Pervasive gaps in Amazonian ecological research.

Biodiversity loss is one of the main challenges of our time,1,2 and attempts to address it require a clear understanding of how ecological communities respond to environmental change across time and space.3,4 While the increasing availability of global databases on ecological communities has advanced our knowledge of biodiversity sensitivity to environmental changes,5,6,7 vast areas of the tropics remain understudied.8,9,10,11 In the American tropics, Amazonia stands out as the world's most diverse rainforest and the primary source of Neotropical biodiversity,12 but it remains among the least known forests in America and is often underrepresented in biodiversity databases.13,14,15 To worsen this situation, human-induced modifications16,17 may eliminate pieces of the Amazon's biodiversity puzzle before we can use them to understand how ecological communities are responding. To increase generalization and applicability of biodiversity knowledge,18,19 it is thus crucial to reduce biases in ecological research, particularly in regions projected to face the most pronounced environmental changes. We integrate ecological community metadata of 7,694 sampling sites for multiple organism groups in a machine learning model framework to map the research probability across the Brazilian Amazonia, while identifying the region's vulnerability to environmental change. 15%-18% of the most neglected areas in ecological research are expected to experience severe climate or land use changes by 2050. This means that unless we take immediate action, we will not be able to establish their current status, much less monitor how it is changing and what is being lost.

From species descriptions to diversity patterns: the validation of taxonomic data as a keystone for ant diversity studies reproducibility and accuracy.

Research findings in natural sciences need to be comparable and reproducible to effectively improve our understanding of ecological and behavioural patterns. In this sense, knowledge frontiers in biodiversity studies are directly tied to taxonomic research, especially in species-rich tropical regions. Here we analysed the taxonomic information available in 470 studies on Brazilian ant diversity published in the last 50 years. We aimed to quantify the proportion of studies that provide enough data to validate taxonomic identification, explore the frequency of studies that properly acknowledge their taxonomic background, and investigate the primary resources for ant identification in Brazil. We found that most studies on Brazilian ant diversity (73.6%) explicitly stated the methods used to identify their specimens. However, the proportion of papers that provide complete data for the repository institutions and vouchered specimens is vanishingly small (5.8%). Additionally, only 40.0% of the studies consistently presented taxon authorities and years of description, rarely referencing taxonomic publications correctly. In turn, the number of specialists and institutions consulted for ant identification in Brazil has increased in the last years, along with the number of studies that explicitly provide their taxonomic procedures for ant identification. Our findings highlight a shift between generations regarding the recognition of taxonomy as fundamental science, deepening our understanding of biodiversity.

Testing the context dependence of ant nutrient preference across habitat strata and trophic levels in Neotropical biomes.

Animals are integrated into the wider ecosystem via their foraging and behavior. The compensation hypothesis predicts that animals target their foraging efforts (i) toward nutrients that are scarce in the environment and (ii) toward nutrients that are not present in the usual diet of species, which varies across trophic levels. Understanding how foraging for resources varies locally, such as across habitat strata, and trophic levels will help to elucidate the links between the local environment and communities to the ecological functions that animals mediate. We examined whether the relative resource use of ants varies consistently along a habitat strata gradient and across trophic levels across Neotropical biomes. We placed 4500 baited tubes, each containing one of five liquid resources (sugar, amino acid, lipid, sodium, and distilled water) in one of three habitat strata (subterranean, epigaeic, and arboreal) across 60 transects in Amazon, Atlantic Forest, Caatinga, Cerrado, Pampa, and Pantanal biomes. We assessed the relative resource use of all ants across the habitat strata and among two different trophic groups across biomes. The relative preference for sugar increased from subterranean to arboreal strata in all biomes, while the relative preference for lipids decreased at this gradient in five biomes. We also found that in general sugar-consuming ants foraged more for sugar and less for lipids than predatory ants across biomes. Conversely, we found no consistency across biomes in nutrient preference of amino acid and sodium across habitat strata or trophic levels. Overall, our results indicate sugar limitation in the arboreal stratum and lipid limitation on the ground across biomes and that the trophic level of ants strongly determines their foraging efforts-possibly because ants try to fix their dietary nutrient imbalances. Hence, our findings suggest strong local niche partitioning of sugar and lipid use across habitat strata and trophic levels and that other large spatial scale processes influence the local amino acid and sodium dynamics.

