PAHs in franciscana dolphins from the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean: Concentration and maternal transfer assessments.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are organic compounds ubiquitous in the environment and known for their toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic effects. These compounds can bioaccumulate in the biota and be transferred through trophic webs. The franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei), as top predators, can be an environmental sentinels. Thus, this study aimed to provide data about PAHs concentration in their hepatic tissue collected on the coast of Espírito Santo (Franciscana Management Area, FMA Ia), Rio de Janeiro (FMA IIa), and São Paulo states (FMA IIb), in Southeastern Brazil. PAHs were detected in 86 % of franciscana dolphins (n = 50). The highest ∑PAHsTotal median concentration was reported in FMA Ia followed by FMA IIb and FMA IIa (1055.6; 523.9, and 72.1 ng.g-1 lipid weight, respectively). Phenanthrene was detected in one fetus and two neonates, showing maternal transfer of PAHs in these dolphins. Evaluating PAHs with potential toxic effects is of utmost importance for the conservation of a threatened species.

Fire seasonality plays a limited role in the reproduction of Anacardium humile A. St.-Hil. in a tropical savanna.

Anthropogenic fires are an increasing threat to tropical savannas and their plant populations. In the Brazilian Cerrado, human-made fires at the end of the dry season are replacing natural fires at the beginning of the dry season. Critically, these late burns occur under more intense climate variables. Here, we aimed to understand the potential role of fire seasonality on individuals of Anacardium humile, a widespread Cerrado species of cultural and economic importance. We conducted two prescribed burnings, one at the beginning of the dry season (early burning) and one at the end of the dry season (late burning) when climate variables were remarkably different. We assessed the reproductive responses of A. humile individuals over 4 years and compared individuals from the fire treatments with those from an unburned area (control). The reproductive phenology of A. humile varied over time and was influenced by climate variables. The seasons of different burning had similar impacts on the reproductive phenology of A. humile, and this impact lasted for at least 4 years. While A. humile populations do not depend on fire for reproduction, they produced more flowers and fruits for up to 2 years with the fire treatments. We provide empirical evidence of the role of climate variables on the phenology of A. humile and demonstrate the importance of considering the role of time after fire events. The similar responses of A. humile to fire seasonality show that Cerrado fire management can be more complex than previously thought.

Construction and characterization of organic photovoltaic cells sensitized by Chrysanthemum based natural dye.

In this work, natural dyes from three different species of the same flower family (Chrysanthemum), which containing anthocyanin were extracted and properly prepared to be used as photosensitizers in DSSCs construction. The cells were fabricated with titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2) for the photoanodes, whereas platinum electrodes were used for the photocathodes. To understand the behavior of light absorption in addition to the coloring components present in the dyes and the molecular functional groups present in the samples, the UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and FTIR spectroscopy were used respectively. The performance and efficiency of solar cells were evaluated to establish the photovoltaic criteria for each DSSC built. Through electrochemical characterizations, it was possible to notice that the highest photovoltaic conversion efficiency was obtained with the Chrysanthemum Violet (CV) cell, with efficiency (η) of 1.348%, compared to 1.229% and 0.485% for the Chrysanthemum Green (CG) and Chrysanthemum Blue (CB) cells, respectively. The CV cell also has the highest open circuit voltage (VOC) at 0.58 V. The results corroborate to present the organic solar cells as a viable option for the electric energy generation.

Spatial trends of trace elements bioaccumulation in the most endangered dolphin from the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean: The franciscana (Pontoporia blainvillei).

