Critical Factors in Sample Collection and Preparation for Clinical Metabolomics of Underexplored Biological Specimens.

This review article compiles critical pre-analytical factors for sample collection and extraction of eight uncommon or underexplored biological specimens (human breast milk, ocular fluids, sebum, seminal plasma, sweat, hair, saliva, and cerebrospinal fluid) under the perspective of clinical metabolomics. These samples are interesting for metabolomics studies as they reflect the status of living organisms and can be applied for diagnostic purposes and biomarker discovery. Pre-collection and collection procedures are critical, requiring protocols to be standardized to avoid contamination and bias.

and Characterization of Host-Pathogen Interactions of the L3881 Clinical Isolate.

is a human commensal fungus and the etiologic agent of nosocomial infections in immunocompromised individuals. spp. is the most studied human fungal pathogen, and the mechanisms by which this fungus can evade the immune system affecting immunosuppressed individuals have been extensively studied.

Molecular phylogenetic reconstruction and localization of the (TTAGG)n telomeric repeats in the chromosomes of (Roger, 1863) suggests a lower ancestral karyotype for leafcutter ants (Hymenoptera).

Chromosome counts and karyotype characterization have proved to be important features of a genome. Chromosome changes during the diversification of ants might play an important role, given the diversity and success of Formicidae. Comparative karyotype analyses on ants have enriched and helped ant systematics.

Reassessing the Chromosome Number and Morphology of the Turtle Ant Cephalotes pusillus (Klug, 1824) Using Karyomorphometrical Analysis and Observations of New Nesting Behavior.

Here we use karyomorphometrical analysis to characterize and evaluate the karyotype of the turtle ant (Klug, 1824). This is the first representative of this diverse ant genus to be cytogenetically studied. They bear a diploid chromosome set of 44 chromosomes, which, according to the centromeric index, are metacentric, submetacentric, and subtelocentric.

Cytogenetic data on the agro-predatory ant Smith, 1947 and its host, (Mayr, 1884) (Hymenoptera, Formicidae).

We provide the first karyotype description of the agro-predatory ant species Smith, 1947 (Myrmicinae, Formicidae), and chromosome counts of its host (Mayr, 1884) (Myrmicinae, Formicidae) from geographically distinct populations. Colonies of both species were sampled from coastal areas of Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil, and transferred to the laboratory. Metaphase spreads were prepared from the cerebral ganglia of defecated larvae.