Local ecological knowledge of fishers from southern and southeastern Brazil about the franciscana dolphin Pontoporia blainvillei: Strategies for conservation.

This study compares local ecological knowledge (LEK) of fishers from the Southwest Atlantic Ocean (SWAO), Brazil, related to the franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei). We conducted 330 ethnographic interviews in ten fishing communities in southern and southeastern Brazil between 2012 and 2018. Boolean or Classic Logic was used to identify 95 fishers who were able to recognize the franciscana dolphin accordingly to the taxonomic entity P. blainvillei: 23 in northern Espírito Santo state, one in southern Espírito Santo, 20 in northern Rio de Janeiro state, and 51 in northern Paraná state. Among these 95 fishers, 87.4% (n = 83) reported incidental captures in fishing nets. Among these, 52 (54.7%) did not know any solution to this problem. Interviews revealed that the fishers usually discard carcasses in the sea after fat and muscle tissue are removed so that they can be used as bait for shark fishing or as food. In Southeastern Brazil, fishers LEK related to their ability to identify franciscana dolphin varied from 'no identification' and 'extremely low identification' to 'partial' and 'good identification,' while in southern Brazil, fishers mainly presented a 'good identification' of the dolphins. We propose comanagement actions to conserve the franciscana dolphin in the SWAO.

Artisanal fishing on the coast of Espírito Santo state, southeastern Brazil: an approach to socioenvironmental oceanography / Pesca artesanal no litoral do estado do Espírito Santo, sudeste do Brasil: uma abordagem da oceanografia socioambiental

Artisanal fishing is an important traditional activity on the coast of Espírito Santo (ES) State, southeastern Brazil. Despite this, there is a lack of updated data on artisanal fishing and its interfaces with socioenvironmental oceanography. The present study describes the social profile of fishers (gender, age, education, and period of professional activity) and the fishing activity (fishing gear and target species) along the coast of Espírito Santo State. Interviews with semi-structured questionnaires were carried out with 366 artisanal fishers living in 10 fishing communities. The interviewed fishers are mostly male, with low education, who had been fishing for more than 41 years (32%). The fishers described 59 target ethnospecies, with eight being common in 90% (n = 9) of the communities under study. These workers use the following fishing gear: line, longline, gillnet, trawl net, and harpoon. Socioenvironmental oceanography enables obtaining basic information on artisanal fishing, which can support the development of public policies for the sector with a view to maintaining this activity in Espírito Santo State.

A pesca artesanal constitui uma importante atividade tradicional no litoral do estado do Espírito Santo (ES), sudeste do Brasil. Apesar disso, existe uma carência de dados atualizados sobre a pesca artesanal e suas interfases com a Oceanografia Socioambiental. O presente estudo visa descrever o perfil social (sexo, idade, escolaridade e tempo de pesca) e a atividade pesqueira (petrecho de pesca e espécies-alvo) ao longo da costa do ES. Entrevistas com questionário semiestruturado foram realizadas com 366 pescadores artesanais residentes em 10 comunidades pesqueiras. Os pescadores entrevistados são em sua maioria homens, com baixa escolaridade, que praticam a pesca há mais de 41 anos (32%). Foram descritas 59 etnoespécies-alvo, sendo oito comuns em 90% (n = 9) das comunidades estudadas. Os petrechos de pesca utilizados são: espinhel, linha, rede de emalhe, rede de arrasto e arpão. Por meio da oceanografia socioambiental é possível a obtenção das informações básicas sobre a pesca artesanal que podem contribuir para a elaboração de políticas públicas voltadas ao setor a fim de promover a manutenção da atividade no estado ES.

