Morphometric characterization of Dinophysis acuminata/D. sacculus complex in Guanabara Bay, Brazil / Caracterização morfométrica de dinoflagelados do Complexo Dinophysis acuminata/D. saculus na Baía de Guanabara, Brasil

Abstract: Most studies of Dinophysis acuminata in Brazil are for the southern region, where blooms are recurrent. In 2016, the presence of D. acuminata caused the first-ever production and consumption of species of mollusks commercial embargo from the state of Sao Paulo, Southeast Brazil. Potentially toxic species of Dinophysis have been reported in Guanabara Bay (GB) but only occasionally and in low densities. The present note is the first report of a high-density event (~105 cells L-1) of D. acuminata/D. sacculus complex in GB. D. acuminata/D. sacculus complex species were identified using scanning-electron and inverted-light microscopy. Most of the studied cells possessed a dorsally convex hyposomal plate and had dimensions typical of D. acuminata. However, the observed association with warmer and less saline estuarine waters would indicate that the species could be D. sacculus. Whatever the case, based on the high cell densities observed here, we recommend a continued monitoring for Dinophysis presence in GB.

Resumo: A maioria dos estudos sobre Dinophysis acuminata no Brasil ocorreram na região sul, onde as florações são recorrentes. Em 2016, a presença de D. acuminata causou o primeiro embargo comercial da produção e consumo de espécies de moluscos do estado de São Paulo, sudeste do Brasil. Várias espécies de microalgas potencialmente nocivas foram relatadas na Baía de Guanabara (BG), incluindo espécies tóxicas de Dinophysis, mas estas foram reportadas apenas como ocasionais e em baixas densidades. A presente nota é o primeiro relato de um evento de alta densidade (~ 105 células L-1) do complexo D. acuminata/D. saculus na BG. As espécies foram identificadas através de microscopia eletrônica de varredura e de campo claro. A maioria das células estudadas possuía uma placa hipossômica dorsalmente convexa, e tinha dimensões típicas de D. acuminata. No entanto, a associação observada com águas estuarinas mais quentes e menos salinas indicaria que a espécie seria D. saculus. Qualquer que seja o caso, com base nas altas densidades observadas aqui, recomendamos o monitoramento contínuo da presença de Dinophysis na BG.

Fósforo sérico en niños con desnutrición grave y su relación con el síndrome de realimentación / Serum phosphorus in malnourished children and its relationship with the syndrome of feedback

El síndrome de realimentación ocurre como consecuencia de la reintroducción de alimentos en pacientes malnutridos. Se realizó estudio de tipo observacional, prospectivo, no experimental y comparativo. Se midieron los niveles de fósforo en niños desnutridos graves y eutróficos al ingreso y al día 7 después de iniciada la alimentación con el objetivo de relacionar los niveles séricos de fósforo con el síndrome de realimentación en niños desnutridos graves atendidos en el Servicio de Emergencia de Pediatría Hospital Universitario de Maracaibo. Venezuela, desde junio 2010 hasta junio 2011. Se incluyeron 60 niños, entre 1 mes y 4 años, de ambos sexos, divididos en 2 grupos: Grupo A n=30 niños desnutridos graves y Grupo B n=30 niños eutróficos. En ambos grupos predominaron los lactantes de 1 a 23 meses con el 86,7% y el 60% respectivamente. Fueron del sexo masculino el 70% y 73% en cada grupo. El fósforo sérico en el grupo A al ingreso fue de 3,17 ± 0,98 mg/dl y a los siete días 2,48 ± 1,01 mg/dl, estadísticamente significativo p = 0,002; sin manifestaciones clínicas. En el grupo B no hubo significancia estadística con p=0,569 al comparar los valores del fósforo sérico al ingreso y al día 7. Tres niños del grupo A murieron. Se observo en el presente estudio que los niños desnutridos graves presentaron disminución del fósforo sérico al ser realimentados. Nuevas líneas de investigación deben hacerse para aumentar los conocimientos actuales sobre ésta condición(AU)

