INTERPOPULATION COMPARISON OF REPRODUCTION OF THE ATLANTIC SHRIMP HIPPOLYTE OBLIQUIMANUS (CARIDEA: HIPPOLYTIDAE)

The genus Hippolyte is represented by typically small shrimps with intriguing mechanisms of reproduction. In order to study possible variability in reproductive aspects among different populations, we conducted an exhaustive comparative study of H. obliquimanus from South (Brazil) and Central American (Costa Rica) waters. The study focuses on fecundity and reproductive output. Mean size of ovigerous females was significantly larger, and both mean reproductive output and mean fecundity were significantly higher in specimens from Costa Rica then in those collected in Brazil. Embryo volume was significantly smaller in the Costa Rican population, and in both populations embryos doubled their volume during embryogenesis. We discuss and compare our findings with the information available regarding H. obliquimanus and other hippolytid shrimp. The reproductive traits of both populations of H. obliquimanus show some important differences which may reflect adaptations to local environmental conditions, demonstrating a high plasticity of reproductive features of the species in Brazilian and Costa Rican waters.

Revision of the larval morphology (Zoea I) of the family Hippolytidae (Decapoda, Caridea), with a description of the first stage of the shrimp Hippolyte obliquimanus Dana, 1852

The aim of this study was to summarize the available data on larval morphology of the first zoea of the family Hippolytidae and describe the first zoeal stage of H. obliquimanus from two geographically distinct populations, Brazilian and Caribbean in order to discuss inter- and intraspecific variability. Ovigerous females of Hippolyte obliquimanus were collected at Cahuita (Limon, Costa Rica) and at Ubatuba (Sao Paulo, Brazil). We compiled the published descriptions of all available hippolytid Zoea I (66 spp., 21%), and all zoeae share several characteristics. However, such morphological features cannot be used to distinguish the first zoeae of Hippolytidae from other caridean larvae. Historically, the presence of an exopodal seta at the maxillule and the absence of the anal spine/papilla have been considered as characteristic for the Zoea I of the genus Hippolyte. The results of our revision, however, did not support these conclusions: although H. obliquimanus showed an exopodal seta at the maxillule, four congeners did not bear such structure; moreover, H. obliquimanus as well as one other congener have an anal spine/papilla. All morphological characters observed in the first zoeal stage of H. obliquimanus are shared with others species of the family Hippolytidae. Intraspecific variability in Hippolyte obliquimanus was detected in one morphological aspect: the first zoea had four denticles on the ventral margin of the carapace in the Brazilian population, while specimens from the Costa Rican population had three.

Sexual maturity and egg production in an unexploited population of the red squat lobster Pleuroncodes monodon (Decapoda, Galatheidae) from Central America

The squat lobster Pleuroncodes monodon is one of the most common and abundant galatheid species in the deepwater fishery of Pacific coast of America. In contrast with Peru and Chile, the red squat lobster is not commercially exploited in Costa Rica. Here we estimated the size of sexual maturity and analysed egg production in P. monodon from the Pacific of Costa Rica; the results might be important for an adequate management strategy when initiating a sustainable fishery of this resource in Costa Rica. Analyses of allometric growth revealed that females and males reached their morphological sexual maturity at 26.9 and 30.4 mm CL. respectively. The percentage of immature females captured in the present study (54%) suggests that almost half of females are able to reproduce before they are caught. Egg production was positively correlated with body size; females that measured between 24.1 and 29.0 mm CL contributed roughly 90% to the offspring production of the population. Females from Costa Rica had a considerably lower average egg volume (0.039 mm(3)) and higher fecundity (9810) than females from Chile. In comparison to other American galatheids P. monodon from Costa Rica produces numerous but small eggs, a typical strategy of species with a prolonged larval development. An analysis between our results and information published about P. monodon from Chile also revealed differences in the size-frequency distribution shape of both populations. The non-exploited character of the Costa Rican P. monodon population and a latitudinal (temperature-related) cline in body size might be associated with these differences. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chromoblastomycosis: study of 27 cases and review of medical literature

BACKGROUND: Chromoblastomycosis is a subcutaneous mycosis that occurs mainly in rural workers although is being more commonly found among people working in other sectors. The fungus penetrates the skin after its inoculation and the most frequently isolated agent is the Fonsecaea pedrosoi. OBJECTIVES: This study aims at evaluating patients suffering from chromoblastomycosis admitted into the Department of Dermatology of the University Hospital of the Faculty of Medicine of Sao Paulo State during the ten-year period from 1997 to 2007. METHODS: It is a retrospective study and the medical report cards of 27 Brazilian patients diagnosed as suffering from Chromoblastomycosis from 1997 to 2007 at the Dermatology Department of the Medical School, University of Sao Paulo were reviewed. The following items were analyzed: previous therapeutic approaches; treatment implemented by the group; length of time between the appearing of the lesion and diagnosis; age; gender; profession; origin; site of lesions; isolated agents found in culture and histopathology. RESULTS: Twenty two patients were from the state of Sao Paulo whereas the others came from the states of Bahia and Rondonia. 37% of them were rural workers. Men were more frequently infected (85%). Lesions were more commonly found on the lower limbs (59.2%). In 52% of the cases the isolated agent was the dematiaceous fungus Fonsecaea. pedrosoi. Biopsies showed sclerotic bodies in 92.5% of the cases. CONCLUSION: Data found are in accordance with medical literature on the subject. The disease had been previously studied in our institution in 1983 by Cuce et al. This present study is the second retrospective one about the characteristics of patients suffering from chromoblastmycosis which has been published in indexed medical literature in the state of Sao Paulo.

