Inter-annual and seasonal variations of the metazoan parasite communities of the blue sea catfish Ariopsis guatemalensis (Siluriformes: Ariidae), in a tropical coastal lagoon.

Parasitological studies of long-term inter-annual variations provide more precise and reliable information about the biological structure of fish parasite communities, and constitute a reference data base for future studies. A total of 1103 blue sea catfish Ariopsis guatemalensis from a tropical eutrophic coastal lagoon were examined for parasites over a 22-year period (from May 2000 to October 2022), to test the hypothesis that parasite communities of this host, should exhibit greater variations in their structure and species composition mainly over long-term periods. Three species of monoxenous (single-host life cycle), and nine of heteroxenous (multi-host life cycle) parasites were identified. The results indicated that parasite species composition of this catfish has remained stable over a 22-years period. However, the community structure has registered notable changes over periods of several years, mainly due to the replacement of the numerically dominant species. Temporal variations in the infection dynamics of component parasite species, were possibly caused by a combination of biotic and abiotic factors, influenced by the seasonal dry/rainy cycle, which can affect the availability of intermediate host populations, as well as the feeding and reproductive behavior of the host.

Spatial Variation and Environmental Parameters Affecting the Abundant and Rare Communities of Bacteria and Archaea in the Sediments of Tropical Urban Reservoirs.

Microbial communities in freshwater sediments play an important role in organic matter remineralization, contributing to biogeochemical cycles, nutrient release, and greenhouse gases emissions. Bacterial and archaeal communities might show spatial or seasonal patterns and were shown to be influenced by distinct environmental parameters and anthropogenic activities, including pollution and damming. Here, we determined the spatial variation and the environmental variables influencing the abundant and rare bacterial and archaeal communities in the sediments of eutrophic-hypereutrophic reservoirs from a tropical urban area in Brazil. The most abundant microbes included mainly Anaerolineae and Deltaproteobacteria genera from the Bacteria domain, and Methanomicrobia genera from the Archaea domain. Microbial communities differed spatially in each reservoir, reflecting the establishment of specific environmental conditions. Locations with better or worst water quality, or close to a dam, showed more distinct microbial communities. Besides the water column depth, microbial communities were affected by some pollution indicators, including total phosphorus, orthophosphate, electrical conductivity, and biochemical oxygen demand. Distinct proportions of variation were explained by spatial and environmental parameters for each microbial community. Furthermore, spatial variations in environmental parameters affecting these communities, especially the most distinct ones, contributed to microbial variations mediated by spatial and environmental properties together. Finally, our study showed that different pressures in each reservoir affected the sediment microbiota, promoting different responses and possible adaptations of abundant and rare bacterial and archaeal communities.

The intestinal mycobiota and its relationship with overweight, obesity and nutritional aspects.

BACKGROUND: The fungal community of the gastrointestinal tract has recently become of interest, and knowledge of its relationship with the development of obesity is scarce. The present study aimed to evaluate the cultivable fungal fraction from the microbiota and to analyze its relationship with obesity. METHODS: Samples were taken from 99 participants with normal weight, overweight and obesity (n = 31, 34 and 34, respectively) and were cultivated in selective medium, and the cultivable yeasts were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Anthropometric and biochemical measures were also evaluated. RESULTS: Eutrophic, overweight and obese groups presented concentrations of 1.6, 2.16 and 2.19 log10  colony-forming units g-1 yeast, respectively. Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the two identified phyla. At the genus level, Candida spp. showed a relatively high prevalence, and 10 different species were detected: Candida glabrata, Candida orthopsilosis, Candida lambica, Candida kefyr, Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida valida, Candida parapsilosis, Candida utilis and Candida humilis (with relative abundances of 71.72%, 5.05%, 21.21%, 6.06%, 29.29%, 27.27%, 8.08%, 16.16%, 1.01% and 2.02%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The obese group presented a higher prevalence of Candida albicans. Furthermore, Candida albicans, Candida kefyr and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa showed a high positive correlation with obesity, weight gain and fat mass and showed a negative correlation with high-density lipoprotein and lean mass, parameters related to weight loss.

Picocyanobacteria aggregation as a response to predation pressure: direct contact is not necessary.

Picocyanobacteria (cells <2 µm) can be found either as single-cells (Pcy) or embedded in a mucilaginous sheath as microcolonies or colonies (CPcy). It has been demonstrated that phenotypic plasticity in picocyanobacteria (i.e. the capability of single-cells to aggregate into colonies) can be induced as a response to grazing pressure. The effect of the presence of different predators (cladocerans and rotifers) on the morphological composition of picocyanobacteria was studied in a natural community, and it was observed that the abundance of CPcy significantly increased in all treatments with zooplankton compared with the control without zooplankton. The aggregation capability was also evaluated in a single-cell strain by adding a conditioned medium of flagellates, rotifers and cladocerans. The proportion of cells forming colonies was significantly higher in all treatments with conditioned medium regardless of the predator. These results suggest that the aggregation of Pcy can be induced as a response to the predation pressure exerted by protists and different zooplankters, and also that Pcy has the capability to aggregate into CPcy even without direct contact with any predator, most probably due to the presence of an infochemical dissolved in the water that does not come from disrupted Pcy cells.

