Biological properties and potential of compounds extracted from red seaweeds.

Macroalgae have been recently used for different applications in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry since they do not compete for land and freshwater against other resources. Moreover, they have been highlighted as a potential source of bioactive compounds. Red algae (Rhodophyta) are the largest group of seaweeds, including around 6000 different species, thus it can be hypothesized that they are a potential source of bioactive compounds. Sulfated polysaccharides, mainly agar and carrageenans, are the most relevant and exploited compounds of red algae. Other potential molecules are essential fatty acids, phycobiliproteins, vitamins, minerals, and other secondary metabolites. All these compounds have been demonstrated to exert several biological activities, among which antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antimicrobial properties can be highlighted. Nevertheless, these properties need to be further tested on in vivo experiments and go in-depth in the study of the mechanism of action of the specific molecules and the understanding of the structure-activity relation. At last, the extraction technologies are essential for the correct isolation of the molecules, in a cost-effective way, to facilitate the scale-up of the processes and their further application by the industry. This manuscript is aimed at describing the fundamental composition of red algae and their most studied biological properties to pave the way to the utilization of this underused resource.

Non-lactose-fermenting uropathogenic Escherichia coli from dogs: virulence profile characterization.

Non-lactose-fermenting Escherichia coli (NLFEC) has a few descriptive studies restricted to human infections. In the present study, isolates of NLFEC obtained from urine samples of dogs with hyperadrenocorticism were characterized regarding their virulence ability, biofilm formation capacity and antimicrobial susceptibility profile. Escherichia coli lactose-fermenting strains from urinary infection in dogs with the same conditions were analysed to provide comparisons. The non-lactose-fermenting E. coli strains were classified as belonging to clade I E. coli, whereas the lactose-fermenting strains were classified in phylogroup B2. All strains presented virulence markers to adhesion, iron acquisition, toxins, colicin and cytotoxin production, and biofilm regulation. Components of the extracellular matrix in addition to the in vitro biofilm formation ability were observed in the strains. Multidrug resistance (MDR) profiles were observed by in vitro susceptibility tests to all NLFEC strains. In summary, non-lactose-fermenting uropathogenic E. coli from dogs behaves similar to lactose-fermenting E. coli, exhibiting MDR profile, and pathogenic potential of promote animal infections.

Evaluation of the biological properties of two experimental calcium silicate sealers: an in vivo study in rats.

AIM: To evaluate the biological properties of experimental sealers based on tricalcium silicate and dicalcium silicate, manipulated with polyethylene glycol (CE-1) and with the addition of calcium hypochlorite (CE-2) compared to AH Plus (AHP) and TotalFill BC Sealer (TBC). METHODOLOGY: The tissue reaction caused by the materials in the subcutaneous tissue of rats was evaluated after implantation of polyethylene tubes filled with the materials at 7, 15, 30 and 60 days. Sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin (HE) for morphological analysis and to evaluated number of inflammatory cells/mm2 (ICs). Sections were used for immunohistochemical detection of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and osteocalcin (OC). The von Kossa method was used to identify calcium precipitation in the capsules. The data were submitted to anova and Tukey's tests, with 5% significance level. RESULTS: At 7 days, CE-1, CE-2 and AHP had higher numbers of ICs. AHP presented higher immunolabelling for IL-6. After 15 days, regarding IL-6, there was no difference between CE-2 and the control group. At 30 days, AHP exhibited the highest number of IC (P < 0.05) and CE-2 and the control group presented the lowest ICs and IL-6-positive cells. After 60 days, all materials exhibited decreases in ICs. CE-2, TBC and the control had the lowest values (P < 0.05). No significant difference was detected between CE-1 and TBC, and between CE-2 and control considering the immunoexpression of IL-6. In this period, AHP had the greatest number of IC and IL-6 (P < 0.05). In all periods, CE-1, CE-2 and TBC sealers had von Kossa-positive structures and OC-immunolabelled cells. CE-2 had higher number of OC-positive cells than the CE-1 and TBC sealers (P < 0.05), in all periods. OC immunolabelling was not observed in the capsules of AH Plus and the control groups. CONCLUSIONS: The experimental sealer and its association with calcium hypochlorite, in addition to TotalFill BC Sealer, were biocompatible and had bioactive potential.

