Trophic ecology of three stingrays (Myliobatoidei: Dasyatidae) off the Brazilian north-eastern coast: Habitat use and resource partitioning.

Understanding the ecological role of species with overlapping distributions is central to inform ecosystem management. Here we describe the diet, trophic level and habitat use of three sympatric stingrays, Hypanus guttatus, H. marianae and H. berthalutzae, through combined stomach content and stable isotope (δ13 C and δ15 N) analyses. Our integrated approach revealed that H. guttatus is a mesopredator that feeds on a diverse diet of benthic and epibenthic marine and estuarine organisms, principally bivalve molluscs, Alpheus shrimp and teleost fishes. Isotopic data supported movement of this species between marine and estuarine environments. H. berthalutzae is also a marine generalist feeder, but feeds primarily on teleost fishes and cephalopods, and consequently occupies a higher trophic level. In contrast, H. marianae is a mesopredator specialized on shrimps and polychaetas occurring only in the marine environment and occupying a low niche breadth. While niche overlap occurred, the three stingrays utilized the same prey resources at different rates and occupied distinct trophic niches, potentially limiting competition for resources and promoting coexistence. These combined data demonstrate that these three mesopredators perform different ecological roles in the ecosystems they occupy, limiting functional redundancy.

Mercury concentrations in coastal Elasmobranchs (Hypanus guttatus and Rhizoprionodon porosus) and human exposure in Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil.

Elasmobranchs are long-lived predatory fish that show high Hg concentrations generally reflecting environmental levels, notwithstanding they are widely consumed in Brazil increasing Hg exposure to humans. This study reports on Hg concentrations in largely consumed sharks (Rhizoprionodon porosus) and rays (Hypanus guttatus) from the Pernambuco coast, NE Brazil and the risk associated with their consumption. Muscle tissue concentrations of Hg in H. guttatus and R. porosus varied from 40 to 1,020 ng.g-1 w.w. (median = 125; mean = 124 ± 48 ng.g-1 w.w.) in sharks and from 129 to 2,130 ng.g-1 w.w. (median = 976; mean = 919 ± 139 ng.g-1 w.w.) in rays. Concentrations of Hg positively correlated with size in sharks, but not in rays. Concentrations reflect the local environmental contamination of a large urban center and industrial park concentrated in a short extension of mangrove-dominated coastline (50 km) and are higher compared to other Brazilian sites where Hg concentrations in these species have been reported. Sharks had a risk coefficient (HQ) range of 0.04 to 1.1, not surpassing the reference level of exposure. On the other hand, rays' HQ ranged from 0.14 to 2.3, and exceeds the reference level of exposure and suggests adverse effects to consumers.

Álcool e Outras Drogas: a Prevenção como Intervenção

Introdução: O uso abusivo de álcool e outras drogas é um problema recorrente entre adultos e adolescentes, além de ter se tornado uma questão de saúde pública que perpassam por diversos âmbitos na sociedade atual. Objetivo: A presente intervenção visa promover a educação em saúde, com prevenção ao uso de drogas entre os adolescentes e adultos da comunidade adscrita de uma Unidade de Saúde da Família. Métodos: Trata-se de um relato de experiência das atividades desenvolvidas na disciplina de Integração, Ensino, Serviço e Comunidade, sob a forma de atividades integrativas e pedagógicas, por meio de oficinas com rodas de conversas, palestras, colagem de cartazes, jogos interativos e apresentação teatral. Resultados: Evidenciou-se que os cidadãos possuem entendimento dos riscos das drogas, no entanto, não se encontravam meios viáveis para minimizar essa problemática. Com isso, por meio das atividades propostas verificou-se a importância e efetividade da educação em saúde, sobretudo em temáticas como essa, que são consideradas difíceis de serem abordadas com a população devido a ser um problema permeado de preconceitos e prejuízos em vários âmbitos da vida do indivíduo. Conclusões: Esse trabalho contribuiu para sensibilizar a comunidade, provocando questionamentos e sanando respostas acerca da temática, de forma a minimizar um problema que gera repercussões no indivíduo, na família, no trabalho e na sociedade. Além de permitir a aproximação dos acadêmicos com a comunidade, tornando a medicina mais humanizada.

Reproductive biology of the whitespotted eagle ray Aetobatus narinari (Myliobatiformes) captured in the coast of Paraíba and Pernambuco, Brazil.

