Abstract The morphology of the larvae of Dynamis borassi (Fabricius) and Rhynchophorus palmarum (Linnaeus) was compared, described and illustrated. A complete definition of subtribe Rhynchophorina at the larval stage was elaborated, based on mature and submature larvae, and characters of the first instar larvae are provided for the first time. Diagnostic characters to distinguish the larvae of D. borassi and R. palmarum are mainly from the epipharynx and maxillae, but the abdominal terminal plate also provides differential features that can aid in the identification. The characterization of both species at the larval stage is expected to be useful in the implementation of new control strategies in palm plantations in South America. For practical reasons, a comparative table is appended in Spanish to serve as a quick diagnostic guide for species identification.

We present the first application of high-resolution micro computed tomography in an analysis of both the internal and external morphology of the lumbar region of StW 431 - a hominin skeleton recovered from Member 4 infill of the Sterkfontein Caves (South Africa) in 1987. The lumbar vertebrae of the individual present a number of proliferative and erosive bony processes, which were investigated in this study. Investigations suggest a complex history of taphonomic alteration to pre-existing spinal degenerative joint disease (SDJD) as well as post-mortem modification by an unknown insect. This study is in agreement with previous pathological diagnoses of SDJD which affected StW 431 and is the first time insect traces on this hominin are described. The results of this analysis attest to the complex series of post-mortem processes affecting the Sterkfontein site and its fossil assemblages. SIGNIFICANCE: • First application of high-resolution micro computed tomography of the lumbar region of StW 431, a partial skeleton of Australopithecus africanus, attests to pre-existing degenerative joint disease and identifies post-mortem modification by an unknown insect. • The co-occurrence of degenerative pathology and insect modification may not be unique to StW 431. A combination of traditional morphoscopic analysis and non-invasive high-resolution tomography is recommended.

The reported incidence of neoplasia in the extinct human lineage is rare, with only a few confirmed cases of Middle or Later Pleistocene dates reported. It has generally been assumed that premodern incidence of neoplastic disease of any kind is rare and limited to benign conditions, but new fossil evidence suggests otherwise. We here present the earliest identifiable case of malignant neoplastic disease from an early human ancestor dated to 1.8-1.6 million years old. The diagnosis has been made possible only by advances in 3D imaging methods as diagnostic aids. We present a case report based on re-analysis of a hominin metatarsal specimen (SK 7923) from the cave site of Swartkrans in the Cradle of Humankind, South Africa. The expression of malignant osteosarcoma in the Swartkrans specimen indicates that whilst the upsurge in malignancy incidence is correlated with modern lifestyles, there is no reason to suspect that primary bone tumours would have been any less frequent in ancient specimens. Such tumours are not related to lifestyle and often occur in younger individuals. As such, malignancy has a considerable antiquity in the fossil record, as evidenced by this specimen.

OBJETIVO: Revisão da literatura sobre novos genes relacionados à osteogênese imperfeita (OI) e atualização da sua classificação. FONTE DOS DADOS : Revisão nas bases de dados do PUBMED e OMIM com seleção de referências relevantes. SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: Sillence et al., em 1979, desenvolveram uma classificação dos subtipos de OI baseada em características clínicas e gravidade da doença: OI tipo I, forma leve, comum, com escleras azuladas; OI tipo II, forma perinatal letal; OI tipo III, forma grave e progressivamente deformante com esclera normal; e OI tipo IV, forma de gravidade moderada com esclera normal. Cerca de 90% dos indivíduos com OI são heterozigotos para mutações em COL1A1 e COL1A2, com padrão de herança dominante ou esporádico. A partir de 2006 foram identificadas mutações nos genes CRTAP, FKBP10, LEPRE1, PLOD2, PPIB, SERPINF1, SERPINH1, SP7, WNT1, BMP1 e TMEM38B associadas à OI recessiva e mutação em IFITM5 associada à OI dominante. Mutações em PLS3 foram identificadas recentemente em famílias com osteoporose e fraturas, com padrão de herança ligado ao X. Além da complexidade genética das bases moleculares das OI, extensa variabilidade fenotípica resultante de loci individuais também tem sido documentada. CONCLUSÕES: Face à descoberta de novos genes e à correlação genótipo-fenótipo limitada, o uso de ferramentas de sequenciamento de nova geração torna-se útil no estudo molecular de casos de OI. A recomendação do Grupo de Nosologia da Sociedade Internacional de Displasias Esqueléticas é manter a classificação de Sillence como a forma prototípica e universalmente aceita para classificar o grau de gravidade na OI, e libertá-la de referência molecular direta.

