Fishes of Paranagua Estuarine Complex, South West Atlantic

The objective of this work was to present an updated checklist of the currently known fishes in the Paranagua Estuarine Complex (PEC) and provides comments on conservation status for the treated species. We used a large dataset derived from a pool of studies which have been conducted within there along the last 30 years. Each study was based on monthly samplings and conducted in several estuarine habitat; thus, the pool covers practically all estuarine habitats and takes into account the seasonal cycle in the system. The PEC ichthyofauna represents a mixture between that fauna typical from the tropical Brazilian coast and that with affinities of temperate Argentinean and Uruguayan zones. The PEC harbors a rich fish fauna of 213 species, inserted in the families that are common along the Brazilian coast. Only a minor part (8%) of the PEC fish fauna was evaluated as regards the conservation status, mostly because of the lack of basic biological and ecological information for most species. Despite part of the among-estuaries differences are due to different and incomplete sampling efforts, the richness in the PEC is surprisingly higher than other systems in Brazil and around world, which emphasize the importance of the region for global biodiversity conservation.

Rationale, study design, and analysis plan of the Alveolar Recruitment for ARDS Trial (ART): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with high in-hospital mortality. Alveolar recruitment followed by ventilation at optimal titrated PEEP may reduce ventilator-induced lung injury and improve oxygenation in patients with ARDS, but the effects on mortality and other clinical outcomes remain unknown. This article reports the rationale, study design, and analysis plan of the Alveolar Recruitment for ARDS Trial (ART). Methods/Design: ART is a pragmatic, multicenter, randomized (concealed), controlled trial, which aims to determine if maximum stepwise alveolar recruitment associated with PEEP titration is able to increase 28-day survival in patients with ARDS compared to conventional treatment (ARDSNet strategy). We will enroll adult patients with ARDS of less than 72 h duration. The intervention group will receive an alveolar recruitment maneuver, with stepwise increases of PEEP achieving 45 cmH(2)O and peak pressure of 60 cmH2O, followed by ventilation with optimal PEEP titrated according to the static compliance of the respiratory system. In the control group, mechanical ventilation will follow a conventional protocol (ARDSNet). In both groups, we will use controlled volume mode with low tidal volumes (4 to 6 mL/kg of predicted body weight) and targeting plateau pressure <= 30 cmH2O. The primary outcome is 28-day survival, and the secondary outcomes are: length of ICU stay; length of hospital stay; pneumothorax requiring chest tube during first 7 days; barotrauma during first 7 days; mechanical ventilation-free days from days 1 to 28; ICU, in-hospital, and 6-month survival. ART is an event-guided trial planned to last until 520 events (deaths within 28 days) are observed. These events allow detection of a hazard ratio of 0.75, with 90% power and two-tailed type I error of 5%. All analysis will follow the intention-to-treat principle. Discussion: If the ART strategy with maximum recruitment and PEEP titration improves 28-day survival, this will represent a notable advance to the care of ARDS patients. Conversely, if the ART strategy is similar or inferior to the current evidence-based strategy (ARDSNet), this should also change current practice as many institutions routinely employ recruitment maneuvers and set PEEP levels according to some titration method.

Comparison of the larynx-associated lymphoid tissue in the false vocal cords and subglottis in pediatric autopsies

The aim this work was to compare the distribution of cellular phenotypes of the LF in the FVC to the ones in the subglottic region in pediatric autopsy, relating this distribution to age and different causes of death. We analyzed 60 larynges of newborns and children autopsied in the period from 1993 to 2003. The fragments were prepared in order to perform histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques. The morphological analysis showed cases that presented LF only in FVC (35%), LF only in the subglottic region (20%), lack of LF in FVC (30%) and lymphoid aggregates, which did not characterize an LF (15%). The cases of LF in the subglottic region were significantly younger compared to the ones that presented LF in the FVC (p = 0.017). The LF in the subglottic region was bigger than the LF in the FVC (p = 0.020). There was no significant difference between the cause of death and cellular phenotype for both FVC and the subglottic region. In conclusion, the cells that make up the LF in the FVC in newborns and children younger than one year have functional characteristics similar to LF cells in the subglottic region, suggesting that there are similarities with LALT. (c) 2012 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Genes involved in thoracic exoskeleton formation during the pupal-to-adult molt in a social insect model, Apis mellifera

