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The worldwide distributed genus Oecetis currently contains around 550 valid species, 73 of them recorded in the Neotropical region. The genus is characterized by adults bearing long and stout maxillary palps and an unbranched M-vein on forewings. More than 50% of the Neotropical species of Oecetis was described in the past 20 years. However, those descriptions were authored by different specialists, not following a standard layout and there is no published phylogenetic hypothesis for the genus diversity in a cladistics framework. In this study we propose a phylogenetic hypothesis for the Neotropical species of Oecetis based on morphological characters and review most of its diversity taxonomically, offering a dichotomous key for specimen identification and new country records in the Neotropical region. The species of Oecetis occurring in the Neotropics do not form a monophyletic group, meaning that its history is more intricate than a single origin would assume. Most of the species-groups addressed in the taxonomical literature are recovered (such as the Oecetis punctata- and Oecetis inconspicua-groups), the Oecetis punctipennis-group is inferred as the sister group of the remaining Neotropical Oecetis, and we propose a new species-group: the Oecetis pratti-group.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T12:40:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-03-16 KU Leuven UNESP Many of the phenotypic manifestations present in social insects are related to the development of exocrine glands, well represented by the nest-building behaviors. Among bees, four tribes compose the corbiculate bees, including both solitary and eusocial species: Apini, Bombini, Euglossini and Meliponini, which use wax as an endogenous product to construct several structures of their nests. Previous works described the presence of wax glands dorsally in meliponine bees, ventrally in Apis, and dorsally and ventrally in Bombus. In euglossine bees, there is some confusion about the presence and location of wax glands. This work, therefore, aims to investigate the position of the wax glands in the four tribes regarding the literature uncertainty. In addition, gathering more information allows a better interpretation of the evolution of this structure and provides more information on the evolution of corbiculate bees. In this work, we collected females from the four tribes of corbiculate bees in the active building area of the nest. Our data showed the presence of wax glands dorsally in Meliponini, ventrally in Apini, and ventrally and dorsally in Bombini; however, no trace of the wax gland was found in Euglossini. Therefore, the absence of wax products in Euglossini suggests that wax glands are an important component of social life and it should be understood as a unique acquisition of the clade formed by the three eusocial corbiculate bee tribes (Bombini, Meliponini and Apini). Univ Estadual Paulista, Dept Zool & Bot, Cristovao Colombo 2265, BR-15054000 Sao Jose Do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Filosofia Ciencias & Letras Ribeirao Preto FF, Dept Biol, Ave Bandeirantes 3900, BR-14040901 Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil Katholieke Univ Leuven, Zool Inst, Naamsestr 59,Box 2466, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium Univ Estadual Paulista, Dept Zool & Bot, Cristovao Colombo 2265, BR-15054000 Sao Jose Do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil KU Leuven: 3E150873 UNESP: 3E150873

Purpose: To objectively evaluate the visual function in children with congenital Zika syndrome using pattern-reversal visual evoked potential (PR-VEP). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study composed of two patient groups: children aged between 18 and 24 months who were positive for the Zika virus (congenital Zika syndrome group) and age-matched healthy children (control group). All patients underwent a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination and PR-VEP was performed binocularly in a room with constant dim illumination. The P100 peak time in the 60' arc stimuli was used, and the results were correlated with visual acuity, cephalic perimeter at birth, and funduscopic findings. Results: Thirty-seven children were included in the congenital Zika syndrome group and 15 in the control group. The mean age was 18.5 ± 0.9 months (range: 17 to 20 months) in the congenital Zika syndrome group and 24.3 ± 1.6 months (range: 21 to 28 months) in the control group. The P100 response was normal in 7 patients (18.9%) with congenital Zika syndrome, borderline in 2 (5.4%), abnormal with prolonged latency in 18 (48.6%), and abnormal with no response in 10 (27.0%). A significant correlation between the visual acuity and P100 peak time was observed ( P < .001). The P100 values were not correlated significantly with the cephalic perimeter at birth ( P = .412) or the funduscopic findings ( P = .510). PR-VEP in children with congenital Zika syndrome and no funduscopic findings was significantly worse than in the control group ( P = .001). Conclusions: Children with congenital Zika syndrome have characteristically abnormal PR-VEPs regardless of the funduscopic findings and severe microcephaly. The PR-VEP findings supported the diagnosis of cortical visual impairment in these children. [ J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus . 2021;58(2):78–83.]

The diversity of two subfamilies of cuckoo wasps in northeastern Brazil is reviewed. Four new species are described and illustrated:Amisega boyiLucena,sp. nov.,A. sertanejaLucena,sp. nov., andDuckeia duduiLucena,sp. nov.(Amiseginae), andCleptidea nordestinaLucena,sp. nov.(Cleptinae). These new species ofAmisegaandDuckeiarepresent the first records of both genera in the core zone of the Caatinga dry region, and they seem to be endemic to this portion of the region. The other twoAmisegaspecies previously recorded in northeastern Brazil are restricted to ecotone habitats between Caatinga and Atlantic forest.Cleptidea nordestinaLucena,sp. nov.(Cleptinae) is the most septentrional record for thefasciataspecies group in South America. With the present contribution, the total recorded diversity of Amiseginae and Cleptinae in northeastern Brazil is represented by the following species:A. boyiLucena,sp. nov.,A. flavipesKimsey, 1987,A. sertanejaLucena,sp. nov.,A. similisKimsey, 1987, andD. duduiLucena,sp. nov.(Amiseginae), andC. nordestinaLucena,sp. nov.(Cleptinae).

Coniceromyia is a genus of 100 species of phorid flies mostly distributed in the Neotropical region. The genus is distinguishable based on several male-exclusive features in different parts of the body, many of which are unique among the Phoridae. In addition, many species of Coniceromyia have nearly identical morphology of their male copulatory apparatus (i.e. hypopygium). The co-occurrence of these unusual characteristics suggests an evolutionary correlation between them. To investigate this possible correlation and to understand other aspects of the evolution of these puzzling male-exclusive characters, we performed the first phylogenetic analysis of Coniceromyia, based on morphological and molecular data. Ancestral state reconstructions and comparative analyses then allowed us to infer the evolution of these characters and search for general evolutionary patterns and correlated histories. We demonstrate that these male-exclusive features varied from highly homoplastic to uniquely derived on the phylogenetic history of Coniceromyia. For some characters, we found evidence of a biased evolution favouring gains over losses of the feature, but no male characteristics were significantly correlated with hypopygium morphology. The evolutionary patterns of the male-exclusive features and comparative evidence with other better known groups suggest possible functions for these features related to sexual selection.

Incongruence among phylogenetic results has become a common occurrence in analyses of genome-scale data sets. Incongruence originates from uncertainty in underlying evolutionary processes (e.g., incomplete lineage sorting) and from difficulties in determining the best analytical approaches for each situation. To overcome these difficulties, more studies are needed that identify incongruences and demonstrate practical ways to confidently resolve them. Here, we present results of a phylogenomic study based on the analysis 197 taxa and 2,526 ultraconserved element (UCE) loci. We investigate evolutionary relationships of Eucerinae, a diverse subfamily of apid bees (relatives of honey bees and bumble bees) with >1,200 species. We sampled representatives of all tribes within the group and >80% of genera, including two mysterious South American genera, Chilimalopsis and Teratognatha. Initial analysis of the UCE data revealed two conflicting hypotheses for relationships among tribes. To resolve the incongruence, we tested concatenation and species tree approaches and used a variety of additional strategies including locus filtering, partitioned gene-trees searches, and gene-based topological tests. We show that within-locus partitioning improves gene tree and subsequent species-tree estimation, and that this approach, confidently resolves the incongruence observed in our data set. After exploring our proposed analytical strategy on eucerine bees, we validated its efficacy to resolve hard phylogenetic problems by implementing it on a published UCE data set of Adephaga (Insecta: Coleoptera). Our results provide a robust phylogenetic hypothesis for Eucerinae and demonstrate a practical strategy for resolving incongruence in other phylogenomic data sets.