OBJECTIVE: Literature review of new genes related to osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) and update of its classification. SOURCES: Literature review in the PubMed and OMIM databases, followed by selection of relevant references. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: In 1979, Sillence et al. developed a classification of OI subtypes based on clinical features and disease severity: OI type I, mild, common, with blue sclera; OI type II, perinatal lethal form; OI type III, severe and progressively deforming, with normal sclera; and OI type IV, moderate severity with normal sclera. Approximately 90% of individuals with OI are heterozygous for mutations in the COL1A1 and COL1A2 genes, with dominant pattern of inheritance or sporadic mutations. After 2006, mutations were identified in the CRTAP, FKBP10, LEPRE1, PLOD2, PPIB, SERPINF1, SERPINH1, SP7, WNT1, BMP1, and TMEM38B genes, associated with recessive OI and mutation in the IFITM5 gene associated with dominant OI. Mutations in PLS3 were recently identified in families with osteoporosis and fractures, with X-linked inheritance pattern. In addition to the genetic complexity of the molecular basis of OI, extensive phenotypic variability resulting from individual loci has also been documented. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the discovery of new genes and limited genotype-phenotype correlation, the use of next-generation sequencing tools has become useful in molecular studies of OI cases. The recommendation of the Nosology Group of the International Society of Skeletal Dysplasias is to maintain the classification of Sillence as the prototypical form, universally accepted to classify the degree of severity in OI, while maintaining it free from direct molecular reference.

Este artigo de revisão aborda 1½ séculos de história da espectrometria de absorção atômica com fonte contínua (CS AAS), partindo dos primeiros experimentos de Kirchhoff e Bunsen nos anos 1860. Ele também tenta explicar porque a técnica foi abandonada na primeira metade do século XX, porque ela foi redescoberta nos anos 60 nos EUA, onde vários grupos de pesquisa trabalharam intensamente no desenvolvimento da CS AAS por cerca de quatro décadas e, finalmente, não obtiveram sucesso. Esta revisão também discute as principais vantagens da moderna técnica de CS AAS de alta resolução (HR-CS AAS), que usa um monocromador duplo de alta resolução e um detector com arranjo de dispositivos de carga acoplada, o qual adiciona o comprimento de onda como terceira dimensão. A literatura sobre as aplicações de HR-CS AAS foi cuidadosamente revisada. Finalmente, será feita uma tentativa de prever os avanços futuros desta técnica nova e antiga.

This review article covers 1½ centuries of history of continuum source atomic absorption spectrometry (CS AAS), starting with the early experiments of Kirchhoff and Bunsen in the 1860s. It also tries to explain why the technique was abandoned in the first half of the 20th century, why it was "re-discovered" in the 1960s in the USA, where several research groups worked intensively on the development of CS AAS for about four decades, and why they finally failed. This review also discusses the major advantages of modern high-resolution CS AAS (HR-CS AAS), which uses a high-resolution double monochromator and a charge coupled device array detector, which adds the wavelength as third dimension to the usual display of absorbance over time. The literature about applications of this technique has been carefully revised. Finally an attempt will be made to foresee future developments of this technique, which is obviously not an easy task.

The anti-inflammatory and apoptotic activity of the essential oil of Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels, Myrtaceae, leaves was investigated in vivo. The anti-inflammatory action and chronic granulomatous inflammation in BALB/c mice, intravenously infected with Mycobacterium bovis, BCG, (Bacillo Calmet Guerim), was judged by measuring and classifying the granulomas formed in the hepatic parenchyma. The degree of apoptosis in the inflammatory cells was also measured. A reduction in the granulomatous area and a change in the pattern of the granulomas were found. Anti-mycobacterial activity of the essential oil against M. bovis was detected in vitro by an interferometric method in liquid culture medium. The chemical constituents of the essential oil were determined by GC/MS. Higher yields of the essential oil of S. cumini leaves were obtained by extraction in a Clevenger apparatus when the fresh leaves were previously frozen as a pre-processing step. The essential oil obtained from this plant demonstrated a statistically significant and dramatic effect in the chosen model system.