Background: The insect exoskeleton provides shape, waterproofing, and locomotion via attached somatic muscles. The exoskeleton is renewed during molting, a process regulated by ecdysteroid hormones. The holometabolous pupa transforms into an adult during the imaginal molt, when the epidermis synthe3sizes the definitive exoskeleton that then differentiates progressively. An important issue in insect development concerns how the exoskeletal regions are constructed to provide their morphological, physiological and mechanical functions. We used whole-genome oligonucleotide microarrays to screen for genes involved in exoskeletal formation in the honeybee thoracic dorsum. Our analysis included three sampling times during the pupal-to-adult molt, i.e., before, during and after the ecdysteroid-induced apolysis that triggers synthesis of the adult exoskeleton. Results: Gene ontology annotation based on orthologous relationships with Drosophila melanogaster genes placed the honeybee differentially expressed genes (DEGs) into distinct categories of Biological Process and Molecular Function, depending on developmental time, revealing the functional elements required for adult exoskeleton formation. Of the 1,253 unique DEGs, 547 were upregulated in the thoracic dorsum after apolysis, suggesting induction by the ecdysteroid pulse. The upregulated gene set included 20 of the 47 cuticular protein (CP) genes that were previously identified in the honeybee genome, and three novel putative CP genes that do not belong to a known CP family. In situ hybridization showed that two of the novel genes were abundantly expressed in the epidermis during adult exoskeleton formation, strongly implicating them as genuine CP genes. Conserved sequence motifs identified the CP genes as members of the CPR, Tweedle, Apidermin, CPF, CPLCP1 and Analogous-to-Peritrophins families. Furthermore, 28 of the 36 muscle-related DEGs were upregulated during the de novo formation of striated fibers attached to the exoskeleton. A search for cis-regulatory motifs in the 5′-untranslated region of the DEGs revealed potential binding sites for known transcription factors. Construction of a regulatory network showed that various upregulated CP- and muscle-related genes (15 and 21 genes, respectively) share common elements, suggesting co-regulation during thoracic exoskeleton formation. Conclusions: These findings help reveal molecular aspects of rigid thoracic exoskeleton formation during the ecdysteroid-coordinated pupal-to-adult molt in the honeybee.

Prevalence and risk factors of Hepatitis C virus infection in Brazil, 2005 through 2009: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Hepatitis C chronic liver disease is a major cause of liver transplant in developed countries. This article reports the first nationwide population-based survey conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of HCV antibodies and associated risk factors in the urban population of Brazil. Methods The cross sectional study was conducted in all Brazilian macro-regions from 2005 to 2009, as a stratified multistage cluster sample of 19,503 inhabitants aged between 10 and 69 years, representing individuals living in all 26 State capitals and the Federal District. Hepatitis C antibodies were detected by a third-generation enzyme immunoassay. Seropositive individuals were retested by Polymerase Chain Reaction and genotyped. Adjusted prevalence was estimated by macro-regions. Potential risk factors associated with HCV infection were assessed by calculating the crude and adjusted odds ratios, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) and p values. Population attributable risk was estimated for multiple factors using a case–control approach. Results The overall weighted prevalence of hepatitis C antibodies was 1.38% (95% CI: 1.12%–1.64%). Prevalence of infection increased in older groups but was similar for both sexes. The multivariate model showed the following to be predictors of HCV infection: age, injected drug use (OR = 6.65), sniffed drug use (OR = 2.59), hospitalization (OR = 1.90), groups socially deprived by the lack of sewage disposal (OR = 2.53), and injection with glass syringe (OR = 1.52, with a borderline p value). The genotypes 1 (subtypes 1a, 1b), 2b and 3a were identified. The estimated population attributable risk for the ensemble of risk factors was 40%. Approximately 1.3 million individuals would be expected to be anti-HCV-positive in the country. Conclusions The large estimated absolute numbers of infected individuals reveals the burden of the disease in the near future, giving rise to costs for the health care system and society at large. The known risk factors explain less than 50% of the infected cases, limiting the prevention strategies. Our findings regarding risk behaviors associated with HCV infection showed that there is still room for improving strategies for reducing transmission among drug users and nosocomial infection, as well as a need for specific prevention and control strategies targeting individuals living in poverty.