Calcium-binding proteins are heterogeneous proteins that act binding this ion in specific domains, performing numerous functions.In the present review, we aim to gather principal information about S100B protein in the Central Nervous System (CNS), highlighting its particularities, mapping, functionalities, and consequences on CNS dysfunction.The research was carried out by searching Pubmed, Medline, Science Direct, Lilacs, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases using the following descriptors: S100 protein; Central Nervous System; Nervous Lesions, as well as their corresponding terms in Portuguese and Spanish. The terms were first searched separately, then together.Due to its ability to bind with calcium, S100B is involved in the regulation of several intra- and extracellular physiological processes. As well as being multifunctional, this protein can be considered both a "marker" and "signaling" since it is capable of triggering functions of detection of and protection in situations of injury to the CNS.In-depth studies are necessary to discover the innumerable actions of this protein which are still unknown. It is expected that these can bring varied benefits by elucidating its therapeutic potential in preclinical and clinical situations.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-28T19:42:40Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-09-01 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Ribosomal DNA (rDNA) loci are essential for cellular metabolism due to their participation in ribosome biogenesis. Although these genes have been widely cytogenetically mapped, the evolutionary mechanisms behind their variability in number and chromosomal location remain elusive, even in well-known biological groups, such as ants, bees and wasps (Insecta: Hymenoptera). To address this question in Hymenoptera and therefore advance the understanding of rDNA evolution in insects in general, we integrated molecular cytogenetic data, a phylogenomic framework, model-based predictions and genome sequencing. Hence, we assessed the main evolutionary trends shaping the chromosomal distribution of rDNA loci in Hymenoptera. We noticed the conservation of one site of rDNA per haploid genome, suggesting that a single 45S rDNA locus is the putative ancestral pattern for aculeate Hymenoptera. Moreover, our results highlighted a nonrandom distribution of rDNA in Hymenoptera karyotypes, as well as a lineage-specific preferential location. The proximal location of rDNA is favoured in species with multiple loci and in the two families of Hymenoptera that show the highest range of chromosome numbers: Formicidae and Vespidae. We propose that chromosome fissions have played a crucial role in the distribution pattern of rDNA loci through the evolutionary diversification of Hymenoptera. Moreover, our genomic analysis of two species, one with a single locus of rDNA and one with multiple loci, supported that loci multiplication is followed by sequence divergence. Our results provide detailed information about the number and chromosomal position of rDNA in Hymenoptera and, therefore, broaden our knowledge regarding rDNA evolutionary dynamics in insects. Laboratório de Biologia Comparada e Abelhas Departamento de Biologia Faculdade de Filosofia Ciências e Letras (FFCLRP) Universidade de São Paulo (USP) Departamento de Biologia Geral e Aplicada Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Programa de Pós-graduação em Biodiversidade Animal Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM) Departamento de Biologia Geral e Aplicada Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) CAPES: 001 FAPESP: 14/11763-8 FAPESP: 19/19069-7 FAPESP: 2015/02432–0 FAPESP: 2016/21098-7 FAPESP: 2018/09666-5 CNPq: 431249/2018-0

The population dynamics of freshwater organisms are expected to be related to the connectivity among comparable streams, ponds, or rivers in a patchy habitat. Here, we investigated the population dynamics of the giant water bug, Belostoma angustum Lauck 1964 (Hemiptera: Belostomatidae), in a fine-scale spatial sampling, and evaluated which gene flow model previously described for freshwater organisms could explain the genetic–morphological variation in this species. For these purposes, we evaluated genetic and morphological variations, as well as the demographic history of this freshwater insect. Our genetic analyses showed a lack of geographical structure within B. angustum populations across the evaluated range, concordant with widespread gene flow model. Our findings of the demographic history of B. angustum suggest recent and rapid expansion beginning during the late Pleistocene after the Last Glacial Maximum. Likewise, we did not find geographically structured morphological variation in B. angustum, except for body size. The lack of structure of genetic–morphological variation in B. angustum could be explained by a stepping ponds system resulting in the widespread gene flow detected among populations of this species. The warmer and wetter climatic conditions after the last glacial period may have favored the demographic expansion of B. angustum populations due to the increasing of potential freshwater habitats and food resources. This favorable habitat probably allowed the stepping ponds dispersal mode resulting in the verified geographically unstructured genetic–morphological variation.

The pharyngeal plate is a morphological complex with extensive anatomical variation among bees and, therefore, potential as a source of phylogenetic information. The pharyngeal plate of bees is divided into four morphologically distinct regions: sitophore, hypopharyngeal lobe, pharyngeal rods, and median oral plate. In this work we illustrate and document in detail for the first time the pharyngeal plate of 43 bee species, providing descriptions of the morphological variation and contrasting these findings with representatives of apoid wasps (Crabronidae and Sphecidae). We evaluate and discuss the potential of this structure as a rich source of morphological information in the context of bee phylogeny and any research potentially impacted by comparative morphological data. The shape of the hypopharyngeal lobe is highly variable among suprageneric taxa of bees and can be readily employed to characterise taxa at various levels. We argue that the global patterns in the variation of the pharyngeal plate can provide information for phylogenetic inference within bees and constructed and coded 10 characters that encompass the most noticeable morphological differences discussed herein.

The abundant members of the Meliponini (stingless bees) are restricted to the tropics and subtropics worldwide. Because past studies of the anatomy of their mature larvae are limited, revealing little anatomical variation in the tribe, the current investigation attempts to examine this topic more thoroughly. Herein we describe the mature larvae of 30 species representing 16 genera of a total world fauna of perhaps 32 genera. Although the larvae of most taxa show little anatomical diversity, two species, Trigona (Duckeola) ghilianii Spinola and Trigona (Frieseomelitta) varia (Lepeletier), have mature larvae that differ remarkably in anatomical structure from those of other known stingless bees, and, further, their individual anatomies suggest a close evolutionary relationship. Larval evidence is presented indicating that Trichotrigona extranea (Camargo and Moure) is also related to these two taxa. Because eggs are often included in collections of bee larvae, this study adds descriptions of the eggs of 11 species of the Meliponini not previously characterized as well as a list of those that had been treated earlier.

Corbiculate bees comprise a distinctive radiation of animals including many familiar species, such as honey bees and bumble bees. The group exhibits a broad variety of morphologies and behaviors, including solitary, social, and cleptoparasitic lifestyles. Since corbiculate bees play a critical role for the interpretation of eusocial behaviors, understanding their phylogeny is crucial to explain patterns and mechanisms of social evolution. Despite advances to unveil corbiculate relationships employing genomic data, the drivers of conflict between molecular and morphological hypotheses are still not fully understood. Morphological datasets favor a single origin for highly eusocial behaviors (i.e., Apini + Meliponini) whereas molecular datasets favor other scenarios (e.g., Bombini + Meliponini). Explanations for this incongruence have been suggested, including quality, quantity, and source of data or methodological issues. In this work we tackled this problem by generating the most extensive morphological dataset for the corbiculate bee species by exploring characters from all body regions, including external and internal adult skeletal anatomy. We produced a matrix with 289 characters for 53 taxa of Apidae, including 24 corbiculate bees. We explored different analyses and optimality criteria including extended implied weights parsimony and two partitioning schemes for Bayesian inferences. We contrasted hypotheses with Bayesian topological tests and conducted analyses to investigate if characters were prone to concerted convergence. Our results are congruent with the conclusions of previous studies based on morphology, recovering Apini sister to Meliponini and both of them together sister to Bombini. Finally, we provide our interpretations on the corbiculate controversy and provide a conciliatory scenario about this issue.

