Effects of blood metal(loid) concentrations on genomic damages in sharks.

The use of effect biomarkers has contributed to the understanding of the sublethal effects of contaminants on different organisms. However, the analysis of genotoxic markers as an indicator of organism and environmental health in sharks is underexplored. Thus, the present study investigated the relationship between the genomic damage frequency in erythrocytes and metal(loid) concentrations in whole blood of three shark species (Galeocerdo cuvier, Negaprion brevirostris and Ginglymostoma cirratum), taking into account climatic seasonality. The results showed that G. cuvier, an apex predator, presented the highest total erythrocyte genomic damage frequencies together with the highest mean whole blood concentrations of Al, Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn. The shark N. brevirostris also presented high levels of metal(loid), indicating a greater susceptibility to these contaminants in species that preferentially feed on fish. In contrast, G. cirratum, a mesopredator, presented the lowest erythrocyte damage frequencies and whole blood metal(loid) concentrations. The presence of micronuclei was the most responsive biomarker, and Al, As and Zn had an important effect on the genomic damage frequencies for all species evaluated. Zn concentration influenced the binucleated cells frequencies and Al concentration had an effect on the total damage and micronuclei frequencies in G. cuvier and N. brevirostris. Binucleated cells and blebbed nuclei frequencies were affected by As concentration, especially in G. cirratum, while showing a strong and positive correlation with most of the metals analyzed. Nonetheless, baseline levels of metal(loid) blood concentrations and erythrocyte genomic damage frequencies in sharks have not yet been established. Therefore, minimum risk levels of blood contaminants concentrations on the health of these animals have also not been determined. However, the high genomic instability observed in sharks is of concern considering the current health status of these animals, as well as the quality of the environment studied.

Comparative genomic damage among three shark species with different habits: Sublethal impacts of human origin in a protected island environment in the South Atlantic.

Elasmobranchs can bioaccumulate and biomagnify pollutants. However, few studies are directed to the effects of pollutants on the health of these animals, and in most cases, are limited to the analysis of biochemical markers. Thus, the incidence of genomic damage among shark species inhabiting a protected ocean island in the South Atlantic was investigated in association with the analysis of pollutants in seawater sample. High levels of genomic damage were identified, especially in Negaprion brevirostris and Galeocerdo cuvier, in addition to interspecific variations that may be related to characteristics such as animal size, metabolism and habits. High concentrations of Surfactants were observed in seawater sample, in addition to low concentrations of Cadmium, Lead, Copper, Chromium, Zinc, Manganese, and Mercury. The results evidenced the potential of shark species as a bioindicator of environmental quality and allowed assessing the anthropic impact on the archipelago, which currently drives its economy through tourism.

The first baseline of ALDFG generated by the artisanal fishery during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the north coast of Pernambuco, Brazil.

To prevent the spread of the COVID-19 contagion, some regions of Brazil implemented a prohibition of beach use, which contributed to a reduction of artisanal fishing activity. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of these beach closures on the incidence of abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) along four beaches located on the northern coast of Pernambuco, Brazil. The absolute and relative frequency of occurrence and the number of observations per unit of effort (OPUE) between the periods before and after the prohibition period were analyzed. A total of 1935 fishing gear residues were found (63% before and 37% after prohibition). There was also a significant reduction in OPUE and in absolute frequency (p < 0.05) between these two periods. Although beach closures appear to have contributed to a reduction in the amount of ALDFG in the region, it does not indicate a complete pause in fishing activities.

Equatorial Atlantic pelagic predators reveal low content of PBDEs in contrast to MeO-BDEs: An analysis of brominated diphenyl ethers in blue shark and yellowfin tuna.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and their methoxylated analogues (MeO-BDEs) are widely distributed in the environment. The main concern about the presence of PBDEs and MeO-BDEs in fish is due to their potential endocrine disruption effects in the specimens, and their potential risk to the health of human consumers. Considering these concerns, the goal of this study was to investigate the occurrence of PBDEs and MeO-BDEs in muscle tissues of blue shark (BSH), Prionace glauca, and yellowfin tuna (YFT), Thunnus albacares, caught in the Equatorial Atlantic Ocean (EAO), North-eastern Brazilian waters, and to evaluate the potential risk of human exposure by consumption. Muscle tissues of YFT and BSH were extracted using a Soxhlet apparatus and an Accelerated Solvent Extractor (ASE), respectively. PBDEs and MeO-BDEs were analysed by GC-NCI-MS. Concentrations of PBDEs ranged from not detected (nd) to 10 ng g-1 lipid weight (lw) in YFT muscle samples, while PBDE levels in BSH muscle samples ranged from

Fish biodiversity of Saint Peter and Saint Paul's Archipelago, Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Brazil: new records and a species database.