The present study analysed aspects of reproductive biology based on macroscopic and microscopic structures of whitespotted eagle ray Aetobatus narinari captured by artisanal fishing off the coast of Paraíba and Pernambuco (7° 30' S, 34° 49' W; 7° 47' S, 34° 51' W), northeast Brazil. Of the 71 individuals in the sample, 55% were female (disc width - WD : 532-1698 mm) and 45% were male (WD : 442-1410 mm). The body size at which 50% of the individuals are mature (WD50 ) for males was 1155.8 mm; the clasper length varied between 24 and 184 mm. The WD50 for females was 1293.9 mm; the diameter of the largest vitellogenic follicle varied between 11 and 31 mm; and only the left ovary and uterus were functional. The microanatomy of the reproductive tract of males and females agrees with that of other elasmobranch species. In males, the highest hepato-somatic index (IH ) average and gonado-somatic index (IG ) average occurred in the third bimester of the year, whereas in females the highest values (average IH and IG , respectively) were in the second bimester of the year. Based on the information on reproduction of A. narinari from this study, it will be possible to contribute to the correct management and protection of this species.

Distribution and New Records of the Bluntnose Sixgill Shark, Hexanchus griseus (Hexanchiformes: Hexanchidae), from the Tropical Southwestern Atlantic.

The bluntnose sixgill shark, Hexanchus griseus, is a widely distributed demersal species found in tropical and temperate waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, inhabiting continental shelves and slopes, islands, and mid-ocean ridges at depths ranging from 200 to 1100 m. In the Southwestern Atlantic, this species has been recorded from northeastern to southern Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. Despite this, the known distribution of this species in the Southwestern Atlantic is very patchy and, in some cases, still mostly ignored in the literature, such as in northeastern Brazil. This study, therefore, aimed to report 23 new records of Hexanchus griseus in the Tropical Southwestern Atlantic and highlight the presence of this species off the northeastern Brazilian coast. So far, Hexanchus griseus was officially reported from the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago, and the state of Ceará along the northeast coast of Brazil. Herein, the known distribution is extended to the continental shelf breaks and upper slopes of other Brazilian states, reinforcing the previously reported occurrence of the species near the Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago.

Dor nas extremidades inferiores, demandas físicas e psicológicas em trabalhadores da limpeza urbana: estudo transversal / Lower extremity pain, physical and psychological demands in urban cleaning workers: a cross-sectional study

Resumo Objetivo: descrever as características do trabalho e investigar a prevalência e os fatores associados à dor em membros inferiores em trabalhadores da limpeza urbana. Métodos: estudo de corte transversal, realizado na Bahia. Dados coletados entre 2009 e 2010. A dor foi avaliada por meio do Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, enquanto as demandas psicossociais no trabalho foram medidas pelo Job Content Questionnaire. Também foram avaliadas as demandas físicas, incluindo posturas gerais e manuseio de carga. A análise de regressão logística múltipla foi utilizada para identificar fatores associados à dor em membros inferiores. Resultados: 624 trabalhadores participaram da pesquisa. Constatou-se alta prevalência de dor em membros inferiores nos últimos sete dias (23,7%) e nos últimos doze meses (42,1%), sendo maior entre agentes de limpeza e coletores. A dor em membros inferiores foi associada a: mais de três anos de trabalho na empresa (OR = 1,34); alta exposição ao manuseio de cargas (OR = 1,35); demanda psicológica no trabalho (OR = 1,87); e condicionamento físico insuficiente (OR = 1,67). O trabalho na limpeza urbana envolveu grande sobrecarga física, com pressão de tempo para sua execução. Conclusão: evidenciou-se a necessidade de medidas para redução do manuseio de cargas e de mudanças na organização do trabalho, incluindo pausas durante a jornada e adequação das tarefas ao tempo disponível, a fim de evitar sobrecargas física e psicológica dos trabalhadores.

Abstract Objective: to describe the characteristics of the urban cleaning workers' job and investigate the prevalence and factors associated with pain in their lower limbs. Methods: cross-sectional study carried out in Bahia, Brazil. Data collected between 2009 and 2010. Pain was assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, while psychosocial demands at work were measured using the Job Content Questionnaire. Physical demands were also evaluated, including general postures and cargo handling. We used multiple logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with lower limb pain. Results: 624 workers participated. There was a high prevalence of pain in the lower limbs in the last seven days (23.7%) and in the last twelve months (42.1%), being higher among cleaning workers and collectors. Lower limb pain was associated with the following: longer than three years working for the company (OR = 1.34); high exposure to cargo handling (OR = 1.35); psychological demand at work (OR = 1.87); and poor physical conditioning (OR = 1.67). Working at urban cleaning involved great physical overload, being produced under time pressure. Conclusion: The results evidenced the need for measures to reduce cargo handling and changes in work organization, including breaks during the day and adjusting tasks to the available time, in order to avoid workers' physical and psychological overload.