Objective To investigate the microbial adherence and colonization of a polyspecies biofilm on 7 differently processed titanium surfaces. Material and Methods Six-species biofilms were formed anaerobically on 5-mm-diameter sterilized, saliva-preconditioned titanium discs. Material surfaces used were either machined, stained, acid-etched or sandblasted/acid-etched (SLA). Samples of the latter two materials were also provided in a chemically modified form, with increased wettability characteristics. Surface roughness and contact angles of all materials were determined. The discs were then incubated anaerobically for up to 16.5 h. Initial microbial adherence was evaluated after 20 min incubation and further colonization after 2, 4, 8, and 16.5 h using non-selective and selective culture techniques. Results at different time points were compared using ANOVA and Scheffé post hoc analysis. Results The mean differences in microorganisms colonizing after the first 20 min were in a very narrow range (4.5 to 4.8 log CFU). At up to 16.5 h, the modified SLA surface exhibited the highest values for colonization (6.9±0.2 log CFU, p<0.05) but increasing growth was observed on all test surfaces over time. Discrepancies among bacterial strains on the differently crafted titanium surfaces were very similar to those described for total log CFU. F. nucleatum was below the detection limit on all surfaces after 4 h. Conclusion Within the limitations of this in vitro study, surface roughness had a moderate influence on biofilm formation, while wettability did not seem to influence biofilm formation under the experimental conditions described. The modified SLA surface showed the highest trend for bacterial colonization.

Leishmaniasis is an infection of viscera or tegument caused by protozoa Leishmania sp. The extensive period required for the treatment, which involves the use of toxic medicines, leads patients to drop treatment increasing the development of resistant forms of Leishmania sp. Lantana camara L., Verbenaceae, is a tropical plant native from America. Folk uses have been described for treatment of tumors, tetanus, rheumatism and malaria. This study evaluates the leishmanicidal activity of the essential oil of leaves from L. camara on promastigote forms of Leishmania chagasi and L. amazonensis and its toxic effects on Artemia salina (brine shrimp test), macrophage cultures and BALB/c mice. The chemical composition was evaluated using the gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Thirty substances, mostly mono and sesquiterpenes were identified. The most representative constituents were: germacrene D (24.90%), farnesene derivatives (22%) and (E)-cariophylene (14.31%). Bioassays revealed a significant leishmanicidal activity of essential oil against L. amazonensis (IC50 0.25 µg/ mL) and a potential toxic effect on Brine shrimp (LC50 10 µg/mL) and macrophage assays (CC50 4 µg/mL), while there was no toxic manifestation on mice. The data show the relevant potential of L. camara as a source of medicine for leishmaniasis treatment.

Introduction: Overweight and obesity are risk factors to appearance of cardiovascular diseases and anthropometry is important as clinical tool for planning and health policymaking at population level. Thus, aim of this work was to compare the simple body fat percentage (%BF) obtained straight by bioeletric impedance (BIA) to the one obtained by the equation of Segal et al (1988), which uses the BIA resistance value, overweight among adult women. Methods: This study conducted with 86 adult women (50.5 ± 11.0 years old). Body weight and height were measured and estimated the body mass index (BMI). %BF was assessed by BIA (Biodynamics® model 450) and Segal equation. Results: %BF derived from BIA (38.0 ± 4.6%) and Segal et al (1988) (38.7 ± 8.1%) were similar (p=0.85). However, when the women were distributed, in two groups based on their BMI, overweight (n=40; BMI= 27.3 ± 1.2 kg/m²) and obesity (n=46; BMI= 36.2 ± 5.1 kg/m²), the two methods presented results significant different (p=0.000). The %BF of overweight women was 34.6±3.6% by BIA and 30.3±2.1% when estimated by Segal equation. In obese women, the %BF was 41.0±3.0% and 46.0±2.6%, respectively. Conclusion: BIA overestimated %BF in overweight (+14.2%; +3.0 kg) and underestimated in obese (-10.9%;-4.4 kg) women.

