Antileishmanial Activity of 4,8-Dimethoxynaphthalenyl Chalcones on Leishmania amazonensis.

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by Leishmania species. Available therapeutic options have several limitations. The drive to develop new, more potent, and selective antileishmanial agents is thus a major goal. Herein we report the synthesis and the biological activity evaluation against promastigote and amastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis of nine 4,8-dimethoxynaphthalenyl chalcones. Compound ((E)-1-(4,8-dimethoxynaphthalen-1-yl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one), 4f, was the most promising with an IC50 = 3.3 ± 0.34 µM (promastigotes), a low cytotoxicity profile (CC50 = 372.9 ± 0.04 µM), and a high selectivity index (SI = 112.6). Furthermore, 4f induced several morphological and ultrastructural changes in the free promastigote forms, loss of plasma membrane integrity, and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS). An in silico analysis of drug-likeness and ADME parameters suggested high oral bioavailability and intestinal absorption. Compound 4f reduced the number of infected macrophages and the number of amastigotes per macrophage, with an IC50 value of 18.5 ± 1.19 µM. Molecular docking studies with targets, ARG and TR, showed that compound 4f had more hydrogen bond interactions with the ARG enzyme, indicating a more stable protein-ligand binding. These results suggest that 4,8-dimethoxynaphthalenyl chalcones are worthy of further study as potential antileishmanial drugs.

Mefloquine synergism with anti-tuberculosis drugs and correlation to membrane effects: Biologic, spectroscopic and molecular dynamics simulations studies.

Studies displaying the combination of mefloquine (MFL) with anti-tuberculosis (TB) substances are limited in the literature. In this work, the effect of MFL-association with two first-line anti-TB drugs and six fluoroquinolones was evaluated against Mycobacterium tuberculosis drug resistant strains. MFL showed synergistic interaction with isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and several fluoroquinolones, reaching fractional inhibitory concentration indexes (FICIs) ranging from 0.03 to 0.5. In order to better understand the observed results, two approaches have been explored: (i) spectroscopic responses attributed to the effect of MFL on physicochemical properties related to a liposomal membrane model composed by soybean asolectin; (ii) molecular dynamics (MD) simulation data regarding MFL interaction with a membrane model based on PIM2, a lipid constituent of the mycobacterial cell wall. FTIR and NMR data showed that MFL affects expressively the region between the phosphate and the first methylene groups of soybean asolectin membranes, disordering these regions. MD simulations results detected high MFL density in the glycolipid interface and showed that the drug increases the membrane lateral diffusion, enhancing its permeability. The obtained results suggest that synergistic activities related to MFL are attributed to its effect of lipid disorder and membrane permeability enhancement.

Enzyme Immobilization in Covalent Organic Frameworks: Strategies and Applications in Biocatalysis.

The development of efficient catalytic systems is a fundamental aspect for the straightforward production of chemicals. During the last years, covalent organic frameworks (COFs) emerged as an exciting class of organic nanoporous materials. Due to their pre-designable structure, they can be prepared with distinct physicochemical characteristics, specific pore sizes, and tunable functional groups. Moreover, associated with their stability in different media, these materials are considered promising supports for enzyme immobilization. Herein, it is highlighted the recent literature of enzyme immobilization in COFs, the main immobilization strategies, and the catalytic applications of these composites.

Enzyme-Decorated Covalent Organic Frameworks as Nanoporous Platforms for Heterogeneous Biocatalysis.

Sustainability in chemistry heavily relies on heterogeneous catalysis. Enzymes, the main catalyst for biochemical reactions in nature, are an elegant choice to catalyze reactions due to their high activity and selectivity, although they usually suffer from lack of robustness. To overcome this drawback, enzyme-decorated nanoporous heterogeneous catalysts were developed. Three different approaches for Candida antarctica lipase B (CAL-B) immobilization on a covalent organic framework (PPF-2) were employed: physical adsorption on the surface, covalent attachment of the enzyme in functional groups on the surface and covalent attachment into a linker added post-synthesis. The influence of the immobilization strategy on the enzyme uptake, specific activity, thermal stability, and the possibility of its use through multiple cycles was explored. High specific activities were observed for PPF-2-supported CAL-B in the esterification of oleic acid with ethanol, ranging from 58 to 283 U mg-1 , which was 2.6 to 12.7 times greater than the observed for the commercial Novozyme 435.

