Secondary production of Acartia tonsa Dana, 1849 and A. lilljeborgii Giesbrecht, 1889 in an Amazonian estuary (Brazil).

The dynamics of the copepods A. tonsa and A. lilljeborgii were described for the first time in the Taperaçu Estuary. The acartiids were collected using plankton nets (200 µm) in June 2012, March 2013 (rainy season) and September 2012 and 2013 (dry season). The oscillations in rainfall and the fluctuations in hydrological variables influenced the abundance, biomass, and production of both A. tonsa (17 ± 23 to 8501 ± 13,248 ind.m-3; 16,385.29 mg.C.m-3; 0.09 ± 0.21 to 355.17 ± 590.84 mg.C.m-3.d-1) and A. lilljeborgii (14 ± 11 to 1470 ± 1591 ind.m-3; 22,398.40 mg.C.m-3; 177.99 ± 263.13 mg.C.m-3.d-1) with clear monthly, seasonal, and spatial patterns. The high levels of production observed may be related to the presence of waters rich in particulate organic material derived from the adjacent mangrove forests. This material is consumed by a number of copepod species, in particular A. tonsa and A. lilljeborgii, favoring the development and reproduction of both species which are characterized by high rates of productivity in the study estuary. The present results indicate that the biomass and productivity in equatorial mangrove estuaries may be relatively high in comparison with the levels observed in other coastal systems around the world and that earlier stages of both species have a great relevance for biomass and production in Amazonian estuaries.

Restless legs syndrome in patients on hemodialysis: Polysomnography findings.

INTRODUCTION: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a highly prevalent sleep movement disorder usually accompanied by periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS). The incidence of RLS and PLMS in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on dialysis is much higher. Clinically, RLS and PLMS can co-occur. We hypothesized that patients with ESRD on dialysis would have a distinct presentation of RLS, with a higher prevalence of PLMS. METHODS: We examined clinical, demographic, biochemical, and polysomnographic characteristics of RLS in patients on dialysis matched to control subjects with normal renal function based on age, sex, body mass index, and frequency of apneas and hypopneas per hour of sleep, defined by the apnea and hypopnea index (AHI), in a proportion of 3:1. Patients with ESRD were on hemodialysis three times per week. Polysomnography was performed overnight in the sleep laboratory. FINDINGS: Patients on dialysis compared to control subjects had a lower amount of N3 sleep (77.6 ± 39.9 minutes vs. 94.8 ± 33.7 minutes, p = 0.037) and REM sleep (55.6 ± 27.5 minutes vs. 74.1 ± 28.4 minutes, p = 0.006), regardless of the presence of RLS. Among the patients on dialysis, those with RLS had higher PLMS. In the control group, patients with RLS had a lower ferritin level, which was not observed in the dialysis group. There was a significant interaction between PLMS and ESRD (p = 0.001), with a higher prevalence of PLMS in patients with ESRD on dialysis in a model adjusted for AHI, sex, arousals, and age. Factors that were associated with PLMS were RLS (p = 0.003), ESRD (p = 0.0001), and AHI (p = 0.041), with an adjusted R2 of 0.321. CONCLUSION: RLS in patients with ESRD on dialysis is independently associated with PLMS, regardless of the severity of sleep apnea, arousals, and age.

Behaviour of diferent types of chitosan membranes implanted in horses / Comportamento de diferentes tipos de membranas de quitosana implantadas em equinos

Chitosan has been successfully used as a biomaterial with several purposes in many species. In this study, chitosan membranes were produced with six different types of materials, and their behavior were evaluated upon implantation in the subcutaneous tissue of the flank of twelve healthy horses. We assessed chitosan membranes obtained from commercial chitosan, impregnated or not with silver nanoparticles, sterilized with ethylene oxide (CCEO, n=3; CCSNEO, n=3) or by ultraviolet radiation (CCUR, n=3; CCSNUR, n=3), and chitosan membranes obtained from squid gladius, sterilized with ethylene oxide (SCEO, n=6) or by ultraviolet radiation (SCUR, n=6). The same animals were randomly used in two experimental groups, with a minimum interval of 60 days between procedures, respecting the fact of only one flank side, left or right, be under evaluation by experimental period. After preparation of the membranes and implantation in the flank subcutaneous tissue of the horses, macroscopic and ultrasonographic evaluations of the implant regions were performed, as well as physical examination, blood count and fibrinogen measurement. No clinical or laboratory abnormalities were observed. All animals that received commercial chitosan membranes, regardless of the preparation technique, showed rejection to the biomaterials, considering that 100% of the surgical wounds presented dehiscence of suture and expulsion of the implants. The animals that received squid gladius chitosan membranes showed success in the treatment, with healing by primary intention of the surgical wound. We conclude that squid gladius chitosan membranes are biocompatible and biodegradable when implanted in the subcutaneous tissue of the flank of healthy horses.(AU)

