Influence of urbanization on stream fish assemblages in three microbasins in the Upper Paraná River Basin / Influência da urbanização em assembleias de peixes de riachos em três microbacias na bacia do Alto Rio Paraná

Abstract The colonization pattern of fish assemblages in streams is often studied in the context of environmental filters. On the other hand, when fish assemblages are subjected to anthropogenic effects, variables associated with environmental quality assume more importance. Therefore, this work evaluated the richness and composition of fish from streams sampled at different urbanization levels, aiming to determine any direct effects on the structure of fish assemblages. To accomplish this, samples were collected from 2003 to 2011 at 31 sites distributed among 3 microbasins in the Rio Ivinhema Basin, Alto Rio Paraná. Based on environmental variables, physicochemical of the water and analysis of the use and occupation of the soil, the microbasins were classified into different urbanization levels (low, medium and high). A total of 4,320 individuals were sampled, out of which 57 fish species were recorded. Sampled sites with medium urbanization level presented higher richness compared to sampled sites with high urbanization level which presented lower richness. Species richness in these sites was explained mainly by water temperature and water velocity. Results confirmed that urbanization does directly affect environmental integrity, which, in turn, can lead to the homogenization of stream assemblages.

Resumo Estudos sobre assembleias de peixes em riachos enfatizam o papel dos filtros ambientais associados ao padrão de colonização das assembleias, por outro lado, quando a assembleia está sujeita aos efeitos antropogênicos, as variáveis ambientais associadas à qualidade ambiental assumem maior importância. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a riqueza e a composição de peixes de riachos amostrados em diferentes níveis de urbanização, buscando evidenciar se o efeito reflete diretamente na estrutura das assembleias. As amostragens foram realizadas em 31 locais distribuídos em três microbacias na bacia Rio Ivinhema, Alto Rio Paraná, no período de 2003 a 2011. Com base nas variáveis ambientais, físico-químicos da água e análise do uso e ocupação do solo as microbacias foram classificadas em diferentes níveis de urbanização (baixo, médio e alto). Foram amostrados um total 4.320 indivíduos, dos quais foram registradas 57 espécies de peixes. Os locais amostrados com influência média da urbanização apresentaram maior riqueza de espécies, entretanto, os locais amostrados com alta influência da urbanização apresentaram menor riqueza de espécies. Dessa forma, constatamos que a urbanização influencia diretamente na integridade ambiental, que pode levar a homogeneização das assembleias de riachos.

Influence of urbanization on stream fish assemblages in three microbasins in the Upper Paraná River Basin / Influência da urbanização em assembleias de peixes de riachos em três microbacias na bacia do Alto Rio Paraná

The colonization pattern of fish assemblages in streams is often studied in the context of environmental filters. On the other hand, when fish assemblages are subjected to anthropogenic effects, variables associated with environmental quality assume more importance. Therefore, this work evaluated the richness and composition of fish from streams sampled at different urbanization levels, aiming to determine any direct effects on the structure of fish assemblages. To accomplish this, samples were collected from 2003 to 2011 at 31 sites distributed among 3 microbasins in the Rio Ivinhema Basin, Alto Rio Paraná. Based on environmental variables, physicochemical of the water and analysis of the use and occupation of the soil, the microbasins were classified into different urbanization levels (low, medium and high). A total of 4,320 individuals were sampled, out of which 57 fish species were recorded. Sampled sites with medium urbanization level presented higher richness compared to sampled sites with high urbanization level which presented lower richness. Species richness in these sites was explained mainly by water temperature and water velocity. Results confirmed that urbanization does directly affect environmental integrity, which, in turn, can lead to the homogenization of stream assemblages.