Odontogenic keratocyst and multiple supernumerary teeth in a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome - A case report and review of the literature

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a hereditary disorder of the connective tissue related to collagen metabolism. Deficiency or alteration of the collagen present in the tissues results in some classic signs such as skin hyperelasticity, articular hypermobility, and vascular fragility, among others. In addition, EDS oral manifestations are rarely cited in the literature. The aim of this article is to report a rare case of a young female patient with EDS who presented supernumerary teeth and an odontogenic keratocyst. There is no report in the literature of the simultaneous occurrence of these alterations. The article further highlights the importance of EDS diagnosis in patients who need dental treatment and the due care for their assistance.

Meios granulares e experimentos simples para a sala de aula

Nos últimos anos houve um grande aumento da atividade experimental e teórica no estudo das propriedades dos materiais granulares. Este artigo apresenta uma breve revisão da literatura sobre este tema e sugere experimentos simples que o professor de física pode fazer ou sugerir aos seus estudantes.

Uso de suporte hemodinâmico e respiratório por meio de oxigenação extracorpórea por membrana (ECMO) venoarterial em um paciente politraumatizado

Existem poucos relatos na literatura sobre o uso de oxigenação extracorpórea por membrana venoarterial por dupla disfunção decorrente de contusão cardíaca e pulmonar no paciente politraumatizado. Relatamos o caso de um paciente de 48 anos, vítima de acidente de motocicleta e automóvel, que evoluiu rapidamente com choque refratário com baixo débito cardíaco por contusão miocárdica e hipoxemia refratária decorrente de contusão pulmonar, tórax instável e pneumotórax bilateral. O suporte extracorpóreo foi uma medida efetiva de resgate para esse caso dramático, e o seu uso pôde ser interrompido com sucesso no 4º dia após o trauma. O paciente evoluiu com extenso infarto cerebral, morrendo no 7º dia de internação

Análise de um ciclone semi-estacionário na costa sul do Brasil associado a bloqueio atmosférico

Na primeira semana de maio de 2008, durante quatro dias, um ciclone em superfície permaneceu semi-estacionário na costa da região sul do Brasil. Este sistema foi responsável por chuvas e ventos fortes no Rio Grande do Sul e Santa Catarina, os quais causaram muitos danos (queda de árvores, enchentes e desabamentos). O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar o processo de formação e entender os mecanismos responsáveis pelo lento deslocamento do ciclone, já que a maioria dos ciclones nesta região possui deslocamento mais rápido. A equação de desenvolvimento de Sutcliffe mostrou que a advecção de vorticidade absoluta ciclônica na média troposfera e a advecção de ar quente na camada entre 1000-500 hPa foram mecanismos importantes para a ciclogênese. Neste período, o intenso aquecimento diabático também contribuiu para a ciclogênese, à medida que se contrapôs ao intenso resfriamento adiabático devido aos movimentos verticais ascendentes. A advecção de vorticidade absoluta ciclônica que favoreceu a ciclogênese esteve associada a um Vórtice Ciclônico em Altos Níveis (VCAN), que se formou numa região de anomalia de vorticidade potencial. O VCAN se manteve semi-estacionário e compôs o setor norte de um bloqueio do tipo dipolo. Tal bloqueio intensificou um anticiclone em superfície, situado a sul/leste do ciclone, o que contribuiu para o ciclone se manter semi-estacionário. O movimento atípico e lento do ciclone para sul, e em alguns períodos para sudoeste, esteve associado com advecções de vorticidade absoluta ciclônica na média troposfera e de ar quente no seu setor sul. Somente quando o bloqueio em níveis médios e a anomalia de vorticidade potencial em níveis médios/altos se enfraqueceram, o ciclone em superfície se afastou da costa sul do Brasil.

Complex networks: the key to systems biology

Though introduced recently, complex networks research has grown steadily because of its potential to represent, characterize and model a wide range of intricate natural systems and phenomena. Because of the intrinsic complexity and systemic organization of life, complex networks provide a specially promising framework for systems biology investigation. The current article is an up-to-date review of the major developments related to the application of complex networks in biology, with special attention focused on the more recent literature. The main concepts and models of complex networks are presented and illustrated in an accessible fashion. Three main types of networks are covered: transcriptional regulatory networks, protein-protein interaction networks and metabolic networks. The key role of complex networks for systems biology is extensively illustrated by several of the papers reviewed.