Microphytoplankton dynamics in Curuperé Estuary at the amazonian mangrove ecosystem / Dinâmica do microfitoplâncton no estuário do Rio Curuperé em um ecossistema de manguezal amazônico

The aim of this study was to evaluate microphytoplankton dynamics and environmental parameters in the estuary of the Curuperé River, located in an Amazonian mangrove ecosystem. Ten sampling sites, where occupied to obtain surface water samples for qualitative and quantitative microphytoplankton analyses, chlorophyll-a, temperature, turbidity, salinity, and pH. Samplings were conducted in four months: in February, May, August and November/2015; the first two months corresponding to rainy season and the last two to dry season. Significant spatiotemporal differences were observed, for diversity, equitability and specific dominance of the microphytoplankton community. In total, 212 taxa were identified and this community was dominated by Bacillariophyta (149 taxa), followed by Myzozoa (29 taxa). The abundance varied from 7,700 ind L-1, (May, sampling site 1) to 343,800 ind L-1, in August (sampling site 4). The diatom Cymatosira belgica was the dominant species, followed by Dimeregramma minor (major peaks of 180,600 ind L-1 and 120,400 ind L-1, respectively) in August at point 4. Phytoplankton biomass indicates an eutrophic estuary as Chlorophyll-a varied from 13.01 to 112.88 mg m-3, probably due to marine shrimp farm effluents. It was possible to identify species strongly indicative of the environment, through analysis of indicator species (IndVal), and their relations with the...(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a dinâmica microfitoplanctônica e os parâmetros ambientais no estuário do rio Curuperé, localizado em um ecossistema de manguezal na Amazônia. Foram realizados dez pontos de amostragem, utilizando amostras de água superficial para análises qualitativas (rede com malha de 20 µm) e quantitativa do microfitoplâncton, bem como para determinação de clorofila a, temperatura da água superficial, turbidez, salinidade e pH. As amostragens foram realizadas em quatro meses: fevereiro, maio, agosto e novembro, sendo os dois primeiros correspodentes ao período chuvoso e os dois últimos, ao seco. Foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os meses e relacionadas à posição ao longo do eixo estuarino para diversidade, eqüitabilidade e dominância específica na comunidade microfitoplanctônica. Foram identificados 212 com dominância de Bacillariophyta (149 taxa), seguido por Myzozoa (29 taxa). O microfitoplâncton variou de 7.700 ind L-1, (maio, ponto 1) a 343.800 ind L-1, em agosto (ponto 4). A diatomácea Cymatosira belgica foi a espécie dominante, seguida por Dimeregramma minor (maiores picos de 180.600 ind L-1 e 120.400 ind L-1, respectivamente) em agosto no ponto 4. Os valores de clorofila a permaneceram altos ao longo do ano variando de 13,01 a 112,88 mg m-3, provavelmente devido aos efluentes de fazenda de camarões marinhos. Foi possível identificar...(AU)

Microphytoplankton dynamics in Curuperé Estuary at the amazonian mangrove ecosystem / Dinâmica do microfitoplâncton no estuário do Rio Curuperé em um ecossistema de manguezal amazônico

The aim of this study was to evaluate microphytoplankton dynamics and environmental parameters in the estuary of the Curuperé River, located in an Amazonian mangrove ecosystem. Ten sampling sites, where occupied to obtain surface water samples for qualitative and quantitative microphytoplankton analyses, chlorophyll-a, temperature, turbidity, salinity, and pH. Samplings were conducted in four months: in February, May, August and November/2015; the first two months corresponding to rainy season and the last two to dry season. Significant spatiotemporal differences were observed, for diversity, equitability and specific dominance of the microphytoplankton community. In total, 212 taxa were identified and this community was dominated by Bacillariophyta (149 taxa), followed by Myzozoa (29 taxa). The abundance varied from 7,700 ind L-1, (May, sampling site 1) to 343,800 ind L-1, in August (sampling site 4). The diatom Cymatosira belgica was the dominant species, followed by Dimeregramma minor (major peaks of 180,600 ind L-1 and 120,400 ind L-1, respectively) in August at point 4. Phytoplankton biomass indicates an eutrophic estuary as Chlorophyll-a varied from 13.01 to 112.88 mg m-3, probably due to marine shrimp farm effluents. It was possible to identify species strongly indicative of the environment, through analysis of indicator species (IndVal), and their relations with the...

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a dinâmica microfitoplanctônica e os parâmetros ambientais no estuário do rio Curuperé, localizado em um ecossistema de manguezal na Amazônia. Foram realizados dez pontos de amostragem, utilizando amostras de água superficial para análises qualitativas (rede com malha de 20 µm) e quantitativa do microfitoplâncton, bem como para determinação de clorofila a, temperatura da água superficial, turbidez, salinidade e pH. As amostragens foram realizadas em quatro meses: fevereiro, maio, agosto e novembro, sendo os dois primeiros correspodentes ao período chuvoso e os dois últimos, ao seco. Foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os meses e relacionadas à posição ao longo do eixo estuarino para diversidade, eqüitabilidade e dominância específica na comunidade microfitoplanctônica. Foram identificados 212 com dominância de Bacillariophyta (149 taxa), seguido por Myzozoa (29 taxa). O microfitoplâncton variou de 7.700 ind L-1, (maio, ponto 1) a 343.800 ind L-1, em agosto (ponto 4). A diatomácea Cymatosira belgica foi a espécie dominante, seguida por Dimeregramma minor (maiores picos de 180.600 ind L-1 e 120.400 ind L-1, respectivamente) em agosto no ponto 4. Os valores de clorofila a permaneceram altos ao longo do ano variando de 13,01 a 112,88 mg m-3, provavelmente devido aos efluentes de fazenda de camarões marinhos. Foi possível identificar...

Diversity of photosynthetic picoeukaryotes in eutrophic shallow lakes as assessed by combining flow cytometry cell-sorting and high throughput sequencing.

Photosynthetic picoeukaryotes (PPE) are key components of primary production in marine and freshwater ecosystems. In contrast with those of marine environments, freshwater PPE groups have received little attention. In this work, we used flow cytometry cell sorting, microscopy and metabarcoding to investigate the composition of small photosynthetic eukaryote communities from six eutrophic shallow lakes in South America, Argentina. We compared the total molecular diversity obtained from PPE sorted populations as well as from filtered total plankton samples (FTP). Most reads obtained from sorted populations belonged to the classes: Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyceae and Bacillariophyceae. We retrieved sequences from non-photosynthetic groups, such as Chytridiomycetes and Ichthyosporea which contain a number of described parasites, indicating that these organisms were probably in association with the autotrophic cells sorted. Dominant groups among sorted PPEs were poorly represented in FTP and their richness was on average lower than in the sorted samples. A significant number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were exclusively found in sorting samples, emphasizing that sequences from FTP underestimate the diversity of PPE. Moreover, 22% of the OTUs found among the dominant groups had a low similarity (<95%) with reported sequences in public databases, demonstrating a high potential for novel diversity in these lakes.

