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In the framework of a safe-by-design approach, we previously assessed the eco-safety of nanostructured cellulose sponge (CNS) leachate on sea urchin reproduction. It impaired gamete quality, gamete fertilization competence, and embryo development possibly due to the leaching of chemical additives used during the CNS synthesis process. To extend this observation and identify the component(s) that contribute to CNS ecotoxicity, in the present study, we individually screened the cytotoxic effects on sea urchin Arbacia lixula and Paracentrotus lividus gametes and embryos of the three main constituents of CNS, namely cellulose nanofibers, citric acid, and branched polyethylenimine. The study aimed to minimize any potential safety risk of these components and to obtain an eco-safe CNS. Among the three CNS constituents, branched polyethylenimine resulted in the most toxic agent. Indeed, it affected the physiology and fertilization competence of male and female gametes as well as embryo development in both sea urchin species. These results are consistent with those previously reported for CNS leachate. Moreover, the characterisation of CNS leachate confirmed the presence of detectable branched polyethylenimine in the conditioned seawater even though in a very limited amount. Altogether, these data indicate that the presence of branched polyethylenimine is a cause-effect associated with a significant risk in CNS formulations due to its leaching upon contact with seawater. Nevertheless, the suggested safety protocol consisting of consecutive leaching treatments and conditioning of CNS in seawater can successfully ameliorate the CNS ecotoxicity while maintaining the efficacy of its sorbent properties supporting potential environmental applications., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background: Data on availability, affordability, and accessibility is key for the planning of global strategies to reduce the burden of venous thromboembolism (VTE)., Objectives: A survey was conducted for the 10th anniversary of World Thrombosis Day to assess the availability of VTE therapies worldwide and challenges in uniform implementation., Methods: We gathered information on the approval status, availability, utilization, occurrence of shortages, and spread of medical and interventional therapies for VTE. Furthermore, we collected information by accessing or contacting national or continental medicines agencies, manufacturers or distributors, and online drug repositories., Results: We obtained data from a total of 69 countries: 33 countries in Europe, 19 in Asia, 7 in the Americas, 9 in Africa, and 1 in Oceania. Unfractionated heparin, low-molecular-weight heparin, and vitamin K antagonists were available in almost all countries, but shortages were recorded in 13%, 19%, and 15% of them, respectively. Direct oral anticoagulants were available in approximately three-quarters of the surveyed countries. At least one parenteral medication for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia was available in 57% of countries and a shortage was reported in 9% of these. Shortage of thrombolytics was recorded in 50% of countries. Overall, at least one type of catheter-directed therapy system was approved for use in 77% of countries and available in 23% of surveyed institutions. Our findings revealed notable geographic disparities in the worldwide availability of VTE therapies, the access to which appeared to be limited by economic and geopolitical factors., Conclusion: We anticipate that this comprehensive information will play a pivotal role in highlighting the shortcomings of VTE therapies and the lack of homogeneous availability globally., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interests C.A. received honoraria for lectures and participation in advisory boards from Bayer, BMS/Pfizer, Daiichi Sankyo, and Sanofi. L.A.C. research institution has received honoraria from Bayer, BMS-Pfizer Alliance, The Academy for Continued Advancement in Healthcare Education, Amag Pharmaceutical, LEO Pharma, Sanofi, Valeo Pharma, and Servier. L.A.C. holds a Tier 2 research Chair in Thrombosis and Anticoagulation Safety from the University of Ottawa. S.B. received institutional grants from Sanofi, Concept Medical, Bayer, Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Bard, Novartis, and Daiichi Sankyo and honoraria for advisory boards or lectures from Boston Scientific, Penumbra, Viatris, Bayer, Sanofi. S.A.M., R.M.F., G.C.M., E.V.D.P., M.D., M.C.G.E., L.H., P.S., C.M.S., and M.T.S. report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023 International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This research aims to describe the process of ecological succession by associating the decomposition stages of pig carcasses with flies from the Calliphoridae family (Diptera). For this, 6 pig carcasses were exposed in Maranhão's Cerrado, utilizing metal cages with sawdust trays to catch immature specimens and "suspended traps" to capture adults. Adults of the Hemilucilia benoisti Séguy, and Hemilucilia townsendi Shannon species were only associated with the swelling stage. Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) was associated with 2 stages (black putrefaction and fermentation). The species Chloroprocta idioidea (Robineau-Desvoidy), Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann), Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius), and Lucilia eximia (Wiedemann) were associated with 4 of the 5 stages of decomposition, the latter being the only 1 associated with the initial stage. The larvae abandoned the carcasses to pupate from the second stage of decomposition, with L. eximia being the only 1 leaving the carcasses in the swelling stage, and C. albiceps the only 1 associated with both the fermentation and dry stages. Our findings indicate that calliphorid species can help forensic investigators estimine the post-mortem interval of cadavers in situations similar to those detailed in this study. Since there was a link between adult and immature species and certain stages, they can be used as indicators in future forensic investigations., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Nanostructured cellulose sponges (CNS) have been developed as eco-friendly and sustainable engineered materials for marine environmental remediation. Despite their functionality, sensitivity, efficiency and specificity have been proved, CNS application is still limited since their environmental safety (eco-safety) has not been completely assessed. In this study, CNS were allowed to leach in natural seawater simulating the remediation process condition and the eco-safety of CNS leachate on sea urchin reproduction has been assessed by carrying out a multi-response integrated approach, combining standardized ecotoxicity tests, innovative bioassays and gamete quality assessment. Overall, the ecotoxicity data indicate that CNS leachate affects gamete quality, gamete fertilisation competence, and embryo development probably associated with the release of chemical additives used during the synthesis process. However, in the framework of the eco-design approach, consecutive leaching treatments and conditioning of CNS in seawater open the route for a new safety protocol successfully solving the ecotoxicity while maintaining CNS sorbent properties. A safe environmental application of the resulting conditioned CNS for seawater pollution remediation is envisaged., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Alessandra Gallo reports a relationship with Zoological Station Anton Dohrn that includes: employment., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Implementation of international guidelines in Latin American settings requires additional considerations (ie, values and preferences, resources, accessibility, feasibility, and impact on health equity). The purpose of this guideline is to provide evidence-based recommendations about the diagnosis of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and its management in children and during pregnancy. We used the GRADE ADOLOPMENT method to adapt recommendations from 3 American Society of Hematology (ASH) VTE guidelines (diagnosis of VTE, VTE in pregnancy, and VTE in the pediatric population). ASH and 12 local hematology societies formed a guideline panel comprising medical professionals from 10 countries in Latin America. Panelists prioritized 10 questions about the diagnosis of VTE and 18 questions about its management in special populations that were relevant for the Latin American context. A knowledge synthesis team updated evidence reviews of health effects conducted for the original ASH guidelines and summarized information about factors specific to the Latin American context. In comparison with the original guideline, there were significant changes in 2 of 10 diagnostic recommendations (changes in the diagnostic algorithms) and in 9 of 18 management recommendations (4 changed direction and 5 changed strength). This guideline ADOLOPMENT project highlighted the importance of contextualizing recommendations in other settings based on differences in values, resources, feasibility, and health equity impact., (© 2023 by The American Society of Hematology. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0), permitting only noncommercial, nonderivative use with attribution. All other rights reserved.)