A quitosana tem sido utilizada, com sucesso, como biomaterial para diversas espécies e finalidades. Neste estudo foi avaliada a confecção de membranas de quitosana, produzidas a partir de seis tipos de materiais diferentes e foi estudado seu comportamento quando implantadas no tecido subcutâneo do flanco de doze equinos sadios. Foram avaliadas membranas de quitosana obtidas de quitosana comercial, impregnadas ou não com nanopartículas de prata, esterilizadas com óxido de etileno (QCOE, n=3; QCNPOE, n=3) ou por radiação ultravioleta (QCRU, n=3; QCNPRU, n=3) e membranas de quitosana obtidas do gládio de lula, esterilizadas com óxido de etileno (GLOE, n=6) ou por radiação ultravioleta (GLRU, n=6). Os mesmos animais foram utilizados em dois grupos experimentais, de forma aleatória, com um intervalo mínimo de sessenta dias entre os procedimentos, respeitando-se o fato de apenas um lado do flanco, esquerdo ou direito, estar em avaliação por período experimental. Após preparo das membranas e implantação no tecido subcutâneo do flanco dos equinos, foram realizadas avaliações macroscópicas e ultrassonográficas das regiões de implante, além de exames físicos, hemogramas e fibrinogênio. Não foram observadas alterações clínicas e laboratoriais. Todos os animais que receberam membranas de quitosana comercial, independente da técnica de preparo, demonstraram rejeição dos biomateriais, uma vez que 100% das feridas cirúrgicas apresentaram deiscência da sutura e expulsão dos implantes. Os animais que receberam as membranas de quitosana de gladio de lula demonstraram sucesso no tratamento, com cicatrização das feridas cirúrgicas por primeira intenção. Conclui-se que membranas de quitosana de gládio de lula são biocompatíveis e biodegradáveis, quando implantadas no tecido subcutâneo do flanco de equinos sadios.(AU)

Behaviour of diferent types of chitosan membranes implanted in horses / Comportamento de diferentes tipos de membranas de quitosana implantadas em equinos

Chitosan has been successfully used as a biomaterial with several purposes in many species. In this study, chitosan membranes were produced with six different types of materials, and their behavior were evaluated upon implantation in the subcutaneous tissue of the flank of twelve healthy horses. We assessed chitosan membranes obtained from commercial chitosan, impregnated or not with silver nanoparticles, sterilized with ethylene oxide (CCEO, n=3; CCSNEO, n=3) or by ultraviolet radiation (CCUR, n=3; CCSNUR, n=3), and chitosan membranes obtained from squid gladius, sterilized with ethylene oxide (SCEO, n=6) or by ultraviolet radiation (SCUR, n=6). The same animals were randomly used in two experimental groups, with a minimum interval of 60 days between procedures, respecting the fact of only one flank side, left or right, be under evaluation by experimental period. After preparation of the membranes and implantation in the flank subcutaneous tissue of the horses, macroscopic and ultrasonographic evaluations of the implant regions were performed, as well as physical examination, blood count and fibrinogen measurement. No clinical or laboratory abnormalities were observed. All animals that received commercial chitosan membranes, regardless of the preparation technique, showed rejection to the biomaterials, considering that 100% of the surgical wounds presented dehiscence of suture and expulsion of the implants. The animals that received squid gladius chitosan membranes showed success in the treatment, with healing by primary intention of the surgical wound. We conclude that squid gladius chitosan membranes are biocompatible and biodegradable when implanted in the subcutaneous tissue of the flank of healthy horses.(AU)