Morphometric characterization of Dinophysis acuminata/D. sacculus complex in Guanabara Bay, Brazil / Caracterização morfométrica de dinoflagelados do Complexo Dinophysis acuminata/D. saculus na Baía de Guanabara, Brasil

Abstract: Most studies of Dinophysis acuminata in Brazil are for the southern region, where blooms are recurrent. In 2016, the presence of D. acuminata caused the first-ever production and consumption of species of mollusks commercial embargo from the state of Sao Paulo, Southeast Brazil. Potentially toxic species of Dinophysis have been reported in Guanabara Bay (GB) but only occasionally and in low densities. The present note is the first report of a high-density event (~105 cells L-1) of D. acuminata/D. sacculus complex in GB. D. acuminata/D. sacculus complex species were identified using scanning-electron and inverted-light microscopy. Most of the studied cells possessed a dorsally convex hyposomal plate and had dimensions typical of D. acuminata. However, the observed association with warmer and less saline estuarine waters would indicate that the species could be D. sacculus. Whatever the case, based on the high cell densities observed here, we recommend a continued monitoring for Dinophysis presence in GB.

Resumo: A maioria dos estudos sobre Dinophysis acuminata no Brasil ocorreram na região sul, onde as florações são recorrentes. Em 2016, a presença de D. acuminata causou o primeiro embargo comercial da produção e consumo de espécies de moluscos do estado de São Paulo, sudeste do Brasil. Várias espécies de microalgas potencialmente nocivas foram relatadas na Baía de Guanabara (BG), incluindo espécies tóxicas de Dinophysis, mas estas foram reportadas apenas como ocasionais e em baixas densidades. A presente nota é o primeiro relato de um evento de alta densidade (~ 105 células L-1) do complexo D. acuminata/D. saculus na BG. As espécies foram identificadas através de microscopia eletrônica de varredura e de campo claro. A maioria das células estudadas possuía uma placa hipossômica dorsalmente convexa, e tinha dimensões típicas de D. acuminata. No entanto, a associação observada com águas estuarinas mais quentes e menos salinas indicaria que a espécie seria D. saculus. Qualquer que seja o caso, com base nas altas densidades observadas aqui, recomendamos o monitoramento contínuo da presença de Dinophysis na BG.

Fósforo sérico en niños con desnutrición grave y su relación con el síndrome de realimentación / Serum phosphorus in malnourished children and its relationship with the syndrome of feedback

El síndrome de realimentación ocurre como consecuencia de la reintroducción de alimentos en pacientes malnutridos. Se realizó estudio de tipo observacional, prospectivo, no experimental y comparativo. Se midieron los niveles de fósforo en niños desnutridos graves y eutróficos al ingreso y al día 7 después de iniciada la alimentación con el objetivo de relacionar los niveles séricos de fósforo con el síndrome de realimentación en niños desnutridos graves atendidos en el Servicio de Emergencia de Pediatría Hospital Universitario de Maracaibo. Venezuela, desde junio 2010 hasta junio 2011. Se incluyeron 60 niños, entre 1 mes y 4 años, de ambos sexos, divididos en 2 grupos: Grupo A n=30 niños desnutridos graves y Grupo B n=30 niños eutróficos. En ambos grupos predominaron los lactantes de 1 a 23 meses con el 86,7% y el 60% respectivamente. Fueron del sexo masculino el 70% y 73% en cada grupo. El fósforo sérico en el grupo A al ingreso fue de 3,17 ± 0,98 mg/dl y a los siete días 2,48 ± 1,01 mg/dl, estadísticamente significativo p = 0,002; sin manifestaciones clínicas. En el grupo B no hubo significancia estadística con p=0,569 al comparar los valores del fósforo sérico al ingreso y al día 7. Tres niños del grupo A murieron. Se observo en el presente estudio que los niños desnutridos graves presentaron disminución del fósforo sérico al ser realimentados. Nuevas líneas de investigación deben hacerse para aumentar los conocimientos actuales sobre ésta condición(AU)

Refeeding syndrome occurs as a result of the reintroduction of food in malnourished patients. Observational, prospective, non experimental and comparative study was performed. Phosphorus levels in severely malnourished children and healthy children was measured at admission and at 7 days after initiation of feeding in order to associate the concentration of serum phosphorus with refeeding syndrome in severely malnourished children hospitalized at the Pediatric Emergency Service University Hospital of Maracaibo, Venezuela, from June 2010 to June 2011. We included 60 children between 1 month and 4 years and both sexes, divided into 2 groups: Group A n = 30 serious malnourished children and Group B (control) n = 30 eutrophic children. In both groups predominated the infants 1 to 23 months with 86.7% and 60% respectively. 70% and 73% were male both group. In Group A, there was statistical significance betwee the serum phosphorus at the beginning (3.17 ± 0.98 mg/dl) and at seven days of hospitalization 2.48 ± 1.01 mg/dl, p = 0.002; without clinical manifestations. In Group B there was no statistical significance with p=0,569 to compare values of serum phosphorus income and day 7. Three children of the group A died. It was observed in this study that serious malnourished children presented the serum phosphorus decreased to be refueled. New lines of research should be expanded in this area to increase current knowledge about this condition(AU)

Chemical behavior of Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb in a eutrophic reservoir: speciation and complexation capacity.