Artisanal fishing on the coast of Espírito Santo state, southeastern Brazil: an approach to socioenvironmental oceanography / Pesca artesanal no litoral do estado do Espírito Santo, sudeste do Brasil: uma abordagem da oceanografia socioambiental

Artisanal fishing is an important traditional activity on the coast of Espírito Santo (ES) State, southeastern Brazil. Despite this, there is a lack of updated data on artisanal fishing and its interfaces with socioenvironmental oceanography. The present study describes the social profile of fishers (gender, age, education, and period of professional activity) and the fishing activity (fishing gear and target species) along the coast of Espírito Santo State. Interviews with semi-structured questionnaires were carried out with 366 artisanal fishers living in 10 fishing communities. The interviewed fishers are mostly male, with low education, who had been fishing for more than 41 years (32%). The fishers described 59 target ethnospecies, with eight being common in 90% (n = 9) of the communities under study. These workers use the following fishing gear: line, longline, gillnet, trawl net, and harpoon. Socioenvironmental oceanography enables obtaining basic information on artisanal fishing, which can support the development of public policies for the sector with a view to maintaining this activity in Espírito Santo State.(AU)

A pesca artesanal constitui uma importante atividade tradicional no litoral do estado do Espírito Santo (ES), sudeste do Brasil. Apesar disso, existe uma carência de dados atualizados sobre a pesca artesanal e suas interfases com a Oceanografia Socioambiental. O presente estudo visa descrever o perfil social (sexo, idade, escolaridade e tempo de pesca) e a atividade pesqueira (petrecho de pesca e espécies-alvo) ao longo da costa do ES. Entrevistas com questionário semiestruturado foram realizadas com 366 pescadores artesanais residentes em 10 comunidades pesqueiras. Os pescadores entrevistados são em sua maioria homens, com baixa escolaridade, que praticam a pesca há mais de 41 anos (32%). Foram descritas 59 etnoespécies-alvo, sendo oito comuns em 90% (n = 9) das comunidades estudadas. Os petrechos de pesca utilizados são: espinhel, linha, rede de emalhe, rede de arrasto e arpão. Por meio da oceanografia socioambiental é possível a obtenção das informações básicas sobre a pesca artesanal que podem contribuir para a elaboração de políticas públicas voltadas ao setor a fim de promover a manutenção da atividade no estado ES.(AU)

Testicular effects following in utero exposure to the antivirals acyclovir and ganciclovir in rats.

In utero exposure to the antivirals acyclovir and ganciclovir has been reported to induce gross structural defects in rat offspring. The present study investigated the effects of maternal antiviral treatment on gestation day 10 on reproductive and nonreproductive organs in male rat offspring with a particular focus on the testes. Vehicle and two doses of acyclovir and ganciclovir, 75 and 300 mg/kg, were administered to rat dams. The total doses were fractioned into three subcutaneous applications (3 × distilled water, 3 × 25 mg/kg, and 3 × 100 mg/kg) that were administered on gestation day 10 at 8:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. The antiviral concentrations were measured in the serum of the dams 1 h after the last administration. Exposure to 300 mg/kg ganciclovir induced germ cell deficiency in both fetal and adult testes, an effect that was not seen in any other treatment group. Adult rats exposed in utero to this high ganciclovir dose exhibited Sertoli cell-only tubules intermingled with seminiferous tubules that displayed a normal size and normal cell counts, alterations that resemble focal Sertoli cell-only syndrome in humans. The serum concentrations of ganciclovir were markedly higher than those of acyclovir, particularly at the high dose tested. However, although 300 mg/kg acyclovir did not induce germ cell deficiency, other specific effects were seen in exposed animals, including incomplete eye opening and reduced thymus weight.

Study on the developmental toxicity of combined artesunate and mefloquine antimalarial drugs on rats.

Antimalarial drug combinations containing artemisinins (ACTs) have become first choice therapies for Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Data on safety of ACTs in pregnancy are limited and no previous study has been conducted on the developmental toxicity of artesunate-mefloquine combinations on the first trimester of gestation. To evaluate the developmental toxicity of an artesunate/mefloquine combination, pregnant rats were treated orally with artesunate (15 and 40 mg/kg bwt/day), mefloquine (30 and 80 mg/kg bwt/day) and artesunate/mefloquine (15/30 and 40/80 mg/kg bwt/day) on gestation days 9-11. Dams were C-sectioned on day 20, and their uteri and fetuses removed and examined for soft tissue and skeleton abnormalities. Artesunate increased embryolethality and the incidence of limb long bone malformations on the absence of overt maternal toxicity. Mefloquine (80 mg/kg bwt/day) was maternally toxic and enhanced fetal variations. Combination of artesunate and mefloquine did not enhance their toxicity compared to the toxicity observed after its separate administration. Embryotoxicity of artesunate was apparently attenuated when it is co-administered with mefloquine.

