mtDNA ancestry of Rio de Janeiro population,Brazil

Polymorphism studies concerning HVI and HVII regions of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have improved the understanding of the admixture genetic process related to the occupation of the continents by human population groups. We have analyzed the mtDNA lineages of 190 healthy and maternally unrelated individuals born in the metropolitan region of the Rio de Janeiro city, the capital of the State of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil. The data showing that 57.9, 25.3 and 16.8 % of the matrilineages found in Rio de Janeiro come from African, Amerindian and European population groups. They are, respectively, in close agreement with historical records which indicate that the admixture population of Brazil is the resulting of interethnic asymmetry crosses between individuals from those population groups. The high proportion of African mtDNA lineages in the population of Rio de Janeiro is in accordance with studies related to other Brazilian states.     

Further description of Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) halitrophus comb. n. (Nematoda: Camallanidae) from flounder off the Brazilian coast by light and scanning electron microscopy

Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) halitrophus Fusco and Overstreet, 1978 from the intestines of flounders (Syacium papillosum and Citharichthys macrops) from the coast of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is redescribed. This study, which is based on results obtained by light and scanning electron microscopy, clarifies many morphological aspects of this species. Some taxonomic features, such as the cephalic structures, the topography of the cuticle, the vulva, the localization of caudal papillae on males, and the excretory pore, are observed for the first time. C. macrops represents a new host record, and Rio de Janeiro is a new geographical record for this species.     

Genetic diversity of Neisseria meningitidis strains isolated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, evaluated by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis

AIMS: To analyse Neisseria meningitidis isolates from meningococcal meningitis cases in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) from 1990 to 1993 and 1999-2002, to determine the genetic and relatedness with hypervirulent and epidemic strains. METHODS AND RESULTS: The isolates were analysed by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis (MEE) clustering into 83 electrophoretic types (ET). All isolates from 1999 to 2002, formed a cluster which included one strain of the ET-5 complex worldwide associated with epidemics. CONCLUSIONS: The overall results suggested a panmictic structure probably because of recombination events. The observation of a separated cluster including isolates from 1999 to 2002 and an ET-5 complex strain, also suggested the introduction of strains genetically related with this hypervirulent complex in the State of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) over the last 5 years. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The presence of strains related to the ET-5 complex in several states of Brazil was already described elsewhere, but this is the first time it was reported in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Our findings reinforce the necessity to genetically determine the clones which should be considered to produce a national vaccine against meningococcal meningitis.     

Anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in cattle and pigs in a highly endemic area for human toxoplasmosis in Brazil

Sera from 77 cattle and 61 pigs from herds of Campos dos Goytacazes and neighborhood, north of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, were analyzed for the presence of antibodies anti-Toxoplasma gondii via ELISA. The seropositivity was confirmed at 49.4% (38 of 77) for cattle and at 11.5% (7 of 61) for pigs. Pigs bred under free-ranging systems presented with 20.6% (7 of 34) seropositivity and no pigs bred under indoor systems were positive (n = 27). The seropositivity verified for cattle and pigs confirmed the extensive distribution of the parasite in this region. In the face of these data, we discuss the potential risk for human infection by consumption of raw or undercooked meat in this geographic region of Brazil. This is the first report of seropositivity for anti-T. gondii antibodies in cattle in the north of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil.     

Infestation of Rhynchopsyllus pulex (Siphonaptera: Tungidae) on Molossus molossus (Chiroptera) in Southeastern Brazil.

The infestation of Rhynchopsyllus pulex on the bat Molossus molossus was observed using mist-nets opened between constructions in the Primatological Center, in Guapimirim, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.     

Comparative immunological recognition of proteins from New Guinea "C" dengue virus type 2 prototype and from a dengue virus type 2 strain isolated in the State of Rio de Janeiro,Brazil

The protein profiles of the New Guinea "C" dengue virus type 2 (DENV-2)prototype and those of a Brazilian DENV-2 isolated in the State of Rio de Janeiro in 1995 were compared. SDS-PAGE analysis showed that the virus from Rio de Janeiro expresses NS5 (93.0 kDa), NS3 (66.8 kDa) E (62.4 kDa) and NS1 (41.2 kDa) proteins differently from the New Guinea "C" virus. The immunoblot revealed specificity and antigenicity for the NS3 protein from DENV-2 Rio de Janeiro mainly in primary infections, convalescent cases, and in secondary infections in both cases and only antigenicity for E and NS1 proteins for both viruses in primary and secondary infections.     