Socioeconomic and labor profile of artisanal fishermen of the pink shrimp in the estuarine complex of Tramandaí-RS, Brazil / Perfil socioeconômico e laboral dos pescadores artesanais de camarão-rosa no complexo estuarino de Tramandaí (RS), Brasil

The artisanal fisheries in Brazil have social and economic importance. The aim of the present study was to characterize the profile of artisanal fishermen of the pink shrimp in Tramandaí, Brazil. The fishermen were interviewed in the years of 2012 and 2013. The age range between them was 45 to 58 years, with an average of 30 years of occupation. The majority has children, elementary schooling and wishes to continue in the profession. However, 92.3% of them do not want their children to become fishermen. Fishermen work on average 6 hours daily, seven days per week. The capture per week is approximately 104 kg of shrimp (2012), and 61.2 kg (2013). Although they are able to support their families with the fishery, the fishermen are unsatisfied with the profession. The little schooling and the lack of opportunities in other occupations, make that they do not want leave the fisheries.

A pesca artesanal no Brasil possui importância social e econômica. O presente estudo tem como objetivo caracterizar o perfil dos pescadores artesanais de camarão-rosa, Farfantepenaeus paulensis, em Tramandaí, RS, Brasil. Os pescadores foram entrevistados nos anos de 2012 e 2013. A faixa etária deles foi de 45 a 58 anos, com média de 30 anos de profissão. A maioria tem filhos, possui baixa escolaridade e pretende continuar na profissão. No entanto, 92,3% dos pescadores não gostariam que seus filhos os seguissem neste ofício. Eles trabalham em média seis horas diárias, sete dias por semana. Em 2012, capturaram, por semana, cerca de 104 kg de camarão e, em 2013, 61,2 kg. Embora consigam manter suas famílias com a pesca, mostram-se insatisfeitos com a profissão. A pouca escolaridade e a falta de oportunidades em outras ocupações fazem com que não pretendam abandonar a atividade pesqueira.

Socioeconomic and labor profile of artisanal fishermen of the pink shrimp in the estuarine complex of Tramandaí-RS, Brazil / Perfil socioeconômico e laboral dos pescadores artesanais de camarão-rosa no complexo estuarino de Tramandaí (RS), Brasil

The artisanal fisheries in Brazil have social and economic importance. The aim of the present study was to characterize the profile of artisanal fishermen of the pink shrimp in Tramandaí, Brazil. The fishermen were interviewed in the years of 2012 and 2013. The age range between them was 45 to 58 years, with an average of 30 years of occupation. The majority has children, elementary schooling and wishes to continue in the profession. However, 92.3% of them do not want their children to become fishermen. Fishermen work on average 6 hours daily, seven days per week. The capture per week is approximately 104 kg of shrimp (2012), and 61.2 kg (2013). Although they are able to support their families with the fishery, the fishermen are unsatisfied with the profession. The little schooling and the lack of opportunities in other occupations, make that they do not want leave the fisheries.(AU)

A pesca artesanal no Brasil possui importância social e econômica. O presente estudo tem como objetivo caracterizar o perfil dos pescadores artesanais de camarão-rosa, Farfantepenaeus paulensis, em Tramandaí, RS, Brasil. Os pescadores foram entrevistados nos anos de 2012 e 2013. A faixa etária deles foi de 45 a 58 anos, com média de 30 anos de profissão. A maioria tem filhos, possui baixa escolaridade e pretende continuar na profissão. No entanto, 92,3% dos pescadores não gostariam que seus filhos os seguissem neste ofício. Eles trabalham em média seis horas diárias, sete dias por semana. Em 2012, capturaram, por semana, cerca de 104 kg de camarão e, em 2013, 61,2 kg. Embora consigam manter suas famílias com a pesca, mostram-se insatisfeitos com a profissão. A pouca escolaridade e a falta de oportunidades em outras ocupações fazem com que não pretendam abandonar a atividade pesqueira.(AU)

Bioaccumulation of animal adenoviruses in the pink shrimp.

