On the stream-dwelling Crossodactylus timbuhy (Anura, Hylodidae): taxonomy, natural history, and geographic distribution.

The genus Crossodactylus has taxonomic problems due to the difficulty in properly identifying some populations to the species level. The deficient species diagnosis rises mostly due to high intraspecific variation and lack of information on topotypes. Crossodactylus timbuhy was described based only on external morphology of preserved adult specimens. Based on topotypic specimens, we provide further information on C. timbuhy regarding color in life (both adult and larvae), tadpole external morphology, vocal repertoire, natural history, and geographic distribution. The species identification was confirmed through comparison to the type series, 16S rRNA analysis, and bioacoustics. Crossodactylus timbuhy vocalizes during daylight along shallow slow-flowing streams. The advertisement call has ascendant amplitude modulation, duration of 2.18.4 s, 2375 pulsed notes, and peak frequency of 3.64.8 kHz. Our report on male unilateral sac inflation is the first within Crossodactylus. Although overall tadpole external morphology and coloration resemble other species of hylodids, we report ventral depression and golden iridophores also for the first time within Crossodactylus. Adult males display five antipredator mechanisms (interrupt calling, escape, aggression, posture, and aposematism). Finally, we restrict its geographic distribution to the Municipality of Santa Teresa, State of Esprito Santo, Southeastern Brazil.

Microperimetry differences in macular sensitivity threshold between first and second tested eyes.

PURPOSE: To comparatively assess the macular sensitivity threshold of microperimetry and the fixation stability between the first (right) and second (left) tested eye of normal participants. METHODS: Thirty healthy patients were randomly assigned to two groups. The participants underwent microperimetry in the fast mode and expert mode in groups I and II, respectively. Each participant underwent a single test and the right eye was tested first. RESULTS: The mean macular sensitivity threshold (± standard deviation [SD]) was 24.5 ± 2.3 dB and 25.7 ± 1.1 dB in the first (right) and second (left) eyes of group I, respectively (p=0.0415) and 26.7 ± 4.5 dB and 27.3 ± 4.0 dB in the first (right) and second (left) eyes of group II, respectively (p=0.58). There was no statistically significant difference between eyes in either group (p=0.1512). Regarding fixation stability (evaluated in the microperimetry expert mode group), the mean ± SD percentage of fixation points within the 1-degree central macula (P1) was 87.9 ± 11.5% in the right eye and 93.8 ± 6.6% in the left eye. The paired t-test did not show a statistically significant difference between eyes (p=0.140). Mean ± SD P2 value was 95.5 ± 4.9% in the right eye and 98.5 ± 2.1% in the left eye. The analysis demonstrated an increase in the percentage of fixation points in the second tested eye compared with the first one (paired t-test= 2.364; p=0.034). There was a negative correlation between the macular sensitivity threshold of the right eye and the duration of the examination for both groups (microperimetry expert mode: r=-0.717; p=0.0026; microperimetry in the fast mode: r=-0.843; p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Mean macular sensitivity threshold was higher in the second tested eye in the microperimetry in the fast mode group and was similar in both eyes in the expert mode. Our data suggest that comprehension of the examination by the individual may impact the results of the microperimetry test.

Third times a charm: reviewing the advertisement call of Gabohyla pauloalvini (Anura: Hylidae: Scinaxinae), an endemic species from Brazil Atlantic Forest.

The Neotropical tribe Sphaenorhynchini is composed of 15 recognized species commonly named as lime treefrogs. Gabohyla pauloalvini occurs in Atlantic Forest lowlands through the states of Bahia and Esprito Santo, Brazil. Based on field observation, literature review, and evaluation of audio files, we conclude that previous bioacoustic descriptions were erroneously assigned to G. pauloalvini. Here, we describe for the first time the advertisement call of G. pauloalvini from two disjunct populations. In addition, we provide new distribution records and an updated map for this species. The advertisement call of G. pauloalvini is composed of 15 closely spaced notes, with duration of 0.0161.976 s, inter-note intervals of 0.3401.25 s, and an average dominant frequency (= fundamental frequency) of 4966.0 Hz. Harmonics are visible in the spectrogram. Three new populations of G. pauloalvini have been recorded and extended the distribution by 60 km south. Nevertheless, G. pauloalvini is still known only from few localities. We highlight the importance of depositing audio recordings and specimens in scientific collections to promote systematics and natural history studies.

