Multiple habitats drive the functional diversity of fish assemblages in a tropical estuary.

Understanding estuarine diversity patterns is crucial to highlight the ecological value of coastal ecosystems for fish assemblages. To increase our knowledge, we investigated the functional diversity of fish assemblages in five estuarine habitats (sandy beaches, mudflats, seagrass meadows, mangrove fringes, and estuarine riparian vegetation) in a tropical estuary of Brazil. Functional diversity metrics were assessed considering seven fish functional traits and calculated using functional indices, PCoA (functional spaces), and community-weighted mean (CWM). Then, a unified RLQ and fourth-corner analysis were used to evaluate environment-trait relationships. A total of 27,036 individuals of 119 species were recorded in all habitats. Functional diversity showed similar trends to estuarine habitats, which were more driven by the spatial configuration rather than by their structure, emphasizing the importance of environmental heterogeneity. There was a greater occupation of functional space to habitats located in the lower estuary compared to the upper estuary. Furthermore, body shapes and trophic guilds were the most common traits related to changes in functional diversity between habitats. The RLQ analysis revealed differences in trait composition between habitats influenced by salinity and transparency, although the fourth corner method did not show a significant relationship between fish functional traits and environmental variables. Our results suggest that the mosaic of habitats support the high functional diversity of fishes in tropical estuaries.

Larval fish assemblages in selected Brazilian estuaries: Species-environment relationships under different anthropogenic influences.

We investigate the effects of spatial changes in environmental conditions and anthropogenic influences on larval fish communities in two tropical estuaries with varying levels of human impact. Our findings revealed a distinct structure of larval fish assemblages between the two estuaries located in northeastern Brazil, and we observed that eutrophication, characterized by high concentrations of nutrients, had adverse effects on the abundance and richness of larval fish assemblages. Additionally, we observed that a decrease in rainfall had an impact on larval fish assemblages, particularly during the dry season, when intermittent upstream rivers lead to changes in salinity and species composition within the estuaries. This study contributed to evaluating the community descriptors of two tropical estuaries under different levels of human influence, providing insights into the vulnerability of larval fish assemblages to climate change, specifically in relation to human influences and hypersalinity and the effects of marinization in shallow tropical estuaries in this region.

Does environmental heterogeneity explain ß diversity of estuarine fish assemblages? Example from a tropical estuary under the influence of a semiarid climate, Brazil.

Estuarine fish assemblages are often sensitive to environmental conditions, because fluctuation in physico-chemical conditions at different spatial and seasonal scales can directly influence species distributions. In this way, we conducted a field survey to investigate the role of estuarine gradient (environmental heterogeneity) in fish α and ß diversity. The study was carried out in three zones in Mamanguape River estuary according to salinity and geomorphology features during an atypical climatic event in 2015. In total, 18,084 specimens of 125 species were captured. Additive partitioning of diversity analysis detected a higher proportion of beta diversity among estuarine zones during the rainy (ß3 = 58.6%) and dry season (ß3 = 40.94%) and were higher than expected by chance (Propexp> obs <0.001). Decomposing ß-diversity analysis showed that total ß-diversity (ßsor) results were more dominated by species turnover (ßsim) than nestedness (ßnes) in both seasons. Forward selection procedure and db-RDA identified salinity, coarse sand and chlorophyll-a as the main environmental variables influencing ßsor and site distance from estuary mouth and split as the main landscape variables. Variation partitioning analysis revealed more contribution to the pure fraction of environmental variables to fish species turnover, however, both pure fraction of environmental and landscape variables significantly contributed to ßsim. Our study highlighted the importance to environmental heterogeneity and connectivity to promote fish diversity across the Mamanguape River estuary. Thus, future conservation policies should focus on maintaining these two components to guarantee its nursery ground role to estuarine fish assemblages.

Environmental influences on the ichthyoplankton in hypersaline estuaries located in a Semiarid Northeastern Brazilian coast

Hypersaline estuaries are commonly found in the Semiarid Northeast Brazilian coast. However, the utilization of these estuaries by early life stages of fishes is less well documented. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of environmental factors on the ichthyoplankton, and to describe their spatial and temporal variation in two estuaries (Tubarão and Casqueira). The sampling were diurnally in four excursions carried out during two dry-season months (November and December 2017) and two rainy-season months (May and July 2018). A total of 423 larvae representing 30 species (14 families) and 2,762 eggs (five families) were collected. Although the community structures were similar in both estuaries, there was strong seasonal variation, with higher abundances observed during the dry season. Low rainfall was the primary environmental driver affecting ichthyoplankton in both estuaries. Other environmental factors, such as depth, water temperature, and channel width, were also predictor variables for the distribution of eggs and larvae. The ichthyoplankton was dominated by marine estuarine-dependent species in both estuaries, accounting for 76% of individuals. The presence of the early life stages of typically marine species suggests that hypersaline environments provide important nursery areas and play an essential role for some coastal fish species.(AU)

