The novel mangrove environment and composition of the Amazon Delta.

Both freshwater floodplain (várzeas and igapós) forests and brackish-saline mangroves are abundant and well-described ecosystems in Brazil.1 However, an interesting and unique wetland forest exists in the Amazon Delta where extensive mangroves occur in essentially freshwater tidal environments. Unlike the floodplain forests found upriver, the hydrology of these ecosystems is driven largely by large macro-tides of 4-8 m coupled with the significant freshwater discharge from the Amazon River. We explored these mangroves on the Amazon Delta (00°52' N to 01°41' N) and found surface water salinity to be consistently <5; soil pore water salinity in these mangrove forests ranged from 0 nearest the Amazon mouth to only 5-11 at the coastal margins to the north (01°41' N, 49°55' W). We also recorded a unique mix of mangrove-obligate (Avicennia sp., Rhizophora mangle) and facultative-wetland species (Mauritia flexuosa, Pterocarpus sp.) dominating these forests. This unique mix of plant species and soil porewater chemistry exists even along the coastal strands and active coastlines of the Atlantic Ocean. Part of these unique mangroves have escaped current global satellite mapping efforts, and we estimate that they may add over 180 km2 (20% increase in mangrove area) within the Amazon Delta. Despite having a unique structure and function, these freshwater-brackish ecosystems likely provide similar ecosystem services to most mangroves worldwide, such as sequestering large quantities of organic carbon, protection of shoreline ecosystems from erosion, and habitats to many terrestrial and aquatic species (monkeys, birds, crabs, and fish).

First evaluation of the anxiolytic-like effects of a bromazepam­palladium complex in mice.

A significant fraction of patients are affected by persistent fear and anxiety. Currently, there are several anxiolytic drug options, however their clinical outcomes do not fully manage the symptoms. Here, we evaluated the effects of a bromazepam­palladium derivative [2-{(7-bromo-2-oxo-1,3-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-5-il)pyridinyl-κ2-N,N}chloropalladium(II)], [(BMZ)PdCl2], on fear/anxiety and memory-related behavior in mice. For this, female Swiss mice were treated intraperitoneally (i.p.) with saline (NaCl 0.9%) or [(BMZ)PdCl2] (0.5, 5.0, or 50 µg/kg). After 30 min, different tests were performed to evaluate anxiety, locomotion, and memory. We also evaluated the acute toxicity of [(BMZ)PdCl2] using a cell viability assay (neutral red uptake assay), and whether the drugs mechanism of action involves the γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor complex by pre-treating animals with flumazenil (1.0 mg/kg, i.p., a competitive antagonist of GABAA-binding site). Our results demonstrate that [(BMZ)PdCl2] induces an anxiolytic-like phenotype in the elevated plus-maze test and that this effect can be blocked by flumazenil. Furthermore, there were no behavioral alterations induced by [(BMZ)PdCl2], as evaluated in the light-dark box, open field, and step-down passive avoidance tests. In the acute toxicity assay, [(BMZ)PdCl2] presented IC50 and LD50 values of 218 ± 60 µg/mL and 780 ± 80 mg/kg, respectively, and GSH category 4. Taken together, our results show that the anxiolytic-like effect of acute treatment with [(BMZ)PdCl2] occurs through the modulation of the benzodiazepine site in the GABAA receptor complex. Moreover, we show indications that [(BMZ)PdCl2] does not promote sedation and amnesia and presents the same toxicity as the bromazepam prototype.

Macrobenthic community responses to multiple environmental stressors in a subtropical estuary.

We assessed how multi- and univariate models reflect marine environmental health based on macrobenthic community responses to three environmental stressor categories: hydrodynamics, organic enrichment and metal contamination. We then compared the models with the benthic index AMBI (AZTI Marine Biotic Index). Macrobenthic community and physicochemical variables were sampled at 35 sites along Babitonga Bay, a subtropical estuary in Southern Brazil. Distance-based linear modelling identified depth, grain size and organic matter as well as Cu and Zn as key stressors affecting the macrobenthos. Using canonical analysis of principal coordinates (CAP), we developed three multivariate models based on the variability in community composition, creating stress gradients. The metal gradient showed better correlation with the benthic community. Sediment quality indices (Geoaccumulation Index and Contamination Factor) showed a low to moderate contamination status, with higher concentrations for Cr, Ni and Zn at the inner areas of the bay. According to AMBI, Babitonga Bay has a "good" environmental health status, and the AMBI values show stronger correlations with the hydrodynamic and organic enrichment gradients (r = 0.50 and r = 0.47) rather than the metal gradient (r = 0.29). Lumbrineridae polychaetes (not included in the AMBI list) and Scoloplos sp. were negatively related to the metal contamination gradient and were considered sensitive, while Sigambra sp., Magelona papillicornis, the gastropod Heleobia australis and species of the crustacean order Mysida were positively related to the gradient and considered tolerant to higher concentrations of metals in the sediment. Despite the inconsistency in the ecological classification provided by AMBI and its relationship with the metal gradient, our results suggest that the environmental quality was satisfactory for the studied gradients. The metal gradient showed the weakest correlation to AMBI. In such cases, the ecological classification of taxa by the index should be evaluated under the perspective of the action of inorganic genotoxic contaminants represented by metals.

