Patterns of exochorion ornaments on eggs of seven South American species of Lutzomyia sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae)

The patterns of exochorion ornaments on eggs of seven South American Lutzomyia sand fly species were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM): Lutzomyia (Lutzomyia) cruzi (Mangabeira 1938), Lutzomyia (Micropygomyia) evandroi (Costa Lima and Antunes 1936), L. (Nyssomyia) intermedia (Lutz and Neiva 1912), L. longipalpis (Lutz and Neiva 1912), L. migonei (Franca 1920), L. (Nyssomyia) neivai (Pinto 1926), and L. renei (Martins, Falcao, and Silva 1957). Different patterns were observed, which showed the distinction between some species. Egg ornaments in L. cruzi and L. longipalpis appear as single, parallel, unconnected ridges, whereas eggs of L. migonei appear as single, parallel, connected ridges. Eggs of L. (Nyssomyia) intermedia and L. (N.) neivai present a new variation of the single, unconnected, parallel ridges pattern: small tubercles are present, distributed between the ridges. Eggs of L. renei present an elliptical pattern, with most structures connected by straight ridges. Eggs of L. (M.) evandroi present a polygonal pattern, with alternate rows of small and large hexagons. Our data emphasize the advantages of the SEM approach in the study of the exochorion patterns of Lutzomyia eggs and in the distinction of the sand fly species.     

Dosimetry characterization of 32P catheter-based vascular brachytherapy source wire

Dosimetry measurements and Monte Carlo simulations for a catheter-based 32P endovascular brachytherapy source wire are described. The measured dose rates were obtained using both radiochromic dye film and an automated plastic scintillator. The investigated source has dimensions of 27 mm in length and 0.24 mm in diameter, and is encapsulated in NiTi. For the radiochromic film measurements, calibrated radiochromic dye film was irradiated at distances between 1 and 5 mm from the source axis in A-150 plastic, and read out with a high-resolution scanning densitometer. The depth-dose curve measured in A-150 is then converted to that in water using correction factors obtained from Monte Carlo calculations. For the scintillator system, direct measurements in water were acquired at distances between 1 and 6 mm from the center of the source, along the perpendicular bisector of the source axis. The scintillator was calibrated in terms of absorbed-dose rate in a reference beta-particle field at multiple depths. The measured dose rates obtained from the film and scintillator measurements were then normalized to the measured source activity, i.e., to convert the measured data to units of cGy/s/mCi. Theoretical dosimetry calculations of the catheter-based 32P wire geometry were also obtained from Monte Carlo simulations using the Electron Gamma Shower code (EGS4), the Monte Carlo N-particle transport code (MCNP4B), and CYLTRAN from the Integrated Tiger Series codes (ITS v.3) and found to be in good agreement. The results of both measurements and calculations are expressed as absorbed-dose rate in water per unit of contained activity (cGy/s/mCi). Comparisons indicate that the measured and calculated dosimetry are in good agreement (<10%) within the relevant treatment distances (1-5 mm). This work fully characterizes the radiation field around a novel 32P beta brachytherapy source in water. The depth-dose curve can be used to calculate the dose to the vessel wall from a 27 mm 32P source wire centered within the vessel lumen.     

Histopathological aspects of Dengue-2 virus infected mice tissues and complementary virus isolation

The difficulty in studying dengue virus (DENV) infection in humans and in developing a virus vaccine is the absence of a suitable animal model which develops the full spectra of the Dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) and Dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Despite the fact that viruses have been found in various animal tissues, we isolated DENV from tissues of adult BALB/c mice, inoculated with DENV serotype 2 (DENV-2) obtained from human serum. Viruses were ultrastructurally identified and immunolocalized by immunofluorescence techniques in C6/36 mosquito cell cultures, inoculated with tissues (liver, lung, kidney and cerebellum) macerate supernatant from mice, 48 h post-infection (p.i.). These organs, collected at the same stage of infection, were examined histologically. The histopathological analysis revealed focal alterations in all tissues examined. Liver contained focal ballooned hepatocytes, but without modifying the average diameter of the majority of hepatocytes. Sinusoidal lumen was significantly diminished at this stage but portal and centrolobular veins became congested. Lungs exhibited hemorrhagic foci in the alveolar space, vascular congestion and focal alveolitis. Cerebellar tissue showed rare foci of neuronal compactation (Purkinje cells) and perivascular oedema. In kidneys it was observed an increase in glomerular volume with augmented endocapillary and mesangial cellularity, with reactivity to anti-IgM in all glomeruli of infected mice. In conclusion, DENV-2 was found in all tissues examined early in the evolution of infection. Presence of viruses in tissues has mainly led to hemodynamic alterations with generalized vascular congestion and increased permeability, and mast cell recruitment in lungs. The latter could participate in the vascular modifications in tissues.     