Background: Cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (CAT) has detrimental impact on patients' clinical outcomes and quality of life. Data on CAT education, communication, and awareness among the general cancer population are scanty., Methods: We present the preliminary results of an ongoing patient-centered survey including 27 items covering major spheres of CAT. The survey, available in 14 languages, was promoted and disseminated online through social networks, email newsletters, websites, and media., Results: As of September 20, 2022, 749 participants from 27 countries completed the survey. Overall, 61.8% (n = 460) of responders were not aware of their risk of CAT. Among those who received information on CAT, 26.2% (n = 56) were informed only at the time of CAT diagnosis. Over two thirds (69.1%, n = 501) of participants received no education on signs and symptoms of venous thromboembolism (VTE); among those who were educated about the possible clinical manifestations, 58.9% (n = 119) were given instructions to seek consultation in case of VTE suspicion. Two hundred twenty-four respondents (30.9%) had a chance to discuss the potential use of primary thromboprophylaxis with health-care providers. Just over half (58.7%, n = 309) were unaware of the risks of bleeding associated with anticoagulation, despite being involved in anticoagulant-related discussions or exposed to anticoagulants. Most responders (85%, n = 612) valued receiving CAT education as highly relevant; however, 51.7% (n = 375) expressed concerns about insufficient time spent and clarity of education received., Conclusions: This ongoing survey involving cancer patients with diverse ethnic, cultural, and geographical backgrounds highlights important patient knowledge gaps. These findings warrant urgent interventions to improve education and awareness, and reduce CAT burden., (© 2022 The Authors. Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis.)

The influence of food types, reproductive behaviour, and the existence of a possible stratification to the attractiveness of Calliphoridae and Mesembrinellidae flies may contribute to the definition of collection methodologies. Thus, we assessed the effectiveness of traps with two bait types exposed at two different heights in the forests for collecting the aforementioned families. Traps were exposed in the Amazon rainforest floodplain area, where 40 traps were installed in 20 trees, in three periods of the year. On each tree, one trap was installed at 0.6 m and the other at 10 m above the ground, with either bovine lung or fermented banana. A total of 1,173 individuals were collected, including 10 species of Calliphoridae (962 individuals) and four species of Mesembrinellidae (211 individuals). Of the total in each family, Calliphoridae was most abundant in 0.6m lung bait traps (41%) and Mesembrinellidae in the 0.6 m banana bait traps (29%). Calliphoridae showed greater species richness, abundance, and differentiation in composition in low traps with lung as bait. In conclusion, only dipteran species from Calliphoridae have been affected and responded the collection methodologies employed of we, which may highlight remarkable differences in collection and subsequent data interpretation of inventories and monitoring using these insects.

Background: The assessment of oocyte quality is, nowadays, a major challenge in aquaculture, oocyte cryopreservation, and environmental science. Oocyte quality is a determining factor in fertilization and embryo development; however, there is still a lack of rapid and sensitive cellular markers for its assessment. Currently, its estimation is predominantly based on morphological analysis, which is subjective and does not consistently reflect the developmental competence of the oocytes. Despite several recent studies investigating molecular markers related to oocyte quality, methods currently available for their determination pose various technical challenges and limitations. In this study, we developed a novel approach based on fluorescence spectroscopy to assess different intrinsic physiological parameters that can be employed to evaluate egg quality in marine invertebrates that are widely used as animal models such as sea urchins and mussels., Results: Different physiological parameters, such as viability, mitochondrial activity, intracellular ROS levels, plasma membrane lipid peroxidation, and intracellular pH, for egg quality evaluation have been successfully assessed in sea urchins and mussels by using specific fluorescent dyes and detecting the fluorescent signals in eggs through fluorescence spectroscopy., Conclusions: Based on our findings, we propose these physiological markers as useful predictors of egg quality in marine invertebrates; they can be estimated rapidly, selectively, and sensitively by employing this novel approach, which, due to the speed of analysis, the low cost, and easy use can be considered a powerful analytical tool for the egg quality assessment., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

The dipteran fauna from the Brazilian Amazon remains poorly known, including that of forensic interest, such as the Sepsidae. The sepsid fauna of two secondary forests in the eastern Amazon was surveyed utilizing rotting bovine lung and feces (humans, bovines, and monkeys). We obtained 17 sespid species in six genera, most of them on bovine dung and rotting bovine lung. Two new species are described herein: Archisepsis bosque sp. nov. and Archisepsis verae sp. nov. The genus Palaeosepsis Duda, 1926 and the species Archisepsis polychaeta (Ozerov, 1993), Archisepsis diversiformis (Ozerov, 1993), Microsepsis mitis (Curran, 1927), Meropliosepsis sexsetosa Duda, 1926, and Palaeosepsis cf. golovastikOzerov, 2004 are newly recorded from the Brazilian Amazon., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

