A new species of Mesocoelium (Digenea: Mesocoeliidae) found in Rhinella marina (Amphibia: Bufonidae) from Brazilian Amazonia

Mesocoelium lanfrediaesp. nov. (Digenea: Mesocoeliidae) inhabits the small intestine of Rhinella marina (Amphibia: Bufonidae) and is described here, with illustrations provided by light, scanning electron microscopy and molecular approachs. M. lanfrediae sp. nov. presents the typical characteristics of the genus, but is morphometrically and morphologically different from the species described previously. The main diagnostic characteristics of M. lanfrediae sp. nov. are (i) seven pairs of regularly-distributed spherical papillae on the oral sucker, (ii) ventral sucker outlined by four pairs of papillae distributed in a uniform pattern and interspersed with numerous spines, which are larger at the posterior margin and (iii) small, rounded tegumentary papillae around the opening of the oral sucker, which are morphologically different from those of the oral sucker itself, some of which are randomly disposed in the ventrolateral tegumentary region of the anterior third of the body. Addionally, based on SSU rDNA, a phylogenetic analysis including Brachycoeliidae and Mesocoeliidae taxa available on GenBank established the close relationship between M. lanfrediae sp. nov. and Mesocoelium sp.     

Artificial hybridization of some Abies species

Crossability relationships between six species of the Mediterranean, North American and Asian firs was tested using Abies alba and A. nordmanniana as female parents and A. alba, A. numidica, A. procera, A. grandis, and A. holophylla as pollen parents. An overwhelming majority of the crosses attempted was found to be compatible. In particular, it is true of the A. alba cross with A. numidica and those of A. nordmanniana with A. alba, A. numidica, A. procera, and A. holophylla. The crossing A. nordmanniana × A. grandis was the only exception producing empty seeds. Cytological study revealed the gametophytic incompatibility to be responsible for reproductive isolation of these species. At seedling level, all the interspecific crosses of A. nordmanniana surpassed in height growth self-pollinated control. The cross A. alba × A. numidica was comparable in this respect with control variants from open and self-pollination. Except for height growth, some characteristics of needle stomata are provided for individual crosses. The crosses A. nordmanniana with A. procera and A. holophylla represent unique interspecific combinations whose existence has not been reported yet. Based on needle stomata characteristics, the potential for increased resistance and drought tolerance of the hybrids with A. numidica involved as parental species is discussed.     

Identification of Relationships Between Interleukin 15 mRNA and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor II mRNA Levels With Formal Components of Temperament in Asthmatic Patients

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory and heterogeneous disease developing mostly through allergic inflammation, which modifies the expression of various cytokines and neurotrophins. Previous studies suggest the involvement of interleukin (IL)-15 in the regulation of immune response in asthma. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) II plays an important role as a regulator of development and survival of neurons as well as maintenance of their physiological activity. Chronic stress associated with asthma and elevated IL-15 mRNA and BDNFII mRNA levels may affect the mood and a subjective sensation of dyspnoea-inducing anxiety. Psychopathological variables and numerous cytokine/neurotrophin interactions influence the formation of temperament and strategies of coping with stress. The aim of the study was to identify the role of IL-15 mRNA and BDNFII mRNA expressions and their effect on components of temperament and strategies of coping with stress in asthmatics. A total of 352 subjects (176 healthy volunteers and 176 asthmatic patients) participated in the study. The Formal Characteristic of Behaviour-Temperament Inventory (FCB-TI), Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS), Beck Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale were applied in all the subjects. The expression of IL-15 and BDNFII gene was measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Different levels of IL-15 and BDNFII expressions between healthy volunteers and patients were revealed in the study. IL-15 enhanced the BDNFII mRNA expression among patients with bronchial asthma. The depression level negatively correlated with the BDNFII mRNA expression. This neurotrophin modified the temperament variable. BDNFII significantly affected (proportional relationship) the level of briskness in asthmatic patients. BDNFII might influence the level and style of coping with stress (emotion-oriented style). This hypothesis requires further studies on protein functional models. The obtained data confirms the role of IL-15 and BDNFII in the pathomechanisms of depression and formation of selected traits defining the temperament in asthmatics.     

Intramuscular and esophageal electrode recordings of posterior cricoarytenoid activity in normal subjects

Six normal human subjects were studied to compare intramuscular and esophageal electrode recordings of posterior cricoarytenoid (PCA) muscle activity. A new electromyographic technique was developed to implant hooked wire electrodes into the PCA via a nasopharyngoscope. The esophageal electrode was similar to that used by other investigators to record PCA activity (P. C. Kosch et al. J. Appl. Physiol. 64: 1968-1978, 1988). Simultaneous recordings from the intramuscular and esophageal electrodes were obtained during wakefulness and sleep. Changes in esophageal electrode activity were compared with changes in intramuscular electrode activity under four conditions: 1) voluntary maneuvers, 2) differences in state, 3) nasal airway occlusion during non-rapid-eye-movement sleep, and 4) spontaneous variations in respiratory efforts during non-rapid-eye-movement or rapid-eye-movement sleep. Although similar results were obtained from the esophageal and intramuscular electrodes, differences were present between the two recordings during both wakefulness and sleep. The esophageal electrode recorded activity from surrounding muscles during voluntary maneuvers, vocalization, and quiet breathing in wakefulness. Discrepancies between the two electrode recordings during sleep occurred under conditions of increased and decreased respiratory motor output. The data suggest that the esophageal electrode may not give an accurate assessment of PCA activity during many conditions in wakefulness and sleep.