Saint Peter and Saint Paul's Archipelago (SPSPA), one of the smallest and most isolated island groups in the world, is situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, between Brazil and the African continent. SPSPA has low species richness and high endemism; nonetheless, the diversity of fishes from deep habitats (>30 m depth) had not been previously studied in detail. Several expeditions conducted between 2009 and 2018 explored the shallow and deep reefs of SPSPA using scuba, closed-circuit rebreathers, manned submersibles, baited remote underwater stereo-videos (stereo-BRUV) and fishing between 0 and 1050 m depth. These expeditions yielded 41 new records of fishes for SPSPA: 9 in open waters, 9 in shallow waters (0-30 m), 8 in mesophotic ecosystems (30-150 m) and 15 in deeper reefs (>150 m). Combined with literature records of adult pelagic, shallow and deep-reef species, as well as larvae, the database of the fish biodiversity for SPSPA currently comprises 225 species (169 recorded as adult fishes and 79 as larvae, with 23 species found in both stages). Most of them (112) are pelagic, 86 are reef-associated species and 27 are deep-water specialists. Species accumulation curves show that the number of fish species has not yet reached an asymptote. Whereas the number of species recorded in SPSPA is similar to that in other oceanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean, the proportion of shorefishes is relatively lower, and the endemism level is the third highest in the Atlantic. Twenty-nine species are listed as threatened with extinction. Observations confirm the paucity of top predators on shallow rocky reefs of the island, despite the presence of several pelagic shark species around SPSPA. Because all of the endemic species are reef associated, it is argued that the new marine-protected areas created by the Brazilian government do not ensure the protection and recovery of SPSPA's biodiversity because they allow exploitation of the most vulnerable species around the archipelago itself. This study suggests a ban on reef fish exploitation inside an area delimited by the 1000 m isobath around the islands (where all known endemics are concentrated) as the main conservation strategy to be included in the SPSPA management plan being prepared by the Brazilian government.

Review of the Brazilian species of Physiculus (Gadiformes: Moridae), with description of a new species from Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago, equatorial Atlantic.

Three valid species of the genus Physiculus are known from the Brazilian marinewaters. A fourth, new species, Physiculus cirm n. sp.., is described based on seventeen specimens collected in the surroundings of Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago, equatorial Atlantic. A review of the Brazilian species of Physiculus is provided, as well as a key to the species of the genus reported from the Atlantic Ocean. The new species is distinguished from all its congeners, except P. cynodon and P. karrerae, by the large number of longitudinal series of scales (156-189 vs. 70-150). P. cynodon from the Northern Pacific has about 200 longitudinal series of scales, and it differs from the new species by the number of rays of the first dorsal fin (6-8 vs. 10 in P. cynodon), pectoral-fin rays (20-25 vs. 27 in P. cynodon), and the presence of an outer row of large canine teeth on upper and lower jaw. From P. karrerae, which has 134-160 longitudinal series of scales, the new species differs by the presence of scales on the tip of the snout and dorsal-fin membrane, and the number of pectoral-fin rays (20-25 vs. 24-27 in P. karrerae). [Zoobank URL: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:1AFBC251-2BB1-4479-98A4-307188EC5D66].

Oocyte development and ovarian maturation of the black triggerfish, Melichthys niger (Actinopterygii: Balistidae) in São Pedro e São Paulo Archipelago, Brazil

The oogenesis is a key stage in the reproductive development of an organism, which can be best understood from histological analysis of ovaries in different maturity stages. In order to provide information on the reproductive biology of the black triggerfish, M. niger, in particular on its oogenesis process, this study aimed at identifying and characterizing the oocyte development stages and its organization within the different stages of ovarian maturation based on specimens from São Pedro e São Paulo Archipelago. In this present report, a number of 294 ovaries were histologically analyzed. It was verified that they are composed of ovigerous lamellae containing oocytes at different development stages. Five different stages of oogenesis were identified: young cells, with an average size of 12.9 ìm; previtellogenic oocytes (perinucleolar), with an average size of 53.5 ìm; cortical-alveoli oocytes with an average size of 83.1 ìm; vitellogenic oocytes, with an average size of 160.4 ìm and mature oocytes, with an average size of 289.8 ìm. In addition to the germ cells, some somatic structures were also identified, such as: ovarian wall, follicular cells and blood vessels. Based on the type and number of oocytes observed, four stages of ovarian maturation were identified: early maturation, represented by only 2.2% of the sample; middle maturation, represented by 9.9%; mature, represented by 44.2% and resting, represented by 43.9%. The identification of five oocyte development stages in the ovarians from M. niger, suggested that the specie follows a pattern similar to that described for other marine fish.