Os animais se integram nos ecossistemas pelos seus esforços e comportamento de forrageio. A hipótese da compensação prevê que os animais direcionam seus esforços de forrageio para (i) nutrientes que são escassos no ambiente e (ii) para nutrientes que não estão presentes em sua dieta, que variam entre os níveis tróficos. Assim, entender como a busca de recursos varia localmente entre os estratos de habitat e entre níveis tróficos, ajudará a entender as conexões entre o ambiente e suas comunidades com as funções ecológicas mediadas pelos animais. Avaliamos se o uso relativo de recursos das formigas varia consistentemente em um gradiente de estratos de habitat e em diferentes níveis tróficos nos biomas Neotropicais. Disponibilizamos um total de 4.500 tubos contendo um de cinco recursos líquidos (açúcar, aminoácido, lipídio, sódio e água destilada) em três estratos de habitat (subterrâneo, epigéico e arbóreo) em 60 transectos distribuídos nos biomas Amazônia, Mata Atlântica, Caatinga, Cerrado, Pampa e Pantanal. Avaliamos o uso relativo de recursos de todas as formigas ao longo dos estratos de habitat e entre dois grupos tróficos diferentes nos biomas. A preferência relativa por açúcar aumentou do estrato subterrâneo para o arbóreo em todos os biomas, enquanto a preferência relativa por lipídios diminuiu neste gradiente em cinco biomas. Também descobrimos que, em geral, as formigas consumidoras de açúcar procuram mais açúcar e menos lipídios do que as formigas predadoras nos biomas. Por outro lado, não encontramos consistência entre biomas na preferência nutricional de aminoácidos e sódio nos estratos de habitat ou níveis tróficos. No geral, nossos resultados indicam limitação de açúcar no estrato arbóreo e limitação de lipídios no solo em todos os biomas e que o nível trófico das formigas determina fortemente seus esforços de forrageamento - possivelmente porque as formigas tentam corrigir seus desequilíbrios de nutrientes na dieta. Portanto, nossas descobertas sugerem forte partição de nicho local de uso de açúcar e lipídios em estratos de habitat e níveis tróficos e que outros processos de grande escala espacial influenciam a dinâmica local de aminoácidos e sódio.

Diaspore Removal by Ants Does Not Reflect the Same Patterns of Ant Assemblages in Mining and Rehabilitation Areas.

Mining is responsible for drastic ecosystem changes and rehabilitation is used to promote the return of functions after these impacts. In this scenario, we investigated the responses of ant assemblages and diaspore removal by ants to the transformations caused by mining and rehabilitation predicting that (a) the increase in plant density (a proxy for mining intensity) led to an increase in ant richness, percentage of diaspores removed, and changes in species composition that in turn are correlated with changes in environmental variables; (b) the increase in vegetation structure (a proxy for rehabilitation ages) led to an increase in ant richness, percentage of diaspores removed, and changes in species composition that in turn are correlated with changes in environmental variables. Additionally, we also verified which functional groups were primarily responsible for diaspore removal. We sampled arboreal and epigeic ants, diaspore removal by ants, and environmental variables. We found that ant richness and diaspore removal in mining intensity gradient are positively correlated to plant density. Although vegetation structure is positively correlated with ant richness, we found no changes in diaspore removal in rehabilitation gradient. Epigeic omnivore and epigeic generalist predator ants were the most responsible for diaspore removal. Then, we observed that mining decreases ant richness, altering ant assemblages and their functions, and rehabilitation with exotic plants is ineffective to promote the colonization by the main diaspore-removing ants.

Similar alpha and beta diversity changes in tropical ant communities, comparing savannas and rainforests in Brazil and Indonesia.

