The influence of catch-and-release on mortality of Salminus brasiliensis (Cuvier, 1816) / A influência do pesque e solte na mortalidade de Salminus brasiliensis (Cuvier, 1816)

Abstract Catch-and-release (CR) angling has been used to assist management programs seeking to promote the conservation and recovery of some recreational fish stocks by decreasing mortality from fishing. However, without appropriate fish handling, this activity may cause damage and injuries to individual fish, causing mortality. Therefore, CR should be allowed under some circumstances that ensure higher rates of survival to achieve the goals of the conservation measures. Thus, we experimentally tested the CR effects on dourado (Salminus brasiliensis) by comparing caught-and-released fish (CR fish) with uncaught fish (control fish) in a pond and estimating individual mortality rates related to seven air exposure times (AET: 120 s, 240 s, 360 s, 480 s, 600 s, 720 s and 840 s). We also determined a safe limit for fish handling and investigated the length and weight gain variations. We found that an increase in AET affects fish survival and that the limit of handling time for this species was 546 s; after this threshold, the individual probability of death exceeds 5%. The length and weight gain of CR fish did not differ significantly from the control fish. We believe that CR is efficient for S. brasiliensis because it does not significantly impair their organic growth and causes little or no mortality if handling is performed properly; thus, it could be employed to assist conservation programs.

Resumo O pesque e solte (PS) tem sido utilizado para auxiliar programas de manejo que buscam promover a conservação e recuperação de estoques de peixes esportivos, através da redução da mortalidade pela pesca. Entretanto, sem a manipulação adequada dos peixes, essa atividade pode causar injúrias nos indivíduos, causando mortalidade. Dessa maneira, o PS deve ser permitido sob circunstâncias que possam garantir altas taxas de sobrevivência, de modo que as metas das medidas de conservação sejam atingidas. Assim, testamos experimentalmente os efeitos do PS sobre o dourado (Salminus brasiliensis), através da comparação de peixes capturados e liberados (peixes de PS) com peixes não capturados (peixes de controle) em um tanque de cultivo. Estimamos as taxas de mortalidades individuais relacionadas a sete tempos de exposição ao ar (TEA: 120 s, 240 s, 360 s, 480 s, 600 s, 720 s e 840 s). Determinamos um limite seguro para a manipulação do peixe e investigamos as variações no ganho de comprimento e peso. Foi encontrado que o aumento no TEA afetou a sobrevivência do peixe e que o limite de tempo para a manipulação da espécie foi de 546 s; depois desse limite, a probabilidade individual de morte excede 5%. O ganho de comprimento e peso dos peixes de PS não diferiu significativamente dos peixes de controle. Acreditamos que o PS é eficiente para o S. brasiliensis porque não afeta significativamente seu crescimento orgânico e causa pouca ou nenhuma mortalidade se a manipulação for realizada corretamente. Concluímos que a atividade pode ser empregada para auxiliar programas de conservação.

The influence of catch-and-release on mortality of Salminus brasiliensis (Cuvier, 1816).

Catch-and-release (CR) angling has been used to assist management programs seeking to promote the conservation and recovery of some recreational fish stocks by decreasing mortality from fishing. However, without appropriate fish handling, this activity may cause damage and injuries to individual fish, causing mortality. Therefore, CR should be allowed under some circumstances that ensure higher rates of survival to achieve the goals of the conservation measures. Thus, we experimentally tested the CR effects on dourado (Salminus brasiliensis) by comparing caught-and-released fish (CR fish) with uncaught fish (control fish) in a pond and estimating individual mortality rates related to seven air exposure times (AET: 120 s, 240 s, 360 s, 480 s, 600 s, 720 s and 840 s). We also determined a safe limit for fish handling and investigated the length and weight gain variations. We found that an increase in AET affects fish survival and that the limit of handling time for this species was 546 s; after this threshold, the individual probability of death exceeds 5%. The length and weight gain of CR fish did not differ significantly from the control fish. We believe that CR is efficient for S. brasiliensis because it does not significantly impair their organic growth and causes little or no mortality if handling is performed properly; thus, it could be employed to assist conservation programs.