A oogênese é um estágio chave no desenvolvimento reprodutivo de um organismo, o qual pode ser melhor compreendido a partir de análises histológicas dos ovários em diferentes estágios de maturidade. A fim de fornecer informações sobre a biologia reprodutiva do cangulo-preto, M. niger, em especial sobre o seu processo de oogênese, este estudo teve como objetivo identificar e caracterizar as fases do desenvolvimento ovocitário e sua organização dentro dos diferentes estágios de maturação ovariana, baseado em espécimes do Arquipélago de São Pedro e São Paulo. No presente estudo, um número de 294 ovários foram analisados histologicamente. Foi verificado que eles são constituídos por lamelas ovígeras contendo ovócitos em diferentes estágios de desenvolvimento. Foram identificados cinco diferentes estágios da oogênese: células jovens, com tamanho médio de 12,9 ìm; ovócitos pré-vitelogênicos (perinucleolares), com tamanho médio de 53,5 ìm; ovócitos alvéolo-corticais, com tamanho médio de 83,1 ìm; ovócitos vitelogênicos, com tamanho médio de 160,4 ìm e ovócitos maduros, com tamanho médio de 289,8 ìm. Além das células germinativas, algumas estruturas somáticas também foram identificadas, tais como: parede do ovário, células foliculares e vasos sanguíneos. Baseado no tipo e número de ovócitos observados, quatro estágios de maturação ovariana foram identificados: início de maturação, representado por apenas 2,2% da amostra; média maturação, representado por 9,9%; madura, representado por 44,2% e em repouso representado por 43,9%. A identificação de cinco estágios do desenvolvimento ovocitário nos ovários de M. niger, sugere que a espécie segue um padrão semelhante ao descrito para outros peixes marinhos.

Vivência da sexualidade feminina no período gestacional: à luz da história oral temática / Experience of the female sexuality in the gestational period: under the perspective of the oral thematic history / Vivencia de la sexualidad femenina en el período gestacional a la luz de la historia oral temática

Diversos aspectos da sexualidade humana ainda continuam sendo vistos como tabus. A gestação se torna um dos períodos de maior dificuldade para este tipo de abordagem, principalmente devido à repressão e a negação da existência da sexualidade neste período. Objetivou-se identificar a vivência da sexualidade nas mulheres no período gestacional. Caracteriza-se em uma pesquisa exploratória e qualitativa, utilizando o método da história oral temática. Foram entrevistadas dez mulheres que estiveram grávidas no ano de 2006. A análise desvelou quatro categorias temáticas: "Comportamento sexual do casal no período gestacional"; "Modificações fisiológicas no decorrer da gravidez e sua influência na atividade sexual"; "Desejo sexual da mulher no período gestacional"; "Influência do pré-natal no comportamento sexual do casal".Os depoimentos revelaram que a vivência da sexualidade feminina depende de fatores físicos, psicológicos e culturais. A forma como o parceiro compreende e se comporta também se constitui em fator determinante para uma experiência sexual saudável entre o casal. Outro ponto destacado foi a fragilidade das orientações sobre sexualidade nas consultas de pré-natal. É necessário que exista uma relação mútua entre o casal para o enfrentamento das dificuldades encontradas nesse período.

Several aspects of the human sexuality still remain as taboos. The gestation becomes one of the periods of bigger difficulty for this kind of approach, mainly due to the repression and the denial of the existence of the sexuality in this period. We aimed at identifying the experience of the sexuality in women during the gestational period. It is characterized as a qualitative and exploratory research, using the method of the oral thematic history. Ten women who were pregnant in the year 2006 were interviewed. The analysis has unveiled four thematic categories: "Couple's sexual behavior during the gestational period"; "Physiological modifications during the pregnancy and its influence on sexual activity"; "Sexual desire of women during the gestational period"; "Influence of the antenatal in the sexual activity". The statements have revealed that the experience of the feminine sexuality depends on physical, psychological and cultural factors. The way in which the partner understands and behaves is also constituted as a determining factor for achieving a healthy sexual experience between the couple. Another point highlighted was the fragility of the guidelines about sexuality in the antenatal consultations. It is necessary having a mutual relationship between the couple for facing the difficulties that arise in this period.