Local biodiversity can be expected to be similar worldwide if environmental conditions are similar. Here, we hypothesize that tropical ant communities with different types of regional species pools but at similar habitat types in Brazil and Indonesia show similar diversity patterns at multiple spatial scales, when comparing (1) the relative contribution of alpha and beta diversity to gamma diversity; (2) the number of distinct communities (community differentiation); and (3) the drivers of ß-diversity (species replacement or species loss/gain) at each spatial scale. In both countries, rainforests and savannas (biome scale) were represented by three landscapes (landscape scale), each with four transects (site scale) and each transect with 10 pitfall traps (local scale). At the local scale, α-diversity was higher and ß-diversity lower than expected from null models. Hence, we observed a high coexistence of species across biomes. The replacement of species seemed the most important factor for ß-diversity among sites and among landscapes across biomes. Species sorting, landscape-moderated species distribution and neutral drift are potential mechanisms for the high ß-diversity among sites within landscapes. At the biome scale, different evolutionary histories produced great differences in ant community composition, so the replacement of species is, at this scale, the most important driver of beta diversity. According to these key findings, we conclude that distinct regional ant species pools from similar tropical habitat types are similarly constrained across several spatial scales, regardless of the continent considered.

Electroanalysis and laccase-based biosensor on the determination of phenolic content and antioxidant power of honey samples.

Honey is a functional food widely consumed. Thus, the evaluation of honey samples to determine its phenolic content and antioxidant capacity (AOC) is relevant to determine its quality. Usually AOC is performed by spectrophotometric methods, which lacks reproducibility and practicality. In this context, the electroanalytical methods offer higher simplicity and accuracy. Hence, the aim of this work was to use of electroanalytical tools and laccase based biosensor on the evaluation of AOC and total phenol content (TPC) of honey samples from different countries. The antioxidant power established by electrochemical index presented good correlation with the spectrophotometric FRAP (Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma) and DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assays. Also, TPC results obtained by the biosensor agreed with the Folin-Ciocalteu (FC) assay. In addition to the semi quantitative results, the electroanalysis offered qualitative parameters, which were useful to indicate the nature of major phenolic compounds.

Milk traits of lactating cows submitted to feed restriction.

Data from five experiments with dairy cows where feed was restricted to 0, 40, and 50% of the ad libitum amount, with 259 observations, were subjected to multivariate analyses to determine the effects of severity and duration of feed restriction on production, physical-chemical characteristics, ethanol stability, and somatic cell score of milk. A negative relationship was seen between the severity and duration of feed restriction with milk production, lactose content, titratable acidity, and milk stability to the ethanol test. The milk stability to the ethanol test, protein content, milk yield, and somatic cells score were the most important attributes retained by the discriminant analysis. Milk stability to the ethanol test, live weight, days in restriction, and pH were the most important characteristics explaining the variance within the different levels of feed restriction. Milk production and ethanol stability were significantly lower in both levels of feed restriction compared with the group fed ad libitum. When feed restriction was followed by refeeding, the difference observed in ethanol stability was the first discriminant variable, followed by the difference in unstable milk frequency and titratable acidity. Increments in the severity and duration of feed restriction negatively affect milk production and milk ethanol stability.

Anatomia do plano intermuscular lombar entre os músculos multífidus e longuíssimo e planejamento pré-operatório com imagens de ressonância nuclear magnética para artrodeses lombares minimamente invasivas / Anatomic features of the intermuscular lumbar plane between the multifidus and the longissimus muscles and preoperative planning with MRI images for minimally invasive lumbar fusion / Anatomía del plano lumbar intermuscular, entre el músculo multífido y el músculo longísimo, y el planeamiento preoperatorio con imágenes de resonancia nuclear magnética para artrodesis lumbares míinimamente invasoras

OBJETIVO: Revisar a anatomia da musculatura lombar posterior, demonstrá-la no plano axial da ressonância magnética e medir a distância da linha média até o plano intermuscular entre os músculos multífidus e longuíssimo nos níveis L3/L4, L4/L5 e L5/S1. MÉTODOS: Através do programa OSIRIX para Mac foram realizadas medidas em 50 pacientes adultos, 25 homens e 25 mulheres. Mensuramos a distância bilateralmente nos níveis lombares inferiores. RESULTADOS: A distância média foi de 2,42 cm em L3/L4, de 3,13 cm em L4/L5 e de 3,77 cm em L5/S1, quando não separamos os sexos. Houve um aumento da distância média no sentido craniocaudal nos níveis lombares inferiores e quando comparamos os sexos não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa nos níveis L4/L5 e L5/S1. CONCLUSÃO: Concluímos que o exame de ressonância magnética permite mensurar a distância da linha média até o plano intermuscular entre o multífidus e o longuíssimo e consideramos importante para o planejamento pré-operatório dos procedimentos minimamente invasivos.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this work is to review the posterior lumbar muscle anatomy, evince the correlation between the anatomy in the axial plane of the MRI and measure the distance from the medium line to the intermuscular plane, between the multifidus and the longissimus in the lower lumbar levels. METHODS: Using the OSIRIX program for Mac, bilateral measurements of the distance from the medium line to the intermuscular plane between the multifidus and longissimus muscles have been performed in the L3/L4, L4/L5 and L5/S1 levels, in 50 adult patients divided equally by gender. RESULTS: This study brings to the conclusion that there is an average distance of 2.42 cm in L3/L4, of 3.13 cm in L4/L5 and of 3.77 cm in L5/S1 when not separated by gender. The average distance increases in the craniocaudal direction in the lower lumbar levels and there is no statistically significant difference toward the gender in levels L4/L5 and L5/S1. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the MRI allows the surgeon to measure the distance from the midline until the intermuscular plane between the multifidus and longissimus and consider it important for the preoperative planning of minimally invasive approaches.