Trace elements bioaccumulation patterns can be an important tool to assess differences among cetaceans' populations. In this work, their use as potential chemical markers to differentiate franciscanas (Pontoporia blainvillei) populations was evaluated. Franciscanas were collected from three states in southeastern Brazil, which comprise three different Franciscana Management Areas (FMAs): Espírito Santo (FMA Ia), southern Rio de Janeiro (FMA IIa), and central São Paulo (FMA IIb). The concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn and Zn were determined in the muscle, liver and kidney of the animals. Cadmium was the most valuable chemical marker to differentiate stocks, separating at least FMA IIa from the others. The higher Cd levels in FMA IIa, along with dietary information, indicate that the predominant consumption of cephalopods by this population is the main reason for the differences found. Additionally, environmental characteristics of the areas should also be considered as divergent sources of trace elements. Our findings suggest that non-essential trace elements, such as Cd, can be successful markers to differentiate populations. The Mn concentrations in FMA Ia raised concern and must be carefully monitored, as well as other elements that compose the iron ore tailings that have impacted the Espírito Santo coastal area. Additionally, this is the first study to report trace element concentration in the franciscanas from FMA IIa (southern Rio de Janeiro). Trace element concentrations found in franciscanas may represent different contamination levels in their preys and environments, which might pose specific threats to distinct populations. Therefore, our findings are important to characterize and differentiate franciscana populations and to guide precise management and conservation actions for the distinct stocks of this endangered species.

Temporal trends of trace elements bioaccumulation by a vulnerable cetacean (Pontoporia blainvillei) before and after one of the largest mining disasters worldwide.

One of the largest environmental disasters worldwide occurred on November 5th, 2015, when the Fundão dam collapsed in Mariana (Minas Gerais State, Southeast Brazil). The tailing mud flooded the Doce River basin and reached the sea in the coast of Espírito Santo State (ES), Southeast Brazil. This coastal region is the habitat of the most isolated population of franciscana dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei), with the lowest populational census and lowest genetic diversity in Franciscana Management Area Ia (FMA Ia) - 18° 25'S and 21° 17'S. This study aimed to assess the bioaccumulation of trace-elements (As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, and Zn) in muscle, liver and kidney of franciscana dolphins collected near the Doce River's mouth before (n = 32) and after (n = 19) the tailing mud reached the sea. The Generalized Additive Model (GAM) showed increasing temporal trends of Hg and Zn in muscle and liver after the dam failure, probably related to higher concentrations and bioavailability in the water column and sediments from the Doce River. Declining trends were found for As and Cu muscular and hepatic concentrations and Fe concentrations in kidney due to their lower bioavailability after the disaster, caused by association with tailings mud trapped in the riverbanks and suspended particulate material. Additionally, higher As and Hg concentrations found in the first period of sampling may be due to historical contamination by mining activities. The full extent of the impacts caused by the Fundão dam failure is still unknown. However, due to their rapid increase and remobilization process, toxic effects can be induced in the biota by these elements. Elements' bioaccumulation in this study contributes to the knowledge of franciscana dolphins from FMA Ia. Considering the conservation concern regarding this franciscana population and its scarce knowledge, the impact of this disaster can be alarming for species conservation.

Trends and biases in global scientific literature about ecological niche models.

Recently, ecological niche models have been employed to investigate the potential geographical distribution of species. However, it is necessary to analyze the vast number of publications on this topic to understand the trends and biases of research using ecological niche models (ENMs). Therefore, this study aims to investigate trends in the scientific literature regarding studies on ENMs. For the quantitative analysis of the literature on ENMs, we performed a search in the Thomson ISI (Web of Science) database between 1991 and 2013. The search identified 3042 papers containing preselected keywords in either the title or abstract. The results showed that the number of papers has increased over the years (r=0.77, P<0.001), with a sharp increase in recent years, highlighting the widespread use of the ENMs. There was an increase in the diversity of journals that published papers about ENMs (r=0.97, P<0.001). The research was conducted in different countries, predominantly the United States of America (550 papers), and the most commonly used method was the Maximum Entropy method (312 papers). Regarding the taxonomic group, most research has been conducted on plants (402 papers, or 28.36% of the total). There was no relationship between the modeling method used and the taxonomic group studied (χ2=4.8, P=0.15). Finally, the wide availability of biological, environmental and computational resources has elicited the broad use of tools for ENMs. Despite the conceptual discussions of the ENMs, this method is currently the most effective way to evaluate the potential geographical distribution of species, and to predict the distribution under different environmental conditions (i.e., future or past scenarios).