The International Initiative on Thrombosis and Cancer is an independent academic working group of experts aimed at establishing global consensus for the treatment and prophylaxis of cancer-associated thrombosis. The 2013, 2016, and 2019 International Initiative on Thrombosis and Cancer clinical practice guidelines have been made available through a free, web-based mobile phone application. The 2022 clinical practice guidelines, which are based on a literature review up to Jan 1, 2022, include guidance for patients with cancer and with COVID-19. Key recommendations (grade 1A or 1B) include: (1) low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) for the initial (first 10 days) treatment and maintenance treatment of cancer-associated thrombosis; (2) direct oral anticoagulants for the initial treatment and maintenance treatment of cancer-associated thrombosis in patients who are not at high risk of gastrointestinal or genitourinary bleeding, in the absence of strong drug-drug interactions or of gastrointestinal absorption impairment; (3) LMWHs or direct oral anticoagulants for a minimum of 6 months to treat cancer-associated thrombosis; (4) extended prophylaxis (4 weeks) with LMWHs to prevent postoperative venous thromboembolism after major abdominopelvic surgery in patients not at high risk of bleeding; and (5) primary prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism with LMWHs or direct oral anticoagulants (rivaroxaban or apixaban) in ambulatory patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer who are treated with anticancer therapy and have a low risk of bleeding., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests DF is the founding cochair of the International Initiative on Thrombosis and Cancer. CF reports honoraria for lectures from Bayer, Bristol Myers Squibb, and LEO Pharma; and support for attending meetings from LEO Pharma and Pfizer, outside the submitted work. JMC reports research funding to her institution from CSL Behring; consulting fees from Abbott; honoraria for lectures from Bristol Myers Squibb, Roche, and Sanofi; and participated in the advisory board of Abbott, Alnylam, Anthos, Bristol Myers Squibb, Sanofi, and Takeda, outside the submitted work. AAK reports consulting fees from Anthos, Bayer, Bristol Myers Squibb, Janssen, Pfizer, and Sanofi; honoraria for lectures, presentations, speakers bureaus, manuscript writing, or educational events from Anthos, Bayer, Bristol Myers Squibb, Janssen, Pfizer, and Sanofi; payment for expert testimony to his institution; and support for attending meetings or travel from Bayer, Janssen, Pfizer, and Sanofi, outside the submitted work. AK reports consulting fees from Verseon; and payment or honoraria for lectures, presentations, speakers bureaus, manuscript writing, or educational events from CCL Pharma, outside the submitted work. CA reports payment or honoraria for lectures, presentations, speakers bureaus, manuscript writing, or educational events from Bayer, Bristol Myers Squibb, Daiichi-Sankyo, Pfizer, and Sanofi, outside the submitted work. AM reports royalties or licenses for risk assessment model in venous thromboembolism in patients with cancer; consulting fees from AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Daiichi Sankyo, Incyte, Lilly, LEO Pharma, MSD, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, and Servier; honoraria for lectures from Amgen, AstraZeneca, Bayer, Bristol Myers Squibb, Daiichi Sankyo, Lilly, LEO Pharma, Menarini, Pfizer, Rovi, Sanofi, and Stada; and support for attending meetings or travel from Amgen, AstraZeneca, Celgene, Merck Serono, and Roche, outside the submitted work. BB reports payment or honoraria for lectures, presentations, speakers bureaus, manuscript writing, or educational events from Horiba Medical, Johnson & Johnson, Rovi, and Sanofi, outside the submitted work. DB reports honoraria for lectures from Bayer and Sanofi; support for attending meetings or travel from LEO Pharma and Sanofi; and participated in the advisory board of Apixabano (Pfizer), outside the submitted work. DA reports payment or honoraria for lectures, presentations, speakers bureaus, manuscript writing, or educational events from Roche, Janssen, Takeda, and Pfizer; participated in the advisory board of AstraZeneca, Bayer, Janssen, Pfizer, Roche, and Takeda, outside the submitted work; and is the president of the Serbian Lymphoma Group. PC reports support for attending meetings from Sanofi–Aventis, outside the submitted work, and is a member of the guidelines and guidance Committee of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis. MCGE reports support for attending meetings from Nolver Uruguay, outside the submitted work. TI reports honoraria for lectures from Asahi Kasei Pharma, Bristol Myers Squibb, Daiichi Sankyo, Nippon Shinyaku, and Pfizer, outside the submitted work. SAA reports grants or contract from AstraZeneca; support for attending meetings from Curoscience; and a leadership or fiduciary role in AstraZeneca, ASTCT, and ASSCO POS, outside the submitted work. LAM-G reports receiving consulting fees from Novartis; and honoraria for lectures from Novartis, Amgen, Astellas, AstraZeneca, Janssen, Roche, and Teva, outside the submitted work. HB participated in the data safety monitoring board of the COVID-HEP and the Dawn-Antico COVID-19 studies; is a member of the steering committee of the GARFIELD VTE Study; is the President of the Swiss Academy of Medical Science, the President of the Société Académique de Genève, and participated to the foundation board of the Promotion Santé Suisse outside the submitted work. IP reports honoraria for lectures and advisory boards from Bayer, Daiichi Sanchyo, Pfizer, and Sanofi, outside the submitted work; and is the Chair of the European Thrombosis and Haemostasis Association. JD reports consulting fees from Sanofi; honoraria for lectures from LEO Pharma, Pfizer, and Servier, outside the submitted work; and is the President of Thrombosis Canada and the cochair of the International Initiative on Thrombosis and Cancer. PHP declares no competing interests., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The majority of VTE events are hospital-associated. In 2008, the Epidemiologic International Day for the Evaluation of Patients at Risk for Venous Thromboembolism in the Acute Hospital Care Setting (ENDORSE) multinational cross-sectional study reported that only approximately 40% of medical patients at risk of VTE received adequate thromboprophylaxis., Methods: In our systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed at providing updated figures concerning the use of thromboprophylaxis globally. We focused on: (a) the frequency of patients with an indication to thromboprophylaxis according with individual models; (b) the use of adequate thromboprophylaxis; and (c) reported contraindications to thromboprophylaxis. Observational nonrandomized studies or surveys focusing on medically ill patients were considered eligible., Results: After screening, we included 27 studies from 20 countries for a total of 137 288 patients. Overall, 50.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 41.9-59.1, I 2 99%) of patients had an indication to thromboprophylaxis: of these, 54.5% (95% CI: 46.2-62.6, I 2 99%) received adequate thromboprophylaxis. The use of adequate thromboprophylaxis was 66.8% in Europe (95% CI: 50.7-81.1, I 2 98%), 44.9% in Africa (95% CI: 31.8-58.4, I 2 96%), 37.6% in Asia (95% CI: 25.7-50.3, I 2 97%), 58.3% in South America (95% CI: 31.1-83.1, I 2 99%), and 68.6% in North America (95% CI: 64.9-72.6, I 2 96%). No major differences in adequate thromboprophylaxis use were found across risk assessment models. Bleeding, thrombocytopenia, and renal/hepatic failure were the most frequently reported contraindications to thromboprophylaxis., Conclusions: The use of anticoagulants for VTE prevention has been proven effective and safe, but thromboprophylaxis prescriptions are still unsatisfactory among hospitalized medically ill patients around the globe with marked geographical differences., (© 2021 The Authors. Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis.)

