Seasonality and assemblages of non-passeriform waterbirds in várzea lakes on the lower Amazonas River, Santarém, Pará, Brazil.

Amazonian várzeas are annually flooded for at least five months, which influences the occurence of waterbirds. This study investigates the species richness and composition, and individual abundance of waterbird assemblages in 10 várzea lakes on the lower Amazon River across a seasonal cycle. A total of 7,970 birds belonging to 52 species were recorded. Of these, 25 species were present in all four phases of the cycle, 5 in three phases, 10 in two and 12 during just one phase. Families with the highest species richness were Ardeidae and Scolopacidae. In the dry season, we recorded the highest species richness and the highest total abundance values. Thirteen species showed variation in abundance across the seasonal cycle, most being more abundant in the dry season Variation in species richness, abundance, and composition suggests that research on waterbird assemblages in Amazonian várzeas should consider all phases of the seasonal cycle. Furthermore, the occurrence of several migratory species demonstrates the importance of this region for the conservation of this group. Multi-year monitoring would contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics of Amazonian várzea waterbird assemblages.

Intramedullary spinal cord metastasis of clear cell renal carcinoma in a Von Hippel-Lindau patient.

Background: Intramedullary spinal cord metastasis is uncommon and represents only 0.6% of all spinal tumors. Renal cell carcinoma is even less frequent in this group than in lung and breast cancer. Patients with Von Hippel- Lindau disease (VHLd) present spinal hemangioblastoma more frequently. Case Description: A 59-year-old female patient presented with medullary syndrome. There was a previous history of VHLd, with a cerebellar hemangioblastoma resection years ago. The radiological investigation showed a cervical intramedullary solid-cystic lesion. The patient has submitted a tumor resection, and a pathological and immunohistochemistry study confirmed clear cell renal carcinoma metastasis. Conclusion: In patients with VHLd, the presence of an intramedullary solid-cystic lesion may not represent always a hemangioblastoma. Other diagnostic possibilities must be evaluated, despite being epidemiologically less frequent. Inside the group of patients with VHLd, only a previous case of intramedullary spinal cord renal cell carcinoma was reported in the literature.

Morphometric and morphological characterization of Trypanosoma sp. (Kinetoplastea: Trypanosomatidae) hemoparasite of Crested Eagle, Morphnus guianensis in the Brazilian Amazon.

Morphnus guianensis is a species belonging to the Accipitridae family classified as almost threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Trypanosomes are flagellated protozoa that carry out their life cycle in the circulatory system of vertebrate hosts and within the digestive tract of invertebrate hosts. This study recorded Trypanosoma sp. parasitizing M. guianensis in the Brazilian Amazon, providing data related to the morphology and morphometry of the trypomastigote forms of peripheral blood of this bird. The mean values of the measured morphological regions were used to compare morphometric similarity with morphotypes described for Trypanosoma sp. through the Bray-Curtis method and, after statistical analysis, the dendrogram was generated from the morphological similarities with a similarity greater than 95% with T. paddae described for different hosts in different geographical regions.

Magnetic resonance neurography in the diagnosis of a retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma: Case report and literature review.

Magnetic resonance neurography is a technique for identifying anatomy and pathologic lesions of nerves, and has emerged as a helpful technique for localizing lesions and elucidating the underlying etiology. Ganglioneuromas are highly differentiated benign tumors. This lesion is rare and exhibits undetermined symptoms, the features of using the magnetic resonance neurography are a great ally to determine its diagnosis. The authors illustrate a case of retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma emphasizing its image characteristics using magnetic resonance neurography with the diagnosis confirmed by histopathological examination.