A quitosana tem sido utilizada, com sucesso, como biomaterial para diversas espécies e finalidades. Neste estudo foi avaliada a confecção de membranas de quitosana, produzidas a partir de seis tipos de materiais diferentes e foi estudado seu comportamento quando implantadas no tecido subcutâneo do flanco de doze equinos sadios. Foram avaliadas membranas de quitosana obtidas de quitosana comercial, impregnadas ou não com nanopartículas de prata, esterilizadas com óxido de etileno (QCOE, n=3; QCNPOE, n=3) ou por radiação ultravioleta (QCRU, n=3; QCNPRU, n=3) e membranas de quitosana obtidas do gládio de lula, esterilizadas com óxido de etileno (GLOE, n=6) ou por radiação ultravioleta (GLRU, n=6). Os mesmos animais foram utilizados em dois grupos experimentais, de forma aleatória, com um intervalo mínimo de sessenta dias entre os procedimentos, respeitando-se o fato de apenas um lado do flanco, esquerdo ou direito, estar em avaliação por período experimental. Após preparo das membranas e implantação no tecido subcutâneo do flanco dos equinos, foram realizadas avaliações macroscópicas e ultrassonográficas das regiões de implante, além de exames físicos, hemogramas e fibrinogênio. Não foram observadas alterações clínicas e laboratoriais. Todos os animais que receberam membranas de quitosana comercial, independente da técnica de preparo, demonstraram rejeição dos biomateriais, uma vez que 100% das feridas cirúrgicas apresentaram deiscência da sutura e expulsão dos implantes. Os animais que receberam as membranas de quitosana de gladio de lula demonstraram sucesso no tratamento, com cicatrização das feridas cirúrgicas por primeira intenção. Conclui-se que membranas de quitosana de gládio de lula são biocompatíveis e biodegradáveis, quando implantadas no tecido subcutâneo do flanco de equinos sadios.(AU)

Behaviour of diferent types of chitosan membranes implanted in horses

ABSTRACT Chitosan has been successfully used as a biomaterial with several purposes in many species. In this study, chitosan membranes were produced with six different types of materials, and their behavior were evaluated upon implantation in the subcutaneous tissue of the flank of twelve healthy horses. We assessed chitosan membranes obtained from commercial chitosan, impregnated or not with silver nanoparticles, sterilized with ethylene oxide (CCEO, n=3; CCSNEO, n=3) or by ultraviolet radiation (CCUR, n=3; CCSNUR, n=3), and chitosan membranes obtained from squid gladius, sterilized with ethylene oxide (SCEO, n=6) or by ultraviolet radiation (SCUR, n=6). The same animals were randomly used in two experimental groups, with a minimum interval of 60 days between procedures, respecting the fact of only one flank side, left or right, be under evaluation by experimental period. After preparation of the membranes and implantation in the flank subcutaneous tissue of the horses, macroscopic and ultrasonographic evaluations of the implant regions were performed, as well as physical examination, blood count and fibrinogen measurement. No clinical or laboratory abnormalities were observed. All animals that received commercial chitosan membranes, regardless of the preparation technique, showed rejection to the biomaterials, considering that 100% of the surgical wounds presented dehiscence of suture and expulsion of the implants. The animals that received squid gladius chitosan membranes showed success in the treatment, with healing by primary intention of the surgical wound. We conclude that squid gladius chitosan membranes are biocompatible and biodegradable when implanted in the subcutaneous tissue of the flank of healthy horses.

RESUMO: A quitosana tem sido utilizada, com sucesso, como biomaterial para diversas espécies e finalidades. Neste estudo foi avaliada a confecção de membranas de quitosana, produzidas a partir de seis tipos de materiais diferentes e foi estudado seu comportamento quando implantadas no tecido subcutâneo do flanco de doze equinos sadios. Foram avaliadas membranas de quitosana obtidas de quitosana comercial, impregnadas ou não com nanopartículas de prata, esterilizadas com óxido de etileno (QCOE, n=3; QCNPOE, n=3) ou por radiação ultravioleta (QCRU, n=3; QCNPRU, n=3) e membranas de quitosana obtidas do gládio de lula, esterilizadas com óxido de etileno (GLOE, n=6) ou por radiação ultravioleta (GLRU, n=6). Os mesmos animais foram utilizados em dois grupos experimentais, de forma aleatória, com um intervalo mínimo de sessenta dias entre os procedimentos, respeitando-se o fato de apenas um lado do flanco, esquerdo ou direito, estar em avaliação por período experimental. Após preparo das membranas e implantação no tecido subcutâneo do flanco dos equinos, foram realizadas avaliações macroscópicas e ultrassonográficas das regiões de implante, além de exames físicos, hemogramas e fibrinogênio. Não foram observadas alterações clínicas e laboratoriais. Todos os animais que receberam membranas de quitosana comercial, independente da técnica de preparo, demonstraram rejeição dos biomateriais, uma vez que 100% das feridas cirúrgicas apresentaram deiscência da sutura e expulsão dos implantes. Os animais que receberam as membranas de quitosana de gladio de lula demonstraram sucesso no tratamento, com cicatrização das feridas cirúrgicas por primeira intenção. Conclui-se que membranas de quitosana de gládio de lula são biocompatíveis e biodegradáveis, quando implantadas no tecido subcutâneo do flanco de equinos sadios.

