Preliminary checklist of spiders (Araneae) from Coiba National Park, Panama.

Background: Coiba National Park is an offshore region on the Pacific side of Panama, which hosts several endemic species of animals and plants. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. Despite the title awarded to the Park, knowledge about basic elements of its biodiversity are still lacking, which are of vital relevance for management and conservation policies. For instance, until now, no study had ever monitored the araneofauna diversity of the Park. New information: Here, we provide the first checklist of spider species in Coiba National Park, including the main island and several surrounding islands. We sampled during several field trips carried out from August 2021 to August 2023. We identified at least 152 species (98 genera and 30 families) and we report three new spiders species for Panama, namely Ctenusnigrolineatus Berland (1913), Chapodagitae Zhang & Maddison (2012) and Sarindanigra Peckham & Peckham (1892). We discuss the implications of our results and recommend future lines of work that include DNA barcoding, monitoring of population and community dynamics, plus linkage of climatic data from the newly-installed meteorological station on the Island.

Exploring the relationship between anxiety, patient characteristics and pain outcomes in oral surgery under local anesthesia: The measurement problem.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety during oral surgery can impact patient homeostasis, increase the difficulty of the procedure and create additional stress for the surgeon. Furthermore, it has been associated with more intense and prolonged pain during and after dental treatment. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to evaluate the relationship between anxiety, patient characteristics and pain outcomes in oral surgery, as well as to verify the impact of anxiety on patient's perception of pain during and after oral surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a prospective observational study. Several variables were evaluated during the course of the oral surgery. Anxiety levels were assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS), the Interval Scale of Anxiety Response (ISAR), and Patient SelfRated Anxiety (PAnx) during the procedure. RESULTS: General anxiety measures (STAI) were not associated with specific dental anxiety or external observations of anxiety. Anxiety levels varied according to gender and body mass index (BMI), and were correlated with increased heart rate (HR) (with variability among assessment tools). Odontectomy, ostectomy and an increased volume of anesthesia were associated with higher anxiety levels (with variability among the assessment tools). There was a correlation between pain and anxiety, with anxiety contributing to approx. 12% of the variability in postoperative pain. CONCLUSIONS: Dental anxiety is a complex, multidimensional mental phenomenon characterized by high variability due to the influence of several dynamic factors.

Global biomass maps can increase the precision of (sub)national aboveground biomass estimates: A comparison across tropical countries.

Countries within the tropics face ongoing challenges in completing or updating their national forest inventories (NFIs), critical for estimating aboveground biomass (AGB) and for forest-related greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting. While previous studies have explored the integration of map information with local reference data to fill in data gaps, limited attention has been given to the specific challenges presented by the clustered plot designs frequently employed by NFIs when combined with remote sensing-based biomass map units. This research addresses these complexities by conducting four country case-studies, encompassing a variety of NFI characteristics within a range of AGB densities. Examining four country case-studies (Peru, Guyana, Tanzania, Mozambique), we assess the potential of European Space Agency's Climate Change Initiative (CCI) global biomass maps to increase precision in (sub)national AGB estimates. We compare a baseline approach using NFI field-based data with a model-assisted scenario incorporating a locally calibrated CCI biomass map as auxiliary information. The original CCI biomass maps systematically underestimate AGB in three of the four countries at both the country and stratum level, with particularly weak agreement at finer map resolution. However, after calibration with country-specific NFI data, stratum and country-level AGB estimates from the model-assisted scenario align well with those obtained solely from field-based data and official country reports. Introducing maps as a source of auxiliary information fairly increased the precision of stratum and country-wise AGB estimates, offering greater confidence in estimating AGB for GHG reporting purposes. Considering the challenges tropical countries face with implementing their NFIs, it is sensible to explore the potential benefits of biomass maps for climate change reporting mechanisms across biomes. While country-specific NFI design assumptions guided our model-assisted inference strategies, this study also uncovers transferable insights from the application of global biomass maps with NFI data, providing valuable lessons for climate research and policy communities.

Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain and Central Sensitization-Related Symptoms in Chilean Victims of Political Violence During the 1973 to 1990 Dictatorship.