Blood parasites (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) infecting birds in the Brazilian Amazon / Parásitos sanguíneos (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) que infectan aves en la Amazonía brasileña

Abstract Introduction: Trypanosomes are hemoparasites that can be observed circulating in the peripheral blood of birds. Parasitological studies in birds in their natural environment are neglected, but are important for research relating to transmission, maintenance of the biological cycle, and abundance, among other parasitological aspects. Objective: To describe infections by Trypanosoma sp. in birds in the Brazilian Amazon, as well as the prevalence, morphological and morphometric characteristics of this hemoparasite. Methods: In the Tapajós National Forest, we captured a total of 125 birds, mostly from the order Passeriformes. We obtained blood samples from the ulnar vein using sterile insulin needles, and aliquots of blood using a microhematocrit capillary tube. We made blood smears in triplicate and stained with the Giemsa method. We viewd the morphotypes of the Trypanosoma sp. under the light microscope with objective lenses of 40 X and 100 X. To determine the morphometric characteristics of Trypanosomatidae, we used the Zen Blue Edition 2 software package. Results: We observed the presence of hemoparasites in the trypomastigote form in specimens of Thamnophilidae, Dendrocolaptidae and Conopophagidae, with low prevalence. Only one morphotype of Trypanosoma sp. was detected and measurement. Conclusions: We report the infection by Trypanosoma sp. in species of ecological importance, such as Phlegopsis nigromaculata, endangered in Brazil. The morphology and morphometry of the morphotype found could contribute to more detailed descriptions of these hemoparasites.

Resumen Introducción: Los tripanosomas son hemoparásitos que pueden observarse circulando en la sangre periférica de las aves. Los estudios parasitológicos en aves en el medio natural son escasos, pero son importantes para la investigación relacionada con la transmisión, el mantenimiento del ciclo biológico y la abundancia, entre otros aspectos parasitológicos. Objetivo: Describir infecciones por Trypanosoma sp. en aves de la Amazonia brasileña, así como la prevalencia, características morfológicas y morfométricas de este hemoparásito. Métodos: En la Floresta Nacional de Tapajós, capturamos un total de 125 aves, la mayoría del orden Passeriformes. Obtuvimos muestras de sangre por punción de la vena cubital del ala con agujas estériles de insulina. Con un tubo capilar microhematocrito, obtuvimos alícuotas de sangre. Realizamos frotis de sangre por triplicado y teñimos con el método de Giemsa. Visualizamos los morfotipos de Trypanosoma sp. al microscopio óptico con lentes objetivos de 40 X y 100 X. Para determinar las características morfométricas de Trypanosomatidae, usamos el paquete informático Zen Blue Edition 2. Resultados: Observamos la presencia de hemoparásitos en la forma tripomastigote en ejemplares de la familia de aves Thamnophilidae, Dendrocolaptidae y Conopophagidae, con baja prevalencia. Solo detectamos un morfotipo de Trypanosoma sp. Conclusión: Reportamos la infección por Trypanosoma sp. en especies de importancia ecológica, como Phlegopsis nigromaculata en peligro de extinción en Brasil. La morfología y morfometría del morfotipo encontrado puede contribuir con descripciones más detalladas de estos hemoparásitos.

Functional independence analysis in persons with spinal cord injury / Análise da independência funcional em indivíduos com lesão da medula espinal

Abstract Introduction Spinal cord injury (SCI) radically changes a person's life because of alterations in body dynamics, leading to disabilities and reduced functionality. Objective To analyze the functional independence of individuals with spinal cord injury and compare the groups. Methods Individuals with SCI were interviewed about their functional independence using the Brazilian version of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure - Self-Reported Version (brSCIM-SR) and later their respective domains and subdomains were compared between diagnostic groups, time since injury and sex. Results The sample consisted of fifty individuals aged 40.92 ± 13.93 years, predominantly men and diagnosed with paraplegia. In most brSCIM-SR domains, all respondents achieved good independence in self-care, respiration and sphincter management, and in the total brSCIM-SR, except for mobility. In paraplegia, chronic SCIs and both sexes achieved excellent independence in most subdomains and in the total. Significantly low values were found for tetraplegia and recent SCI in the self-care subdomain. In most subdomains, tetraplegia reached significantly lower values. In the subdomains of respiration and sphincter management, the participants were independent in the breathing function, but in tetraplegia, they showed significant dependence on transfer to the toilet. In terms of mobility, there was great dependence on the items going up and down stairs and transfer from the floor to the wheelchair. Conclusion The brSCIM-SR measures the degree of functionality, allowing health professionals and the patient to quantify and locate the items that indicate their deficits or gains during the rehabilitation process. Here, individuals with SCI showed good functional independence, with worse performance in the tetraplegia and recent injury groups: however, mobility showed partial dependence in the participants.