Aspecto morfológico da interface entre o compósito, constituído de quitosana e polimetilmetacrilato, e a falha óssea de tíbia de coelhos / Morphological aspect of the interface between the composite, made of chitosan and polymethylmethacrylate, and bone failure of the rabbit tibia

As afecções ortopédicas com perda de tecido ósseo são um desafio não só na medicina veterinária mas também na medicina humana. Analisou a interface entre compósito, constituído de esferas de quitosana e polimetilmetacrilato em falha óssea (leito receptor) de tíbia de coelhos, por meio de técnica radiológica, avaliação macroscópica e pela microscopia eletrônica de varredura, em diferentes tempos. Foram utilizados 12 coelhos adultos da raça Nova Zelândia, divididos em quatro Grupos Experimentais (E1, n=3; E2, n=3; E3, n=3 e E4, n=3), que tiveram as falhas ósseas das tibiais direitas preenchidas com compósito, e avaliadas no pós-operatório imediato, aos 30, 60 e 90 e 120 dias. Dos compósitos implantados nas tíbias de coelhos, apenas dois permaneceram em seus leitos receptores, enquanto que os demais se encontravam encapsulados no tecido subcutâneo. As esferas de quitosana, presentes nas superfícies dos biomateriais implantados, que mantiveram contato direto com o leito receptor de tíbias de coelhos apresentavam-se preservadas e não integraram ao tecido ósseo. Diante disso, para melhor compreensão do comportamento da quitosana como substituto ósseo, novas pesquisas serão necessárias.(AU)

Orthopedic diseases with bone loss are challenging in both veterinary and human medicine. The aim of this investigation was to analyze and compare the reactions at the interface between the composite, made of chitosan and polymethylmethacrylate, and the bone defect (receptor site) of the rabbits tibia through radiological and microscopic techniques and by scanning electron microscopy, in different periods. Twelve adult New Zealand rabbits were divided into four experimental groups (E1, n=3; E2, n=3; E3, n=3 and E4, n=3), which had the right tibial bone defects filled with the composite, and evaluated in the immediate postoperative, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days. Composite implanted in the tibia of rabbits, only two remained in their beds receivers, while the remaining were encapsulated in the subcutaneous tissue. Spheres of chitosan present in the biomaterial that has been deployed and were in direct contact with the bone defect, were preserved, however, were not integrated into the bone tissue. Therefore, to understand the behavior of chitosan as a bone substitute, further research is needed.(AU)

Aspecto morfológico da interface entre o compósito, constituído de quitosana e polimetilmetacrilato, e a falha óssea de tíbia de coelhos / Morphological aspect of the interface between the composite, made of chitosan and polymethylmethacrylate, and bone failure of the rabbit tibia

As afecções ortopédicas com perda de tecido ósseo são um desafio não só na medicina veterinária mas também na medicina humana. Analisou a interface entre compósito, constituído de esferas de quitosana e polimetilmetacrilato em falha óssea (leito receptor) de tíbia de coelhos, por meio de técnica radiológica, avaliação macroscópica e pela microscopia eletrônica de varredura, em diferentes tempos. Foram utilizados 12 coelhos adultos da raça Nova Zelândia, divididos em quatro Grupos Experimentais (E1, n=3; E2, n=3; E3, n=3 e E4, n=3), que tiveram as falhas ósseas das tibiais direitas preenchidas com compósito, e avaliadas no pós-operatório imediato, aos 30, 60 e 90 e 120 dias. Dos compósitos implantados nas tíbias de coelhos, apenas dois permaneceram em seus leitos receptores, enquanto que os demais se encontravam encapsulados no tecido subcutâneo. As esferas de quitosana, presentes nas superfícies dos biomateriais implantados, que mantiveram contato direto com o leito receptor de tíbias de coelhos apresentavam-se preservadas e não integraram ao tecido ósseo. Diante disso, para melhor compreensão do comportamento da quitosana como substituto ósseo, novas pesquisas serão necessárias.(AU)

Orthopedic diseases with bone loss are challenging in both veterinary and human medicine. The aim of this investigation was to analyze and compare the reactions at the interface between the composite, made of chitosan and polymethylmethacrylate, and the bone defect (receptor site) of the rabbits tibia through radiological and microscopic techniques and by scanning electron microscopy, in different periods. Twelve adult New Zealand rabbits were divided into four experimental groups (E1, n=3; E2, n=3; E3, n=3 and E4, n=3), which had the right tibial bone defects filled with the composite, and evaluated in the immediate postoperative, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days. Composite implanted in the tibia of rabbits, only two remained in their beds receivers, while the remaining were encapsulated in the subcutaneous tissue. Spheres of chitosan present in the biomaterial that has been deployed and were in direct contact with the bone defect, were preserved, however, were not integrated into the bone tissue. Therefore, to understand the behavior of chitosan as a bone substitute, further research is needed.(AU)

Structure and temporal variation of the phytoplankton of a macrotidal beach from the Amazon coastal zone.

