar to those fed on T. molitor (18.32 +/- 1.49). Pre-oviposition and oviposition periods and number of egg masses, besides eggs and nymphs per female, were higher with B. mori (5.83 +/- 2.02; 15.00 +/- 7.40; 8.42 +/- 1.84; 296.69 +/- 154.75; and 228.55 +/- 141.04, respectively) while longevity of males and females of P. distinctus was 25.76 +/- 16.15 and 35.00 +/- 16.15 days with T. molitor, and 20.57 +/- 13.60 and 23.46 +/- 12.35 days with B. mori, respectively.

Development and reproduction of Podisus distinctus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) fed on larva of Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae)

O controle biológico vem reduzindo o uso de produtos químicos no combate a insetos pragas, com destaque para pentatomídeos predadores, os quais apresentam variaçäes em seu ciclo de vida, principalmente em função do regime alimentar a que são submetidos. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar o desenvolvimento ninfal e a produtividade de Podisus distinctus (Stãl, 1860) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) alimentado com larvas de Bombyx mori L., 1758 (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) (T1), comparado com larvas de Tenebrio molitor L., 1758 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) (T2) ou Musca domestica L., 1758 (Diptera: Muscidae) (T3) à temperatura de 25 ñ 0,5§C, umidade relativa de 70 ñ 2% e fotoperíodo de 12 h. P. distinctus, alimentado com B. mori, apresentou semelhante duração da fase ninfal (18,68 ñ 1,02) em relação à alimentação com T. molitor (18,32 ñ 1,49). Os períodos de pré-oviposição e oviposição e os números de ovos postos e de ninfas por fêmea foram maiores com B. mori (5,83 ñ 2,02; 15,00 ñ 7,40; 8,42 ñ 1,84; 296,69 ñ 154,75; e 228,55 ñ 141,04, respectivamente), enquanto a longevidade de fêmeas e machos foi de 25,76 ñ 16,15 e 35,00 ñ 16,15 dias com T. molitor e de 20,57 ñ 13,60 e 23,46 ñ 12,35 dias com B. mori, respectivamente.

Development and reproduction of Podisus distinctus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) fed on larva of Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae)

Biological control has been reducing the use of chemical products against insect pests, specially predatory Pentatomidae. Species of this group can present high variations in their life cycle as a result of their diet. Thus, the objective of this research was to study nymph development and reproduction of Podisus distinctus (Stäl, 1860) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) fed on Bombyx mori L., 1758 (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) larvae (T1), compared to those fed on Tenebrio molitor L., 1758 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) (T2) and Musca domestica L., 1758 (Diptera: Muscidae) larvae (T3) at a temperature of 25 ± 0.5ºC, relative humidity of 70 ± 2%, and photophase of 12 h. Predators fed on B. mori showed duration of the nymph phase (18.68 ± 1.02) similar to those fed on T. molitor (18.32 ± 1.49). Pre-oviposition and oviposition periods and number of egg masses, besides eggs and nymphs per female, were higher with B. mori (5.83 ± 2.02; 15.00 ± 7.40; 8.42 ± 1.84; 296.69 ± 154.75; and 228.55 ± 141.04, respectively) while longevity of males and females of P. distinctus was 25.76 ± 16.15 and 35.00 ± 16.15 days with T. molitor, and 20.57 ± 13.60 and 23.46 ± 12.35 days with B. mori, respectively.

O controle biológico vem reduzindo o uso de produtos químicos no combate a insetos pragas, com destaque para pentatomídeos predadores, os quais apresentam variações em seu ciclo de vida, principalmente em função do regime alimentar a que são submetidos. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar o desenvolvimento ninfal e a produtividade de Podisus distinctus (Stäl, 1860) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) alimentado com larvas de Bombyx mori L., 1758 (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) (T1), comparado com larvas de Tenebrio molitor L., 1758 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) (T2) ou Musca domestica L., 1758 (Diptera: Muscidae) (T3) à temperatura de 25 ± 0,5ºC, umidade relativa de 70 ± 2% e fotoperíodo de 12 h. P. distinctus, alimentado com B. mori, apresentou semelhante duração da fase ninfal (18,68 ± 1,02) em relação à alimentação com T. molitor (18,32 ± 1,49). Os períodos de pré-oviposição e oviposição e os números de ovos postos e de ninfas por fêmea foram maiores com B. mori (5,83 ± 2,02; 15,00 ± 7,40; 8,42 ± 1,84; 296,69 ± 154,75; e 228,55 ± 141,04, respectivamente), enquanto a longevidade de fêmeas e machos foi de 25,76 ± 16,15 e 35,00 ± 16,15 dias com T. molitor e de 20,57 ± 13,60 e 23,46 ± 12,35 dias com B. mori, respectivamente.

Rett syndrome in a boy with a 47,XXY karyotype confirmed by a rare mutation in the MECP2 gene.

Rett syndrome (RTT) is an X-linked condition which affects almost exclusively females. Here we report the first case of RTT syndrome in a boy with an XXY chromosomal constitution. Mutation analysis of the MECP2 gene in the affected patient revealed a 423 C-->G substitution in exon 4, resulting in a new stop codon (Y141 X). This change was not present in both his parents or in his older sister. Taking into account the incidence of both RTT syndrome as well as of Klinefelter syndrome, the probability for the simultaneous occurrence of these two events is very low (about approximately 1 in 10 to 15,000,000 births). However, the recent identification of mutations in the MECP2 gene in affected males indicates that screening of the MECP2 gene should be considered also in males with severe mental retardation (MR) in whom the most common forms of MR have been excluded.

Mutations in the caveolin-3 gene: When are they pathogenic?