Os estuários hipersalinos são comumente encontrados na região semiárida da costa nordestina brasileira. No entanto, a utilização desses estuários pelos primeiros estágios de vida dos peixes é pouco documentada. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de fatores ambientais sobre o ictioplâncton e descrever sua variação espacial e temporal em dois estuários (Tubarão e Casqueira). As amostragens foram diurnas em quatro excursões realizadas em dois meses da estação seca (novembro e dezembro de 2017) e dois meses da estação chuvosa (maio e julho de 2018). Um total de 423 larvas representando 30 espécies (14 famílias) e 2.762 ovos (cinco famílias) foram coletadas. Embora as estruturas das comunidades fossem semelhantes em ambos os estuários, houve fortes diferenças de variação sazonal, com maiores abundâncias observadas durante a estação seca. A baixa precipitação foi o principal fator ambiental que afetou o ictioplâncton em ambos os estuários. Outros fatores, como profundidade, temperatura da água e largura do canal, também foram preditoras para a distribuição de ovos e larvas. O ictioplâncton foi dominado por espécies marinhas dependentes em ambos os estuários, representando 76% dos indivíduos. A presença de estágios iniciais de espécies tipicamente marinhas sugere que ambientes hipersalinos fornecem áreas de berçário importantes e desempenham um papel essencial para algumas espécies de peixes costeiros.(AU)

Trade-offs between ontogenetic changes and food consumption in Brazilian silverside Atherinella brasiliensis from two tropical estuaries.

Salinity variation in estuarine environments influences the distribution of fish species as well as the availability of food resources to be used by them. This study examines the effect of the range of salinity on the trade-off between growth and feeding intensity of Atherinella brasiliensis from two tropical estuaries (positive and hypersaline). To investigate the effects of salinity, we hypothesized that hypersalinity negatively affects foraging intensity, consumption and prey selection by the Brazilian silverside, leading to differences in body condition. Sampling was carried out using the beach seine method in two areas of the estuaries (upper and lower zone) during rainy and dry periods. A total of 2549 stomachs (1124 for the positive estuary and 1425 for the hypersaline estuary) were examined, and the results indicated a dissimilarity of 92.7% of the diet between environments. In the positive estuary, there was more predation on Calanoida, Gastropoda, Hymenoptera, Ceratopogonidae larvae and Decapoda larvae, while Alga and plant-material characterized the diet in the hypersaline estuary. Significant correlations between the volume of food and salinity were observed in both estuaries. The vacuity index indicated that hypersaline environments presented higher contributions of semifull stomachs, indicating an intense consumption of algae. On the other hand,in the positive estuary, these values were less intense, but the stomachs were always with animal items. The variation found for both environments reinforces the effect of salinity on the physiological mechanism of the populations once the higher proportions of filled stomachs in the hypersaline environment indicate the need for constant and high ingestion of prey to guarantee the pronounced energy expenditure with osmoregulation.

Biópsia excisional do carcinoma basocelular primário e bem delimitado diagnosticado pela clínica e dermatoscopia: acurácia diagnóstica e terapêutica / Excisional biopsy of primary and well-defined basal cell carcinoma diagnosed by clinic and- dermoscopy: diagnostic and therapeutic accuracy

Introdução: O carcinoma basocelular (CBC) é a neoplasia maligna mais comum. Corresponde a 70- 80% dos tumores cutâneos. É diagnosticado pela suspeita clínica aliada à dermatoscopia, que permite definir os seus limites. Objetivo: Avaliar se critérios clínicos e dermatoscópicos podem ser suficientes para diagnóstico e tratamento do CBC primário e bem delimitado. Materiais e métodos: Revisão de suspeitas de CBCs primários, bem delimitados, operados por biópsia excisional (margem de 3mm) no serviço de Dermatologia da Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes (2017 a 2019). Aplicado o teste qui-quadrado para avaliar a significância das margens. Resultados: Foram 169 lesões avaliadas. Predominaram: sexo feminino, 8a década de vida. Resultaram no exame histopatológico 141 CBCs. Avaliando-se as margens de segurança para os casos de CBC houve 95% de margens livres (p=0,0004998). Discussão: Existem elementos dermatoscópicos comuns entre o CBC e outras neoplasias e lesões benignas, o que justifica outros diagnósticos encontrados. A margem cirúrgica de 3mm foi apropriada para CBCs primários bem delimitados, agilizando o processo de cura e reduzindo custos. Conclusão: Para suspeitas clínico-dermatoscópicas de CBC bem delimitados, a biópsia excisional mostrou-se eficaz quanto ao diagnóstico e às margens de segurança.