People who suffer political violence (PV) are at risk of developing mental illness, chronic noncommunicable diseases, chronic pain, and decreased life expectancy. However, these indicators have been studied primarily in war veterans and refugees. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) and central sensitization-related symptoms (CSRS) in Chilean victims of PV during the 1973 to 1990 dictatorship. A cross-sectional observational multicenter study was conducted. Three hundred twenty-five people from six centers of a Ministry of Health of Chile program participated. The presence of CMP was determined by a history of pain ≥3 months, and CSRS was determined using the central sensitization inventory. About 69.23% of the sample had CMP (76.85% of females and 56.56% of males). About 60% of people with CMP showed a high level of CSRS severity (66.67% females and 44.93% males). Females presented significantly higher proportions of CMP (p < .001), and there was an association between CSRS severity and being female (p = .004). Chilean victims of PV during the 1973 to 1990 dictatorship presented a high prevalence of CMP and high-level CSRS severity. Both conditions affected females more than males. Future studies are needed to further delve into these variables' behavior and their influence on the quality of life in this population.

Comprehensive investigation of factor structure and gender equivalence of the Beck Depression Inventory-II among nonclinical adolescents.

The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) is a widely used tool for rating the severity of depressive symptoms. Studies on the factor structure of the BDI-II in adolescents have yielded controversial findings. Most studies have reported an oblique two-factor model that describes the 'cognitive' and 'somatic-affective' dimensions. However, there is variation in the item composition of each factor across studies. Alternative factor structures have been proposed, including one-factor, three-factor, hierarchical, and bifactor models. Additionally, there is limited data on measurement invariance across genders. This study aimed to examine hypothetical factor structures and gender equivalence of the BDI-II in a sample of Brazilian nonclinical adolescents (N = 1,184, aged 13-18 years, 59.1% females). Cross-validation of the BDI-II was performed through exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Measurement invariance was evaluated using multigroup-CFA (MG-CFA). EFA suggested an oblique two-factor model depicting "affective-cognitive" and "somatic" dimensions. CFA tested competing models for the structure of BDI-II, including the simple one- and two-factor models, a bifactor model, and the EFA model along with its corresponding bifactor model. All models demonstrated adequate and similar fitness, well-defined factors, and good reliability. Bifactor analyses indicated a robust general factor with low reliable variance in total scores attributed to multidimensionality caused by the group factors in bifactor models. MG-CFA supported invariance across gender, suggesting that the same BDI-II construct could be applied to both female and male adolescents. This study provides evidence that the BDI-II could be used as a unidimensional measure of depressive symptoms in adolescents by researchers and clinicians.

Source apportionment of ambient pollution levels in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

In this study, the relative contributions of main emission sources to the typical ambient concentrations of key pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) in Guayaquil, Ecuador, were investigated. A previous urban emissions inventory for mobile sources was expanded to include other transportation means and main industrial activities using the EMEP/EEA methodology to achieve this objective. The WRF/CALMET/CALPUFF modeling system was used to simulate the annual spatiotemporal distribution of air pollution in the city. According to the model, NO2 concentrations exceed the yearly value and 1-h Ecuadorian standards (40 and 200 µg/m3) in 1 % and 6 % of the cells of the modeling domain, respectively. These hotspots related to local sources were located in the northwest center of the city. The contributions of the manufacturing sector, thermal power plants, ports, airports, and road traffic were assessed individually, and the results indicated that air quality in the study area was strongly dominated by road traffic. The contributions of NO2, CO, PM10, and PM2.5 at the city level reached 76 %, 96 %, 90 %, and 92 % of the annual mean, respectively. In the case of SO2, the manufacturing sector made the most significant contribution (75 %), followed by thermal power plants (16 %). Furthermore, an analysis at 14 specific locations across Guayaquil identified spatial variations that may support the design and development of an air quality monitoring network for the city.

The impact of illegitimate tasks on burnout syndrome in a healthcare system: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Burnout syndrome, characterized by physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion due to continuous exposure to high-stress work conditions, has been increasingly recognized as a serious occupational phenomenon, especially amongst healthcare professionals. Recent studies indicate that illegitimate tasks-activities unrelated to one's role are a significant factor contributing to burnout. However, given the variability of work environments across regions, these findings may not apply universally. Objective: To investigate the behavior of the relationship between burnout and illegitimate tasks among healthcare professionals in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Methods: We conducted a survey of 562 healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and medical/nursing interns, employing the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory and Bern Illegitimate Task Scale. Regression models were developed to predict burnout levels based on multiple factors, including demographic characteristics, professional roles, and perceptions of illegitimate tasks. Results: We revealed a statistically significant positive correlation between burnout and illegitimate tasks, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.320 to 0.588, with higher levels of illegitimate tasks leading to increased burnout. Interestingly, we also found that age and length of service were negatively correlated with burnout, suggesting that these factors may serve as protective elements against burnout. Conclusions: Illegitimate tasks had an impact on burnout amongst healthcare professionals and emphasized the need for organizational strategies aimed at better task management to mitigate burnout risk.