Refeeding syndrome occurs as a result of the reintroduction of food in malnourished patients. Observational, prospective, non experimental and comparative study was performed. Phosphorus levels in severely malnourished children and healthy children was measured at admission and at 7 days after initiation of feeding in order to associate the concentration of serum phosphorus with refeeding syndrome in severely malnourished children hospitalized at the Pediatric Emergency Service University Hospital of Maracaibo, Venezuela, from June 2010 to June 2011. We included 60 children between 1 month and 4 years and both sexes, divided into 2 groups: Group A n = 30 serious malnourished children and Group B (control) n = 30 eutrophic children. In both groups predominated the infants 1 to 23 months with 86.7% and 60% respectively. 70% and 73% were male both group. In Group A, there was statistical significance betwee the serum phosphorus at the beginning (3.17 ± 0.98 mg/dl) and at seven days of hospitalization 2.48 ± 1.01 mg/dl, p = 0.002; without clinical manifestations. In Group B there was no statistical significance with p=0,569 to compare values of serum phosphorus income and day 7. Three children of the group A died. It was observed in this study that serious malnourished children presented the serum phosphorus decreased to be refueled. New lines of research should be expanded in this area to increase current knowledge about this condition(AU)

Dupla filtração modificada utilizando filtro de pressão a montante de filtro ascendente no tratamento de águas eutrofizadas / Modified double filtration using pressured pre-filter before upflow filter in eutrophic reservoirs

A implantação de uma unidade de pré-tratamento a montante de um filtro ascendente (FA) existente objetiva condicionar a água bruta eutrofizada à capacidade de tratamento do FA. Essa solução esbarra na necessidade de se instalar essa unidade de pré-tratamento com cota mais elevada que o filtro a jusante. Nesta pesquisa, a instalação de um filtro de pressão de fluxo descendente possibilitou a eliminação do problema do desnível geométrico e a adequação da água bruta com elevada presença de fitoplâncton às limitações da filtração direta ascendente (FDA). O pré-filtro de pressão com melhor eficiência, o PFP1, apresentou uma remoção de 50% de cor aparente e 63% de turbidez. A eficiência global do sistema PFP/FA foi satisfatória, apresentando turbidez final inferior a 0,5 uT, cor aparente em torno de 5 uH, além de reduzir as perdas da água tratada de 11,7 para 4,5%.

The implementation of a pretreatment unit before existing upward filter, to condition the eutrophic raw waters to its capacity, is an option which runs into a problem of technical nature, the need of a pretreatment unit with enough hydraulic load to properly feed the existing filter. Typically, the available studies on double filtration present upward filters followed by descendant ones. In this study, the installation of a pressure filter downflow adapted the raw water with high algae concentration to the upward direct filtration system limitations, improving the quality of water produced and reducing losses by washing. The pressure filter with better efficiency was the PFP1 filter showed a removal of 50% of apparent color and 63% of turbidity. The overall efficiency of the PFP/FA system was satisfactory, presenting final turbidity of less than 0.5 uT, apparent color around 5 uH and reducing losses from 11.7 to 4.5% of the total treated water.

Rapid reassessment of the eutrophication status of Kingston Harbour, Jamaica using the zooplankton community / Reevaluación rápida del estado de eutrofización del puerto de Kingston, Jamaica utilizando la comunidad de zooplancton

Previous extensive studies of zooplankton distribution in the eutrophic Kingston Harbour established that it was being continuously contaminated. We assessed the community in 2011, 17 years after a previous study and five years after the introduction of a tertiary waste water system. Sampling was conducted for four weeks at eight stations identical to those sampled in a previous study. We used horizontal surface tows with a 200µm net. A total of 73 zooplankton taxa were identified and copepods dominated with 20 species. Mean total abundances were high, ranging from a minimum of 2 383 animals m-3 in the southern region of Hunts Bay to 194 166 animals m-3at the Inner Harbour. Five zooplankton taxa (Acartia tonsa, Paracalanus spp., Temora turbinata, Penilia avirostris and Lucifer faxoni) that were previously identified as indicators, were again important in the Harbour. The overall zooplankton abundances were similar and in some cases higher than the previous study. There was no significant improvement in the water quality since the introduction of the treatment system at Soapberry. This may be a result of unknown nutrient inputs or of nutrient remaining in the sediments.

Extensos estudios previos de la distribución de zooplancton en el Puerto de Kingston estableció que ha sido contaminado continuamente. Evaluamos la comunidad en el 2011, 17 años después de un estudio previo y cuatro años después de la introducción de un sistema de lagunas de aguas residuales terciarias. Utilizamos arrastres superficiales horizontalescon una red de 200 µm. Se identificó un total de 73 taxones de zooplancton y copépodos de los cuales los predominaron 20 especies. La media de las abundancias totales fueron altas y los valores oscilaron entre un mínimo de 2 383 animales m-3 en la zona sur de Bahía Hunts a 194 166 animales m-3 en lo interior del puerto. Cinco taxones de zooplancton (Acartia tonsa, Paracalanus spp., T. turbinata, Penilia avirostris y Lucifer faxoni) identificados previamente como indicadores, fueron importantes de nuevo en la Bahía. La abundancia total de zooplancton fue similar y en algunos casos superior a la del estudio anterior. No hubo mejoría significativa en la calidad del agua desde la introducción del sistema de tratamiento terciario en Soapberry. Esto puede ser resultado de la entrada continua de nutrientes desconocidos y no regulados en los sedimentos.