Introduction: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malign neoplasm. It corresponds to 70-80% of skin tumors. The diagnosis is made based on clinical suspicion combined with dermoscopy, which also allows defining its limits. Objective: To assess whether clinical and dermoscopic criteria are sufficient for the diagnosis and treatment of primary and well-defined BCC. Materials and methods: Review of suspected cases of well-defined primary BCC surgically approached by excisional biopsy (3 mm margin) at the Dermatology Service of the University of Mogi das Cruzes (2017 to 2019). The Chi-square test was applied to assess the significance of the margins. Results: 169 injuries were assessed, with a predominance of women in the 8th decade. The histopathological examination concluded on 141 BCCs. When evaluating the excision margins for BCC cases, there was 95% of free margins (p = 0.0004998). Discussion: There are common dermoscopic elements between BCC and other neoplasms and benign lesions, which justifies other diagnoses found. The 3 mm surgical margin was accurate for well-defined primary BCCs, speeding up healing time and reduces costs. Conclusion: For clinical-dermatoscopic suspicions of well-defined BCC, an excisional biopsy was effective in the diagnosis and clinical safety margins

Sarcoma pleomórfico indiferenciado: relato de caso / Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma: a case report

Os sarcomas indiferenciados são neoplasias de tecidos moles derivados do mesoderma. Relatamos um caso de sarcoma pleomórfico indiferenciado, sua dermatoscopia, seu estadiamento e sua abordagem terapêutica.

Undifferentiated sarcomas are neoplasms of soft tissues derived from the mesoderm. We report a case of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, its dermoscopy, staging, and therapeutic approach.

Perfil histológico das lesões melanocíticas excisadas em um serviço de Dermatologia, com base em critérios clínicos e dermatoscópicos / Histological profile of melanocytic lesions excised in a Dermatology service, based on clinical and dermoscopic criteria

Introdução: O diagnóstico padrão-ouro do melanoma cutâneo é essencialmente histológico. A dermatoscopia agrega ao exame clínico melhora da sensibilidade e especificidade. Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil histológico das lesões melanocíticas de risco excisadas em um serviço de dermatologia. Métodos: Revisão dos casos por meio da tabela Excel e levantamento de dados dermatoscópicos, histológicos e topográficos (janeiro de 2017 a dezembro de 2018). Resultados: Foram avaliados neste período dados de 62 lesões suspeitas de melanoma. Os principais resultados histológicos foram: nevos melanocíticos (37,1%), melanoma (19,35%) e nevos displásicos (17,7%). Conclusões: O valor preditivo positivo para melanoma foi 19,35%, considerando a busca por um diagnóstico precoce em pacientes de risco.

Introduction: The gold standard diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma is essentially histological. Dermoscopy adds to clinical examination improved sensitivity and specificity. Objective: To evaluate the histological profile of risk melanocytic lesions excised in a dermatology service. Methods: Case review through Excel spreadsheet and survey of dermoscopic, histological and topographic data (January 2017 to December 2018). Results: Data from 62 suspected melanoma lesions were evaluated in this period. The main histological results were: melanocytic nevi (37.1%), melanoma (19.35%), and dysplastic nevi (17.7%). Conclusions: The positive predictive value for melanoma was 19.35%, considering the search for an early diagnosis in patients at risk.

Intraspecific food resource partitioning in Brazilian silverside Atherinella brasiliensis (Atheriniformes: Atherinopsidae) in a tropical estuary, Brazil

We investigated the intraspecific partitioning of food resources of the Brazilian silverside Atherinella brasiliensis in a tropical estuary. A total of 1,099 stomachs were analyzed, and the diet consisted mainly of Gastropoda, Ceratopogonidae larvae, Decapoda larvae, Calanoida, Cyclopoida, Hymenoptera and Brachyura. Ordination of the mean volumetric percentage contribution of preys indicated differences in the dietary compositions between sites and size classes. By SIMPER analysis, we detected high dissimilarity between size classes, suggesting ontogenetic niche shifts: the diet of the early juveniles was based in zooplankton, whereas adults consumed mainly benthic macroinvertebrates. These shifts were related to changes in feeding structures and foraging abilities that show a strong relationship with body size, and showed functional trade-offs in swimming capacity, and feeding strategies used to capture prey. Differences in the diet between size classes and habitat selection by Brazilian silverside are likely strategies to avoid intraspecific competition, clearly related to the abundance and accessibility of resources along the estuarine habitats.(AU)