Addressing medical student burnout through informal peer-assisted learning: a correlational analysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite the recognized advantages of Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL) in academic settings, there is a notable absence of research analyzing its effects on students' Academic Burnout. This study aims to cover this gap by assessing the underlying effectiveness of Informal Peer-Assisted Learning (IPAL) as a cooperative learning method, focusing on its potential to mitigate academic burnout among medical students. METHODS: In 2022, a cross-sectional study was conducted at the School of Medicine, Universidad Central del Caribe, in Puerto Rico. The research team gathered data from 151 participants, 49.19% of 307 total student body. This cohort included 76 female students, 71 male students, and 4 individuals saying other. The School Burnout Inventory questionnaire (SBI-9) was employed to assess Academic Burnout, along with an added query about self-reported IPAL. The SBI-9 underwent validation processes to ascertain its reliability and validity, incorporating the Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Following this, the investigators conducted an analysis to determine the correlation between academic burnout levels and involvement in IPAL. RESULTS: The validation process of the questionnaire affirmed its alignment with an eight-item inventory, encapsulating two principal factors that elucidate academic burnout. The first factor pertains to exhaustion, while the second encompasses the combined subscales of cynicism and inadequacy. The questionnaire shows high reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.829) and good fit indices (Comparative Fit Index = 0.934; Tucker-Lewis Index = 0.902; Standardized Root Mean Squared Residual = 0.0495; Root Mean Squared Error of Approximation = 0.09791; p-value < 0.001). The factors proven in the selected model were used to evaluate the correlation between Academic Burnout and IPAL. Students engaged in IPAL showed significantly lower academic burnout prevalence compared to those who never participated in such practices, with a mean academic burnout score of 44.75% (SD 18.50) for IPAL engaged students versus 54.89% (SD 23.71) for those who never engaged in such practices (p-value < 0.013). Furthermore, within the group engaged in IPAL, students displayed lower levels of cynicism/inadequacy 41.98% (SD 23.41) compared to exhaustion 52.25% (SD 22.42) with a p-value < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study underscore a notable issue of academic burnout among medical students within the surveyed cohort. The investigation reveals a significant correlation between Academic Burnout and IPAL, suggesting that incorporating IPAL strategies may be beneficial in addressing burnout in medical education settings. However, further research is needed to explore potential causal mechanisms.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Persian Version of the M. D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory.

Introduction Dysphagia is a common issue in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) and is known to negatively impact their quality of life. To evaluate the impact of dysphagia on the quality of life of HNC patients, the M. D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) questionnaire was developed. Objective The present study aimed to culturally adapt and validate the MDADI for Persian-speaking individuals. The MDADI is a self-administered questionnaire designed to assess the impact of dysphagia on the quality of life of HNC patients. Methods The original MDADI questionnaire was translated into Persian using the forward-backward method, following the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) for cultural adaptation. The content validity of the Persian version, MDADI-P, was assessed by 10 speech-language pathologists using the content validity index (CVI). Seventy-five HNC patients completed the MDADI-P to evaluate its convergent validity, which was determined by comparing the results with the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were assessed using Cronbach α coefficient and intraclass correlation (ICC), respectively. Results The scale content validity index (S-CVI) for the MDADI-P was 0.90, indicating good content validity. The MDADI-P demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach α coefficient = 0.728) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.91). The total MDADI-P score exhibited a significant correlation with the physical and mental components of the SF-36 (0.456 and 0.349, respectively, p < 0.05). Conclusion The findings of the present study confirm the suitability of the MDADI-P in terms of content validity, construct validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability.

New Dizziness Impact Measures of Positional, Functional, and Emotional Status Were Supported for Reliability, Validity, and Efficiency.

