Investigating Stakeholders’ Preferences for Coral Reef Research Funding in Florida

Abstract: Heavily used and highly valuable, the Florida Reef is one of the world's most threatened ecosystems. Stakeholders from a densely urbanized coastal region in proximity to the reef system recognize its degradation, but their comprehension of climate change and commitment to pay for sustainable management and research funding have been opaque. With an emphasis on recreational anglers, residential stakeholders were surveyed online about their marine activities, perceptions of resources and threats, and willingness to pay (WTP) for dedicated coral reef research funding in Florida. The majority of stakeholders are wealthy, well educated, and politically independent. Supermajorities favored the two scenarios of taxation for a Florida Coral Reef Research Fund, and the scenario with matching federal funds earned higher support. In regression analyses, several factors emerged as significant contributors to stakeholders’ preferences, and the four recurring factors in extended models were prioritizing the environment over the economy, donating to environmental causes, concern about coral reefs, and concern about climate change, with the latter indicating a recent shift of opinion. Status in terms of income and education were found insignificant, and surprisingly income was negatively correlated with WTP. Perceptions through lenses of environmental and emotional attachments appear to overwhelm conventional status-based factors. Applied statewide, the first scenario's extrapolated WTP (based on a sales tax rate of 2.9%) would generate $675 million annually, and the extrapolated WTP under the second scenario, with matching federal funds (based on a sales tax rate of 3.0%) would generate $1.4 billion. Keywords: willingness to pay, coral reef research, taxation, climate change, stakeholder, perceptions, Florida Reef, recreational fishing, anglers

Quorum Sensing and Microbial Interactions in Coral Black Band Disease and Coral-Associated Bacteria

The black band disease (BBD) microbial consortium often causes mortality of reef-building corals. Microbial chemical interactions (i.e., quorum sensing (QS) and antimicrobial production) may be involved in the BBD disease process. Culture filtrates (CFs) from over 150 bacterial isolates from BBD and the surface mucopolysaccharide layer (SML) of healthy and diseased corals were screened for acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) and Autoinducer-2 (AI-2) QS signals using bacterial reporter strains. AHLs were detected in all BBD mat samples and nine CFs. More than half of the CFs (~55%) tested positive for AI-2. Approximately 27% of growth challenges conducted among 19 isolates showed significant growth inhibition. These findings demonstrate that QS is actively occurring within the BBD microbial mat and that culturable bacteria from BBD and the coral SML are able to produce QS signals and antimicrobial compounds. This is the first study to identify AHL production in association with active coral disease.

Effects of Multiple Ecological Drivers on Recruitment and Succession of Coral Reef Macroalgal Communities

The study evaluated the effects of herbivory pressure, nutrient availability and potential propagule supply on recruitment and succession of coral reef macroalgal communities. Recruitment and succession tiles were placed in a nutrient-herbivory factorial experiment and macroalgal abundances were evaluated through time. Proportional abundances of macroalgal form-functional groups on recruitment and succession tiles were similar to field established communities within treatments, evidencing possible effects of adult macroalgae as propagule supply. Macroalgal abundance of recruitment tiles increased with nutrient loading and herbivory reduction combined whereas on succession tiles nutrient loading increased abundance of articulated-calcareous only when herbivores were excluded. Macroalgal field established communities were only affected by herbivory reduction.

El cuarto canto coral en Oedipus de Séneca : (vv.882-904)

Fil: Pedernera, Soledad. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educación; Argentina.

El cuarto canto coral en Oedipus de Séneca : (vv.882-904)

Fil: Pedernera, Soledad. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educación; Argentina.

Herbivores strongly influence algal recruitment in both coral- and algal-dominated coral reef habitats

Coral reefs can exist as coral- and macroalgae-dominated habitats often separated by only a few hundred metres. While herbivorous fish are known to depress the abundance of algae and help maintain the function of coral-dominated habitats, less is known about their influence in algae-dominated habitats. Here, we quantified herbivorous fish and benthic algal communities over a 6 mo period in coral-dominated (back-reef) and algal-dominated (lagoon) habitats in a relatively undisturbed fringing coral reef (Ningaloo, Western Australia). Simulta - neously, we tested the effects of herbivorous fish on algal recruitment in both habitats using recruitment tiles and fish exclusion cages. The composition of established algal communities differed consistently between habitats, with the back-reef hosting a more diverse community than the Sargassum-dominated lagoon. However, total algal biomass and cover only differed between habitats in autumn, coinciding with maximum Sargassum biomass. The back-reef hosted high coral cover and a diverse herbivorous fish community, with herbivore biomass an order of magnitude greater than the lagoon. Despite these differences in herbivore composition, exclusion of large herbivores had a similar positive effect to foliose macroalgae recruitment on experimental tiles in both back-reef and lagoon habitats. Additionally, territorial damselfish found in the backreef increased turf algae cover and decreased crustose coralline algae cover on recruitment tiles. Collectively, our results show that disparate herbivorous fish communities in coral- and algaedominated habitats are similarly able to limit the recruitment of foliose macroalgae, but suggest that when herbivorous fish biomass and diversity are relatively low, macroalgal communities are able to escape herbivore control through increased growth.