Resumo Introdução A lesão da medula espinal (LME) muda radicalmente a vida da pessoa devido às alterações na dinâmica corporal, levando à incapacidades e redução da funcionalidade. Objetivo Analisar a independência funcional de indivíduos com LME e comparar os grupos. Métodos Indivíduos com LME foram entrevistados sobre sua independência funcional por meio da versão brasileira do Spinal Cord Independence Measure - Self-Reported Version (brSCIM-SR) e posteriormente seus respectivos domínios e subdomínios foram comparados entre os grupos diagnósticos, tempo de lesão e gênero. Resultados A amostra foi composta por 50 indivíduos com idade de 40,92 ± 13,93 anos, prevalecendo homens e diagnóstico de paraplegia. Na maioria dos domínios do brSCIM-SR todos os entrevistados atingiram boa independência no autocuidado, na respiração e controle esfincteriano e no total do brSCIM-SR, exceto na mobilidade. Na paraplegia, as LMEs crônicas e ambos os sexos alcançaram excelente independência na maioria dos subdomínios e no total do instrumento. Valores significantemente baixos foram encontrados na tetraplegia e nas LMEs recentes no subdomínio autocuidado. Na maioria dos subdomínios, a tetraplegia atingiu valores significativamente inferiores. Nos subdomínios da respiração e controle esfincteriano, os participantes eram independentes na função respiração, mas nas tetraplegias apresentaram significativa depen-dência nas transferências para o vaso sanitário. Na mobilidade houve grande dependência nos itens subir e descer escadas e transferir-se do chão para a cadeira de rodas. Conclusão Os indivíduos com LME demonstra-ram boa independência funcional, com pior desempenho na tetraplegia e lesões recentes, mas a mobilidade apresentou parcial dependência nos participantes.

Nestling development and data on nests and eggs of Topaza pella (Aves, Trochilidae) in Amapá state, northern Brazil

The Crimson Topaz, Topaza pella, is the least known of the two hummingbird species of this exclusively Amazonian trochilid genus, that also includes T. pyra. Most available information on T. pella nests, young and reproductive behavior is based on anecdotal observations from Guyana in the 1930s and 1950s. Here, we provide new data on nest description, eggs and parental care of T. pella, and the growth and development of two nestlings over a 22-day period. We studied four nests in areas of dense terra firme forest in the state of Amapá, Brazil. All nests were in forked branches of shrubs over water bodies, and had a cup-like form. One nest contained two elongated white eggs, and another, two nestlings, which had their development recorded until they left the nest. (AU)

Rendimento produtivo e econômico do feijão-caupi em função de doses de potássio / Productive and economic yield of cowpea bean as a function of levels of potassium

O feijão-caupi [Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp], também conhecido como feijão-macassar, feijão-de-corda ou fradinho é uma das principais culturas do Nordeste do Brasil. Objetivou-se, com este trabalho, avaliar o efeito da adubação potássica sobre o rendimento produtivo e econômico do feijão-caupi, cultivar Pitiuba. O trabalho foi realizado na Universidade Federal da Paraíba, em Areia (PB), em Neossolo Regolítico Psamítico típico, no período de julho a setembro de 2005. O delineamento experimental empregado foi o de blocos casualizados, com seis tratamentos (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 e 250 kg ha-1 de K2O) e quatro repetições. Cada parcela continha 40 plantas espaçadas de 0,80 m x 0,40 m. A produção máxima de vagens por planta (285 g) de grãos verdes (143 g) e de grãos secos (120 g) foram obtidas, respectivamente, com 160, 153 e 200 kg ha-1 de K2O. As doses de 210, 151 e 170 kg ha-1 de K2O, respectivamente, foram responsáveis pelas produtividades máximas de 4,18 t ha-1 de vagens, 3,48 t ha-1 de grãos verdes e de 1,89 t ha-1 de grãos secos. A dose de máxima eficiência econômica para a produtividade de grãos secos foi de 141 kg ha-1 de K2O, com produtividade de 1,87 t ha-1.