Adenoviruses are among the most promising viral markers of fecal contamination. They are frequently found in the water, sediment and soil of regions impacted by human activity. Studies of the bioaccumulation of enteric viruses in shrimp are scarce. The cities located in the northern coast of the lake systems in Southern Brazil have high urbanization and intensive farming rates, and poor sewage collection and treatment. One hundred (n = 100) Farfantepenaeus paulensis pink-shrimp specimens and 48 water samples were collected from coastal lagoons between June 2012 and May 2013. Water samples were concentrated and the shrimp, mashed. After DNA extraction, samples were analyzed by real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in order to detect and quantify viral genomes. Thirty-five percent of shrimp samples were positive for contamination, predominantly by avian adenoviruses. A total of 91.7% of water samples contained adenoviruses DNA, with the human form being the most frequent. Our results provided evidence of significant bioaccumulation of adenoviruses in shrimp, showing the extent of the impact of fecal pollution on aquatic ecosystems.

Bioaccumulation of animal adenoviruses in the pink shrimp

Adenoviruses are among the most promising viral markers of fecal contamination. They are frequently found in the water, sediment and soil of regions impacted by human activity. Studies of the bioaccumulation of enteric viruses in shrimp are scarce. The cities located in the northern coast of the lake systems in Southern Brazil have high urbanization and intensive farming rates, and poor sewage collection and treatment. One hundred (n = 100) Farfantepenaeus paulensis pink-shrimp specimens and 48 water samples were collected from coastal lagoons between June 2012 and May 2013. Water samples were concentrated and the shrimp, mashed. After DNA extraction, samples were analyzed by real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in order to detect and quantify viral genomes. Thirty-five percent of shrimp samples were positive for contamination, predominantly by avian adenoviruses. A total of 91.7% of water samples contained adenoviruses DNA, with the human form being the most frequent. Our results provided evidence of significant bioaccumulation of adenoviruses in shrimp, showing the extent of the impact of fecal pollution on aquatic ecosystems..(AU)

Bioaccumulation of animal adenoviruses in the pink shrimp

Adenoviruses are among the most promising viral markers of fecal contamination. They are frequently found in the water, sediment and soil of regions impacted by human activity. Studies of the bioaccumulation of enteric viruses in shrimp are scarce. The cities located in the northern coast of the lake systems in Southern Brazil have high urbanization and intensive farming rates, and poor sewage collection and treatment. One hundred (n = 100) Farfantepenaeus paulensis pink-shrimp specimens and 48 water samples were collected from coastal lagoons between June 2012 and May 2013. Water samples were concentrated and the shrimp, mashed. After DNA extraction, samples were analyzed by real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in order to detect and quantify viral genomes. Thirty-five percent of shrimp samples were positive for contamination, predominantly by avian adenoviruses. A total of 91.7% of water samples contained adenoviruses DNA, with the human form being the most frequent. Our results provided evidence of significant bioaccumulation of adenoviruses in shrimp, showing the extent of the impact of fecal pollution on aquatic ecosystems..

Bioaccumulation of animal adenoviruses in the pink shrimp

Adenoviruses are among the most promising viral markers of fecal contamination. They are frequently found in the water, sediment and soil of regions impacted by human activity. Studies of the bioaccumulation of enteric viruses in shrimp are scarce. The cities located in the northern coast of the lake systems in Southern Brazil have high urbanization and intensive farming rates, and poor sewage collection and treatment. One hundred (n = 100) Farfantepenaeus paulensis pink-shrimp specimens and 48 water samples were collected from coastal lagoons between June 2012 and May 2013. Water samples were concentrated and the shrimp, mashed. After DNA extraction, samples were analyzed by real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in order to detect and quantify viral genomes. Thirty-five percent of shrimp samples were positive for contamination, predominantly by avian adenoviruses. A total of 91.7% of water samples contained adenoviruses DNA, with the human form being the most frequent. Our results provided evidence of significant bioaccumulation of adenoviruses in shrimp, showing the extent of the impact of fecal pollution on aquatic ecosystems.