Cryptosporidium pig genotype II diagnosed in pigs from the state of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Pigs may represent a source of Cryptosporidium sp. infection to humans. The objective of this study was to identify the Cryptosporidium species present in pigs from the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and verify what risks pigs represent in the transmission of human cryptosporidiosis, because there is no such information to date in Brazil. Ninety-one samples of pig feces were collected from 10 piggeries in 2 municipalities located in the north and northwest regions of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol to amplify an 830-bp fragment of the small subunit rDNA (SSU rRNA) gene was followed by sequencing of all positive PCR samples. Two samples (2.2%) were Cryptosporidium sp. positive and were identified as pig genotype type II (PGII). This genotype has been observed in an immunocompetent person, in cattle without pigs nearby, and from a potential human source. Its potential for zoonotic transmission is little known and should be rigorously studied.     

Genetic diversity in Brazilian populations of Aedes albopictus

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis technique was undertaken in Aedes albopictus populations from three states in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Minas Gerais (MG) and Pernambuco (PE), to estimate the level of genetic variability and levels of genetic exchange between populations. Allele and genotype frequencies were measured on 47 RAPD loci. Average observed heterozigosity (Ho) ranged from 0.282 in MG to 0.355 in Casa Forte (PE) population. Genetic distances estimates indicated that RJ and MG were more genetically similar than populations from PE. Genetic variation observed in local Brazilian populations was attributed to genetic drift associated with restricted gene flow in recently established populations.     

PASSIFLORA ITATIAIENSIS

A new species of Passiflora L. in subgenus Decaloba (DC.) Rchb. from Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil is described; its history, taxonomy, distribution, ecology and cultivation are discussed.     

Host-range Characterization of Two Pratylenchus coffeae Isolates from Brazil

Two isolates of Pratylenchus coffeae were collected from coffee roots (in Marília, São Paulo State, Brazil) and Aglaonema (in Rio de Janeiro City, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil) and maintained in the laboratory on alfalfa callus. Twenty-four plants were tested in the greenhouse to characterize the host preference of these isolates. The host ranges of the isolates differed from each other and, interestingly, coffee, banana, and citrus were not among the better hosts of either isolate. Rather, sorghum, maize, rice, millet, okra, melon, eggplant, and lettuce were the best hosts of the Marília isolate. Poor hosts included French marigold, Rangpur lime, banana, sesame, peanut, sunflower, cotton, French bean, onion, and small onion. The best hosts of the Rio de Janeiro isolate were sesame, soybean, sorghum, castor oil plant, watermelon, squash, eggplant, and melon; the poorest hosts were French marigold, coffee, Rangpur lime, banana, sunflower, peanut, maize, millet, French bean, cotton, onion, sweet pepper, lettuce, okra, and small onion. These isolates have important molecular and morphological differences, suggesting host preference is linked to these characteristics.     

Hepatitis B infection among patients attending a sexually transmitted diseases clinic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has a low endemicity in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Sexual transmission must play an important role in this virus, but the prevalence and risk factors have never been properly investigated. The aim of this paper is to determine the prevalence and risk factors for HBV infection in patients attending a Sexually Transmitted Diseases Clinic of the Universidade Federal Fluminense, from the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In a retrospective study, HBV seroprevalence was investigated in 440 patients. Serum of each patient was assayed for antibodies against hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies against hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs). Demographic and risk factor data were extracted from clinic notes. The overall seroprevalence of exposure markers for HBV (anti-HBc, HBsAg and anti-HBs) were 13%, 3.4% and 8.5% respectively. Homo/bisexual behaviour, anal intercourse, HIV infection, positive serology for syphilis and blood transfusion were predictors of the HBV exposure. Among demographic data, age and place of birth were associated with the anti-HBc seropositivity.     

Phytogeography of the liverwort flora of the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil

Abstract

This work analyzes the phytogeographic patterns of the liverwort flora of the Atlantic Forest of the Rio de Janeiro State, south-eastern Brazil. The analysis was based on inventories made in fragments of Atlantic Forest in the state, collections from the RB herbarium, and information from the checklist and database of the bryoflora of Rio de Janeiro. The phytogeographic pattern for each taxon was characterized based on its current distribution. Three hundred and sixty liverwort taxa are recognized for Rio de Janeiro. The liverwort flora varies along an altitudinal gradient within the Atlantic Forest, with the montane belt having the greatest species richness (238), the highest number of exclusive taxa (63) and the greatest number of endemic species (23). The predominant phytogeographic element is of neotropical species (49%), followed by disjunct liverworts (18%). Forty-one taxa (11%) are endemic to the country, of which 34 are restricted to the Atlantic Forest. In the lowland and submontane formations species are wide-ranging, whereas the montane and upper montane formations are characterized by endemic species or those disjunct with the Andes. The liverwort flora emphasizes the importance of the fragments of Atlantic Forest in Rio de Janeiro as a centre of diversity and endemism, supporting 50% of the total liverwort species known in Brazil, 72% of those recorded from Atlantic Forest and 55% of the endemic species of the country. Species with an Afro-American and Andean disjunction make up a characteristic part of the liverwort flora, probably reflecting the effects of long-distance dispersal by air currents, migration over land before the breakup of the continents and climatic similarities between the high-altitude grasslands and the northern Andes.     