This research aimed at evaluating cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) speciation in water samples as well as determining water quality parameters (alkalinity, chlorophyll a, chloride, conductivity, dissolved organic carbon, dissolved oxygen, inorganic carbon, nitrate, pH, total suspended solids, and water temperature) in a eutrophic reservoir. This was performed through calculation of free metal ions using the chemical equilibrium software MINEQL+ 4.61, determination of labile, dissolved, and total metal concentrations via differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry, and determination of complexed metal by the difference between the total concentration of dissolved and labile metal. Additionally, ligand complexation capacities (CC), such as the strength of the association of metals-ligands (logK'ML) and ligand concentrations (C L) were calculated via Ruzic's linearization method. Water samples were taken in winter and summer, and the results showed that for total and dissolved metals, Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd concentration. In general, higher concentrations of Cu and Zn remained complexed with the dissolved fraction, while Pb was mostly complexed with particulate materials. Chemical equilibrium modeling (MINEQL+) showed that Zn(2+) and Cd(2+) dominated the labile species, while Cu and Pb were complexed with carbonates. Zinc was a unique metal for which a direct relation between dissolved species with labile and complexed forms was obtained. The CC for ligands indicated a higher C L for Cu, followed by Pb, Zn, and Cd in decreasing amounts. Nevertheless, the strength of the association of all metals and their respective ligands was similar. Factor analysis with principal component analysis as the extraction procedure confirmed seasonal effects on water quality parameters and metal speciation. Total, dissolved, and complexed Cu and total, dissolved, complexed, and labile Pb species were all higher in winter, whereas in summer, Zn was mostly present in the complexed form. A high degree of deterioration of the reservoir was confirmed by the results of this study.

Dupla filtração modificada utilizando filtro de pressão a montante de filtro ascendente no tratamento de águas eutrofizadas / Modified double filtration using pressured pre-filter before upflow filter in eutrophic reservoirs

A implantação de uma unidade de pré-tratamento a montante de um filtro ascendente (FA) existente objetiva condicionar a água bruta eutrofizada à capacidade de tratamento do FA. Essa solução esbarra na necessidade de se instalar essa unidade de pré-tratamento com cota mais elevada que o filtro a jusante. Nesta pesquisa, a instalação de um filtro de pressão de fluxo descendente possibilitou a eliminação do problema do desnível geométrico e a adequação da água bruta com elevada presença de fitoplâncton às limitações da filtração direta ascendente (FDA). O pré-filtro de pressão com melhor eficiência, o PFP1, apresentou uma remoção de 50% de cor aparente e 63% de turbidez. A eficiência global do sistema PFP/FA foi satisfatória, apresentando turbidez final inferior a 0,5 uT, cor aparente em torno de 5 uH, além de reduzir as perdas da água tratada de 11,7 para 4,5%.

The implementation of a pretreatment unit before existing upward filter, to condition the eutrophic raw waters to its capacity, is an option which runs into a problem of technical nature, the need of a pretreatment unit with enough hydraulic load to properly feed the existing filter. Typically, the available studies on double filtration present upward filters followed by descendant ones. In this study, the installation of a pressure filter downflow adapted the raw water with high algae concentration to the upward direct filtration system limitations, improving the quality of water produced and reducing losses by washing. The pressure filter with better efficiency was the PFP1 filter showed a removal of 50% of apparent color and 63% of turbidity. The overall efficiency of the PFP/FA system was satisfactory, presenting final turbidity of less than 0.5 uT, apparent color around 5 uH and reducing losses from 11.7 to 4.5% of the total treated water.

Rapid reassessment of the eutrophication status of Kingston Harbour, Jamaica using the zooplankton community / Reevaluación rápida del estado de eutrofización del puerto de Kingston, Jamaica utilizando la comunidad de zooplancton

Previous extensive studies of zooplankton distribution in the eutrophic Kingston Harbour established that it was being continuously contaminated. We assessed the community in 2011, 17 years after a previous study and five years after the introduction of a tertiary waste water system. Sampling was conducted for four weeks at eight stations identical to those sampled in a previous study. We used horizontal surface tows with a 200µm net. A total of 73 zooplankton taxa were identified and copepods dominated with 20 species. Mean total abundances were high, ranging from a minimum of 2 383 animals m-3 in the southern region of Hunts Bay to 194 166 animals m-3at the Inner Harbour. Five zooplankton taxa (Acartia tonsa, Paracalanus spp., Temora turbinata, Penilia avirostris and Lucifer faxoni) that were previously identified as indicators, were again important in the Harbour. The overall zooplankton abundances were similar and in some cases higher than the previous study. There was no significant improvement in the water quality since the introduction of the treatment system at Soapberry. This may be a result of unknown nutrient inputs or of nutrient remaining in the sediments.

Extensos estudios previos de la distribución de zooplancton en el Puerto de Kingston estableció que ha sido contaminado continuamente. Evaluamos la comunidad en el 2011, 17 años después de un estudio previo y cuatro años después de la introducción de un sistema de lagunas de aguas residuales terciarias. Utilizamos arrastres superficiales horizontalescon una red de 200 µm. Se identificó un total de 73 taxones de zooplancton y copépodos de los cuales los predominaron 20 especies. La media de las abundancias totales fueron altas y los valores oscilaron entre un mínimo de 2 383 animales m-3 en la zona sur de Bahía Hunts a 194 166 animales m-3 en lo interior del puerto. Cinco taxones de zooplancton (Acartia tonsa, Paracalanus spp., T. turbinata, Penilia avirostris y Lucifer faxoni) identificados previamente como indicadores, fueron importantes de nuevo en la Bahía. La abundancia total de zooplancton fue similar y en algunos casos superior a la del estudio anterior. No hubo mejoría significativa en la calidad del agua desde la introducción del sistema de tratamiento terciario en Soapberry. Esto puede ser resultado de la entrada continua de nutrientes desconocidos y no regulados en los sedimentos.