Trends and biases in global scientific literature about ecological niche models

Abstract Recently, ecological niche models have been employed to investigate the potential geographical distribution of species. However, it is necessary to analyze the vast number of publications on this topic to understand the trends and biases of research using ecological niche models (ENMs). Therefore, this study aims to investigate trends in the scientific literature regarding studies on ENMs. For the quantitative analysis of the literature on ENMs, we performed a search in the Thomson ISI (Web of Science) database between 1991 and 2013. The search identified 3042 papers containing preselected keywords in either the title or abstract. The results showed that the number of papers has increased over the years (r=0.77, P 0.001), with a sharp increase in recent years, highlighting the widespread use of the ENMs. There was an increase in the diversity of journals that published papers about ENMs (r=0.97, P 0.001). The research was conducted in different countries, predominantly the United States of America (550 papers), and the most commonly used method was the Maximum Entropy method (312 papers). Regarding the taxonomic group, most research has been conducted on plants (402 papers, or 28.36% of the total). There was no relationship between the modeling method used and the taxonomic group studied (2=4.8, P=0.15). Finally, the wide availability of biological, environmental and computational resources has elicited the broad use of tools for ENMs. Despite the conceptual discussions of the ENMs, this method is currently the most effective way to evaluate the potential geographical distribution of species, and to predict the distribution under different environmental conditions (i.e., future or past scenarios).

Resumo Recentemente, modelos de nicho têm sido empregados para investigar a distribuição geográfica potencial de espécies. Porém, é necessário analisar a vasta quantidade de publicações sobre o referido tema, a fim de compreender as tendências e vieses das pesquisas que usam modelos de nicho ecológico (MNEs). Portanto, esse trabalho tem por objetivo investigar as tendências da literatura científica de trabalhos sobre MNEs. Para a análise quantitativa das publicações sobre MNEs, foi realizada uma busca na base de dados Thomson ISI (Web of Science), entre o período de 1991 a 2013. A pesquisa agrupou 3042 documentos que continham nas palavras-chave, no título ou no resumo os termos selecionados para a busca. Os resultados mostraram que de forma geral o número de artigos tem aumentado ao longo dos anos (r=0,77, P 0,001), com um acentuado crescimento nos anos mais recentes, destacando o amplo uso de MNEs. Ao longo dos anos percebeu-se um aumento da diversidade de revistas que publicam sobre o assunto (r=0,97, P 0,001). As pesquisas têm sido desenvolvidas em diferentes países, com predomínio dos Estados Unidos (550 artigos) e o método mais utilizado foi o de Máxima Entropia (312 artigos). Quanto ao grupo taxonômico, a maioria dos estudos tem ocorrido com plantas (402 artigos ou 28,36% do total de artigos). Não houve relação entre método de modelagem e grupo taxonômico (2=4,8, P=0,15). Por fim, a ampla disponibilidade de dados biológicos, ambientais e recursos computacionais tem propiciado um amplo uso de MNEs. Apesar das discussões conceituais sobre MNEs, o método atualmente é o mais eficaz para conhecer a distribuição geográfica potencial das espécies e ainda projetar essa distribuição sob diferentes condições ambientais (i.e. cenários futuros, passado).

Trends and biases in global scientific literature about ecological niche models / Tendências e vieses na literatura científica mundial sobre modelos de nicho ecológico

Abstract Recently, ecological niche models have been employed to investigate the potential geographical distribution of species. However, it is necessary to analyze the vast number of publications on this topic to understand the trends and biases of research using ecological niche models (ENMs). Therefore, this study aims to investigate trends in the scientific literature regarding studies on ENMs. For the quantitative analysis of the literature on ENMs, we performed a search in the Thomson ISI (Web of Science) database between 1991 and 2013. The search identified 3042 papers containing preselected keywords in either the title or abstract. The results showed that the number of papers has increased over the years (r=0.77, P<0.001), with a sharp increase in recent years, highlighting the widespread use of the ENMs. There was an increase in the diversity of journals that published papers about ENMs (r=0.97, P<0.001). The research was conducted in different countries, predominantly the United States of America (550 papers), and the most commonly used method was the Maximum Entropy method (312 papers). Regarding the taxonomic group, most research has been conducted on plants (402 papers, or 28.36% of the total). There was no relationship between the modeling method used and the taxonomic group studied (χ2=4.8, P=0.15). Finally, the wide availability of biological, environmental and computational resources has elicited the broad use of tools for ENMs. Despite the conceptual discussions of the ENMs, this method is currently the most effective way to evaluate the potential geographical distribution of species, and to predict the distribution under different environmental conditions (i.e., future or past scenarios).

