Identification of terrestrial gastropods families found in district Swat, Pakistan / Identificação de famílias de gastropódeos terrestres encontradas no distrito Swat, Paquistão

Abstract Very little is known about the malacofauna in district Swat of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, situated in the Northern part of Pakistan. The Swat valley possesses a variety of suitable environmental conditions, providing different types of habitats for both flora and fauna. Taken into consideration these points, the present study was conducted to explore the terrestrial snails diversity in agricultural and non-agricultural fields in the lower Swat valley. A total of 417 shells were collected from three sites: Kokarai, Kanju Township, and Deolai. Based on conchological features, three families: Bradybaenidae, Hygromiidae, and Zonitidae were identified using different terrestrial snail keys. In Kokarai and Deolai, shells of members of all the above-mentioned families were found from agricultural fields. In Kanju Township, shells of members of the family Bradybaenidae and Zonitidae were found. From these findings, it was concluded that district Swat possesses a significant malacofauna which was unexplored before and aided more to the existing literature on malacofauna. It also supports the idea that the agroecosystem is rich in species diversity. Further in-depth and extensive study is recommended to be carried out for a detailed taxonomy of the described terrestrial gastropod families.

Resumo Muito pouco se sabe sobre a malacofauna no distrito de Swat, na província de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, situada na parte norte do Paquistão. O vale do Swat possui uma variedade de condições ambientais adequadas, proporcionando diferentes tipos de habitats para a flora e a fauna. Levando em consideração esses pontos, o presente estudo foi conduzido para explorar a diversidade dos caracóis terrestres em campos agrícolas e não agrícolas no vale inferior de Swat. Um total de 417 conchas foram coletadas em três locais: Kokarai, Kanju Township e Deolai. Com base em características concológicas, três famílias: Bradybaenidae, Hygromiidae e Zonitidae foram identificadas usando diferentes chaves de caramujos terrestres. Em Kokarai e Deolai, conchas de membros de todas as famílias mencionadas acima foram encontradas em campos agrícolas. No município de Kanju, foram encontradas conchas de membros da família Bradybaenidae e Zonitidae. A partir dessas constatações, concluiu-se que o distrito de Swat possui uma malacofauna significativa que antes era inexplorada e ajudava mais a literatura existente sobre a malacofauna. Também apoia a ideia de que o agroecossistema é rico em diversidade de espécies. Recomenda-se a realização de um estudo mais aprofundado e extenso para uma taxonomia detalhada das famílias de gastrópodes terrestres descritas.

Identification of terrestrial gastropods families found in district Swat, Pakistan / Identificação de famílias de gastropódeos terrestres encontradas no distrito Swat, Paquistão

Very little is known about the malacofauna in district Swat of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, situated in the Northern part of Pakistan. The Swat valley possesses a variety of suitable environmental conditions, providing different types of habitats for both flora and fauna. Taken into consideration these points, the present study was conducted to explore the terrestrial snails diversity in agricultural and non-agricultural fields in the lower Swat valley. A total of 417 shells were collected from three sites: Kokarai, Kanju Township, and Deolai. Based on conchological features, three families: Bradybaenidae, Hygromiidae, and Zonitidae were identified using different terrestrial snail keys. In Kokarai and Deolai, shells of members of all the above-mentioned families were found from agricultural fields. In Kanju Township, shells of members of the family Bradybaenidae and Zonitidae were found. From these findings, it was concluded that district Swat possesses a significant malacofauna which was unexplored before and aided more to the existing literature on malacofauna. It also supports the idea that the agroecosystem is rich in species diversity. Further in-depth and extensive study is recommended to be carried out for a detailed taxonomy of the described terrestrial gastropod families.

Muito pouco se sabe sobre a malacofauna no distrito de Swat, na província de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, situada na parte norte do Paquistão. O vale do Swat possui uma variedade de condições ambientais adequadas, proporcionando diferentes tipos de habitats para a flora e a fauna. Levando em consideração esses pontos, o presente estudo foi conduzido para explorar a diversidade dos caracóis terrestres em campos agrícolas e não agrícolas no vale inferior de Swat. Um total de 417 conchas foram coletadas em três locais: Kokarai, Kanju Township e Deolai. Com base em características concológicas, três famílias: Bradybaenidae, Hygromiidae e Zonitidae foram identificadas usando diferentes chaves de caramujos terrestres. Em Kokarai e Deolai, conchas de membros de todas as famílias mencionadas acima foram encontradas em campos agrícolas. No município de Kanju, foram encontradas conchas de membros da família Bradybaenidae e Zonitidae. A partir dessas constatações, concluiu-se que o distrito de Swat possui uma malacofauna significativa que antes era inexplorada e ajudava mais a literatura existente sobre a malacofauna. Também apoia a ideia de que o agroecossistema é rico em diversidade de espécies. Recomenda-se a realização de um estudo mais aprofundado e extenso para uma taxonomia detalhada das famílias de gastrópodes terrestres descritas.

Identification of terrestrial gastropods families found in district Swat, Pakistan

Abstract Very little is known about the malacofauna in district Swat of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, situated in the Northern part of Pakistan. The Swat valley possesses a variety of suitable environmental conditions, providing different types of habitats for both flora and fauna. Taken into consideration these points, the present study was conducted to explore the terrestrial snails diversity in agricultural and non-agricultural fields in the lower Swat valley. A total of 417 shells were collected from three sites: Kokarai, Kanju Township, and Deolai. Based on conchological features, three families: Bradybaenidae, Hygromiidae, and Zonitidae were identified using different terrestrial snail keys. In Kokarai and Deolai, shells of members of all the above-mentioned families were found from agricultural fields. In Kanju Township, shells of members of the family Bradybaenidae and Zonitidae were found. From these findings, it was concluded that district Swat possesses a significant malacofauna which was unexplored before and aided more to the existing literature on malacofauna. It also supports the idea that the agroecosystem is rich in species diversity. Further in-depth and extensive study is recommended to be carried out for a detailed taxonomy of the described terrestrial gastropod families.