Características clínicas y epidemiológicas de la tuberculosis en niños hospitalizados en el servicio de Pediatría del Hospital Hipólito Unanue. 2005-2012 / Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of tuberculosis in children hospitalized in the Pediatric Service at the Hospital Hipolito Unanue. 2005-2012

La tuberculosis es un problema de salud pública y la forma de presentación clínica en niños presenta características diferentes al adulto. Objetivo: Determinar las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de tuberculosis infantil en pacientes hospitalizados en el Departamento de Pediatría del Hospital Nacional Hipólito Unanue (DP-HNHU) durante los años 2005 al 2012. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de revisión de casos de pacientes menores de 15 años con diagnóstico de tuberculosis atendidos en el DP-HNHU. Se realizó análisis univariado y bivariado presentados en tablas y gráficos. Resultados: Se analizaron 113 casos, donde 65 por ciento fueron varones. El grupo de 10 a 14 años representó 69.9 por ciento. El estado nutricional normal se observó en 77 por ciento. El 43.7 por ciento de pacientes presentó contacto intradomiciliario. Síntomas más frecuentes fueron tos (78.7 por ciento), fiebre (73.7 por ciento), hiporexia (46.9 por ciento) y diaforesis (40.7 por ciento). Signos más frecuentes: disminución de murmullo vesicular (61.1 por ciento), egofonía (33.7 por ciento), disminución de vibraciones vocales (20.3 por ciento) y presencia de crepitantes (20.3 por ciento). Muestras de esputo y líquido pleural fueron las muestras más frecuentes. La proporción de baciloscopías positivas fue 21 por ciento, donde el cultivo estuvo disponible en 6 casos (5.3 por ciento); con 4 positivos (3.54 por ciento), y un aislamiento de TBC-MDR. Efusión pleural (46 por ciento), infiltrado alveolar (45 por ciento), infiltrados retículo-nodulares (31.8 por ciento), y engrosamiento hiliar (26.5 por ciento) fueron frecuentes. Tuberculosis pleuropulmonar (40.7 por ciento), tuberculosis pulmonar (34.5 por ciento) y tuberculosis sistémica 9.7 por ciento fueron más frecuentes. El PPD fue positivo en 83.2 por ciento, y más frecuente a mayor edad y en niños eutróficos. Conclusiones: La presentación clínica más frecuente es tuberculosis pleuropulmonar, afectando...

Tuberculosis is a public health problem and the clinical presentation in adult children has different characteristics. Objective: To determine the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of childhood tuberculosis in patients hospitalized in the Department of Pediatrics of the National Hospital Hipolito Unanue (DP-HNHU) during the years 2005 to 2012. Materials and Methods: Retrospective case review of patients younger than 15 years diagnosed with tuberculosis and treated at the DP-HNHU. Univariate and bivariate analysis was performed; all data is presented in tables and graphs. Results: 113 cases were analyzed; 65 per cent were male. The group of 10 to 14 years accounted for 69.9 per cent. Normal nutritional status was observed in 77 per cent. 43.7 per cent of patients had intradomiciliary contact. Most common symptoms were cough (78.7 per cent), fever (73.7 per cent), decreased appetite (46.9 per cent) and sweating (40.7 per cent). Most common signs: decreased breath sounds (61.1 per cent), egophony (33.7 per cent), decreased vocal vibrations (20.3 per cent) and crackles (20.3 per cent). Sputum and pleural fluid samples were the most frequent. The proportion of positive smears was 21 per cent, where the culture was available in 6 cases (5.3 per cent); with 4 positive (3.54 per cent), and one isolate of MDR-TB. Pleural effusion (46 per cent), alveolar infiltrates (45 per cent), infiltrated reticulo-nodular (31.8 per cent) and hilar thickening (26.5 per cent) were common. Pleuropulmonary tuberculosis (40.7 per cent), pulmonary tuberculosis (34.5 per cent) and 9.7 per cent systemic tuberculosis were more frequent. The PPD was positive in 83.2 per cent, and more frequent with increasing age and eutrophic children. Conclusions: The most common clinical presentation is pleuropulmonary tuberculosis, mainly affecting the age group 10 to 14 years, eutrophic with cardinal symptoms and history of intradomiciliary contact...

Planktonic Cyanobacteria of the tropical karstic lake Lagartos from the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico / Las cianobacterias planctónicas del lago tropical cárstico Lagartos de la Península de Yucatán, México

The tropical karstic lakes on the Mexican Caribbean Sea coast are numerous. However, there is an enormous gap of knowledge about their limnological conditions and micro-algae communities. In the present study, surface water samples were collected monthly from November 2007 to September 2008 to provide taxonomical composition and biovolume of planktonic cyanobacteria of the lake Lagartos from State of Quintana Roo, Mexico. Water temperature, pH, conductivity, salinity, soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), and soluble reactive silica (SRSi) levels were also analyzed. A total of 22 species were identified. Chroococcales and Oscillatoriales dominated the phytoplankton assemblages during the study period. Chroococcus pulcherrimus, Coelosphaerium confertum, Cyanodyction iac, Phormidium pachydermaticum and Planktolyngbya contorta were recorded for the first time in Mexico. A surplus of DIN (mean value of 42.7µM) and low concentrations of SRP (mean value of 1.0µM) promoted the enhanced growth and bloom formation of cyanobacteria. The mean biovolume was 3.22X10(8)µm³/mL, and two biovolume peaks were observed; the first was dominated by Microcystis panniformis in November 2007 (7.40X10(8)µm³/mL), and the second was dominated by Oscillatoria princeps in April 2008 (6.55X10(8)µm³/mL). Water quality data, nitrates enrichment, and trophic state based on biovolume, indicated that Lagartos is a hyposaline, secondarily phosphorus-limited, and eutrophic lake, where the cyanobacteria flora was composed mainly by non-heterocystous groups.