Nós investigamos a partição intraespecífica de recursos alimentares do peixe-rei Atherinella brasiliensis em um estuário tropical. Um total de 1.099 estômagos foi analisado, e a dieta foi constituída principalmente de Gastropoda, Larva de Ceratopogonidae, Larva de Decapoda, Calanoida, Cyclopoida, Hymenoptera e Brachyura. A análise de ordenação da contribuição do volume das presas indicou diferenças na composição da dieta entre locais e classes de tamanho. Pela análise do SIMPER, nós detectamos alta dissimilaridade entre as classes de tamanho, sugerindo mudanças ontogenéticas: a dieta dos indivíduos menores foi baseada em zooplâncton, enquanto os maiores indivíduos consumiram principalmente macroinvertebrados bentônicos. Essas variações foram relacionadas com mudanças nas estruturas para captura do alimento e na habilidade de forrageamento que evidenciaram uma forte relação com o tamanho do corpo, e mostraram trade-offs funcionais na capacidade de natação e no modo de captura das presas. Diferenças na dieta entre as classes e a seleção de habitat pelo peixe-rei são estratégias para evitar a competição intraespecífica, claramente relacionada com a abundância e a acessibilidade dos recursos alimentares ao longo dos habitats estuarinos.(AU)

Índice diagnóstico de neoplasia cutânea em campanha de combate ao câncer da pele em serviço dermatológico no interior do estado de São Paulo / Diagnostic index of cutaneous neoplasia in a campaign to fight skin cancer at a dermatologic service located in the Brazilian State of São Paulo's midlands

Introdução: O câncer de pele é o tipo mais comum de câncer no mundo. Divide-se em melanoma, representando 4% dos casos, e não melanoma: carcinomas basocelular (CBC), 70 a 80%, e espinocelular (CEC) 25% dos casos. A Sociedade Brasileira de Dermatologia realiza anualmente a Campanha Nacional de Combate ao Câncer da Pele, visando ao diagnóstico e ao tratamento precoce da neoplasia. Objetivo: Demonstrar a incidência de lesões cutâneas suspeitas de neoplasia em pacientes selecionados pela Campanha de Prevenção do Câncer da Pele em 2016, em um serviço universitário de dermatologia no interior de São Paulo. Métodos: Foram examinados 230 pacientes e selecionados 24, dos quais 22 foram submetidos a biópsia de lesões suspeitas. Resultados: Foram comprovados por exame anatomopatológico 16 casos de CBC, um de CEC e um de melanoma. Conclusões: Concluiu-se que, apesar de a amostra ser pequena, os resultados encontrados são compatíveis com os da literatura revisada. Há grande importância na realização da campanha como forma de acesso mais rápido da população ao médico dermatologista, com consequente diagnóstico e tratamento precoces das neoplasias de pele.

Introduction: Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the world. It is classified into melanoma (corresponding to 4% of cases) and non-melanoma types: basal cell carcinomas (70 to 80% of cases) and squamous cell carcinoma (25% of cases). The Brazilian Society of Dermatology conducts the National Campaign Against Skin Cancer on a yearly basis, aiming at diagnosing and providing early treatment to the neoplasia. Objective: To demonstrate the incidence of lesions suspicious of skin cancer in selected patients originated from the 2016 National Campaign Against Skin Cancer, at the dermatologic clinic of a university hospital located in the Brazilian State of São Paulo's midlands. Methods: Two hundred and thirty patients were examined, of which 24 were selected with 22 undergoing biopsy of the suspected lesions. Results: Sixteen basal cell carcinoma cases, one squamous cell carcinoma and one melanoma were confirmed through anatomopathology. Conclusions: Notwithstanding the small sample, it was possible to conclude that the results found are compatible with those of the literature reviewed. It is of paramount importance to carry out the campaign as a way to streamline the population's access to a dermatologist, which results in the early diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers.

Gill parasites of fish from two estuaries in northeastern Brazil: new hosts and geographical records.

Parasites are important components of communities and constitute great part of the biological diversity found in ecosystems, providing valuable information about their hosts and the environment in which they live. However, despite its importance, parasitic diversity is still not well known in some regions of Brazil, especially with respect to fish parasites in the Northeast Region. The present study aims to perform the survey of gill parasites of fish from two tropical estuaries located in northeastern Brazil: Paraíba and Mamanguape rivers. Two collections were made in each estuary, one during the dry period (November / 2013) and the other during the rainy season (July / 2014). The fish were caught using a beach seine net, dragged along the main channel margin. After the identification, biometry and necropsy of the fish, their parasites were collected, stored and identified. For each species of parasite, the values ​​of prevalence, mean intensity and mean abundance were calculated. Of the 882 examined fish, belonging to four species, 145 were parasitized by at least one species of parasite. In total, 18 taxa of parasites of the groups Monogenea, Digenea, Nematoda, Copepoda and Isopoda were recorded, being the copepod Acusicola brasiliensis the most abundant species of parasite.