We integrated phylogenetic, biogeographic and palaeontological data to reconstruct the evolutionary history of the cuckoo wasps. We propose a phylogenetic hypothesis based on a comprehensive morphological study resulting in 300 characters coded for both living and extinct species. Phylogenetic relationships and divergence time estimation were simultaneously inferred in a Bayesian tip-dating framework, applying a relaxed morphological clock. Results unequivocally indicate Chrysididae to be monophyletic, as well as all traditionally recognized subfamilies and tribes. Within the Chrysidinae, Elampini was placed as the sister-group of the other three chrysidine tribes, with Parnopini as sister to the clade including Allocoeliini and Chrysidini. Dating analysis indicates that the major lineages started to differentiate around 130 Mya during the Early Cretaceous. The clades recognized as subfamilies started differentiating during the Palaeogene and the Neogene. Our results reveal an intricate process on the geographic evolution of chrysidid wasps and dispute previous ideas that Cretaceous-old splits in their early history could be associated with vicariant events related to the breakup between Africa and South America. The present-day southern disjunctions of some groups are interpreted as the outcome of more recent dispersals and extinctions of representatives from Nearctic and Palaearctic faunas during the Neogene, when northern continents became significantly colder.

It is widely recognized that different regions of a genome often have different evolutionary histories and that ignoring this variation when estimating phylogenies can be misleading. However, the extent to which this is also true for morphological data is still largely unknown. Discordance among morphological traits might plausibly arise due to either variable convergent selection pressures or else phenomena such as hemiplasy. Here, we investigate patterns of discordance among 282 morphological characters, which we scored for 50 bee species particularly targeting corbiculate bees, a group that includes the well-known eusocial honeybees and bumblebees. As a starting point for selecting the most meaningful partitions in the data, we grouped characters as morphological modules, highly integrated trait complexes that as a result of developmental constraints or coordinated selection we expect to share an evolutionary history and trajectory. In order to assess conflict and coherence across and within these morphological modules, we used recently developed approaches for computing Bayesian phylogenetic information allied with model comparisons using Bayes factors. We found that despite considerable conflict among morphological complexes, accounting for among-character and among-partition rate variation with individual gammadistributions, rate multipliers, and linked branch lengths can lead to coherent phylogenetic inference using morphological data. We suggest that evaluating information content and dissonance among partitions is a useful step in estimating phylogenies from morphological data, just as it is with molecular data. Furthermore, we argue that adopting emerging approaches for investigating dissonance in genomic datasets may provide new insights into the integration and evolution of anatomical complexes. Sao Paulo Research Foundation, FAPESPFundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo (FAPESP) [2015/15347-1, 2018/19277-6, 2018/09666-5]; Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior-Brazil (CAPES)Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES) [001]; National Science FoundationNational Science Foundation (NSF) [DBI-1661516]; Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPQ) [310111/20196, 422019/2018-6]; NSERCNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Published version This work was supported by the Sao Paulo Research Foundation, FAPESP (2015/15347-1 and 2018/19277-6 to D.S.P.; and 2018/09666-5 to E.A.B.A. and D.S.P.) and Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior-Brazil (CAPES)-Finance Code 001. D.S.P. was also partly supported by a National Science Foundation Grant (DBI-1661516). E.A.B.A. was partly supported by the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq grants 310111/20196 and 422019/2018-6). M.W.P. was supportedby aNSERC Discovery Grant.

Luminescent semiconductor nanocrystals or quantum dots (QDs) emerge as important fluorescent probes for in vitro and in vivo Trypanosoma cruzi cells studies. However, to ensure applicability to living organisms, several tests still need to be done. Since several toxic events are caused by QDs, such as loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, ROS generation, DNA damage and cell death by autophagy. We performed a review of the literature on mechanisms of cellular uptake, internalization and citotoxicity of nanoparticles including our results about the evaluation of biological toxicity in T. cruzi. We evaluated the possible effects on parasite growth curves in a time - scale of control and incubated cells with different concentrations of CdTe – QDs (0.2; 2.0; 20 and 200µM) to determine the development cells changes. In addition, intracellular ROS were measured by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (EPR) technique. According our results, we can infer that the toxic effects of QDs in T. cruzi are dose-dependent and that high levels of ROS are involved in cellular toxicity promoted by higher concentrations of QDs. In summary, parasites labeled with low concentrations of nanoparticles are suitable and can be used as bioimaging tools for living parasites. However, more studies on QDs cytotoxicity need to be carried out. Los nanocristales semiconductores luminiscentes o puntos cuánticos (QD) emergen como importantes sondas fluorescentes para estudios in vitro e in vivo con células de Trypanosoma cruzi. Sin embargo, para garantizar la aplicabilidad a los organismos vivos, aún deben realizarse varias pruebas. Dado que varios eventos tóxicos son causados por QD, como la pérdida del potencial de la membrana mitocondrial, la generación de ROS, el daño del ADN y la muerte celular por autofagia. Realizamos una revisión de la literatura sobre los mecanismos de captación celular, internalización y citotoxicidad de las nanopartículas, incluidos nuestros resultados sobre la evaluación de la toxicidad biológica en T. cruzi. Evaluamos los posibles efectos sobre las curvas de crecimiento del parásito en una escala de tiempo de control y las células incubadas con diferentes concentraciones de CdTe - QDs (0.2; 2.0; 20; 200µM) para determinar los cambios en las células de desarrollo. Además, las ROS intracelulares se midieron mediante la técnica de espectroscopia de resonancia paramagnética electrónica (EPR). Según nuestros resultados, podemos inferir que los efectos tóxicos de las QD en T. cruzi son dosis-dependientes y que los niveles altos de ROS están implicados en la toxicidad celular promovida por concentraciones más altas de QD. En resumen, los parásitos etiquetados con bajas concentraciones de nanopartículas son adecuados y pueden usarse como herramientas de bioimagen para parásitos vivos. Sin embargo, es necesario realizar más estudios sobre citotoxicidad QD. Nanocristais semicondutores luminescentes ou pontos quânticos (QDs) surgem como importantes sondas fluorescentes para estudos in vitro e in vivo de células de Trypanosoma cruzi. No entanto, para garantir a aplicabilidade aos organismos vivos, vários testes ainda precisam ser feitos. Uma vez que diversos eventos tóxicos são causados por QDs, como perda de potencial de membrana mitocondrial, geração de ROS, dano ao DNA e morte celular por autofagia. Realizamos uma revisão da literatura sobre os mecanismos de captação celular, internalização e citotoxicidade de nanopartículas incluindo nossos resultados sobre a avaliação da toxicidade biológica em T. cruzi. Avaliamos os possíveis efeitos nas curvas de crescimento do parasita em uma escala de tempo de controle e células incubadas com diferentes concentrações de CdTe - QDs (0,2; 2,0; 20 e 200µM) para determinar as alterações nas células de desenvolvimento. Além disso, as ROS intracelulares foram medidas pela técnica de Espectroscopia de Ressonância Paramagnética Eletrônica (EPR). De acordo com nossos resultados, podemos inferir que os efeitos tóxicos dos QDs no T. cruzi são dose-dependentes e que altos níveis de ROS estão envolvidos na toxicidade celular promovida por maiores concentrações de QDs. Em resumo, parasitas marcados com baixas concentrações de nanopartículas são adequados e podem ser usados como ferramentas de bioimagem para parasitas vivos. No entanto, mais estudos sobre citotoxicidade de QDs precisam ser realizados.