Los lagos cársticos tropicales en la costa del Caribe mexicano son numerosos. Sin embargo, existe un enorme desconocimiento acerca de sus condiciones limnológicas y de las comunidades de microalgas que se desarrollan en ellos. El objetivo del presente estudio fue estudiar las condiciones limnológicas en las que crecen las poblaciones de cianobacterias planctónicas del lago Lagartos, Quintana Roo, México. Las recolectas se realizaron de forma mensual entre noviembre 2007 y septiembre 2008. Las especies fueron identificadas y su biovolumen determinado. Se midieron in situ la temperatura del agua, pH, conductividad y salinidad. También, se analizaron las concentraciones de fósforo reactivo soluble (SRP), nitrógeno inorgánico disuelto (DIN) y sílice reactivo soluble (SRSi). Se identificaron 22 especies de cianobacterias. Chroococcus pulcherrimus, Coelosphaerium confertum, Cyanodyction iac, Phormidium pachydermaticum y Planktolyngbya contorta fueron nuevos registros para México. Un exceso de DIN (valor promedio de 42.7µM) y bajas concentraciones de PRS (valor promedio de 1.0µM) promovieron la proliferación de cianobacterias. El biovolumen presentó dos picos: el primero en noviembre 2007, dominado por Microcystis panniformis (7.40X10(8)µm³/mL) y el segundo en abril 2008, representado por Oscillatoria princeps (6.55X10(8)µm³/mL). Los datos de calidad del agua, el enriquecimiento por nitratos y el estado trófico basado en el biovolumen, indican que Lagartos es un lago hiposalino, eutrófico, con limitación secundaria por fósforo, donde los crecimientos masivos de cianobacterias sin heterocitos fueron recurrentes.

Enteroparasitosis en niños desnutridos graves de un hospital de la ciudad de Maracaibo, Venezuela / Intestinal parasitosis in severely malnourished children at a hospital in the city of Maracaibo, Venezuela

Para comparar la prevalencia de enteroparásitos en niños con desnutrición severa de la Unidad de Recuperación Nutricional del Hospital Chiquinquirá de Maracaibo, Estado Zulia, con niños eutróficos que asisten a la consulta de niños sanos del mismo hospital; se realizó un examen coproparasitológico a 50 niños desnutridos graves y 50 niños eutróficos, mediante examen directo; técnica de concentración (Ritchie) y coloración de Ziehl Neelsen. Entre los protozoarios, Cryptosporidium sp. ocupó el primer lugar con un 14% en el grupo de los desnutridos graves y Giardia lamblia en los eutróficos con un 20%. De los helmintos identificados, Trichuruis trichiura prevaleció con 12% en los desnutridos, mientras Ascaris lumbricoides en los eutróficos ocupó el primer lugar con un 8%. No se encontró diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre la prevalencia de parásitos en general con la edad, el sexo o la desnutrición, ni entre poliparasitismo versus monoparasitismo. La medida en que se relacionan la desnutrición y las parasitosis intestinales es difícil de esclarecer, al ser la desnutrición una condición multifactorial ya que depende de la especie parasitaria presente, la intensidad de la parasitosis, las características inmunológicas y genéticas del hospedero, del medio socioeconómico en el que se desenvuelva el individuo, entre otros factores.

To compare the prevalence of intestinal parasites in children with severe malnutrition in the Nutritional Recovery Unit at the Chiquinquirá Hospital of Maracaibo, State of Zulia, with eutrophic children attending consult for healthy children at the same hospital, stool examinations were performed for 50 seriously malnourished children and 50 eutrophic children by direct examination, using the concentration technique (Ritchie) and Ziehl Neelsen. Among the protozoa, Cryptosporidium sp. ranked first, with 14% in the group of severely malnourished and Giardia lamblia in 20% of the eutrophic children. Of the identified helminths, Trichuris trichiura prevailed, with 12% in the malnourished group, while Ascaris lumbricoides took first place with 8% in the eutrophic group. No statistically significant difference was found between the prevalence of parasites in general with age, sex or malnutrition, or between polyparasitism versus monoparasitism. The extent to which malnutrition and intestinal parasites relate is difficult to clarify, since malnutrition is a multifactorial condition that depends on the parasite species present, intensity of the parasitosis, immunologic and genetic characteristics of the host, the socio economic environment in which the individual develops and other factors.

Artisanal fisheries in a brazilian hypereutrophic reservoir: Barra Bonita reservoir, middle Tietê river / Pesca artesanal em um reservatório hipertrófico brasileiro: reservatório de Barra Bonita, médio rio Tietê

This study examines the qualitative and quantitative aspects of fishery landings at the hypereutrophic Barra Bonita reservoir, Brazil. Data were collected each month (July/2004-June/2006) at three localities and the reported catch, fishing effort and fishing techniques were recorded from 745 landings, comprising a total fish catch of 86,691.9 kg. The most caught species were exotic tilapias, especially the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.), which represented 82.5 percent of the total biomass. The reservoir's fishery productivity was 11.1 kg/ha-¹/day-¹ with a Catch Per Unit Effort of 62.4 kg/fisher-¹/day-¹. Five fishing techniques were identified: cast net, gill net, trawl net, beating gill net, and beating gill net + gill net. The analysis of DCA related the active strategies for the tilapia catch, to the passive strategies for the Pimelodus maculatus (Lacepède) and Triportheus angulatus catches (Spix & Agassiz), and the mixed strategies for the tilapia, catfish and Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes) catches. ANCOVA results were significant for all the variables analysed (season, fishing location and fishing technique). The results showed that fishing for "corvina" Plagioscion squamosissimus (Heckel), predominant in the 1990s, had been replaced by fishing focused on the Nile tilapia. This substitution appears to be due to the increasing levels of eutrophication in the reservoir, combined with changes in fishing techniques. The pattern of the fisheries in Barra Bonita Reservoir follow those in other eutrophic Brazilian reservoirs, with catches of the exotic Nile tilapia predominating.