Características clínicas y epidemiológicas de la tuberculosis en niños hospitalizados en el servicio de Pediatría del Hospital Hipólito Unanue. 2005-2012 / Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of tuberculosis in children hospitalized in the Pediatric Service at the Hospital Hipolito Unanue. 2005-2012

La tuberculosis es un problema de salud pública y la forma de presentación clínica en niños presenta características diferentes al adulto. Objetivo: Determinar las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de tuberculosis infantil en pacientes hospitalizados en el Departamento de Pediatría del Hospital Nacional Hipólito Unanue (DP-HNHU) durante los años 2005 al 2012. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de revisión de casos de pacientes menores de 15 años con diagnóstico de tuberculosis atendidos en el DP-HNHU. Se realizó análisis univariado y bivariado presentados en tablas y gráficos. Resultados: Se analizaron 113 casos, donde 65 por ciento fueron varones. El grupo de 10 a 14 años representó 69.9 por ciento. El estado nutricional normal se observó en 77 por ciento. El 43.7 por ciento de pacientes presentó contacto intradomiciliario. Síntomas más frecuentes fueron tos (78.7 por ciento), fiebre (73.7 por ciento), hiporexia (46.9 por ciento) y diaforesis (40.7 por ciento). Signos más frecuentes: disminución de murmullo vesicular (61.1 por ciento), egofonía (33.7 por ciento), disminución de vibraciones vocales (20.3 por ciento) y presencia de crepitantes (20.3 por ciento). Muestras de esputo y líquido pleural fueron las muestras más frecuentes. La proporción de baciloscopías positivas fue 21 por ciento, donde el cultivo estuvo disponible en 6 casos (5.3 por ciento); con 4 positivos (3.54 por ciento), y un aislamiento de TBC-MDR. Efusión pleural (46 por ciento), infiltrado alveolar (45 por ciento), infiltrados retículo-nodulares (31.8 por ciento), y engrosamiento hiliar (26.5 por ciento) fueron frecuentes. Tuberculosis pleuropulmonar (40.7 por ciento), tuberculosis pulmonar (34.5 por ciento) y tuberculosis sistémica 9.7 por ciento fueron más frecuentes. El PPD fue positivo en 83.2 por ciento, y más frecuente a mayor edad y en niños eutróficos. Conclusiones: La presentación clínica más frecuente es tuberculosis pleuropulmonar, afectando...

Tuberculosis is a public health problem and the clinical presentation in adult children has different characteristics. Objective: To determine the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of childhood tuberculosis in patients hospitalized in the Department of Pediatrics of the National Hospital Hipolito Unanue (DP-HNHU) during the years 2005 to 2012. Materials and Methods: Retrospective case review of patients younger than 15 years diagnosed with tuberculosis and treated at the DP-HNHU. Univariate and bivariate analysis was performed; all data is presented in tables and graphs. Results: 113 cases were analyzed; 65 per cent were male. The group of 10 to 14 years accounted for 69.9 per cent. Normal nutritional status was observed in 77 per cent. 43.7 per cent of patients had intradomiciliary contact. Most common symptoms were cough (78.7 per cent), fever (73.7 per cent), decreased appetite (46.9 per cent) and sweating (40.7 per cent). Most common signs: decreased breath sounds (61.1 per cent), egophony (33.7 per cent), decreased vocal vibrations (20.3 per cent) and crackles (20.3 per cent). Sputum and pleural fluid samples were the most frequent. The proportion of positive smears was 21 per cent, where the culture was available in 6 cases (5.3 per cent); with 4 positive (3.54 per cent), and one isolate of MDR-TB. Pleural effusion (46 per cent), alveolar infiltrates (45 per cent), infiltrated reticulo-nodular (31.8 per cent) and hilar thickening (26.5 per cent) were common. Pleuropulmonary tuberculosis (40.7 per cent), pulmonary tuberculosis (34.5 per cent) and 9.7 per cent systemic tuberculosis were more frequent. The PPD was positive in 83.2 per cent, and more frequent with increasing age and eutrophic children. Conclusions: The most common clinical presentation is pleuropulmonary tuberculosis, mainly affecting the age group 10 to 14 years, eutrophic with cardinal symptoms and history of intradomiciliary contact...