Background: Since aging affects the immune responses against vaccination, the present study evaluated the effects of L-glutamine (Gln) supplementation in the humoral and cellular immune responses in elderly subjects, practitioners or not, of physical exercise training. Methods: Eighty-four elderly people (aged 72.6 &plusmn, 6.1), non-practitioners (NP, n = 31), and practitioners of combined-exercise training (CET, n = 53) were submitted to Influenza virus vaccination and supplemented with Gln (0.3 g/kg of weight + 10 g of maltodextrin, groups: NP-Gln (n = 14), and CET-Gln (n = 26)), or placebo (10 g of maltodextrin, groups: NP-PL (n = 17), and CET-PL (n = 27)). Blood samples were collected pre (baseline) and 30 days post-vaccination and supplementation. Results: Comparing with the baseline values, whereas the NP-Gln and CET-PL groups showed higher specific-IgM levels, the CET-Gln group showed higher specific-IgM and IgA levels post-vaccination. The titer rate of hemagglutination inhibition was higher in the CET-Gln, NP-PL, and NP-Gln groups post-vaccination than baseline values. The absolute number of naive and effector CD4+ T cells was higher especially in the NP-Gln and CET-Gln groups, whilst activated CD4+ T cells were higher in CET subgroups post-vaccination. Conclusion: Our results showed that both l-glutamine supplementation and combined-exercise training can improve the immune responses to the Influenza virus vaccine in elderly subjects.

The present catalogue lists the insect types (Hexapoda) deposited at Coleção Entomológica “Prof. J.M.F.Camargo” (RPSP), Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. This collection is known as one of the most significant depositories of stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini) for the Brazilian and Neotropical faunas, largely because of the legacy of Professor João Franco Maria de Camargo (in memoriam) and co-workers. The Meliponini constitute the most emblematic portion of the collection, comprising 3,335 type-specimens (66 holotypes, 3,254 paratypes, and 15 paralectotypes), which represent 132 species-names. In addition to stingless bees, 495 type specimens of other Hymenoptera (23 holotypes and 472 paratypes) are deposited at RPSP representing 71 hymenopteran species-names: Agaonidae (16 names), Andrenidae (3 names), non-Meliponini Apidae (21 names), Chrysididae (2 names), Halictidae (16 names), Colletidae (5 names), Megachilidae (5 names), Melittidae (1 name), Pteromalidae (1 name), and Vespidae (1 name); the only other insect order currently represented by types at RPSP is Diptera (Drosophilidae: 2 names). Altogether, there currently are 3,832 type-specimens deposited at RPSP. Label data and additional information from the RPSP registers, literature sources, and taxonomic remarks are given, including photographs of name bearing types and representatives of other type specimens of the species herein considered.

Nine new species of the collembolan genus Salina MacGillivray from South America are described and illustrated. Two Neotropical species were recorded for the first time from Brazil: S. dedoris Mari-Mutt and S. tristani Denis. Salina was previously known to occur in three Brazilian states, and this is now updated to include 19 states with 12 recorded species. A new proposal of morphological character description and illustration, and an identification key for the celebensis group are provided. A hypothesis for the phylogenetic relationships among 34 species of Salina (about 50% of the 72 described species) allowed three main pursuits: (a) a reevaluation of Salina species groups; (b) the first explicit interpretation of how morphological characters of these springtails may have changed during the course of the diversification of the taxon; and (c) an evaluation of the historical biogeographic connections of Salina, with an emphasis on the celebensis group distribution to the New World.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T10:47:15Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-01-01 Neotropical swarm-founding wasps are divided into 19 genera in the tribe Epiponini (Vespidae, Polistinae). They display extensive variation in several colony-level traits that make them an attractive model system for reconstructing the evolution of social phenotypes, including caste dimorphism and nest architecture. Epiponini has been upheld as a solid monophyletic group in most phylogenetic analyses carried out so far, supported by molecular, morphological and behavioural data. Recent molecular studies, however, propose different relationships among the genera of swarm-founding wasps. This study is based on the most comprehensive epiponine sampling so far and was analyzed by combining morphological, nesting and molecular data. The resulting phylogenetic hypothesis shows many of the traditional clades but still impacts the way certain behavioural characters, such as nest structure and castes, evolved, and thus requires some re-interpretations. Angiopolybia as sister to the remaining Epiponini implies that nest envelopes and a casteless system are plesiomorphic in the tribe. Molecular dating points to an early tribal diversification during the Eocene (c. 55–38 Ma), with the major differentiation of current genera concentrated in the Oligocene/Miocene boundary. Depto. de Zoologia e Botânica Instituto de Biociências Letras e Ciências Exatas (IBILCE) Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP) Depto. Biologia Faculdade de Filosofia Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP) Universidade de São Paulo (USP) Powdermill Nature Reserve Carnegie Museum of Natural History, 1795 Route 381 Division of Invertebrate Zoology American Museum of Natural History Depto. de Zoologia e Botânica Instituto de Biociências Letras e Ciências Exatas (IBILCE) Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP)

Author(s): Lucena, DAA; Kimsey, LS; Almeida, EAB | Abstract: Phylogenetic studies addressing relationships among chrysidid wasps have been limited. There are no hypotheses proposed for the Neotropical lineages of Chrysidini other than the classic cladogram published in the 1990s by Kimsey and Bohart. Herein we present a cladistic analysis based on 64 morphological characters coded for 54 species of Chrysidini, 32 of them being Ipsiura and 22 representing Caenochrysis, Chrysis, Exochrysis, Gaullea, Neochrysis, and Pleurochrysis. The species of Ipsiura were recovered as monophyletic and as the sister clade of Neochrysis in all most parsimonious trees. We discuss the high plasticity of some morphological characters as evidenced by their high homoplasy in the phylogenetic results, and we clarify the main morphological changes inferred on the phylogenetic tree for this genus. The effects of the inferred homoplasy were evaluated under an implied weighting cladistic analysis, and from a probabilistic perspective with Bayesian inference. Those alternative strategies did not alter the general conclusions about the monophyly of Ipsiura or the generic relationships in Chrysidini (changes were noticed in the species-level relationships within certain parts of Ipsiura, where low branch support was common across all approaches). Among the species groups proposed by Linsenmaier (1985), only the marginalis group was recovered as monophyletic. We also evaluated the convoluted biogeographic history of the group. The resulting historical reconstructions indicate a complicated scenario of diversification of these wasps in the Neotropics, and a close association with forested biomes is discussed.

Chromosomal rearrangements of the human MLL/KMT2A gene are associated with infant, pediatric, adult and therapy-induced acute leukemias. Here we present the data obtained from 2345 acute leukemia patients. Genomic breakpoints within the MLL gene and the involved translocation partner genes (TPGs) were determined and 11 novel TPGs were identified. Thus, a total of 135 different MLL rearrangements have been identified so far, of which 94 TPGs are now characterized at the molecular level. In all, 35 out of these 94 TPGs occur recurrently, but only 9 specific gene fusions account for more than 90% of all illegitimate recombinations of the MLL gene. We observed an age-dependent breakpoint shift with breakpoints localizing within MLL intron 11 associated with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and younger patients, while breakpoints in MLL intron 9 predominate in AML or older patients. The molecular characterization of MLL breakpoints suggests different etiologies in the different age groups and allows the correlation of functional domains of the MLL gene with clinical outcome. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the MLL recombinome in acute leukemia and demonstrates that the establishment of patient-specific chromosomal fusion sites allows the design of specific PCR primers for minimal residual disease analyses for all patients.