OBJETIVOS: Revisar la anatomía de la musculatura lumbar posterior, demostra la en el plano axial de la resonancia magnética y media la distancia desde la línea media al plano intermuscular, entre el músculo multífids y el longísimo, en los niveles de L3/L4, L4/L5 y L5/S1. METODOS: Mediante el programa OsiriX para Mac se hicieron medicionen en 50 pacientes adultos, 25 hombres y 25 mujeres. Se midió la distancia bilateralmente en los niveles lumbares inferiores. RESULTADOS: La distancia media fue 2,42 cm en L3/L4, 3,13 cm en L4/L5 y 3,77 cm en L5/S1 cuando no separamos por sexos. Hubo un aumento de la distancia media en la dirección craneocaudal en los niveles lumbares inferiores y al comparar los sexos no hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa en los niveles L4/L5 y L5/S1. CONCLUSION: Concluimos que el examen de resonancia magnética nos permite medir la distancia de la linea media hasta el plano intermuscular, entre el multífido y el longísimos, y nosotros lo consideramos importante para ea planeamientn preoperatoria de los procedimientos minimamente invasores.

Hérnia diafragmática direita tardia associada a hepatotórax: relato de caso com revisão da literatura / Hight diaphragmatic hernia with hepatothorax: case report and literature review

INTRODUÇÃO: Lesões diafragmáticas traumáticas ainda permanecem como um grande desafio diagnóstico na sala de emergência. Essas injúrias são entidades incomuns cujos diagnósticos passam despercebidos, resultando em hérnias diafragmáticas crônicas, podendo evoluir para estrangulamento. RELATO DO CASO: Paciente com injúria diafragmática direita tardia associada a hepatotórax diagnosticada três anos após o trauma original. O comprometimento respiratório e dor abdominal em quadrante superior foram os principais sintomas que levaram à investigação diagnóstica. Ele foi manejado através de laparotomia e o defeito fechado mediante reparo primário, sem o uso de telas. Não houve complicações no pós-operatório, com alta após seis dias. CONCLUSÃO: As hérnias diafragmáticas tardias associadas a hepatotórax são raras. Estudos radiográficos e tomografias computadorizadas são os métodos de escolha para o correto diagnóstico. Tanto a toracotomia quanto a laparotomia podem ser realizadas para o reparo cirúrgico.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic diaphragm lesions still remain problematic in diagnosis and handling. CASE REPORT: Patient with diaphragmatic hernia had the diagnosis made three years after car accident. At admission, he was with abdominal pain and respiratory distress. Submitted to image investigation, had the diagnosis done of a diaphragm herniation. Laparotomy revealed liver and adjacent viscera into the thorax and a diaphragm defect of 15 cm. The defect was closed without the use any mash. There was no complications and in an outclinic assistance, one year later, he was asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: Diaphragmatic herniations are rare entities. Image examination is indicated and can do correct diagnosis in all cases. Laparotomy or thoracotomy must be use in defect reparation.

Synovial cyst of the thoracic spine causing myelopathy.