Functional traits explain amphibian distribution in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

AIM: Species distributions are one of the most important ways to understand how communities interact through macroecological relationships. The functional abilities of a species, such as its plasticity in various environments, can determine its distribution, species richness and beta diversity patterns. In this study, we evaluate how functional traits influence the distribution of amphibians, and hypothesize which functional traits explain the current pattern of amphibian species composition. LOCATION: Atlantic Forest, Brazil. TAXON: Amphibia (Anura and Gymnophiona). METHODS: Using potential distributions of Brazilian amphibians from Atlantic Forest based on their functional traits, we analysed the influence of biotic and abiotic factors on species richness, endemism (with permutation multivariate analysis) and beta diversity components (i.e. total, turnover and nestedness dissimilarities). RESULTS: Environmental variables explained 59.5% of species richness, whereas functional traits explained 15.8% of species distribution (geographical species range) for Anuran and 88.8% for Gymnophiona. Body size had the strongest correlation with species distribution. Results showed that species with medium to large body size, and species that are adapted to living in open areas tended to disperse from west to east direction. Current forest changes directly affected beta diversity patterns (i.e. most species adapted to novel environments increase their ranges). Beta diversity partitioning between humid and dry forests showed decreased nestedness and increased turnover by increasing altitude in the south-eastern region of the Atlantic Forest. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that functional traits directly influence the ability of the species to disperse. With the alterations of the natural environment, species more apt to these alterations have dispersed or increased their distribution, which consequently changes community structure. As a result, there are nested species distribution patterns and homogenization of amphibian species composition throughout the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

Computer simulation and discrete-event models in the analysis of a mammography clinic patient flow.

OBJECTIVE: This work develops a discrete-event computer simulation model for the analysis of a mammography clinic performance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two mammography clinic computer simulation models were developed, based on an existing public sector clinic of the Brazilian Cancer Institute, located in Rio de Janeiro city, Brazil. Two clinics in a total of seven configurations (number of equipment units and working personnel) were studied. Models tried to simulate changes in patient arrival rates, number of equipment units, available personnel (technicians and physicians), equipment maintenance scheduling schemes and exam repeat rates. Model parameters were obtained by direct measurements and literature reviews. A commercially-available simulation software was used for model building. RESULTS: The best patient scheduling (patient arrival rate) for the studied configurations had an average of 29 min for Clinic 1 (consisting of one mammography equipment, one to three technicians and one physician) and 21 min for Clinic 2 (two mammography equipment units, one to four technicians and one physician). The exam repeat rates and equipment maintenance scheduling simulations indicated that a large impact over patient waiting time would appear in the smaller capacity configurations. CONCLUSIONS: Discrete-event simulation was a useful tool for defining optimal operating conditions for the studied clinics, indicating the most adequate capacity configurations and equipment maintenance schedules.

Breeding Guild Determines Frog Distributions in Response to Edge Effects and Habitat Conversion in the Brazil's Atlantic Forest.

Understanding the response of species with differing life-history traits to habitat edges and habitat conversion helps predict their likelihood of persistence across changing landscape. In Brazil's Atlantic Forest, we evaluated frog richness and abundance by breeding guild at four distances from the edge of a reserve: i) 200 m inside the forest, ii) 50 m inside the forest, iii) at the forest edge, and iv) 50 m inside three different converted habitats (coffee plantation, non-native Eucalyptus plantation, and abandoned pastures, hereafter matrix types). By sampling a dry and a wet season, we recorded 622 individual frogs representing 29 species, of which three were undescribed. Breeding guild (i.e. bromeliad, leaf-litter, and water-body breeders) was the most important variable explaining frog distributions in relation to edge effects and matrix types. Leaf-litter and bromeliad breeders decreased in richness and abundance from the forest interior toward the matrix habitats. Water-body breeders increased in richness toward the matrix and remained relatively stable in abundance across distances. Number of large trees (i.e. DBH > 15 cm) and bromeliads best explained frog richness and abundance across distances. Twenty species found in the interior of the forest were not found in any matrix habitat. Richness and abundance across breeding guilds were higher in the rainy season but frog distributions were similar across the four distances in the two seasons. Across matrix types, leaf-litter species primarily used Eucalyptus plantations, whereas water-body species primarily used coffee plantations. Bromeliad breeders were not found inside any matrix habitat. Our study highlights the importance of primary forest for bromeliad and leaf-litter breeders. We propose that water-body breeders use edge and matrix habitats to reach breeding habitats along the valleys. Including life-history characteristics, such as breeding guild, can improve predictions of frog distributions in response to edge effect and matrix types, and can guide more effective management and conservation actions.