Resíduos de pesticidas em alimentos / Pesticide residues in food

Este trabalho teve como objetivos comparar os níveis de resíduos de pesticidas encontrados em alimentos investigados pelo Programa de Análise de Resíduos de Pesticidas em Alimentos da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (PARA/ANVISA) e avaliar o possível risco tóxico da sua ingestão. Para tanto, foram comparados os dados dos relatórios do PARA de 2001 e 2003, quando 2647 amostras de nove culturas de hortaliças e frutas foram analisadas. Calculou-se o risco tóxico da ingestão desses resíduos pela população utilizando dados do limite máximo de resíduo para cada pesticida e do consumo alimentar. Também determinou-se o número de pesticidas que ultrapassaram o limite máximo de resíduos (LMR) permitido e pesticidas encontrados em culturas cujo uso não é permitido. Os resultados indicaram que não houve modificações significativas no número de resíduos encontrados nas duas avaliações efetuadas pelo PARA entre os anos de 2001 e 2003. Dentre as 2.647 amostras analisadas foram detectados resíduos de 2.256 pesticidas, sendo 68 por cento envolvendo o uso regular e 32 por cento o uso irregular (não-autorizado 89 por cento e uso acima do LMR 11 por cento). Dezenove pesticidas apresentaram risco tóxico para a população na avaliação do relatório de 2001 e 16 no relatório de 2003. Esses dados permitem concluir que alimentos com resíduos de pesticidas não deveriam apresentar risco para a população, exigindo melhoria na fiscalização do uso de pesticidas na agricultura.

Effects of Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng) pedersen aqueous extract on healing acetic acid-induced ulcers

The present study was carried out to evaluate the acute toxicity and the effect of the aqueous extract of the roots from Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng) Pedersen (Amaranthaceae) (AEP) on the prevention of acetic acid-induced ulcer and on the healing process of previously induced ulcers. The acute toxicity was evaluated in Swiss mice after oral administration of a single dose and the chronic gastric ulcer was induced with local application of acetic acid. The results showed that the LD50 of the extract was 684.6 mg.kg-1 for the intraperitoneal administration and higher than 10 mg.kg-1by the oral route. The administration of the AEP did not prevent ulcers formation. However, the AEP increased of the healing process of previously induced ulcers. The results suggest that AEP chronically administered promote an increase of tissue healing, after the damage induced by acetic acid and the extract seemed to be destituted of toxic effects in the mice by the oral route.

Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng) Pedersen (Amaranthaceae), uma planta conhecida popularmente como "Ginseng Brasileiro" e "paratudo", é utilizada para tratar distúrbios gástricos e como cicatrizante. Em estudos anteriores, foi demonstrado que o extrato aquoso bruto da P. glomerata (AEP) protegeu a mucosa gástrica contra úlceras induzidas por etanol e estresse e reduziu a secreção ácida gástrica basal e estimulada em ratos com ligadura de piloro. Além disso, a secreção gástrica de animais tratados com AEP apresentou níveis de nitrato e nitrito aumentados. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar se o AEP previne o desenvolvimento de úlceras induzidas por ácido acético e o efeito desse extrato no processo de cicatrização em úlceras previamente formadas. A administração do AEP em diferentes doses produziu efeitos tóxicos baixos e não preveniu a formação de úlceras, porém aumentou o processo de cicatrização em úlceras já existentes, como evidenciado no estudo histopatológico. Em conclusão, o AEP administrado cronicamente promove o aumento da cicatrização do tecido após a lesão induzida com o ácido acético.

Toxicity of artemisinin [Artemisia annua L.] in two different periods of pregnancy in Wistar rats.