Varios aspectos de la sexualidad humana siguen estando considerados como un tabú. El embarazo se convierte en uno de los períodos más difíciles de este tipo de enfoque, principalmente debido a la represión y la negación de la existencia de la sexualidad en este período. El objetivo fue identificar la vivencia de la sexualidad de las mujeres en período gestacional. Es una investigación de carácter exploratorio y cualitativo, que utiliza el método de la historia oral temática. Fueron entrevistadas diez mujeres que estuvieron embarazadas en el año de 2006. El análisis reveló cuatro categorías temáticas: "Comportamiento sexual de parejas durante el embarazo"; "Los cambios fisiológicos durante el embarazo y su influencia en la actividad sexual"; "El deseo sexual de la mujer durante el embarazo"; "Influencia del prenatal en el comportamiento sexual de la pareja". Las entrevistas revelaron que la vivencia de la sexualidad femenina depende de factores físicos, psicológicos y culturales. La forma como el compañero comprende y se comporta, también se constituye en un factor determinante para una experiencia sexual saludable en la pareja. Otro ítem importante que se evidenció, fue la fragilidad de las orientaciones sobre sexualidad en las consultas de prenatal. Es necesario que haya una relación mutua en la pareja para que se puedan enfrentar las dificultades propias de este período.

[Conflicts experienced by female adolescents with the discovery of pregnancy]. / Conflitos vivenciados pelas adolescentes com a descoberta da gravidez.

This descriptive research with 12 pregnant teenagers was conducted in Jucás, State of Ceará. The findings were analyzed after being grouped in the thematic categories that emerged from the interviews carried out with the young women, who were asked to answer the question: How have you been experiencing pregnancy in adolescence? It was verified that pregnancy was seen as an undesired problem and that the pregnant teenagers were afraid to share their state with their family or partner. It was observed that the reaction from parents or legal guardians and the low socio-economic level were determinant for the non-acceptance of pregnancy. It was concluded that pregnancy in adolescence is an issue that belong to the realm of Public Health, and that it must be seen as part of a wider picture, in which the adolescents and their daily problems need to be considered.

Conflitos vivenciados pelas adolescentes com a descoberta da gravidez / Conflictos vivenciados por las adolescentes con el descubrimiento del embarazo / Conflicts experienced by female adolescents with the discovery of pregnancy

O estudo investigou os conflitos vivenciados pelas adolescentes com a descoberta da gravidez. A pesquisa descritiva com 12 adolescentes grávidas foi realizada em Jucás-Ceará. Os achados foram analisados após agrupamento em categorias temáticas emergidas das falas das entrevistadas ao responderem à indagação: Como tem vivenciado a gravidez na adolescência? Verificou-se que a gravidez era vista como um problema indesejado e que as adolescentes tinham medo de partilhar sua descoberta com a família ou o companheiro. Foram observadas reações dos pais ou responsáveis e o baixo nível socioeconômico como determinantes da não aceitação da gestação. Concluiu-se que a gravidez na adolescência constitui-se um problema de Saúde Pública, que deve ser visualizado amplamente, percebendo-se a adolescente e seus problemas cotidianos.

This descriptive research with 12 pregnant teenagers was conducted in Jucás, State of Ceará. The findings were analyzed after being grouped in the thematic categories that emerged from the interviews carried out with the young women, who were asked to answer the question: How have you been experiencing pregnancy in adolescence?It was verified that pregnancy was seen as an undesired problem and that the pregnant teenagers were afraid to share their state with their family or partner. It was observed that the reaction from parents or legal guardians and the low socio-economic level were determinant for the non-acceptance of pregnancy. It was concluded that pregnancy in adolescence is an issue that belong to the realm of Public Health, and that it must be seen as part of a wider picture, in which the adolescents and their daily problems need to be considered.

En el estudio se investigó los conflictos vivenciados por las adolescentes al descubrir su embarazo. Esta investigación descriptiva realizada con 12 adolescentes embarazadas se llevó a cabo en Jucás-Ceará. Los hallazgos fueron analizados después del agrupamiento en categorías temáticas que emergieron de los discursos de las entrevistadas al responder a la pregunta: Cómo has vivenciado el embarazo en la adolescencia? Se verificó que el embarazo era visto como un problema indeseado y que las adolescentes tenían miedo de compartir su descubrimiento con la familia o el compañero. Fueron observadas reacciones de los padres o responsables y el bajo nivel socioeconómico como determinantes de la no aceptación de la gestación. Se concluyó que el embarazo en la adolescencia se constituye en un problema de Salud Pública, que debe ser visualizado ampliamente, percibiéndose a la adolescente y sus problemas cotidianos.