Introducción: El sobrepeso y la obesidad son factores de riesgo para la aparición de enfermedades cardiovasculares y la antropometría es importante como herramienta clínica para la planificación y la formulación de políticas de salud a nivel de la población. Así el objetivo de este trabajo fue comparar el simple porcentage de grasa corporal (%GC) derivada directamente por médio del análisis de impedância bioeléctrica (BIA) con el derivada de la Segal et al (1988) la ecuación que utiliza el valor de la resistência BIA, em lãs mujeres obesas y con sobrepeso. Métodos: Este estudio, realizado con 86 mujeres adultas (50,5 ± 11,0 años de edad). El peso corporal y la altura se mide y calcula el índice de masa corporal (IMC). %GC fue evaluado por BIA (Biodynamics® model 450) y la ecuación de Segal. Resultados: %GC derivados de BIA% (38,0 ± 4,6) y Segal et al (1988) (38,7 ± 8,1%) fue similar (p = 0,85). Sin embargo, cuando las mujeres se distribuyeron en dos grupos según su IMC, el sobrepeso (n = 40; IMC= 27,3 ± 1,2 kg/m²) y obesidad (n= 46; IMC= 36,2 ± 5,1 kg/m²), los dos métodos que se presentan los resultados de diferencias significativas (p = 0,000). El %GC de las mujeres con sobrepeso fue de 34,6 ± 3,6% por la BIA y el 30,3 ± 2,1% cuando se calcula por la ecuación Segal. En las mujeres obesas, el BF% fue 41,0 ± 3,0% y el 46,0 ± 2,6%, respectivamente. Conclusión: BIA sobrestimado %GC en sobrepeso (+14,2%; +3,0 kg) y subestimado en obesos (-10,9; -4,4 kg) las mujeres.

Mycobacterium ulcerans disease (Buruli ulcer) is an important health problem in several west African countries. It is prevalent in scattered foci around the world, predominantly in riverine areas with a humid, hot climate. We review the epidemiology, bacteriology, transmission, immunology, pathology, diagnosis and treatment of infections. M. ulcerans is an ubiquitous micro-organism and is harboured by fish, snails, and water insects. The mode of transmission is unknown. Lesions are most common on exposed parts of the body, particularly on the limbs. Spontaneous healing may occur. Many patients in endemic areas present late with advanced, severe lesions. BCG vaccination yields a limited, relatively short-lived, immune protection. Recommended treatment consists of surgical debridement, followed by skin grafting if necessary. Many patients have functional limitations after healing. Better understanding of disease transmission and pathogenesis is needed for improved control and prevention of Buruli ulcer.

La enfermedad causada por Mycobacterium ulcerans (úlcera de Buruli) constituye un grave problema de salud en varios países de África occidental, pero es frecuente en focos dispersos en todo el mundo, predominantemente en zonas fluviales con clima cálido y húmedo. Examinamos aquí la epidemiología, bacteriología, transmisión, inmunología, histopatología, diagnóstico y tratamiento de este tipo de infección. M. ulcerans es un microorganismo ubicuo que se alberga en peces, caracoles e insectos acuáticos. Se desconoce el modo de transmisión. Las lesiones aparecen sobre todo en las partes expuestas del cuerpo, en particular en los miembros. A veces se produce una curación espontánea. Muchos de los pacientes de las zonas endémicas acuden al médico cuando presentan ya lesiones muy avanzadas y graves. La vacunación con BCG confiere una protección inmunitaria limitada y relativamente breve. El tratamiento recomendado consiste en el desbridamiento quirúrgico, seguido de injerto cutáneo si es necesario. Muchos pacientes sufren limitaciones funcionales aun después de curados. Es preciso comprender mejor la transmisión y la patogénesis de la enfermedad para poder prevenir y controlar más satisfactoriamente la úlcera de Buruli.