Estudos sobre assembleias de peixes em riachos enfatizam o papel dos filtros ambientais associados ao padrão de colonização das assembleias, por outro lado, quando a assembleia está sujeita aos efeitos antropogênicos, as variáveis ambientais associadas à qualidade ambiental assumem maior importância. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a riqueza e a composição de peixes de riachos amostrados em diferentes níveis de urbanização, buscando evidenciar se o efeito reflete diretamente na estrutura das assembleias. As amostragens foram realizadas em 31 locais distribuídos em três microbacias na bacia Rio Ivinhema, Alto Rio Paraná, no período de 2003 a 2011. Com base nas variáveis ambientais, físico-químicos da água e análise do uso e ocupação do solo as microbacias foram classificadas em diferentes níveis de urbanização (baixo, médio e alto). Foram amostrados um total 4.320 indivíduos, dos quais foram registradas 57 espécies de peixes. Os locais amostrados com influência média da urbanização apresentaram maior riqueza de espécies, entretanto, os locais amostrados com alta influência da urbanização apresentaram menor riqueza de espécies. Dessa forma, constatamos que a urbanização influencia diretamente na integridade ambiental, que pode levar a homogeneização das assembleias de riachos.

Influence of urbanization on stream fish assemblages in three microbasins in the Upper Paraná River Basin

Abstract The colonization pattern of fish assemblages in streams is often studied in the context of environmental filters. On the other hand, when fish assemblages are subjected to anthropogenic effects, variables associated with environmental quality assume more importance. Therefore, this work evaluated the richness and composition of fish from streams sampled at different urbanization levels, aiming to determine any direct effects on the structure of fish assemblages. To accomplish this, samples were collected from 2003 to 2011 at 31 sites distributed among 3 microbasins in the Rio Ivinhema Basin, Alto Rio Paraná. Based on environmental variables, physicochemical of the water and analysis of the use and occupation of the soil, the microbasins were classified into different urbanization levels (low, medium and high). A total of 4,320 individuals were sampled, out of which 57 fish species were recorded. Sampled sites with medium urbanization level presented higher richness compared to sampled sites with high urbanization level which presented lower richness. Species richness in these sites was explained mainly by water temperature and water velocity. Results confirmed that urbanization does directly affect environmental integrity, which, in turn, can lead to the homogenization of stream assemblages.

Resumo Estudos sobre assembleias de peixes em riachos enfatizam o papel dos filtros ambientais associados ao padrão de colonização das assembleias, por outro lado, quando a assembleia está sujeita aos efeitos antropogênicos, as variáveis ambientais associadas à qualidade ambiental assumem maior importância. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a riqueza e a composição de peixes de riachos amostrados em diferentes níveis de urbanização, buscando evidenciar se o efeito reflete diretamente na estrutura das assembleias. As amostragens foram realizadas em 31 locais distribuídos em três microbacias na bacia Rio Ivinhema, Alto Rio Paraná, no período de 2003 a 2011. Com base nas variáveis ambientais, físico-químicos da água e análise do uso e ocupação do solo as microbacias foram classificadas em diferentes níveis de urbanização (baixo, médio e alto). Foram amostrados um total 4.320 indivíduos, dos quais foram registradas 57 espécies de peixes. Os locais amostrados com influência média da urbanização apresentaram maior riqueza de espécies, entretanto, os locais amostrados com alta influência da urbanização apresentaram menor riqueza de espécies. Dessa forma, constatamos que a urbanização influencia diretamente na integridade ambiental, que pode levar a homogeneização das assembleias de riachos.

Photoacoustic for thermal diffusivity determination of fish scale: A methodology for environmental integrity monitoring.

In this work the thermal diffusivity (D) of Astyanax lacustris fish scale is investigated aiming to use it for environmental integrity certification. The D values were obtained by a relatively simple procedure by a photoacoustic method. The chosen fish species is from wide occurrence in Brasil's basins. It has short migration, and it has also been used as environmental bioindicator. The results obtained in 195 scales sampled from three different streams in the Midwest region in Brazil gives an average value of D ~ 4 × 10-3 cm2/s. ANCOVA analysis demonstrated that D values are able to differentiate among the three basins and indicates that it is dependent on the scales thickness and water conductivity. This last one is strongly affected by biotic and abiotic actions, so that D values measured by photoacoustic method can be used for interpreting the environmental integrity from where the fishes were sampled.

Influence of urbanization on stream fish assemblages in three microbasins in the Upper Paraná River Basin.