Análise do índice de acurácia diagnóstica e terapêutica baseado na dermatoscopia do câncer da pele não melanoma / Analysis of diagnostic and therapy accuracy index based on non-melanona's skin cancer dermoscopy

Introdução: O câncer da pele não melanoma está entre as neoplasias de maior incidência no Brasil, sendo considerado um problema de saúde pública. O diagnóstico se inicia pela suspeita clínica, incluindo a dermatoscopia, e, de forma definitiva, a análise histopatológica. A dermatoscopia contribui também para a demarcação de margens de segurança do tumor. Objetivo: Analisar a acurácia da dermatoscopia quanto ao diagnóstico do câncer da pele não melanoma e sua eficácia na definição das margens laterais desses tumores em biópsias excisionais. Métodos: Comparação da hipótese diagnóstica levantada mediante a dermatoscopia com o resultado histológico final e comprometimento de margens laterais. Resultados: Foram avaliados de 2015 a 2017, dados de 70 lesões suspeitas de câncer da pele não melanoma em um grupo de 50 pacientes. A comparação da hipótese diagnóstica com o resultado histológico final após biópsia excisional mostrou índice de acerto de 79,6% para os casos suspeitos de carcinoma basocelular e de 23,8% para os de carcinoma espinocelular. As margens de segurança foram respeitadas em 74% dos carcinoma basocelular e 60% dos carcinoma espinocelular. Conclusões: O diagnóstico de câncer da pele não melanoma depende de dermatologistas e patologistas experientes, sendo fundamental a interação entre ambos. A dermatoscopia contribuiu para o diagnóstico do carcinoma basocelular de forma mais importante do que para o do carcinoma espinocelular.

Introduction: Non-melanoma skin cancer is among the most frequent neoplasms in Brazil and is deemed a public health problem. Initial diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion and includes dermoscopy. Confirmation is carried out via histological analysis. Dermoscopy also contributes to the demarcation of tumor safety margins. Objective: To analyze the accuracy of dermoscopy in the diagnosis of non-melanoma skin cancer and its effectiveness in defining the lateral margins of these tumors in excisional biopsies. Methods: Comparison of the dermoscopy-based diagnostic hypothesis with the final histological outcome and involvement of lateral margins. Results: The data relating to a total of 70 lesions suspicious of non-melanoma skin cancer arising from a group of 50 patients were evaluated from 2015 to 2017. The comparison of the diagnostic hypothesis with the final histological outcome after excisional biopsy, indicated success rates of 79.6% for suspected cases of basal cell carcinoma and 23.8% for squamous cell carcinoma. Safety margins were observed in 74% of basal cell carcinomas and in 60% of squamous cell carcinomas. Conclusions: The diagnosis of non-melanoma skin cancers depends on experienced dermatologists and pathologists, with the interaction between these professionals being crucial. Dermoscopy has contributed in a more significant way to the diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma when compared to that of squamous cell carcinoma.

Gill parasites of fish from two estuaries in northeastern Brazil: new hosts and geographical records

ABSTRACT Parasites are important components of communities and constitute great part of the biological diversity found in ecosystems, providing valuable information about their hosts and the environment in which they live. However, despite its importance, parasitic diversity is still not well known in some regions of Brazil, especially with respect to fish parasites in the Northeast Region. The present study aims to perform the survey of gill parasites of fish from two tropical estuaries located in northeastern Brazil: Paraíba and Mamanguape rivers. Two collections were made in each estuary, one during the dry period (November / 2013) and the other during the rainy season (July / 2014). The fish were caught using a beach seine net, dragged along the main channel margin. After the identification, biometry and necropsy of the fish, their parasites were collected, stored and identified. For each species of parasite, the values ​​of prevalence, mean intensity and mean abundance were calculated. Of the 882 examined fish, belonging to four species, 145 were parasitized by at least one species of parasite. In total, 18 taxa of parasites of the groups Monogenea, Digenea, Nematoda, Copepoda and Isopoda were recorded, being the copepod Acusicola brasiliensis the most abundant species of parasite.