Although essential for inflammatory responses, leukocyte recruitment to blood vessel walls in response to inflammatory stimuli, such as TNF-α, can contribute to vascular occlusion in inflammatory diseases, including atherosclerosis. We aimed to further characterize the mechanisms by which TNF stimulates adhesive and morphologic alterations in neutrophils. Microfluidic and intravital assays confirmed the potent effect that TNF has on human and murine neutrophil adhesion and recruitment in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Inhibition of actin polymerization by cytochalasin D significantly diminished TNF-induced human neutrophil adhesion in vitro and abolished TNF-induced membrane alterations and cell spreading. In contrast, TNF-induced increases in β2-integrin (Mac-1 and LFA-1) expression was not significantly altered by actin polymerization inhibition. Consistent with a role for cytoskeletal rearrangements in TNF-induced adhesion, TNF augmented the activity of the Rho GTPase, RhoA, in human neutrophils. However, inhibition of the major RhoA effector protein, Rho kinase (ROCK), by Y-27632 failed to inhibit TNF-induced neutrophil adhesion. In contrast, the formin FH2 domain inhibitor, SMIFH2, abolished TNF-induced human neutrophil adhesion and diminished leukocyte recruitment in vivo. SMIFH2 also inhibited TNF-induced cytoskeletal reorganization in human neutrophils and abolished the alterations in β2-integrin expression elicited by TNF stimulation. As such, Rho GTPase/mDia formin-mediated cytoskeletal reorganization appears to participate in the orchestration of TNF-induced neutrophil-adhesive interactions, possibly mediated by formin-mediated actin nucleation and subsequent modulation of β2-integrin activity on the neutrophil surface. This pathway may represent a pharmacologic target for reducing leukocyte recruitment in inflammatory diseases.

Universidade de Bras?lia. Faculdade de Medicina. Laborat?rio Multidisciplinar de Pesquisa em Doen?a de Chagas. Bras?lia, DF, Brasil. Universidade de Bras?lia. Faculdade de Medicina. Laborat?rio Multidisciplinar de Pesquisa em Doen?a de Chagas. Bras?lia, DF, Brasil. Universidade de Bras?lia. Faculdade de Medicina. Laborat?rio Multidisciplinar de Pesquisa em Doen?a de Chagas. Bras?lia, DF, Brasil. Universidade de Bras?lia. Faculdade de Medicina. Laborat?rio Multidisciplinar de Pesquisa em Doen?a de Chagas. Bras?lia, DF, Brasil. Universidade de Bras?lia. Faculdade de Medicina. Laborat?rio Multidisciplinar de Pesquisa em Doen?a de Chagas. Bras?lia, DF, Brasil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil. Universidade de Bras?lia. Faculdade de Medicina. Laborat?rio Multidisciplinar de Pesquisa em Doen?a de Chagas. Bras?lia, DF, Brasil. Universidade de Bras?lia. Faculdade de Medicina. Laborat?rio Multidisciplinar de Pesquisa em Doen?a de Chagas. Bras?lia, DF, Brasil. Universidade de Bras?lia. Faculdade de Medicina. Laborat?rio Multidisciplinar de Pesquisa em Doen?a de Chagas. Bras?lia, DF, Brasil. Universidade de Bras?lia. Faculdade de Medicina. Laborat?rio Multidisciplinar de Pesquisa em Doen?a de Chagas. Bras?lia, DF, Brasil. Universidade de Bras?lia. Faculdade de Medicina. Laborat?rio Multidisciplinar de Pesquisa em Doen?a de Chagas. Bras?lia, DF, Brasil. BACKGROUND: The Trypanosoma cruzi infection endemic in Latin America has now spread to several countries across four continents; this endemic involves triatomine vector-free protists. We hypothesised that the sexual transmission of T. cruzi contributes to the ongoing spread of Chagas disease. OBJECTIVES: A short-term longitudinal study was conducted to evaluate this hypothesis. METHODS: The study population comprised 109 subjects from four families, among whom 21 had been diagnosed with acute Chagas disease by direct parasitological analysis. Blood mononuclear cells and serum samples were obtained from each study subject once per year for three consecutive years. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence serological examinations were used to detect specific T. cruzi antibodies. Polymerase chain reaction of T. cruzi DNA revealed 188-nucleotide bands, which hybridised to a specific radiolabelled probe and were confirmed by cloning and sequencing. RESULTS: Three independent assessments at different time points revealed T. cruzi nuclear DNA footprints in 76% (83/109) of the study population with active infection. In contrast, the ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence assays detected the T. cruzi antibody in 28.4% (31/109) of the study samples. Moreover, the semen from 82.6% (19/23) of subjects people revealed harboured the 188- bp base pair T. cruzi footprint. Interestingly, the ejaculates of nuclear DNA-positive Chagas patient transmitted the T. cruzi upon peritoneal injection or infusion in the vagina of mice, and amastigotes were detected in the skeletal muscle, myocardium, vas deferens, and uterine tube. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: T. cruzi infections can be transmitted from females or males to na?ve mates through intercourse, and progeny showed discrepancies between the ratios of nuclear DNA footprints and specific antibody that can be explained by the tolerance attained during early embryo growth. Additional studies are needed to develop drugs to eradicate the infections. Additionally, the importance of a vigorous education, information, and communication program to prevent sexually transmitted Chagas disease in humans cannot be underemphasised.

INTRODUCTION Primary central nervous system (CNS) germ cell tumors (GCT) account for 2–3% brain tumors children/adolescents in Western hemisphere. The report aim is to present the results of a Brazilian CNSGCT consortium protocol. METHODS Since 2013, 45 patients with histologic and/or tumor marker (TM) diagnosis of germinoma with/without HCGβ levels≤200mIU/ml (n=33), four between 100-200mIU/ml and NGGCT (n=12), received carboplatin/etoposide/cyclophosphamide (4–6 cycles), followed by 18Gy ventricular field irradiation and primary site(s) boost. Autologous bone marrow transplant (ABMT) was conducted for NGGCT low responders. RESULTS Mean age 12.9 years (4.7-20y), 34 males. Diagnosis was made by TM (n=9), surgery (n=19), both (n=15). Two bifocal cases, (-)TM were treated as germinoma. Primary tumor location was pineal (n=20), suprasellar (n=13), bifocal (n=11) and basal ganglia/thalamus (n=1). Fourteen had ventricular/spinal spread. Second-look surgery occurred in 5 patients. For the germinoma group, 26 achieved complete response (CR) after chemotherapy, seven showed residual teratoma/scar. For the NGGCT after 2/4 cycles, four patients showed CR, 2 failure/progression and 6 partial response (4 (-)TM). Two were submitted to ABMT. Radiotherapy was performed as described, except in three. One recurrence to date. Two patients died (endocrinologic complications/progression). Toxicity was mostly grade ¾ neutropenia/thrombocytopenia during chemotherapy. At a median follow-up of 38 months, OS was 100% for Germinoma and 85% NGGCT. CONCLUSION The treatment is tolerable and VFI dose reduction to 18Gy seems to preserve efficacy. Further follow-up is warranted to assess the NG group and the slow-responder patients.

Two new species of Miroculis Edmunds, 1963 (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae) are described, diagnosed and illustrated based on adults and/or nymphs collected in Brazil and Colombia. Both species share an uncommon genitalia morphology, which includes a long penis that is curved at base and a long styliger plate. In the case of the species from Brazil, which is also described based on nymphs, gills are devoid of the characteristic lateral lobes found in the other species of the genus.

Background. Although Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) can benefit the immune status, the effects of LcS in the immune/inflammatory responses of marathon runners has never been evaluated. Therefore, here we evaluated the effect of daily ingestion of fermented milk containing or not LcS in the systemic and upper airway immune/inflammatory responses before and after a marathon. Methods. Forty-two male marathon runners ingested a fermented milk containing 40 billion of LcS/day (LcS group, n = 20) or placebo (unfermented milk, n = 22) during 30 days pre-marathon. Immune/inflammatory parameters in nasal mucosa and serum, as well as concentrations of secretory IgA (SIgA) and antimicrobial peptides in saliva, were evaluated before and after fermented milk ingestion, immediately, 72 h, and 14 d post-marathon. Results. Higher proinflammatory cytokine levels in serum and nasal mucosa, and also lower salivary levels of SIgA and antimicrobial peptides, were found immediately post-marathon in the placebo group compared to other time points and to LcS group. In opposite, higher anti-inflammatory levels and reduced neutrophil infiltration on nasal mucosa were found in the LcS group compared to other time points and to the placebo group. Conclusion. For the first time, it is shown that LcS is able to modulate the systemic and airways immune responses post-marathon.