L'infection à Mycobacterium ulcerans (ulcère de Buruli) constitue un important problème sanitaire dans plusieurs pays d'Afrique de l'Ouest. Elle est prévalente sous forme de foyers dispersés à travers le monde, principalement dans les zones fluviales soumises à un climat humide et chaud. L'article examine l'épidémiologie, la bactériologie, la transmission, l'immunologie, la pathologie, le diagnostic et le traitement de cette infection. M. ulcerans est un microorganisme omniprésent. Il est hébergé par des poissons, des escargots et des insectes d'eau. Le mode de transmission n'est pas connu. Les lésions touchent le plus souvent les parties exposées du corps, en particulier les membres. Une guérison spontanée est possible. Dans les zones endémiques, de nombreux malades se présentent tardivement, avec des lésions à un stade avancé et grave. La vaccination par le BCG apporte une protection immunitaire limitée, de durée relativement courte. Le traitement recommandé consiste en un débridage chirurgical des lésions, suivi si nécessaire, d'une greffe de peau. De nombreux malades souffrent de limitations fonctionnelles une fois guéris. Pour combattre et prévenir plus efficacement l'ulcère de Buruli, il convient de mieux comprendre la transmission de cette maladie et sa pathogenèse.

Um novo conceito instrumental vem sendo desenvolvido para espectrometria de absorção atômica (AAS), usando como fonte de radiação uma lâmpada de xenônio de alta intensidade, um monocromador double-echelle e um dispositivo com arranjo de carga acoplada como detector, permitindo uma resolução de ~2 pm por pixel. Entre as principais vantagens do sistema estão: i) uma melhora na razão sinal/ruído devido à elevada intensidade da fonte de radiação, resultando em melhor precisão e limites de detecção; ii) pelo mesmo motivo, não há mais linhas "fracas", portanto raias secundárias podem ser usadas sem comprometimentos; iii) novos elementos podem ser determinados, para os quais fontes de radiação ainda não são disponíveis; iv) toda a região espectral nas vizinhanças da raia analítica torna-se "visível", possibilitando muito mais informações do que as obtidas por instrumentos convencionais de AAS; v) a detecção com arranjo de carga acoplada permiti uma correção simultânea real da radiação de fundo nas proximidades da raia analítica; vi) o software possibilita a armazenagem de espectros de referência, por exemplo, de espectro de absorção molecular com estruturas rotacionais finas, e a subseqüente subtração deste do espectro de uma amostra , usando-se o algoritmo dos mínimos quadrados, sendo assim possível a correção de fundo estruturado mesmo sob a raia analítica; vii) embora ainda não disponível, se um detector bidimensional apropriado for usado o sistema permitirá em AAS medidas simultâneas multielementares, prática comum em espectrometria de emissão ótica; (viii) finalmente, experimentos preliminares vêm indicando que o novo instrumental poderá resultar em um melhor desempenho analítico na determinação de elementos traço em matrizes complexas.

A new instrumental concept has been developed for atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), using a high-intensity xenon short-arc lamp as continuum radiation source, a high-resolution double-echelle monochromator and a CCD array detector, providing a resolution of ~2 pm per pixel. Among the major advantages of the system are: i) an improved signal-to-noise ratio because of the high intensity of the radiation source, resulting in improved photometric precision and detection limits; ii) for the same reason, there are no more 'weak' lines, i.e. secondary lines can be used without compromises; iii) new elements might be determined, for which no radiation source has been available; iv) the entire spectral environment around the analytical line becomes 'visible', giving a lot more information than current AAS instruments; v) the CCD array detector allows a truly simultaneous background correction close to the analytical line; vi) the software is capable of storing reference spectra, e.g. of a molecular absorption with rotational fine structure, and of subtracting such spectra from the spectra recorded for a sample, using a least squares algorithm; vii) although not yet realized, the system makes possible a truly simultaneous multi-element AAS measurement when an appropriate two-dimensional detector is used, as is already common practice in optical emission spectrometry; vii) preliminary experiments have indicated that the instrumental concept could result in a more rugged analytical performance in the determination of trace elements in complex matrices.