Melhoria do Programa de Acompanhamento da Pessoa com Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica e/ou Diabetes Mellitus na UBS/ESF Félix Pinto, Cantá/RR

SARDA ROJAS, Jorge. Melhoria do programa de acompanhamento da pessoa com hipertensão arterial sistêmica e/ou diabetes mellitus na UBS/ESF Felix Pinto, Cantá/RR. 2015. 103 p. Trabalho de Conclusão de Curso (Curso de Especialização em Saúde da Família) - Departamento de Medicina Social, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, 2015. A Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica (HAS) e o Diabetes Mellitus (DM) são graves problemas de saúde pública no Brasil e no mundo. Evidências demonstram que o bom manejo destas doenças crônicas na Atenção Básica evita hospitalizações e mortes por complicações cardiovasculares e cerebrovasculares. Nesse sentido, o objetivo desse trabalho foi melhorar a atenção à saúde do usuário portador de HAS e ao usuário portador de DM na UBS/ESF Félix Pinto, Canta, RR. O projeto foi estruturado para ser desenvolvido no período de 16 semanas, mas por solicitação dos coordenadores do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde da Família – EAD a intervenção foi desenvolvida em 12 semanas. Com a implementação do projeto de intervenção foram cadastrados 242 usuários hipertensos e 89 usuários diabéticos, atingindo uma cobertura de 26,5% e 34,1%, respectivamente. Além disso, a intervenção propiciou o desenvolvimento de um trabalho multidisciplinar, um maior nível de conhecimento aos profissionais mediante as atividades de qualificação da prática clínica e promoveu o trabalho integrado da equipe de saúde com a comunidade, aumentando, dessa forma, o engajamento público e a governabilidade dos profissionais na solução dos problemas que seriam de responsabilidade dos gestores.

Melhoria da Atenção à Pessoa Idosa na UBS/ESF Vila Central, Cantá/RR

PARDILLO HERNANDEZ, Yumila Teresa. Melhoria da atenção à pessoa idosa na UBS Vila Central, Canta/RR. 2015. 111. Trabalho de Conclusão de Curso (Curso de Especialização em Saúde da Família) - Departamento de Medicina Social, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, 2015. O mundo está envelhecendo rapidamente e, em consequência disso, é necessário definir estratégias para um acesso integral, equitativo, resolutivo e um atendimento humanizado e de qualidade para essa população. O presente Trabalho de Conclusão de Curso (TCC) tem como objetivo melhorar a atenção à saúde do idoso na UBS/ESF Vila Central, Canta, RR. O projeto foi estruturado para ser desenvolvido no período de 16 semanas, mas por solicitação do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde da Família – EAD, a intervenção foi desenvolvida em apenas 12 semanas. Ao longo desse período, cadastramos 137 idosos, atingindo uma cobertura de 74,5%. Dentre as ações que atingiram 100% de qualidade destacam-se: Avaliação Multidimensional Rápida, exame clínico apropriado, solicitação de exames complementares, prescrição de medicamentos da Farmácia Popular priorizada, visita domiciliar a usuários acamados ou com problemas de locomoção, verificação de pressão arterial na última consulta, rastreamento para diabetes mellitus, avaliação da necessidade de atendimento odontológico, busca ativa a idosos faltosos a consulta, avaliação de risco para morbimortalidade, avaliação para fragilização na velhice, orientação nutricional para hábitos saudáveis e prática regular de atividade física e orientação sobre higiene bucal e tabagismo. A reorganização da atenção à pessoa idosa na UBS/ESF Vila Central também promoveu o trabalho multidisciplinar, promoveu a capacitação de todos os integrantes da equipe e garantiu a participação ativa da comunidade e dos líderes comunitários na tomada de decisões.

Melhoria do Programa de Acompanhamento da Pessoa com Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica e / ou Diabetes Mellitus na ESF Serra Grande, Cantá / Rr.