Habitat use and nursery evaluation for the longnose stingray Hypanus guttatus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) using vertebral microchemistry.

Here, we use vertebral microchemistry to investigate the habitat use patterns of the longnose stingray Hypanus guttatus in the northern and northeastern regions of Brazil, and to evaluate the existence of potential nurseries of the species. Samples were collected in Maranhão, Rio Grande do Norte and Pernambuco states between 2008 and 2019. Trace element concentrations of Ba:Ca, Mg:Ca, Mn:Ca and Sr:Ca in vertebrae were determined through laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We used one-step permutational ANOVAs to evaluate multi and single-element differences in element:Ca ratios among life stages and sexes across and within sites. Element signatures differed among all sites for both single and multi-element settings. However, there were few differences among life stages within sites, except for Mn:Ca between life stages for Maranhão state, and between sexes for Sr:Ca for both Pernambuco and Rio Grande do Norte, and Ba:Ca for Rio Grande do Norte. Furthermore, all multi and single-element analyses across locations were significant and highlight the strong differences by sites. We also performed a nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis, which demonstrated the strong differences for samples from Rio Grande do Norte and the other two sites. By analysing the lifetime transects of each sample, we observed that there was little variation in all element:Ca ratios within sites. Therefore, we argue that the longnose stingray likely does not display extensive habitat use shifts and fulfils much of its life cycle within each area. Finally, we obtained no evidence of nurseries for any site and suggest this is likely a pattern across the species distribution. Future studies investigating habitat use with samples from larger specimens (disc width > 90 cm, >15 years) are needed to better understand the species habitat use patterns across all size ranges.

Genetic diversity in two threatened species of guitarfish (Elasmobranchii: Rhinobatidae) from the Brazilian and Argentinian coasts: an alert for conservation

The guitarfishes Pseudobatos horkelii and Pseudobatos percellens meet the criteria for threatened status as Critically Endangered (CR) and Endangered (EN), respectively. Both species occur in the Southern Atlantic Ocean. Considering the lack of data on the genetic structure of these species, the present study evaluated the genetic variability and population structure of the P. horkelii and P. percellens in the southern region of Brazil and the northern coast of Argentina, based on sequences of mitochondrial DNA, Control Region (D-loop). Samples of P. horkelii (n = 135) were analyzed in six localities situated in Northern Argentina, along the Brazilian states' coast. The mean of nucleotide diversity was 0.0053, the ΦST was 0.4277 and demographic analysis of P. horkelii suggests the existence of stability of the populations, with D = 0.9929, FS = 2.0155, SSD = 0.0817, R = 0.2153. In P. percellens (n = 101) were analyzed from six Brazilian localities along the coast of Santa Catarina, Paraná, and São Paulo. The mean nucleotide diversity was 0.0014 and ΦST value of 0.2921, the demographic analysis indicates a high migration rate of P. percellens among the localities evaluated, with D = 0.5222, FS = 0.3528, SSD = 0.01785, R = 0.3890.(AU)

As raias violas Pseudobatos horkelii e Pseudobatos percellens, são listados como "Criticamente em Perigo" (CR) e "Em Perigo" (EN), respectivamente. Ambas as espécies ocorrem no Sul do Oceano Atlântico. Considerando a falta de dados sobre a estrutura genética dessas espécies, o presente estudo avaliou a variabilidade genética e a estrutura populacional de P. horkelii e P. percellens na região sudeste do Brasil e litoral norte da Argentina, com base em sequências de DNA mitocondrial, região de controle (D-loop). Amostras de 135 indivíduos de P. horkelii analisados em seis localidades, situadas no norte da Argentina e ao longo da costa dos estados brasileiros. A média da diversidade nucleotídica foi de 0.0053, o índice ΦST foi de 0.4277 e a análise demográfica de P. horkelii, indicou a existência de estabilidade das populações, com D = 0.9929, Fus = 2.0155, SSD = 0.0817, R = 0.2153. Em 101 exemplares de P. percellens, foram analisados em seis localidades brasileiras ao longo do litoral de Santa Catarina, Paraná e São Paulo. A diversidade nucleotídica média foi de 0.0014 e o valor ΦST de 0.2921, a análise demográfica indicou uma alta taxa de migração de P. percellens entre as localidades analisadas, com D = 0.5222, FS = 0.3528, SSD = 0.01785, R = 0.3890.(AU)