Cirurgia micrográfica de Mohs: análise de 39 casos / Mohs micrographic surgery: analysis of 39 cases

Introdução: A cirurgia micrográfica de Mohs é técnica que oferece altos índices de cura para câncer de pele não melanoma. Objetivo: Traçar o perfil clínico e epidemiológico dos pacientes submetidos à cirurgia micrográfica de Mohs em um centro de referência em cirurgia dermatológica. Métodos: Foram analisados os prontuários dos pacientes submetidos a cirurgia micrográfica de Mohs no período de 2014 a 2015 em serviço de referência de dermatologia na cidade de Mogi das Cruzes (SP). Resultados: A idade dos pacientes variou de 38 a 87 anos; desses 54% eram do sexo feminino. A topografia mais acometida foi o nariz (54% dos pacientes). História pessoal prévia para câncer de pele foi positiva em 62%. A indicação da cirurgia micrográfica foi a localização em 67% dos pacientes, as dimensões em 23% e a recidiva do tumor em 10%. O diagnóstico intraoperatório mais prevalente foi o de carcinoma basocelular (90%). Conclusões: A cirurgia micrográfica de Mohs é excelente opção terapêutica em casos de tumores agressivos, de grande diâmetro e localizados em áreas de risco. O presente estudo está de acordo com a literatura atual, quanto aos dados epidemiológicos de acometimento por neoplasias cutâneas não melanoma.

Introduction: Mohs micrographic surgery is a technique that offers high cure rates for non-melanoma skin cancer. Objective: To describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of patients who underwent Mohs micrographic surgery in a reference center in dermatologic surgery. Methods: Medical records of patients who underwent Mohs micrographic surgery in the period 2014-2015 at a dermatology reference center, in the city of Mogi das Cruzes (SP, Brazil), were analyzed. Results: The patients' ages ranged from 38 to 87 years; of these 54% were women. The most affected topography was the nose (54% of patients). Previous history of skin cancer was positive in 62% of cases. The indication driver for micrographic surgery was the lesion's location in 67% of the patients, followed by the size (23%) and tumor recurrence (10%). The most prevalent intraoperative diagnosis was basal cell carcinoma (90%). Conclusions: Mohs micrographic surgery is an excellent therapeutic option in cases of tumors of aggressive nature, large diameter and high-risk location. This study is in line with the current literature regarding the epidemiological data linked to the occurrence of nonmelanoma skin cancer.

Feeding ecology of three juvenile mojarras (Gerreidae) in a tropical estuary of northeastern Brazil

Distributions and feeding ecology of mojarra species from shallow water of a tropical estuary in Northeastern Brazil were observed aiming to investigate differences in distribution and resource partitioning among juveniles of three species of mojarras. Fishes were collected with a beach seine across four sites along a salinity gradient from January to December of 2011. Highest abundances were recorded during the rainy season in the upper and middle estuary. Microcrustaceans, mainly copepods, were the preferential prey items of all mojarras, irrespective of size or hydrological season, suggesting these areas may be important nursery habitats. Juveniles of mojarra used two important mechanisms for exploitation of resources: (1) spatial segregation along the salinity and temperature gradient, such as abundance of Eucinostomus melanopterus increased from downstream to upstream estuary, while Eugerres brasilianus displayed an opposite pattern; (2) differences related to the volumetric proportion of the main prey items, with indications that E. melanopterus and Diapterus rhombeus fed predominantly on Calanoida and Cyclopoida, while the diet of E. brasilianus was dominated by items of infauna. Such strategies were important for resource partitioning, favouring the coexistence of these three species in the estuary.

A distribuição e a ecologia alimentar de gerreídeos capturados em águas rasas de um estuário tropical no nordeste do Brasil foram abordados com o objetivo de investigar diferenças na distribuição e partição de recursos entre três espécies de gerreídeos juvenis. Arrastos de praia foram realizados ao longo de quatro locais ao longo do gradiente de salinidade entre janeiro e dezembro de 2011. Maiores abundâncias foram registradas durante a estação chuvosa na zona superior e média do estuário. Microcrustáceos, principalmente copépodos, foram as principais presas para as três espécies, independente do tamanho ou do período hidrológico, sugerindo que essas áreas são importantes para o recrutamento. Gerreídeos juvenis usaram dois importantes mecanismos para exploração dos recursos: (1) segregação espacial no uso dos habitats ao longo do gradiente de salinidade e temperatura, com a abundância de Eucinostomus melanopterus aumentando em direção a parte inferior para porção superior do estuário, enquanto Eugerres brasilianus apresentou um padrão oposto; e (2) diferenças relacionadas com a proporção volumétrica das principais presas ingeridas, com indicações que E. melanopterus e Diapterus rhombeus alimentaram-se principalmente de Calanoida e Cyclpoida, enquanto a dieta de E. brasilianus foi dominada por itens da infauna. Tais estratégias foram importantes para partição dos recursos, favorecendo a coexistência dessas três espécies no estuário.

