Assessing the reaction to and efficacy of the Screener drug discovery and development board game as a pedagogical tool in postgraduate courses.

Screener, a board game supplemented with online resources, was introduced and distributed by the Brazilian Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics to postgraduate programs as an instructional tool for the process of drug discovery and development (DDD). In this study, we provided a comprehensive analysis of five critical aspects for evaluating the quality of educational games, namely: 1) description of the intervention; 2) underlying pedagogical theory; 3) identification of local educational gaps; 4) impact on diverse stakeholders; and 5) elucidation of iterative quality enhancement processes. We also present qualitative and quantitative assessments of the effectiveness of this game in 11 postgraduate courses. We employed the MEEGA+ online survey, comprising thirty-three close-ended unipolar items with 5-point Likert-type response scales, to assess student perceptions of the quality and utility of Screener. Based on 115 responses, the results indicated a highly positive outlook among students. In addition, we performed a preliminary evaluation of learning outcomes in two courses involving 28 students. Pre- and post-quizzes were applied, each consisting of 20 True/False questions directly aligned with the game's content. The analysis revealed significant improvement in students' performance following engagement with the game, with scores rising from 8.4 to 13.3 (P<0.0001, paired t-test) and 9.7 to 12.7 (P<0.0001, paired t-test). These findings underscore the utility of Screener as an enjoyable and effective tool for facilitating a positive learning experience in the DDD process. Notably, the game can also reduce the educational disparities across different regions of our continental country.

Assessing the reaction to and efficacy of the Screener drug discovery and development board game as a pedagogical tool in postgraduate courses

Screener, a board game supplemented with online resources, was introduced and distributed by the Brazilian Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics to postgraduate programs as an instructional tool for the process of drug discovery and development (DDD). In this study, we provided a comprehensive analysis of five critical aspects for evaluating the quality of educational games, namely: 1) description of the intervention; 2) underlying pedagogical theory; 3) identification of local educational gaps; 4) impact on diverse stakeholders; and 5) elucidation of iterative quality enhancement processes. We also present qualitative and quantitative assessments of the effectiveness of this game in 11 postgraduate courses. We employed the MEEGA+ online survey, comprising thirty-three close-ended unipolar items with 5-point Likert-type response scales, to assess student perceptions of the quality and utility of Screener. Based on 115 responses, the results indicated a highly positive outlook among students. In addition, we performed a preliminary evaluation of learning outcomes in two courses involving 28 students. Pre- and post-quizzes were applied, each consisting of 20 True/False questions directly aligned with the game's content. The analysis revealed significant improvement in students' performance following engagement with the game, with scores rising from 8.4 to 13.3 (P<0.0001, paired t-test) and 9.7 to 12.7 (P<0.0001, paired t-test). These findings underscore the utility of Screener as an enjoyable and effective tool for facilitating a positive learning experience in the DDD process. Notably, the game can also reduce the educational disparities across different regions of our continental country.

Impacts of the use of biological pest control on the technical efficiency of the Brazilian agricultural sector.

This paper aimed to assess the impact of the intensive use of biological control on the technical efficiency of the Brazilian agricultural sector. The study also considered the influence of factors such as technical assistance, rural financing, and membership in cooperatives or class entities on efficiency measures. It was estimated stochastic production frontiers for regions intensively using and not using biological control, considering potential selection bias. Results demonstrate that areas with intensive use of biological pest management have a 0.863 technical efficiency score, while this score is 0.823 for nonintensive areas. This means that the intensive regions would be closer to their efficiency frontiers. Additionally, technical assistance and membership in cooperative or class entities increase efficiency by 6 and 2.5%, respectively. It can be concluded that the intensive adoption of biological control can raise the productive performance of the Brazilian agricultural sector. Therefore, it must be highlighted the importance of formulating joint policies (e.g., credit+rural extension) for the adoption of biological control to be a feasible option to promote the sustainable development of the Brazilian agricultural sector.

Time trend of overweight and obesity prevalence among older people in Brazilian State Capitals and the Federal District from 2006 to 2019.