Cowpea bean [Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp] is one the main crops in the Northeast region of Brazil. With the objective of evaluating the effect of potassium fertilization on cowpea bean cv. Pitiúba, an experiment was carried out at Federal University of Paraíba, in Areia (PB), Brazil, on a Quartz Psamment soil, from July to September 2005. The experimental design was the randomized blocks, with six treatments (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 kg ha-1 K2O), and four replications. Each plot contained 40 plants spaced 0.80 m x 0.40 m. The maximum yield of pods per plant (285 g), green grains (143 g) and dry grains (120 g) were obtained with 160, 153 and 200 kg ha-1 K2O, respectively. The levels of 210, 151, and 170 kg ha-1 K2O were responsible for the maximum yields of 4.18 t ha-1 of pods, 3.48 t ha-1 of green grains, and 1.89 t ha-1 of dry grains, respectively. The maximum level of economical efficiency for the yield of dry grains was 141 kg ha-1 K2O, with a yield of 1.87 t ha-1.

A fauna de vertebrados do campus da Universidade Estadual de Londrina, região norte do estado do Paraná, Brasil / The vertebrates’ fauna from Universidade Estadual de Londrina campus, northern Paraná State, Brazil

Este trabalho teve como objetivo fazer um levantamento da fauna de vertebrados do campus da Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), pela compilação da literatura, com vistas a auxiliar o seu manejo e preservação. Foram registradas 250 espécies, sendo nove de peixes, 15 de anfíbios, 16 de répteis, 32 de mamíferos e 178 de aves. Duas espécies, o gato-do-mato Leopardus tigrinus e a jandaia-de-testa-vermelha Aratinga auricapillus figuram em listas de fauna ameaçada de extinção. A maioria das espécies, no entanto, não é estenóica ou endêmica da área, o que condiz com um ambiente perturbado e muito freqüentado pela população humana. O assoreamento do ribeirão Esperança, a redução de áreas verdes e a impermeabilização do solo podem reduzir a diversidade de espécies em médio a longo prazos.

This work had the objective to make a survey of vertebrates’ fauna from Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL) campus, for the compilation of literature, in order to help its management and preservation. 250 species were identified, being nine of fish, 15 of amphibians, 16 of reptiles, 32 of mammals and 178 of birds. Two species, the gato-do-mato Leopardus tigrinus and the jandaia-da-testa-vermelha Aratinga auricapillus, are in the list of species threatened by extinction. Most species, however, are not stenoecious or endemic to the area, which corresponds to an environment under stress and often visited by humans. Despite UEL’s rich diversity of wild animals, the burying of stream Esperança, the reduction of green areas and waterproofing of the ground can reduce de diversity of species in a medium or long term.

Validade e reprodutibilidade da resposta do lactato sanguíneo durante o teste shuttle run em jogadores de futebol / Validity and reproducibility of the blood lactate response during the shuttle run test in soccer players

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a validade e a reprodutibilidade do limiar anaeróbio (LAn), determinado com concentração fixa de lactato, durante o shuttle run de 20 metros (20MST) em jogadores de futebol. Os atletas (N = 52) realizaram os seguintes experimentos: 1) teste incremental com estágios de 3 min. na esteira rolante e no 20MST, sendo determinada a intensidade de 3,5 mM de lactato (LAn); 2) teste incremental no 20MST com estágios de 3 min., onde foi determinada a intensidade do LAn e do individual anaerobic threshold (IAT) e 3) teste de campo com 3 tiros de 1200 metros, com intensidades crescentes e dois testes com 3 tiros de 3 minutos no 20MST, com intensidades crescentes, sendo determinado o LAn (4 mM). A velocidade (km/h) do LAn foi significantemente diferente na esteira (14,4 + 0,8) e no 20MST (11,8 + 0,5), sendo, entretanto, significantemente correlacionadas (r = 0,82). As velocidades (km/h) do LAn (11,6 + 0,5) e do IAT (11,8 + 0,6) não foram diferentes e estatisticamente correlacionadas ( r = 0,62). A velocidade do LAn no teste de 1200 metros (14,1 + 0,5 km/h) foi significantemente diferente em relação ao teste (12,1 + 0,9 km/h) e reteste (12,2 + 0,8 km/h) do 20MST, não havendo diferença entre estas últimas. Houve correlação significante entre a velocidade do LAn no teste de 1200 metros e no teste (r = 0,80) e reteste do 20MST (r = 0,77). Do mesmo modo, a correlação entre o teste e reteste do 20MST foi significante (r = 0,94). Os dados deste estudo mostram que o emprego da concentração fixa para determinar o LAn no 20MST, em jogadores de futebol, apresenta uma boa validade e excelente reprodutibilidade.