Microperimetry differences in macular sensitivity threshold between first and second tested eyes / Diferenças no limiar de sensibilidade macular na microperimetria entre o primeiro e o segundo olhos testados

ABSTRACT Purpose: To comparatively assess the macular sensitivity threshold of microperimetry and the fixation stability between the first (right) and second (left) tested eye of normal participants. Methods: Thirty healthy patients were randomly assigned to two groups. The participants underwent microperimetry in the fast mode and expert mode in groups I and II, respectively. Each participant underwent a single test and the right eye was tested first. Results: The mean macular sensitivity threshold (± standard deviation [SD]) was 24.5 ± 2.3 dB and 25.7 ± 1.1 dB in the first (right) and second (left) eyes of group I, respectively (p=0.0415) and 26.7 ± 4.5 dB and 27.3 ± 4.0 dB in the first (right) and second (left) eyes of group II, respectively (p=0.58). There was no statistically significant difference between eyes in either group (p=0.1512). Regarding fixation stability (evaluated in the microperimetry expert mode group), the mean ± SD percentage of fixation points within the 1-degree central macula (P1) was 87.9 ± 11.5% in the right eye and 93.8 ± 6.6% in the left eye. The paired t-test did not show a statistically significant difference between eyes (p=0.140). Mean ± SD P2 value was 95.5 ± 4.9% in the right eye and 98.5 ± 2.1% in the left eye. The analysis demonstrated an increase in the percentage of fixation points in the second tested eye compared with the first one (paired t-test= 2.364; p=0.034). There was a negative correlation between the macular sensitivity threshold of the right eye and the duration of the examination for both groups (microperimetry expert mode: r=-0.717; p=0.0026; microperimetry in the fast mode: r=-0.843; p<0.0001). Conclusion: Mean macular sensitivity threshold was higher in the second tested eye in the microperimetry in the fast mode group and was similar in both eyes in the expert mode. Our data suggest that comprehension of the examination by the individual may impact the results of the microperimetry test.(AU)

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar comparativamente o limiar de sensibilidade macular da microperimetria e a estabilidade de fixação entre o primeiro (direito) e o segundo (esquerdo) olhos testados de indivíduos normais. Métodos: Trinta pacientes saudáveis foram divididos aleatoriamente em 2 grupos. Os participantes foram submetidos à microperimetria no "fast mode" e no "expert mode" no grupo I e II, respectivamente. Cada participante foi submetido a um único teste e o olho direito foi testado primeiro. Resultados: No grupo I, o limiar médio de sensibilidade macular (± DP) foi de 24,5 ± 2,3 dB e 25,7 ± 1,1 dB nos olhos direito e esquerdo, respectivamente (p=0,0415). No grupo II foi de 26,7 ± 4,5 dB e 27,3 ± 4,0 dB nos olhos direito e esquerdo, respectivamente (p=0,58). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os olhos dos dois grupos (p=0,1512). Em relação à estabilidade de fixação (avaliada no grupo microperimetria no "expert mode"), a média das porcentagens dos pontos de fixação dentro do 1 grau central da mácula (P1) ± DP foi de 87,9 ± 11,5% no olho direito e de 93,8 ± 6,6% no olho esquerdo. O teste t pareado não mostrou diferença estatística entre os olhos (p=0,140). O valor médio de P2 ± DP foi de 95,5 ± 4,9% no olho direito e 98,5 ± 2,1% no olho esquerdo. Foi demonstrado um aumento na porcentagem de pontos de fixação no segundo olho testado quando comparado ao primeiro (teste t pareado= 2,364; p=0,034). Houve correlação negativa entre o limiar de sensibilidade macular do olho direito e a duração do exame nos dois grupos (microperimetria no "expert mode": r=-0,717; p=0,0026; microperimetria no "fast mode": r=-0,843; p <0,0001). Conclusão: O limiar médio de sensibilidade macular foi maior no segundo olho testado no grupo microperimetria no "fast mode" e foi semelhante nos dois olhos no "expert mode". Nossos dados sugerem que a compreensão do exame pelo indivíduo pode impactar nos resultados da microperimetria.(AU)

