Analysis of fishing activity in the Ita reservoir, Upper Uruguay River, in the period 2004-2009 / Caracterizacao da pesca no reservatorio de Ita, regiao do alto Rio Uruguai, no periodo 2004-2009

This study characterized fishing activity in the reservoir of the Hydroelectric Power Plant of Itá in Brazil. The reservoir is located in the Upper Uruguay River, which forms the border between the states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. To analyze fishing activity and the composition of ichthyofauna in the reservoir after damming, questionnaires were administered to fishermen in the region between 2004 and 2009. The results showed that fishing in the Itá reservoir can be classified as a subsistence activity performed on small vessels and usually involving the use of drift nets and handlines. Between 2004 and 2009, 292,780.10 kg worth of fish were captured, with an average annual productivity of 3.46 kg ha−1 yr−1. We recorded the highest values of catch per unit effort in 2006, with an annual average of 9.69 kg fisherman−1 day−1. A total of 27 morphospecies were captured during the sample period; carp, traíra, mandi and jundiá together accounted for almost 60% of the catch. This finding indicates that fishing is centered on the capture of sedentary and short-distance migratory species. Despite their lower abundance, long-distance migratory species continue to be captured. The case of the piracanjuba, a long-distance migratory species reintroduced to the region in 2004 and still present in the catches, is particularly noteworthy. Regarding the fishermen's socioeconomic profile, all were men, most of who have engaged in the activity for more than eleven years, have a low educational level, fish with the aid of family members and list agriculture as their main economic activity.

O presente trabalho caracterizou a pesca no reservatório da Usina Hidrelétrica de Itá, localizado na região do Alto Rio Uruguai, divisa entre os Estados de Santa Catarina e Rio Grande do Sul. Procurando descrever a pesca no reservatório, assim como a composição ictiofaunística ao longo dos anos após o represamento, foram aplicados questionários aos pescadores da região entre os anos de 2004 e 2009. Os resultados mostraram que a pesca no reservatório de Itá pode ser enquadrada como de subsistência, realizada por embarcações de pequeno porte e normalmente com o uso de redes de emalhe e linha de mão. Entre os anos de 2004 e 2009 foi registrada a captura de 292.780,10 kg de pescado, com uma produtividade média anual de 3,46 kg ha−1 ano−1. Foram registrados os maiores valores de Captura Por Unidade de Esforço em 2006, com médias anuais de 9,69 kg pescador−1 dia−1. Um total de 27 morfoespécies foram capturadas, com destaque para a carpa, a traíra, o mandí e o jundiá que juntas somaram quase 60% do total capturado ao longo do período estudado, indicando que a pesca está centrada na captura de espécies sedentárias e migradoras de curtas distâncias. Apesar da menor abundância, as espécies migradoras continuam sendo capturadas ao longo dos anos, em especial a piracanjuba, que foi reintroduzida na região em 2004 e que continua presente nas capturas. Em relação ao perfil socioeconômico, os pescadores são todos homens que em sua maioria, estão há mais de 11 anos na atividade, possuem baixo grau de instrução, desenvolvem a pesca com auxílio dos demais membros da família e têm a agricultura como principal atividade econômica.

Morphological Variation of Third Ventricle Using Computerized Tomography among Different Gender and Age Groups: A 5-Year Retrospective Study in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital; Sokoto; North - West Nigeria

Background: Many methods have been described for measurements of the third ventricle as a means of evaluating brain atrophy during the normal aging process and disease. Enlargement of the cerebral ventricles is one of the most frequently replicated neurobiological findings in schizophrenia. The aim of this morphological study was to examine the range in the normal size of the third ventricle of individuals living in Sokoto and to assess its association with gender and age. Materials and Methods: All available brain CT in the Radiology Department of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) Sokoto; Nigeria; from 2007 to 2012 (a 5-year period) and reported as normal by the radiologist were recruited for the study. Films were viewed on the computer monitor. Measurements were made with Dragon V 3.1.1 Philips and Neusoft Medical System Company Limited software; the software provides a meter rule with which measurements were done. Results: A total of 252 CT scan images where used in the study. Of this number; 156 (61.9) were CT scan images of males and 96 (38.1) were CT scan images of females. The mean width was 8.38 mm and mean anteroposterior length was 12.16 mm. These differences were statistically significant; P = 0.0209 (0.05). Conclusion: Our findings provide a base line data for the measurement of the third ventricles using CT scans in our environment and this may be applied in various clinical conditions involving the third ventricle

Survey of positive results from racecourse antidoping samples received at Racecourse Security Services' Laboratories.

A review of positive Jockey Club "dope tests" during the 12 years from 1970 to 1981 inclusive is presented and a comparison made with certain overseas racing authorities for varying periods between 1975 and 1981. Urinary pH of post race urine samples is predominantly acidic (although varying in a significant manner throughout the year) and thus favours excretion of the generally more potent basic drugs. The proportion of positive results was about the same in winners and non-winners, ie, one in 400 horses sampled. Drugs found fell mainly into four categories: methylxanthines; non-steroidal anti- inflammatories ; local anaesthetics and anabolic steroids. Evidence indicates that deliberate "doping" is relatively rare. This contrasts with certain overseas authorities were evidence of "doping" is usually much stronger and occurs more frequently (about one in five; one in 50 and one in 240 in the three authorities cited) and where sympathomimetic amines are relatively frequent. Evidence of the deterrent effect of routine testing is presented.