An integrated evaluation of molecular marker indices and linear alkylbenzenes (LABs) to measure sewage input in a subtropical estuary (Babitonga Bay, Brazil).

Babitonga Bay is a South Atlantic estuary with significant ecological function; it is part of the last remaining areas of mangrove communities in the Southern Hemisphere. The aim of this study was to determine the spatial distribution of the faecal sterols and linear alkylbenzenes (LABs) in surface sediments and to perform an integrated evaluation of several molecular marker indices to assess the sewage contamination status in the study area. The highest observed concentrations of faecal sterols (coprostanol + epicoprostanol) and LABs were 6.65 µg g(-1) and 413.3 ng g(-1), respectively. Several faecal sterol indices were calculated and correlated with coprostanol levels; these analyses showed that the index limits presented in the current literature could underestimate the sewage contamination in this study area. For the overall estuarine system, a low sewage impact may be assumed based on the low total mass inventories calculated for coprostanol (between 1.4% and 4.8%).

Reliability of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory - Healthcare Satisfaction Generic Module 3.0 version for the assessment of the quality of care of children with chronic diseases.

OBJECTIVE: To translate to Brazilian Portuguese and to evaluate the reliability of the Healthcare Satisfaction (HS) Generic Module version 3.0 of the PedsQL inventory for the Brazilian culture. METHOD: The methods recommended by the authors of the original version of the questionnaire were used: 1) translation by bilingual experts; 2) back translation into English and evaluation by the authors of the original version; 3) a pilot study including 10 parents (cognitive interview); and 4) evaluation of the measurement properties of the questionnaire. The questionnaire was administered to 60 parents of children and adolescents with chronic diseases in key units of the Department of Pediatrics. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.57 to 0.78 for all domains (information, family inclusion, communication, technical skills, emotional needs and overall satisfaction), which confirmed good internal consistency. Test-retest reproducibility was evaluated using 20% of the sample (Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.909). The satisfaction score was good in all areas (> 4.3 points) except in the emotional needs domain. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian version of the HS-PedsQL is a valid and reliable tool to measure the overall satisfaction of parents and caregivers with the treatment of their children.

Confiabilidade do módulo Satisfação com o Serviço de Saúde do questionário Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory versão 3.0 na avaliação do atendimento de crianças e adolescentes com doenças crônicas / Reliability of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory - Healthcare Satisfaction Generic Module 3.0 version for the assessment of the quality of care of children with chronic diseases

OBJETIVO: Traduzir e avaliar a confiabilidade do módulo Satisfação com o Serviço de Saúde do questionário Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory versão 3.0 (SSS-PedsQL) para o idioma português e para a cultura brasileira. MÉTODO: Utilizamos a metodologia proposta pelos autores da versão original do questionário: 1) tradução por especialistas bilíngues; 2) tradução reversa para o inglês com avaliação pelos autores da versão original; 3) estudo piloto envolvendo 10 pais (entrevista cognitiva); e 4) avaliação das propriedades de medida do questionário, sendo administrado a um grupo de 60 pais de crianças e adolescentes com doenças crônicas em acompanhamento nos departamentos de pediatria de um hospital-escola. RESULTADOS: Obtivemos alfa de Cronbach entre 0,57 e 0,78 para os domínios do questionário (informação, inclusão familiar, comunicação, habilidades técnicas, necessidades emocionais e satisfação geral), demonstrando uma boa consistência interna. Foi avaliada a reprodutibilidade interobservador em 20 por cento da amostra, com coeficiente de correlação de Spearman de 0,909. Observamos um ótimo escore de satisfação com as equipes multiprofissionais para todos os domínios (> 4,3 pontos), exceto para os domínios "necessidades emocionais", com 3,5 pontos, e "comunicação", com 3,9. CONCLUSÃO: A versão brasileira do SSS-PedsQL é válida e confiável e é útil na mensuração da satisfação global dos pais e/ou cuidadores com o tratamento dos seus filhos.

OBJECTIVE: To translate to Brazilian Portuguese and to evaluate the reliability of the Healthcare Satisfaction (HS) Generic Module version 3.0 of the PedsQL inventory for the Brazilian culture. METHOD: The methods recommended by the authors of the original version of the questionnaire were used: 1) translation by bilingual experts; 2) back translation into English and evaluation by the authors of the original version; 3) a pilot study including 10 parents (cognitive interview); and 4) evaluation of the measurement properties of the questionnaire. The questionnaire was administered to 60 parents of children and adolescents with chronic diseases in key units of the Department of Pediatrics. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.57 to 0.78 for all domains (information, family inclusion, communication, technical skills, emotional needs and overall satisfaction), which confirmed good internal consistency. Test-retest reproducibility was evaluated using 20 percent of the sample (Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.909). The satisfaction score was good in all areas (> 4.3 points) except in the emotional needs domain. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian version of the HS-PedsQL is a valid and reliable tool to measure the overall satisfaction of parents and caregivers with the treatment of their children.