Ecomorphology and resource use by dominant species of tropical estuarine juvenile fishes

Eleven ecomorphological attributes and diet of seventeen juvenile fish species were examined to test the hypothesis that morphological patterns determine resource uses in estuarine habitats. Species were separated according to the apparatus to food capture and habitat use (benthic or pelagic) in three different groups: (1) a group with depressed fish body, strong caudal peduncle and enlarged pectoral fins; (2) a second group laterally flattened with a wide protruding mouth, and (3) a third group strongly flattened with small pectorals fins. The following six trophic groups were organized based on prey categories: Zooplanktivores, Benthivores, Omnivores, Detritivores, Macrocarnivores and Insectivores. Significant results (PERMANOVA) between ecomorphological indices and habitat and between ecomorphological indices and trophic groups were found. These data indicate that similarity of ecomorphological forms, which minimize the influence of environment and partitioning of food, would help facilitate the co-existence of these fish when they are abundant in this tropical estuary.

Onze atributos ecomorfológicos e a dieta de dezessete espécies de peixes juvenis foram examinados para testar a hipótese de que os padrões morfológicos determinam a utilização dos recursos em habitats estuarinos. As espécies foram separadas de acordo com o modo de captura do alimento e uso do habitat (bentônicos ou pelágicos) em três grupos distintos: (1) um grupo de peixes depressiformes, com forte pedúnculo caudal e nadadeiras peitorais alargadas; (2) um segundo grupo, compressiforme, com ampla boca protrusível, e (3) um terceiro grupo, fortemente achatado e com pequenas nadadeiras peitorais. Seis grupos tróficos foram organizados com base nas categorias de presas: Zooplanctívoros, Bentívoros, Omnívoros, Detritívoros, Macrocarnívoros e Insetívoros. Foram encontrados resultados significativos (PERMANOVA) entre os índices ecomorfológicos e o habitat e entre os índices ecomorfológicos e os grupos tróficos. Estes dados indicam que a similaridade ecomorfológica, que reflete o ambiente e o tipo de alimento consumido, facilitaria a coexistência desses peixes quando estes são abundantes neste estuário tropical.

Fish assemblages along a morphodynamic continuum on three tropical beaches

A comparative study involving three mesotidal beaches from reflective to estuarine states was conducted between October 2010 and September 2011 in the estuary of Mamanguape River, northeastern Brazil. The aim was to test for differences in fish assemblages along a morphodynamic continuum, particularly the effects of wave action. In total, 3,732 fish from 71 species were examined; Rhinosardinia bahiensis and Atherinella brasiliensis dominated the estuarine beach, whereas Trachinotus carolinus dominated the reflective beach. Fish assemblages were structured by spatial differences among the sites, and overall abundance, richness and biomass demonstrated a clear increasing trend from the reflective to the estuarine beaches, indicating a primary influence of wave exposure in the measured parameters. The Mamanguape River estuary plays a crucial ecological role as a nursery for several species that depend on its resources and have adapted to the high variability of its physical and chemical factors and the diversity of its habitats. Um estudo comparativo envolvendo três praias mesotidais do estado refletivo para o estuarino foi realizado entre outubro de 2010 e setembro de 2011 no estuário do rio Mamanguape, Nordeste do Brasil. O objetivo foi testar as diferenças nas assembleias de peixes ao longo de um continuum morfodinâmico, particularmente os efeitos da ação das ondas. No total, 3.732 peixes de 71 espécies foram examinados; Rhinosardinia bahiensis e Atherinella brasiliensis dominaram a praia estuarina, enquanto Trachinotus carolinus dominou a praia refletiva. As assembleias de peixes foram estruturadas por diferenças espaciais entre locais de amostragem, e a abundância total, riqueza e biomassa demonstraram uma clara tendência crescente da praia refletiva à praia estuarina, indicando uma influência primária de exposição às ondas nos parâmetros medidos. O estuário do rio Mamanguape desempenha um papel ecológico importante como um berçário para várias espécies que dependem de seus recursos e se adaptaram à alta variabilidade de seus fatores físico-químicos e da diversidade de seus habitats.

