Cytogenetic characterization of Partamona cupira (Hymenoptera, Apidae) by fluorochromes

Four colonies of the stingless bee Partamona cupira (Hymenoptera: Apidae) were cytogenetically analyzed using conventional staining and the fluorochromes CMA3 e DAPI. The females have 2n = 34 chromosomes (2K = 32 M¯+2 A¯). Some females, however, presented an additional large B acrocentric chromosome, to a total of 2n = 35. Chromosome B and the chromosomal pairs 2, 9 and 10 showed CMA 3+ bands, indicating an excess of CG base-pairs. A clear association was verified between the P. helleri B chromosome SCAR marker and the presence of a B chromosome in P. cupira. The data obtained suggests that B chromosomes in P. helleri and P. cupira share a common origin

Genetic variability in five populations of Partamona helleri (Hymenoptera, Apidae) from Minas Gerais State, Brazil

Partamona is a Neotropical genus of stingless bees that comprises 33 species distributed from Mexico to southern Brazil. These bees are well-adapted to anthropic environments and build their nests in several substrates. In this study, 66 colonies of Partamona helleri from five localities in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais (São Miguel do Anta, Teixeiras, Porto Firme, Viçosa and Rio Vermelho) were analyzed using nine microsatellite loci in order to assess their genetic variability. Low levels of observed (Ho = 0.099-0.137) and expected (H e = 0.128-0.145) heterozygosity were encountered and revealed discrete genetic differentiation among the populations (F ST = 0.025). AMOVA further showed that most of the total genetic variation (94.24%) in P. helleri was explained by the variability within local populations

Genetic variability in five populations of Partamona helleri (Hymenoptera, Apidae) from Minas Gerais State, Brazil

Partamona is a Neotropical genus of stingless bees that comprises 33 species distributed from Mexico to southern Brazil. These bees are well-adapted to anthropic environments and build their nests in several substrates. In this study, 66 colonies of Partamona helleri from five localities in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais (São Miguel do Anta, Teixeiras, Porto Firme, Viçosa and Rio Vermelho) were analyzed using nine microsatellite loci in order to assess their genetic variability. Low levels of observed (Ho = 0.099-0.137) and expected (He = 0.128-0.145) heterozygosity were encountered and revealed discrete genetic differentiation among the populations (F ST =0.025). AMOVA further showed that most of the total genetic variation (94.24%) in P. helleri was explained by the variability within local populations

Cytogenetic characterization of Partamona cupira (Hymenoptera, Apidae) by fluorochromes

Abstract Four colonies of the stingless bee Partamona cupira (Hymenoptera: Apidae) were cytogenetically analyzed using conventional staining and the fluorochromes CMA 3 e DAPI. The females have 2n = 34 chromosomes (2K = 32M+2A). Some females, however, presented an additional large B acrocentric chromosome, to a total of 2n = 35. Chromosome B and the chromosomal pairs 2, 9 and 10 showed CMA 3 + bands, indicating an excess of CG base-pairs. A clear association was verified between the P. helleri B chromosome SCAR marker and the presence of a B chromosome in P. cupira. The data obtained suggests that B chromosomes in P. helleri and P. cupira share a common origin. Stingless bees of the genus Partamona (Hymenoptera, Apidae) are widely distributed geographically. Their range extends from the south of Mexico to south Brazil, spreading northwards along the Pacific coast until Peru The cytogenetic characterization of eight species of the genus Partamona, viz., P. pearsoni, P. helleri (cited as P. cupira by B chromosomes of P. helleri were cytogenetically characterized using C, Q and NOR banding, GTG method, CMA 3, DAPI and FISH (Brito et al., 2005). Using molecular techniques, Considering that in P. helleri the SCAR marker is present exclusively in individuals possessing B chromosomes, and that this marker was also identified in P. cupira, the aim of this study was to cytogenetically characterize the latter species, to check for the presence of B chromosomes. As the presence of a B chromosome was detected in some individuals of P. cupira, an additional molecular analysis was carried out by using the SCAR marker previously described, in order to check whether there is an association between this sequence and the presence of B chromosomes in this species

Kansas agricultural student

Published as: The Kansas agricultural student, vol. 1, no. 1 (Dec. 1921)-v.30, no. 3 (Feb. 1954); Kansas State College ag student, vol. 30, no. 4 (Mar. 1954)-v.35, no. 4 (Mar. 1959); Kansas State University ag student, vol. 35, no. 5 (Apr. 1959)-v.44, no. 4 (May 1968).Call number: S1.K3Morse Department of Special Collection

Buzz‐pollination in Neotropical bees: genus‐dependent frequencies and lack of optimal frequency for pollen release

Over 50 genera of bees release pollen from flower anthers using thoracic vibrations, a phenomenon known as buzz‐pollination. The efficiency of this process is directly affected by the mechanical properties of the buzzes, namely the duration, amplitude and frequency. Nonetheless, although the effects of the former two properties are well described, the role of buzz frequency on pollen release remains unclear. Furthermore, nearly all of the existing studies describing vibrational properties of natural buzz‐pollination are limited to bumblebees (Bombus) and carpenter bees (Xylocopa) constraining our current understanding of this behavior and its evolution. Therefore, we attempted to minimize this shortcoming by testing whether flower anthers exhibit optimal frequency for pollen release and whether bees tune their buzzes to match these (optimal) frequencies. If true, certain frequencies will trigger more pollen release and lighter bees will reach buzz frequencies closer to this optimum to compensate their smaller buzz amplitudes. Two strategies were used to test these hypotheses: i) the use of (artificial) vibrational playbacks in a broad range of buzz frequencies and amplitudes to assess pollen release by tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.), and ii) the recording of natural buzzes of Neotropical bees visiting tomato plants during pollination. The playback experiment indicates that although buzz frequency does affect pollen release, no optimal frequency exists for that. In addition, the recorded results of natural buzz‐pollination reveal that buzz frequencies vary with bee genera and are not correlated with body size. Therefore, neither bees nor plants are tuned to optimal pollen release frequencies. Bee frequency of buzz‐pollination is a likely consequence of the insect flight machinery adapted to reach higher accelerations, while flower plant response to buzz‐pollination is the likely result of its pollen granular properties

Chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention in Latin America

Objectives To report clinical, angiographic characteristics, outcomes, and predictors of unsuccessful procedures in patients who underwent chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in Latin America. Background CTO PCI has been increasingly performed worldwide, but there is a lack of information in this region. Methods An international multicenter registry was developed to collect data on CTO PCI performed in centers in Latin America. Patient, angiographic, procedural and outcome data were evaluated. Predictors of unsuccessful procedures were assessed by multivariable analysis. Results We have included data related to 1,040 CTO PCIs performed in seven countries in Latin America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Puerto Rico). The mean age was 64 +/- 10 years, and CTO PCI was performed mainly for angina control (81%) or treatment of a large ischemic area (30%). Overall technical success rate was 82.5%, and it was achieved with antegrade wire escalation in 81%, antegrade dissection/re-entry in 8% and with retrograde techniques in 11% of the successful procedures. Multivariable analysis identified moderate/severe calcification, a blunt proximal cap and a previous attempt as independent predictors of unsuccessful procedures. In-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) occurred in 3.1% of the cases, death in 1% and cardiac tamponade in 0.9% Conclusions CTO PCI in Latin America has been performed mainly for ischemia relief. Procedures were associated with a success rate above 80% and low incidence of MACE. Predictors of unsuccessful procedures were similar to those previously reported in the literature.Brazilian Society of Interventional Cardiolog