Mefloquine-oxazolidine derivatives: a new class of anticancer agents.

A series of 23 racemic mefloquine-oxazolidine derivatives, 4-[3-(aryl)hexahydro[1,3]oxazolo[3,4-a]pyridin-1-yl]-2,8-bis(trifluoromethyl)quinolines, derived from (R*, S*)-(±)-mefloquine and arenealdehydes, have been evaluated for their activity against four cancer cell lines (HCT-8, OVCAR-8, HL-60, and SF-295). Good cytotoxicities have been determined with IC50 values ranging from 0.59 to 4.79 µg/mL. In general compounds with aryl groups having strong electron-releasing substituents, such as HO and MeO, or electron-rich heteroaryl groups, for example imidazol-2-y-l, are active. However, other factors such as steric effects may play a role. As both the active and non-active conformations of the mefloquine-oxazolidine derivatives are similar, it is concluded that molecular conformations do not play a significant role either. This study is the first to evaluate mefloquine derivatives as antitumor agents. The mefloquine-oxazolidine derivatives are considered to be useful leads for the rational design of new antitumor agents.

Mefloquine-oxazolidine derivatives, derived from mefloquine and arenecarbaldehydes: In vitro activity including against the multidrug-resistant tuberculosis strain T113.

Ten new mefloquine-oxazolidine derivatives, 4-[(1S,8aR)-3-(aryl)hexahydro[1,3]oxazolo[3,4-a]pyridin-1-yl]-2,8-bis(trifluoromethyl)quinoline (1: aryl=substituted phenyl) and 4-[(1S,8aR)-3-(heteroaryl)hexahydro[1,3]oxazolo[3,4-a]pyridin-1-yl]-2,8-bis(trifluoromethyl)quinoline [2: heteroaryl=5-nitrothien-2-yl (2a); 5-nitrofuran-2-yl (2b) and 4H-imidazol-2-yl) (2c)], have been synthesized and evaluated against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Compounds 1f (aryl=3-ethoxyphenyl), 1g (Ar=3,4,5-(MeO)(3)-C(6)H(2)) and 2c were slightly more active than mefloquine (MIC=33µM) with MICs=24.5, 22.5 and 27.4, respectively, whereas compounds 1e (aryl=3,4-(MeO)(2)-C(6)H(3)) and 2a (MICs=11.9 and 12.1µM, respectively) were ca. 2.7 times more active than mefloquine, with a better tuberculostatic activity than the first line tuberculostatic agent ethambutol (MIC=15.9). The compounds were also assayed against the MDR strain T113 and the same MICs were observed. Thus the new derivatives have advantages over such anti-TB drugs as isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol and ofloxacin, for which this strain is resistant. The most active compounds were not cytotoxic to Murine Macrophages Cells in a concentration near their MIC values.

Synthesis and antitubercular activity of new mefloquine-oxazolidine derivatives.

In this work, we report the synthesis and the antitubercular evaluation of 16 new mefloquine derivatives, formed from reactions between mefloquine and benzaldehydes, with the activity expressed as the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in µM. The compounds were non-cytotoxic and exhibited an important activity (12.6 µM). The appreciable activity of these compounds can be considered an important finding for the rational design of new leads for anti-TB compounds.

