Larval development of Epialtus bituberculatus H. Milne Edwards, 1834 (Crustacea : Decapoda : Brachyura : Majidae) with comments on majid larvae from the southwestern Atlantic

The larval development of the spider crab Epialtus bituberculatus H. Milne Edwards which Lives on rocky shores with algae such as Sargassum and Hypneia, is described. Larvae were obtained from ovigerous females collected in Ubatuba, State of São Paulo, Brazil. Rearing was carried out at 24 +/- 1 degreesC, with an average salinity of 35 parts per thousand. Larval development consists of two zoeal stages and one megalopa. Zoeal development was completed in 9.5 days. Analysis indicated that zoeae of E. bituberculatus are very similar to those of E. brasiliensis Dana and Acanthonyx scutiformis (Dana). Differences noted between these species pertain to the setation of the carapace, maxillule and second maxilliped. The main morphological features useful for identification are presented together with a summary of features that characterize larvae of majid subfamilies in Brazil. A key for the identification of southwestern Atlantic majid zoeae to the family level is provided.

Removal of radionuclides from acid mine waters by retention on adsorbing materials

This study proposes a method for decontamination of acid drainage water from a uranium mine, as an alternative process to lime treatment. The research embodied the recovery of uranium with an ion-exchange resin, treatment of effluent resin with lime, or with inorganic adsorbents and biosorbents. The uranium decontamination level using the resin process was 94% and allowed the recovery of this element as a commercial product. Among the inorganic adsorbents studied, phosphogypsum was effective for Ra-226, Ra-228, and Pb-210 removal. Among the biosorbents, Sargassum sp.was superior in relation to its specific capacity to accumulate and remove Ra-226.

Territorial hypothesis predicts the trade-off between reproductive opportunities and parental care in three species of damselfishes (Pomacentridae: Actinopterygii)

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Larval development of Epialtus bituperculatus H. Milne Edwards, 1834 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Majidae) with comments on majid larvae from the southwestern Atlantic

The larval development of the spider crab Epialtus bituberculatus H. Milne Edwards which lives on rocky shores with algae such as Sargassum and Hypeneia, is described. Larvae were obtained from ovigerous females collected in Ubatuba, State of São Paulo, Brazil. Rearing was carried out at 24 ± 1°C, with an average salinity of 35%. Larval development consists of two zoeal stages and one megalopa. Zoeal development was completed in 9.5 days. Analysis indicated that zoeae of E. bituberculatus are very similar to those of E. brasiliensis Dana and Acanthonyx scutiformis (Dana). Differences noted between these species pertain to the setation of the carapace, maxillule and second maxilliped. The main morphological features useful for identification are presented together with a summary of features that characterize larvae of majid subfamilies in Brazil. A key for the identification of southwestern Atlantic majid zoeae to the family level is provided.

Comparison of the population biology of Epialtus bituberculatus from two rocky shores with distinct hydrodynamic patterns

The population biology of Epialtus bituberculatus was compared between two different intertidal localities with differing levels of wave exposure. Sampling was conducted monthly between January and December, 2001 on seaweed banks of Sargassum cymosum in the intertidal zone of the rocky shores Grande (GR) (23°23′S-45°03′W) and Domingas Dias (DD) (23°29′S-45°08′W). Four hundred and twenty-eight crabs were captured at the GR site: 111 juvenile males, 106 adult males, 57 juvenile females, 17 adult females and 137 ovigerous females; while 455 specimens were obtained at the DD site: 76 juvenile males, 113 adult males, 37 juvenile females, 40 adult females and 189 ovigerous females. The population from GR showed a non-normal distribution and from DD a normal distribution. The sex-ratio (female/male) was 1:0.97 at GR (χ2 = 0.77, P = 0.084), whereas it was 1:1.41 at DD (χ2 = 13.03, P < 0.001). The largest individuals occurred at DD (U = 78249.0, P < 0.001). The estimated size at sexual maturity was 6.3 and 5.0 mm carapace width (CW) for males, and 5.4 and 5.2 mm CW for females, from GR and DD, respectively. The observed differences in E. bituberculatus between the studied localities might be explained by the different degrees of wave exposure between sites. However, other factors that might also explain the observed differences (e.g. temperature, salinity and food availability) cannot be discarded as relevant in influencing the population structure between sites herein studied. © 2012 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom.