The First Bromeligenous Species of Dendropsophus (Anura: Hylidae) from Brazil's Atlantic Forest.

We describe a new treefrog species of Dendropsophus collected on rocky outcrops in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Ecologically, the new species can be distinguished from all known congeners by having a larval phase associated with rainwater accumulated in bromeliad phytotelms instead of temporary or lentic water bodies. Phylogenetic analysis based on molecular data confirms that the new species is a member of Dendropsophus; our analysis does not assign it to any recognized species group in the genus. Morphologically, based on comparison with the 96 known congeners, the new species is diagnosed by its small size, framed dorsal color pattern, and short webbing between toes IV-V. The advertisement call is composed of a moderate-pitched two-note call (~5 kHz). The territorial call contains more notes and pulses than the advertisement call. Field observations suggest that this new bromeligenous species uses a variety of bromeliad species to breed in, and may be both territorial and exhibit male parental care.

On the diagnosis and conservation of the poorly known bromeligenous Scinax arduous Peixoto, 2002 (Amphibia; Anura; Hylidae).

Since Scinax arduous description, many other populations belonging to the Scinax perpusillus group have been recorded for the States of Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais, Southeastern Brazil. Both in collections and publications most of these new specimens are identified as S. arduous, Scinax cf. arduous, Scinax cf. perpusillus, Scinax gr. perpusillus, S. perpusillus and S. v-signatus. Such state of affairs may be due to the lack of information on the original description of S. arduous. Only two individuals [the holotype (female) and the paratype (male)] were used in the original description and diagnosis, therefore, information on variation and distribution were not available. Furthermore, in S. arduous description, the section on coloration in life was based only on two juveniles raised in laboratory. Herein we redefine Scinax arduous based on 44 males and 17 females from the type locality, the Municipality of Santa Teresa, in the State of Espírito Santo. In addition, we provide information on its conservation status, distribution, natural history, vocalization, tadpoles, and detailed photographs of both adults and larvae.

Optimizing patient flow in a large hospital surgical centre by means of discrete-event computer simulation models.

OBJECTIVE: This study used the discrete-events computer simulation methodology to model a large hospital surgical centre (SC), in order to analyse the impact of increases in the number of post-anaesthetic beds (PABs), of changes in surgical room scheduling strategies and of increases in surgery numbers. METHODS: The used inputs were: number of surgeries per day, type of surgical room scheduling, anaesthesia and surgery duration, surgical teams' specialty and number of PABs, and the main outputs were: number of surgeries per day, surgical rooms' use rate and blocking rate, surgical teams' use rate, patients' blocking rate, surgery delays (minutes) and the occurrence of postponed surgeries. Two basic strategies were implemented: in the first strategy, the number of PABs was increased under two assumptions: (a) following the scheduling plan actually used by the hospital (the 'rigid' scheduling - surgical rooms were previously assigned and assignments could not be changed) and (b) following a 'flexible' scheduling (surgical rooms, when available, could be freely used by any surgical team). In the second, the same analysis was performed, increasing the number of patients (up to the system 'feasible maximum') but fixing the number of PABs, in order to evaluate the impact of the number of patients over surgery delays. CONCLUSION: It was observed that the introduction of a flexible scheduling/increase in PABs would lead to a significant improvement in the SC productivity.