STUDY DESIGN: Pre- and postoperative follow-up of a patient with progressive myelopathy caused by a thoracic synovial cyst developing within 6 months. OBJECTIVE: To present the natural history of a developing thoracic synovial cyst and to highlight this unusual case. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Thoracic synovial cysts are a rare finding and can produce myelopathy from spinal cord compression. The patient presented with progressing spasticity and sensory loss of both legs. Hereditary motor-sensory neuropathy was suspected and excluded by a molecular genetic examination. The cause of deterioration was finally found in an MRI of the thoracic spine revealing the rapid growth of a synovial cyst that had been detected in a previously performed MRI 6 months earlier. METHODS: Clinical and MRI details are presented documenting the natural history and development of a thoracic synovial cyst causing myelopathy. RESULTS: The thoracic synovial cyst was successfully decompressed. Stabilization and fusion were not performed. The myelopathy resolved after surgery and the patient stays well in the 6-months follow-up. CONCLUSION: Although thoracic synovial cysts are a rare finding, they have to be considered as a source for progressive myelopathy. If an MRI of the spine does not reveal any pathologies, it should be repeated even after a short period of time if the patient's condition deteriorates, continuously to detect newly developed findings.

Avaliação da exposição e interrupção da nicotina em tempos diferentes na evolução de retalho cutâneo ao acaso de dorso de ratos por meio de fluxometria a laser e de picrosirius / Assessment of the exposure and interruption of nicotine at different times in therats’ dorsum random cutaneous flap evolution by laser flowmetry and picrosirius

Introdução: Os benefícios da interrupção do tabagismo previamente à cirurgia ainda nãoestão bem definidos. Objetivo: Avaliar a influência da interrupção da nicotina em um retalhocutâneo, por meio da fluxometria a laser e com picrosirius. Método: Foram utilizados 56 ratos,divididos em grupos expostos à nicotina 2mg/kg/dia, e a 0,5mg/kg/dia, e somente à soluçãosalina. Os animais foram subdivididos de acordo com o tempo de exposição, em 1 e 2 semanasde interrupção previamente à cirurgia e tratamento ininterrupto até 10 dias do pós-operatório.Após o 10º dia, foram avaliados os retalhos cutâneos do dorso do animal, por meio defluxometria a laser, formação de colágeno, e diferenciação em maduro e imaturo, pelopicrosirius. Resultados: A fluxometria foi maior no controle e nos grupos de baixas doses.A interrupção da droga mostrou aumento da fluxometria somente nos grupos de baixa dose.A proporção de colágeno maduro para imaturo foi inversamente proporcional à dose e aotempo de exposição à droga. Conclusões: A nicotina prejudica a evolução de um retalhocutâneo do dorso de ratos, sendo dependente da dose. O tempo de interrupção altera afluxometria e a proporção de formação de colágeno, quando dada em baixa dose.

Introduction: The benefits of the interruption of the tabagism previously the surgery not yet wellare defined. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the influence of the interruptionof exposure to nicotine on a cutaneous flap, by laser flowmetry and picrosirius. Method: 56 rats wereused, divided in groups and administred nicotine 2mg/kg/day, 0,5mg/kg/day and just saline solution.Animals were subdivided according to exposure time to the drug, that is, in one and two weeks’interruption prior to surgery, and constant treatment up to ten days after surgical procedure. Theywere organized in seven groups. A cutaneous flap was performed on the animals’ dorsum and onthe tenth day of PO the laser flow measurement and the formation of collagen and its differentiationin mature and immature by picrosirius. Results: The flowmetry was bigger in the control and thegroups of low doses. The interruption of the drug only showed increase of the flowmetry in thegroups of low dose. The ratio of mature colageno for immature was inversely proportional to the doseand the time of exposition to the drug. Conclusion: The nicotine harms the evolution of a remnantcutaneous of the back of rats, being dependent of the dose. The interruption time modifies theflowmetry and the ratio of formation of colageno, when given in low dose.

What is the effect of soil use on ant communities?

Studies on ant communities in agroecosystems have contributed to the knowledge of the effect of agricultural activities on biological communities. The aim of this study is to explain the effect of soil use on ant communities. We tested the hypothesis that there was a decrease in ant species richness and a change in the species composition at habitats with more intense soil use. We collected ants using sardine baits, subterranean traps and direct sampling at four habitats with different soil use (secundary forest, Acacia forestry, initial stage of succession and mixed crops). The ant species richness did not decrease with intensity of soil use. In successional habitat the species numbers collected using sardine baits and subterranean traps were significantly different. Species composition of communities had a pronounced variation, with the epigaeic and hypogaeic ant faunas of the habitat with high intense soil use (mixed crops) had low similarity with ant communities of the three other habitats. The predator species were restricted to habitats with low intensity of soil use. Then, species composition could better reflect the functional changes on ant communities than species richness. Our data can help to choose the component of ant community that better reflect the response of biodiversity to agricultural impacts.