The present study aimed to analyze the structure and the temporal variation of the phytoplankton of Ajuruteua beach (Bragança, Pará) and to investigate the influence of environmental variables on the dynamics of this community to provide a basis about the trophic state of this environment. Biological, hydrological and hydrodynamic samplings were performed during a nyctemeral cycle in the months of November/08, March/09, June/09 and September/09. We identified 110 taxa, which were distributed among the diatoms (87.3%), dinoflagellates (11.8%) and cyanobacteria (0.9%), with the predominance of neritic species, followed by the tychoplankton species. Chlorophyll-a concentrations were the highest during the rainy period (24.5 mg m-3), whereas total phytoplankton density was higher in the dry period (1,255 x 103 cell L-1). However, phytoflagellates density was significantly higher during the rainy period. Cluster Analysis revealed the formation of four groups, which were influenced by the monthly differences in the environmental variables. The Principal Component Analysis indicated salinity and chlorophyll-a as the main variables that explained the components. Spearman correlation analysis supported the influence of these variables on the local phytoplankton community. Overall, the results obtained suggest that rainfall and strong local hydrodynamics play an important role in the dynamic of the phytoplankton of Ajuruteua beach, by influencing both environmental and biological variables.

Occurrence of Cymbasoma longispinosum Bourne, 1890 (Copepoda: Monstrilloida) in the Curuçá River estuary (Amazon Littoral)

The present work was carried out to verify the occurrence and distribution of Cymbasoma longispinosum Bourne, 1890 in a tropical Amazon estuary from North Brazil. Samplings were performed bimonthly from July/2003 to July/2004 at two different transects (Muriá and Curuçá rivers) situated along the Curuçá estuary (Pará, North Brazil). Samples were collected during neap tides via gentle (1 to 1.5 knots) 200 μm-mesh net tows from a small boat. Additional subsurface water samples were collected for the determination of environmental parameters. Males and females of Cymbasoma longispinosum were only observed during September and November/2003. The highest number of organisms was found in September/2003 at the Muriá River transect. The presence of C. longispinosum in samples obtained during September and November/2003 could probably be related to the reproductive period of this species in the studied estuary, which is directly related to the dry period in the region. The highest salinity values and the highest number of individuals observed in September/2003 corroborate with the previous assumption, since no C. longispinosum was found during the months comprising the rainy period (January to June).

O presente trabalho foi desenvolvido para verificar a ocorrência e distribuição de Cymbasoma longispinosum Bourne, 1890 em um estuário tropical amazônico da região norte do Brasil. As coletas foram realizadas bimestralmente de julho/2003 a julho/2004 em dois diferentes transectos (rios Muriá e Curuçá) situados ao longo do estuário do Curuçá (Pará, Norte do Brasil). Amostras foram coletadas durante marés de quadratura por intermédio de arrastos com redes de plâncton de 200μm de abertura de malha, através de um pequeno barco a motor (1 a 1,5 knots). Amostras adicionais de água subsuperficial foram coletadas para determinação dos parâmetros ambientais. Machos e fêmeas de C. longispinosum foram observados apenas durante os meses de setembro e novembro/2003. O maior número de organismos foi encontrado em setembro/2003, no transecto do rio Muriá. A presença de C. longispinosum nas amostras obtidas durante setembro e novembro/2003 poderia estar provavelmente relacionada ao período reprodutivo desta espécie no estuário estudado, o qual está diretamente relacionado ao período seco na região. Os mais elevados valores de salinidade, bem como os elevados números de indivíduos observados no mês de setembro/2003 confirmam a suposição anterior, visto que nenhum indivíduo de C. longispinosum foi registrado durante os meses que incluem o período chuvoso (janeiro a junho).

Seasonal effects of wastewater to the water quality of the Caeté river estuary, Brazilian Amazon.