Resumo Muito pouco se sabe sobre a malacofauna no distrito de Swat, na província de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, situada na parte norte do Paquistão. O vale do Swat possui uma variedade de condições ambientais adequadas, proporcionando diferentes tipos de habitats para a flora e a fauna. Levando em consideração esses pontos, o presente estudo foi conduzido para explorar a diversidade dos caracóis terrestres em campos agrícolas e não agrícolas no vale inferior de Swat. Um total de 417 conchas foram coletadas em três locais: Kokarai, Kanju Township e Deolai. Com base em características concológicas, três famílias: Bradybaenidae, Hygromiidae e Zonitidae foram identificadas usando diferentes chaves de caramujos terrestres. Em Kokarai e Deolai, conchas de membros de todas as famílias mencionadas acima foram encontradas em campos agrícolas. No município de Kanju, foram encontradas conchas de membros da família Bradybaenidae e Zonitidae. A partir dessas constatações, concluiu-se que o distrito de Swat possui uma malacofauna significativa que antes era inexplorada e ajudava mais a literatura existente sobre a malacofauna. Também apoia a ideia de que o agroecossistema é rico em diversidade de espécies. Recomenda-se a realização de um estudo mais aprofundado e extenso para uma taxonomia detalhada das famílias de gastrópodes terrestres descritas.

Turning a lost reef ecosystem into a national restoration program.

Achieving a sustainable socioecological future now requires large-scale environmental repair across legislative borders. Yet, enabling large-scale conservation is complicated by policy-making processes that are disconnected from socioeconomic interests, multiple sources of knowledge, and differing applications of policy. We considered how a multidisciplinary approach to marine habitat restoration generated the scientific evidence base, community support, and funding needed to begin the restoration of a forgotten, functionally extinct shellfish reef ecosystem. The key actors came together as a multidisciplinary community of researchers, conservation practitioners, recreational fisher communities, and government bodies that collaborated across sectors to rediscover Australia's lost shellfish reefs and communicate the value of its restoration. Actions undertaken to build a case for large-scale marine restoration included synthesizing current knowledge on Australian shellfish reefs and their historical decline, using this history to tell a compelling story to spark public and political interest, integrating restoration into government policy, and rallying local support through community engagement. Clearly articulating the social, economic, and environmental business case for restoration led to state and national funding for reef restoration to meet diverse sustainability goals (e.g., enhanced biodiversity and fisheries productivity) and socioeconomic goals (e.g., job creation and recreational opportunities). A key lesson learned was the importance of aligning project goals with public and industry interests so that projects could address multiple political obligations. This process culminated in Australia's largest marine restoration initiative and shows that solutions for large-scale ecosystem repair can rapidly occur when socially valued science acts on political opportunities.

Transformación de un Ecosistema Arrecifal Perdido en un Programa Nacional de Restauración Resumen Actualmente se requiere una reparación ambiental a gran escala que atraviese fronteras legislativas para lograr un futuro socio-ecológico sustentable. Aun así, habilitar la conservación a gran escala es complicado debido a los procesos de elaboración de políticas que están desconectadas de los intereses socio-económicos, las múltiples fuentes de conocimiento y las diferentes aplicaciones de las políticas. Consideramos cómo una estrategia multidisciplinaria para la restauración de hábitats marinos generó una base de evidencia científica, apoyo comunitario y el financiamiento necesario para así iniciar la restauración de un ecosistema arrecifal de conchas funcionalmente extinto. Los actores clave formaron una comunidad multidisciplinaria de investigadores, practicantes de la conservación, comunidades de pescadores recreativos y órganos gubernamentales que colaboró con varios sectores para redescubrir los arrecifes perdidos de Australia y comunicó el valor de su restauración. Las acciones realizadas para armar el caso para la restauración marina a gran escala incluyeron la síntesis del conocimiento actual sobre los arrecifes de conchas en Australia y su declinación histórica, el uso de esta historia para contar una narración convincente que active el interés público y político, la integración de la restauración a la política gubernamental y la movilización del apoyo local por medio de la participación comunitaria. Claramente, la articulación del caso del negocio social, económico y ambiental para la restauración llevó al financiamiento estatal y nacional para la restauración arrecifal a cumplir diversos objetivos socio-económicos (p. ej.: creación de empleos, oportunidades recreativas) y de restauración (p. ej.: una productividad realzada de la biodiversidad y las pesquerías). Una lección clave que aprendimos fue lo importante que es alinear los objetivos del proyecto con los intereses públicos y de la industria, de tal manera que los proyectos aborden las múltiples obligaciones políticas. Este proceso culminó con la iniciativa de restauración marina más grande en Australia y demuestra que las soluciones para la reparación de los ecosistemas a gran escala pueden ocurrir rápidamente cuando la ciencia con valor social actúa sobre las oportunidades políticas.

Human skeletal remains analysis rom pallemalala shell midden in Southern Sri Lanka / Análisis de restos óseos humanos del vertedero de conchas de pallemalala en el sur de Sri Lanka

SUMMARY: Sri Lanka, an island off the tip of the Southeast of the Indian subcontinent processes the earliest skeletal evidence of anatomically modern Homo sapiens (37,000 B.P.) and the best human skeletal record sequence in the South Asian region. Adding another to the list, the skeletal remains, which belong to Mesolithic culture were found at Pallemalala shell midden in Southern Sri Lanka during scientific archaeological exploration by Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya. Sri Lanka. The aim of the study was to determine the minimum number of human individuals, age, sex, and pathological conditions related to the ancient Pallemalala commiunity. For the primary analysis, 426 bone fragments were available. Out of those, 233 bones were identified as human bones which represent 7 minimum number of individuals. The rest of the collection comprises some animal bones and shell species. The community was predominated by the female population. The identified age categories were around 20 years, between 35-45 years, and over 45 years. The encountered pathological lesions were bone thickening, alveolar resorption, dental abscesses, dental caries, antemorterm tooth loss, calculus deposits and brown colour stains on teeth. Regarding the dietary pattern, it was evident that their diet may have consisted of coarse foodstuffs with an extremely basic dietary chemistry.