Feeding habits of Urotrygon microphthalmum (Myliobatiformes: Urotrygonidae) caught off northeastern Brazil

The feeding habits of Urotrygon microphthalmum, a Critically Endangered (CR) species, were investigated through stomach contents analysis from specimens caught on bottom double rigged otter trawls in Pernambuco state, Brazil, between March of 2010 and March of 2012. A total of 338 stomachs were analyzed, and 31 food items were identified in the diet of U. microphthalmum. The species ingests mainly shrimps. The diets between males and females were not different, and an ontogenetic diet shift was not observed. The estimated species' trophic level is 3.5, classifying it as a secondary order consumer.(AU)

Os hábitos alimentares de Urotrygon microphthalmum, uma espécie Criticamente Em Perigo (CR), foram investigados através de análise de conteúdo estomacal de espécimes capturados no arrasto duplo com portas no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil, entre março de 2010 e março de 2012. Um total de 338 estômagos foram analisados e 31 item alimentares foram identificados na dieta de U. microphthalmum. A espécie ingere principalmente camarões. A dieta entre machos e fêmeas não foi diferente e não foi observada mudança ontogenética na dieta. O nível trófico estimado da espécie é 3,5, classificando-a como consumidora de segunda ordem.(AU)

From plentiful to critically endangered: Demographic evidence of the artisanal fisheries impact on the smalltail shark (Carcharhinus porosus) from Northern Brazil.

The smalltail shark, Carcharhinus porosus, was the most abundant elasmobranch species in fisheries off Brazil's northern coast (BNC) in the 1980s, but its population has been declining since the 1990s. For this reason, a demographic analysis is necessary to determine the extent of this decline and the fishing effect on the BNC's population. Therefore, we performed a stochastic demographic analysis of the population in the BNC, and considered its global center of abundance. Smalltail shark specimens (n = 937) were collected with gillnets in Maranhão state, eastern BNC, in the 1980s with sizes ranging between 29.6 and 120.0 cm total length. Most of the individuals (90.6%) caught were juveniles (< 6 years-old), and the mortality and exploitation rates showed that the species was overexploited (92.3% above the fishing mortality corresponding to the population equilibrium threshold). The smalltail shark's biological characteristics, such as slow growth and low fecundity, demonstrate that it is one of the least resilient species among similar sized coastal sharks in the region. All these factors yielded an annual decrease of 28% in the intrinsic population growth rate, resulting in a population decline of more than 90% in only 10 years, and much higher for the current period. This set of features comprising fishing recruitment occurring upon juveniles, overfishing, and intrinsically low resilience make the population unable to sustain fishing pressure and severely hamper biological recruitment, thus causing this drastic population decline. Furthermore, several local extinctions for this species in the northeastern and southeastern regions of Brazil highlight its concerning conservation scenario. Therefore, since similar fisheries characteristics occur throughout its distribution range, C. porosus fits the criteria E of the IUCN Red List for a critically endangered species and urgent conservation measures are needed to prevent its extinction in the near future.

The Visual Practice: the Infographic as a Facilitating Tool for Learning in Medical School / O Prático Visual: o Infográfico como Ferramenta Facilitadora do Aprendizado no Curso de Medicina

Abstract: Introduction: In the context of medical school, the development of methodologies that stimulate the students' search for learning, autonomy and creativity are essential for medical education in Brazil. The study aims to describe the construction of infographics as a pedagogical proposal for the learning of organic human aging processes by medical students. Method: Medical students attending the 4th period at a Higher Education Institution built infographics, as a requirement for the practical content of the Aging Process module. The static-type infographic was adopted, following criteria such as the definition of the target audience; definition of the objective; choice of topic; selection of the most relevant information (focus); direct and accessible language; organized information; choices of color palettes and style and; infographic sketch. The entire creation process was supervised by the teacher in charge of the project, and evaluation criteria were previously established. Results: The class was divided into seven groups, resulting in the production of an infographic with a specific topic per group. The human aging topics were: Degenerative Joint Diseases, Bone Weakness, Pneumonia in the Elderly, Acute Myocardial Infarction, Vascular Dementia, Atherosclerosis and Herpes Zoster. It is worth noting that in addition to the creation, each group presented the final product to the other colleagues, explaining each item included in the static infographic. Conclusions: We observed that the students satisfactorily met the proposed evaluation requirements, demonstrating their involvement in the construction of infographics and, above all, in simple, creative and objective learning, using a powerful visual tool. We also add that the printed material will be used as aid in the histology laboratory and in extramural activities.