The main sources of food for stingless bees are the nectar and pollen harvested from flowers, whereas one important kind of nesting material (i.e. wax) is produced by their own abdominal glands. Stingless bees can, nonetheless, obtain alternative resources of food and wax from exudates released by sap-sucking insects as honeydew and waxy cover, respectively. To date, there are no comprehensive studies investigating how diversified and structured the network interactions between stingless bees and sap-sucking insects are. Here, we conducted a survey of the data on relationship between stingless bees and sap-sucking insects to evaluate: (1) which resources are collected by which stingless bee species; (2) how diverse the interaction network is, using species degree and specialisation index as a proxy; and if (3) there would be any phylogenetic signal in the species degree and specialisation indices. Our findings demonstrate that approximately 21 stingless bee species like Trigona spp. and Oxytrigona spp. have been observed interacting with 11 sap-sucking species, among which Aethalion reticulatum is the main partner. From ca. 50 records, Brazil is the country with most observations (n = 38) of this type of ecological interaction. We found also that stingless bees harvest fivefold more honeydew than waxy covers on sap-sucking insects. However, we did not find any phylogenetic signal for the occurrence of this interaction, considering species degree and specialisation indices, suggesting that both traits apparently evolved independently among stingless bee species. We suggest that specific ecological demands may drive this opportunistic behaviour exhibited by stingless bees, because major sources of food are obtained from flowers and these bees produce their own wax.

This study aimed to optimize Cymbopogon citratus essential oil loaded into PLGA-nanoparticles by investigating the effect of processing variables (sonication time, ultrasound power, and essential oil/polymer ratio) on encapsulation efficiency and particle mean hydrodynamic diameter using Box-Behnken design. Nanoparticles were prepared by an emulsification/solvent diffusion method and physicochemically characterized by FTIR, DSC and TGA/DTA. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in human HaCat keratinocytes by WST-1 and LDH assays. The optimized formulation had a hydrodynamic mean diameter of 277 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.18, a Zeta potential of −16 mV and an encapsulation efficiency of 73%. Nanoparticle characterization showed that only citral was incorporated in nanocarriers, with some amount adsorbed on their surface, and highlighted the potential in increasing the oil thermal stability. The drug release profile demonstrated a biphasic pattern with a substantial sustained release depending on diffusion from the polymeric matrix. Toxicity effects on cell viability of pure essential oil at low concentrations were significantly eliminated when encapsulated. Results revealed the ability of PLGA-nanoparticles to improve essential oil physicochemical characteristics, by controlling release and reducing toxicity, suggesting their potential use in pharmaceutical preparations.

Foundation for the Advancement of Science (FAPDF) ; National Research Council, Ministry of Science and Technology (CNPq/MCT) ; Agency for Training Human Resources, Ministry of Education (CAPES/ME), Brazil . Universidade de Brasilia. Faculdade de Medicina. Multidisciplinar de Pesquisa em Doen?as de Chagas. Brasilia, DF, Brazil. Universidade de Brasilia. Faculdade de Medicina. Multidisciplinar de Pesquisa em Doen?as de Chagas. Brasilia, DF, Brazil. Universidade de Brasilia. Faculdade de Medicina. Multidisciplinar de Pesquisa em Doen?as de Chagas. Brasilia, DF, Brazil. Universidade de Brasilia. Faculdade de Medicina. Multidisciplinar de Pesquisa em Doen?as de Chagas. Brasilia, DF, Brazil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil. Universidade de Brasilia. Faculdade de Medicina. Multidisciplinar de Pesquisa em Doen?as de Chagas. Brasilia, DF, Brazil. American trypanosomiasis is transmitted to humans by triatomine bugs through the ingestion of contaminated food, by blood transfusions or accidently in hospitals and research laboratories. In addition, the Trypanosoma cruzi infection is transmitted congenitally from a chagasic mother to her offspring, but the male partner's contribution to in utero contamination is unknown. The findings of nests and clumps of amastigotes and of trypomastigotes in the theca cells of the ovary, in the goniablasts and in the lumen of seminiferous tubules suggest that T. cruzi infections are sexually transmitted. The research protocol herein presents the results of a family study population showing parasite nuclear DNA in the diploid blood mononuclear cells and in the haploid gametes of human subjects. Thus, three independent biological samples collected one year apart confirmed that T. cruzi infections were sexually transmitted to progeny. Interestingly, the specific T. cruzi antibody was absent in the majority of family progeny that bore immune tolerance to the parasite antigen. Immune tolerance was demonstrated in chicken refractory to T. cruzi after the first week of embryonic growth, and chicks hatched from the flagellate-inoculated eggs were unable to produce the specific antibody. Moreover, the instillation of the human semen ejaculates intraperitoneally or into the vagina of naive mice yielded T. cruzi amastigotes in the epididymis, seminiferous tubule, vas deferens and uterine tube with an absence of inflammatory reactions in the immune privileged organs of reproduction. The breeding of T. cruzi-infected male and female mice with naive mates resulted in acquisition of the infections, which were later transmitted to the progeny. Therefore, a robust education, information and communication program that involves the population and social organizations is deemed necessary to prevent Chagas disease.

Background: Although glutamine is able to improve the immune response, its action in the upper airway immunity against the influenza virus vaccine remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the L-glutamine supplementation effect on the mucosal immune/inflammatory response of elderly subjects vaccinated against the influenza virus. Methods: Saliva sampling from 83 physically active elderly volunteers were collected pre- and 30 days after influenza virus vaccination and supplementation with L-glutamine (Gln, n = 42) or placebo (PL, n = 41). Results: Gln group showed higher salivary levels of interleukin (IL)-17, total secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA), and specific-SIgA post-vaccination than values found pre-vaccination and in the PL group post-vaccination. Whereas higher salivary levels of IL-6 and IL-10 were observed post-vaccination in the Gln group, IL-37 levels were lower post-vaccination in both groups than the values pre-vaccination. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels were unchanged. Positive correlations between IL-6 and IL-10 were found in all volunteer groups pre- and post-vaccination and also between IL-17 and IL-6 or IL-10 in the Gln group post-vaccination. A negative correlation between IL-37 and IL-10 was found pre- and post-vaccination in the PL group. Conclusion: Gln supplementation was able to modulate salivary cytokine profile and increase SIgA levels, both total and specific to the influenza virus vaccine, in physically active elderly subjects.

The differentiation of workers into morphological castes represents an important evolutionary innovation that is thought to improve division of labor in insect societies. Given the potential benefits of task-related worker differentiation, it is puzzling that physical worker castes, such as soldiers, are extremely rare in social bees and absent in wasps. Following the recent discovery of soldiers in a stingless bee, we studied the occurrence of worker differentiation in 28 stingless bee species from Brazil and found that several species have specialized soldiers for colony defence. Our results reveal that worker differentiation evolved repeatedly during the last ~ 25 million years and coincided with the emergence of parasitic robber bees, a major threat to many stingless bee species. Furthermore, our data suggest that these robbers are a driving force behind the evolution of worker differentiation as targets of robber bees are four times more likely to have nest guards of increased size than non-targets. These findings reveal unexpected diversity in the social organization of stingless bees., Although common in ants and termites, worker differentiation into physical castes is rare in social bees and unknown in wasps. Here, Grüter and colleagues find a guard caste in ten species of stingless bees and show that the evolution of the guard caste is associated with parasitization by robber bees.