The colonization pattern of fish assemblages in streams is often studied in the context of environmental filters. On the other hand, when fish assemblages are subjected to anthropogenic effects, variables associated with environmental quality assume more importance. Therefore, this work evaluated the richness and composition of fish from streams sampled at different urbanization levels, aiming to determine any direct effects on the structure of fish assemblages. To accomplish this, samples were collected from 2003 to 2011 at 31 sites distributed among 3 microbasins in the Rio Ivinhema Basin, Alto Rio Paraná. Based on environmental variables, physicochemical of the water and analysis of the use and occupation of the soil, the microbasins were classified into different urbanization levels (low, medium and high). A total of 4,320 individuals were sampled, out of which 57 fish species were recorded. Sampled sites with medium urbanization level presented higher richness compared to sampled sites with high urbanization level which presented lower richness. Species richness in these sites was explained mainly by water temperature and water velocity. Results confirmed that urbanization does directly affect environmental integrity, which, in turn, can lead to the homogenization of stream assemblages.

Reproduction of Hypoptopoma inexspectatum (Holmberg, 1893) (Siluriformes, Loricariidae) in the Southern Pantanal Floodplain, Upper Paraguay River Basin, Brazil.

This work aimed to describe the reproductive biology of Hypoptopoma inexspectatum in southern Pantanal. A total of 538 individuals were sampled and analyzed from February 2009 through January 2011 in southern Pantanal. We did not observe differences in sex-ratio, and both sexes presented positive allometric length/weight relationship (LWR). Reproduction occurs mainly from January to February. Females reached first maturation (L50) with 37.80 mm and males with 45.80 mm. Absolute fecundity is estimated in mean=177.43 (sd±127.06) oocytes and relative fecundity in 3.12 (sd±2.23) oocytes/mg. Fecundity is positively correlated with standard length (Spearman r= 0.43; p=0.013), and total spawning is a used spawning strategy for H. inexspectatum.

Reproduction of Hypoptopoma inexspectatum (Holmberg, 1893) (Siluriformes, Loricariidae) in the Southern Pantanal floodplain, upper Paraguay River basin, Brazil / Reprodução de Hypoptopoma inexspectatum (Holmberg, 1893) (Siluriformes, Loricariidae) na planície de inundação do Pantanal Sul, bacia do alto rio Paraguai, Brasil

This work aimed to describe the reproductive biology of Hypoptopoma inexspectatum in southern Pantanal. A total of 538 individuals were sampled and analyzed from February 2009 through January 2011 in southern Pantanal. We did not observe differences in sex-ratio, and both sexes presented positive allometric length/weight relationship (LWR). Reproduction occurs mainly from January to February. Females reached first maturation (L50) with 37.80 mm and males with 45.80 mm. Absolute fecundity is estimated in mean=177.43 (sd±127.06) oocytes and relative fecundity in 3.12 (sd±2.23) oocytes/mg. Fecundity is positively correlated with standard length (Spearman r= 0.43; p=0.013), and total spawning is a used spawning strategy for H. inexspectatum.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo descrever a biologia reprodutiva de Hypoptopoma inexspectatum na região do Pantanal Sul. Foram amostrados e analisados entre fevereiro de 2009 a janeiro de 2011 um total de 538 indivíduos. Não foi observada diferença na proporção sexual e ambos os sexos apresentam relação alométrica de peso/comprimento positiva. A reprodução ocorreu principalmente entre os meses de janeiro e fevereiro. Fêmeas atingiram o tamanho de primeira maturação (L50) com 37,80 mm e machos com 45,80 mm. A fecundidade absoluta média foi 177,43 (dp±127,06) ovócitos e a fecundidade relativa foi de 3,12 (dp±2,23) ovócitos/mg. A fecundidade foi positivamente correlacionada com o comprimento padrão (Spearman r= 0,43; p=0,013) e a desova parcelada foi a estratégia de desova utilizada por H. inexspectatum.

Effect of soluble corn fiber supplementation for 1 year on bone metabolism in children, the MetA-bone trial: Rationale and design.