Planktonic Cyanobacteria of the tropical karstic lake Lagartos from the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico / Las cianobacterias planctónicas del lago tropical cárstico Lagartos de la Península de Yucatán, México

The tropical karstic lakes on the Mexican Caribbean Sea coast are numerous. However, there is an enormous gap of knowledge about their limnological conditions and micro-algae communities. In the present study, surface water samples were collected monthly from November 2007 to September 2008 to provide taxonomical composition and biovolume of planktonic cyanobacteria of the lake Lagartos from State of Quintana Roo, Mexico. Water temperature, pH, conductivity, salinity, soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), and soluble reactive silica (SRSi) levels were also analyzed. A total of 22 species were identified. Chroococcales and Oscillatoriales dominated the phytoplankton assemblages during the study period. Chroococcus pulcherrimus, Coelosphaerium confertum, Cyanodyction iac, Phormidium pachydermaticum and Planktolyngbya contorta were recorded for the first time in Mexico. A surplus of DIN (mean value of 42.7µM) and low concentrations of SRP (mean value of 1.0µM) promoted the enhanced growth and bloom formation of cyanobacteria. The mean biovolume was 3.22X10(8)µm³/mL, and two biovolume peaks were observed; the first was dominated by Microcystis panniformis in November 2007 (7.40X10(8)µm³/mL), and the second was dominated by Oscillatoria princeps in April 2008 (6.55X10(8)µm³/mL). Water quality data, nitrates enrichment, and trophic state based on biovolume, indicated that Lagartos is a hyposaline, secondarily phosphorus-limited, and eutrophic lake, where the cyanobacteria flora was composed mainly by non-heterocystous groups.

Los lagos cársticos tropicales en la costa del Caribe mexicano son numerosos. Sin embargo, existe un enorme desconocimiento acerca de sus condiciones limnológicas y de las comunidades de microalgas que se desarrollan en ellos. El objetivo del presente estudio fue estudiar las condiciones limnológicas en las que crecen las poblaciones de cianobacterias planctónicas del lago Lagartos, Quintana Roo, México. Las recolectas se realizaron de forma mensual entre noviembre 2007 y septiembre 2008. Las especies fueron identificadas y su biovolumen determinado. Se midieron in situ la temperatura del agua, pH, conductividad y salinidad. También, se analizaron las concentraciones de fósforo reactivo soluble (SRP), nitrógeno inorgánico disuelto (DIN) y sílice reactivo soluble (SRSi). Se identificaron 22 especies de cianobacterias. Chroococcus pulcherrimus, Coelosphaerium confertum, Cyanodyction iac, Phormidium pachydermaticum y Planktolyngbya contorta fueron nuevos registros para México. Un exceso de DIN (valor promedio de 42.7µM) y bajas concentraciones de PRS (valor promedio de 1.0µM) promovieron la proliferación de cianobacterias. El biovolumen presentó dos picos: el primero en noviembre 2007, dominado por Microcystis panniformis (7.40X10(8)µm³/mL) y el segundo en abril 2008, representado por Oscillatoria princeps (6.55X10(8)µm³/mL). Los datos de calidad del agua, el enriquecimiento por nitratos y el estado trófico basado en el biovolumen, indican que Lagartos es un lago hiposalino, eutrófico, con limitación secundaria por fósforo, donde los crecimientos masivos de cianobacterias sin heterocitos fueron recurrentes.

Enteroparasitosis en niños desnutridos graves de un hospital de la ciudad de Maracaibo, Venezuela / Intestinal parasitosis in severely malnourished children at a hospital in the city of Maracaibo, Venezuela

Para comparar la prevalencia de enteroparásitos en niños con desnutrición severa de la Unidad de Recuperación Nutricional del Hospital Chiquinquirá de Maracaibo, Estado Zulia, con niños eutróficos que asisten a la consulta de niños sanos del mismo hospital; se realizó un examen coproparasitológico a 50 niños desnutridos graves y 50 niños eutróficos, mediante examen directo; técnica de concentración (Ritchie) y coloración de Ziehl Neelsen. Entre los protozoarios, Cryptosporidium sp. ocupó el primer lugar con un 14% en el grupo de los desnutridos graves y Giardia lamblia en los eutróficos con un 20%. De los helmintos identificados, Trichuruis trichiura prevaleció con 12% en los desnutridos, mientras Ascaris lumbricoides en los eutróficos ocupó el primer lugar con un 8%. No se encontró diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre la prevalencia de parásitos en general con la edad, el sexo o la desnutrición, ni entre poliparasitismo versus monoparasitismo. La medida en que se relacionan la desnutrición y las parasitosis intestinales es difícil de esclarecer, al ser la desnutrición una condición multifactorial ya que depende de la especie parasitaria presente, la intensidad de la parasitosis, las características inmunológicas y genéticas del hospedero, del medio socioeconómico en el que se desenvuelva el individuo, entre otros factores.