Xylanases catalyze the hydrolysis of β-1,4-linked xylosyl moieties from xylan chains, one of the most abundant hemicellulosic polysaccharides found in plant cell walls. These enzymes can exist either as single catalytic domains or as modular proteins composed of one or more carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) appended to the catalytic core. However, the molecular mechanisms governing the synergistic effects between catalytic domains and their CBMs are not fully understood. Thus, the goal of this study was to evaluate the functional effects of the fusion of a CBM belonging to family 6, which exhibits high affinity to xylan, with the GH11 xylanase from Bacillus subtilis, which does not have a CBM in its wild-type form. The wild-type enzyme (BsXyl11) and the chimeric protein (BsXyl11-CBM6) were heterologously produced in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity for biochemical characterization. The molecular fusion did not alter the pH and temperature dependence, but kinetic data revealed an increase of 65% in the catalytic efficiency of the chimeric enzyme. Furthermore, the BsXyl11-CBM6 chimera was used to supplement the commercial cocktail Accellerase® 1500 and improved the reducing sugar release by 17% from pretreated sugarcane bagasse. These results indicate that CBM6 can be used as a molecular tool to enhance the catalytic performance of endo-xylanases (GH11) and provide a new strategy for the development of optimized biocatalysts for biotechnological applications.

A detailed protocol for chemical clearing of bee specimens is presented. Dry specimens as well as those preserved in liquid media can be cleared using this protocol. The procedure consists of a combined use of alkaline solution (KOH or NaOH) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), followed by the boiling of the cleared specimens in 60–70% EtOH. Clearing is particularly useful for internal skeletal morphological research. This procedure allows for efficient study of internal projections of the exoskeleton (e.g., apodemes, furcae, phragmata, tentoria, internal ridges and sulci), but this process makes external features of the integument, as some sutures and sulci, readily available for observation as well. Upon completion of the chemical clearing process the specimens can be stored in glycerin. This procedure was developed and evaluated for the preparation of bees and other Apoidea, but modifications for use with other insect taxa should be straightforward after some experimentation on variations of timing of steps, concentration of solutions, temperatures, and the necessity of a given step. Comments on the long-term storage, morphological examination, and photodocumentation of cleared specimens are also provided. Keywords: Apidae, Apoidea, Comparative morphology, Hymenoptera, Internal morphology

Sugarcane is a very important crop in the history of Brazil, since the period of colonization. Among the factors that affect its yield in commercial areas, weeds could be highlighted. Appropriate management strategies are essential to mitigate this interference and increase crop productivity. In this sense, the aim was to evaluate the effect of different control methods on weed management, in the pre-emergence of two varieties, of cane-plant. The experiment was conducted at Primavera Farm, Itambé (PE), in randomized blocks, in a 2x5 factorial scheme, with 4 replications. The first factor represented two varieties of sugarcane (RB867515 and RB92579) and the second five weed control methods (weed control, absolute control, s-metalochlor + tebuthiuron, sulfentrazone and oxyfluorfen). The number of tillers per linear meter, degree of phytotoxicity and weed control were evaluated. At the end of the research, the RB92579 variety can be used as an alternative for the weed control because it presents rapid sprouting and initial development and more aggressive tillering than RB867515, under Itambé (PE) soil conditions. It is recommended the use of sulfentrazone at the dose of 1.8 L.ha-1.p.c, for better residual effect and "sufficient" control of weeds in the stage of establishment of the culture.

This study aimed to prepare hydrogel containing Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf, Poaceae, volatile oil encapsulated in poly (d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles and to evaluate its in vitro anti-herpetic activity. Polymeric nanoparticles were prepared by solvent emulsification-diffusion method and incorporated in carbomer hydrogels. In vitro release profiles for the nanogel, loaded nanoparticles and hydrogel containing free oil were evaluated by dialysis. Inhibitory activities against Herpes simplex for the formulations were investigated in Vero cells. Hydrogel was developed using nanoparticles with mean diameter of 217.1 nm and negative Zeta potential (−20.5 mV). Volatile oil release profile showed a biphasic pattern with an initial faster release and subsequent sustained phase in all formulations. Nanogel strongly inhibited virus in a non-cytotoxic concentration, 42.16 times lower than free oil, 8.76 and 2.23 times than loaded nanoparticles and hydrogel containing free oil, respectively. These results highlight the potential of nanogel to protect oil against volatilization, control release and improve its anti-herpetic activity. Keywords: Nanotechnology, Polymeric nanoparticles, Volatile oil, Lemongrass, Hydrogel, Herpes simplex virus

Two increasingly popular approaches to reconstruct the Tree of Life involve whole transcriptome sequencing and the target capture of ultraconserved elements (UCEs). Both methods can be used to generate large, multigene datasets for analysis of phylogenetic relationships in non-model organisms. While targeted exon sequencing across divergent lineages is now a standard method, it is still not clear if UCE data can be readily combined with published transcriptomes. In this study, we evaluate the combination of UCEs and transcriptomes in a single analysis using genome-, transcriptome-, and UCE data for 79 bees in the largest and most biologically diverse bee family, Apidae. Using existing tools, we first developed a workflow to assemble phylogenomic data from different sources and produced two large nucleotide matrices of combined data. We then reconstructed the phylogeny of the Apidae using concatenation- and coalescent-based methods, and critically evaluated the resulting phylogenies in the context of previously published genetic, genomic, and morphological data sets. Our estimated phylogenetic trees are robustly supported and largely congruent with previous molecular hypotheses, from deep nodes to shallow species-level phylogenies. Moreover, the combined approach allows us to resolve controversial nodes of the apid Tree of Life, by clarifying the relationships among the genera of orchid bees (Euglossini) and the monophyly of the Centridini. Additionally, we present novel phylogenetic evidence supporting the monophyly of the diverse clade of cleptoparasitic Apidae and the placement of two enigmatic, oil-collecting genera (Ctenoplectra and Tetrapedia). Lastly, we propose a revised classification of the family Apidae that reflects our improved understanding of apid higher-level relationships.

Objective: To contribute to the discussion on the research findings indicating the sexual transmission of American trypanosomiasis and Chagas disease in humans. Methods: A review of the literature was performed to investigate the routes of transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi parasites and to evaluate the distribution of Chagas disease, which is now found across five continents. Results: The epidemiological profile of American trypanosomiasis, which is still considered a neglected disease of the poor people of Latin America, has changed over time. A family-based study demonstrated that the blood protozoan T. cruzi can be transmitted sexually from infected males and females to naïve mates. Conclusions: Evidence that Chagas disease can be transmitted sexually, coupled with the migration of individuals with Chagas disease to previously non-endemic countries and increased travel to endemic countries, has implications for public health. Improved screening of blood supplies and prenatal care are required to prevent congenital spread. Keywords: Trypanosoma cruzi, Chagas disease, Sexual transmission, Humans, Mouse model system, Vertical transmission, Diagnosis, Prevention

International audience; The high adaptive success of parasitic Hymenoptera might be related to the use of different oviposition sites, allowing niche partitioning among co-occurring species resulting in life history specialization and diversification. In this scenario, evolutionary changes in life history and resources for oviposition can be associated with changes in ovipositor structure, allowing exploitation of different substrates for oviposition. We used a formal phylogenetic framework to investigate the evolution of ovipositor morphology and life history in agaonid wasps. We sampled 24 species with different life histories belonging to all main clades of Agaonidae including representatives of all described genera of non-pollinating fig wasps (NPFW). Our results show an overall correlation between ovipositor morphology and life history in agaonid fig wasps. Ovipositor morphologies seem to be related to constraints imposed by features of the oviposition sites since ovipositor morphology has experienced convergent evolution at least four times in Sycophaginae (Agaonidae) according to the resource used. Nongalling species have more distantly spaced teeth with uneven spacing, as opposed to the observed morphology of galling species. Our results suggest that the ancestral condition for ovipositor morphology was most likely the presence of one or two apical teeth. Regarding life history, ovary galling species that oviposit in receptive figs possibly represent the ancestral condition. Different ovipositor characteristics allow exploitation of new niches and may be related to resource partitioning and species coexistence in the fig-fig wasp system.