Calcium intake is critical for adequate bone mineralization in adolescence, but it is usually inadequate in US adolescents. A strategy to maximize bone mineralization is to increase calcium absorption, which could be achieved by soluble corn fiber (SCF). There are no studies determining the long-term effects of SCF on bone mass in children. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of one-year SCF supplementation compared to placebo on bone mass and bone biomarkers in children with low habitual calcium intake. We hypothesize that SCF supplementation will result in a higher bone mineral content and higher levels of bone formation and lower bone resorption biomarkers. METHODS: 240 healthy children (10-13 years), with usual low calcium intake, will be randomized to four experimental groups for 1 year: (1) SCF (12 g/d); (2) SCF (12 g/d) + 600 mg/d of calcium; (3) Placebo (maltodextrin); and (4) Placebo +600 mg/d of calcium. The supplements have been pre-mixed with a flavored powder beverage and participants will only need to dilute it in water and drink this twice per day. Bone will be measured using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Serum bone biomarkers will be measured at baseline and at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: If supplementing diets with SCF lead to higher bone mass during adolescence, this could help achieve the genetic potential for PBM and to start adult life with stronger bones. If successful, SCF can be incorporated into diets for promoting bone health in adolescents.

Contribución a la restauración y el mantenimiento de obras de importancia histórica, cultural y social de la ciudad de La Habana / Contribution to the restoration and maintenance of works of historical, cultural and social importance of the city of Havana

RESUMEN Entre las aplicaciones de la Ciencia e Ingeniería de Materiales que realiza el Centro de Aplicaciones Tecnológicas y Desarrollo Nuclear CEADEN está el apoyo mediante varias técnicas físicas a la restauración y el mantenimiento de estructuras y objetos de la ciudad de La Habana que poseen interés histórico, cultural y social . En el presente trabajo es abordado el campo de la Defectoscopía, en lo cual los Ensayos no destructivos aplicados tributaron a la restauración del patrimonio cultural, a la mejora de instalaciones deportivas de la capital y, en mayor medida, a la seguridad de instalaciones de interés social como son los parques de diversión. En ese sentido se presentan la inspección de estructuras en el marco de la restauración de la Sala Cabildo del Museo de la Ciudad de La Habana en el Palacio de los Capitanes Generales en La Habana Vieja; el diagnóstico de uniones soldadas durante la restauración de la iluminación y la instalación de la pantalla gigante del Estadio Latinoamericano del Cerro y la Inspección realizada sistemáticamente en mantenimiento a elementos críticos de equipos de los parques de diversión.

ABSTRACT Among the applications of Materials Science and Engineering carried out by the Center for Technological Applications and Nuclear Development (CEADEN) / Centro de Aplicaciones Tecnológicas y Desarrollo Nuclear CEADEN is the use of various physical techniques to support the restoration and maintenance of buildings and other work objects of historical, cultural and social interest in Havana city. The field of Defectoscopy is addressed in this paper, where the applied Nondestructive testings also contributed to restore the cultural heritage, to upgrade the structural conditions at an important sport facility in Havana, and in a greater extent, to the safety of facilities of social significance, such as amusement parks. In this regard, three examples are presented: the inspection of structures during the restoration of the City Hall in the Museum of the Havana City at the Palace of Captains General; the welded joints testing during the restoration of the lighting system and the installation of the digital screen at the Latin American Stadium in Cerro municipality; and finally, the inspection systematically performed at maintenance works to critical elements and related devices at amusement parks.

Reproductive ecology of Otocinclus vittatus (Regan, 1904) in the Pantanal floodplain, upper Paraguay River basin / Ecologia reprodutiva de Otocinclus vittatus (Regan, 1904) na planície de inundação do Pantanal, bacia do alto rio Paraguai

Abstract We studied the reproductive biology of Otocinclus vittatus in the southern Pantanal, Brazil. A total of 1066 fishes were analyzed (490 males, 488 females and 88 individuals of undetermined sex), sampled with a rectangular sieve and a seine net from February/2009 to January/2011. Variations in the sex ratio, seasonality in reproduction, fecundity, and size at first maturity were estimated. No variations were detected in the total sex ratio for the study period as a whole; although ratio has varied over time. The gonadosomatic index varied according to the river level, but not according to water temperature and rainfall. The mean fecundity was estimated at 84.1 oocytes, with a positive correlation with standard length. The size at first maturity (L50) estimated was 18.7 mm for females and 20.1 mm for males.