To compare the prevalence of intestinal parasites in children with severe malnutrition in the Nutritional Recovery Unit at the Chiquinquirá Hospital of Maracaibo, State of Zulia, with eutrophic children attending consult for healthy children at the same hospital, stool examinations were performed for 50 seriously malnourished children and 50 eutrophic children by direct examination, using the concentration technique (Ritchie) and Ziehl Neelsen. Among the protozoa, Cryptosporidium sp. ranked first, with 14% in the group of severely malnourished and Giardia lamblia in 20% of the eutrophic children. Of the identified helminths, Trichuris trichiura prevailed, with 12% in the malnourished group, while Ascaris lumbricoides took first place with 8% in the eutrophic group. No statistically significant difference was found between the prevalence of parasites in general with age, sex or malnutrition, or between polyparasitism versus monoparasitism. The extent to which malnutrition and intestinal parasites relate is difficult to clarify, since malnutrition is a multifactorial condition that depends on the parasite species present, intensity of the parasitosis, immunologic and genetic characteristics of the host, the socio economic environment in which the individual develops and other factors.

Artisanal fisheries in a Brazilian hypereutrophic reservoir: Barra Bonita reservoir, middle Tietê river

This study examines the qualitative and quantitative aspects of fishery landings at the hypereutrophic Barra Bonita reservoir, Brazil. Data were collected each month (July/2004-June/2006) at three localities and the reported catch, fishing effort and fishing techniques were recorded from 745 landings, comprising a total fish catch of 86,691.9 kg. The most caught species were exotic tilapias, especially the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.), which represented 82.5% of the total biomass. The reservoir's fishery productivity was 11.1 kg/ha-1/day-1 with a Catch Per Unit Effort of 62.4 kg/fisher-1/day-1. Five fishing techniques were identified: cast net, gill net, trawl net, beating gill net, and beating gill net + gill net. The analysis of DCA related the active strategies for the tilapia catch, to the passive strategies for the Pimelodus maculatus (Lacepède) and Triportheus angulatus catches (Spix & Agassiz), and the mixed strategies for the tilapia, catfish and Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes) catches. ANCOVA results were significant for all the variables analysed (season, fishing location and fishing technique). The results showed that fishing for "corvina" Plagioscion squamosissimus (Heckel), predominant in the 1990s, had been replaced by fishing focused on the Nile tilapia. This substitution appears to be due to the increasing levels of eutrophication in the reservoir, combined with changes in fishing techniques. The pattern of the fisheries in Barra Bonita Reservoir follow those in other eutrophic Brazilian reservoirs, with catches of the exotic Nile tilapia predominating.

Esse estudo avaliou aspectos quantitativos qualitativos do desembarque pesqueiro no reservatório hipertrófico de Barra Bonita. Os dados foram coletados mensalmente (julho/2004-junho/2006) em três localidades e informações sobre captura, esforço de pesca e técnicas de pesca foram registrados de 745 desembarques, totalizando 86.691,9 kg de pescado capturados. As espécies mais capturadas foram as exóticas tilápias, especialmente a tilápia-do-nilo (Oreochromis niloticus L.), que representaram 82,5% da biomassa total. A produtividade pesqueira do reservatório foi de 11,1 kg/ha-1/dia-1 com uma Captura Por Unidade de Esforço de 62,4 kg/pescador-1/dia-1 . Cinco técnicas de pesca foram identificadas: tarrafas, rede de espera, rede de arrasto, pesca da batida e pesca da batida + rede de espera. Análise de DCA relacionou as estratégias ativas com a captura de tilápia, as estratégias passivas com a captura de Pimelodus maculatus (Lacepède) e Triporthues angulatus (Spix & Agassiz) e a estratégia mista com a captura de tilápia, cascudos e Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes). Os resultados da ANCOVA foram significativos para todas as variáveis analisadas (época, local de pesca e técnicas de pesca). Os resultados mostram uma substituição da pesca da corvina, Plagioscion squamossisimus (Heckel) na década de 1990, pela tilápia-do-nilo. A substituição pode ter sido provocada pelo aumento da eutrofização do reservatório, aliado à mudança das estratégias de pesca. A pesca no reservatório de Barra Bonita seguiu padrões de outros reservatórios eutrofizados brasileiros, com a pesca sustentada pela exótica tilápia-do-nilo.