RESUMEN: Sri Lanka es una isla en la punta del sureste del subcontinente indio que procesa la evidencia esquelética más antigua del Homo sapiens anatómicamente moderno (37.000 AP) y la mejor secuencia de registros esqueléticos humanos en la región del sur de Asia. Agregando otro elemento a la lista, los restos óseos, que pertenecen a la cultura mesolítica, se encontraron en el vertedero de conchas de Pallemalala en el sur de Sri Lanka durante la exploración arqueológica científica realizada por el Instituto de Postgrado de Arqueología de la Universidad de Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar el número mínimo de individuos humanos, edad, sexo y condiciones patológicas relacionadas con la antigua comunidad Pallemalala. Para el análisis se dispuso de 426 fragmentos óseos. De esos, 233 huesos fueron identificados como huesos humanos que representan un número mínimo de 7 individuos. El resto de la colección se componía de algunos huesos de animales y especies de conchas. La comunidad estaba dominada por la población femenina. Las categorías de edad identificadas fueron alrededor de 20 años, entre 35-45 años y mayores de 45 años. Las lesiones patológicas encontradas fueron engrosamiento óseo, reabsorción alveolar, abscesos dentales, caries dental, pérdida de dientes antemortem, depósitos de cálculo y manchas de color marrón en los dientes. En cuanto al patrón dietético, era evidente que su dieta pudo haber consistido en alimentos toscos con una química dietética extremadamente básica.

Using Engineering With Nature® (EWN® ) principles to manage erosion of watersheds damaged by large-scale wildfires.

The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) manages hundreds of reservoirs and thousands of miles of navigation channels that provide invaluable flood control, commercial transport of materials, water supply, recreation, and stream flow regulation. This capability is being threatened by the continued occurrence of large-scale wildfires across the western United States. The wildfires damage watersheds in part by denuding landscapes, reducing infiltration rates, and increasing runoff rates, thereby dramatically increasing the potential for the erosion of denuded slopes, destabilizing stream channels, increasing the infilling potential of reservoirs and, hence, reducing their capacity. The increased erosion rates highlight the need to develop innovative solutions to reduce erosion of watersheds laid bare after wildfires engulf the area. The Santa Clara Pueblo in northern New Mexico extends from the top of the eastern Jemez Mountains to the floodplains of the Rio Grande River. The Pueblo designed and constructed thousands of structures built from natural materials, consistent with Engineering With Nature (EWN) principles for erosion control incorporating low-cost and readily available materials such as logs, mulch, vegetation, and local rock to stabilize highly erodible parts of the watershed. The watersheds where these natural structures were constructed were monitored after construction to assess their effectiveness, guiding a series of recommendations for broader implementation. As part of a continued emphasis on updating USACE engineering guidance, research, and development, funding has been focused on developing sustainable and resilient project designs using natural materials like those implemented by the Santa Clara Pueblo. This paper focuses on the innovative EWN-based watershed stabilization practices that were implemented in the upper section of this wildfire affected canyon and tributary streams. Recommendations for future implementation based on lessons learned from this project are also provided. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:1194-1202. Published 2021. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Changes in substance P levels of inferior turbinate in patients with mucosal contact headache / Alterações nos níveis da substância P da concha inferior de pacientes com cefaleiapor ponto de contato da mucosa

Abstract Introduction Mucosal contact headache is a referred pain that arises from contact between the nasal septum and the lateral nasal wall. Evidence supports the role of substance P in a contact headache such that release of substance P from sensory nerve endings causes inflammation and allergy. Objectives This study aimed to determine possible differences in substance P levels in inferior turbinate hypertrophy creating a contact headache. Methods 28 patients who had contact headaches (study group) and 16 volunteers with no complaints were included in the study. Substance P levels in the inferior turbinate tissue samples were quantified using a commercially available substance P EIA kit. Results In the study group average substance P levels were 2.65 ± 0.27 pg/mg tissue (range: 0.61-5.44) and in the control group it was 1.77 ± 0.27 pg/mg tissue (range: 0.11-4.35). The difference was statistically significant between the two groups (p = 0.0215). Average preoperative headache group visual analog scale scores was 5.93 ± 0.38 (2-9) and the turbinate volume was 6.56 ± 0.35 cm3 (3.50-10.30). The control group turbinate volume was 4.71 ± 0.39 cm3 (2.50-7.70). We found a correlation between the visual analog scale scores and substance P levels such that substance P levels were higher in visual analog scale scores above 5 (p = 0.001). Conclusion This study demonstrates the relationship between intranasal contact headaches and increased mucosal substance P levels. We also found that there is no correlation with substance P levels and volume of the inferior turbinate.

Resumo Introdução A cefaleia por ponto de contato da mucosa é uma dor direcionada que surge do contato entre o septo nasal e a parede nasal lateral. Evidências corroboram o papel da substância P na cefaleia de contato, de tal forma que a liberação da mesma a partir de terminações nervosas sensoriais possa causar inflamação e alergia. Objetivo Determinar possíveis diferenças nos níveis da substância P na hipertrofia de conchas inferiores em relação à cefaleia de contato. Método Foram incluídos no estudo 28 pacientes que apresentaram cefaleia por ponto de contato (Grupo Estudo) e 16 voluntários sem queixas. Os níveis de substância P nas amostras de tecido da concha inferior foram quantificados com um kit substância P EIA, comercialmente disponível. Resultados No grupo do estudo, os níveis médios de substância P foram 2,65 ± 0,27 pg/mg de tecido (variação: 0,61-5,44) e no grupo controle foram de 1,77 ± 0,27 pg/mg de tecido (variação: 0,11-4,35) e a diferença foi estatisticamente significante entre os dois grupos (p = 0,0215). O escore médio da escala visual analógica do grupo de cefaleia pré-operatória foi de 5,93 ± 0,38 (2-9) e o volume das conchas foi de 6,56 ± 0,35 cm3 (3,50-10,30). O volume da concha do grupo controle foi de 4,71 ± 0,39 cm3 (2,50 ± 7,70). Encontramos uma correlação entre o escore da escala visual analógica e os níveis de substância P, de modo que os níveis de substância P foram maiores nos escores da escala visual analógica acima de 5 (p = 0,001). Conclusão Este estudo demonstra a relação entre cefaleias por contato intranasais e níveis aumentados de substância P nas mucosas. Também observamos que não há correlação com os níveis de substância P e o volume da concha inferior.