Esse estudo avaliou aspectos quantitativos qualitativos do desembarque pesqueiro no reservatório hipertrófico de Barra Bonita. Os dados foram coletados mensalmente (julho/2004-junho/2006) em três localidades e informações sobre captura, esforço de pesca e técnicas de pesca foram registrados de 745 desembarques, totalizando 86.691,9 kg de pescado capturados. As espécies mais capturadas foram as exóticas tilápias, especialmente a tilápia-do-nilo (Oreochromis niloticus L.), que representaram 82,5 por cento da biomassa total. A produtividade pesqueira do reservatório foi de 11,1 kg/ha-¹/dia-¹ com uma Captura Por Unidade de Esforço de 62,4 kg/pescador-¹/dia-¹ . Cinco técnicas de pesca foram identificadas: tarrafas, rede de espera, rede de arrasto, pesca da batida e pesca da batida + rede de espera. Análise de DCA relacionou as estratégias ativas com a captura de tilápia, as estratégias passivas com a captura de Pimelodus maculatus (Lacepède) e Triporthues angulatus (Spix & Agassiz) e a estratégia mista com a captura de tilápia, cascudos e Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes). Os resultados da ANCOVA foram significativos para todas as variáveis analisadas (época, local de pesca e técnicas de pesca). Os resultados mostram uma substituição da pesca da corvina, Plagioscion squamossisimus (Heckel) na década de 1990, pela tilápia-do-nilo. A substituição pode ter sido provocada pelo aumento da eutrofização do reservatório, aliado à mudança das estratégias de pesca. A pesca no reservatório de Barra Bonita seguiu padrões de outros reservatórios eutrofizados brasileiros, com a pesca sustentada pela exótica tilápia-do-nilo.

Artisanal fisheries in a Brazilian hypereutrophic reservoir: Barra Bonita reservoir, middle Tietê river

This study examines the qualitative and quantitative aspects of fishery landings at the hypereutrophic Barra Bonita reservoir, Brazil. Data were collected each month (July/2004-June/2006) at three localities and the reported catch, fishing effort and fishing techniques were recorded from 745 landings, comprising a total fish catch of 86,691.9 kg. The most caught species were exotic tilapias, especially the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.), which represented 82.5% of the total biomass. The reservoir's fishery productivity was 11.1 kg/ha-1/day-1 with a Catch Per Unit Effort of 62.4 kg/fisher-1/day-1. Five fishing techniques were identified: cast net, gill net, trawl net, beating gill net, and beating gill net + gill net. The analysis of DCA related the active strategies for the tilapia catch, to the passive strategies for the Pimelodus maculatus (Lacepède) and Triportheus angulatus catches (Spix & Agassiz), and the mixed strategies for the tilapia, catfish and Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes) catches. ANCOVA results were significant for all the variables analysed (season, fishing location and fishing technique). The results showed that fishing for "corvina" Plagioscion squamosissimus (Heckel), predominant in the 1990s, had been replaced by fishing focused on the Nile tilapia. This substitution appears to be due to the increasing levels of eutrophication in the reservoir, combined with changes in fishing techniques. The pattern of the fisheries in Barra Bonita Reservoir follow those in other eutrophic Brazilian reservoirs, with catches of the exotic Nile tilapia predominating.

Esse estudo avaliou aspectos quantitativos qualitativos do desembarque pesqueiro no reservatório hipertrófico de Barra Bonita. Os dados foram coletados mensalmente (julho/2004-junho/2006) em três localidades e informações sobre captura, esforço de pesca e técnicas de pesca foram registrados de 745 desembarques, totalizando 86.691,9 kg de pescado capturados. As espécies mais capturadas foram as exóticas tilápias, especialmente a tilápia-do-nilo (Oreochromis niloticus L.), que representaram 82,5% da biomassa total. A produtividade pesqueira do reservatório foi de 11,1 kg/ha-1/dia-1 com uma Captura Por Unidade de Esforço de 62,4 kg/pescador-1/dia-1 . Cinco técnicas de pesca foram identificadas: tarrafas, rede de espera, rede de arrasto, pesca da batida e pesca da batida + rede de espera. Análise de DCA relacionou as estratégias ativas com a captura de tilápia, as estratégias passivas com a captura de Pimelodus maculatus (Lacepède) e Triporthues angulatus (Spix & Agassiz) e a estratégia mista com a captura de tilápia, cascudos e Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes). Os resultados da ANCOVA foram significativos para todas as variáveis analisadas (época, local de pesca e técnicas de pesca). Os resultados mostram uma substituição da pesca da corvina, Plagioscion squamossisimus (Heckel) na década de 1990, pela tilápia-do-nilo. A substituição pode ter sido provocada pelo aumento da eutrofização do reservatório, aliado à mudança das estratégias de pesca. A pesca no reservatório de Barra Bonita seguiu padrões de outros reservatórios eutrofizados brasileiros, com a pesca sustentada pela exótica tilápia-do-nilo.

Glycolytic activities in size-fractionated water samples: emphasis on rhamnosidase, arabinosidase and fucosidase activities

Glycolytic activities of eight enzymes in size-fractionated water samples from a eutrophic tropical reservoir are presented in this study, including enzymes assayed for the first time in a freshwater environment. Among these enzymes, rhamnosidase, arabinosidase and fucosidase presented high activity in the free-living fraction, while glucosidase, mannosidase and galactosidase exhibited high activity in the attached fraction. The low activity registered for rhamnosidase, arabinosidase and fucosidase in the attached fraction seemed contribute to the integrity of the aggregate and based on this fact, a protective role for these structures was proposed. The presented enzyme profiles and the differences in the relative activities probably reflected the organic matter composition as well as the metabolic requirements of the bacterial community, suggesting that bacteria attached to particulate matter had phenotypic traits distinct from those of free-living bacteria.

Decomposition of dissolved organic matter released by an isolate of Microcystis aeruginosa and morphological profile of the associated bacterial community / Decomposição da matéria orgânica dissolvida liberada por um isolado de Microcystis aeruginosa e padrão morfológico da comunidade bacteriana associada