Resumo Recentemente, modelos de nicho têm sido empregados para investigar a distribuição geográfica potencial de espécies. Porém, é necessário analisar a vasta quantidade de publicações sobre o referido tema, a fim de compreender as tendências e vieses das pesquisas que usam modelos de nicho ecológico (MNEs). Portanto, esse trabalho tem por objetivo investigar as tendências da literatura científica de trabalhos sobre MNEs. Para a análise quantitativa das publicações sobre MNEs, foi realizada uma busca na base de dados Thomson ISI (Web of Science), entre o período de 1991 a 2013. A pesquisa agrupou 3042 documentos que continham nas palavras-chave, no título ou no resumo os termos selecionados para a busca. Os resultados mostraram que de forma geral o número de artigos tem aumentado ao longo dos anos (r=0,77, P<0,001), com um acentuado crescimento nos anos mais recentes, destacando o amplo uso de MNEs. Ao longo dos anos percebeu-se um aumento da diversidade de revistas que publicam sobre o assunto (r=0,97, P<0,001). As pesquisas têm sido desenvolvidas em diferentes países, com predomínio dos Estados Unidos (550 artigos) e o método mais utilizado foi o de Máxima Entropia (312 artigos). Quanto ao grupo taxonômico, a maioria dos estudos tem ocorrido com plantas (402 artigos ou 28,36% do total de artigos). Não houve relação entre método de modelagem e grupo taxonômico (χ2=4,8, P=0,15). Por fim, a ampla disponibilidade de dados biológicos, ambientais e recursos computacionais tem propiciado um amplo uso de MNEs. Apesar das discussões conceituais sobre MNEs, o método atualmente é o mais eficaz para conhecer a distribuição geográfica potencial das espécies e ainda projetar essa distribuição sob diferentes condições ambientais (i.e. cenários futuros, passado).

Genetic diversity and population structure of Synthesium pontoporiae (Digenea, Brachycladiidae) linked to its definitive host stocks, the endangered Franciscana dolphin, Pontoporia blainvillei (Pontoporiidae) off the coast of Brazil and Argentina.

Pontoporia blainvillei (Gervais and d'Orbigny, 1844) is an endangered small cetacean endemic to South America with four Franciscana Management Areas (FMA) recognized as different population stocks. The role of the intestinal parasite Synthesium pontoporiae (Digenea: Brachycladiidae) as a possible biological marker to differentiate P. blainvillei stocks was evaluated using nuclear and mitochondrial DNA markers. Internal transcribed sequence 1 and 2 (ITS1 and ITS2) regions of S. pontoporiae did not show intraspecific variability. The mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 3 (ND3) and cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences suggested lack of population structure in S. pontoporiae and population expansion. The apparent panmixia of S. pontoporiae may be due to the high mobility of one or more of its intermediary hosts. Alternatively, it may be due to the small sample size. This result is incongruent with the previously proposed FMA.

Digital subtraction radiography evaluation of longitudinal bone density changes around immediate loading implants: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess longitudinal quantitative changes in bone density around different implant loading protocols and implant surfaces measured by digital subtraction radiography (DSR). METHODS: 12 patients received bilateral homologous standard and TiUnite® (Nobel Biocare, Kloten, Switzerland) single-tooth implants under 2 implant-loading protocols: immediate loading (8 patients, 16 implants, 12 maxillary) and conventional loading (4 patients, 8 implants, 4 maxillary). Standardized periapical radiographs were taken immediately after implant placement (baseline image) and at the 3-month, 6-month and 12-month follow ups. Radiographic images were digitized and submitted to digital subtraction using the DSR system® (Electro Medical System, Nyon, Switzerland), resulting in three subtracted images. Quantitative analysis of bone density was performed using Image Tool® software (University of Texas Health Science Centre, San Antonio, TX) to assess pixel value changes in five areas around the implants (crestal, subcrestal, medial third, apical-lateral and apical). RESULTS: Repeated-measures analysis of variance showed that grey levels were significantly influenced by follow-up time and implant-loading protocol. A linear increase in grey levels was found for immediate loading (IML) implants and a significant decrease in grey levels was observed in the 12-month follow up for conventional loading implants. No effect of implant surface treatment was observed. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, IML protocol induced mineral bone gain around single-tooth implants after the first year under function for cases with favourable bone conditions.