Keratoconus prediction using a finite element model of the cornea with local biomechanical properties

PURPOSE: The ability to predict and understand which biomechanical properties of the cornea are responsible for the stability or progression of keratoconus may be an important clinical and surgical tool for the eye-care professional. We have developed a finite element model of the cornea, that tries to predicts keratoconus-like behavior and its evolution based on material properties of the corneal tissue. METHODS: Corneal material properties were modeled using bibliographic data and corneal topography was based on literature values from a schematic eye model. Commercial software was used to simulate mechanical and surface properties when the cornea was subject to different local parameters, such as elasticity. RESULTS: The simulation has shown that, depending on the corneal initial surface shape, changes in local material properties and also different intraocular pressures values induce a localized protuberance and increase in curvature when compared to the remaining portion of the cornea. CONCLUSIONS: This technique provides a quantitative and accurate approach to the problem of understanding the biomechanical nature of keratoconus. The implemented model has shown that changes in local material properties of the cornea and intraocular pressure are intrinsically related to keratoconus pathology and its shape/curvature.

Interações entre evolução sedimentar e ocupação humana pré-histórica na costa centro-sul de Santa Catarina, Brasil

Desde o começo da ocupação humana no litoral centro-sul de Santa Catarina, Brasil, a articulação entre processos naturais e antrópicos modelou uma paisagem fortemente domesticada, marcada pela construção massiva de concheiros de dimensões monumentais e pela permanência milenar. Na planície costeira entre Passagem da Barra (município de Laguna) e lago Figueirinha (município de Jaguaruna), 76 sambaquis foram mapeados, dos quais 48 possuem datação. O levantamento sistemático de sítios e datações permitiu identificar padrões de distribuição espacial nos sambaquis da região, quanto a contexto sedimentar da época de construção, estratigrafia e idade. Desse modo, reconheceram-se nos sítios da região: cinco contextos geológico-geomorfológicos de localização; três padrões estratigráficos; e quatro fases de ocupação sambaquieira baseadas na quantidade de sítios e no tipo de padrão construtivo dominante. O modelo integrado de evolução sedimentar e distribuição tempo-espacial de sambaquis indica que estes sítios eram construídos em áreas já emersas e pouco alagáveis, e que sítios interiores, afastados dos corpos lagunares, podem não se ter preservado ou não estarem expostos devido ao processo de assoreamento contínuo que caracterizou a região após a máxima transgressão holocênica. O cruzamento de dados aqui proposto evidencia a importância de abordagens integradas entre arqueologia e geociências no estudo da evolução das paisagens.

A prática de exercícios físicos em pacientes com transtornos alimentares

CONTEXTO: Diferentes estudos discutem a relação da prática excessiva de exercícios físicos com transtornos alimentares como estratégia para perda de peso. OBJETIVO: Revisar a literatura sobre a prática de exercícios físicos em pacientes com transtornos alimentares, discutindo definições, critérios diagnósticos e propostas terapêuticas. MÉTODOS: Levantamento bibliográfico foi realizado por meio de MedLine, LiLacs e Cochrane Library, com os termos "transtornos alimentares", "anorexia", "bulimia", "exercício físico excessivo", "atividade física", "exercício obrigatório", "exercício compulsivo" e "exercício excessivo". RESULTADOS: Dos 80 artigos encontrados, foram selecionados 12 que incluíam a investigação de um padrão de atividade física considerado excessivo em indivíduos acima dos 18 anos e uso de algum instrumento de avaliação para essa finalidade. A prática de exercícios físicos em pacientes com transtornos do comportamento alimentar é revisada. CONCLUSÃO: Não há consenso sobre critérios diagnósticos e instrumentos para considerar o exercício físico como inadequado ou excessivo e seu uso como recurso para perder peso. Por outro lado, a prática de exercícios físicos durante o tratamento de pacientes com transtornos alimentares pode ser benéfica desde que orientada e supervisionada.

Técnicas de extrações e procedimentos de clean-up para a determinação de hidrocarbonetos policílicos aromáticos (HPA) em sedimentos da costa do Ceará

Extraction and clean-up are essential points in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) analysis in a solid matrix. This work compares extraction techniques and clean-up procedures for PAH analysis. PAH levels, their toxicological significance and source were also evaluated in the waters of the Cocó and Ceará rivers. The efficiency of PAH recovery was higher for the soxhlet and ultrasonic techniques. PAH recovery varied from 69.3 to 99.3%. Total PAH concentration (ΣHPA) varied from 720.73 to 2234.76 µg kg-1 (Cocó river) and 96.4 to 1859.21 µg kg-1 (Ceará river). The main PAH sources are pyrolytic processes and the levels were classified as medium so that adverse effects are possible.

Propriedades dinâmicas de fluidos por simulação computacional: métodos híbridos atomístico-contínuo

Computational methods for the calculation of dynamical properties of fluids might consider the system as a continuum or as an assembly of molecules. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation includes molecular resolution, whereas computational fluid dynamics (CFD) considers the fluid as a continuum. This work provides a review of hybrid methods MD/CFD recently proposed in the literature. Theoretical foundations, basic approaches of computational methods, and dynamical properties typically calculated by MD and CFD are first presented in order to appreciate the similarities and differences between these two methods. Then, methods for coupling MD and CFD, and applications of hybrid simulations MD/CFD, are presented.