Interpopulation variability among Panstrongylus megistus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) from Brazil

Comparisons were made among Panstrongylus megistus (Burmeister) from three areas of Brazil (Bahia, Minas Gerais, and Santa Catarina), where populations differ with regard to their degree of association with human dwellings. The following characters were studied: morphology of the eggs and the male genitalia; morphometry of the head and thorax; isoenzyme profile; enzymatic activity of the alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (alpha-GPDH); and cytogenetics. In general, differences were observed in the weight, diameter, and length of the egg among Bahia, Minas Gerais, and Santa Catarina populations. Differences were not observed in the architecture of the egg exochorion. The size of the median process of the pygophore of the male genitalia of individuals from Bahia differed from the other two populations. The Minas Gerais population presented the largest number of denticles in the endosome process. The morphometry of the head and thorax differentiated Santa Catarina from the Bahia and Minas Gerais populations. Phosphoglucomutase (EC 5.4.2.2., PGM) was the only enzyme out of 11 that showed polymorphism; the population from Minas Gerais was most polymorphic, whereas the population from Santa Catarina was monomorphic. Study of the alpha-GPDH activity and cytogenetics did not reveal differences among the three populations. Analysis of all the characters studied together with information on these three populations from previous publications allowed a phenogram to be constructed. Two distinct groups were evident, one represented by Santa Catarina and the other by Bahia and Minas Gerais. Considering the greater variability of the Minas Gerais and Bahia populations, we propose the inclusion of these states within the area of origin of P. megistus.     

Leishmaniases of the New World: current concepts and implications for future research.

Recent epidemiologic studies indicate that leishmaniasis in the Americas is far more abundant and of greater public health importance than was previously recognized. The disease in the New World is caused by a number of different parasite species that are capable of producing a wide variety of clinical manifestations. The outcome of leishmanial infection in humans is largely dependent on the immune responsiveness of the host and the virulence of the infecting parasite strain. This article reviews current concepts of the clinical forms, immunology, pathology, laboratory diagnosis, and treatment of the disease as well as aspects of its epidemiology and control. Recommendations for future research on the disease and its control are made.     

DNA polymerase gene locus of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1</Emphasis> is a suitable target for specific and rapid identification of viral infection by PCR technology

The family Herpesviridae comprises at least 100 herpesviruses. Numerous human and animal pathogenic herpesviruses have been identified so far, including Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1 (CeHV-1). This virus is a member of the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae and is the most hazardous herpesvirus to man. CeHV-1 is also known as B-virus or monkey B virus and as Herpesvirus simiae. In order to gain more genetic information, the viral DNA polymerase (DPOL) gene was identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA nucleotide sequence analysis. The deduced amino acid sequence contains the motifs and signatures that are typical for the B-family of DPOLs. The DPOL gene of CeHV-1 was found to be a suitable target for the specific and rapid identification of the Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1 infection by PCR technology. Comparative analysis of the DNA sequences of the DPOL gene loci of CeHV-1, Human herpesvirus 1 and 2 (HHV-1 and HHV-2), and other herpesviruses was carried out for determination of unique genomic regions of the individual DPOL genes. A primer set of 12 primers was used for screening the DNA of CeHV-1, HHV-1, and HHV-2 by detailed PCR. It was found that six out of twelve primer combinations are able to detect specifically the CeHV-1 genome without cross reactivity with the genome of HHV-1 and/or HHV-2. The specificity of the individual amplified DNA fragments was confirmed by DNA nucleotide sequence analysis. The results of these studies indicate that the six primer combinations of the specific CeHV-1 DPOL primer set is the method of choice for a rapid, precise and specific identification of a CeHV-1 infection by PCR. Due to the fact that this specific CeHV-1 DPOL primer set does not amplify any DNAs of HHV-1 or HHV-2 genome this technology is stressing and can be successfully used unlimited and more credible in all laboratories with PCR technical facility routinely for detection of a CeHV-1 infection in vivo or in vitro.The GenBank Accession No. of the sequence of DNA polymerase gene of Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1 (CeHV-1) reported in this study is AY568415, DPOL protein ID AAT67222; nuclear phosphoprotein ID AAT67223     