Rediscovery of the putatively extinct ant species Simopelta minima (Brandão) (Hymenoptera, Formicidae), with a discussion on rarity and conservation status of ant species / Redescoberta da espécie supostamente extinta de formigas, Simopelta minima (Brandão) (Hymenoptera, Formicidae), com uma discussão sobre raridade e estado de conservação de espécies de formigas

Simopelta minima (Brandão, 1989) was originally described based on four workers collected in soil samples from a small cocoa plantation in Ilhéus, state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil. In the subsequent years after the description, this cocoa plantation was eliminated and the species was then considered extinct by the Brazilian environmental institutions. The recent rediscovery of S. minima workers in subterranean pitfall trap samples from Viçosa, state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, over 1.000 km distant from type locality, suggests that the rarity and vulnerability status of some ant species may be explained by insufficient sampling of adequate microhabitats, in time and space.

Simopelta minima (Brandão, 1989) foi originalmente descrita com base em quatro operárias coletadas em amostras de solo provenientes de uma pequena plantação de cacau localizada em Ilhéus, Estado da Bahia, nordeste do Brasil. Nos anos seguintes à descrição, esta pequena plantação de cacau foi eliminada e a espécie passou a ser considerada extinta pelas instituições ambientais brasileiras. Recentemente foram coletadas operárias de Simopelta minima em amostras de armadilhas subterrâneas do tipo "pitfall", em Viçosa, Estado de Minas Gerais, sudeste do Brasil, a mais de 1.000 km de distância da localidade tipo. Esta redescoberta sugere que o status de raridade e/ou vulnerabilidade atribuído a algumas espécies de formigas pode ser explicado pela amostragem insuficiente de microhabitats adequados, no tempo e no espaço.

What is the effect of soil use on ant communities? / Qual é o efeito do uso do solo sobre as comunidades de formigas?

Studies on ant communities in agroecosystems have contributed to the knowledge of the effect of agricultural activities on biological communities. The aim of this study is to explain the effect of soil use on ant communities. We tested the hypothesis that there was a decrease in ant species richness and a change in the species composition at habitats with more intense soil use. We collected ants using sardine baits, subterranean traps and direct sampling at four habitats with different soil use (secundary forest, Acacia forestry, initial stage of succession and mixed crops). The ant species richness did not decrease with intensity of soil use. In successional habitat the species numbers collected using sardine baits and subterranean traps were significantly different. Species composition of communities had a pronounced variation, with the epigaeic and hypogaeic ant faunas of the habitat with high intense soil use (mixed crops) had low similarity with ant communities of the three other habitats. The predator species were restricted to habitats with low intensity of soil use. Then, species composition could better reflect the functional changes on ant communities than species richness. Our data can help to choose the component of ant community that better reflect the response of biodiversity to agricultural impacts.

Estudos sobre as comunidades de formigas em agroecossistemas têm contribuído para o conhecimento do efeito das práticas agrícolas sobre as comunidades biológicas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do uso do solo nas comunidades de formigas. Foi testada a hipótese de que há um decréscimo na riqueza de espécies de formigas e uma mudança na composição de espécies em habitats com uso mais intenso do solo. As formigas foram amostradas com iscas de sardinhas, armadilhas subterrâneas e por coleta direta em quatro habitats com diferentes usos do solo (mata secundária, início de sucessão vegetal, reflorestamento com Acacia e cultivo misto). A riqueza não diminuiu com a intensidade de uso do solo. Na área em início de sucessão vegetal, o número de espécies coletadas por iscas de sardinha foi significativamente diferente do obtido pelas armadilhas subterrâneas. A composição de espécies teve uma pronunciada variação, sendo que a fauna de formigas epigéica e hipogéica do habitat com maior intensidade de uso do solo (cultivo misto) mostrou baixa similaridade com as comunidades de formigas dos outros três habitats. As espécies predadoras restringiram-se aos habitats com baixa intensidade de uso do solo (mata secundária e sucessão vegetal). Assim, a composição de espécies refletiu melhor as mudanças funcionais nas comunidades de formigas ao uso do solo do que a riqueza de espécies. Os resultados podem ajudar a escolher o componente das comunidades de formigas mais adequado e que melhor corresponde à resposta da biodiversidade aos impactos causados pelas atividades agrícolas.