Background: From 2017 to 2020, the American Society of Hematology (ASH) collaborated with 12 hematology societies in Latin America to adapt the ASH guidelines on venous thromboembolism (VTE)., Objective: To describe the methods used to adapt the ASH guidelines on venous thromboembolism., Methods: Each society nominated 1 individual to serve on the guideline panel. The work of the panel was facilitated by the 2 methodologists. The methods team selected 4 of the original VTE guidelines for a first round. To select the most relevant questions, a 2-step prioritization process was conducted through an on-line survey and then through in-person discussion. During an in-person meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 23 April through 26 April 2018, the panel developed recommendations using the ADOLOPMENT approach. Evidence about health effects from the original guidelines was reused, but important data about resource use, accessibility, feasibility, and impact in health equity were added., Results: In the guideline accompanying this paper, Latin American panelists selected 17 questions from an original pool of 49. Of the 17 questions addressed, substantial changes were introduced for 5 recommendations, and remarks were added or modified for 12 recommendations., Conclusions: By using the evidence from an international guideline, a significant amount of work and time were saved; by adding regional evidence, the final recommendations were tailored to the Latin American context. This experience offers an alternative to develop guidelines relevant to local contexts through a global collaboration., (© 2021 by The American Society of Hematology.)

The present study investigated the potential association between the richness and abundance of species of the dipteran families Calliphoridae, Mesembrinellidae, and Sarcophagidae in anthropogenic and preserved environments of five phytophysiognomies (Cerrado, Amazon forest, Palm forest, marshland, and mangrove) that occur throughout the state of Maranhão, in northeastern Brazil. We sampled 90 sites (45 preserved and 45 anthropogenic areas) where we collected 26,036 specimens: 15,023 calliphorids (11 species), 231 mesembrinellids (one species), and 10,772 sarcophagids (52 species). Four environmental factors, canopy openness, temperature, leaf litter depth, and vegetation height, contributed most to the separation of preserved and anthropogenic sites in all five phytophysiognomies. Leaf litter depth was positively associated with the species richness of the calliphorids and mesembrinellids (C+ M group), while tree/shrub density, vegetation height, and temperature were associated negatively with the richness of the sarcophagids. Tree/shrub density and vegetation height were also associated negatively with abundance in both C+M and sarcophagid species. Overall, then, the structural characteristics of the environment affected the species richness and abundance, and deforestation may favor certain synanthropic species, leading to a decrease in the richness and abundance of the species that are adapted to preserved environments., (© 2021. Sociedade Entomológica do Brasil.)

Sperm quality assessment is the first step for evaluating male fertility and includes the estimation of sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. Nevertheless, other parameters can be assessed providing additional information on the male reproductive potential. This study aimed to evaluate and correlate the oxidative status, mitochondrial functionality, and motility in spermatozoa of two marine invertebrate ( Ciona robusta and Mytilus galloprovincialis ) and one mammalian ( Bos taurus ) species. By combining fluorescent staining and spectrofluorometer, sperm oxidative status was evaluated through intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and plasma membrane lipid peroxidation (LPO) analysis. Mitochondrial functionality was assessed through the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). In the three examined species, a negative correlation emerged between sperm motility vs ROS levels and LPO. Sperm motility positively correlated with MMP in bovine, whereas these parameters were not related in ascidian or even negatively related in mussel spermatozoa. MMP was negatively related to ROS and LPO levels in ascidians, only to LPO in bovine, and positively related in mussel spermatozoa. These results suggest that energy sources for sperm motility vary between species and that ROS causes a decline in sperm motility via oxidative damage of membrane lipids. Overall, this study validates the use of fluorescent probes in combination with spectrofluorometer as a simple and powerful methodology for supplementary evaluation of sperm quality shedding light on new potential quality markers and provided relevant information on sperm energetic metabolism.

Introduction: Pulmonary embolism (PE) has not been accounted for as a cause of death contributing to cause-specific mortality in global reports., Methods: We analyzed global PE-related mortality by focusing on the latest year available for each member state in the World Health Organization (WHO) mortality database, which provides age-sex-specific aggregated mortality data transmitted by national authorities for each underlying cause of death. PE-related deaths were defined by International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes for acute PE or nonfatal manifestations of venous thromboembolism (VTE). The 2001 WHO standard population served for standardization., Results: We obtained data from 123 countries covering a total population of 2 602 561 422. Overall, 50 (40.6%) were European, 39 (31.7%) American, 13 (10.6%) Eastern Mediterranean, 13 (10.6%) Western Pacific, 3 (2.4%) Southeast Asian, and 2 (1.6%) African. Of 116 countries classifiable according to population income, 57 (49.1%) were high income, 42 (36.2%) upper-middle income, 14 (12.1%) lower-middle income, and 3 (2.6%) low income. A total of 18 726 382 deaths were recorded, of which 86 930 (0.46%) were attributed to PE. PE-related mortality rate increased with age in most countries. The reporting of PE-related deaths was heterogeneous, with an age-standardized mortality rate ranging from 0 to 24 deaths per 100 000 population-years. Income status only partially explained this heterogeneity., Conclusions: Reporting of PE-related mortality in official national vital registration was characterized by extreme heterogeneity across countries. These findings mandate enhanced efforts toward systematic and uniform coverage of PE-related mortality and provides a case for full recognition of PE and VTE as a primary cause of death., (© 2021 The Authors. Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH).)

In recent years, the application of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) in environmental remediation gained increasing attention. Due to their large surface area and high reactivity, ENMs offer the potential for the efficient removal of pollutants from environmental matrices with better performances compared to conventional techniques. However, their fate and safety upon environmental application, which can be associated with their release into the environment, are largely unknown. It is essential to develop systems that can predict ENM interactions with biological systems, their overall environmental and human health impact. Until now, Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools have been employed to investigate ENMs potential environmental impact, from raw material production, design and to their final disposal. However, LCA studies focused on the environmental impact of the production phase lacking information on their environmental impact deriving from in situ employment. A recently developed eco-design framework aimed to fill this knowledge gap by using ecotoxicological tools that allow the assessment of potential hazards posed by ENMs to natural ecosystems and wildlife. In the present review, we illustrate the development of the eco-design framework and review the application of ecotoxicology as a valuable strategy to develop ecosafe ENMs for environmental remediation. Furthermore, we critically describe the currently available ENMs for marine environment remediation and discuss their pros and cons in safe environmental applications together with the need to balance benefits and risks promoting an environmentally safe nanoremediation (ecosafe) for the future.