Traditional sugarcane cultivars (Saccharum officinarum) proved highly susceptible to diseases, and this led breeders to progress to interspecific crosses resulting in disease resistance. A backcrossing program to S. officinarum was then required to boost sucrose content. Clonal selection across generations and incorporation of other germplasm into cultivated backgrounds established the (narrow) genetic base of modern cultivars (Saccharum spp.), which have a man-made genome. The genome complexity has inspired several molecular studies that have elucidated aspects of sugarcane genome constitution, architecture, and cytogenetics. However, there is a critical shortage of information on chromosome behaviour throughout meiosis in modern cultivars. In this study, we examined the microsporogenesis of a contemporary variety, providing a detailed analysis of the meiotic process and chromosome association at diakinesis, using FISH with centromeric probes. Chromosomal abnormalities were documented by examining high quality preparations of pollen mother cells (700 in total). Approximately 70% of the cells showed abnormalities, such as metaphase chromosomes not lined up at the plate, lagging chromosomes and chromosomal bridges, and tetrad cells with micronuclei. Some dyads with asynchronous behavior were also observed. Due to the hybrid composition of the sugarcane genome, we suggest that bivalent incomplete pairing may occur in the first prophase leading to univalency. The presence of rod bivalents showing the lagging tendency is consistent with a reduction in chiasma frequency. Finally, the presence of chromatin bridges indicates the indirect occurrence of chromosomal inversions, although chromosome fragments were not clearly recognized. Possible reasons for such meiotic abnormalities and the large prevalence of bivalent formation are discussed.

Phylogenetic relationships of corbiculate bees have been a well-known focus of controversies over the past 30 years. The majority of the morphological datasets support the monophyly of Apina + Meliponina, whereas molecular datasets recover Meliponina as sister to Bombina. This issue is especially critical to the proper understanding of the evolution of clusters of traits that define the corbiculate eusocial behaviour. This work provides a description and discussion on characters of the head capsule, mandibles and sitophore of bees. Thirty-three characters are proposed and optimized within concurrent phylogenetic hypotheses for corbiculate bees, which results in seven derived character-states supporting the monophyly of the Apina + Meliponina + Bombina and nine supporting the Apina + Meliponina clades. Although some striking synapomorphies (e.g. tentorial bridge, pleurostomal condyle, hypopharyngeal lobe) support the former clade, most characters supporting the latter (i.e. Apina + Meliponina) were losses/reductions. Moreover, two previously undescribed character transformations on hypostoma and sitophore favour the Bombina + Meliponina clade. Internal head capsule characters are useful for phylogenetic analysis in comparative studies of bees, and corbiculate bees in particular, when efforts are made to solve the ‘corbiculate controversy’. An attempt is made to standardize the current terminology used for bees and for other Hymenoptera.

As hypoxia-induced inflammatory angiogenesis may contribute to the manifestations of sickle cell disease, we compared the angiogenic molecular profiles of plasma from sickle cell disease individuals and correlated these with in vitro endothelial cell-mediated angiogenesis-stimulating activity and in vivo neovascularization. Bioplex demonstrated that plasma from patients with steady-state sickle cell anemia contained elevated concentrations of pro-angiogenic factors (angiopoietin-1, basic fibroblast growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor-D and placental growth factor) and displayed potent pro-angiogenic activity, significantly increasing endothelial cell proliferation, migration and capillary-like structure formation. In vivo neovascularization of Matrigel plugs was significantly greater in sickle cell disease mice than in non-sickle cell disease mice, consistent with an up-regulation of angiogenesis in the disease. In plasma from patients with hemoglobin SC disease without proliferative retinopathy, anti-angiogenic endostatin and thrombospondin-2 were significantly elevated. In contrast, plasma from hemoglobin SC individuals with proliferative retinopathy had a pro-angiogenic profile and more significant effects on endothelial cell proliferation and capillary formation than plasma from patients without retinopathy. Hydroxyurea therapy was associated with significant reductions in plasma angiogenic factors and inhibition of endothelial cell-mediated angiogenic mechanisms and neovascularization. Thus, individuals with sickle cell anemia or hemoglobin SC disease with retinopathy present a highly angiogenic circulating milieu, capable of stimulating key endothelial cell-mediated angiogenic mechanisms. Combination anti-angiogenic therapy to prevent the progression of unregulated neovascularization and associated manifestations in sickle cell disease, such as pulmonary hypertension, may be indicated; furthermore, the benefits and drawbacks of the potent anti-angiogenic effects of hydroxyurea should be clarified.

Intravascular hemolysis can occur in a number of diseases,including sepsis, malaria and the hemolytic anemias [sicklecell disease (SCD), paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria,etc.], as well as following certain events such as mismatchedtransfusions. The pathophysiological significance of intravas-cular hemolysis had been largely ignored in diseases suchas SCD save for its effect on red cell numbers, however, rel-atively recent studies have shed light on the major effectsthat hemolyticprocesseshaveonvascularbiology,particularlyon the endothelium, inflammatory processes and oxidativestress.Under normal circumstances, hemoglobin (Hb) is con-tained in the red blood cells (RBCs), and employed primarilyfor oxygen transport. However, the destruction of RBC (i.e.hemolysis) results in the release of Hb into the circulation.If this hemoglobin is not neutralized immediately into lesstoxic metabolites by specialized scavenger proteins, such ashaptoglobin and hemopexin, as can occur when extensivehemolysis overwhelms innate protective mechanisms, thiscell-free Hb causes chaos.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:23:39Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2017-09-27 Despite the (TTAGG)n telomeric repeat supposed being the ancestral DNA motif of telomeres in insects, it was repeatedly lost within some insect orders. Notably, parasitoid hymenopterans and the social wasp Metapolybia decorata (Gribodo) lack the (TTAGG)n sequence, but in other representatives of Hymenoptera, this motif was noticed, such as different ant species and the honeybee. These findings raise the question of whether the insect telomeric repeat is or not phylogenetically predominant in Hymenoptera. Thus, we evaluated the occurrence of both the (TTAGG)n sequence and the vertebrate telomere sequence (TTAGGG)n using dot-blotting hybridization in 25 aculeate species of Hymenoptera. Our results revealed the absence of (TTAGG)n sequence in all tested species, elevating the number of hymenopteran families lacking this telomeric sequence to 13 out of the 15 tested families so far. The (TTAGGG)n was not observed in any tested species. Based on our data and compiled information, we suggest that the (TTAGG)n sequence was putatively lost in the ancestor of Apocrita with at least two subsequent independent regains (in Formicidae and Apidae). Laboratório de Biologia Comparada e Abelhas, Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras (FFCLRP), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-901, Brazil Instituto de Biociências/IB, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Av. 24A, 1515, Rio Claro, SP, 13506-900, Brazil

Lymph node (LN) is a secondary lymphoid organ with highly organized and compartmentalized structure. Lymph nodes harbor B, T, and other cells among which fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs). FRCs are characterized by both podoplanin (PDPN/gp38) expression and by the lack of CD31 expression. FRCs are involved in several immune response processes but mechanisms underlying their function are still under investigation. Double negative cells (DNCs), another cell population within LNs, are even less understood. They do not express PDPN or CD31, their localization within the LN is unknown and their phenotype and function remain to be elucidated. This study evaluates the gene expression and cytokines and chemokines profile of human LN-derived FRCs and DNCs during homeostasis and following inflammatory stimuli. Cytokines and chemokines secreted by human FRCs and DNCs partially diverged from those identified in murine models that used similar stimulation. Cytokine and chemokine secretion and their receptors expression levels differed between stimulated DNCs and FRCs, with FRCs expressing a broader range of chemokines. Additionally, dendritic cells demonstrated increased migration towards FRCs, possibly due to chemokine-induced chemotaxis since migration was significantly decreased upon neutralization of secreted CCL2 and CCL20. Our study contributes to the understanding of the biology and functions of FRCs and DNCs and, accordingly, of the mechanisms involving them in immune cells activation and migration.