Objective: To calibrate the 25 items from the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) patient-reported outcome measure (PROM), using item response theory (IRT), into 1 or more item banks, and assess reliability, validity, and administration efficiency of scores derived from computerized adaptive test (CAT) or short form (SF) administration modes. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Outpatient rehabilitation clinics. Participants: Patients (N=28,815; women=69%; mean age [SD]=60 [18]) included in a large national dataset and assessed for dizziness-related conditions who responded to all DHI items at intake. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures: IRT model assumptions of unidimensionality, local item independence, item fit, and presence of differential item functioning (DIF) were evaluated. Generated scores were assessed for reliability, validity, and administration efficiency. Results: Patients were treated in 976 clinics from 49 US states for either vestibular-, brain injury-, or neck-related impairments. Three unidimensional item banks were calibrated, creating 3 distinct PROMs for Dizziness Functional Status (DFS, 13 items), Dizziness Positional Status (DPS, 4 items), and Dizziness Emotional Status (DES, 6 items). Two items did not fit into any domain. A DFS-CAT and a DFS 7-item SF were developed. Except for 2 items by age groups and 1 item by main impairment, no items were flagged for DIF; DIF impact was negligible. Median reliability estimates were 0.91, 0.72, and 0.79 for the DFS, DPS, and DES, respectively. Scores discriminated between patient groups in clinically logical ways and had a large effect size (>0.8), with acceptable floor and ceiling effects (<15%), except for a floor effect for DPS (20.4%). DFS-CAT scores were generated using a median of 8 items; they correlated highly with full-bank scores (r=0.99). Conclusion: The 3 dizziness impact PROMs demonstrated moderate to high reliability, were valid, and highly responsive to change; thus, they are suitable for research and routine clinical administration.

Additional cognitive behavior therapy for persistent postural-perceptual dizziness: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether additional Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) combined with conventional therapy improves outcomes for patients with Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD) compared with conventional therapy alone. METHODS: Two reviewers independently searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov for relevant Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) examining CBT for PPPD which were conducted and published in English from January 2002 to November 2022. RCTs reporting any indicators for assessing corresponding symptoms of PPPD were included, such as Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Two independent reviewers conducted extraction of relevant information and evaluation of risk of bias. The Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool version 1.0 was used to evaluate risks and assess the quality of the included studies, and Cochrane Review Manager 5.3 software (RevMan 5.3) was used to perform meta-analyses. RESULTS: The results of six RCTs indicated that combining additional CBT with conventional therapy significantly improved outcomes for PPPD patients compared with conventional therapy alone, especially in DHI-Total scores (Mean Difference [MD = -8.17], 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI: -10.26, -6.09], p < 0.00001), HAMA scores (MD = -2.76, 95% CI: [-3.57, -1.94], p < 0.00001), GAD-7 scores (MD = -2.50, 95% CI [-3.29, -1.70], p < 0.00001), and PHQ-9 scores (MD = -2.29, 95% CI [-3.04, -1.55], p < 0.00001). Subgroup analysis revealed a significant benefit of additional CBT compared with conventional therapies alone, including Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) (MD = -8.70, 95% CI: [-12.17, -5.22], p < 0.00001), Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) (with controlled SSRI: MD = -10.70, 95% CI: [-14.97, -6.43], p < 0.00001), and VRT combined with SSRI (MD = -6.08, 95% CI [-9.49, -2.67], p = 0.0005) in DHI-Total scores. CONCLUSION: Additional CBT combined with conventional therapy may provide additional improvement for patients with PPPD compared with conventional therapy alone. However, more RCTs are needed to support and guide the application of CBT in treating PPPD. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I; Systematic review of RCTs.

The Revised Suicide Crisis Inventory (SCI-2): Factor Structure, Internal Consistency, and Validity in a Brazilian Sample.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the factor structure, reliability, and validity of the Brazilian version of the Suicide Crisis Inventory (SCI-2) among Brazilian adults. METHODS: The SCI-2 was cross-culturally adapted into Portuguese and administered to 2,265 individuals in the Brazilian community. Confirmatory factor analyses, internal consistency, and convergent and criterion validity against the suicidal narrative, stressful life events, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts were examined. RESULTS: The revised one-factor model of the SCI-2 resulted in adequate, but not optimal, model fit (χ2[1539] = 31,442.79, p < .001, CFI = .99, TLI = .99, RMSEA = .09, SRMR = .05). The revised five-factor model, on the other hand, demonstrated good fit (χ2[1529] = 14,174.86, p < .001, CFI = 1.00, TLI = 1.00, RMSEA = .06, SRMR = .04). Comparison of these two models indicated that the five-factor exhibited a superior model fit to the one-factor model. The SCI-2 total and subscales showed strong internal consistency, good convergent, and criterion validity in relation to stressful life events, suicidal narrative (except goal disengagement subscale), suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that the Brazilian version of the SCI-2 is a valid tool for measuring symptoms of the Suicide Crisis Syndrome.