Nephochaetopteryx Townsend, 1934 is a genus of flesh flies predominantly Neotropical in distribution, which comprises small species (4.0-7.3 mm) characterized mainly by vein R1 fully setulose dorsally and wing usually fumose between apical part of vein R2+3 and vein C. The taxonomic revision of the genus resulted in 39 valid species, of which 12 are new to science: N. boruca sp. nov., N. canga sp. nov., N. coendu sp. nov., N. cuzco sp. nov., N. equatoriana sp. nov., N. inca sp. nov., N. lamasi sp. nov., N. matinta sp. nov., N. psittacocercus sp. nov., N. sofiae sp. nov., N. similis sp. nov. and N. tembe sp. nov. Nephochaetopteryx shannoni Dodge, 1968 is a junior synonym of N. flavipalpis Lopes, 1936, syn. nov. and N. linharensis Tibana Santos 1997 is a junior synonym of N. pallidifacies Lopes 1975, syn. nov. A key to the males of all valid species is given, as well as detailed illustrations of the male terminalia.

The ongoing increase of CO 2 in the atmosphere is inducing a progressive lowering of marine water pH that is predicted to decrease to 7.8 by the end of this century. In marine environment, physical perturbation may affect reproduction, which is crucial for species' survival and strictly depends on gamete quality. The effects of seawater acidification (SWAc) on gamete quality of broadcast spawning marine invertebrates result largely from experiments of gamete exposure while the SWAc impact in response to adult exposure is poorly investigated. Performing microcosm and in field experiments at a naturally acidified site, we investigated the effects of adult SWAc exposure on sperm quality parameters underlying fertilization in Mytilus galloprovincialis. These animals were exposed to pH 7.8 over 21 days and collected at different times to analyze sperm parameters as concentration, motility, viability, morphology, oxidative status, intra- and extra-cellular pH and mitochondrial membrane potential. Results obtained in the two experimental approaches were slightly different. Under field conditions, we found an increase in total sperm motility and mitochondrial membrane potential on days 7 and 14 from the start of SWAc exposure whereas, in microcosm, SWAc group showed an increase of total motility on day 14. In addition, sperm morphology and intracellular pH were affected in both experimental approaches; whereas oxidative stress was detected only in spermatozoa collected from mussels under natural SWAc. The overall analysis suggests that, in mussels, SWAc toxic mechanism in spermatozoa does not involve oxidative stress. This study represents the first report on mussel sperm quality impairment after adult SWAc exposure, which may affect fertilization success with negative ecological and economic consequences; it also indicates that, although naturally acidified areas represent ideal natural laboratories for investigating the impact of ocean acidification, microcosm experiments are necessary for examining action mechanisms., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Corticosteroids are a class of hormones released by the adrenal cortex, which includes glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. Glucocorticoids have an important role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and calcium and effective anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activity. Due to their intense immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity, glucocorticoids are used in the treatment of various inflammatory, malignant, allergic conditions such as rhinitis, asthma, dermatological, rheumatic, ophthalmic and neurological diseases, as well as after organ transplants. They are the most widely prescribed drugs in the world. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the analytical methods in pharmaceutical matrices for determination of corticosteroids. In this study, the predominance of liquid chromatography methods for the analysis of corticosteroids from pharmaceutical products is evident for both liquid and semisolid dosage forms as well as for solids. The same can be said for topical, oral and parenteral formulations. Methods such as spectrophotometry are also used, but given the advantages of chromatographic methods such as better selectivity and sensitivity, they have become the choice for analysis of these drugs, however, most methods still do not meet the credentials of "green chemistry."

Rising atmospheric CO 2 is causing a progressive decrease of seawater pH, termed ocean acidification. Predicting its impact on marine invertebrate reproduction is essential to anticipate the consequences of future climate change on species fitness and survival. Ocean acidification may affect reproductive success either in terms of gamete or progeny quality threating species survival. Despite an increasing number of studies focusing on the effects of ocean acidification on the early life history of marine organisms, very few have investigated the effects on invertebrate gamete quality. In this study, we set up two experimental approaches simulating the ocean conditions predicted for the end of this century, in situ transplant experiments at a naturally acidified volcanic vent area along the Ischia island coast and microcosm experiments, to evaluate the short-term effects of the predicted near-future levels of ocean acidification on sperm quality of the ascidian Ciona robusta after parental exposure. In the first days of exposure to acidified conditions, we detected alteration of sperm motility, morphology and physiology, followed by a rapid recovery of physiological conditions that provide a new evidence of resilience of ascidian spermatozoa in response to ocean acidification. Overall, the short-term tolerance to adverse conditions opens a new scenario on the marine species capacity to continue to reproduce and persist in changing oceans., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

We here report 35 Agromyzidae species and their associations with host-plants in the state of Pará. We describe the new species Ophiomyia falcifera sp. nov. and Phytomyza varronivora sp. nov. Eleven species, and the genera Phytomyza Fallén and Pseudonapomyza Hendel, are reported for the first time in Brazil.

Flesh flies of the genus Peckia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 were studied from the Brazilian Amazon region. The male terminalia of all species are illustrated. The female terminalia are described and illustrated for all species for which the female is known. The female terminalia of six species are described for the first time; those of seven species are redescribed and documented through new illustrations. A new species of the subgenus Pattonella Enderlein, 1928, Peckia (Pattonella) juruti sp. nov., is described. It is similar to Peckia (Pattonella) smarti (Lopes, 1941) in the shape of the cercus and distiphallus, but differs in the shape of the gonites, juxta and capitis. Peckia (Peckia) hillifera (Aldrich, 1916) is recorded from Brazil for the first time; Peckia (Euboettcheria) florencioi (Prado Fonseca, 1932) is newly reported for the Brazilian Amazon. A key to the 21 species of Peckia so far recorded from the Brazilian Amazon is provided, allowing the identification of both sexes where known. The females of only five of these species remain unknown.