Arquitetura brutalista e estratégia de transportes no triângulo mineiro: estações ferroviárias da Mogiana e Terminal Rodoviário Presidente Castelo Branco

Em 1989, Brandão descrevia o Triângulo Mineiro como “fruto da ambiguidade de seu estigma de fazer parte de Minas, mas ser articulada economicamente a São Paulo.” A mesorregião do Triângulo Mineiro e Alto Paranaíba, faz fronteira com os estados de Goiás, São Paulo e Mato Grosso do Sul, interligando também com a Central Mineira e com o Oeste de Minas, sendo a característica de “rota de passagem” como principal fator do desenvolvimento de sua economia. O posicionamento estratégico da região, como eixo de ligação da capital paulista ao chamado Brasil Central, pode ser considerado um importante fator no estreitamento dos laços entre a região e São Paulo, somado ao sentimento de não pertencimento do Triângulo ao estado de Minas Gerais, o qual resultou por décadas em manifestações separatistas na região. A arquitetura moderna produzida no Triângulo Mineiro e Alto Paranaíba deu um salto significativo no momento de construção da nova capital federal, em finais da década de 1950, onde o papel de mediação, principalmente da cidade de Uberlândia, no processo de infra-estruturação da nova cidade foi determinante nos avanços construtivos do Triângulo. Esse momento coincidiu com o início do processo de verticalização das principais cidades da região e o aumento de arquitetos residentes nas cidades. Por meio, em especial, dos edifícios para as estações ferroviárias da Cia Mogiana, de Oswaldo Arthur Bratke em Uberaba e Uberlândia (déc. 1960) e do Terminal Rodoviário Presidente Castelo Branco em Uberlândia, dos arquitetos Fernando Graça, Flávio Almada e Ivan Curpertino (1970), este trabalho objetiva conduzir uma discussão acerca da produção de arquitetura moderna no Triângulo Mineiro ligada às estratégias de transportes intermunicipais como própria cultura de desenvolvimento econômico da região. Nos interessa valer do debate entre o uso da estética brutalista, e da própria escolha por uma arquitetura moderna, como artifício no plano de desenvolvimento das empresas de transporte, e dos governos locais. Sobretudo, discutir as interlocuções do Triângulo Mineiro com São Paulo, rebatendo-as na formação do conjunto arquitetonico moderno produzido na região. Este trabalho é fruto da pesquisa de mestrado da autora cujo tema central é a difusão da arquitetura moderna no Triângulo Mineiro e Alto Paranaíba, pelo Iau/Usp, e financiado pela Capes.

Fishes of Paranaguá Estuarine Complex, South West Atlantic

The objective of this work was to present an updated checklist of the currently known fishes in the Paranaguá Estuarine Complex (PEC) and provides comments on conservation status for the treated species. We used a large dataset derived from a pool of studies which have been conducted within there along the last 30 years. Each study was based on monthly samplings and conducted in several estuarine habitat; thus, the pool covers practically all estuarine habitats and takes into account the seasonal cycle in the system. The PEC ichthyofauna represents a mixture between that fauna typical from the tropical Brazilian coast and that with affinities of temperate Argentinean and Uruguayan zones. The PEC harbors a rich fish fauna of 213 species, inserted in the families that are common along the Brazilian coast. Only a minor part (8%) of the PEC fish fauna was evaluated as regards the conservation status, mostly because of the lack of basic biological and ecological information for most species. Despite part of the among-estuaries differences are due to different and incomplete sampling efforts, the richness in the PEC is surprisingly higher than other systems in Brazil and around world, which emphasize the importance of the region for global biodiversity conservation.