Validating the Enright Forgiveness Inventory in Ecuador.

Research on forgiveness is limited in Ecuador. This study validated the Enright Forgiveness Inventory-30 (EFI-30) among 960 participants in Ecuador, resulting in robust reliability and validity values. Our findings provide avenues for future research and practices.

A psychometric analysis of the Early Trauma Inventory-Short Form in Colombia: CTT and Rasch model.

BACKGROUND: Potential childhood traumatic experiences increase risk for mental and physical health disorders and their precise assessment can help to promote health prevention and promotion strategies for countries with limited data and measurement strategies like Colombia. OBJECTIVE: The goal of the present study is to strengthen evidence for the validity of scores from an adapted version of the Early Trauma Inventory self report-short form (ETI-SF) using Item Response Theory and by assessing factorial invariance across gender and education level. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: The study assessed a total of 1909 Colombian participants (66.16 % women, 32.16 % men, 1.68 % other gender; age range 18-72 years old). METHODS: Participants answered the ETI-SF via a web-based sampling strategy. RESULTS: The total scores of the scale showed good reliability coefficients (α = 0.81 and ω = 0.60). A specific analysis for the subscales showed good reliability for the emotional, physical, and sexual trauma subscales (αs and ωs >0.64), while general trauma showed lower than accepted reliability values (α =0.56 and ω = 0.37). Most of the individual items of the scale showed good calibration. The factorial invariance analysis suggests the possibility of some gender and educational differences. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirms particularly high rates of potential childhood traumatic experiences in Colombia and complement data for specific trauma types. Overall, the ETI-SF is confirmed as useful for Colombia, which highlights this scale as a good tool to use for public health assessment. Future research can continue the integration of diverse methods for estimating the quality of the scale.

Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Normocephalic Colombian Children with Antenatal Zika Virus Exposure at School Entry.

The long-term neurodevelopmental effects of antenatal Zika virus (ZIKV) exposure in children without congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) remain unclear, as few children have been examined to the age of school entry level. A total of 51 Colombian children with antenatal ZIKV exposure without CZS and 70 unexposed controls were evaluated at 4-5 years of age using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF), the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI-CAT), the Bracken School Readiness Assessment (BSRA), and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC). The mean ages at evaluation were 5.3 and 5.2 years for cases and controls, respectively. Elevated BRIEF scores in Shift and Emotional Control may suggest lower emotional regulation in cases. A greater number of cases were reported by parents to have behavior and mood problems. BSRA and PEDI-CAT activity scores were unexpectedly higher in cases, most likely related to the COVID-19 pandemic and a delayed school entry among the controls. Although PEDI-CAT mobility scores were lower in cases, there were no differences in motor scores on the MABC. Of 40 cases with neonatal neuroimaging, neurodevelopment in 17 with mild non-specific findings was no different from 23 cases with normal neuroimaging. Normocephalic children with ZIKV exposure have positive developmental trajectories at 4-5 years of age but differ from controls in measures of emotional regulation and adaptive mobility, necessitating continued follow-up.

Amphibians and reptiles of the Refúgio Biológico Bela Vista - Itaipu Dam, state of Paraná, southern Brazil / Anfíbios e répteis do Refúgio Biológico Bela Vista - hidrelétrica Itaipu, estado do Paraná, sul do Brasil