Triana, Mirkadennia Nash. Melhoria do programa de acompanhamento da pessoa com hipertensão arterial sistêmica e / ou diabetes mellitus na ESF Serra Grande, Cantá / RR 2015. 104 . Trabalho de conclusão de Curso (Curso de Especialização em Saúde da Família)-Departamento de Medicina Social, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, 2015. A hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) e a diabetes mellitus (DM) constituem um importante fator de risco para doenças cardiovasculares, renais e cérebro vascular a nivel mundial. Tendo em vista que o acompanhamento contínuo da pessoa portadora de HAS e de DM pode diminuir as complicações, evitar encaminhamentos para outros níveis de atenção e reduzir custos para o Sistema de Saúde (SUS), o presente trabalho tem como objetivo aumentar a cobertura e melhorar a qualidade do Programa de Acompanhamento da pessoa com HAS e / ou DM na ESF Serra Grande, Cantá / RR. O projeto foi estruturado para ser desenvolvido no período de 16 semanas, mas devido à solicitação da coordenação do curso a intervenção teve duração de 12 semanas. Foram acompanhados durante esse período 125 portadores de HAS e 41 portadores de DM na faixa etária de 20 anos ou mais, atingindo uma cobertura de 26,8% e 30,8% respectivamente. Além disso, as seguintes ações alcançaram 100% de qualidade: realização de exame clínico de acordo ao protocolo, indicação de exame complementares de acordo ao protocolo, prescrição de medicamentos da farmacia popular, avaliação da necessidade de atendimento odontológico, busca ativa de usuários faltosos, registro adequado na ficha de acompanhamento, estratificação de risco cardiovascular e orientações sobre alimentação saudável, prática regular de atividade física, riscos do tabagismo e higiene bucal. A reorganização da atenção ao portador de HAS e/ou DM promoveu o trabalho integrado da médica, enfermeira, auxiliares de enfermagem e agentes comunitários de saúde (ACS) e, consequentemente, uma participação ativa da comunidade na resolução de problemas. Palavras-chaves:atenção primária de saúde; saúde da família; hipertensão arterial sistêmica; diabetes mellitus ; ; doença crônica

Comparação da eficácia da ropivacaína 1% quando associada ou não à hialuronidase na anestesia peribulbar para cirurgia de catarata

Purpose: To evaluate the onset time and quality of peribulbar anesthesia with 1% ropivacaine associated or not with hyaluronidase 100 tru/ml for cataract extraction. Methods: Prospective, randomized, double-blind and controlled study including fifty-seven patients, scheduled to undergo peribulbar anesthesia for cataract extraction, allocated to two groups. Group C: 1% ropivacaine with addition of 100 tru/ml hyaluronidase, and Group S 1% ropivacaine, without hyaluronidase. The onset time for globe akinesia was studied at intervals of 2 minutes, using Nicoll's score. We evaluated pain by analogic score during the surgery and the necessity of complementing the anaesthesia. The peribulbar block was considered satisfactory when the Nicoll's score was less than 4. Results: The mean time of onset of block in group C was 4.07 minutes (± 3.24), and in group S 5.03 (± 3.28). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups. Both were similar regarding pain score, no pain was observed in 57.14% of group C, and in 68.97% of group S. The supplementary anesthetic was necessary in 2 cases of group C and in 3 cases of group S. Two cases of bradycardia (heart rate < 50 bpm) were observed during the surgery, and in one case administration of atropine IV was necessary. Conclusion: 1% ropivacaine provided a good quality of anesthesia for cataract extraction, with a faster onset of action in the group with hyaluronidase 100 iu/ml, although without significant difference.

Eficácia na utilização de córneas no transplante penetrante

PURPOSES: 1) To verify the impact of the creation of the Single Technical Record (STR) at the University of Campinas (Unicamp) Hospital das Clínicas, on the preservation period of corneas which were used in elective penetrating keratoplasties, and 2) to compare the primary failure incidence in cornea penetrating keratoplasties regarding the periods before and after the creation of STR. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted at the Unicamp Hospital, which evaluated 15 consecutive cornea penetrating keratoplasties between January 1st and April 30th, 2000 and 24 consecutive penetrating keratoplasties between May 1st and September 20th of the same year (corneas under the control of the STR), totaling 39 keratoplasties. RESULTS: The mean time between cornea preparation and transplantation was 3.8 days (±1.78) in the period before STR creation, and 6.0 days (±2.97) after STR creation, representing a 36.7% increase in the preservation time. There was a statistically significant difference (p=0.02) between the two groups. No corneal primary failure was observed among the 39 transplanted patients in both groups. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that this new concept of the State Transplantation System has caused a statistically significant increase in the conservation period of corneas, which may reduce the period of a clear transplant due to an increased loss of endothelial cells, as well as increase the primary failure incidence or result in a high number of corneas that cannot be used due to having exceeded the preservation time recommended by the literature.