Resumo: Introdução: No contexto das graduações médicas, o desenvolvimento de metodologias que estimulam a busca do aprendizado, a autonomia e a criatividade dos discentes é essencial para a formação médica no Brasil. O estudo visa descrever a construção de infográficos como proposta pedagógica para o aprendizado dos processos orgânicos do envelhecimento humano por estudantes de Medicina. Método: Os discentes do quarto período do curso de Medicina de uma instituição de ensino superior construíram infográficos como requisito de conteúdo prático do módulo "Processos de Envelhecimento". Adotou-se o infográfico do tipo estático, seguindo critérios como: definição do público-alvo; definição do objetivo; escolha do tema; seleção das informações mais relevantes (foco); linguagem direta e acessível; informações organizadas; escolhas das paletas de cores e estilo; e esboço do infográfico. Todo processo de elaboração foi supervisionado pelo docente responsável, sendo previamente estabelecidos os critérios de avaliação. Resultados: A turma foi dividida em sete grupos, resultando na produção de um infográfico com uma temática específica por grupo. Os temas do envelhecimento humano foram: doenças articulares degenerativas, enfraquecimento ósseo, pneumonia no idoso, infarto agudo do miocárdio, demência vascular, aterosclerose e herpes-zóster. É válido salientar que, além da criação, cada grupo apresentou aos demais colegas o produto final, explicitando cada item inserido no infográfico estático. Conclusões: Foi possível observar que os alunos cumpriram de forma satisfatória os requisitos avaliativos propostos, demonstrando envolvimento na construção dos infográficos e, sobretudo, no aprendizado simples, criativo e objetivo, utilizando uma poderosa ferramenta visual. Acrescenta-se também que o material impresso servirá de apoio no laboratório de histologia e em atividades extramuros.

Multimorbidade em idosos de um município do nordeste brasileiro: prevalência e fatores associados / Multimorbity in elderly municipal of northeast Brazil: prevalence and associated factors / en ancianos de un municipio del nordeste brasileño: prevalencia y factores asociados

RESUMO Objetivo Estimar a prevalência e os fatores associados à presença de multimorbidade na população idosa do município de Ibicuí - BA. Métodos Estudo realizado com 310 idosos com idade > 60 anos, de ambos os sexos, residentes no município de Ibicuí - BA. Foram coletadas informações sociodemográ-ficas e informações pessoais, condições de vida, hábitos de vida, massa corporal, estatura e presença de multimorbidade. Utilizou-se análise descritiva e foram estimadas razões de prevalência de multimorbidade, segundo variáveis de interesse. Como medida de significância estatística foi utilizado o teste de Qui-quadrado de Pearson, adotando-se p≤0,05. A análise multivariada hierarquizada por Regressão de Poisson foi empregada após análise bivariada para seleção das variáveis independentes (p<0,20). Resultados A prevalência geral de multimorbidade foi de 80,3%. Na análise multivariada hierarquizada, apresentaram associação significativa, as variáveis sexo e renda mensal (p<0,05). Os resultados mostraram uma elevada prevalência de multimorbidade na população investigada e essa condição foi mais acentuada entre as mulheres e aqueles com menor nível económico. Conclusões Faz-se necessário redirecionar o planejamento das ações de saúde no município, com mudanças na política de atenção à saúde do idoso e, principalmente, nas redes de suporte social que amparam esses indivíduos, uma vez que, nesta localidade, a presença de multimorbidade esteve relacionada a questões socioeconómicas.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To estimate the prevalence and the factors associated with the presence of multimorbidity in the elderly population of the municipality of Ibicuí - BA. Methods This study was carried out with 310 elderly individuals, aged > 60 years old, of both sexes, living in the municipality of Ibicuí - BA. Sociodemographic information and personal information, living conditions, life habits, body mass, stature and presence of multimorbidity were collected. The descriptive analysis was used and multimorbidity prevalence ratios were estimated according to variables of interest. As a measure of statistical significance, the qui-quadrado de Pearson test was used, adopting p≤0.05. The multivariate analysis hierarchized by Poisson regression was employed after bivariate analysis to select the independent variables (p<0.20). Results The general prevalence of multimorbidity was 80.3%. The hierarchical multi-varied analysis showed the variables of gender and monthly income (p<1.5) were significantly related to the problem. The results reveal also a high prevalence of multimorbidity in the studied population. Mainly women and the poorest suffer from it. Conclusions It is necessary to redirect the planning of health actions in the municipality, with changes in the health care policy of the elderly, and especially in the social support networks that support these individuals, considering that in this locality the presence of multimorbidity was related to socio-economic grounds.(AU)