Linfomas intracranianos primários: relato de 8 casos e revisäo bibliográfica / Primary intracranial lymphomas: report of 8 cases and bibliographic review

Oito pacientes com linforma intracraniano maligno primário (LMP) foram tratados no hospital Nordstadt entre 1982 e 1987. Os LMP constituiram 0,65% de todos os 1.236 tumores intracranianos operados no mesmo período. Mulheres foram afetadas mais freqüentemente que homens (6:2) e a média da idade dos pacientes foi de 55 anos. De acordo com a classificaçäo de Kiel para linformas, as classes histológicas predominantes nos 8 casos foram o linfoma linfoblástico e imunoblástico. Estudos imuno-histológicos realizados em 4 casos revelaram a origem tumoral nos linfócitos B. Após cirurgia radical ou subtotal dos tumores, 6 pacientes receberam radioterapia, cujas doses variaram de 30 a 56 Gy. Dois pacientes morreram no período pós-operatório imediato devido a insuficiência cardia-respiratória e hemorragia intrapontina, respectivamente. A autópsia näo revelou sinal algum de envolvimento tumoral fora do sistema nervoso. Dois pacientes ainda vivem, 22 e 54 meses após cirurgia, respectivamente. O tempo de sobrevida média dos 4 casos restantes foi de 20 meses

Hematoma extradural agudo bilateral: consideraçöes a propósito de um caso / Bilateral extradural hematoma: report of a case

Um caso de hematoma extradural de evoluçäo aguda e localizaçäo bilateral concomitante é apresentado. Após intervalo lúcido de, pelo menos, cinco horas, desenvolveu-se coma e reaçäo em extensäo bilateral aos estímulos dolorosos, näo tendo ocorrido sinais deficitários decorrentes da coleçäo à esquerda, mesmo com a melhora neurológica após a hiperventilaçäo e a remoçäo cirúrgica do hematoma à direita. A raridade da ocorrência bilateral, sua importância diagnóstica, a necessidade de craniotomia bilateral, simultânea ou näo, e o eventual tratamento näo-operatório säo discutidos, em face do ainda alto grau de mortalidade

Cisto ósseo aneurismático orbitário: relato de um caso / Orbital intraosseus aneurismatic cyst: report of a case

Os autores apresentam um caso de cisto ósseo aneurismático intra-orbitário em um jovem de 22 naos, com quadro clínico progressivo de cefaléia e proptose direita. Submetido a tratamento cirúrgico, houve regressäo completa da sintomatologia. O cisto ósseo aneurismático é uma patologia que normalmente envolve as metáfises dos ossos longos, vértebras e ossos planos, comprometendo raramente os ossos cranianos e excepcionalmente a órbita. Considerando tratar-se de uma patologia rara com localizaçäo extremamente incomum, seu tratamento e fisiopatogenia säo discutidos

Doença de Chagas aguda pós-transfusional sem miocardite: relato de caso / Post-transfusion acute Chagas' disease without myocarditis: case report

Trata-se de paciente do sexo feminino, com 59 anos de idade, procedente de Itaporanga (SP), diabética e nefropata crônica, internada em virtude de surtos de pielonefrite e insuficiência renal aguda. Dentre outras medidas terapêuticas, recebeu transfusäo de sangue. Cerca de dois dias após a última transfusäo (sangue oriundo de doador, posteriormente identificado como chagásico) encontraram-se formas tripomastigotas de Trypanosoma cruzi em lâmina preparada para execuçäo de hemograma. Iniciou-se tratamento com Benzonidazol. A paciente cursou para pleuropneumonia e de secreçäo purulenta cirúrgica isolou-se Klebsiella spp. A septicemia conduziu a paciente ao êxito letal. Nenhuma lesäo tecidual foi observada no miocárdio, no sistema nervoso central, adrenal ou nos demais órgäos examinados