Macrolgae as an indicator of the environmental health of the Pirangi reefs, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

The coral reefs of Pirangi beach have suffered the impact of anthropic actions, mainly those related to tourism. To evaluate these effects, algal samples were collected at nine stations, distributed along the reef fringe. The macrobenthic community (algae/coral) was identified through photographic methods. A total of thirty species of algae, five species of coral, and one species of mollusk were identified. In areas of intense tourist activity, small algae were predominant, while in areas without human interference, foliose algae were predominant. Cluster analysis of the organisms revealed a pattern in spatial distribution into five zones: (1) a submerged zone with very diverse flora, (2) a zone with a predominance of Caulerpa racemosa, (3) a zone with high coverage of Sargassum vulgare, (4) a trampled zone with bare spaces, small algae and Zoanthus sociatus, and (5) a zone with predominance of Palythoa caribaeroum. The results show that human disturbances of the natural order can result in a different distribution model for benthic organisms in reefs. Moreover, these results allow us to infer that the area studied has undergone changes resulting from human activities and that the differences in biological composition can be used as an important indicator of the health of the Pirangi reef.

Effects of platelet-rich plasma on healing of alveolar socket: Split-mouth histological and histometric evaluation in Cebus apella monkeys.

Context: The prediction of implant treatment is directly influenced by the quality of the remaining bone after tooth extraction. Aims : The purpose of this experimental study was to, histologically and histometrically, evaluate the bone repair process in the central areas of extraction sockets filled with platelet-rich plasma. Materials and Methods: Four young adult male Cebus apella monkeys were used. The extraction of both right and left inferior second premolars was accomplished. After extraction, in one of the extraction sockets, coagulum was maintained while in the other it was removed; the alveolus was dried with gauze compress and filled up with platelet concentrate. For PRP production, Sonnleitner's protocol was followed. The specimens for histological and histometric assessment were obtained in 30, 90, 120 and 180 days intervals. Results: In 30 days new bone formation was intense in both experimental and control sockets and no significant differences were observed between the two groups. After 90 days of the extraction, while the control group showed signs of decrease in osteogenesis, in the experimental unit, the process of bone formation and fibroblast-like cell proliferation remained intense. After 120 days, the PRP treated socket was occupied by large trabeculae of bone. After 180 days, the control unit was occupied mostly with bone marrow. The experimental unit remained occupied with large amounts of bone tissue. Conclusions: It was possible to conclude that bone repair was enhanced by the use of platelet- rich plasma in alveolar sockets.

Psicanalise, teoria sistêmica e o princípio da homeostase / Psychoanalysis, systemic theory and the homeostasis principle

Os autores associam o conceito de saúde/doença mental ao de homeostase (complementariedade de funçöes psíquicas). Enfatizam que esta associaçäo se refere ao indivíduo, à família e ao grupo social, conforme se privilegie a compreensäo do indivíduo (psican lise) ou da relaçäo grupal (teoria sistêmica). Apresentam e analisam três modelos de psicoterapia - o do pecado, o do crescimento, e o médico - propostos por Satir, a partir dos padröes teóricos da psican lise e da teoria sistêmica. Por fim, comparam estes dois padröes teóricos, concluindo que säo complementares na compreensäo do adoecer psíquico individual e/ou grupal e no seu tratamento