This study concerns the kinetics of bacterial degradation of two fractions (molecular mass) of dissolved organic matter (DOM) released by Microcystis aeruginosa. Barra Bonita Reservoir (SP, Brazil) conditions were simulated in the laboratory using the associated local bacterial community. The extent of degradation was quantified as the amount of organic carbon transferred from each DOM fraction (< 3 kDa and 3-30 kDa) to bacteria. The variation of bacteria morphotypes associated with the decomposition of each fraction was observed. To find the degradation rate constants (kT), the time profiles of the total, dissolved and particulate organic carbon concentrations were fitted to a first-order kinetic model. These rate constants were higher for the 3-30 kDa fraction than for the lighter fraction. Only in the latter fraction the formation of refractory dissolved organic carbon (DOC R) compounds could be detected and its rate of mass loss was low. The higher bacterial density was reached at 24 and 48 hours for small and higher fractions, respectively. In the first 48 hours of decomposition of both fractions, there was an early predominance of bacillus, succeeded by coccobacillus, vibrios and coccus, and from day 5 to 27, the bacterial density declined and there was greater evenness among the morphotypes. Both fractions of DOM were consumed rapidly, corroborating the hypothesis that DOM is readily available in the environment. This also suggests that the bacterial community in the inocula readily uses the labile part of the DOM, until this community is able to metabolise efficiently the remaining of DOM not degraded in the first moment. Given that M. aeruginosa blooms recur throughout the year in some eutrophic reservoirs, there is a constant supply of the same DOM which could maintain a consortium of bacterial morphotypes adapted to consuming this substrate.

Este estudo trata da cinética de degradação bacteriana de diferentes frações de matéria orgânica dissolvida liberada por Microcystis aeruginosa. As condições do reservatório de Barra Bonita (SP, Brasil) foram simuladas em laboratório empregando a comunidade bacteriana local associada. A dinâmica da degradação foi quantificada pela quantidade de carbono orgânico transferido de cada fração de MOD (< 3 kDa e 3-30 kDa) às bactérias. A variação de morfotipos bacterianos associados à decomposição de cada fração foi observada. Para encontrar as constantes de degradação (kT), os perfis temporais das concentrações de carbono orgânico total, dissolvido e particulado foram ajustados a um modelo cinético de primeira ordem. Estas constantes de velocidade foram superiores para a fração 3-30 kDa do que para a fração de menor massa molecular. Apenas na segunda fração pôde ser detectada a formação de compostos de carbono orgânico dissolvido refratário (COD R) e sua taxa de perda de massa foi baixa. A maior densidade bacteriana foi alcançada em 24 e 48 horas para as frações de alta e baixa massa, respectivamente. Nas primeiras 48 horas de decomposição de ambas as frações, houve um predomínio de bacilos, seguido por cocobacilos, víbrios e cocos, e, do dia 5 ao 27, a densidade bacteriana diminuiu e houve uma uniformidade entre os morfotipos. Ambas as frações foram consumidas rapidamente, confirmando a hipótese de a MOD estar prontamente disponível no ambiente. Isto sugere ainda que a comunidade bacteriana do inóculo utiliza a parte lábil da MOD, até que esta se torne capaz de metabolizar o restante da MOD não degradada no primeiro momento. Já que blooms de M. aeruginosa se repetem ao longo do ano em alguns reservatórios eutróficos, existe um constante suprimento da mesma MOD que pode manter um consórcio de bactérias adaptadas ao consumo deste substrato.

Artisanal fisheries in a Brazilian hypereutrophic reservoir: Barra Bonita reservoir, middle Tietê river

This study examines the qualitative and quantitative aspects of fishery landings at the hypereutrophic Barra Bonita reservoir, Brazil. Data were collected each month (July/2004-June/2006) at three localities and the reported catch, fishing effort and fishing techniques were recorded from 745 landings, comprising a total fish catch of 86,691.9 kg. The most caught species were exotic tilapias, especially the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.), which represented 82.5% of the total biomass. The reservoir's fishery productivity was 11.1 kg/ha-1/day-1 with a Catch Per Unit Effort of 62.4 kg/fisher-1/day-1. Five fishing techniques were identified: cast net, gill net, trawl net, beating gill net, and beating gill net + gill net. The analysis of DCA related the active strategies for the tilapia catch, to the passive strategies for the Pimelodus maculatus (Lacepède) and Triportheus angulatus catches (Spix & Agassiz), and the mixed strategies for the tilapia, catfish and Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes) catches. ANCOVA results were significant for all the variables analysed (season, fishing location and fishing technique). The results showed that fishing for "corvina" Plagioscion squamosissimus (Heckel), predominant in the 1990s, had been replaced by fishing focused on the Nile tilapia. This substitution appears to be due to the increasing levels of eutrophication in the reservoir, combined with changes in fishing techniques. The pattern of the fisheries in Barra Bonita Reservoir follow those in other eutrophic Brazilian reservoirs, with catches of the exotic Nile tilapia predominating.

Esse estudo avaliou aspectos quantitativos qualitativos do desembarque pesqueiro no reservatório hipertrófico de Barra Bonita. Os dados foram coletados mensalmente (julho/2004-junho/2006) em três localidades e informações sobre captura, esforço de pesca e técnicas de pesca foram registrados de 745 desembarques, totalizando 86.691,9 kg de pescado capturados. As espécies mais capturadas foram as exóticas tilápias, especialmente a tilápia-do-nilo (Oreochromis niloticus L.), que representaram 82,5% da biomassa total. A produtividade pesqueira do reservatório foi de 11,1 kg/ha-1/dia-1 com uma Captura Por Unidade de Esforço de 62,4 kg/pescador-1/dia-1 . Cinco técnicas de pesca foram identificadas: tarrafas, rede de espera, rede de arrasto, pesca da batida e pesca da batida + rede de espera. Análise de DCA relacionou as estratégias ativas com a captura de tilápia, as estratégias passivas com a captura de Pimelodus maculatus (Lacepède) e Triporthues angulatus (Spix & Agassiz) e a estratégia mista com a captura de tilápia, cascudos e Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes). Os resultados da ANCOVA foram significativos para todas as variáveis analisadas (época, local de pesca e técnicas de pesca). Os resultados mostram uma substituição da pesca da corvina, Plagioscion squamossisimus (Heckel) na década de 1990, pela tilápia-do-nilo. A substituição pode ter sido provocada pelo aumento da eutrofização do reservatório, aliado à mudança das estratégias de pesca. A pesca no reservatório de Barra Bonita seguiu padrões de outros reservatórios eutrofizados brasileiros, com a pesca sustentada pela exótica tilápia-do-nilo.