Seqüenciamento de peptídeos usando espectrometria de massas: um guia prático

This paper introduces the basics of peptide mass spectra interpretation applied to proteomics and is directed to chemists, biochemists and biologists. The manuscript presents a well detailed protocol aiming to serve as a first choice guide for understanding peptide sequencing. The tutorial was elaborated based on both a thorough bibliographic revision and the author's experience. In order to prove the applicability of the proposed guide, spectra obtained on different instruments have been successfully interpreted by applying the presented rational.

Methodology of a nationwide cross-sectional survey of prevalence and epidemiological patterns of hepatitis A, B and C infection in Brazil

Um inquérito de base populacional foi conduzido na população urbana de todas as capitais e do Distrito Federal no Brasil para fornecer informações sobre a prevalência de hepatites virais e fatores de risco, entre 2005 e 2009. Este artigo descreve o delineamento e a metodologia do estudo que envolveu a população com idade entre 5 e 19 anos para hepatite A e 10 a 69 anos para hepatite B e C. As entrevistas e amostras de sangue foram obtidas através de visitas domiciliares e a amostra selecionada a partir de uma amostragem estratificada em múltiplos estágios (por conglomerado) com igual probabilidade para cada domínio de estudo (região e faixa etária). Nacionalmente, 19.280 residências e ~31.000 indivíduos foram selecionados. O tamanho da amostra foi suficiente para detectar uma prevalência em torno de 0,1% e para avaliar os fatores de risco por região. A metodologia apresentou-se viável para distinguir entre diferentes padrões epidemiológicos da hepatite A, B e C. Estes dados serão de valia para a avaliação das políticas de vacinação e para o desenho de estratégias de controle.

A Comparison of Bimatoprost 0.03% Versus the Fixed-Combination of Latanotoprost 0.005% and Timolol 0.5% in Adult Patients With Elevated Intraocular Pressure: An Eight-Week, Randomized, Open-Label Trial

Introduction and Purpose: Bimatoprost and the fixed combination of latanoprost with timolol maleate are 2 medications widely used to treat glaucoma and ocular hypertension (OHT). The aim of the study is to compare the efficacy of these 2 drugs in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) after 8 weeks of treatment in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) or OHT. Methods: In this randomized, open-label trial, 44 patients with POAG or OHT were allocated to receive either bimatoprost (1 drop QD) or latanoprost/timolol (1 drop QD). Primary outcome was the mean diurnal IOP measurement at the 8th week, calculated as the mean IOP measurements taken at 8:00 AM, 10: 00 AM, and 12: 00 PM Secondary outcomes included the baseline change in IOP measured 3 times a day, after the water-drinking test (performed after the last IOP measurement), and the assessment of side effects of each therapy. Results: The mean IOP levels of latanoprost/timolol (13.83, SD = 2.54) was significantly lower than of bimatoprost (16.16, SD = 3.28; P < 0.0001) at week 8. Also, the change in mean IOP values was significantly higher in the latanoprost/timolol group at 10:00 AM (P = 0.013) and 12:00 PM (P = 0.01), but not at 8: 00 AM (P = ns). During the water-drinking test, there was no signifi cant difference in IOP increase (absolute and percentage) between groups; however, there was a signifi cant decrease in mean heart rate in the latanoprost/timolol group. Finally, no signifi cant changes in blood pressure and lung spirometry were observed in either groups. Conclusions: The fixed combination of latanoprost/timolol was significantly superior to bimatoprost alone in reducing IOP in patients with POAG or OHT. Further studies with large sample sizes should be taken to support the superior efficacy of latanoprost/timolol, as well as to better assess its profile of side effects.

Logarithmic contribution to the electrical resistivity in (Ru(1-x)Ir(x))Sr(2)GdCu(2)O(8) compounds

A systematic study of magnetoresistance and dc magnetization was conducted in polycrystalline (Ru(1-x)Ir(x))Sr(2)GdCu(2)O(8) [(Ru,Ir)-1212] compounds, for 0 <= x <= 0.15. We found that a deviation from linearity in the normal-state electrical resistivity (rho) curves for temperatures below the magnetic transition temperature T(M) < 130 K can be properly described by a logarithmic term. The prefactor C(x, H) of this anomalous ln T contribution to rho(T) increases linearly with the Ir concentration, and diminishes rapidly with increasing applied magnetic field up to H approximate to 4 T, merging with the C(0,H) curve at higher magnetic fields. Correlation with magnetic susceptibility measurements supports a scenario of local perturbations in the orientation of Ru moments induced in the neighborhood of the Ir ions, therefore acting as scattering centers. The linear dependence of the prefactor C(x,H=0) and the superconducting transition temperature T(SC) on x points to a common source for the resistivity anomaly and the reduction in T(SC), suggesting that the CuO(2) and RuO(2) layers are not decoupled.