The objective of this study was to analyze the validity and the reproducibility of the anaerobic threshold (AnT) determined with fixed lactate concentration, during the 20 meter shuttle run test (20MST) in soccer players. The athletes (N = 52) performed the following experiments: 1) incremental test with stages of 3 min in the treadmill and in the 20MST, to determine the intensity corresponding to 3.5 mM of blood lactate (AnT); 2) incremental test in the 20MST with stages of 3 min, where the intensities of the AnT and individual anaerobic threshold (IAT) were determined and; 3) incremental field test with 3 trials of 1200 meters and two incremental tests with 3 trials in the 20MST, to determine the AnT. The speed (km/h) at the AnT was significantly higher in the treadmill (14.4 + 0.8) than in the 20MST (11.8 + 0.5), being however significantly correlated (r = 0.82). The speeds (km/h) at the AnT (11.6 + 0.5) and at the IAT (11.8 + 0.6) were not different and statistically correlated (r = 0.62). The speed at the AnT in the test of 1200 meters (14.1 + 0.5 km/h) was significantly higher than in the test (12.1 + 0.9 km/h) and retest (12.2 + 0.8 km/h) of the 20MST. There was a significant correlation between the speed at the AnT in the test of 1200 meters and the test (r = 0.80) and retest of the 20MST (r = 0.77). In a similar way the correlation between the test and retest of the 20MST was significant (r = 0.94). It can be concluded that the determination of the AnT with fixed concentration during the 20MST in soccer players, presents a good validity and excellent reproducibility.

Aplicação de àcido peracético na desinfecção de carcaça de frango / Desinfecting treatment of chicken carcasses by using peracetic acid

This research ains to turn better the desinfecting treatment of chicken carcasses by using peracetic acid as a more eficient biocid that. Does not show chemical properties that. Could bring irregularities during is use provided your use in a right way. Peracetic acid shows efective ness for erradicating microorganisms redusing up to 99,5 por cento of the total plate contining (all chickens, are potential carrieps of these bacteria), as well as does not interfere in the organoleptical characteristics of carcasse.

Treinamento aeróbio em bailarinas: influência sobre a realizaçäo de coreografias de 4 e 8 minutos de duraçäo / Aerobic training in ballet dancers: influence on the realization of choreographies with 4 and 8 minutes of duration

Esse estudo teve como objetivo verificar a influiência do treinamento aeróbio sobre a freqüência cardíaca (FC - bat/min) e as concentraçoes sangüíneas de lactato (mM) de praticantes do balé clássico em coreografias de 4 e 8 minutos. Para isso, onze bailarinas realizaram treinamento aeróbio de oito semanas, três dias/semana com intensidade de 95 por cento da velocidade (m/min) do limiar anaeróbio (LAn). O LAn foi determinado antes e após o treinamento, considerando-se a velocidida correspondente à concentraçao de lactato de 4 mM. As bailarinas realizaram também dois testes coreograficos (pré e pós treinamento), dançando durante 4 (C4) e 8 (C8) minutos, sendo coletadas amostras de sangue (25 mul) do lóbulo da orelha após 1, 3 e 5 minutos do término das danças, a fim de serem deteminadas as concentraçoes sangüíneas de lactato. Os resultados mostraram aumento do LAn após o treinamento (de 160,3 ñ 24.4 para 173,8 ñ 32,4 m/min). A FC diminuiu nos testes coreográficos realizados após o treinamento (C4: de 188 ñ 8 para 168 ñ 18: C8: de 201 ñ 11 para 179 ñ 12). As bailarinas que tiveram aumento superior a 8 por cento do LAn apresentaram correlaçao negativa desse parâmetro com a concentraçao de lactato na coreografia de 8 minutos (r=-O.80. p < O,05), nao sendo verificado na coreografia de 4 minutos (r=-O,32). A FC mostrou-se desacoplada às concentraçoes de lactato nas coreografias de 4 e 8 minutos. Nossos dados indicaram que o treinamento proposto foi eficaz em aumentar o LAn das bailarinas e sugerem que a elevaçao da capacidade aeróbia contribui positivamente na realizaçao de coreografias com duraçao prolongada.