Crescimento de Aegla itacolomiensis (Crustacea, Decapoda) em um arroio da Mata Atlântica no sul do Brasil

To give more information about ecology and biology of Aegla itacolomiensis Bond-Buckup & Buckup, 1994 was analized its growth in the nature. Monthly samples were made from June 2005 to May 2006 in Solitária Alta stream, tributary of Rio dos Sinos basin, district of Igrejinha, RS, Brazil (29º33'10,2''S; 50º50'57''W). The specimens were collected by dip net, sexed and after the cephalotorax measured, the animals were brought back to the stream. The growth estimated by cephalotorax length for males and females of A.itacolomiensis was analized by absolut distributional size-classes frequency. The modal frequency of cephalotorax lenght was calculated. The growth was estimated trought the modal progression. The growth curves in cefalotorax length for males and females are described respectively by the equations: Ct = 23.21[1-e-0.0094 (t + 7.03)] e Ct= 19.49 [1-e-0.0065 (t + 11.16)]. Were found juveniles in the spring and summer. The males attained larger sizes and a higher growth rate than females. The estimated longevity was 2.2 years for males and 2.5 years for females.

Analisou-se o crescimento de Aegla itacolomiensis Bond-Buckup & Buckup, 1994, em ambiente natural, a partir de amostragens mensais, realizadas entre junho de 2005 e maio de 2006, no arroio Solitária Alta, tributário da bacia hidrográfica do Rio dos Sinos, município de Igrejinha, RS, Brasil (29º33'10,2''S; 50º50'57''W). Os indivíduos foram coletados com o auxílio de um puçá, triados por sexo, medidos quanto ao comprimento do cefalotórax (CC) e devolvidos ao arroio no mesmo local de onde foram retirados. O crescimento em comprimento de machos e fêmeas de A. itacolomiensis foi avaliado pela análise das distribuições de frequências absolutas em intervalos de classe do CC. As modas dos histogramas de frequências do CC foram verificadas. O crescimento dos indivíduos foi estimado por meio da análise da progressão das modas calculadas, resultando nas curvas de crescimento para machos e fêmeas, respectivamente Ct= 23,21[1-e-0,0094 (t + 7,03)] e Ct respectivamente: Ct = 19,49 [1-e-0,0065 (t + 11,16)]. O recrutamento ocorreu na primavera e no verão. Os machos atingiram tamanhos maiores do que as fêmeas e apresentaram maior taxa de crescimento que estas. A longevidade estimada para os machos foi de 2,2 anos enquanto que para as fêmeas foi de 2,5 anos. O padrão de crescimento de A. itacolomiensis é semelhante ao de outras espécies de eglídeos anteriormente estudados.

Crescimento de Aegla itacolomiensis (Crustacea, Decapoda) em um arroio da Mata Atlântica no sul do Brasil

To give more information about ecology and biology of Aegla itacolomiensis Bond-Buckup & Buckup, 1994 was analized its growth in the nature. Monthly samples were made from June 2005 to May 2006 in Solitária Alta stream, tributary of Rio dos Sinos basin, district of Igrejinha, RS, Brazil (29º33'10,2''S; 50º50'57''W). The specimens were collected by dip net, sexed and after the cephalotorax measured, the animals were brought back to the stream. The growth estimated by cephalotorax length for males and females of A.itacolomiensis was analized by absolut distributional size-classes frequency. The modal frequency of cephalotorax lenght was calculated. The growth was estimated trought the modal progression. The growth curves in cefalotorax length for males and females are described respectively by the equations: Ct = 23.21[1-e-0.0094 (t + 7.03)] e Ct= 19.49 [1-e-0.0065 (t + 11.16)]. Were found juveniles in the spring and summer. The males attained larger sizes and a higher growth rate than females. The estimated longevity was 2.2 years for males and 2.5 years for females.