Resumo Estudamos a biologia reprodutiva de Otocinclus vittatus no Pantanal Sul, Brasil. Um total de 1066 peixes foram analisados (490 machos, 488 fêmeas e 88 de sexo indeterminado), amostrados com tela de isca e rede de arrasto entre Fevereiro/2009 e Janeiro/2011. Foram estimadas as variações na proporção sexual, a sazonalidade na reprodução e o tamanho da primeira maturação. Não foi detectada variação na proporção sexual total para o período de estudo como um todo; embora a proporção tenha variado ao longo do tempo. O índice ganadossomático variou de acordo com o nível do rio, mas não de acordo com a temperatura da água e a pluviosidade. A média de fecundidade foi estimada em 84.1 ovócitos, com uma correlação positiva com o comprimento padrão. O tamanho de primeira maturação (L50) foi estimado em 18.7 mm para fêmeas e 20.1 mm para machos.

Osseous metaplasia in a recurrent symptomatic rectal lesion: a rare occurrence.

BACKGROUND: Osseous metaplasia of the gastrointestinal tract is exceedingly rare. Associated with colorectal cancer, juvenile polyps , and inflammatory polyps, the exact etiology is still unknown. We present a case report on a young male with recurrent rectal polyps and rectal bleeding. Histopathology revealed an inflammatory polyp with focal osseous metaplasia. CASE PRESENTATION: A 30-year-old male without significant past medical history but with a significant smoking history of 10 pack-years. He initially presented to the colorectal clinic approximately 8 months prior with complaints of rectal pain and bleeding. The patient subsequently underwent colonoscopy which demonstrated a friable 2-cm mass at the dentate line. He was taken to the operating room for a transanal mass excision which, at the time, pathologic examination demonstrated a hyperplastic polyp with no evidence of dysplasia or malignancy. The patient returned to the clinic 8 months later with similar complaints of rectal bleeding. He denied any constitutional symptoms, weight loss, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation. Upon rectal examination, he was noted to have a soft palpable mass blood on digital rectal exam. The patient was taken for repeat colonoscopy and was found to have a recurrent mass at the dentate line. Given the recurrent mass, the patient was taken for a re-excision in the operating room. Histopathology returned showing a 1.8 × 1.5 × 1.5 cm inflammatory polyp with focal osseous metaplasia. CONCLUSION: Osseous metaplasia of the gastrointestinal tract is a rare occurrence that can be associated with benign polyps or malignancy. Certain markers have been shown to be linked to this process and polypectomy remains the gold standard of treatment; however, further research is warranted.

Life-history traits of Farlowella hahni (Siluriformes, Loricariidae) in streams of the Ivinhema River Basin, Upper Paraná Basin / Traços de história de vida de Farlowella hahni (Siluriformes, Loricariidae) em riachos da Bacia do rio Ivinhema, Bacia do alto Paraná

Abstract Brazilian laws allow the catch of some species as ornamental fish; however, in the absence of biological information, such catch can threaten species conservation. Therefore, this study aimed to offer population and reproductive information about Farlowella hahni in streams of the Ivinhema River Basin, Upper Paraná Basin. To accomplish this, a total of 165 F. hahni individuals were analyzed, including 109 females and 48 males, resulting in an important sex ratio difference from 1:1 (χ 2=19.97; p<0.001), indicating a predominance of females throughout the year. Females reach higher standard length than males. Males presented isometric Length-Weight Relationships, while females have positive allometric growth. Gonadosomatic index presented higher values from October through December. The mean fecundity was 100.3±36.4 of vitellogenic oocytes and was positively correlated with standard length (r=0.51; p=0.01). The data presented herein are the first for this species and suggest a need to carefully manage the F. hahni population, considering its low abundance and fecundity.