The influence of catch-and-release on mortality of Salminus brasiliensis (Cuvier, 1816)

Abstract Catch-and-release (CR) angling has been used to assist management programs seeking to promote the conservation and recovery of some recreational fish stocks by decreasing mortality from fishing. However, without appropriate fish handling, this activity may cause damage and injuries to individual fish, causing mortality. Therefore, CR should be allowed under some circumstances that ensure higher rates of survival to achieve the goals of the conservation measures. Thus, we experimentally tested the CR effects on dourado (Salminus brasiliensis) by comparing caught-and-released fish (CR fish) with uncaught fish (control fish) in a pond and estimating individual mortality rates related to seven air exposure times (AET: 120 s, 240 s, 360 s, 480 s, 600 s, 720 s and 840 s). We also determined a safe limit for fish handling and investigated the length and weight gain variations. We found that an increase in AET affects fish survival and that the limit of handling time for this species was 546 s; after this threshold, the individual probability of death exceeds 5%. The length and weight gain of CR fish did not differ significantly from the control fish. We believe that CR is efficient for S. brasiliensis because it does not significantly impair their organic growth and causes little or no mortality if handling is performed properly; thus, it could be employed to assist conservation programs.

Resumo O pesque e solte (PS) tem sido utilizado para auxiliar programas de manejo que buscam promover a conservação e recuperação de estoques de peixes esportivos, através da redução da mortalidade pela pesca. Entretanto, sem a manipulação adequada dos peixes, essa atividade pode causar injúrias nos indivíduos, causando mortalidade. Dessa maneira, o PS deve ser permitido sob circunstâncias que possam garantir altas taxas de sobrevivência, de modo que as metas das medidas de conservação sejam atingidas. Assim, testamos experimentalmente os efeitos do PS sobre o dourado (Salminus brasiliensis), através da comparação de peixes capturados e liberados (peixes de PS) com peixes não capturados (peixes de controle) em um tanque de cultivo. Estimamos as taxas de mortalidades individuais relacionadas a sete tempos de exposição ao ar (TEA: 120 s, 240 s, 360 s, 480 s, 600 s, 720 s e 840 s). Determinamos um limite seguro para a manipulação do peixe e investigamos as variações no ganho de comprimento e peso. Foi encontrado que o aumento no TEA afetou a sobrevivência do peixe e que o limite de tempo para a manipulação da espécie foi de 546 s; depois desse limite, a probabilidade individual de morte excede 5%. O ganho de comprimento e peso dos peixes de PS não diferiu significativamente dos peixes de controle. Acreditamos que o PS é eficiente para o S. brasiliensis porque não afeta significativamente seu crescimento orgânico e causa pouca ou nenhuma mortalidade se a manipulação for realizada corretamente. Concluímos que a atividade pode ser empregada para auxiliar programas de conservação.

Effects of a small natural barrier on the spatial distribution of the fish assemblage in the Verde River, Upper Paraná River Basin,Brazil / Efeitos de uma pequena barreira natural sobre a distribuição espacial da assembleia de peixes no rio Verde, bacia do alto rio Paraná, Brasil

Abstract Geographical barriers influence species distribution and play an important role in the segregation of fish assemblages. The present study aims to test the influence of a small natural barrier on the spatial distribution of fish species in the Verde River, Upper Paraná River Basin, Brazil, considering two biotopes: upstream and downstream of the Branca Waterfall. We observed the highest species richness downstream of the Branca Waterfall, which also had the highest number of exclusive species. Richness, evenness, and abundance varied significantly among biotopes. The composition and structure of the fish assemblage differed between biotopes, which were characterized by different indicator species, mainly downstream of the Branca Waterfall. Physical and chemical variables and geographical distance between sites were not responsible for the differences observed. Hence, the present study shows that small barriers can also be crucial in structuring fish fauna and play a key role in the segregation of fish assemblages.

Resumo As barreiras geográficas influenciam a distribuição das espécies e desempenham um papel importante na segregação das assembleias de peixes. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar mudanças espaciais na assembleia de peixes do rio Verde, sob a influência de uma pequena barreira geográfica natural, bacia do alto rio Paraná, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. Para isso, seis locais foram amostrados e agrupados em dois biótopos: montante e jusante da cachoeira Branca. Maior riqueza e número de espécies exclusivas foram observadas a jusante da cachoeira Branca. A riqueza, equitabilidade e abundância diferiram significativamente entre os biótopos. Além disso, a composição e a estrutura da assembleia de peixes também diferiram entre os biótopos, os quais foram caracterizados por distintas espécies indicadoras, especialmente a jusante da cachoeira Branca. As variáveis físicas e químicas da água e as distâncias geográficas, entre os locais, não foram responsáveis pelas diferenças observadas. Dessa forma, este estudo demonstrou que pequenas barreiras geográficas podem ser cruciais na estruturação da ictiofauna e desempenhar um papel-chave na segregação de assembleias de peixes.

Effects of a small natural barrier on the spatial distribution of the fish assemblage in the Verde River, Upper Paraná River Basin,Brazil.