Analisou-se o crescimento de Aegla itacolomiensis Bond-Buckup & Buckup, 1994, em ambiente natural, a partir de amostragens mensais, realizadas entre junho de 2005 e maio de 2006, no arroio Solitária Alta, tributário da bacia hidrográfica do Rio dos Sinos, município de Igrejinha, RS, Brasil (29º33'10,2''S; 50º50'57''W). Os indivíduos foram coletados com o auxílio de um puçá, triados por sexo, medidos quanto ao comprimento do cefalotórax (CC) e devolvidos ao arroio no mesmo local de onde foram retirados. O crescimento em comprimento de machos e fêmeas de A. itacolomiensis foi avaliado pela análise das distribuições de frequências absolutas em intervalos de classe do CC. As modas dos histogramas de frequências do CC foram verificadas. O crescimento dos indivíduos foi estimado por meio da análise da progressão das modas calculadas, resultando nas curvas de crescimento para machos e fêmeas, respectivamente Ct= 23,21[1-e-0,0094 (t + 7,03)] e Ct respectivamente: Ct = 19,49 [1-e-0,0065 (t + 11,16)]. O recrutamento ocorreu na primavera e no verão. Os machos atingiram tamanhos maiores do que as fêmeas e apresentaram maior taxa de crescimento que estas. A longevidade estimada para os machos foi de 2,2 anos enquanto que para as fêmeas foi de 2,5 anos. O padrão de crescimento de A. itacolomiensis é semelhante ao de outras espécies de eglídeos anteriormente estudados.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of N-(aryl)-2-thiophen-2-ylacetamides series as a new class of antitubercular agents.

The present article describes a series of 21 N-(aryl)-2-thiophen-2-ylacetamides, which were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro antibacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and the activity expressed as the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in mug/mL. The compounds 2, 3, 7, 8, 11, 12, 15, 16, and 20 exhibited activity between 25 and 100 microg/mL and could be a good start point to find new lead compounds in the fight against multidrug resistant tuberculosis.

Ecologia populacional de Aegla franciscana (Crustacea, Decapoda, Anomura) em São Francisco de Paula, RS, Brasil

The aim of this research was to characterize population aspects of Aegla franciscana Buckup & Rossi, 1977, where the size-frequency distribution, sex ratio, recruitment, reproductive period (frequency of ovigerous females) and fecundity were evaluated. The samples were performed seasonally (February, June, August and October 2003) at river Rolante, Rio dos Sinos basin, São Francisco de Paula city, RS. The animals were collected with nets, measured and returned to the stream. A total of 1,322 individuals was obtained, among which 567 males, 579 females and 176 unsexed animals. The animals were bracketed in size classes for cephalothorax length (CL), and bimodal distribution was observed. Male sizes ranged from 3.86 mm to 22.09 mm and females from 4.06 mm to 22.48 mm. The males showed a larger median size (10.36 mm) than females (9.89 mm). The sex ratio obtained was close to 1:1 (chi2 = 0.03; p>0.05). Sex ratio in the size classes showed an anomalous pattern, with a higher frequency of females in the intermediate size classes and males in the superior classes. This may be related to a greater energy requirement for reproduction in females, thus delaying growth. The highest recruitment pulse occurred in summer and autumn as a consequence of high reproductive activity during winter. Ovigerous females produced 123.3 ± 47.8 eggs (mean ± standard deviation). A correlation between cephalothorax length of ovigerous females and number of eggs (r = 0.81) was observed.

A pesquisa teve como objetivos caracterizar aspectos populacionais de Aegla franciscana Buckup & Rossi, 1977 que ocorre em corpos d'água do planalto sul-rio-grandense, onde foram analisados a distribuição de freqüência em classes de tamanho, a proporção sexual, o período reprodutivo através da freqüência de fêmeas ovígeras, o recrutamento e a fecundidade da espécie. As amostragens foram realizadas sazonalmente, no arroio Rolante, município de São Francisco de Paula, RS. Os eglídeos foram coletados com puçás, medidos e devolvidos ao arroio. Foram amostrados 1.322 exemplares, sendo 567 machos, 579 fêmeas e 176 animais com sexo indefinido. Machos e fêmeas foram agrupados em classes de comprimento do cefalotórax (CC), onde foi observada distribuição bimodal. A amplitude do comprimento do cefalotórax dos machos variou de 3,86 mm a 22,09 mm e o das fêmeas de 4,06 mm a 22,48 mm, sendo que os machos apresentaram tamanho mediano (10,36 mm) superior ao das fêmeas (9,89 mm). A proporção sexual foi de 1:1 (chi2 = 0,03; p>0,05). Na análise da proporção sexual, por classes de tamanho, observou-se que os machos são mais freqüentes nas classes superiores e as fêmeas nas classes intermediárias. O primeiro registro do surgimento de juvenis na população ocorreu no verão e de fêmeas ovígeras no outono, estas ocorrendo mais freqüentemente no inverno. As fêmeas ovígeras produzem em média 123,3 ± 47,8 ovos; observou-se correlação entre o comprimento do cefalotórax das fêmeas ovígeras e o número de ovos (r = 0,81).