Importancia de los sustratos biogénicos para el cangrejo de piedra Menippe nodifrons Stimpson, 1859 (Brachyura: Eriphioidea)

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Oral manifestations of secondary syphilis in the elderly - A timely reminder for dentists

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infectious disease caused by Treponema pallidum. Cases of syphilis have increased in frequency and are challenging when affecting the elderly. The main causes of increased prevalence of syphilis are sexual promiscuity, lack of knowledge about the disease and decreasing use of barrier protection. Clinically, the oral manifestation of syphilis may resemble other entities, which hampers the correct diagnosis. We report a case of a 79-year-old male with weight loss and feeding difficulties. In the oral cavity there were ulcerative lesions in the hard palate and bilaterally in the buccal mucosa. The incisional biopsy revealed only a non-specific ulceration of the oral mucosa. After 20 days, the patient was re-evaluated and presented maculopapular lesions in the palmar and plantar areas. Positive serological venereal disease reference laboratory (VDRL) tests confirmed the diagnosis of secondary syphilis. The patient was treated with Benzathine penicillin G. After two weeks of treatment the oral lesion disappeared and the patient returned to normal feeding and gained weight. This case report reinforces the need to alert physicians and dentists to include sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis in the differential diagnosis of oral ulcerative lesions in elderly sexually active patients. © 2013 Australian Dental Association.

Transpiração em espécie de grande porte na Floresta Nacional de Caxiuanã, Pará

Durante o experimento “O Impacto da Seca Prolongada nos Fluxos de Água e Dióxido de Carbono em uma Floresta Tropical Amazônica” (ESECAFLOR) realizou-se este trabalho. Trata-se de um subprojeto do Experimento de Grande escala da Biosfera-Atmosfera da Amazônia (LBA), localizado na Estação Científica Ferreira Pena, dentro da Floresta Nacional de Caxiuanã, Pará (1o 42’ 30’’ S; 51o 31’45’’ W; 62 m altitude). A região tem floresta bem preservada, com dossel médio de 35 m. As espécies predominantes em terra-firme, são: Eschweilera coriacea (Mata-matá branco), Voucapoua americana (Acapu) e Protium pallidum (Breu Branco). Medidas foram realizadas entre 03 a 16 de dezembro de 2000 e 12 a 25 de janeiro de 2003, objetivandose determinar a transpiração de dois exemplares de Eschweilera coriacea, mediante os efeitos da seca provocada. A área do ESECAFLOR compreende duas parcelas, cada uma com 1 ha, parcela A (controle) e parcela B (exclusão da chuva). Para o fluxo de seiva, o método foi o Balanço de Calor no Tronco, com sistema Sap Flow meter, P4.1; entre os períodos analisados, a transpiração média registrou aumento de 56% na árvore A237 (parcela A) e redução de 68% na árvore B381 (parcela B)