Bragança's socioeconomic situation is highly dependent on estuarine and marine biological resources that are influenced by tidal cycles and climatology. Field measurements (hydrological, hydrodynamic and microbiological variables) were taken in the most urbanized zone from Caeté estuary to characterise the quality of the local environment. During the dry period, the estuary was more eutrophic and presented the highest temperature (30.5 degrees C in Oct./06), salinity (17 psu in Feb./07), pH (8.24 in Feb./07) and fecal coliform (> 1000 MPN/100 ml in Dec./06 and Feb./07) values. The phytoplankton Cyclotella meneghiniana, Coscinodiscus centralis and other r-strategist species were observed. The lack of basic hydric canalization was responsible for the local contamination, especially during the dry period when more concentrated wastewater from the city was emitted into the estuary, showing the human influence on the reduction of local estuarine water quality. In Bragança, the fishery is considered one of the main economic activities so, this contamination is worrisome because a large part of the local economy depends on biological resources and, thus, the contamination could negatively affect the environmental health of this Amazon ecosystem.

Seasonal effects of wastewater to the water quality of the Caeté river estuary, Brazilian Amazon

Bragança's socioeconomic situation is highly dependent on estuarine and marine biological resources that are influenced by tidal cycles and climatology. Field measurements (hydrological, hydrodynamic and microbiological variables) were taken in the most urbanized zone from Caeté estuary to characterise the quality of the local environment. During the dry period, the estuary was more eutrophic and presented the highest temperature (30.5 °C in Oct./06), salinity (17 psu in Feb./07), pH (8.24 in Feb./07) and fecal coliform (> 1000 MPN/100 ml in Dec./06 and Feb./07) values. The phytoplankton Cyclotella meneghiniana, Coscinodiscus centralis and other r-strategist species were observed. The lack of basic hydric canalization was responsible for the local contamination, especially during the dry period when more concentrated wastewater from the city was emitted into the estuary, showing the human influence on the reduction of local estuarine water quality. In Bragança, the fishery is considered one of the main economic activities so, this contamination is worrisome because a large part of the local economy depends on biological resources and, thus, the contamination could negatively affect the environmental health of this Amazon ecosystem.

A situação socioeconômica de Bragança depende principalmente dos recursos biológicos estuarinos e marinhos, que são influenciados pelos ciclos de marés e climatologia. Coletas oceanográficas (com medidas de variáveis hidrológicas, hidro-dinâmicas e microbiológicas) foram realizadas na área mais urbanizada do estuário do Caeté, para caracterizar a qualidade das águas no setor estudado. Durante o período seco, o estuário foi mais eutrófico e apresentou os maiores valores de temperatura (30,5°C em Out./06), salinidade (17 psu em Fev./07), pH (8,24 em Fev./07) e coliformes fecais (>1000 MNP/ 100 ml em Dez./06 e Fev./07). As espécies fitoplanctô-nicas Cyclotella meneghiniana, Coscinodiscus centralis e outras espécies r-estrategistas também foram observadas. A falta de saneamento básico foi responsável pela contaminação local, especialmente durante o período seco, quando o esgoto foi lançado mais concentrado no estuário, mostrando a influência humana na redução da qualidade da água estuarina estudada. A pesca é considerada uma das principais atividades econômicas do município de Bragança e, portanto, esta contaminação poderá afetar negativamente a qualidade ambiental deste ecossistema amazônico.

Occurrence of Cymbasoma longispinosum Bourne, 1890 in the Curuçá River estuary.

The present work was carried out to verify the occurrence and distribution of Cymbasoma longispinosum Bourne, 1890 in a tropical Amazon estuary from North Brazil. Samplings were performed bimonthly from July/2003 to July/2004 at two different transects (Muriá and Curuçá rivers) situated along the Curuçá estuary (Pará, North Brazil). Samples were collected during neap tides via gentle (1 to 1.5 knots) 200 µm-mesh net tows from a small boat. Additional subsurface water samples were collected for the determination of environmental parameters. Males and females of Cymbasoma longispinosum were only observed during September and November/2003. The highest number of organisms was found in September/2003 at the Muriá River transect. The presence of C. longispinosum in samples obtained during September and November/2003 could probably be related to the reproductive period of this species in the studied estuary, which is directly related to the dry period in the region. The highest salinity values and the highest number of individuals observed in September/2003 corroborate with the previous assumption, since no C. longispinosum was found during the months comprising the rainy period (January to June).

Seasonal variation in the copepod community structure from a tropical Amazon estuary, Northern Brazil.

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the seasonal variation of copepod community structure during the months of July, September and November 2003 (dry season) and January, March and May 2004 (rainy season) in the Curuçá estuary, northern Brazil. Samples were collected during neap tides via gentle 200microm mesh net tows from a small powerboat. Measurements of surface water conductivity were accomplished in situ using an electronic conductivimeter and salinity was later obtained through the transformation of the conductivity values. Salinity varied seasonally from 7.2 +/- 0.1 to 39.2 +/- 1.8 (mean +/- standard deviation) and was influenced mainly by differences in the amount of rainfall between the studied sampling seasons. In total, 30 Copepoda taxa were identified and Acartia tonsa comprised the most representative species throughout the entire studied period followed by Acartia lilljeborgii, Subeucalanus pileatus and Paracalanus quasimodo. In the present study, the density values, ecological indexes and copepod species dominance presented a clear seasonal pattern, showing that the studied area may be considered seasonally heterogeneous in relation to the investigated parameters.