Estudo comparativo do tratamento de ceratoses actínicas extensas com peeling de ácido glicólico + 5fluoracil x criopeeling / Comparative study of the treatment of large actinic keratoses with glycolic acid peeling and 5fluorouracil vs. cryopeeling

Introdução: O fotodano intenso e crônico geralmente produz inúmeras queratoses actínicas, sendo importante o tratamento precoce e global da pele acometida. Objetivo: Avaliar a efetividade de dois tratamentos distintos para ceratoses actínicas múltiplas. Métodos: Foram selecionados 5 pacientes com ceratoses actinicas difusas no dorso de mãos e antebraços foram submetidos ao seguinte protocolo: lado A (direito) peeling químico superficial quinzenal com ácido glicólico 70% em gel seguido de solução de 5-fluoracil 5%; lado B (esquerdo) criopeeling mensal. O número de sessões variou de quatro a seis no lado A e de duas a três no lado B, de acordo com o grau de fotodano. Resultados: Todos os pacientes apresentaram resposta clínica satisfatória, com melhora das ceratoses actínicas e de toda área de dano actínico, com boa tolerância dos pacientes ao tratamento, apenas com a ressalva de que ao criopeeling segue-se eritema mais intensoe persistente. Conclusões: As duas terapêuticas utilizadas constituem-se em alternativas válidas e eficazes para tratamento do "campo de cancerização".

Introduction: Chronic and intense photodamage usually produces numerous actinic keratoses, with early and global treatment of the affected skin being of paramount importance. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of two different treatments for multiple actinic keratoses. Methods: Five patients were selected Were selected five patients with diffuse, with diffuse actinic keratoses on the dorsum of the hands and forearms. The patients underwent the following protocol: Side A (right): biweekly superficial chemical peeling with 70% glycolic acid in gel, followed by the subsequent application of 5% 5-fluorouracil solution; Side B (left): monthly sessions of cryopeeling. The number of sessions ranged from four to six in Side A and two to three in Side B, according to the degree of photodamage. Results: All patients had a satisfactory clinical response, with improvement of actinic keratoses throughout the whole area of actinic damage, and good tolerance of the treatment among patients. The only exception was that a more intense and persistent erythema arises after the cryopeeling. Conclusions: Both treatments are valid and effective alternatives for the treatment of the field cancerization.

Microhabitat use and diet of Anotosaura vanzolinia (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae) in a Caatinga area, Brazil / Uso do microhabitat e dieta de Anotosaura vanzolinia (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae) em uma área de Caatinga, Brasil

This study aimed to analyze the microhabitat use and diet of the lizard Gymnophthalmidae Anotosaura vanzolinia (Dixon 1974) in the Complexo Aluízio Campos (7° 16′ 34″ S, 35° 53′ 7″ W), an area of the Caatinga in the Campina Grande, Paraíba. We studied a total of 12 transects by active searching during the daytime. In each sample, habitat and microhabitat types occupied by the specimen were categorized, together with solar incidence and soil type. For all individuals, morphometric measurements were performed, as well as dissection for stomach content analysis. We collected a total of 46 individuals, with a snout-vent length ranging between 19 and 45 mm, collected over all habitats, with prevalence in soil and earthy litter microhabitats near rocky outcrops. The dietary analysis showed a use of items of soil fauna and identified 14 types of prey, mainly insects such as termites and ants. It was observed that smaller individuals (SVL < 30 mm) fed mainly on Hymenoptera (Family Formicidae), whereas larger individuals (SVL > 30 mm) selected Isoptera.

O presente trabalho objetivou analisar o uso do microhabitat e a dieta do lagarto Gymnophthalmidae Anotosaura vanzolinia (Dixon 1974) no Complexo Aluízio Campos (7° 16′ 34″ S, 35° 53′ 7″ W), uma área de Caatinga do município de Campina Grande, Paraíba. Foram estudados ao todo 12 transectos utilizando a metodologia de busca ativa diurna. Em cada expedição foram categorizados os tipos de habitat e microhabitat ocupado pelo espécime, além de dados de incidência solar e tipagem do solo. Para os indivíduos coletados, foram tomadas medidas morfométricas além da dissecação para análise do conteúdo estomacal. Foi coletado um total de 46 indivíduos, com um comprimento rostro-cloacal variando entre 19 e 45 mm, coletados ao longo de todos os habitats, com prevalência nos microhabitats com serrapilheira e solo terroso próximo a afloramentos rochosos. A análise da dieta evidenciou uma utilização de itens da fauna edáfica, sendo identificados 14 tipos de presas, principalmente insetos como cupins e formigas. Foi observado que indivíduos menores (CRC < 30 mm) alimentam-se principalmente de Hymenoptera (Família Formicidae) enquanto os indivíduos maiores (CRC >30 mm) selecionaram Isoptera.

Do you know this syndrome? Becker nevus syndrome.

Becker nevus syndrome is the association of Becker's nevus with breast hypoplasia and other ipsilateral bone or muscle changes. It is considered to be a hormone-dependent disorder caused by a disturbance in the activity of the androgen receptor that appears to be increased in Becker's nevus, which may influence the development of associated lesions. We present a relevant case of this syndrome due to the rare systematization of the lesions in addition to the exuberant extracutaneous involvement in this case.