This study investigated the effect of hydrological periods on the feeding activity and trophic interactions of four piscivorous fishes from the middle Xingu River, Brazil: pike-characid Boulengerella cuvieri, dogtooth characin Hydrolycus armatus, dogtooth characin Hydrolycus tatauaia and South American silver croaker Plagioscion squamosissimus. Repletion Index (I R %), Alimentary Index (I Ai %) and food web properties were calculated for each species. A total of 825 specimens were collected. The I R showed changes in feeding intensity of B. cuvieri, H. armatus and H. tatauaia among hydrological periods. Flood pulse showed no influence on composition and importance of food items consumed. Trophic connections showed that connectivity ranged from 0.025 to 0.038. The highest number of trophic connections (75) occurred in the high-water period, when 51 food items were recorded and the lowest number of trophic connections (43) occurred in receding water, with 31 food items. In all food webs, over 45% of food items were consumed by only one species (ultra-peripheral items), which is common in piscivorous fishes., (© 2018 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.)

Two new species and a new record of Calycomyza Hendel are described for the Brazilian Amazon: Calycomyza rolandrae sp. nov. and Calycomyza dryas sp. nov. This is the first time we recorded Calycomyza hyptisicola Spencer and Calycomyza richardsi (Spencer) in Brazil. These species can be distinguished by the structure of the male terminalia, but the female terminalia can be an important taxonomic character, especially the ninth abdominal sternite, ninth abdominal tergite and the marginal seta.

The buriti, Mauritia flexuosa, is the most common palm in Brazil, where it has considerable ecological and economic importance. However, few data are available on the phenology of the species, mainly in coastal restinga ecosystems. The present study monitored the reproductive phenology of M. flexuosa in the restinga of Barreirinhas, in the Brazilian Northeast, and investigated the relationship between phenophases and climatic variables. The presence/absence of flowers and fruits was recorded monthly in 25 individuals of each sex between August, 2009, and October, 2012. There was no difference in the phenology of male and female specimens, with flowering and fruiting occurring exclusively in the dry season. We believe that the specific abiotic characteristics of the study environment, such as the intense sunlight and availability of water in the soil, contribute to the reproductive success of M. flexuosa in the dry season, with consequent germination and establishment of seedlings occurring during the subsequent rainy season.

The present study was conducted in five different phytogeographic zones of the Brazilian state of Maranhão, three of which (the Amazon Forest, Cerrado, and Palm Groves) are more heterogeneous, whereas the other two (Marshlands and Mangroves) are more homogeneous. In each zone, nine sites were visited for the collection of necrophagous flies using bait traps in 2010, 2011, and 2012. The calliphorid and sarcophagid communities observed at each site were compared in terms of species richness, composition, and abundance. The more heterogeneous zones had higher species richness, except in the case of the sarcophagids in the forest habitats. The calliphorids Chloroprocta idioidea (Robineau- Desvoidy, 1830), Mesembrinella bicolor (Fabricius, 1805), Hemilucilia semidiaphana (Rondani, 1850) and Lucilia eximia (Wiedemann, 1819) were more closely associated with the Cerrado, Palm Grove and Amazon Forest zones, and Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 194) with the Mangrove. In the sarcophagids, Peckia (Euboettcheria) subducta (Lopes, 1935) and P. (Pattonella) palidipilosa (Curran & Walley, 1934) were associated with the Amazon Forest, and P. (Sarcodexia) lambens (Wiedemann, 1830) and Tricharaea (Sarcophagula) occidua (Fabricius, 1794) with the Palm Grove and Cerrado zones. In the calliphorids, the greatest dissimilarity was recorded between the Amazon Forest and the Mangrove and Lowland grassland zones. In the sarcophagids, by contrast, the greatest dissimilarities were recorded between the Amazon Forest and all the other four zones. In general, then, the phytogeographic zones with the highest environmental heterogeneity were characterized by the greatest species richness and abundance of necrophagous flies., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a common preventable and treatable disease, characterized by persistent airflow limitation not fully reversible. However, a number of patients with COPD respond to bronchodilator agents. Some studies have shown polymorphisms in the b2-adrenergic (ADRb2) and muscarinic M2 and M3 receptors (CHRM) that may participate in the modulation of the receptor responses. This study was designed to investigate the existence and the role of adrenergic and muscarinic receptor polymorphisms and their functional impact in COPD. Eighty-two patients with COPD and 17 healthy smokers were recruited and screened for ADRb2 (T164I and R175R), for CHRM2 (rs1824024) and for CHRM3 (-513C/A and -492C/T). Among the polymorphisms studied our results was not able to demonstrate statistically significant association between the polymorphisms studied and COPD risk. Contrarily, we identified, in our COPD population, a significant association with the CHRM2 (rs1824024) polymorphism and disease severity, with lower lung function test values, frequent exacerbations, and poor response to anti-cholinergic drugs. These results suggest the potential role of receptor polymorphism assessment to discriminate newly COPD phenotypes. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 1745-1751, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., (© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

The nomen nudum Liriomyza flagellae is formerly described in this paper as Liriomyza valladaresae sp. nov., based on male and female specimens collected in the Brazilian Amazon and reared from leaves of Alternanthera tenella and Amaranthus viridis (Amaranthaceae). Information on the puparium and the biology of this new species are provided. The species Liriomyza blechi, previously recorded from the U.S.A., Guadeloupe and Dominican Republic, is newly recorded from Brazil, reared from leaves of Blechum pyramidatum (Acanthaceae) and Spigelia anthelmia (Loganiaceae).

The regulatory role of dopamine (DA) in endocrine, cardiovascular and renal functions has been extensively studied and used for clinical purposes. More recently DA has been indicated as a regulatory molecule for immune cells and malignant cell proliferation. We assessed the expression and the functional role DA, DA receptors, and transporters in primary small cell lung cancer (SCLC). By HPLC DA plasma levels were more elevated in SCLC patients in comparison with NSCLC patients and healthy controls. SCLC cell expressed DA D1- and D2-like receptors and membrane and vesicular transporters at protein and mRNA levels. We also investigated the effects of independent D1- or D2-like receptor stimulation on SCLC cell cultures. DA D1 receptor agonist SKF38393 induced the increase of cAMP levels and DARPP-32 protein expression without affecting SCLC growth rate. Cell treatment with the DA D1 receptor antagonist SCH23390 inhibited SKF38393 effects. In contrast, the DA D2 receptor agonist quinpirole (10 μM) counteracted, in a dose and time dependent way, SCLC cell proliferation, it did not affect cAMP levels and decreased phosphorylated AKT that was induced by DA D2 receptor antagonist sulpiride. However, in only one SCLC line, stimulation of DA D2 receptor failed to inhibit cell proliferation in vitro. This effect was associated to the existence of rs6275 and rs6277 polymorphisms in the D2 gene. These results gave more insight into DA control of lung cancer cell behavior and suggested the existence of different SCLC phenotypes., (© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