Abstract Information regarding species occurrence is fundamental to understanding biodiversity distribution. However, the biodiversity from the west of the state of Paraná has been historically less studied, especially amphibians and reptiles. For this reason, we present the first reptile list of species from the west of the state of Paraná and extend the current list of anurans for the municipality of Foz do Iguaçu. The species list was based on a systematic field study conducted at Refúgio Biológico Bela Vista (RBV) a conservation area within the Hydroelectric Power Itaipu Binacional. We integrated the species list with previous species observations available in the literature for the same place where our sampling was conducted. A total of 41 species of amphibians and reptiles are presented. All amphibians species found were recorded in the field; however, from the 22 species of reptiles recorded, three were historical records obtained before this study. Species were all classified as Least Concern and/or had stable populational status according to the IUCN. Sampling sufficiency was achieved for anurans but not for reptiles, probably due to low abundance of several snake species. The most abundant species of anuran was Dendropsophus nanus, from the Hylidae family, whereas Leptodactylus plaumanni and Scinax squalirostris were represented by only one individual each. The lizard Salvator merianae was the most abundant reptile, and seven species were represented by only one individual each. The most successful sampling method for adult anurans was active search in water bodies whereas most of reptile species were observed by accidental encounters and not through a systematic sampling method. We found that herpetofauna composition from RBV was similar to other communities from Paraná state that also occur within the Semideciduous Seasonal Forest. Finally, as additional information to the species list, we offer species identification keys and discuss the importance of Refúgio Biológico Bela Vista to harbor the anuran and reptile diversity of the region.

Resumo Informações sobre a ocorrência de espécies são fundamentais para a compreensão da distribuição da biodiversidade. Porém, a biodiversidade do oeste do Estado do Paraná tem sido historicamente menos estudada, especialmente a de anfíbios e répteis. Por esse motivo, apresentamos a primeira lista de espécies de répteis do oeste do Estado do Paraná e ampliamos a lista atual de anuros para o município de Foz do Iguaçu. A lista de espécies foi baseada em um estudo sistemático de campo realizado em uma área de conservação dentro da Usina Hidrelétrica Itaipu Binacional. Integramos a lista de espécies com observações de espécies anteriores disponíveis na literatura para o mesmo local onde nossa amostragem foi realizada. Um total de 41 espécies são apresentadas. Todas as espécies de anuros encontradas foram registradas em campo; entretanto, das 22 espécies de répteis registradas, três foram registros obtidos antes deste estudo. Todas as espécies foram classificadas como "Pouco Preocupante" e/ou tinham status de "População Estável" de acordo com a IUCN. A suficiência amostral foi alcançada para anuros, mas não para répteis, provavelmente devido à baixa abundância de diversas espécies de serpentes. A espécie de anuro mais abundante foi Dendropsophus nanus, da família Hylidae, enquanto Leptodactylus plaumanni e Scinax squalirostris foram representados por apenas um indivíduo cada. O lagarto Salvator merianae foi o réptil mais abundante, e sete espécies foram representadas por um indivíduo cada. O método de amostragem mais bem sucedido para anuros adultos foi a busca ativa em corpos d'água, enquanto a maioria das espécies de répteis foi observada por encontros acidentais e não através de um método de amostragem sistematizado. Descobrimos que a composição da herpetofauna do Refúgio Biológico Bela Vista foi semelhante à de outras comunidades do estado do Paraná que também ocorrem dentro da Floresta Estacional Semidecidual. Por fim, como informações adicionais à lista de espécies, oferecemos chaves de identificação das espécies e discutimos sobre a importância da área de Itaipu para abrigar a diversidade de anuros e répteis da região.

Preliminary checklist of dragonflies (Insecta: Odonata) of the Santa Catarina State, Brazil / Checklist preliminar de libélulas (Insecta: Odonata) do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil

Abstract In this study, we provide a checklist of the species of Odonata (Insecta) from the state of Santa Catarina (southern Brazil), along with their location records in the municipalities across the state (whenever possible). We compiled 147 species from 60 genera and nine families, making Santa Catarina the second state with the most Odonata species recorded in southern Brazil. The families with the highest number of species were Libellulidae (54 species from 18 genera), followed by Coenagrionidae (36 species from 17 genera), Gomphidae (20 species from ten genera) and Aeshnidae (15 species from eight genera). Several regions of Santa Catarina are unexplored (mostly the westernmost and central regions of the state), whereas the knowledge in the southern coast and the subtropical highland grasslands remains restricted to sparse occurrence records. Moreover, the distribution records in the state show an enormous historical track associated with the establishment of late entomologists in the region. Our study highlights the role of Atlantic Forest biome in maintaining high levels of diversity of Odonata species richness in Brazil and also shows that many areas in subtropical forests in Brazil are not adequately sampled.