Risk factors for developmental defects of enamel in children from southeastern Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Developmental Defects of Enamel (DDEs) comprise qualitative and/or quantitative changes to the enamel during amelogenesis. The aetiology of DDE remains inconclusive. AIM: To determine the association of pre, peri, and postnatal factors with the presence of DDE. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study with 353 children (8 to 11 years-old) in a Brazilian town. METHODS: One calibrated dentist assessed DDE using the Developmental Defects of Enamel Index and a questionnaire collected medical and sociodemographic data. MAIN OUTCOMES: Children with at least one type of DDE were categorized into the DDE group. Subtypes of DDE were also recorded. RESULTS: 63.1% of children had at least one type of DDE. Diffuse opacity was present in 36.7%, demarcated opacity in 14.8%, and hypoplasia in 5.83% of the children. In multivariate analysis, demarcated opacities and hypoplasia were associated with birth weight ⟨ 2500g (OR = 4.82; 95% CI 1.23-1.95). CONCLUSION: Low birth weight predicted DDE.

An observational retrospective study of odontogenic cyst´s and tumours over an 18-year period in a Portuguese population according to the new WHO Head and Neck Tumour classification.

BACKGROUND: Odontogenic cysts and tumours of the jaws represent one of the most prevalent groups of oral-maxillofacial lesions. We aimed to evaluate the clinical and pathological characteristics of a cohort of odontogenic cysts (OC) and odontogenic tumours (OT) of the jaws in a Portuguese population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This observational retrospective study analysed patients diagnosed with either an OC or OT of the jaws at a central hospital of Oporto, Portugal, between 1988 and 2006. Data collected from patients' files included demographic, clinical, radiological and histopathological information. Recurrence was evaluated using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 397 patients, 231 males (58.2%) and 166 females (41.8%), with a mean-age of 36.7±17 years. Twenty-seven patients (6.8%) presented with more than one lesion providing a total of 433 lesions. There were 396 (91.5%) OC, mostly represented by radicular cysts (n=257;59.4%), dentigerous cysts (n=79;18.2%), or odontogenic keratocysts (n=50;11.5%). There were 37 (8.5%) OT, mostly represented by ameloblastomas (n=16;3.7%), and odontomas (n=9;2.1%). The most common initial clinical manifestation was swelling (n=224;51.7%). Recurrence was observed in 30 cases (6.9%), mostly in ameloblastomas (n=6;37.5%) and odontogenic keratocysts (n=12;24%). In the multivariate analysis the diagnosis classification of the lesion was the only independent and significant variable related with the recurrence (P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Radicular cysts were the most commonly occurring type of OC and ameloblastomas the most commonly occurring OT. Amelobastomas and odontogenic keratocysts were the lesions with the highest rates of recurrence. This large sample provides useful information about the frequency profile and characteristics of OC and OT over a period of 18 years, allowing valuable comparison with data from other countries.

Expression of spindle assembly checkpoint proteins BubR1 and Mad2 expression as potential biomarkers of malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia: an observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The Spindle Assembly Checkpoint (SAC) is a surveillance mechanism essential to ensure the accuracy of chromosome segregation during mitosis. Our aim was to evaluate the expression of SAC proteins in oral carcinogenesis, and to assess their potential in predicting malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analysed the immunoexpression of BubR1, Mad2, Bub3, and Spindly proteins in 64 oral biopsies from 52 oral leukoplakias and 12 normal tissues. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to evaluate predictive factors for malignant transformation (MT). RESULTS: We observed that BubR1 and Mad2 were more highly expressed in high dysplasia grade lesions than in low grade or normal tissues (P<0.05). High expression of Spindly was significantly correlated with a high Ki-67 score (P=0.004). Six (11.5%) oral leukoplakias underwent malignant transformation. In univariate analysis, the binary dysplasia grade (high grade) (P<0.001) was associated with a higher risk of malignant transformation as well as high BubR1 (P<0.001) and high Mad2 (P=0.013) expression. In multivariate analysis, high expression of BubR1 and Mad2 when combined showed an increased risk for malignant transformation (P=0.013; HR of 4.6, 95% CI of 1.4-15.1). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal that BubR1 and Mad2 were associated with an increased risk for malignant transformation independently of histological grade and could be potential and useful predictive risk markers of malignant transformation in oral leukoplakias.