Planktonic ciliates in a hypertrophic pond: Functional role and importance.

Taxonomical composition and abundance of the planktonic ciliate assemblage in a Lake Tezozomoc, a hypertrophic pond located into an urban park in Mexico City, was investigated along the rainy season (May to October). The aims of the study were to know the main trophic roles and ecological significance of ciliates in a highly productive environment. A low number of taxa (27) and a wide abundance fluctuation (104-387 cil ml-1) were found. The most abundant species (up to 162 cil ml-1) was Halteria grandinella, an oligotrich ciliate that graze on bacteria and picoplankton, but also several big body sized species that feed on pico and nanoplankton were abundant. Sudden temporal changes in species dominance occurred. Ciliate biomass was very high and fluctuated widely (1.6-88 106 ?m3 ml-1) being dominated by the >50 ?m size fraction that mainly included the pico and nanoplankton feeders. Ciliates are a very important component in the plankton of hypertrophic lakes and their main control factor seems to be the grazing by big-body size Daphnia species.

Glycolytic activities in size-fractionated water samples: emphasis on rhamnosidase, arabinosidase and fucosidase activities

Glycolytic activities of eight enzymes in size-fractionated water samples from a eutrophic tropical reservoir are presented in this study, including enzymes assayed for the first time in a freshwater environment. Among these enzymes, rhamnosidase, arabinosidase and fucosidase presented high activity in the free-living fraction, while glucosidase, mannosidase and galactosidase exhibited high activity in the attached fraction. The low activity registered for rhamnosidase, arabinosidase and fucosidase in the attached fraction seemed contribute to the integrity of the aggregate and based on this fact, a protective role for these structures was proposed. The presented enzyme profiles and the differences in the relative activities probably reflected the organic matter composition as well as the metabolic requirements of the bacterial community, suggesting that bacteria attached to particulate matter had phenotypic traits distinct from those of free-living bacteria.

Plankton diversity and dynamics in a polluted eutrophic lake, Ranchi.

The species diversity of a cultural eutrophic lake at Ranchi was studied in relation to external variables (forcing functions) and internal or state variables. The lake receives daily detergent inputs in the form of washings of a variety of objects. A model was constructed for the estimation of detergent inputs from the increase in the phosphate concentration, and from changes in the concentration of inorganic carbon. Nutrients such as inorganic carbon, nitrates, phosphates, sulphates were found to be high in contrast to natural unpolluted systems. The DOM, COD and BOD were also found to be high suggesting organic pollution of the system with an organic carbon load of 5.4 m moles l-1. The growth and development of the plankton constituents was studied in this regime. The natural planktonic rhythm was found to be modified by the polluted condition existing in the lake. The phytoplankton exhibited four peaks in March, May, August, and November while, the zooplankton showed three peaks in February, July and October. The abundance of zooplankton during the annual cycle oscillated with that of the phytoplankton. There was much more evenness in the zooplankton population in comparison to the phytoplankton. Analysis of both, the zooplankton as well as the phytoplankton population was done using the Bray-Curtis dissimilarity index, importance value index and Shannon-Weaver diversity index. The importance value index was found to provide a better evaluation of the plankton community than the diversity index. The phytoplankton population showed no correlation with nutrient availability as indicated by the correlation-regression analysis and the planktonic rhythm was not in tune with normal unpolluted conditions. The lake was classified as meso-polysaprobic using biological and chemical indices (Pantle and Buck index:3.5, BOD:60; DOM:9.3 and COD:130).