Geographical barriers influence species distribution and play an important role in the segregation of fish assemblages. The present study aims to test the influence of a small natural barrier on the spatial distribution of fish species in the Verde River, Upper Paraná River Basin, Brazil, considering two biotopes: upstream and downstream of the Branca Waterfall. We observed the highest species richness downstream of the Branca Waterfall, which also had the highest number of exclusive species. Richness, evenness, and abundance varied significantly among biotopes. The composition and structure of the fish assemblage differed between biotopes, which were characterized by different indicator species, mainly downstream of the Branca Waterfall. Physical and chemical variables and geographical distance between sites were not responsible for the differences observed. Hence, the present study shows that small barriers can also be crucial in structuring fish fauna and play a key role in the segregation of fish assemblages.

Cannabinoid modulation of cortical adrenergic receptors and transporters.

We previously reported that administration of the synthetic cannabinoid agonist WIN 55,212-2 causes an increase in norepinephrine (NE) efflux in the frontal cortex (FC). The present study examined the expression levels of alpha2- and beta1-adrenergic receptors (ARs) as well as the norepinephrine transporter (NET) in the FC of rats following exposure to WIN 55,212-2. Rats received systemic injection of WIN 55,212-2 (3 mg/kg) acutely or for 7 days. Another group of rats received repeated WIN 55,212-2 treatment followed by a period of abstinence. Control rats received vehicle injections. Rats were euthanized 30 min after the last WIN 55,212-2 injection, the FC was microdissected, and protein extracts were probed for alpha2-AR, beta1-AR, and NET. Results showed that beta1-AR expression was significantly decreased following repeated WIN 55,212-2 treatment but significantly increased following a period of abstinence. alpha2-AR expression showed no significant change in all groups examined. NET expression was significantly decreased following acute WIN 55,212-2 treatment, with no changes following chronic administration or a period of abstinence. Alterations in NET may arise from modulation of cannabinoid receptors (CB1) that are localized to noradrenergic axon terminals as we demonstrate colocalization of CB1 receptor and NET in the same cortical axonal processes. The present findings support significant alterations in adrenergic receptor and NET expression in the FC after WIN 55,212 exposure that may underlie the reported changes in attention, cognition, and anxiety commonly observed after cannabinoid exposure.

Bayesian population model of methotrexate to guide dosage adjustments for folate rescue in patients with breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Methotrexate (MTX) infusions may induce severe side-effects, and alkaline hydration along with folinic acid rescue is a common way to reduce such toxic risks. The purpose of this study was to develop an adaptive rescue strategy based upon the early detection of patients with impaired MTX elimination. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, we propose a simple population-based Bayesian approach for predicting MTX plasma concentration from a limited number of samples, so as to adapt both duration and dosage of the rescue agent to be used next. Ten kinetic profiles obtained after 10 courses of MTX (1.5 g/m2) in seven patients with inflammatory breast cancer were used to establish the population pharmacokinetic parameters (Cl, 8.16 L/h; t1/2, 12.7 h). This population was next involved in the Bayesian estimation of MTX individual pharmacokinetic parameters from only two blood samples (T24 and T36 h), thus allowing one to forecast the elimination of this drug by predicting MTX levels at 48 h. According to the MTX concentrations predicted during the elimination phase, folinic acid rescue was then prolonged in patients likely to be overexposed. CONCLUSION: The Bayesian estimation presented in this study was an easy and convenient method to efficiently detect patients with impaired MTX elimination in routine clinical practice. This information enabled the introduction of strategies for minimizing the risk of severe drug toxicity.

[Leiomyoma of the bladder. Report of a case and review of the literature]. / Il leiomioma della vescica. Descrizione di un caso e revisione della letteratura.

Mesoidial tumours are rare benign lesions which may occur wherever mesenchymal tissues are present with an incidence of between 1.5% and 5%. Above all, leiomyomas affect females affect females aged between 30 and 50 years old and show a preference for the uterus (most frequently observed site) and the digestive and urinary tracts, in particular the vescica. Their etiology is still controversial, but the hypothesis of tumoral growth following an altered response to hormone stimulation (spt. Estrogens) appears to be the most credible. Development is mainly endovescical (63%), but extravescical (30%) and intramural cases are not rare; the site and dimensions (mean 6 cm) influence the symptoms, the type of surgery and the prognosis. In intravescical cases the most commonplace symptoms include obstructive urination, including pre-urination delay, a feeling of incomplete emptying, diurnal pollakiuria; these are followed by irritative symptoms (dysuria, burning) and micro-macroscopic hematuria. They are often asymptomatic in other cases. Diagnosis is based on instrumental diagnosis, in particular ultrasonography using a suprapubic and/or transvaginal approach, which gives an hypoechogenic image covered by a thin hyperechogenic line of mucosa. Diagnosis can also be made using CAT and, in some cases, MR for a better definition of the site, dimensions and ratios. Urethrocystoscopy is essential in asymptomatic cases and allows biopsy to be performed in uncertain cases. Treatment is surgical using a transurethral approach in endovescical cases with limited dimensions or open surgery in others. Depending on timely treatment, prognosis is good owing to the low number of recidivations.