Sífilis congênita: incidência em recém-nascidos

A sífilis congênita (SC) vem ocupando um lugar de destaque no mundo todo, desde que se observou um aumento no número de casos a partir dos meados de 1980. Apesar do fato de ser uma doença perfeitamente prevenível, a SC permanece como um importante problema de saúde pública. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a incidência de SC em neonatos. A pesquisa foi realizada na Maternidade da Fundação Santa Casa de Misericórdia do Pará (FSCMPA), no período de maio a setembro de 1996. Foram entrevistadas 361 mães e realizado o exame físico de seus recém-nascidos (RN). Os soros das puérperas e neonatos foram testados através de 3 métodos: um não treponêmico, Veneral Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) e dois treponêmicos, Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody Absorption (FTA-Abs) e Enzime-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Imunoglobina M (IgM). Foi dado o diagnóstico de SC em 9,1% dos conceptos; no que diz respeito a outros fatores relacionados com a doença, encontrou-se que 39,4% dos recém natos com sífilis apresentaram algum sinal sugestivo da infecção; 36,4% das puérperas com sífilis não realizaram o pré-natal; 12,1% dessas puérperas confessaram consumir drogas e a maioria tinha história pregressa de natimortalidade e aborto; a bissexualidade paterna foi significativamente maior no que diz respeito aos recém natos com sífilis em comparação aos sem a moléstia. Investigações mais amplas devem ser realizadas para melhor compreensão das características epidemiológicas da infecção na região amazônica, e para adoção de medidas adequadas para controle e erradicação.

Soroepidemiologia da sífilis em gestantes e seus recém-nascidos

A sífilis é uma doença infecto-contagiosa sistêmica causada pelo Treponema pallidum, parasita exclusivo do homem, cuja transmissão se faz essencialmente pelo contato sexual. A incidência desífilis congênita tem atingido proporções de verdadeira epidemia, apesar do conhecimento de medidas que poderiam controlar esta doença. A investigação caracterizou gestantes com sífilis internadas na FSCMPA no período de janeiro de 2001 até junho de 2003, quanto às características sócio-demográficas, comportamento para promoção da saúde sexual e reprodutiva, dados sorológicos e clínicos relacionados à sífilis no binômio mãe/recém-nascido. O estudo é de natureza analítico-descritivo, de corte transversal, com 245 gestantes, a partir da revisão de prontuários destes pacientes, com sorologia positiva para sífilis e do recém-nascido, testados pelo método de VDRL. A incidência de sífilis em gestantes foi de 1,73% do total de pacientes internadas nos últimos 2 anos e meio. O perfil epidemiológico demonstrou que os principais fatores de risco para aquisição da sífilis na gestação foram: ausência de acompanhamento pré-natal e de tratamento, inclusive do parceiro sexual. De acordo com a soropositividade materna no pós-natal, verificou-se que a possibilidade de um recém-nascido ter sífilis, se VDRL positivo, foi de 98,68%. A icterícia e o baixo peso foram os sinais clinícos de maior ocorrência, a prematuridade também foi sinal clínico observado. Estas análises revelam a necessidade de campanhas educativas mais abrangentes, sobre os fatores de risco para aquisição desta enfermidade e um melhor atendimento às gestantes no pré-natal, com acompanhamento e diagnóstico controle das gestantes.

Resíduos da indústria pesqueira na indução de supressividade a Cylindrocladium spathiphylli e Ralstonia solanacearum e de biofertilizantes no controle de oídios

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Seleção de habitat por Epialtus spp. (Decapoda: Epialtidae)

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Oral syphilis: report of three cases and characterization of the inflammatory cells

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infectious disease caused by Treponema pallidum. This study reports 3 cases of syphilis and highlights the importance of identifying oral lesions for its final diagnosis. Case 1: a 48-year-old male patient presented with a bleeding ulcer in the lower lip. Overall clinical examination revealed patchy alopecia and skin target lesions. Case 2: a 61-year-old male patient presented with white spots on the lateral tongue and nodules on the dorsum of the tongue. Overall clinical examination showed erythematous target lesions on the abdomen, forearm, palms of the hand, and soles of the feet. Case 3: a 17-year-old male patient presented with an ulcerated lesion on the tongue and lymph node involvement. The following serologic tests were requested: Venereal Disease Research Laboratory, fluorescent treponemal antibody-absorption, anti-HIV-1 and anti-HIV-2, and anti-hepatitis C virus. An incisional biopsy revealed epithelial hyperplasia associated with intense and diffuse mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltration consisting mainly of plasma cells, in a perivascular and perineural distribution. The final diagnosis in the 3 patients was syphilis. Treatment consisted of 1 weekly dose of penicillin (2.4 million units, intramuscular) for 2 or 3 weeks. Immunohistochemical reactions for XIIIa, CD3, CD20, CD68, CD163, S100, CD1a, CD11c, CD83, CD138, and CD208 were performed. Clinicians should be familiarized with oral syphilis lesions in order to be able to diagnose this emerging infectious disease of variable clinical presentation.