Atopic Dermatitis Host and Environment Model: Revisiting Therapeutic Options.

Summary: Atopic Dermatitis affects both children and adults and is a serious health concern in many countries. AD is a complex disease with host and environmental factors underlying its pathology. Its treatment is multidimensional reflecting the diverse nature of its triggers and includes emollients, topical steroids and calcineurin inhibitors among others. Immunological dysfunction can be addressed broadly with systemic immunosupressors and specifically with monoclonal antibodies. Dupilumab, which targets IL-4 and IL-13 was granted approval for treatment of moderate-to-severe AD. Biologics targeting IgE/Th2 pathways may have its role in patients with overlapping AD and asthma. Psychological distress can exacerbate symptoms and is associated with increased severity of AD. Environmental triggers, such as, allergens can be addressed in selected cases with allergic immunotherapy. In this paper, we discuss AD treatment and propose a new step-by-step approach aiming at maintaining disease control and improving quality of life.

Nursing diagnoses: what about NANDA-I syndromes?

AIM: The aim of this paper is to propose a label structure for nursing diagnosis syndromes from NANDA-I. BACKGROUND: Worldwide changes and human needs seem to get more complex, offering challenging opportunities for nursing care and to nursing knowledge. Nursing classifications represent nursing knowledge and are critical in guiding clinical practice and patient-centred care. SOURCES OF EVIDENCE: This discussion paper is based on the analysis of NANDA-I Taxonomy II and related literature. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: A total of 13 diagnoses comprise the term 'syndrome'; however, the labels are not consistent with the multiaxial system within the NANDA-I model of a nursing diagnosis. Syndromes require a more specific approach and definition when compared to other type of nursing diagnoses. A new format for describing the label is provided and would be useful in improving current syndromes and in reflecting a more individualized and patient-centred nursing care. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING POLICY AND PRACTICE: The proposal provided in this paper could raise the quality of nurses' assessment, increase accuracy of NANDA-I nursing diagnoses, promote nurses' clinical reasoning and the adequacy of care. Ultimately, changes should be not only perceived in nurses´ practice but also in nursing education as curricula should promote a critical thinking. Nurse leaders and policymakers could additionally use this in the development of advanced programmes and protocols that could manage and monitorize implementation of advanced care.

Atypical Motor Neuron Disease variants: Still a diagnostic challenge in Neurology.

Motor neuron disease (MND) represents a wide and heterogeneous expanding group of disorders involving the upper or lower motor neurons, mainly represented by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), primary lateral sclerosis, progressive muscular atrophy and progressive bulbar palsy. Primary motor neuronopathies are characterized by progressive degenerative loss of anterior horn cell motoneurons (lower motor neurons) or loss of giant pyramidal Betz cells (upper motor neurons). Despite its well-known natural history, pathophysiological and clinical characteristics for the most common MND, atypical clinical presentation and neurodegenerative mechanisms are commonly observed in rare clinical entities, so-called atypical variants of MND-ALS, including flail-leg syndrome, flail-arm syndrome, facial-onset sensory and motor neuronopathy (FOSMN), finger extension weakness and downbeat nystagmus (FEWDON-MND) and long-lasting and juvenile MND-ALS. Herein, we provide a review article presenting clinical, genetic, pathophysiological and neuroimaging findings of atypical variants of MND-ALS in clinical practice.

Anti-Ascaris suum immunoglobulin Y as a novel biotechnological tool for the diagnosis of human ascariasis.