Resumo As leis brasileiras permitem a captura de algumas espécies de peixes como ornamentais, no entanto, a ausência de informações biológicas pode tornar esta captura uma ameaça para a conservação destas espécies. Este estudo teve como objetivo oferecer informações populacionais e reprodutivas sobre Farlowella hahni em riachos da Bacia do rio Ivinhema, bacia do Alto Paraná. Um total de 165 indivíduos de F. hahni foi analisado, sendo 109 fêmeas e 48 machos. A proporção de sexo foi diferente de 1:1 (χ2=19,97; p<0,001), com predominância de fêmeas ao longo do ano. As fêmeas atingiram maior comprimento padrão do que os machos. Os machos apresentaram crescimento isométrico e as fêmeas crescimento alométrico positivo. O índice gonadossomático apresentou maiores valores de Outubro a Dezembro. A fecundidade média foi de 100,3±36,4 de ovócitos vitelogênicos e foi correlacionada positivamente com o comprimento padrão (r=0,51; p=0,01). Os dados apresentados são os primeiros para essa espécie e sugerem a necessidade de cuidados no manejo da população de F. hahni considerando baixa abundância e fecundidade.

Influence of Donor Obesity on Long-Term Liver Transplantation Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze liver transplantation outcomes according to the body mass index (BMI) of donors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted in patients transplanted at our center between January 2006 and December 2014, comparing outcomes between grafts from obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥30) and nonobese (BMI ≤30) donors. We analyzed the reasons for transplantation, the morbidity-mortality related variables, and survival after a minimum follow-up of 24 months. A multivariate logistic model was constructed to predict the mortality. Survival was analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier method, and survival curves were compared using the log-rank test. RESULTS: The study included 50 obese and 175 nonobese donors. A significant difference between the groups was found in the pre-extraction intensive care unit (ICU) stay of the donors (P = .006) but not in the post-transplantation complications or survival of the respective recipients (P > .05). In the multivariate analysis, mortality was significantly associated with the presence of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) (P = .001) in the recipient and with the age of the donor (P = .043), finding the risk of death to be 2.87-fold higher in patients with HCV versus without HCV (95% confidence interval [1.641-5.043]) and 1.7% higher with every additional year of donor age (odds ratio 1.017, 95% confidence interval [1-1.034]). CONCLUSIONS: A significantly longer pre-extraction ICU stay was observed in obese (BMI ≥30) versus nonobese (BMI <30) donors, but no significant between-group difference was found in the post-transplant complications or survival of the respective recipients. The mortality risk was higher in HCV-positive recipients and in those receiving grafts from older donors.

Reproductive biology of Hyphessobrycon eques (Characiformes: Characidae) in Southern Pantanal, Brazil / Biologia Reprodutiva de Hyphessobrycon eques (Characiformes: Characidae) no Pantanal Sul, Brasil

Abstract Population and reproductive aspects allow the knowledge and understanding of population dynamics and the influence of environmental factors, in addition to ensure the success of a species continuity. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze population and reproductive traits of the species Hyphessobrycon eques in southern Pantanal, Brazil. Monthly samplings were conducted from February/2009 to January/2011, with 617 individuals analyzed, being 365 females and 262 males. A similar form of distribution in length and weight between the sexes was observed. There was no significant variation in sex ratio over time, with higher proportion of females during the entire sampled period. Both sexes presented a angular coefficient of Weight/Length (b) relationship greater than 3, with speed of increase in weight greater than in length. For females, a long reproductive period was observed, with greater reproductive intensity from January through June. No significant correlation was observed between the Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) and the average temperature, rainfall and river level, despite the fact that reproductive activity occurs in autumn/winter, when there are favorable conditions due to flooding. The size at first maturation (L50) was 20.2 mm, with confidence interval varying from 19.7 through 20.7 mm. The average fecundity was 191.9 oocytes/females and was significantly related to the standard length and total weight (g), demonstrating a relation with energy accumulation to invest in reproduction. The long reproductive period, intensified by partial spawning, higher proportion of females and low L50, show that the species has strategies necessary for survival and rapid population growth, common in small species characterized as r-strategists.