RESUMEN Objetivo Estimar la prevalencia y los factores asociados a la presencia de multimorbilidad en la población anciana del municipio de Ibicuí - BA. Métodos Estudio realizado con 310 ancianos con edad > 60 años, de ambos sexos, residentes en el municipio de Ibicuí-BA. Se recigió información sociodemográfica y personales, condiciones de vida, hábitos de vida, masa corporal, estatura y presencia de multimorbilidad. Se utilizó análisis descriptivo y se estimaron razones de prevalencia de multimorbilidad, según variables de interés. Como medida de significancia estadística se utilizó la prueba de Qui-cuadrado de Pearson, adoptando p≤0,05. El análisis multivariado jerarquizado por Regresión de Poisson fue empleada después del análisis bivariado para la selección de las variables independientes (p<0,20). Resultados La prevalencia general de multimorbilidad fue del 80,3%. En el análisis multivariado jerarquizado, presentaron asociación significativa las variables de sexo y renta mensual (p <0,05). Los resultados mostraron una elevada prevalencia de multimorbilidad en la población investigada y esa condición fue más acentuada entre las mujeres y aquellos con menor nivel económico. Conclusiones En ese sentido, se hace necesario reorientar la planificación de las acciones de salud en el municipio, con cambios en la política de atención a la salud del anciano y, principalmente, en las redes de soporte social que amparan a esos individuos, ya que, en esta localidad, la presencia de multimorbilidades estuvo relacionada con cuestiones socioeconómicas.(AU)

Shape analysis of shark jaws as a tool to identify species involved in incidents with humans.

Shark incidents in Recife, Pernambuco state (Brazil), are registered since 1992. The occurrence of those events is in a relatively small area of urban beaches of about 30 km long, making up one of the world's highest indices of shark incidents per unit of area, totaling 64 casualties, of these 24 were fatal. To mitigate shark incidents, the knowledge on shark species involved is crucial given that each species has specific usage of the habitat and dissimilar feeding strategy. Jaws of five species caught along the Pernambuco coast (Brazil), corresponded to 2 specimens of Carcharhinus acronotus, 4 specimens of C. leucas, 1 of C. limbatus, 4 of Galeocerdo curvier and 3 of Sphyrna lewini. Relative Warps Analysis was applied to enhance possible differences among jaw shapes of the studied species. The consensus configuration from the 14 images was obtained. The first two relative warps components explained 70.17% of the total observed variation. Four distinct groups were clearly observed. Three groups were formed by single species, corresponding to G. curvier, C. leucas and S. lewini, respectively, and one group formed by the combination of C. acronotus and C. limbatus. As expected, due to its peculiar skull shape, S. lewini jaws are very different from other analyzed species, thus all observed individuals of this group were found isolated from the others, considering the horizontal axis. Relative warps and curvature analyses show to be useful tools in the forensic study of shark incidents. In general, jaws shape significantly differed among species.

Age structure and multi-model growth estimation of longnose stingray Hypanus guttatus (Dasyatidae: Myliobatoidei) from north-east Brazil.

We collected 729 Hypanus guttatus from the northern coast of the state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN), of which 196 were used to estimate age and growth. Ninety-five were male (12.7 to 57.0 cm disc width; WD ) and 101 were female (13.0 to 88.5 cm WD ); females were significantly larger than males. Cross sections of vertebrae showed band-pairs ranging from 0 to > 14 in females and from 0 to 9 in males. New-borns presented an opaque edge at birth in vertebrae without a birthmark. The average percentage of error (APE; %E) for the entire sample provided evidence that ages were repeatable. The mean monthly marginal increment (IM ) indicates annual band-pair formation from August to November. The annual cycle model for one band-pair deposition provided the best fit to data based on the AIC, with peaks between August and October, similar to that found in the IM analysis, suggesting an annual formation pattern. A multi-model approach that included four models based on the observed mean WD at age indicated a modified von Bertalanffy growth model as the best for describing the species growth: W0 (WD at birth) = 14.6 cm for both sexes; females W∞ = 98.61 cm (95% CI = 87.34-114.61 cm); k = 0.112 year-1 (CI = 0.086-0.148 year-1 ); males W∞ = 60.22 cm (CI = 55.66-65.35 cm); k = 0.219 year-1 (CI = 0.185-0.276 year-1 ). The age-at-maturity in males and females is 5 years and 7 years, respectively. The age composition shows that most (84%) specimens were aged 0 to 2 years. The information provided here is essential for analytical assessments of H. guttatus, which is subject to significant fishing pressure mainly on new-borns and juveniles.