Although the share of older people has been growing in Brazil in past decades, studies investigating trends in overweight and obesity prevalence in this population remain scarce. The objective of this study was to analyze the time trend of overweight and obesity prevalence in older adults in Brazilian State Capitals and the Federal District from 2006 to 2019. This is a time trend study based on data from the Surveillance System for Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey. The subsample used was composed of individuals aged 60 years or older (n = 202,049). Self-reported weight and height data were used to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI). Overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) prevalence were estimated per year for the total population and according to sex, age, schooling, region, and NCD presence. Prais-Winsten regression models were used to identify significant trends in overweight and obesity prevalence over the years. Overweight prevalence increased (p < 0.05) from 53.7 to 61.4% (1.09% per year) within the assessed period, whereas obesity prevalence increased from 16.1 to 22.3% (2.28% per year). Greater increases were observed among men, those aged 70 years old and over, with more than 9-year of schooling, and from less developed regions. The highest increases were observed in groups with the lowest values at the beginning of the study period. Results evidenced the high and growing prevalence of overweight and obesity among older people in Brazilian.

The Centre for Data and Knowledge Integration for Health (CIDACS): Linking Health and Social Data in Brazil.

The Centre for Data and Knowledge Integration for Health (CIDACS) was created in 2016 in Salvador, Bahia-Brazil with the objective of integrating data and knowledge aiming to answer scientific questions related to the health of the Brazilian population. This article details our experiences in the establishment and operations of CIDACS, as well as efforts made to obtain high-quality linked data while adhering to security, ethical use and privacy issues. Every effort has been made to conduct operations while implementing appropriate structures, procedures, processes and controls over the original and integrated databases in order to provide adequate datasets to answer relevant research questions. Looking forward, CIDACS is expected to be an important resource for researchers and policymakers interested in enhancing the evidence base pertaining to different aspects of health, in particular when investigating, from a nation-wide perspective, the role of social determinants of health and the effects of social and environmental policies on different health outcomes.

Effect of Brazil's conditional cash transfer programme on tuberculosis incidence.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of the Brazilian cash transfer programme (Bolsa Família Programme, BFP) on tuberculosis (TB) incidence in Brazil from 2004 to 2012. DESIGN: We studied tuberculosis surveillance data using a combination of an ecological multiple-group and time-trend design covering 2458 Brazilian municipalities. The main independent variable was BFP coverage and the outcome was the TB incidence rate. All study variables were obtained from national databases. We used fixed-effects negative binomial models for panel data adjusted for selected covariates and a variable representing time. RESULTS: After controlling for covariates, TB incidence rates were significantly reduced in municipalities with high BFP coverage compared with those with low and intermediate coverage (in a model with a time variable incidence rate ratio = 0.96, 95%CI 0.93-0.99). CONCLUSION: This was the first evidence of a statistically significant association between the increase in cash transfer programme coverage and a reduction in TB incidence rate. Our findings provide support for social protection interventions for tackling TB worldwide.

Aspectos parasitológicos da traíra (Hoplias malabaricus ) proveniente da cidade de São Bento, MA / Parasitologic aspects of traíra (Hoplias malabaricus) from the São Bento city, MA

The aim of this study was to verify the parasitologycal aspects of fish (Hoplias malabaricus), coming from São Bento city, Maranhão state. For this, 70 fish were used, verifying the parasitism indexes and coefficients. For the parasitological results nematodeos were identified, with zoonotical potential of the Contracaecum spp, Pseudoterranova spp, Eustrongylides spp; monogenetics Gyrodactirus spp, Dactylogirus spp and larva Acanthella of Acanthocephalo. Of the 70 (100%) fishes, 64 (91.4%) were sponged, with prevalence of 82.8% (58) for the nematodeo Contracaecum spp, 65.7% (46), Pseudoterranova spp, 7.1% (5), Eustrongylides spp, 71.4% (50), monogenetics and larva Acanthella of Acantocephalo, respectively. A maior amplitude de intensidade (1-30), coeficiente de variação foi verificado para o nematódeo Pseudoterranova spp., a intensidade média (7,3), índice de abundância (6,7), coeficiente de dominância (36,4) foi ao Contacaecum spp., todos os parasitos estavam no mesentério da cavidade abdominal, encistados em forma larval.The largest intensity width (1-30), variation coefficient was verified for the nematodeo Pseudoterranova spp, the medium intensity (7,3), abundance index (6,7), dominance coefficient (36,4) it went to the Contacaecum spp, all of the parasites were in the mesenterio of the abdominal cavity, encysted in larval form. The results show that fish from this region presented unsatisfactory sanitary conditions in parasitological aspect and can expose consumers to the risks of foodborne illnesses.(AU)