Artemisinin compounds are important for treating multidrug-resistant malaria; however, the possible resorption and abnormalities observed in animal reproduction studies may contraindicate artemisinin use during the first trimester. To evaluate whether artemisinin interferes with developmental outcomes at different periods of pregnancy, Wistar rats were treated by gavage with increasing doses of 7, 35 and 70 mg/kg/day from gestational day [GD] 7 to 13 or 14 to 20. Viable embryos and post-implantation losses, and progestagens and testosterone levels, were monitored in the former treatment group and pregnancy and outcomes data, post-implantation losses and male and female developmental endpoints of the offspring were evaluated in the latter treatment group. Results indicate toxicity for both periods of treatment, with lower sensitivity at later stages of pregnancy. The results showed that dosing with 35 or 75 mg/kg of artemisinin caused high percentages of post-implantation losses that correlated with a trend to lower maternal progestagens and a significant maternal testosterone decrease. These findings demonstrate that oral administration of artemisinin can adversely effect post-implantation development and pregnancy in the rat.

Reproductive evaluation of aqueous crude extract of Achillea millefolium L. (Asteraceae) in Wistar rats.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the toxicity of the exposure to the aqueous extract from leaves (AE) of Achillea millefolium L. on reproductive endpoints in Wistar rats. Adult male rats were treated daily with yarrow extract (0.3, 0.6 and 1.2 g/kg/day) during 90 days by oral gavage. Endpoints including reproductive organ weights, sperm and spermatid numbers as well as sperm morphology were evaluated. No clinical signs of toxicity were detected over the treatment period, and body weight gain was similar in all groups. A significant increase in the percentage of abnormal sperm in the group treated with the highest dose of yarrow extract was detected with no other important changes in the other reproductive endpoints studied in the male rats. Furthermore, a possible estrogenic/antiestrogenic activity of the yarrow extract screened after a 3-day treatment of immature female rats which did not show any uterotrophic effects.

Pre and postnatal exposure to endosulfan in Wistar rats.

The possible reproductive adverse effects of the pesticide endosulfan on male offspring rats exposed in utero and during lactation were investigated. Dams were treated orally with 0, 0.5 or 1.5 mg of endosulfan/kg 21 days prior to mating, during the mating, pregnancy and lactation. Maternal and reproductive outcome data and male sexual development landmarks (testis descent and preputial separation) were assessed. Reproductive endpoints of the male offspring were examined at adulthood: sex organ weights, daily sperm production, spermatid number, sperm transit, sperm morphology and testosterone level. No signs of maternal toxicity were detected at the dose levels tested. Sexual development landmarks were also unaffected. Moreover, with the exception of a significant increase in the relative epididymis weight seen in the group treated with the lowest dose, we have not found any statistically significant adverse effect in the reproductive endpoints investigated at adulthood. The results of the present study indicate that pre and postnatal exposure to low doses of endosulfan (0.5 and 1.5 mg/kg) do not induce significant adverse effects in the reproductive system of male offspring Wistar rats at adulthood.

Reproductive effects of deltamethrin on male offspring of rats exposed during pregnancy and lactation.

The effects of low doses of deltamethrin administered to female rats on the reproductive system of male offspring were examined. The dams (n=10-12/group) were treated daily by oral gavage with 0, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 mg deltamethrin/kg from day 1 of pregnancy to day 21 of lactation. Maternal and reproductive outcome data and male sexual development landmarks were assessed. Fertility, sexual behavior, and a large number of reproductive endpoints, such as organ weights, sperm evaluations, testosterone concentration, and testicular histology were examined on adult male offsprings. No signs of maternal toxicity were detected at the dose levels tested. Significantly adverse effects were only seen on testicular and epididymal absolute weights and the diameter of seminiferous tubules in the group treated with the highest dose of deltamethrin (4.0 mg/kg). The results indicate that in utero and lactational exposure to deltamethrin may induce subtle changes in reproductive behavior and physiology of male offspring rats at dose levels that do not cause maternal toxicity.

Screening for in vivo (anti)estrogenic and (anti)androgenic activities of technical and formulated deltamethrin.

Concern over the possibility of hormonal systems being disrupted by chemicals in the environment has led to the development of assays to detect such chemicals. Technical and formulated deltamethrin, a widely used synthetic pyrethroid pesticide, was screened for (anti)estrogenic and (anti)androgenic activities by means of two major in vivo short-term screening tests: the uterotrophic and Hershberger assays. The results reported here indicate the absence of in vivo (anti)estrogenic and (anti)androgenic activities for both technical and formulated deltamethrin at the dose levels tested (2.0 and 4.0 mg/kg/day). However, further tests, including in vitro screening assays, are required to characterize fully the lack of endocrine action of these chemicals.