Immunohistochemical evaluation of the safety of transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate and its clinical results.

Short term follow up studies on transurethral electrovaporization (TUEVP) have shown a relative low morbidity over TURP. The use of high power current has been claimed as a source of possible damage on the neuronal structures surrounding the prostate. The aims of our study were to assess longer follow up results as well as the safety of this technique. Over an 18 month mean follow up period symptom relief remained relatively stable. Postoperative dysuria was detected in a higher percentage of patients and was seen for a longer period in comparison with previous reports. Immunohistochemical staining performed using S-100 and NF monoclonal antibodies showed anatomical integrity of the prostatic neuronal fibres surrounding the vaporization edge. In conclusion, although the effectiveness and safety of TUEVP are confirmed by the present study, the occurrence of a significant rate of long-lasting postoperative irritative symptoms must be taken into account.

[Biophysical principles of tissue electrovaporization]. / Fondamenti biofisici dell'elettrovaporizzazione dei tessuti.

The principles of electrosurgery are based upon well defined physical grounds, explaining the type and extent of the lesions induced by the electric current. Technological evolution has led to the creation of dedicated equipment, allowing efficient use of electrosurgical cutting and coagulation of tissues, both in open and endoscopic surgery. Electrovaporization is the thermal effect obtained when an alternating high power-high frequency current (300 W, 400-500 kHz) is applied to the tissue using an electrode with particular geometric aspects. The main feature is the presence of higher and lower current density zones. The first induce electrovaporization, whilst the second produce simultaneous hemostatic coagulation of the rims. New effective vaporizing electrodes have been recently introduced into clinical practice. Their use in the endoscopical treatment of bladder outlet obstructions, a stimulating alternative to standard resection or laser applications, is currently under evaluation.

[Primary signet-ring-cell carcinoma of the bladder. Description of a case and review of the literature]. / Carcinoma primitivo della vescica a cellule ad anello con castone. Descrizione di un caso e revisione della letteratura.

The authors describe a case of infiltrating signet-ring cell carcinoma of the bladder, a rare and extremely aggressive form of adenocarcinoma. This neoplasia in only rarely found in a histologically pure form. In the majority of cases the atypical elements which characterise it are mixed with the gland-like and papillary structures of the adenocarcinoma and with foci of transitional or pavimentous carcinoma. The origin is probably metaplastic. These carcinoma are generally invasive, scarcely differentiated and often cause linitis plastica of the bladder. The histological picture is characterized by atypical epithelial elements with abundant, vacuolised cytoplasma. The nuclei are hyperchromic and eccentric, thus representing the typical appearance of signet-ring cells. The histological picture cannot be distinguished from that of a secondary gastrointestinal or prostatic form, therefore the primary diagnosis requires a full clinical and pathological examination of the sectors describes. The prognosis is severe. Elective therapy consists in radical cystectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy.

[Surgical treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy and Kelami syndrome]. / Trattamento chirurgico dell'ipertrofia prostatica benigna e sindrome di Kelami.

The authors analyze a group of 116 consecutive patients treated with transvesical prostatic adenomectomy or transurethral prostatic resection for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) isolated five of them with a Kelami syndrome. These patients, aged between 53 and 70 years old, had a relevant ventral penile deflection with severe sexual impairment postoperatively. Among them only one asked for a corrective surgical procedure. Aetiology, preventive measures and therapeutic choices are discussed. Authors pointed out that this syndrome is actually underestimated considering the high number of transurethral or open surgery procedures for BPH.

[Appearance in 2 brothers of double primary neoplasms: right renal carcinoma and gastric adenocarcinoma]. / Comparsa in due fratelli di duplice neoplasia primitiva: carcinoma renale destro ed adenocarcinoma gastrico.