Ecologia populacional de Aegla franciscana (Crustacea, Decapoda, Anomura) em São Francisco de Paula, RS, Brasil

The aim of this research was to characterize population aspects of Aegla franciscana Buckup & Rossi, 1977, where the size-frequency distribution, sex ratio, recruitment, reproductive period (frequency of ovigerous females) and fecundity were evaluated. The samples were performed seasonally (February, June, August and October 2003) at river Rolante, Rio dos Sinos basin, São Francisco de Paula city, RS. The animals were collected with nets, measured and returned to the stream. A total of 1,322 individuals was obtained, among which 567 males, 579 females and 176 unsexed animals. The animals were bracketed in size classes for cephalothorax length (CL), and bimodal distribution was observed. Male sizes ranged from 3.86 mm to 22.09 mm and females from 4.06 mm to 22.48 mm. The males showed a larger median size (10.36 mm) than females (9.89 mm). The sex ratio obtained was close to 1:1 (chi2 = 0.03; p>0.05). Sex ratio in the size classes showed an anomalous pattern, with a higher frequency of females in the intermediate size classes and males in the superior classes. This may be related to a greater energy requirement for reproduction in females, thus delaying growth. The highest recruitment pulse occurred in summer and autumn as a consequence of high reproductive activity during winter. Ovigerous females produced 123.3 ± 47.8 eggs (mean ± standard deviation). A correlation between cephalothorax length of ovigerous females and number of eggs (r = 0.81) was observed.

A pesquisa teve como objetivos caracterizar aspectos populacionais de Aegla franciscana Buckup & Rossi, 1977 que ocorre em corpos d'água do planalto sul-rio-grandense, onde foram analisados a distribuição de freqüência em classes de tamanho, a proporção sexual, o período reprodutivo através da freqüência de fêmeas ovígeras, o recrutamento e a fecundidade da espécie. As amostragens foram realizadas sazonalmente, no arroio Rolante, município de São Francisco de Paula, RS. Os eglídeos foram coletados com puçás, medidos e devolvidos ao arroio. Foram amostrados 1.322 exemplares, sendo 567 machos, 579 fêmeas e 176 animais com sexo indefinido. Machos e fêmeas foram agrupados em classes de comprimento do cefalotórax (CC), onde foi observada distribuição bimodal. A amplitude do comprimento do cefalotórax dos machos variou de 3,86 mm a 22,09 mm e o das fêmeas de 4,06 mm a 22,48 mm, sendo que os machos apresentaram tamanho mediano (10,36 mm) superior ao das fêmeas (9,89 mm). A proporção sexual foi de 1:1 (chi2 = 0,03; p>0,05). Na análise da proporção sexual, por classes de tamanho, observou-se que os machos são mais freqüentes nas classes superiores e as fêmeas nas classes intermediárias. O primeiro registro do surgimento de juvenis na população ocorreu no verão e de fêmeas ovígeras no outono, estas ocorrendo mais freqüentemente no inverno. As fêmeas ovígeras produzem em média 123,3 ± 47,8 ovos; observou-se correlação entre o comprimento do cefalotórax das fêmeas ovígeras e o número de ovos (r = 0,81).