[Multimorbity in elderly municipal of northeast Brazil: prevalence and associated factors]. / Multimorbidade em idosos de um município do nordeste brasileiro: prevalência e fatores associados.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and the factors associated with the presence of multimorbidity in the elderly population of the municipality of Ibicuí - BA. METHODS: This study was carried out with 310 elderly individuals, aged > 60 years old, of both sexes, living in the municipality of Ibicuí - BA. Sociodemographic information and personal information, living conditions, life habits, body mass, stature and presence of multimorbidity were collected. The descriptive analysis was used and multimorbidity prevalence ratios were estimated according to variables of interest. As a measure of statistical significance, the qui-quadrado de Pearson test was used, adopting p≤0.05. The multivariate analysis hierarchized by Poisson regression was employed after bivariate analysis to select the independent variables (p<0.20). RESULTS: The general prevalence of multimorbidity was 80.3%. The hierarchical multi-varied analysis showed the variables of gender and monthly income (p<1.5) were significantly related to the problem. The results reveal also a high prevalence of multimorbidity in the studied population. Mainly women and the poorest suffer from it. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to redirect the planning of health actions in the municipality, with changes in the health care policy of the elderly, and especially in the social support networks that support these individuals, considering that in this locality the presence of multimorbidity was related to socio-economic grounds.

Sensibilidade e especificidade da força de preensão manual como discriminador de risco para multimorbidades em idosos / Sensitivity and specificity of hand grip strength as a risk discriminator for multimorbidities in the elderly

Resumo Objetivo: Selecionar, por meio da sensibilidade e da especificidade, os melhores pontos de corte da força de preensão manual como discriminador de risco para presença de multimorbidades em idosos. Método: Estudo transversal, realizado com 310 idosos com idade ≥ 60 anos, de ambos os sexos, residentes no município de Ibicuí, Bahia. Para identificação da força de preensão manual como discriminador de risco para presença de multimorbidades, foi adotada a análise das curvas Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC), com intervalo de confiança de 95%. Posteriormente, foram identificados os pontos de corte com suas respectivas sensibilidades e especificidades. Resultados: A área total sob a curva ROC entre a força de preensão manual e a presença de multimorbidades foi de 0,59 (IC 95% = 0,52-0,67) para mulheres e de 0,58 (IC 95% = 0,50-0,67) para homens. Os melhores pontos de corte para discriminar a presença de multimorbidade foram, para mulheres e homens, respectivamente, 15,35 kgf (sensibilidade de 69,7% e especificidade de 52,2%) e 24,8 kgf (sensibilidade de 49,5% e especificidade de 68,4%). Conclusão: Os resultados encontrados neste estudo sugerem que a força de preensão manual pode ser utilizada como discriminador de risco para presença de multimorbidades em idosos.

Abstract Objective Select through sensitivity and specificity the best cutoffs for hand grip strength as a risk discriminator for presence of multimorbidities in the elderly. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted with 310 elderly individuals aged ≥60 years, of both genders, living in the municipality of Ibicuí, Bahia state, Brazil. Hand grip strength as a risk discriminator for presence of multimorbidities was identified by analysis of the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves with 95% confidence interval. Subsequently, the cutoff points with their respective sensitivity and specificity values were identified. Results The total area under the ROC curve between hand grip strength and presence of multimorbidities was 0.59, 95% CI (0.52-0.67) for women and 0.58, 95% CI (0.50-0.67) for men. The best cutoff points to discriminate presence of multimorbidities were 15.35 kgf (69.7% sensitivity and 52.2% specificity) and 24.8 kgf (49.5% sensitivity and 68.4% specificity) for women and men, respectively. Conclusion Results suggest that hand grip strength may be used as a risk discriminator for presence of multimorbidities in the elderly.

Analysis of the supply chain and conservation status of sharks (Elasmobranchii: Superorder Selachimorpha) based on fisher knowledge.

Increasing fishing effort has caused declines in shark populations worldwide. Understanding biological and ecological characteristics of sharks is essential to effectively implement management measures, but to fully understand drivers of fishing pressure social factors must be considered through multidisciplinary and integrated approaches. The present study aimed to use fisher and trader knowledge to describe the shark catch and product supply chain in Northeastern Brazil, and evaluate perceptions regarding the regional conservation status of shark species. Non-systematic observations and structured individual interviews were conducted with experienced fishers and traders. The demand and economic value of shark fins has reportedly decreased over the last 10 years while the shark meat trade has increased slightly, including a small increase in the average price per kilogram of meat. Several threatened shark species were reportedly often captured off shore and traded at local markets. This reported and observed harvest breaches current Brazilian environmental laws. Fishing communities are aware of population declines of several shark species, but rarely take action to avoid capture of sharks. The continuing capture of sharks is mainly due to a lack of knowledge of environmental laws, lack of enforcement by responsible authorities, and difficulties encountered by fishers in finding alternative income streams. National and regional conservation measures are immediately required to reduce overfishing on shark populations in Northeastern Brazil. Social and economic improvements for poor fishing communities must also be implemented to achieve sustainable fisheries.