Deteccion de candida en cavidad bucal en un grupo de niños eutroficos y desnutridos

Candida albicans es una levadura, frecuente comensal en la microflora bucal, sin embargo, la predisposición del hospedero interviene como cofactor en la génesis de la candidiasis bucal, aunado a las deficiencias nutricionales. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la presencia de C. albicans y otras especies de Candida en un grupo de niños desnutridos y compararla con un grupo de niños nutridos o eutróficos. En esta investigación se estudiaron sesenta y tres niños de 3 a 6 años de edad que acudieron al Centro Atención Nutricional Infantil de Antímano (CANIA), 34 eran desnutridos y 29 eutróficos; ninguno de los niños evaluados presentó signos clínicos de candidiasis bucal. Del total de casos, 28 (44.44%) dieron positivos para levaduras, de estos 19 (67,87%) correspondieron a niños desnutridos y 9 (32,14%) a niños eutróficos. De los 35 casos de cultivos negativos para levaduras, el mayor porcentaje (57,14%) se encontró en los niños eutróficos. El análisis de test estadístico de diferencias de dos proporciones, demostró que C. albicans fue la especie mas frecuente (35,71%) en los niños desnutridos, en comparación a los eutróficos (14,28%). Otras especies de Candida también fueron encontradas. En cuanto a sexo y edad, no hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas. La evaluación de la respuesta inmune celular en 40 niños de este estudio con el antígeno de Candidina, evidenció solo un 38% de positividad en los niños desnutridos, ante un 63% en niños eutróficos, esto nos señala la baja respuesta o defensa inmunológica que presenta el grupo de niños desnutridos frente a esta levadura, lo cual nos hace sugerir, que esto puede ser un factor predisponente en este grupo para el desarrollo de la enfermedad.

Candida albicans is a yeast, frequent diner in the oral microflora, however, the predisposition of the host acts as a cofactor in the genesis of oral candidiasis, coupled with nutritional deficiencies. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of C. albicans and other Candida species in a group of malnourished children and compare it with a group of children nourished or eutrophic. This study examined sixty-three children from 3 to 6 years of age who came to the Center for Child Care Nutrition Antímano (Cania), 34 were malnourished and 29 eutrophic; none of the children tested showed signs of clinical oral candidiasis. Of the total cases, 28 (44.44%) were positive for yeast, these 19 (67.87%) children were malnourished and 9 (32.14%) children eutrophic. Of the 35 cases negative for yeast cultivation, the highest percentage (57.14%) were found in children eutrophic. An analysis of statistical test of differences of two proportions, showed that C. albicans species was the most frequent (35.71%) in malnourished children, compared to eutrophic (14.28%). Other Candida species were also found. As for sex and age, there was no statistical difference. The evaluation of the cellular immune response in 40 children in this study with the antigen Candidina, showed only 38% of positivity in malnourished children, with 63% in eutrophic children, we noted that the low immune response or defense that presents the group of malnourished children in front of this yeast, which makes us suggest that this may be a predisposing factor in this group for developing the disease.

Profile of micronucleus frequencies and DNA damage in different species of fish in a eutrophic tropical lake

Lake Paranoá is a tropical reservoir for the City of Brasilia, which became eutrophic due to inadequate sewage treatment associated with intensive population growth. At present, two wastewater treatment plants are capable of processing up to 95% of the domestic sewage, thereby successfully reducing eutrophization. We evaluated both genotoxic and cytotoxic parameters in several fish species (Geophagus brasiliensis, Cichla temensis, Hoplias malabaricus, Astyanax bimaculatus lacustres, Oreochromis niloticus, Cyprinus carpio and Steindachnerina insculpita) by using the micronucleus (MN) test, the comet assay and nuclear abnormality assessment in peripheral erythrocytes. The highest frequencies of MN were found in Cichla temensis and Hoplias malabaricus, which were statistically significant when compared to the other species. However, Steindachnerina insculpita (a detritivorous and lake-floor feeder species) showed the highest index of DNA damage in the comet assay, followed by C. temensis (piscivorous). Nuclear abnormalities, such as binucleated, blebbed, lobed and notched cells, were used as evidence of cytotoxicity. Oreochromis niloticus followed by Hoplias malaricus, ominivorous/detritivotous and piscivorous species, respectively, presented the highest frequency of nuclear abnormalities, especially notched cells, while the herbivorous Astyanax bimaculatus lacustres showed the lowest frequency compared to the other species studied. Thus, for biomonitoring aquatic genotoxins under field conditions, the food web should also be considered.