Seasonal variation in the copepod community structure from a tropical Amazon estuary, Northern Brazil

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the seasonal variation of copepod community structure during the months of July, September and November 2003 (dry season) and January, March and May 2004 (rainy season) in the Curuçá estuary, northern Brazil. Samples were collected during neap tides via gentle 200µm mesh net tows from a small powerboat. Measurements of surface water conductivity were accomplished in situ using an electronic conductivimeter and salinity was later obtained through the transformation of the conductivity values. Salinity varied seasonally from 7.2 ± 0.1 to 39.2 ± 1.8 (mean ± standard deviation) and was influenced mainly by differences in the amount of rainfall between the studied sampling seasons. In total, 30 Copepoda taxa were identified and Acartia tonsa comprised the most representative species throughout the entire studied period followed by Acartia lilljeborgii, Subeucalanus pileatus and Paracalanus quasimodo. In the present study, the density values, ecological indexes and copepod species dominance presented a clear seasonal pattern, showing that the studied area may be considered seasonally heterogeneous in relation to the investigated parameters.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo principal avaliar a variação sazonal na estrutura da comunidade dos copépodos durante os meses de julho, setembro e novembro de 2003 (período seco) e janeiro, março e maio de 2004 (período chuvoso) no estuário do Curuçá, Norte do Brasil. As amostras foram coletadas nas marés de quadratura com auxílio de uma rede deplâncton com 200µm de abertura de malha, rebocada por meio de uma pequena embarcação a motor. As medidas de condutividade da água foram realizadas in situ utilizando-se um condutivímetro eletrônico e a salinidade foi posteriormente obtida através da transformação dos valores de condutividade. Os valores de salinidade variaram sazonalmente de 7, 2 ± 0, 1a 39, 2 ± 1, 8 (média ± desvio padrão), tendo sido principalmente influenciados pelas diferenças nas taxas de precipitação entre os períodos de amostragem estudados. Foram identificados no total 30 táxons, com Acartia tonsa constituindo a espécie mais representativa durante todo o período de estudo,seguida por Acartia lilljeborgii, Subeucalanus pileatus e Paracalanus quasimodo. Durante este trabalho, os valores de densidade, índices ecológicos e dominância das espécies de copépodos apresentaram um padrão sazonal claro, mostrando que a área estudada pode ser considerada sazonalmente heterogênea em relação a estes parâmetros investigados.

Efeito da temperatura de calcinaçäo sobre as fases cristalinas de compostos de fosfatos de cálcio / Effect of calcination temperature on crystalline phase of calcium phosphates compounds

Para se produzir blocos de hidroxiapatita esta é geralmente submetida a um tratamento térmico conhecido como sinterização. Durante esse tratamento a hidroxiapatita pode se transformar em outras fases. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a estabilidade térmica da hidroxiapatitas precipitada em determinadas condições. Para isso o precipitado foi calcinado a várias temperaturas e caracterizado por difração de raios-X e espectroscopia de infravermelho. Os resultados obtidos indicam que o aumento da temperatura de calcinação, até 1000§C,: 1) não produziu alterações significativas no tipo de fases minerais presentes, muito embora tenha afetado a cristalinidade e/ou o tamanho dos cristais e 2) provocou a diminuição da concentração do grupo (HPO4)-2

Abstract - To produce blocks of hydroxyapatite it usually has togo through a heat treatment known as sintering. During this treatment the hydroxyapatite may transform into other phases. The objective of this work was to study the thermal stability of a hydroxyapatite precipitated under ceriain conditions. To achieve this the precipitated powder was calcined at various temperatures and characterised by X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. The results have shown that the incre ase of the calcination temperature, up to 1 OOOºC: 1) did not produced a noticeable variation in the type of the mineral phases present, however it has influenced the crystalinity and/or the size of the crystals, and 2) it has lead to the reduction of the concentration of the group (HP04r2 .