Comparação dos instrumentos Childhood Autism Rating Scale e Autism Behavior Checklist na identificação e caracterização de indivíduos com distúrbios do espectro autístico

OBJETIVO: Comparar as respostas dos instrumentos Childhood Autism Rating Scale e Autism Behavior Checklist na identificação e caracterização de indivíduos com Distúrbios do Espectro Autístico. MÉTODOS: Participaram 28 indivíduos que estavam em atendimento fonoaudiológico e possuíam diagnósticos inseridos no Espectro do Autismo. Todos foram avaliados por meio dos instrumentos Autism Behavior Checklist e Childhood Autism Rating Scale a partir de informações obtidas, respectivamente, com pais e terapeutas. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente em relação à concordância das respostas obtidas. Foram considerados concordantes os resultados de alta ou moderada probabilidade para autismo no Autism Behavior Checklist e com autismo leve-moderado ou grave na Childhood Autism Rating Scale, e respostas de baixa probabilidade no Autism Behavior Checklist e sem autismo na Childhood Autism Rating Scale. RESULTADOS: Houve concordância na maior parte das respostas obtidas. Casos em que houve discordância entre os resultados obtidos a partir dos protocolos corroboram dados da literatura, evidenciando que os instrumentos podem não ser suficientes, quando aplicados isoladamente para a definição do diagnóstico. CONCLUSÃO: Enquanto a Childhood Autism Rating Scale pode não diagnosticar crianças efetivamente autistas, o Autism Behavior Checklist pode incluir como autistas, crianças com outros distúrbios. Portanto, recomenda-se o uso complementar dos dois instrumentos.

Rapid assessment survey for exotic benthic species in the São Sebastião Channel, Brazil

The study of biological invasions can be roughly divided into three parts: detection, monitoring, mitigation. Here, our objectives were to describe the marine fauna of the area of the port of São Sebastião (on the northern coast of the state of São Paulo, in the São Sebastião Channel, SSC) to detect introduced species. Descriptions of the faunal community of the SSC with respect to native and allochthonous (invasive or potentially so) diversity are lacking for all invertebrate groups. Sampling was carried out by specialists within each taxonomic group, in December 2009, following the protocol of the Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) in three areas with artificial structures as substrates. A total of 142 species were identified (61 native, 15 introduced, 62 cryptogenic, 4 not classified), of which 17 were Polychaeta (12, 1, 1, 3), 24 Ascidiacea (3, 6, 15, 0), 36 Bryozoa (17, 0, 18, 1), 27 Cmdana (2, 1, 24, 0), 20 Crustacea (11, 4, 5, 0), 2 Entoprocta (native), 16 Mollusca (13, 3, 0, 0). Twelve species are new occurrences for the SSC. Among the introduced taxa, two are new for coastal Brazil. Estimates of introduced taxa are conservative as the results of molecular studies suggest that some species previously considered cryptogenic are indeed introduced. We emphasize that the large number of cryptogenic species illustrates the need for a long-term monitoring program, especially in areas most susceptible to bioinvasion. We conclude that rapid assessment studies, even in relatively well-known regions, can be very useful for the detection of introduced species and we recommend that they be carried out on a larger scale in all ports with heavy ship traffic.

Conversaciones en la cocina o cómo se escribe un libro (una novela, un poema, un ensayo)

Mesa redonda celebrada con motivo del Día del Libro, el 22 de abril de 2010 en el Seminario de Física del Edificio de Ciencias Básicas de la Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria ; organizado por la Biblioteca de Ciencias Básicas

El mito en "Estelas", de Manuel Verdugo Bartlett (1877 - 1951)

Se analizan las referencias mitológicas en la obra singular de Manuel Verdugo Bartlett, "Estelas". Llama poderosamente la atención su preferencia por el mito griego y su aparición fundamental en los sonetos de corte más clásico. Asimismo se destacan también las alusiones mitológicas vinculadas con el sentimiento amoroso.

Tortugas marinas: viejos nómadas en un mar moderno : estudio de la recuperación de tortugas marinas en el Centro de Recuperación de Fauna Silvestre de Tafira (CRFS) durante los años 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001

Máster en Medio Ambiente Litoral y Marino

Riesgos asociados a episodios de lluvia intensa en Gran Canaria (1951-2000)

[ES] En este trabajo se aborda uno de los problemas ambientales que en las últimas décadas ha ocasionado graves pérdidas sociales y económicas en la isla de Gran Canaria, además de ser uno de los motivos del deterioro de la imagen turística del sur de la isla: los temporales que llevan asociados precipitaciones intensas. Se presta, especial interés a las víctimas ocasionadas, las inundaciones producidas y los daños en las principales vías de comunicación. También se introducen los principales tipos de tiempo que generan lluvias intensas en la isla, así como el método seguido para el análisis de la distribución espacial de éstas en Gran Canaria.