Alteraçöes histológicas em Lymnaea columella provocadas pelo látex de Euphorbia splendens var. hislopii / Histological changes in Lymnaea columella caused by the Euphorbia splendens's latex

Observaçöes histológicas em moluscos da espécie Lymnaea columella foram realizadas para determinar a existência ou näo de alteraçöes provocadas pelo uso do látex de Euphorbia splendens var. hislopii. O experimento foi realizado de acordo com os métodos padronizados pela OMS. Cinqüenta exemplares de L. columella, com comprimento de concha de 6±1mm, foram submetidos a 200ml das soluçöes nas concentraçöes de 0,47µl/L; 0,76µl/L; 0,94µl/L e 1,51µl/L, durante 24 horas. Após o evento experimental, os moluscos foram colocados em soluçäo de Raillet & Henry, para sacrifício e fixaçäo. Os resultados demonstraram lesöes caracterizadas por degeneraçäo, necrose e acúmulo de líquido na glândula digestiva e no rim, em exemplares submetidos a concentraçöes a partir de 0,47 mil/L

Histological changes in Lymnaea columella caused by the Euphorbia splendens"s latex / Alterações histológicas em Lymnaea columella provocadas pelo látex de Euphorbia splendens var. hislopii

Histological observations in Lymnaea columella snails to determine the existence or not of changes caused by the use of the Euphorbia splendens"s latex were realized. The experiment was realized in agreement with the methods standardized by WHO. Fifty samples of L. columella, with shell 6±1mm long, were submitted at 200ml of the solutions in concentrations of 0,47µl/L; 0,76µl/L; 0,94µl/L and 1,51µl/L, during 24 hours. After the experimental event, the snails were placed in solution of Raillet & Henry, for sacrifice and fixation. The results demonstrated lesions characterized by degeneration, necrosis and liquid accumulation in the digestive gland and in the kidney, in samples maintained in concentrations from 0,47 mul/L on.

Observações histológicas em moluscos da espécie Lymnaea columella foram realizadas para determinar a existência ou não de alterações provocadas pelo uso do látex de Euphorbia splendens var. hislopii. O experimento foi realizado de acordo com os métodos padronizados pela OMS. Cinqüenta exemplares de L. columella, com comprimento de concha de 6±1mm, foram submetidos a 200ml das soluções nas concentrações de 0,47µl/L; 0,76µl/L; 0,94µl/L e 1,51µl/L, durante 24 horas. Após o evento experimental, os moluscos foram colocados em solução de Raillet & Henry, para sacrifício e fixação. Os resultados demonstraram lesões caracterizadas por degeneração, necrose e acúmulo de líquido na glândula digestiva e no rim, em exemplares submetidos a concentrações a partir de 0,47 mil/L.

Estudo experimental do enxerto ósseo com biomateriais Osteosynt R e Biobone R / Bone grafting in experimental models

O enxerto ósseo é utilizado amplamente na clínica médica e odontológica para obtençäo do reparo ósseo. Este procedimento tem sido recomendado para defeitos ósseos que comprometem a anatomia normal e, em última instância, a funçäo do tecido mineralizado. Há grande preocupaçäo com a neoformaçäo óssea de indivíduos que apresentam perdas consideráveis do tecido, ocasionadas por um grande espectro de patologias ou traumas. Diversas substâncias foram desenvolvidas com a finalidade de substituir o osso original, promovendo, assim, o reparo local. Este trabalho tem por objetivo verificar experimentalmente duas substâncias (biocerâmica e matriz óssea desmineralizada - Osteosynt R e Biobone R) atualmente utilizadas na prática clínica, em um modelo que possibilite o estudo in vivo do reparo ósseo. A importância deste trabalho se insere na pesquisa de modelo biológico capaz de prover informaçöes voltadas para a fundamentaçäo ultraestrutural das técnicas clínicas (Ciências Aplicadas), através de conhecimentos das Ciências Básicas com a Biologia Celular