Human ascariasis is a neglected tropical disease of great relevance to public health and is considered the most frequent helminthiasis in poor regions. Accurately diagnosing this parasite has been challenging due to limitations of current diagnostic methods. Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) technology is a very effective alternative for the production of highly specific and profitable antibodies. This study aimed to produce and apply anti-Ascaris suum IgY antibodies in the immunodiagnosis of human ascariasis. Five immunizations comprising total saline extract from A. suum adult life forms were given at 14-day intervals to Gallus gallus domesticus hens of the Isa Brown line. Eggs and blood samples were collected weekly and fortnightly, respectively, to monitor the production of antibodies. The specificity of antibodies was confirmed by dot-blot, kinetic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), avidity ELISA, immunoblotting and indirect immunofluorescence antibody tests. The application for disease diagnosis was performed through the detection of immune complexes in human serum samples by sandwich ELISA. Peaks of IgY anti-A. suum production occurred at weeks 6 and 8. IgY showed high avidity levels after the second dose of immunization, ranging from 64% to 93%, with a mean avidity index of 78.30%. Purified IgY recognized 12 bands of proteins from A. suum saline extract. Eggs, the uterine portion and cuticles of A. suum female adult are reactive in immunofluorescence. The detection of immune complexes showed diagnostic values of 80% sensitivity and 90% specificity. In conclusion, specific IgY have been shown to be a potential immunodiagnostic tool with promising future applications in human ascariasis.

Poverty eradication and food security through agriculture in Africa: Rethinking objectives and entry points.

Agriculture in Africa is expected to meet the dual objectives of providing food and helping people to escape poverty. African agriculture is dominated by smallholdings and donors generally target their agricultural support at the smallholder sector. The expectation is that if the gap between actual and potential yields can be closed, smallholders will grow sufficient crops to feed their families, with a surplus to sell, thus meeting food security needs and bringing in an income to move them out of poverty. In practice, this is often not possible. While technologies already exist that can raise smallholder farmers' yields 3 or 4 times, even under rainfed conditions, the small size of land available to them limits how much can be grown and the per capita income from agriculture is insufficient to allow people to move above the current World Bank-defined poverty line of US$1.90 per day. We link this finding with farmer typologies to further explain that there are large differences between individual farming households themselves in terms of their investment incentives and capability to benefit from field-level technologies that are aimed at increasing farm productivity. We argue for more differentiated policies for agricultural development in Africa and suggest that policymakers should be much more aware of the heterogeneity of farms and target interventions accordingly. It is important to understand where and for whom agriculture will have the main purpose of ensuring food and nutritional security and where and for whom there is the potential for significant increases in incomes and a contribution to wider economic growth. Let us recognize the distinctiveness of these targets and underlying target groups and work towards solutions that address the underlying needs.

Terminal 13p deletion in squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) with differentiated phenotype.

BACKGROUND: The taxonomic classification of squirrel monkeys is often controversial issue offering many different information. The classification of captive animals is difficult due to the phenotypic similarities between the presented species, which is observed mainly in coat coloration. METHODS: The objective of this study was to analyze the chromosome pattern of one squirrel monkey with off standard physical characteristics, which is kept in the Laboratory Animals Breeding Center in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, and try to establish some correlations. Chromosomes were obtained using lymphocyte culture technique. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of G bands showed a terminal deletion in one chromosome of pair 13. The association of the results found with the different phenotypic characteristics led us to classify it as a Saimiri sciureus specimen with a structural chromosomal change, possibly allowing the expression of hemizygous alleles.

Food intake and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in adolescents.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Diet comprises factors with anti and pro-inflammatory potential that can contribute to modulate obesity-induced inflammation. We aimed to assess the association between food intake and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels in adolescents. METHODS AND RESULTS: A cross-sectional analysis of 991 adolescents aged 13 years old was conducted as part of the EPITeen cohort, Porto, Portugal. Food intake was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire and thirteen food groups were defined. Anthropometric assessment was performed and serum hsCRP was measured in a fasting blood sample. hsCRP concentrations above the 75th percentile were considered high. Logistic regression was fitted to estimate the association between the intake frequency of the food groups and hsCRP, stratified by BMI and adjusted for sex, parental education and total energy intake. Median (25-75th percentiles) hsCRP concentrations increased with increasing values of BMI [normal weight: 0.20 (0.10-0.50); overweight: 0.40 (0.20-0.80); obese: 1.10 (0.40-2.15) mg/l, p < 0.001]. After adjustment for sex, parental education and total energy intake, no statistically significant associations were found amongst normal weight and overweight participants. However, among obese individuals, having as reference the first frequency category (<1 per day), a higher frequency of vegetables/legumes intake showed a decreased odds of high hsCRP levels (OR: 0.10, 95%CI 0.03-0.38, 1-3 per day; and OR: 0.14, 95%CI 0.04-0.52, >3 per day). CONCLUSION: Among participants with obesity-induced higher hsCRP levels, a higher frequency of vegetable/legume intake was inversely related to hsCRP.