This study aimed at surveying the local calliphorid and sarcophagid species in Maranhão State (Brazil) to determine their distribution and abundance, as well as the distribution of exotic Chrysomya species. In total, 18,128 calliphorid specimens were collected, distributed in 7 genera and 14 species. The species Hemilucilia semidiaphana (Rondani, 1850) and Paralucilia paraensis (Mello, 1969) were new state records. Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann, 1819) and Cochliomyia macellaria (F., 1775) were the most abundant species, and the exotic species of Chrysomya together contributed more than 50% of total blow fly abundance. The abundance distribution of the calliphorid community conformed to a log series model, characterized by a steep curve that reflects an assemblage with a high degree of dominance. For the Sarcophagidae, a total of 14,810 specimens were collected and distributed in 15 genera, 11 subgenera, and 52 species. Tricharaea (Sarcophagula) occidua (F., 1794) and Peckia (Sarcodexia) lambens (Wiedemann, 1830) were the most abundant species. The abundance distribution of the species followed a log normal model, with a gentler slope, consistent with a more uniform community. The cumulative species curve for the sarcophagids did not reach the asymptote. Forty-three sarcophagid species were new state records and 22 were new records for the Brazilian northeast, which emphasizes the need for a continued survey in this region., (© The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Entomological Society of America.)

Japanagromyza sasakawai sp. n. is described from the Brazilian Amazon, based on the male, female, third instar larva and puparium. This species is a leaf-miner of Terminalia catappa L. (Combretaceae), which is an introduced plant from the Old World tropics used in Brazil as an ornamental. The male aedeagus of J. sasakawai sp. n. differs from other species mainly in having the mesophallus covered with many spine-like processes. This is the third record of Japanagromyza Sasakawa in Brazil and first in the Brazilian Amazon. The key to Neotropical species of Japanagromyza by Sousa & Couri (2014) is modified to include this new species.

The male, female and puparium are described for Sarcofahrtiopsis cupendipe sp. nov., whose larvae live in the roosts of disk-winged bats (Thyroptera species). Sarcofahrtiopsis cupendipe and S. thyropteronthos Pape, Dechmann & Vonhof are both associated with the faeces of the disk-winged bat and are the only species of Sarcofahrtiopsis with wing vein R 1 fully setose dorsally and a short parameral apodeme in the male terminalia. In addition, the female terminalia of S. cuneata (Townsend) is redescribed.

We describe a case of bloodstream infection caused by a Candida krusei strain that developed echinocandin resistance during caspofungin therapy. Three mutations were found in the HS1 region of the fks1 gene, two of them have never been reported either in C. krusei nor in C. albicans.

Dexosarcophaga tupinamba n. sp. is described based on male specimens from the Brazilian states of Pará and Maranhão; Dexosarcophaga bermudezi Silva & Mello-Patiu is newly recorded from Pará and South America; and Dexosarcophaga avispaensis Mello is newly recorded from Pará (new to Brazil). The Brazilian species Dexosarcophaga limitata (Lopes) and Dexosarcophaga pusilla (Lopes) are both recorded from Pará, which are new records from the Brazilian Amazon, Dexosarcophaga aurifacies (Lopes) is newly recorded from the state of Alagoas and Dexosarcophaga carvalhoi (Lopes) is newly recorded from the states of Mato Grosso, Maranhão, and Pará. A key to the identification of males of the subgenus Bezzisca is provided.

The level of association between dipterans of the families Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae and habitats with different levels of vegetation cover was analyzed at Porto Urucu in Coari, Amazonas, Brazil, with the aim of identifying the potential of these taxa as bioindicators for the assessment of forest regeneration and conservation. The flies were collected in 16 sample areas, 12 of which were clearings at different stages of regeneration (C1--early regeneration; C2--moderate regeneration; and C3--advanced regeneration) and 4 in continuous forest (F). According to the IndVal analysis, nine sarcophagid species--Peckia (Sarcodexia) lambens (Wiedemann), Peckia (Peckia) chrysostoma (Wiedemann), Peckia (Squamatodes) ingens (Walker), Sarcofahrtiopsis cuneata (Townsend), Oxysarcodexia thornax (Walker), Peckia (Euboettcheria) collusor (Curran & Walley), Oxysarcodexia fringidea (Curran & Walley), Oxysarcodexia amorosa (Schiner), and Helicobia pilifera (Lopes)--were associated indiscriminately with clearings (C1 + C2 + C3). In contrast, only one calliphorid species Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann) was associated with clearings in the early moderate regeneration (C1 + C2) phases, and four calliphorids were associated with continuous forest or mature clearings (C3 + F): Mesembrinella bicolor (F.), Eumesembrinella randa (Walker), Mesembrinella bellardiana (Aldrich), and Lucilia eximia (Wiedemann). These results indicate that sarcophagids may be useful for evaluating the degree of anthropogenic impact but are not suitable for the detection of minor variations in forest cover. In contrast, calliphorids may be appropriate for the evaluation of both anthropogenic impacts and the degree of forest regeneration and conservation., (© The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Entomological Society of America.)

Background: The diagnostic and staging approach for the mediastinal lymphadenopathies, with or whithout pulmonary lesions endoscopically visible, is based on transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) during fiberoptic bronchoscopy and on mediastinoscopy. One important factor impacting on TBNA sensitivity is the rapid on site cytological examination (ROSE)., Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the economic impact of TBNA and TBNA + ROSE, in the diagnosis of these lesions., Patients and Methods: 120 patients, affected by mediastinal lymphadenopathies suspected for lung cancer, underwent TBNA during fiberoptic bronchoscopy: 60 patients without ROSE (group A) and other 60 with ROSE (group B). Whenever needle aspirations failed to provide diagnosis, the patient underwent mediastinoscopy. The economic impact of the diagnostic process was performed., Results: In group A, 39 patients (65%) obtained a diagnosis with TBNA while 21 patients (35%) required mediastinoscopy. In group B, 48 patients (80%) obtained a diagnosis with TBNA + ROSE, while 12 patients (20%) required mediastinoscopy. With regards to the costs of the procedures performed in the diagnostic process, the use of TBNA with ROSE as first diagnostic approach has saved a considerable amount of euros (19,413) compared to the use of TBNA without ROSE and the combined procedure increased (p < 0.02; chi square test) the sensitivity of TBNA by 15%., Conclusions: ROSE significantly impacts on the diagnostic yield, as well as on the overall management costs of patients with mediastinal lymphadenopathy, suspected for lung cancer.