Detection of two morphologically cryptic species from the cursor complex (Akodon spp; Rodentia, Cricetidae) through the use of RAPD markers.

The cursor complex is a group within the Akodon genus of South American rodents, formed by Akodon cursor and A. montensis. Correct distinction between these two species is of great importance since they can harbor different Hantavirus strains. These species are only distinguishable by means of karyotypic or internal anatomic features, requiring dissection; recently, some other genetic methods have become available. We developed RAPD markers capable of distinguishing between A. cursor and A. montensis. Samples included 42 individuals of A. cursor from four localities and 16 individuals of A. montensis from two localities. Fifty-five bands, 41 of which were polymorphic, were analyzed. A principal component analysis showed that this set of markers could successfully distinguish between the two species, mainly based on three RAPD bands. The number of bands in each population was compared within a 95% confidence interval as a measure of intraspecific variability. The A. cursor populations were found to have marked genetic structure across the study area (AMOVA; F(ST )= 0.21), which in part might be because of the relatively limited dispersal capabilities of this species. Species-specific bands, with potential for species identification, were identified.

High organochlorine accumulation in blubber of Guiana dolphin, Sotalia guianensis, from Brazilian coast and its use to establish geographical differences among populations.

Blubber samples from 33 Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) from three estuaries (Guanabara, Sepetiba/Ilha Grande and Paranaguá Bays) of Southern and Southeastern Brazil were analyzed for organochlorine compounds (DDTs, PCBs and HCB). The sampled individuals were incidentally captured in gillnet fishery between 1995 and 2005. The concentrations (in ng/g lipids) varied from 652 to 23 555 for SigmaDDT; from 765 to 99 175 for SigmaPCB; and from <4.4 to 156 for HCB. The results have shown that cetaceans from Brazil present organochlorine concentrations that are comparable to those reported for highly industrialized regions of Northern Hemisphere. Using discriminant analysis it was possible to verify that the dolphin populations from the three bays present different organochlorine accumulation patterns. This feature allows the use of this set of pollutants as an auxiliary tool for identification of different populations of the species off Brazilian Coast.

PERMANENT GENETIC RESOURCES: Characterization of eight microsatellite loci in the woolly mouse opossum, Micoureus paraguayanus, isolated from Micoureus demerarae.

Eight novel microsatellite markers were isolated from the woolly mouse opossum from the Amazon Forest in Peru, Micoureus demerarae, using a partial genomic DNA library and an enrichment protocol. These loci were polymorphic in M. demerarae and Micoureus paraguayanus populations from the Atlantic Forest in Brazil with the number of alleles ranging from two to 23. Those eight loci plus another five already described for M. paraguayanus will allow for the evaluation of genetic diversity of populations from the 'Rio Doce' Park, one of the last Atlantic Forest fragments in Minas Gerais state, Brazil.

Avaliação da nefrotoxicidade induzida por aminoglicosídeos através do clearance de creatinina / Evaluation of nephrotoxicity by aminoglycosides through of creatinine clearance