Biochemical education in India

Report on a Biochemical Education workshop held at the University of Gulbarga, Karnataka State, 26–27 September, 1994. The local organizer was Professor V H Mulimani, Department of Biochemistry, Gulbarga University, and the IUBMB representatives were Professor Lepoldo de Meis, Chairman of the Education Committee, IUBMB, and Dr Vivian B Rumjanek, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. There were about 150 participants.     

Trends in population parameters and best linear unbiased prediction of progeny performance in a European F2 maize population under modified recurrent full-sib selection

Recurrent selection is a cyclic breeding procedure designed to improve the mean of a population for the trait(s) under selection. Starting from an F₂ population of European flint maize (Zea mays L.) intermated for three generations, we conducted seven cycles of a modified recurrent full-sib (FS) selection scheme. The objectives of our study were to (1) monitor trends across selection cycles in the estimates of the population mean, additive and dominance variances, (2) compare predicted and realized selection responses, and (3) investigate the usefulness of best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) of progeny performance under the recurrent FS selection scheme applied. Recurrent FS selection was conducted at three locations using a selection rate of 25% for a selection index, based on grain yield and grain moisture. Recombination was performed according to a pseudo-factorial mating scheme, where the selected FS families were divided into an upper-ranking group of parents mated to the lower-ranking group. Variance components were estimated with restricted maximum likelihood. Average grain yield increased 9.1% per cycle, average grain moisture decreased 1.1% per cycle, and the selection index increased 11.2% per cycle. For the three traits we observed, no significant changes in additive and dominance variances occurred, suggesting future selection response at or near current rates of progress. Predictions of FS family performance in Cn+1 based on mean performance of parental FS families in Cn were of equal or higher precision as those based on the mean additive genetic BLUP of their parents, and corresponding correlations were of moderate size only for grain moisture. The significant increase in grain yield combined with the decrease in grain moisture suggest that the F₂ source population with use of a pseudo-factorial mating scheme is an appealing alternative to other types of source materials and random mating schemes commonly used in recurrent selection.     

Length–weight relationships of fishes from the estuary of the Macaé River,Southeastern Brazil

The present study provides the length‐weight relationship (LWR) for eight species from the estuarine stretch of the Macaé River, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Data were obtained quarterly between June 2011 and March 2012. These LWRs are the first records for six species and present new maximum values of total length for three ones.     

Report of Didymocystis wedli Ariola, 1902 (Digenea; Didymozoidae) from Thunnus albacares in Brazil.

Didymocystis wedli a parasite from the gills of Thunnus albacares from the coast of the State of Rio de Janeiro, is described by use of light and scanning electron microscopy. This is the first report of this species in Brazil and South America. New data are presented on the surface topography as demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy.     

Description of Macrochaetus kostei n.sp (Rotifera,Trichotriidae) from a coastal lagoon of Rio de Janeiro,Brazil

A new rotifer is described and figured based on females taken from Comprida lagoon, Rio de Janeiro State, in southeastern Brazil. This new animal belongs to the Genus Macrochaetus which includes several species recorded in South America. A key to species of the Genus Macrochaetus of the Neotropical Region is presented.     

The use of optimal foraging theory in the understanding of fishing strategies: A case from Sepetiba Bay (Rio de Janeiro State,Brazil)

The community of Gamboa is located on Itacuruçá Island, Sepetiba Bay (State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and includes 26 families, mostly of artisanal fishermen who use paddled or motor canoes, and encircling nets for fishing. In this study, predictions from optimal foraging theory (patch model), in particular of patch residence time, are compared to the observed behavior of fishermen on fishing trips. Fishermen's strategies differ depending on their intended prey. They spend more time in patches and use fewer patches for shrimp than for fish. Gamboa's fishermen tend to leave a patch later than predicted by the model. The difficulty in evaluating stock availability, the comparatively few patches available for shrimp, and the competitive aspects of fishing contribute to the explanation of this behavior.