Changes in substance P levels of inferior turbinate in patients with mucosal contact headache.

INTRODUCTION: Mucosal contact headache is a referred pain that arises from contact between the nasal septum and the lateral nasal wall. Evidence supports the role of substance P in a contact headache such that release of substance P from sensory nerve endings causes inflammation and allergy. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine possible differences in substance P levels in inferior turbinate hypertrophy creating a contact headache. METHODS: 28 patients who had contact headaches (study group) and 16 volunteers with no complaints were included in the study. Substance P levels in the inferior turbinate tissue samples were quantified using a commercially available substance P EIA kit. RESULTS: In the study group average substance P levels were 2.65±0.27pg/mg tissue (range: 0.61-5.44) and in the control group it was 1.77±0.27pg/mg tissue (range: 0.11-4.35). The difference was statistically significant between the two groups (p=0.0215). Average preoperative headache group visual analog scale scores was 5.93±0.38 (2-9) and the turbinate volume was 6.56±0.35cm3 (3.50-10.30). The control group turbinate volume was 4.71±0.39cm3 (2.50-7.70). We found a correlation between the visual analog scale scores and substance P levels such that substance P levels were higher in visual analog scale scores above 5 (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the relationship between intranasal contact headaches and increased mucosal substance P levels. We also found that there is no correlation with substance P levels and volume of the inferior turbinate.

Does the reduction of inferior turbinate affect lower airway functions? / A redução da concha nasal inferior afeta as funções das vias aéreas inferiores?

Abstract Introduction: Although the nose and lungs are separate organs, numerous studies have reported that the entire respiratory system can be considered as a single anatomical and functional unit. The upper and lower airways affect each other either directly or through reflex mechanisms. Objective: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of the radiofrequency ablation of persistent inferior turbinate hypertrophy on nasal and pulmonary function. Methods: Twenty-seven patients with bilateral persistent inferior turbinate hypertrophy without septal deviation were included in this study. All of the patients were evaluated using anterior rhinoscopy, nasal endoscopy, acoustic rhinometry, a visual analogue scale, and flow-sensitive spirometry on the day before and 4 months after the radiofrequency ablation procedure. Results: The post-ablation measurements revealed that the inferior turbinate ablation caused an increase in the mean cross-sectional area and volume of the nose, as well as in the forced expiratory volume in 1 s, forced vital capacity, and peak expiratory flow of the patients. These differences between the pre- and post-ablation results were statistically significant. The post-ablation visual analogue scale scores were lower when compared with the pre-ablation scores, and this difference was also statistically significant. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the widening of the nasal passage after the reduction of the inferior turbinate size had a favorable effect on the pulmonary function tests.

Resumo Introdução: Embora o nariz e os pulmões sejam órgãos separados, numerosos estudos relataram que todo o sistema respiratório pode ser considerado como uma única unidade anatômica e funcional. As vias aéreas superiores e inferiores afetam uma à outra diretamente ou através de mecanismos reflexos. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos da ablação por radiofrequência em conchas nasais inferiores com hipertrofia persistente sobre a função nasal e pulmonar. Método: Foram incluídos neste estudo 27 pacientes com hipertrofia persistente bilateral de conchas inferiores sem desvio septal. Todos os pacientes foram avaliados com rinoscopia anterior, endoscopia nasal, rinometria acústica, escala visual analógica e espirometria sensível ao fluxo no dia anterior e quatro meses após o procedimento de ablação por radiofrequência. Resultados: As medidas pós-ablação demonstraram que a ablação das conchas nasais inferiores resultou em um aumento da área transversal média e do volume do nariz, bem como do volume expiratório forçado em um segundo, da capacidade vital forçada e do fluxo expiratório máximo dos pacientes. Essas diferenças entre os resultados pré e pós-ablação foram estatisticamente significantes. Os escores da escala visual analógica pós-ablação foram menores quando comparados com os escores pré-ablação e essa diferença também foi estatisticamente significante. Conclusão: O alargamento da passagem nasal após a redução do tamanho das conchas nasais inferiores teve efeito favorável nos testes de função pulmonar.

Does the reduction of inferior turbinate affect lower airway functions?

INTRODUCTION: Although the nose and lungs are separate organs, numerous studies have reported that the entire respiratory system can be considered as a single anatomical and functional unit. The upper and lower airways affect each other either directly or through reflex mechanisms. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of the radiofrequency ablation of persistent inferior turbinate hypertrophy on nasal and pulmonary function. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with bilateral persistent inferior turbinate hypertrophy without septal deviation were included in this study. All of the patients were evaluated using anterior rhinoscopy, nasal endoscopy, acoustic rhinometry, a visual analogue scale, and flow-sensitive spirometry on the day before and 4 months after the radiofrequency ablation procedure. RESULTS: The post-ablation measurements revealed that the inferior turbinate ablation caused an increase in the mean cross-sectional area and volume of the nose, as well as in the forced expiratory volume in 1s, forced vital capacity, and peak expiratory flow of the patients. These differences between the pre- and post-ablation results were statistically significant. The post-ablation visual analogue scale scores were lower when compared with the pre-ablation scores, and this difference was also statistically significant. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the widening of the nasal passage after the reduction of the inferior turbinate size had a favorable effect on the pulmonary function tests.

Lista anotada de los bivalvos marinos del Perú / Checklist of the marine bivalves from Peru

Se presenta una lista taxonómica actualizada de 401 especies de bivalvos marinos del Perú, distribuidas en 62 familias y 195 géneros. Se considera la nomenclatura y clasificación en el contexto de los cambios recientes, incluyendo los trabajos de Bernard (1983) y Coan & Valentich-Scott (2012). Cada especie de la lista es comentada, teniendo en cuenta la distribución geográfica y el hábitat.

A checklist of the marine bivalve species from Peru is presented, this list has 401 species which are distributed in 65 families and 195 genera. The taxonomical classification and nomenclature is based on classical and current bibliography including Bernard (1983) and Coan & Valentich-Scott (2012). We give distribution and hábitat information about every species.