The superfamily Oestroidea, comprising ∼15,000 species, is a large and ecologically diverse clade within the order Diptera. Among its six commonly recognized families, Calliphoridae seems to be crucial for understanding evolutionary relationships in the group, as it is recognized as a controversial paraphyletic grouping. To further investigate this matter, the ITS2, 28S, COI and 16S regions were used to infer phylogenetic relationships in Oestroidea with maximum-parsimony (MP), maximum-likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) methods. For the BI analyses, a deep evaluation of different data partitioning strategies was conducted, including consideration of structural conformation (ITS2 and 16S) and codon position (COI) information. Results suggest the existence of two main clades in Oestroidea: (Tachinidae+Mesembrinellinae) and (Rhiniinae, (Sarcophagidae+Calliphoridae sensu stricto)). Oestridae was recovered as sister group of the remaining Oestroidea in the MP trees while it was placed closer to the (Rhiniinae+Sarcophagidae+Calliphoridae sensu stricto) group in the ML and BI trees. A paraphyletic Calliphoridae was recovered, confirming the exclusion of Rhiniinae, a clade recently promoted to family status and therefore already excluded. Mesembrinellinae could also be considered a distinct group apart from Calliphoridae, although further studies are required. Consideration of structural and codon position information led to a significant increase in the log-likelihoods of the analyses, which were accompanied by small changes in the inferred topologies, branch lengths and posterior probability support values. However, as model complexity increases, so does uncertainty across the estimated parameters, including tree topologies, and phylogenies inferred under very parameter-rich models may be less reliable even when possessing higher log-likelihoods., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: CpG island hypermethylation of gene promoters and regulatory regions is a well-known mechanism of epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressors and is directly linked to carcinogenesis. Wilm's tumor gene (WT1) is a tumor suppressor protein involved in the regulation of human cell growth and differentiation and a modulator of oncogenic K Ras signaling in lung cancer. Changes in the pattern of methylation of the WT1 gene have not yet been studied in detail in human lung cancer. In this study we compared the methylation profile of WT1 gene in samples of neoplastic and non-neoplastic lung tissue taken from the same patients., Methods: DNA was extracted from neoplastic and normal lung tissue obtained from 16 patients with non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The methylation status of 29 CpG islands in the 5' region of WT1 was determined by pyrosequencing. Statistical analysis was carried out by T test and Mann Whitney test., Results: The mean percentage of methylation, considering all CpG islands of WT1 in the neoplastic tissues of the 16 NSCLC patients, was 16.2 ± 3.4, whereas in the normal lung tissue from the same patients it was 5.6 ± 1.7 (p < 0.001). Adenocarcinomas presented higher methylation levels than squamous cell carcinomas (p < 0,001)., Conclusions: Methylation of WT1 gene is significantly increased in NSCLC. Both histotype and exposure to cigarette smoke heavily influence the pattern of CpG islands which undergo hypermethylation., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The subfamily Chloropinae comprises about 442 described species, with only one species recorded from the Brazilian Amazon. The genus Bricelochlorops Paganelli was represented by a unique species from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The species Urubambina rufa (Duda) is the only species of the genus Urubambina Paganelli and has been recorded only from Peru. A new species of Bricelochlorops, B. celutae sp. nov., is described here and Urubambina rufa is recorded for the first time in Brazil. Both species were collected in the state of Acre. A key to species of Bricelochlorops is provided.

The identification of high-performance indicator taxa that combine practical feasibility and ecological value requires an understanding of the costs and benefits of surveying different taxa. We present a generic and novel framework for identifying such taxa, and illustrate our approach using a large-scale assessment of 14 different higher taxa across three forest types in the Brazilian Amazon, estimating both the standardized survey cost and the ecological and biodiversity indicator value for each taxon. Survey costs varied by three orders of magnitude, and dung beetles and birds were identified as especially suitable for evaluating and monitoring the ecological consequences of habitat change in our study region. However, an exclusive focus on such taxa occurs at the expense of understanding patterns of diversity in other groups. To improve the cost-effectiveness of biodiversity research we encourage a combination of clearer research goals and the use of an objective evidence-based approach to selecting study taxa.

The present study brings together survey data from collection in several localities in the Brazilian Amazon and specimens from the Entomological Collection of Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi (MPEG-Belém). The flies were collected over organic decomposing matter (bananas and bovine meat) baits. The genus Odontoloxozus Enderlein, with the species Odontoloxozus peruanus Hennig, is recorded from Brazil for the first time. The species Glyphidops (Glyphidops) flavipes (Widemann), G. (Oncopsia) flavifrons (Bigot), G.(O.) durus (Cresson) and G. (O.) dipsar (Hennig) are new occurrences for Brazil. The species G. (O.)carrerai Aczél and N. plurivittatus Bigot are new occurrences from Brazilian Amazon. A key to Brazilian Amazon species is provided.

Biodiversity loss from deforestation may be partly offset by the expansion of secondary forests and plantation forestry in the tropics. However, our current knowledge of the value of these habitats for biodiversity conservation is limited to very few taxa, and many studies are severely confounded by methodological shortcomings. We examined the conservation value of tropical primary, secondary, and plantation forests for 15 taxonomic groups using a robust and replicated sample design that minimized edge effects. Different taxa varied markedly in their response to patterns of land use in terms of species richness and the percentage of species restricted to primary forest (varying from 5% to 57%), yet almost all between-forest comparisons showed marked differences in community structure and composition. Cross-taxon congruence in response patterns was very weak when evaluated using abundance or species richness data, but much stronger when using metrics based upon community similarity. Our results show that, whereas the biodiversity indicator group concept may hold some validity for several taxa that are frequently sampled (such as birds and fruit-feeding butterflies), it fails for those exhibiting highly idiosyncratic responses to tropical land-use change (including highly vagile species groups such as bats and orchid bees), highlighting the problems associated with quantifying the biodiversity value of anthropogenic habitats. Finally, although we show that areas of native regeneration and exotic tree plantations can provide complementary conservation services, we also provide clear empirical evidence demonstrating the irreplaceable value of primary forests.