Resumo Neste estudo, fornecemos um checklist das espécies de Odonata (Insecta) do estado de Santa Catarina (sul do Brasil), juntamente com seus registros de localização nos municípios do estado (quando disponíveis na literatura). Compilamos 147 espécies distribuídas em 60 gêneros e nove famílias, tornando Santa Catarina o segundo estado com mais espécies de Odonata registradas na região Sul do Brasil. As famílias com maior número de espécies foram Libellulidae (54 espécies distribuídas em 18 gêneros), seguida por Coenagrionidae (36 espécies distribuídas em 17 gêneros), Gomphidae (20 espécies distribuídas em dez gêneros) e Aeshnidae (15 espécies distribuídas em oito gêneros). Diversas regiões de Santa Catarina seguem inexploradas (principalmente as regiões centrais e do extremo oeste do estado), enquanto conhecimento no litoral sul e campos de altitude subtropicais permanecem restritos a registros pontuais de ocorrência. Além disso, os registros de distribuição no estado mostram um enorme legado histórico associado à fixação de entomologistas tradicionalmente lotados na região. Nosso estudo destaca o papel do bioma Mata Atlântica na manutenção de altos níveis de diversidade da riqueza de espécies de Odonata no Brasil e também mostra que muitas áreas de florestas subtropicais no Brasil não são amostradas adequadamente.

Checklist of Odonata species from Serra of Itabaiana National Park, and an update and new records for the state of Sergipe, Brazil / Checklist das espécies de Odonata do Parque Nacional da Serra de Itabaiana, e uma atualização e novos registros para o estado de Sergipe, Brasil

Abstract Understanding species diversity and distribution cannot be overstated in the development of effective management and biological conservation strategies. Our goal was to address the knowledge gap regarding dragonfly diversity in the northeastern Atlantic Forest, specifically in the Serra of Itabaiana National Park in the state of Sergipe, Brazil. During our study, we recorded 40 species and 969 Odonata individuals across six families and 25 genera. This study contributes 27 new occurrence records of Odonata species in Sergipe, Brazil, highlighting the significance of preserving and protecting the habitats of this region. Our findings provide valuable information on the distribution of dragonfly species in the state of Sergipe and the Northeast region.

Resumo A compreensão da diversidade e distribuição das espécies é fundamental para o desenvolvimento de estratégias efetivas de manejo e conservação biológica. Nosso objetivo foi abordar a lacuna de conhecimento sobre a diversidade de libélulas na Mata Atlântica nordestina, especificamente na Serra do Parque Nacional de Itabaiana, no estado de Sergipe, Brasil. Durante nosso estudo, registramos 40 espécies e 969 indivíduos de Odonata em seis famílias e 25 gêneros. Este estudo contribui com 27 novos registros de ocorrência de espécies de Odonata em Sergipe, Brasil, destacando a importância de preservar e proteger os habitats desta região. Nossos resultados fornecem informações valiosas sobre a distribuição das espécies de libélulas no estado de Sergipe e na região Nordeste.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Persian Version of the M. D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory

Abstract Introduction Dysphagia is a common issue in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) and is known to negatively impact their quality of life. To evaluate the impact of dysphagia on the quality of life of HNC patients, the M. D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) questionnaire was developed. Objective The present study aimed to culturally adapt and validate the MDADI for Persian-speaking individuals. The MDADI is a self-administered questionnaire designed to assess the impact of dysphagia on the quality of life of HNC patients. Methods The original MDADI questionnaire was translated into Persian using the forward-backward method, following the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) for cultural adaptation. The content validity of the Persian version, MDADI-P, was assessed by 10 speech-language pathologists using the content validity index (CVI). Seventy-five HNC patients completed the MDADI-P to evaluate its convergent validity, which was determined by comparing the results with the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were assessed using Cronbach α coefficient and intraclass correlation (ICC), respectively. Results The scale content validity index (S-CVI) for the MDADI-P was 0.90, indicating good content validity. The MDADI-P demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach α coefficient = 0.728) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.91). The total MDADI-P score exhibited a significant correlation with the physical and mental components of the SF-36 (0.456 and 0.349, respectively, p < 0.05). Conclusion The findings of the present study confirm the suitability of the MDADI-P in terms of content validity, construct validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability.