Comparison of turbinoplasty surgery efficacy in patients with and without allergic rhinitis / Comparação da eficácia da turbinoplastia em pacientes com e sem rinite alérgica

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Turbinoplasty is a procedure that aims to reduce the size of the inferior turbinate through exuberant bone removal with high mucosal preservation. The procedure is recommended for patients with or without allergic rhinitis and those showing irreversible hypertrophy of inferior turbinates. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of inferior turbinoplasty for obstructive and non-obstructive symptoms in patients with or without allergic rhinitis. METHODS: Prospective study with 57 patients who underwent inferior turbinoplasty. They were evaluated for nasal obstruction, snoring, facial pressure, smell alterations, sneezing, nasal itching and runny nose symptoms, surgery time, and intraoperative bleeding. The last evaluation took place three months after surgery. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients with allergic rhinitis and 18 without were assessed. Ninety days after surgery, 94.7% of patients showed degrees IV and V of breathing improvement; 89.5% showed moderate or complete improvement in snoring; all patients showed smell improvement (only one showed moderate improvement; all the others had full improvement); 95.5% experienced complete facial pressure improvement; and 89.7% showed moderate to complete improvement in nasal itching and runny nose symptoms, as well as in sneezing. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of inferior turbinoplasty was confirmed not only for obstructive symptoms, but also for non-obstructive symptoms in patients with and without allergic rhinitis.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: A turbinoplastia é procedimento que visa a redução da concha inferior, à custa da remoção óssea exuberante e maior preservação da mucosa. É indicada para pacientes com e sem rinite alérgica, com hipertrofia irreversível das conchas inferiores. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia da cirurgia de turbinoplastia inferior nos sintomas obstrutivos e não obstrutivos em pacientes com e sem rinite alérgica. MÉTODO: Estudo prospectivo com 57 pacientes submetidos a turbinoplastia inferior. Foram avaliados quanto à obstrução nasal, roncos, pressão facial, alterações no olfato, espirros, prurido nasal e coriza, tempo de cirurgia e sangramento intraoperatório. A última avaliação foi com 3 meses de operação. RESULTADOS: 39 pacientes com rinite alérgica e 18 sem. Com 90 dias de operação, 94,7% dos pacientes apresentaram graus IV e V de melhora na respiração; 89,5% apresentaram melhora moderada ou total dos roncos; todos os pacientes tiveram melhora no olfato (apenas 1 moderada, os demais melhora total); 95,5% obtiveram melhora total da pressão facial e 89,7% obtiveram melhora moderada ou total em prurido nasal, espirros e coriza. CONCLUSÃO: Comprovou-se a eficácia da cirurgia de turbinoplastia inferior não só nos sintomas obstrutivos, mas também nos sintomas não obstrutivos tanto em pacientes com ou sem rinite alérgica.

Comparison of turbinoplasty surgery efficacy in patients with and without allergic rhinitis.

INTRODUCTION: Turbinoplasty is a procedure that aims to reduce the size of the inferior turbinate through exuberant bone removal with high mucosal preservation. The procedure is recommended for patients with or without allergic rhinitis and those showing irreversible hypertrophy of inferior turbinates. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of inferior turbinoplasty for obstructive and non-obstructive symptoms in patients with or without allergic rhinitis. METHODS: Prospective study with 57 patients who underwent inferior turbinoplasty. They were evaluated for nasal obstruction, snoring, facial pressure, smell alterations, sneezing, nasal itching and runny nose symptoms, surgery time, and intraoperative bleeding. The last evaluation took place three months after surgery. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients with allergic rhinitis and 18 without were assessed. Ninety days after surgery, 94.7% of patients showed degrees IV and V of breathing improvement; 89.5% showed moderate or complete improvement in snoring; all patients showed smell improvement (only one showed moderate improvement; all the others had full improvement); 95.5% experienced complete facial pressure improvement; and 89.7% showed moderate to complete improvement in nasal itching and runny nose symptoms, as well as in sneezing. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of inferior turbinoplasty was confirmed not only for obstructive symptoms, but also for non-obstructive symptoms in patients with and without allergic rhinitis.

Shell occupation by the hermit crab Dardanus insignis (Decapoda, Diogenidae) from the north Coast of São Paulo state, Brazil / Ocupação de conchas pelo ermitão Dardanus insignis na costa norte do estado de São Paulo, Brasil

Abstract The pattern of shell occupation by the hermit crab Dardanus insignis (Saussure, 1858) from the subtropical region of southeastern coast of Brazil was investigated in the present study. The percentage of shell types that were occupied and the morphometric relationships between hermit crabs and occupied shells were analyzed from monthly collections conducted during two years (from January 1998 to December 1999). Individuals were categorized according to sex and gonadal maturation, weighed and measured with respect to their cephalothoracic shield length (CSL) and wet weight (CWW). Shells were measured regarding their aperture width (SAW), dry weight (SDW) and internal volume (SIV). A total of 1086 hermit crabs was collected, occupying shells of 11 gastropod species. Olivancillaria urceus (Roding, 1798) was most commonly used by the hermit crab D. insignis, followed by Buccinanops cochlidium (Dillwyn, 1817), and Stramonita haemastoma (Linnaeus, 1767). The highest determination coefficients (r2 > 0.50, p < 0.01) were recorded particularly in the morphometric relationships between CSL vs. CWW and SAW vs. SIV, which are important indication that in this D. insignis population the great majority the animals occupied adequate shells during the two years analysed. The high number of used shell species and relative plasticity in pattern of shell utilization by smaller individuals of D. insignis indicated that occupation is influenced by the shell availability, while larger individuals demonstrated more specialized occupation in Tonna galea (Linnaeus, 1758) shell.