Resumo Os aspectos populacionais e reprodutivos permitem o conhecimento e a compreensão da dinâmica populacional e da influência de fatores ambientais, assegurando o sucesso da continuidade de uma espécie. Desta forma, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo analisar os traços populacionais e reprodutivos da espécie Hyphessobrycon eques no Sul do Pantanal, Brasil. Foram realizadas amostragens mensais de Fevereiro/2009 a Janeiro/2011, com um total de 617 indivíduos analisados, sendo 365 fêmeas e 262 machos. Foi observada que a distribuição foi similar em comprimento e peso entre os sexos. Não ocorreu variação significativa na proporção sexual ao longo do tempo, com maior proporção de fêmeas durante todo período amostrado. Ambos os sexos apresentaram um coeficiente angular da relação Peso/Comprimento (b) maior que 3, com velocidade do incremento em peso maior do que em comprimento. Para as fêmeas, foi observado um período reprodutivo longo, com maior intensidade reprodutiva de Janeiro e Junho. Não foi observada correlação significativa entre o Índice Gonadossomático (IGS) e a temperatura média, pluviosidade e nível do rio, apesar de ocorrer atividade reprodutiva no outono/inverno, período que há condições favoráveis decorrentes da inundação. O tamanho de primeira maturação (L50) foi de 20,2 mm, com intervalo de confiança variando entre 19,7 e 20,7 mm. A fecundidade média foi de 191,9 ovócitos/fêmea e esteve relacionada significativamente ao comprimento padrão e peso total (g), demonstrando uma relação com acúmulo de energia para investir na reprodução. O período reprodutivo longo, intensificado pela desova parcelada, maior proporção de fêmeas e baixo L50, mostram que a espécie possui estratégias necessárias para sobrevivência e rápido crescimento da população, comum em espécies de pequeno porte caracterizadas como r-estrategistas.

Reproductive biology of Hyphessobrycon eques (Characiformes: Characidae) in Southern Pantanal, Brazil.

Population and reproductive aspects allow the knowledge and understanding of population dynamics and the influence of environmental factors, in addition to ensure the success of a species continuity. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze population and reproductive traits of the species Hyphessobrycon eques in southern Pantanal, Brazil. Monthly samplings were conducted from February/2009 to January/2011, with 617 individuals analyzed, being 365 females and 262 males. A similar form of distribution in length and weight between the sexes was observed. There was no significant variation in sex ratio over time, with higher proportion of females during the entire sampled period. Both sexes presented a angular coefficient of Weight/Length (b) relationship greater than 3, with speed of increase in weight greater than in length. For females, a long reproductive period was observed, with greater reproductive intensity from January through June. No significant correlation was observed between the Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) and the average temperature, rainfall and river level, despite the fact that reproductive activity occurs in autumn/winter, when there are favorable conditions due to flooding. The size at first maturation (L50) was 20.2 mm, with confidence interval varying from 19.7 through 20.7 mm. The average fecundity was 191.9 oocytes/females and was significantly related to the standard length and total weight (g), demonstrating a relation with energy accumulation to invest in reproduction. The long reproductive period, intensified by partial spawning, higher proportion of females and low L50, show that the species has strategies necessary for survival and rapid population growth, common in small species characterized as r-strategists.

Life-history traits of Farlowella hahni (Siluriformes, Loricariidae) in streams of the Ivinhema River Basin, Upper Paraná Basin.

Brazilian laws allow the catch of some species as ornamental fish; however, in the absence of biological information, such catch can threaten species conservation. Therefore, this study aimed to offer population and reproductive information about Farlowella hahni in streams of the Ivinhema River Basin, Upper Paraná Basin. To accomplish this, a total of 165 F. hahni individuals were analyzed, including 109 females and 48 males, resulting in an important sex ratio difference from 1:1 (χ 2=19.97; p<0.001), indicating a predominance of females throughout the year. Females reach higher standard length than males. Males presented isometric Length-Weight Relationships, while females have positive allometric growth. Gonadosomatic index presented higher values from October through December. The mean fecundity was 100.3±36.4 of vitellogenic oocytes and was positively correlated with standard length (r=0.51; p=0.01). The data presented herein are the first for this species and suggest a need to carefully manage the F. hahni population, considering its low abundance and fecundity.

Reproductive ecology of Otocinclus vittatus (Regan, 1904) in the Pantanal floodplain, upper Paraguay River basin.