Protein intake and dietary glycemic load of 4-year-olds and association with adiposity and serum insulin at 7 years of age: sex-nutrient and nutrient-nutrient interactions.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The role of Protein Intake (PI) at preschool age on later adiposity is understudied, and prospective studies also examining Dietary Glycemic Load (GL) are lacking. The current study evaluated the association of PI and GL at 4 years with adiposity and Fasting Serum Insulin (FSI) 3 years later, and examined the possible interaction between PI and GL on these associations, by sex. DESIGN: This prospective study included 1999 singleton children enrolled in the population-based birth cohort, Generation XXI (Porto, Portugal, 2005-2006). Diet at 4 years was assessed by 3-days food diaries. Energy-adjusted PI and GL (g per day) were converted into sex-specific tertiles (T). At 7 years, Body Mass Index (BMI) z-scores were defined according to the World Health Organization. Sample's sex-specific z-scores were computed for Fat Mass Index (FMI), Waist-to-Height ratio (W/Ht) and FSI. Associations were estimated by linear regression coefficients (ß) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS: After adjustment for confounders, PI was positively associated with BMI in girls (T2 vs T1: ß=0.187; 95% CI: 0.015, 0.359) and boys (T3 vs T1: ß=0.205; 95% CI: 0.003, 0.406), being associated with FSI only in boys (T3 vs T1: ß=0.207; 95% CI: 0.011, 0.404; P-interaction=0.026). Also, GL was associated with BMI only in boys (T3 vs T1: ß=0.362; 95% CI: 0.031, 0.693; P-interaction=0.006), in whom significant interactions between PI and GL were found on the association with FMI (P=0.019) and W/Ht (P=0.039). Boys within the third T of both PI and GL at 4 years had higher FMI (ß=0.505; 95% CI: 0.085, 0.925) and W/Ht (ß=0.428; 95% CI: 0.022, 0.834) at 7 years. CONCLUSIONS: In both girls and boys, PI at preschool age is positively associated with later BMI, being positively associated with FSI only in boys. Dietary GL is associated with adiposity only in boys, in whom it seems to interact with PI enhancing increased adiposity.

EPI-peptide designer: a tool for designing peptide ligand libraries based on epitope-paratope interactions.

MOTIVATION: Antibodies are an important class of biological drugs, but with limitations, such as inadequate pharmacokinetics, adverse immunogenicity and high production costs. Synthetic peptides for the desired target represent an important alternative to antibodies. However, no computational tool exists to guide the design of these peptides. RESULTS: To identify the interacting residues in a given antibody-antigen (Ab-Ag) interface we used Interface Interacting Residue (I2R), a selection method based on computed molecular interactions. The aggregation of all the molecular interactions between epitope and paratope residues allowed us to transform the 3D Ab-Ag complex structures into interface graphs. Based on these data and the probability of molecular interaction we developed EPI-Peptide Designer tool that uses predicted paratope residues for an epitope of interest to generate targeted peptide ligand libraries. EPI-Peptide Designer successfully predicted 301 peptides able to bind to LiD1 target protein (65% of the experimentally tested peptides), an enrichment of 22% compared to randomly generated peptides. This tool should enable the development of a new generation of synthetic interacting peptides that could be very useful in the biosensor, diagnostic and therapeutic fields. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: All software developed in this work are available at http://www.biocomp.icb.ufmg.br/biocomp/ CONTACT: liza@icb.ufmg.br SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Spontaneous telangiectatic osteosarcoma in a rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta).