Efeitos das condiçöes de precipitaçäo sobre as características fisico-químicas dos compostos do sistema fosfasto de cálcio / Effect of precipitation conditions on the physicochemical characteristics of calcium phosphates system compounds

A hidroxiapatia (HA) é o constituinte mineral do osso natural. Por isso nos últimos anos tem havido grande interesse em se sintetizar essa fase para ser usada como biomaterial. Entretanto há grande número de outros compostos de fosfato de cálcio que poderão ser formados juntamente com a HA dependendo das condições de precipitação. Estudou-se os efeitos das condições de precipitaçãona obtenção de HA, temperatura e razão Ca/P sobre as característica físico-químicas do precipitado após a calcinação à 800 C. A fase cristalina obtida para as razões Ca/P iguais a 1,67 2,0 foi HA e para amostras ecom razão Ca/P=1,0 foi obtido o difosfato de cálcio (DCP) e o ß-fosfato tricálcico (ß-TCP)

Abstract Hydroxyapatite (HA) is the mineral constituent of natural bone. Because of this, in the last years, there has been a considerable effort towards chemically producing it to be used as a biomaterial. However, there are a large number of calcium phosphate compounds that can be produce together with the HA, depending on the precipitation conditions. ln this work the effects of the precipitation conditions, temperature and Ca/P ratio, on the physico-chemical characteristics of the precipitated powder, after it has been calcined at 800ºC. was studied. For the Ca/P ratios of 1,67 and 2,0 HA was the only mineral phase present and for the Ca/P ratio of LO the phase calcium orthophosphate and P-TCP were also observed

Avaliaçäo da taxa de dissoluçäo de hidroxiapatias preparadas em diferentes condiçöes / Evaluation of dissolution rate of hidroxyapatite prepared in different conditions

A solubilidade dos vários compostos da família dos fosfatos de cálcio no meio fisiológico é uma das principais características utilizadas para a escolha do composto mais adequado para cada aplicação. Para um mesmo composto, entretanto, a solubilidade pode variar devido a variação da concentração de defeitos, a área superficial. a razão Ca/P, o tamanho de particulas, outros tipos e quantidade de fases presentes e porosidade. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi estudar um método que permite avaliar comparativamente a solubilidade de hidroxiapatitas com caracteristicas diferentes. Os resultados obtidos demonstram a eficácia do método proposto para avaliar a solubilidade da hidroxiapatita e confirmam a interrelação entre a solubilidade, a razão Ca/P e a presença de grupos CO3**-2 detectada pela espectroscopia de infravermelho

Abstract - The solubility of the various compounds of the calcium phosphate family in the physiological medium is one of the main characteristics used to identify the most suitable compound for each application. However. for one single compound the solubility may vary due to the concentration of defects. The objective of this work was to develop a method which would allow us to evaluate comparatively the solubility of hydroxyapatites with different characteristics. The results obtained have shown that the proposed method is suitable to evaluate the solubility of hydroxyapatite and have confirmed the relationship between solubility, the Ca/P ratio and the presence of CO/ groups detected by infrared spectroscopy

Methemoglobinemia associated with locoxoscelism

Vinte e cinco pacientes que apresentaram a forma cutânea do loxoscclismo foram estudados após a picada, determinando-se a glicose-6-fosfato desidrogenase, glutationa redutase e fato desidrogenase, glutationa redutase e glutationa peroxidase critrocitárias, haptoglobina e latico desidrogenase séricas, bilirrubina, reticulócitos e meta-hemoglobina. Näo foi observada hemólise aumentada, mas foi detectado aumento da meta-hemoglobina em 54% dos casos: em 7% entre 1,1% e 2%, em 27% variou de 2,1% a 4%, e em 20% de 4,1 a 8%. Amostras de sangue de um indivíduo normal do grupo 0 de uma paciente que exibiu metahemoglobina após picada por Loxosceles foram incubadas separadamente com anti-soros contra Loxosceles gaucho, Crotalus terridicus e Bothrops jararaca, com veneno de Loxosceles gaucho e fenol a 30%, e näo se detectou aumento de meta-hemoglobina depois de 1, 4, 8 e 15 dias em todas as amostras. Por ocasiäo do 25§ dia, todas as amostras, inclusive os controles, exibiram discreta diminuiçäo da atividade da meta-hemoglobina redutase. Os dados sugerem que a meta-hemoglobina que ocorreu em 54% dos pacientes provavelmente decorreu do metabolismo do veneno, uma vez que o veneno in natura näo induziu meta-hemoglobinemia

Miosite ossificante progressiva: relato de dois casos na infância / Progressive ossifing myositis: report of two cases in infancy

Os autores relatam os achado clínicos e radiológicos de duas crianças com miosiste ossificante progressiva chamando atençäo para as manifestaçöes iniciais qu podem sugerir processos infecciosos, para a associaçäo frequente com malformaçöes ósseas em dedos dos pés e das mäos e para as dificuldades terapêuticas