Resumo O padrão de ocupação de conchas pelo ermitão D. insignis (Saussure, 1858) na região subtropical da costa sudeste do Brasil, foi investigada no presente estudo. Foram analisadas a percentual de tipos de conchas que foram ocupados e as relações morfométricas entre os ermitões e conchas ocupadas, a partir de coletas mensais realizadas durante dois anos (de janeiro de 1998 a dezembro de 1999). Os indivíduos foram classificados de acordo com o sexo e maturação, pesados ​​e medidos em relação ao comprimento escudo cefalotoracico (CEC) e peso úmido (CPU). As conchas foram medidas em relação à sua largura de abertura (LAC), peso seco (PSC) e volume interno (VIC). Um total de 1.086 ermitões foram coletados, ocupando conchas de 11 espécies de gastrópodos. Olivancillaria urceus (Roding, 1798) foi a mais utilizada pelo ermitão D. insignis, seguido por Buccinanops cochlidium (Dillwyn, 1817), e Stramonita haemastoma (Linnaeus, 1767). Os maiores coeficientes de determinação (r2 > 0,50, p < 0,01) foram registrados principalmente nas relações morfométricas entre CEC e CPU contra LAC e VIC, que é uma importante indicação de que nesta população de D. insignis a grande maioria dos animais ocupavam conchas adequadas durante os dois anos analisados. O elevado número de espécies de conchas utilizadas ​​e a relativa plasticidade no padrão de ocupação de conchas pelos menores indivíduos de D. insignis indicaram que a ocupação é influenciada pela disponibilidade de conchas, enquanto os indivíduos maiores demonstraram uma ocupação mais especializadas na concha de Tonna galea (Linnaeus, 1758).

Shell occupation by the hermit crab Dardanus insignis (Decapoda, Diogenidae) from the north Coast of São Paulo state, Brazil

Abstract The pattern of shell occupation by the hermit crab Dardanus insignis (Saussure, 1858) from the subtropical region of southeastern coast of Brazil was investigated in the present study. The percentage of shell types that were occupied and the morphometric relationships between hermit crabs and occupied shells were analyzed from monthly collections conducted during two years (from January 1998 to December 1999). Individuals were categorized according to sex and gonadal maturation, weighed and measured with respect to their cephalothoracic shield length (CSL) and wet weight (CWW). Shells were measured regarding their aperture width (SAW), dry weight (SDW) and internal volume (SIV). A total of 1086 hermit crabs was collected, occupying shells of 11 gastropod species. Olivancillaria urceus (Roding, 1798) was most commonly used by the hermit crab D. insignis, followed by Buccinanops cochlidium (Dillwyn, 1817), and Stramonita haemastoma (Linnaeus, 1767). The highest determination coefficients (r2 > 0.50, p 0.01) were recorded particularly in the morphometric relationships between CSL vs. CWW and SAW vs. SIV, which are important indication that in this D. insignis population the great majority the animals occupied adequate shells during the two years analysed. The high number of used shell species and relative plasticity in pattern of shell utilization by smaller individuals of D. insignis indicated that occupation is influenced by the shell availability, while larger individuals demonstrated more specialized occupation in Tonna galea (Linnaeus, 1758) shell.

Resumo O padrão de ocupação de conchas pelo ermitão D. insignis (Saussure, 1858) na região subtropical da costa sudeste do Brasil, foi investigada no presente estudo. Foram analisadas a percentual de tipos de conchas que foram ocupados e as relações morfométricas entre os ermitões e conchas ocupadas, a partir de coletas mensais realizadas durante dois anos (de janeiro de 1998 a dezembro de 1999). Os indivíduos foram classificados de acordo com o sexo e maturação, pesados e medidos em relação ao comprimento escudo cefalotoracico (CEC) e peso úmido (CPU). As conchas foram medidas em relação à sua largura de abertura (LAC), peso seco (PSC) e volume interno (VIC). Um total de 1.086 ermitões foram coletados, ocupando conchas de 11 espécies de gastrópodos. Olivancillaria urceus (Roding, 1798) foi a mais utilizada pelo ermitão D. insignis, seguido por Buccinanops cochlidium (Dillwyn, 1817), e Stramonita haemastoma (Linnaeus, 1767). Os maiores coeficientes de determinação (r2 > 0,50, p 0,01) foram registrados principalmente nas relações morfométricas entre CEC e CPU contra LAC e VIC, que é uma importante indicação de que nesta população de D. insignis a grande maioria dos animais ocupavam conchas adequadas durante os dois anos analisados. O elevado número de espécies de conchas utilizadas e a relativa plasticidade no padrão de ocupação de conchas pelos menores indivíduos de D. insignis indicaram que a ocupação é influenciada pela disponibilidade de conchas, enquanto os indivíduos maiores demonstraram uma ocupação mais especializadas na concha de Tonna galea (Linnaeus, 1758).

Cone-beam computed tomography analysis of prevalence of nasal septum deviation and its relationship with the presence of middle concha bullosa / Avaliação da prevalência e relação entre o desvio de septo nasal e a presença de concha média bolhosa por meio de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico

Objetivo: Este estudo teve com objetivo analisar a prevalência do desvio do septo nasal e da presença de concha nasal média bolhosa e estudar a possível relação entre estes por meio de imagens por tomografia computadorizada de feixes cônicos (TCFC). Material e Métodos: Foram selecionados 118 exames de TCFC de arquivo, previamente adquiridos por indicações diversas para odontologia. Todos os exames foram realizados em tomógrafo i-CAT Next Generation (imaging Sciences International, Hatfield, PA, EUA) com o mesmo protocolo, tendo o FOV (Field of View) abrangendo o terço médio e inferior da face. Todas as imagens foram avaliadas no software especifico do sistema por 01 avaliador devidamente treinado. O desvio de septo nasal, a concha nasal média bolhosa e demais dados foram tabulados e realizada a análise descritiva dos mesmos. O teste de McNemar foi aplicado para se estudar a possível relação entre os mesmos. Resultados: Os resultados indicaram que, nos casos em que não ocorria o desvio de septo nasal, 73,5% destes não apresentaram e 26,5% destes apresentaram a concha média bolhosa. Considerando-se apenas os casos que apresentaram o desvio de septo nasal para um dos lados, a proporção que não apresentou a concha média bolhosa para o mesmo lado foi de 77,1% e a que apresentou também a concha média bolhosa para o mesmo lado foi de 22,9%. Conclusão: Concluiu-se que não houve relação (p = 0,568) entre a presença das duas variáveis analisadas na pesquisa – desvio de septo nasal e presença de concha média bolhosa.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of nasal septum deviation and the presence of middle nasal concha bullosa, as well as to study the possible relationship between these findings by means of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Material and Methods: One hundred and eighteen CBCT exams were selected from a file previously acquired for diverse reasons in dentistry. All images were obtained with CT i-CAT Next Generation (Imaging Sciences International, Hatfield, PA, USA) with the same protocol, and the field of view (FOV) covered the middle and lower third of the face. All images were evaluated in the specific software system by one trained evaluator. The deviated septum, nasal concha bullosa, and other data were tabulated and a descriptive analysis was performed. The McNemar test was used to study the possible relationship between them. Results: The results indicated that, in cases without nasal septum deviation, 26.5% and 73.5% were associated or not to the presence of middle concha bullosa, respectively. Considering patients with nasal septum deviation on one side only, the proportions of 22.9% and 77.1% were associated or not to middle concha bullosa in the same direction, respectively. Conclusion: Thus, it was concluded there was no relationship (p = 0.568) between nasal septum deviation and the presence of middle concha bullosa.