Objetivo: Aminoglicosídeos são drogas potencialmente nefrotóxicas e seu uso requer monitorização da função renal. O objetivo foi avaliar a nefrotoxicidade induzida por aminoglicosídeos através dos níveis de creatinina sérica e do clearance da creatinina. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo no período de maio/2002 a abril/2004, em que foram avaliados os prontuários médicos de todos os pacientes que receberam gentacimina ou amicacina, com dosagem sérica de creatinina antes e durante ou após o uso de drogas. A nefrotoxicidade foi definida através de dois parâmetros: como aumento maior ou igual 0,05 mg/dL na creatinina sérica ou redução maior ou igual 20% no clearence da creatinina, a partir dos valores basais. Resultados: Foram avaliados 89 pacientes hospitalizados (74,2% homens e 25,8% mulheres) que receberam gentamicina (70,8%) ou amicacina (29,2%), totalizando 98 ciclos monitorizados pela creatinina sérica. Em 34 ciclos (34,7%) houve aumento da creatinina sérica e em quatro casos (11,8%) este foi indicativo de nefrotoxicidade, comparado a 15 pacientes (44,1%) com nefrotoxicidade pelo parâmetro de redução do clearance da creatinina. Este parâmetro apresentou especificidade (77,1%) e valor preditivo positivo (44,1%) maiores que o observado para creatinina sérica (68% e 11,7%, respectivamente). A associação de cefalosporina e a depleção de potássio sérico foram mais frequentes (p menor que 0,05, teste exato de Fisher) no grupo de pacientes que desenvolveram nefrotoxicidade, comparado ao grupo sem essa alteração. Conclusões: O parâmetro da creatinina sérica apresentou menor valor preditivo para a nefrotoxicidade induzida pelos aminoglicosídeos, comparado ao clearance da creatinina. Os principais fatores de risco detectados para a nefrotoxicidade foram associação de cefalosporina e depleção de potássio sérico.

Avaliação de riscos ao desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor em crianças: triagem utilizando-se o Teste de Denver II e identificação de fatores maternos de risco / Assessment of risk to neuro-psychomotor development: screening using the Test Denver II and identification of maternal risks

PURPOSE: To identify a positive screening test for developmental delay in children by the Denver Test II and their risk factors. METHODS: A sample of 398 children was studied at 0 the 12 months of age regarding their neurodevelopment. The Denver II Test was used. The children who failed in two or more items of the test were suspected of having neurodevelopment delay. A set of independent variables was: socioeconomic, reproductive and environmental, birth conditions children's care. Analyses were performed using chi-square test and multivariate techinique logistic regression. RESULTS: At of 0 - 12 months of age, 45,73% (182) of the total of 398 children failed in the screening test. After adjusting for possible confounding variables, failure was associated with family lower income children, gestacional age less than 38 weeks, socioeconomic status family, schooling of the mother, mother's age, use of drug. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates: 1--The Denver Test permited screening the delays development; 2--Maternal risk factors may interfere in the child's neurodevelopmental.

[Giant-cell tumor of bone]. / Tumor de células gigantes do osso.

Giant-cell bone tumors are a rare entity. Only 7.5 to 15% are malignant tumors and correspond to 0.5% of all primary malignant bone tumors. This case report has an unusual localization (ischium) for this kind of tumor (+/- 0.6%). The patient was treated with radiotherapy alone, because local extension of the disease would require very aggressive surgery with functional implications. Ten years after treatment, the patient is alive without clinical evidence of disease, and without functional impairments.

[Syphilis in an HIV-infected patient]. / Sífilis em doente com infecção pelo V.I.H.

We report the case of a 28-year-old female prostitute, intravenous drug user, seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus and with unusual manifestations of lues infection. The presence of plantar keratoderma, alopecia of the scalp, total loss of hair eyebrows and eyelashes with bilateral chorioretinitis is emphasised. Non-treponemal and treponemal tests for syphilis showed reactivity, but with abnormal serologic expression. The possible relationship between H.I.V. infection and the natural course of syphilis is discussed.

Prevalence of nits and lice in samples of cut hair from floors of barbershops and beauty parlors in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil.

A louse survey based on samples of cut hair collected from floors of barbershops and beauty parlors was conducted in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, from October 1984 to April 1985, as an alternative way to determine the prevalence of pediculosis capitis in the population. Of 475 samples examined for nits, nymphs, or adults of Pediculus capitis, 140 were infested (29.5%). A total of 58 lice and 3,553 nits were found in 33,632.9 g of hair collected, giving a ratio of 0.10 nit/g. Almost 29% of the nits were viable and capable of being transmitted after hatching. There was significant difference among the infestation rates by socioeconomic levels, and samples from barbershops with male customers were the most infested. Based upon the number of haircuts in each sample, we estimated that 5 or 6% of the population might be infested by this species.