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD) are a heterogeneous group of genetic disorders usually with autosomal recessive (AR) inheritance and, less often, displaying autosomal dominant (AD) inheritance. Mutations in the caveolin-3 gene (CAV-3) associated with a reduction of protein expression cause AD-LGMD1C muscular dystrophy. Based on a previous study in the American and Brazilian population, it has been suggested that CAV-3 mutations might also cause AR-LGMD. Here we report the analysis of the CAV-3 gene in 61 additional Brazilian LGMD patients and 100 additional Brazilian normal controls. Two rare G55S and C71W missense changes previously detected only in LGMD patients (and not detected in 100 normal controls from the American population) were now found in normal Brazilian controls. In addition, we have identified a novel R125H missense change in one LGMD female patient that was also found in two of her unaffected siblings. These observations, together with the normal immunofluorescence caveolin pattern in the muscle biopsy from two patients with the G55W and R125H changes in the CAV-3 gene suggest that the G55S, C71W, and R125H polymorphisms, on their own, are not sufficient to produce the pathology.

Molecular analysis in Brazilian cystic fibrosis patients reveals five novel mutations.

We have performed molecular genetic analyses on 160 Brazilian patients diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF). Screening of mutations in 320 CF chromosomes was performed through single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and heteroduplex analyses assay followed by DNA sequencing of the 27 exons and exon/intron boundaries of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. The frequency of CFTR variants of T-tract length of intron 8 (IVS8 Tn) was also investigated. This analysis enabled the detection of 232/320 CF mutations (72.2%) and complete genotyping of 61% of the patients. The deltaF508 mutation was found in 48.4% of the alleles. Another fifteen mutations (previously reported) were detected: G542X, R1162X, N1303K, R334W, W1282X, G58E, L206W, R553X, 621+1G-->T, V232D, 1717-1G-->A, 2347 delG, R851L, 2789+5G-->A, and W1089X. Five novel mutations were identified, V201M (exon 6a), Y275X (exon 6b), 2686 insT (exon 14a), 3171 delC (exon 17a), and 3617 delGA (exon 19). These results contribute to the molecular characterization of CF in the Brazilian population. In addition, the identification of the novel mutation Y275X allowed prenatal diagnosis in a high-risk fetus.

Sweat electrolyte and cystic fibrosis mutation analysis allows early diagnosis in Brazilian children with clinical signs compatible with cystic fibrosis.

A total of 540 individuals with clinical signs suggestive of cystic fibrosis (CF) was studied. The sweat chloride was measured and the DF508, G542X, R553X, and W1282X mutations of the CF gene were screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). With this approach the diagnosis of CF was confirmed in 12 children, while 7 additional cases, who are heterozygous for the DF508 mutation, have had minor clinical signs. The frequency of the DF508 allele among the 540 individuals was approximately 3%. The mean age of children diagnosed with CF was 1.81 years, which is significantly earlier than in other studies of the Brazilian population. We also demonstrated that this approach has important clinical implications for earlier and adequate treatment, which was shown to be fundamental for increasing significantly the quality of life and life expectancy. This is particularly true in countries such as Brazil where most CF cases remain undiagnosed, mainly in families of low socio-economical status.

Inibiçäo seletiva das atividades das enzimas transcriptase reversa do vírus HIV-1 e DNA polimerases humanas por derivados dipirazolo-piridina / Selective inhibition of reverse transcriptase enzyme activity of HIV-1 virus and human polymerases DNA by dipirazolo-pyridines derivatives

Novos ribonucleosídeos derivados dos sistemas dipirazolo-piridina foram preparados e avaliados quanto à atividade polimerásica das enzimas transcriptase reversa (RT) do vírus HIV-1 e das DNA polimerases humanas alfa e epsilon. Os derivados 1b e 1d inibiram a atividade da transcriptase reversa em concentraçöes de micromolares. Entretanto, as mesmas substâncias näo foram capazes de inibir a atividade polimerase das enzimas DNA-polimerase humana alfa e epsilon.

Hepatite transinfecciosa: consideraçöes a propósito de 59 casos / Transinfection hepatitis: apropos of 59 cases

Os autores estudaram 59 pacientes adultos de ambos os sexos internados no Serviço de Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias da Faculdade de Medicina de Petrópolis (Secretaria de Saúde - Hospital Antonio Cardoso Fontes), portadores de hepatite transinfecciosa. Cinqüenta pacientes eram portadores de pneumonias bacterianas (23 segmentares, 15 lobares e 22 outras formas), 3 estavam acometidos de infecçäo urinária, 4 de septicemia, 1 apresentava meningite purulenta e 1 apendicite. Nove tipos de bactérias foram isolados, predominando, conforme o caso, pneumococos, scherichia coli e estafilococos aureus. Houve determinaçäo de provas laboratorias antes e após a terapêutica: transaminases, fosfatase alcalina, bilirrubinas, hemograma completo sedimentoscopia urinária, Rx de tórax e culturas. Os resultados apresentados, que säo comparados aos da literatura, demonstram que a hepatite transinfecciosa é de ocorrência relativamente freqüente em nosso meio, nem sempre, porém, diagnosticada corretamente. O diagnóstico diferencial deve ser feito com outras patologias que cursam com icterícia febril de origem viral, bacteriana ou por outro agente. Três a cinco dias, em média, após a instituiçäo da antibioticoterapia específica houve acentuada reduçäo de icterícia na totalidade dos pacientes, sendo que a maioria se tornou, logo, anictérica. Tal fato indica a existência de lesäo hepática fugaz ocasionada por toxinas bacterianas de origem extra-hepática. A fisiopatologia do processo näo está, contudo, completamente esclarecida, sabendo-se que o acometimento pode ocorrer em qualquer tipo de infecçäo bacteriana, independente de sua gravidade ou localizaçäo