Dimensoes internas nasais de adultos com obstrucao nasal / Internal nasal dimensions of adults with nasal obstruction

O desvio septal (DS) e a hipertrofia de conchas (HC) aumentam a resistência ao fluxo aéreo respiratório, podendo prejudicar a patência nasal. OBJETIVO: Caracterizar a geometria nasal de indivíduos com obstrução nasal (ON) por DS e/ou HC usando rinometria acústica. Forma de estudo: Clínico prospectivo. MÉTODO: Foram avaliados 30 adultos com queixa de ON e DS+HC (n = 24), DS (n = 5) ou HC (n = 1) ao exame clínico e determinadas as áreas seccionais transversas em três principais deflexões do rinograma (AST1, AST2, AST3), suas distâncias relativamente às narinas (dAST1, dAST2, dAST3) e os volumes dos segmentos 1,0-3,2 cm (V1), 3,3-6,4 cm (V2) e 7,0-12,0 cm (V3), pré e pós-descongestão nasal (DN). Foram consideradas, para análise, as somas de AST e V das cavidades direita e esquerda e a média de dAST. RESULTADOS: Os valores médios (± DP) pré-DN corresponderam a 0,83 ± 0,23 (AST1), 1,66 ± 0,52 (AST2) e 2,36 ± 0,77 (AST3) cm2, 2,19 ± 0,20 (dAST1), 4,01 ± 0,33 (dAST2) e 5,85 ± 0,37 (dAST3) cm, 2,77 ± 0,51 (V1), 6,52 ± 1,99 (V2), 26,00 ± 9,62 (V3) cm3, todos menores (p < 0,05) que valores de referência do laboratório. A DN causou aumentos proporcionalmente maiores neste grupo ON, sugerindo componente funcional associado. A análise individual mostrou 12 casos com resultados normais, apesar da ON. CONCLUSÃO: A maioria dos pacientes com ON estrutural apresentou resultados sugestivos de comprometimento da patência nasal ao exame rinométrico. .

Nasal septum deviation (SD) and turbinate hypertrophy (TH) increase the resistance to respiratory airflow and may impair nasal patency. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the nasal geometry of individuals with nasal obstruction secondary to SD and/or TH by means of acoustic rhinometry. METHOD: This prospective study included 30 adults with complaints of nasal obstruction (NO) and SD + TH (n = 24), SD (n = 5) or TH (n = 1) seen by clinical examination. The cross-sectional areas of the three main dips of the rhinogram (CSA1, CSA2, CSA3), the distance between them and the nostrils (dCSA1, dCSA2, dCSA3), and the volumes of segments 1.0-3.2 cm (V1), 3.3-6.4 cm (V2), and 7.0-12.0 cm (V3) were measured before and after nasal decongestion (DN). For analysis, right and left cross-sectional areas and volumes were added and mean dCSA was calculated. RESULTS: Mean values (standard deviation) before ND were: 0.83 ± 0.23 (CSA1), 1.66 ± 0.52 (CSA2), and 2.36 ± 0.77 (CSA3) cm2; 2.19 ± 0.20 (dCSA1), 4.01 ± 0.33 (dCSA2), and 5.85 ± 0.37 (dCSA3) cm; 2.77 ± 0.51 (V1), 6.52 ± 1.99 (V2), and 26.00 ± 9.62 (V3) cm3; all values were lower than laboratory reference values (p < 0.05). ND led to proportionally greater increases of sectional areas and volumes in the NO group, suggesting an associated functional component. Individual analysis revealed 12 cases with normal results despite nasal obstruction. CONCLUSION: Most patients with structural nasal obstruction had results suggestive of nasal patency impairment in acoustic rhinometry. .

Otimização do processo de nitrificação com o uso de conchas de ostras como material suporte em reatores aeróbios com biomassa fixa / Optimization of the nitrification process using oyster shells as a support material in fixed biomass aerobic reactors

A preservação dos mananciais de água traz como ponto de atuação primordial o tratamento dos esgotos sanitários a nível terciário. A partir daí destaca-se a necessidade de otimizar os sistemas de remoção de nutrientes, buscando-se processos mais estáveis, economicamente viáveis e ambientalmente sustentáveis. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar conchas de ostras como material de preenchimento em um biofiltro aerado submerso, assumindo-se a hipótese de que as mesmas podem interagir com a fase líquida do reator, fornecendo alcalinidade necessária à estabilidade do processo de nitrificação autotrófica. Uma série de condições operacionais foi avaliada visando à nitrificação; portanto, foi possível concluir que, no biofiltro aerado submerso com conchas de ostras, podem ser aplicadas taxas hidráulicas >5,2 m³.m-2.d-1 e tempo de detenção hidráulico <7,5 horas, desde que a relação carbono: nitrogênio seja mantida abaixo de quatro. As conchas de ostras mantiveram o sistema tamponado (pH=7,5±0,3), mesmo com uma intensa atividade nitrificante no reator (100%).