We studied the reproductive biology of Otocinclus vittatus in the southern Pantanal, Brazil. A total of 1066 fishes were analyzed (490 males, 488 females and 88 individuals of undetermined sex), sampled with a rectangular sieve and a seine net from February/2009 to January/2011. Variations in the sex ratio, seasonality in reproduction, fecundity, and size at first maturity were estimated. No variations were detected in the total sex ratio for the study period as a whole; although ratio has varied over time. The gonadosomatic index varied according to the river level, but not according to water temperature and rainfall. The mean fecundity was estimated at 84.1 oocytes, with a positive correlation with standard length. The size at first maturity (L50) estimated was 18.7 mm for females and 20.1 mm for males.

Liver Transplantation in Recipients With High Model for End-stage Liver Disease Score.

OBJECTIVES: The score in the Model of End-stage Liver Disease, or MELD, is a good indicator of the survival in patients on the liver transplant waiting list. In this study, an analysis is performed on the benefits of liver transplant on those patients with a very high MELD score and who thus start from a very severe baseline state that could affect the surgical outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on a cohort of 331 patients that received a liver transplant between 2002 and 2014. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the MELD score (<28 vs ≥28), and differences in age, postoperative complications, stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), hospital stay, and survival were compared. RESULTS: Of the total of 331 patients, 21 (6.3%) had a MELD score ≥ 28. The mean age of the group with MELD score ≥ 28 was lower than the age in the group with MEDL score < 28 (42.5 vs 53.7 years; P < .0001). No significant increase was observed in postoperative complications. Although there were also no differences in survival, the group with MELD score ≥ 28 did have a longer stay in ICU and a longer hospital stay (with a mean of 6.7 days in ICU and 41.5 days admission vs 4.1 and 26.9, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A very high MELD score is associated with a longer stay in ICU and more days of hospital admission, although no differences were observed in postoperative complications or survival. Therefore, there does not seem to be any contraindication in transplantation in this group of patients.

Multicentric Study of the Andalusian Experience in Polycystic Liver Disease as Indication for Liver Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the morbidity and survival in patients with polycystic liver disease (PLD) undergoing liver transplantation (LT) in 4 Spanish hospitals. METHODS: A multicentric retrospective study using a prospective database was designed including 19 LTs after PLD diagnosis performed from January 1, 1990, to December 31, 2016. Pediatric patients were excluded from the analysis. RESULTS: Of the included patients, 63.2% were female, the overall average age was 52.16 ± 11.276 years, median time on the waiting list was 394 days (interquartile range [IQR], 96.25-464.50) and most of them were classified with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores of ≤17. Eleven patients received isolated LT, 1 patient had a previous kidney transplantation (KT), and 7 patients received combined liver-kidney transplantation, 4 of them with a previous nephrectomy. Complications include hepatopulmonary syndrome in 10.5%, paralytic ileus in 10.5%, transient renal dysfunction in 10.5%, and hepatorenal syndrome in 5.3%. The most common surgical complication was bleeding (15.8%). Three patients presented graft rejection, which was treated by means of immunosuppressive optimization (15.8%), with corticosteroid addition needed in 1 of them. Thrombosis of the hepatic artery occurred in 3 patients, requiring retransplantation in 2 of them. Most of the patients had improved renal function after the procedure. The mortality rate was 15.8%, related to tumors or sepsis, with an estimated 86% 5-year graft survival. CONCLUSIONS: PLD as indication of LT presents a low complications rate and better graft survival and renal function, especially when KT is associated with LT.

Analysis of Ischemic Cholangiopathy After Treatment of Arterial Thrombosis in Liver Transplantation in Our Series.

Liver transplantation offers patients with terminal liver disease an effective treatment accompanied by excellent quality of life, but it also has complications, such as hepatic artery thrombosis and development of ischemic cholangiopathy, described in 3%-17% of patients. It is a very important cause of morbidity and mortality. The objective of this report was to analyze the efficacy of the treatment they received in relation to the development of ischemic cholangiopathy and a comparative survival analysis and to propose prophylactic measures for high-risk patients.