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common type of bone cancer, especially in young. Telangiectatic osteosarcoma (TO) is a rare variant of OS, and hence, its occurrence, presentation, and prognosis are poorly understood. A 4-year-old female rhesus monkey presenting lameness and swelling was examined for a mass on the right humerus. Radiography revealed fracture and disorganized structure of bone tissue. Histopathological examination revealed malignant neoplasm composed of anaplastic osteoblasts, which invaded the bone marrow and surrounded blood-filled cysts in the epiphysis and diaphysis forming septa. Cytogenetic analysis showed aneuploid cells, supernumerary AgNORs, and a marker fragment. The neoplasm was diagnosed as TO. To our knowledge, the occurrence of TO and its cytogenetic analysis were reported for the first time in non-human primates.

Tolerance to winemaking stress conditions of Patagonian strains of Saccharomyces eubayanus and Saccharomyces uvarum.

AIMS: Evaluating the winemaking stress tolerance of a set of both Saccharomyces eubayanus and Saccharomyces uvarum strains from diverse Patagonian habitats. METHODS AND RESULTS: Yeast strains growth was analysed under increasing ethanol concentrations; all of them were able to grow until 8% v/v ethanol. The effect of different temperature and pH conditions as well as at SO2 and hexose concentrations was evaluated by means of a central composite experimental design. Only two S. uvarum strains (NPCC 1289 and 1321) were able to grow in most stress conditions. Kinetic parameters analysed (µmax and λ) were statistically affected by temperature, pH and SO2 , but not influenced by sugar concentration. The obtained growth model was used for predicting optimal growth conditions for both strains: 20°C, 0% w/v SO2 and pH 4·5. CONCLUSIONS: Strains from human-associated environments (chichas) presented the highest diversity in the response to different stress factors. Two S. uvarum strains from chichas demonstrated to be the most tolerant to winemaking conditions. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This work evidenced the potential use of two S. uvarum yeast strains as starter cultures in wines fermented at low temperatures. Saccharomyces eubayanus was significantly affected by winemaking stress conditions, limiting its use in this industry.

Morphological, cytogenetic, and molecular characterization of Arachis kuhlmannii Krapov. & W.C. Greg. (Leguminosae).

Arachis kuhlmannii occurs in Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul States, Brazil. Its area of occurrence partially overlaps with that of other species in the Arachis section. Because of their morphological similarities, these species are often mistaken one for another. This study aimed the correct classification of available accessions as Arachis kuhlmannii, or other species, and the characterization of similarities among accessions and Arachis hypogaea by morphological, cytogenetic, and molecular marker analyses. Thirty-eight accessions were used. Principal component analysis was used for morphological characterization, root tips for mitotic metaphase analysis, and RAPD markers for molecular characterization. Cluster analysis discriminated accessions with the A genome from the B genome. Cluster analysis based on molecular markers discriminated natural populations in a manner that correlated with geographical areas of the collection. Arachis cardenasii and A. hypogaea were isolated from other A-genome accessions. Cytogenetic analyses confirmed the existence of diagnostic characteristics that distinguish species with the A genome from those with the B genome. Results suggest the need for a taxonomic review of some species in the Arachis section, as we could not discriminate as distinct species all of the accessions identified as A. kuhlmannii, A. helodes, and A. simpsonii by using morphological, molecular, and cytogenetic markers.

Structure and diversity of fishes in a freshwater and coastal subtropical lagoon.

This study examined the fish communities of Peri Lagoon in southern Brazil to aid in the development of an effective management plan because the area is under threat from human activities. Sampling of fish fauna, ichthyoplankton and limnological data were compared between sites, differing by habitat type and characteristics such as depth, substratum composition and vegetation type. Results were significantly related to site, with the highest diversity and abundance recorded at shallow vegetated sites. A total of 14 fish species were recorded throughout the lagoon, with the most abundant being Hyphessobrycon luetkenii. Of the 14 species, half were sampled at their larval stage, suggesting a healthy and protected system. Significantly more larvae and eggs were collected during colder months (autumn to winter) and at sites closer to stream flow, possibly owing to increased food sources and habitat protection. This study highlights the importance of Peri Lagoon as a nursery ground for a wide range of fish species, providing essential information for incorporation into the future protection of fish stocks throughout Brazil.