Carboidratos dissolvidos do reservatório de Barra Bonita (Estado de São Paulo, Brasil) e sua relação com as algas fitoplanctônicas abundantes / Dissolved carbohydrates from Barra Bonita Reservoir (São Paulo State, Brazil) and its relationships with phytoplanktonic abundant algae

O estudo dos carboidratos dissolvidos e sua relação com as algas abundantes no reservatório de Barra Bonita, foi realizado em coletas mensais (junho de 2002 a janeiro de 2004), em seis profundidades na coluna d'água, cujos valores variaram dependendo da estação do ano e do nível do reservatório, num ponto fixo, localizado 3 km a montante da barragem. Aproximadamente 90 por cento dos carboidratos dissolvidos neste reservatório foram constituídos por carboidratos poliméricos hidrolisáveis (polissacarídeos ou oligossacarídeos). A análise de variância detectou variabilidade entre as concentrações dos carboidratos dissolvidos apenas em escala temporal (p < 0,05), sendo que no eixo vertical, as concentrações destes açúcares apresentaram-se homogêneas (p > 0,05). A composição monossacarídica dos açúcares encontrados no reservatório foi galactose, ramnose, glicose e fucose. Na maioria dos meses amostrados, as concentrações de carboidratos dissolvidos, a maioria deles poliméricos, ocorreram concomitantemente ao registro de florescimentos das espécies abundantes, principalmente cianofíceas, que provavelmente foram as principais fontes de polissacarídeos extracelulares para o sistema.

Dissolved carbohydrates and abundant algae of Barra Bonita Reservoir were studied monthly from June 2002 to January 2004 in six depths whose values vary depending on the seasons and the water level at a sampling site located 3 km upstream the Reservoir dam. Nearly 90 percent of the dissolved carbohydrates were constituted of polymeric hydrolysable carbohydrates (polysaccharides or oligosaccharides). Analysis of variance detected variability among concentrations of dissolved carbohydrates only in temporal scale (p < 0.05), whereas in vertical axis the concentrations of these sugars were uniform (p > 0.05). The monosaccharide composition of the sugars found in the reservoir was galactose, rhamnose, glucose e fucose. During the sampling period, higher concentrations of dissolved carbohydrates, mostly polymeric, occurred together with large phytoplanktonic blooms, predominantly cyanobacteria, which probably were the main source of extracellular polysaccharides in the system.

Use of molecular approach to verify the influence of a eutrophic lagoon in the nearby ocean's bacterioplankton communities

Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon is an eutrophic aquatic environment. The waters from the lagoon are released to the sea at Ipanema and Leblon beaches, through Jardim de Alah channel. In this work, the influence of these waters on the bacterial communities of these beaches was investigated. Eleven sampling stations were set between the lagoon and the beaches, and the samples were analyzed by molecular and microbiological parameters. PCR-DGGE of the DNA extracted from the samples was performed using rpoB primers. Preliminary results indicate that all used approaches could reveal the influence of the lagoon on the beaches bacterial communities.

A lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas é um ambiente aquático eutrofizado, cujas águas são lançadas ao mar nas praias de Ipanema e Leblon através do canal do Jardim de Alah. Nesse trabalho, foi estudada a influência desse aporte na comunidade bacteriana dessas praias. Para isso coletou-se água de onze estações distribuídas entre a lagoa e as praias. Essas amostras foram analisadas quanto a parâmetros moleculares e microbiológicos. Foi realizado também PCR-DGGE utilizando-se iniciadores para o gene rpoB, a partir de DNA extraído das amostras de água coletadas. Resultados preliminares mostram que a influência da lagoa na comunidade bacteriana das praias pode ser verificada por todas as abordagens.

Use of molecular approach to verify the influence of a eutrophic lagoon in the nearby ocean's bacterioplankton communities

Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon is an eutrophic aquatic environment. The waters from the lagoon are released to the sea at Ipanema and Leblon beaches, through Jardim de Alah channel. In this work, the influence of these waters on the bacterial communities of these beaches was investigated. Eleven sampling stations were set between the lagoon and the beaches, and the samples were analyzed by molecular and microbiological parameters. PCR-DGGE of the DNA extracted from the samples was performed using rpoB primers. Preliminary results indicate that all used approaches could reveal the influence of the lagoon on the beaches bacterial communities.

A lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas é um ambiente aquático eutrofizado, cujas águas são lançadas ao mar nas praias de Ipanema e Leblon através do canal do Jardim de Alah. Nesse trabalho, foi estudada a influência desse aporte na comunidade bacteriana dessas praias. Para isso coletou-se água de onze estações distribuídas entre a lagoa e as praias. Essas amostras foram analisadas quanto a parâmetros moleculares e microbiológicos. Foi realizado também PCR-DGGE utilizando-se iniciadores para o gene rpoB, a partir de DNA extraído das amostras de água coletadas. Resultados preliminares mostram que a influência da lagoa na comunidade bacteriana das praias pode ser verificada por todas as abordagens.