Age, Growth and Spatial Distribution of the Life Stages of the Shortfin Mako, Isurus oxyrinchus (Rafinesque, 1810) Caught in the Western and Central Atlantic.

The shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) is a highly migratory pelagic shark that preferentially inhabits oceanic regions in practically all oceans. The wide distribution range of this species renders it susceptible to coastal and oceanic fishing operations. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) consider this species to be highly vulnerable, especially due to its biological parameters, which are different from those of other sharks that occupy the same niche (e.g., Prionace glauca). Consequently, considerable declines in abundance have been detected over various parts of its range, most of which are linked to oceanic longline fishing. The species has conflicting life history parameters in studies conducted in the last 30 years, especially with regard to age and growth. The main discrepancies regard the interpretation of the periodicity of the deposition of band pairs (BPs) on vertebrae and the possibility of ontogenetic variations in growth. Shortfin mako sharks (n = 1325) were sampled by onboard observers of the Brazilian chartered pelagic longline fleet based in northeast Brazil from 2005 to 2011. Lengths were 79 to 250 and 73 to 296 cm (fork length, FL) for males and females, respectively, with a statistically significant difference in size between sexes and differences in the proportion of individuals in each size class. The onboard observers collected a subsample of vertebrae (n = 467), only 234 of which were suitable for analyses. Reliability between readings was satisfactory. However, it was not possible to validate periodicity in the formation of age bands in the sample. Thus, the von Bertalanffy growth function was used to calculate growth rates for the species through the interpretation of BPs in different scenarios: one BP per year (s1), two BPs per year (s2) and two BPs per year until five years of life (s3). Growth parameters varied for both females (Linf = 309.7[s3] to 441.6[s1]; k = 0.04[s1] to 0.13[s3]; t0 = -7.08[s1] and -3.27[s3]) and males (Linf = 291.5[s3] to 340.2[s1]; k = 0.04[s1] to 0.13[s3]; t0 = -7.08[s1] and -3.27[s3]). To advance the understanding of the use of habitat, the first analysis of the spatial distribution of the life stages of the shortfin mako sharks caught by commercial longline fishing operations in the South Atlantic was performed. The findings indicate that the portion of the population exploited by the fleets is predominantly juvenile and future actions should take the following issues into account: improvements in the efficiency of data collection procedures, the reestablishment of the onboard observer program, emergency investments in studies that can contribute to a better understanding of habitat use and life history theory.

Trends in the exploitation of South Atlantic shark populations.

Approximately 25% of globally reported shark catches occur in Atlantic pelagic longline fisheries. Strong declines in shark populations have been detected in the North Atlantic, whereas in the South Atlantic the situation is less clear, although fishing effort has been increasing in this region since the late 1970s. We synthesized information on shark catch rates (based on 871,177 sharks caught on 86,492 longline sets) for the major species caught by multiple fleets in the South Atlantic between 1979 and 2011. We complied records from fishing logbooks of fishing companies, fishers, and onboard observers that were supplied to Brazilian institutions. By using exploratory data analysis and literature sources, we identified 3 phases of exploitation in these data (Supporting Information). From 1979 to 1997 (phase A), 5 fleets (40 vessels) fished mainly for tunas. From 1998 to 2008 (phase B), 20 fleets (100 vessels) fished for tunas, swordfishes, and sharks. From 2008 to 2011 (phase C), 3 fleets (30 vessels) fished for multiple species, but restrictive measures were implemented. We used generalized linear models to standardize catch rates and identify trends in each of these phases. Shark catch rates increased from 1979 to 1997, when fishing effort was low, decreased from 1998 to 2008, when fishing effort increased substantially, and remained stable or increased from 2008 to 2011, when fishing effort was again low. Our results indicate that most shark populations affected by longlines in the South Atlantic are currently depleted, but these populations may recover if fishing effort is reduced accordingly. In this context, it is problematic that comprehensive data collection, monitoring, and management of these fisheries ceased after 2012. Concurrently with the fact that Brazil is newly identified by FAO among the largest (and in fastest expansion) shark sub-products consumer market worldwide.