We report a clinical case of a double primitive tumour (right kidney clear cell carcinoma and gastric carcinoma) in two brothers. There is no history of cancer in the parents. Both patients were previously affected by gastric ulcer. No report of association between the two neoplasms was found in literature. The age of the patients (61 and 70 years) and the singleness of the kidney tumour seem to exclude the case of a familial kidney cancer. The neoplastic transformation of the gastric ulcer is instead a quite frequent report with an incidence of about 1%. Alterations of oncogenes or tumour suppressor genes shared from both neoplasm are at present still unknown. Nevertheless molecular analysis of patients' neoplastic genome could point out typical chromosome translocations/deletions or gene mutations.

[Measurement of skeletal alkaline phosphatase in prostatic carcinoma. Preliminary report]. / Il dosaggio della fosfatasi alcalina scheletrica nel carcinoma prostatico. Rapporto preliminare.

Bone metastases frequently occur in prostate carcinoma. Total body radionuclide scan with diphosphonate methylene labelled with 99Tc is commonly used to diagnose such metastases. However this technique is aspecific and frequently unreliable. In recent years several biological markers dealing with bone metabolism were studied. Serum determination of skeletal alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and moreover of its bone isoenzyme (BAP) could be considered a reliable index of osteoblastic activity. In this preliminary report we analyzed a group of 43 patients affected by prostate carcinoma with or without bone metastases. The American Urological Association (AUA) staging system was adopted. Sixteen patients were D2, bone metastases had been suspected by means of radionuclide bone scan and confirmed by Computerized Tomography and/or aimed X-rays. Tandem R-Ostase by Hybritech was used to measure BAP, normal value is set to 20 micrograms/L. All D2 tumours had pathological BAP values (mean value 87.50 micrograms/l); 1/3 stage A, 5/13 stage B, 5/9 stage C and 0/2 stage D1 patients had pathological findings. One of this patients, stage C, revealed a bone metastase at a later bone scan.

[Suspected spontaneous rupture of the ureter. Report of a clinical case]. / Sospetta rottura spontanea dell'uretere. Presentazione di un caso clinico.

A 57 year old man was admitted with left abdominal pain; radiological investigation showed a rupture of the left ureter. The authors discuss the diagnosis and the pathogenesis of ureteral rupture.

Urinary levels of tumour associated antigens (CA 19-9, TPA and CEA) in patients with neoplastic and non-neoplastic urothelial abnormalities.

The urinary excretion of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9), tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was evaluated in 264 patients with bladder cancer. Cut-off levels were established using a pool of healthy blood donors. The combined determination of CA 19-9 and TPA had a sensitivity of 74% in pTa and 83% in pT1 tumours, and 62% in grade 1, well differentiated tumours. Absence of disease at follow-up was related to a significant decrease in CA 19-9 and TPA in 129 patients with superficial (pTa or pT1) bladder carcinoma, followed up for at least 3 years. Recurrences, defined as new tumours at the same site or elsewhere in the bladder, were associated with an increase in the mean values but this was not statistically significant. A poor prognosis was indicated in patients with infiltrating tumours and the following pre-operative levels: TPA > 1500 u/l or CA 19-9 > 300 u/ml or CEA > 50 ng/ml.

[A case of priapism of the proximal corpora cavernosa]. / Su un caso di priapismo dei corpi cavernosi prossimali.

A young man presented with a little perineal mass that was found to be secondary to partial priapism of the proximal corpora cavernosa. This is a very rare condition with only 3 previously recorded cases in the urology literature. The patient made a good recovery and was able to resume sexual activity.

Immunohistochemical detection of estrogen and progesterone receptors in the normal urinary bladder and in pseudomembranous trigonitis.

According to recent studies showing the presence of estrogens receptors (ERs) in the human female lower urinary tract, we performed ER and progesterone receptor (PR) assays in fresh frozen and paraffin embedded biopsies taken from the urinary bladder. Fourteen females undergoing endoscopy during staging for gynecological cancer (endometrium, cervix, ovary) and 15 women complaining of recurrent abacterial cystitis (pseudomembranous trigonitis) were enrolled in the study as Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. After informed consent, they were submitted to cystoscopy, during which two biopsies were taken: one on the trigonum and the other on the bladder lateral wall. ERs were identified in both groups only in the trigonum (7/14 patients in Group 1 and 8/15 in Group 2), whereas the bladder lateral wall always stained negative. PRs were found at both sites in both groups (11/14 cases on the trigonum and 7/14 on the bladder lateral wall in Group 1; 11/15 and 2/15 respectively in Group 2). Morphological localization of PRs showed intense omogeneous staining in the nuclei of the stromal fibroblasts too. A clear correspondence between the presence of steroid receptors at the squamous metaplasia of the trigonum was observed. These data are discussed speculating about a possible endocrine pathogenesis of pseudomembranous trigonitis.