Sexually dimorphic expression of protease nexin-1 and vanin-1 in the developing mouse gonad prior to overt differentiation suggests a role in mammalian sexual development

The mammalian sex-determining pathway is controlled by the presence or absence of SRY expression in the embryonic gonad. Expression of SRY in males is believed to initiate a pathway of gene expression resulting in testis development. In the absence of SRY, ovary development ensues. Several genes have now been placed in this pathway but our understanding of it is far from complete and several functional classes of protein appear to be absent. Sex-determining genes frequently exhibit sexually dimorphic patterns of expression in the developing gonad both before and after overt differentiation of the testis or ovary. In order to identify additional sex-determining or gonadal differentiation genes we have examined gene expression in the developing gonads of the mouse using cDNA microarrays constructed from a normalized urogenital ridge library. We screened for genes exhibiting sexually dimorphic patterns of expression in the gonad at 12.5 and 13.5 days post-coitum, after overt gonad differentiation, by comparing complex cDNA probes derived from male and female gonadal tissue at these stages on micro-arrays. Using in situ hybridization analysis we show here that two genes identified by this screen, protease nexin-1 (Pn-1) and vanin-1 (Vnn1), exhibit male-specific expression prior to overt gonadal differentiation and are detected in the somatic portion of the developing gonad, suggesting a possible direct link to the testis-determining pathway for both genes.     

Dense osmiophilic material in the surface of the olfactory bulb in the teleost Cyprinus carpio L

A dense osmiophilic structure was found associated to the basal lamina of the outer limiting glial membrane of the carp olfactory bulb. In certain sections this material appears as "beads" composed of small strand-like structures, and in others it seems to form a palisade-like structure. The possible origin and function of this structure is discussed.     

Association of a Mediterranean Diet and Fruit and Vegetable Consumption with Subjective Well-Being among Adults with Overweight and Obesity

Recent evidence suggests that among behavioral-lifestyle factors, adherence to a healthy dietary pattern such as the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) is linked not only to better psychological health and mental positive status but also to increased subjective well-being (SWB). Nevertheless, this association has been unexplored among individuals with excessive weight. This study explored whether adherence to the MedDiet and the intake of healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables (FV) are associated with increased happiness and life satisfaction among Spanish adults with overweight or obesity when weight, body image, and body satisfaction are also considered. A convenience sample of adult individuals with excessive weight completed self-reports on the study variables, and weight and BMI were measured by bioimpedance. No evidence of a relationship with SWB indicators was obtained for MedDiet global indicators, probably due to the low adherence to a healthy diet by these individuals. In contrast, FV intake, as a powerful indicator of healthy eating, was associated with life satisfaction when BMI and body image dimensions were considered, among which body satisfaction had a key role. Moreover, life satisfaction fully mediated the relationship between FV consumption and happiness. Our findings are expected to make a relevant contribution to knowledge on the positive correlates or protective factors for overall well-being in obesity, including dietary habits and body appreciation. Our results may inform obesity management actions focused on inclusive, positive aesthetic models and promoting a healthy lifestyle for happiness in obesity.     

Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of Micro- and Macro-Nutrient Intakes and Trajectories of Macro-Nutrient Supply in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) is experiencing a nutrition transition, characterized by the emergence of overnutrition and micro-nutrient deficiencies. No previous study has comparatively examined nutrient intake in adults across countries in the EMR. This review examined the adequacy of nutrients in adults living in the EMR. Moreover, it analyzed the food balance sheets (FBS) for 1961–2018 to identify the trajectory of energy supply from macro-nutrients in the EMR. A systematic search was conducted from January 2012 to September 2020. Only observational studies were retained with a random sampling design. An assessment of the methodological quality was conducted. Levels of nutrient daily intake and their adequacy compared to the daily reference intake of the Institute of Medicine were reported across the region. No studies were identified for half of the region’s countries. Although nutrient energy intake was satisfactory overall, fat and carbohydrate intake were high. Intake of vitamin D, calcium, potassium, zinc, and magnesium were below that recommended. The analysis of the FBS data allowed for the identification of four linear patterns of trajectories, with countries in the EMR best fitting the ‘high-energy-supply from carbohydrate’ group. This systematic review warrants multi-sectorial commitment to optimize nutrient intake.