One of the main key actions for water resources preservation is to promote wastewater treatment in a tertiary level. From this point, it can be highlighted the demands for optimizing the processes for nutrients removal aiming more stable processes, which are economically viable and environmentally sustainable. The aim of this research was to evaluate oyster shells as support material in an aerated submerged biofilter, having as main hypothesis the fact that they can interact with the liquid phase of the reactor, providing the necessary alkalinity to stabilize the autotrophic nitrification. The reactor studied was submitted to several operational conditions and could be concluded that, in the aerated submerged biofilter with oyster shells, hydraulic loadings can be >5.2 m³.m-2.d-1 and a hydraulic retention time <7.5 hours can be applied, since that the relation carbon: nitrogen is maintained under four. The oyster shells kept the system buffered (pH=7.5±0.3), even with a high nitrifying activity in the reactor (100%).

Assessment of symptom improvement following nasal septoplasty with or without turbinectomy / Avaliação da melhora dos sintomas nasais após septoplastia com ou sem turbinectomia

Most studies show that objective measures to quantify and determine surgical success in the treatment of nasal obstruction do not correlate with subjective improvement as reported by patients. AIM: To evaluate the subjective improvement of nasal symptoms in patients undergoing septoplasty with or without turbinectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study. We evaluated 72 septoplasty patients with or without partial inferior turbinectomy; the patients answered a questionnaire preoperatively and on the 60th day after surgery. RESULTS: Septoplasty was done associated with bilateral partial inferior turbinectomy in 83.3 percent of patients; it was unilateral in 9.7 percent; there was no need for turbinate reduction in 6.9 percent. An improvement of all symptoms was observed after surgery. Nasal obstruction had improved in 68 patients (94.4 percent) by the 60th postoperative day. The average nasal obstruction score in patients with and without allergic symptoms was similar before surgery and on the 60th postoperative day. Older patients had milder preoperative allergic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Nasal symptoms in patients undergoing septoplasty, with or without turbinectomy, improved. Patients with and without allergic symptoms showed a similar improvement of nasal obstruction on the 60th postoperative day.

A maioria dos estudos mostra que medidas objetivas para quantificar e determinar o sucesso das cirurgias para a obstrução nasal não têm correlação com a melhora subjetiva relatada pelo paciente. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a melhora dos sintomas nasais nos pacientes submetidos à septoplastia, com ou sem turbinectomia. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Estudo prospectivo. Foram avaliados 72 pacientes submetidos à septoplastia, com ou sem turbinectomia inferior parcial, que responderam ao questionário no préoperatório até o 60º dia de pós-operatório (PO). RESULTADOS: Foi realizada septoplastia associada à turbinectomia inferior parcial bilateral em 83,3 por cento dos pacientes, unilateral em 9,7 por cento e não houve necessidade de redução das conchas nasais em 6,9 por cento. Foi observada melhora para todos os sintomas no pós-operatório. Sessenta e oito (94,4 por cento) pacientes apresentaram melhora da obstrução nasal no 60º PO. A média da nota da obstrução nasal entre os pacientes com e sem sintomas alérgicos foi semelhante no pré-operatório e no 60º PO. Os pacientes mais velhos apresentaram menor intensidade dos sintomas alérgicos no pré-operatório. CONCLUSÕES: Os pacientes submetidos à septoplastia, com ou sem turbinectomia, evoluem com melhora de todos os sintomas nasais. Os pacientes com e sem sintomas alérgicos apresentam melhora da obstrução nasal de forma semelhante no 60º PO.

Development of glass ionomer cement modified with seashell powder as a scaffold material for bone formation / Desenvolvimento de cimento de ionômero de vidro modificado com pó de conchas como material estrutural para formação óssea

PURPOSE: The present study examined the possibility of modifying the structural properties of glass ionomer cement by adding seashells to form a possible 'scaffold' material for cases of bone formation. METHODS: White and black seashells were ground into a fine, homogeneous powder. To analyze their composition, the seashell samples were submitted to EDX and X-Ray diffraction. The ground seashells were mixed with the glass ionomer cement at either 1, 5 or 10 percent concentrations (in weight). Samples without any seashells were used as the control group. Solutions and GIC samples were analyzed for pH measurement. The structural and superficial analysis of samples was performed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: There was no difference in pH values among the tested solutions with different seashell concentrations (1, 5 and 10 percent). In the GIC samples with the shells, the pH values were close to 7.0. The EDX and X-Ray diffraction showed calcium carbonate (CaCO3) peaks for the shell samples. The superficial SEM analysis demonstrated that the samples containing seashells had framework formations in their structures. CONCLUSION: Although there is a need for biocompatibility and cellular cytotoxicity testing in vitro, as well as in vivo evaluation, seashells could be used in glass ionomer cement aiming at the development of a 'scaffold' material for bone grafting or osseointegration.

OBJETIVO: Este estudo examinou a possibilidade de modificar as propriedades estruturais do cimento de ionômero de vidro (CIV) pela adição de conchas para formar um material estrutural, com objetivo de uso em casos de formação óssea. METODOLOGIA: Conchas de cor branca e preta foram transformadas em um pó fino e homogêneo e sua composição foi analisada por EDX e difração por RX. O pó de concha foi misturado a CIV nas concentrações de 1, 5 ou 10 por cento (em peso) para a confecção das amostras. Amostras sem pó de concha foram usadas como grupo controle. Foram realizadas medições de pH de soluções do pó de conchas e das amostras de CIV. A análise estrutural e superficial das amostras foi realizada por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença de pH entre as soluções testadas com diferentes concentrações de pó de concha (1, 5 ou 10 por cento). Nas amostras de CIV com conchas, os valores de pH foram próximos a 7,0. Os métodos de EDX e difração por RX mostraram picos de carbonato de cálcio (CaCO3) para as amostras com conchas. A análise por MEV demonstrou que as amostras com pó de conchas tinham formações estruturais diferentes do controle. CONCLUSÃO: Embora haja necessidade de testes de biocompatibilidade e citotoxicidade celular, assim como avaliação in vivo, as conchas poderiam ser utilizadas como material de modificação estrutural do cimento de ionômero de vidro em casos de material para enxerto ósseo ou osseointegração.