Biodiversity of macroalgae-associated invertebrates in the marine protected area of Alcatrazes archipelago, southeastern Brazil / Biodiversidade de invertebrados associados a macroalgas na área marinha protegida do Arquipélago de Alcatrazes, sudeste do Brasil

Abstract This study describes and illustrates the biodiversity of macroinvertebrates associated to Sargassum and Dictyota seaweed habitats in the Alcatrazes archipelago, the largest Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the state of São Paulo, southeast Brazil. Assemblages were sampled during the summers of 2018, 2019 and 2020 and winter of 2018 at two sites on the main island. Macroalgae containing the associated fauna were collected at approximately 10 meters deep, with six samples at each site and in each sampling campaign. Sargassum fronds prevailed during summer collections, whilst were absent in the winter campaigns, when Dictyota was the most frequent seaweed. Among invertebrates, 32 species were exclusively found on summer months, associated to Sargassum beds, while 12 species were only registered on winter collection, in association with Dictyota. In total, 91 species were identified, belonging to 60 families, 19 orders, 7 classes and 3 phyla, including Arthropoda (Malacostraca and Pycnogonida), Mollusca (Gastropoda, Bivalvia and Polyplacophora), and Echinodermata (Ophiuroidea and Echinoidea). Among the 91 species found, 73 species are new records for the Alcatrazes archipelago marine area, thus revealing the expressive invertebrate biodiversity living in association with macroalgae beds in that area, which has still been little explored. No significant difference in species diversity was found between the two sites of Alcatrazes. In addition, few specimens of two invasive species were found: Perna perna (Mollusca: Bivalvia) and Ophiothela mirabilis (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea), which underscores the importance of monitoring different habitats within MPAs to check for possible changes in the fauna over the years. As far as our knowledge, this is the first illustrated inventory of the seaweed-associated macroinvertebrate fauna within the Alcatrazes Archipelago, one of the largest MPAs in the Brazilian coast; besides unravelling its notorious biodiversity, this can act as a reference for future monitoring of local coastal diversity.

Resumo Este estudo descreve e ilustra a biodiversidade de macroinvertebrados associados a habitats de macroalgas pardas marinhas dos gêneros Sargassum e Dictyota no Arquipélago de Alcatrazes, a maior Área Marinha Protegida (AMP) do estado de São Paulo, sudeste do Brasil. As assembleias foram amostradas durante os verões de 2018, 2019 e 2020 e no inverno de 2018 em dois locais na ilha principal. As macroalgas contendo a fauna associada foram coletadas a aproximadamente 10 metros de profundidade, com seis amostras em cada local e em cada campanha amostral. Frondes de Sargassum predominaram nas coletas de verão, enquanto estiveram ausentes nas campanhas de inverno, quando Dictyota foram predominantes. Entre os invertebrados, 32 espécies foram encontradas exclusivamente nos meses de verão, associadas aos bancos de Sargassum, enquanto 12 espécies foram registradas apenas na coleta de inverno, em associação com Dictyota. No total, foram identificadas 91 espécies, pertencentes a 60 famílias, 19 ordens, 7 classes e 3 filos, incluindo Arthropoda (Malacostraca e Pycnogonida), Mollusca (Gastropoda, Bivalvia e Polyplacophora) e Echinodermata (Ophiuroidea e Echinoidea). Das 91 espécies encontradas, 73 espécies são novos registos para a área marinha do arquipélago de Alcatrazes, revelando assim a expressiva biodiversidade de invertebrados que vivem em associação com bancos de macroalgas naquela área ainda pouco explorada. Nenhuma diferença significativa de diversidade de espécies foi encontrada entre os dois locais de Alcatrazes. Além disso, foram encontrados poucos exemplares de duas espécies invasoras: Perna perna (Mollusca: Bivalvia) e Ophiothela mirabilis (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea), o que ressalta a importância do monitoramento de diferentes habitats dentro das AMPs para verificar possíveis alterações na fauna ao longo dos anos. Até onde sabemos, este é o primeiro inventário ilustrado da fauna de macroinvertebrados associados a algas marinhas no Arquipélago de Alcatrazes, uma das maiores AMPs da costa brasileira; além de desvendar a sua notória biodiversidade, pode servir de referência para futuro monitoramento da diversidade costeira local.