Examination of Homalometron elongatum Manter, 1947 and Description of a New Congener from Eucinostomus currani Zahuranec, 1980 in the Pacific Ocean off Costa Rica

Homalometron elongatum is reexamined using heat-killed material that was not subjected to pressure during fixation from Gerres cinereus collected from San Juan Harbor, Puerto Rico, U.S.A. The new material is compared with some paratype specimens and differs by having a much less variable forebody length, and a median rather than submedian genital pore. Tegumental spines reportedly cover the anterior end of the body but we observed tegumental spines covering the entire body surface in both the paratype and new material. Homalometron lesliorum n. sp. is described from Eucinostomus currani from the Pacific coasts of Costa Rica and Nicaragua. The new species has three pairs of oral papillae surrounding the mouth and thus resembles three other congeners: H. elongatum, Homalometron carapevae, and Homalometron papilliferum. Homalometron lesliorum n. sp. is distinguished from the three species by having the anterior extent of the vitelline follicles at or above the base of the ventral sucker, compared with posterior to the ventral sucker at the level of the seminal vesicle (H. elongatum) or further posterior at the posterior margin of the ovary (H. carapevae and H. papilliferum). The four species are further differentiated from one another by sucker width ratio, tegumental spine size and distribution, egg size, host preference, and biogeography. Comparison of nuclear ribosomal DNA (3' end of 18S, internal transcribed spacer [ITS]1, ITS2, and 5' end of 28S) between H. elongatum and H. lesliorum n. sp. revealed one variable base (n = 162) at the 3' end of 18S, 12 variable bases (n = 476) at ITS1, 10 variable bases (n = 310) at ITS2, and 11 variable bases (n = 1,325) at the 5' end fragment of 28S. Nuclear ribosomal DNA from Homalometron pallidum and Homalometron armatum are included for further comparison with H. elongatum and H. lesliorum n. sp.

Sponges as substrata and early life history of the tubulariid Zyzzyzus warreni (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa) in the Sao Sebastiao Channel, Brazil

The hydroid Zyzzyzus warreni is usually found in shallow coastal waters forming aggregations of solitary polyps embedded in demosponges. Early life history transformations and settlement responses by the actinulae of this hydroid were studied in the laboratory using 13 species of sponges and 2 species of algae collected in the Sao Sebastiao Channel (Brazil) as substrata. The absence of oral tentacles and mouth in the actinulae and early events of metamorphosis suggest that these larvae are unable to spend long periods in the plankton and attach quickly near conspecifics when a preferred substratum is encountered. The time required for settlement and the number of elicited settlings indicated four settlement responses: (a) frequent and short-time settlement, in actinulae exposed to Halichondria cebimarensis, Mycale angulosa, M. aff. americana, M. laxissima (skeleton) and Tedania ignis; (b) moderate and delayed settlement, in actinulae exposed to Aplysina caissara, A. fulva, Haliclona melana and M. microsigmatosa; (c) no settlement, in actinulae exposed to Suberites aurantiacus and to the algae Hypnea musciformis and Sargassum cymosum; and (d) lethal response, in actinulae exposed to Amphimedon viridis, Aplysilla rosea, Dragmacidon reticulatum and M. laxissima. These responses indicate a considerable degree of species discrimination by the actinulae and are consistent with substrata used by the hydroid in the natural environment.