Aspectos parasitológicos da traíra (Hoplias malabaricus ) proveniente da cidade de São Bento, MA / Parasitologic aspects of traíra (Hoplias malabaricus) from the São Bento city, MA

The aim of this study was to verify the parasitologycal aspects of fish (Hoplias malabaricus), coming from São Bento city, Maranhão state. For this, 70 fish were used, verifying the parasitism indexes and coefficients. For the parasitological results nematodeos were identified, with zoonotical potential of the Contracaecum spp, Pseudoterranova spp, Eustrongylides spp; monogenetics Gyrodactirus spp, Dactylogirus spp and larva Acanthella of Acanthocephalo. Of the 70 (100%) fishes, 64 (91.4%) were sponged, with prevalence of 82.8% (58) for the nematodeo Contracaecum spp, 65.7% (46), Pseudoterranova spp, 7.1% (5), Eustrongylides spp, 71.4% (50), monogenetics and larva Acanthella of Acantocephalo, respectively. A maior amplitude de intensidade (1-30), coeficiente de variação foi verificado para o nematódeo Pseudoterranova spp., a intensidade média (7,3), índice de abundância (6,7), coeficiente de dominância (36,4) foi ao Contacaecum spp., todos os parasitos estavam no mesentério da cavidade abdominal, encistados em forma larval.The largest intensity width (1-30), variation coefficient was verified for the nematodeo Pseudoterranova spp, the medium intensity (7,3), abundance index (6,7), dominance coefficient (36,4) it went to the Contacaecum spp, all of the parasites were in the mesenterio of the abdominal cavity, encysted in larval form. The results show that fish from this region presented unsatisfactory sanitary conditions in parasitological aspect and can expose consumers to the risks of foodborne illnesses.(AU)

Response of phytoplankton to an experimental fish culture in net cages in a subtropical reservoir / Resposta do fitoplâncton ao cultivo experimental de peixes em tanques-rede em um reservatório subtropical

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate nutrients concentration and spatial-temporal changes in phytoplankton biovolume during an experimental fish culture in net cages in a lateral arm of Salto Caxias reservoir, Brazil. Two sampling stations were placed in the affected lateral arm and other two in a cageless lateral arm. Neither abiotic variables nor phytoplankton biovolume presented significant differences between the treatments. Only temporal changes were confirmed by the analysis performed. Both lateral arms were classified as oligotrophic, reflecting low influence of the net cages. Phytoplankton growth seems to be limited by nitrogen. Biovolume values were, in general, low and five major functional groups were recognized (E, F, G, K and P). In summer higher biovolume values were observed and representatives of Chlorophyceae and Cyanobacteria belonging to the functional groups F and K, respectively, were the most important. In winter phytoplankton was mainly composed by Bacillariophyceae taxa from P group. G group was also restricted to winter and E group occurred in winter and summer. The variations recorded in phytoplankton structure appear to have been mainly influenced by seasonal changes in temperature, precipitation and nutrients availability. The effects of net cages on the abiotic variables and phytoplankton biovolume appear to have been small, probably due to the small number of net cages employed and the system dilution capacity. However, a permanent monitoring of phytoplankton is recommended, since this environment has a carrying capacity, from which the trophic state may increase.

Resumo Este estudo objetivou avaliar alterações nas variáveis abióticas e no biovolume fitoplanctônico durante o cultivo experimental de peixes em tanques-rede em um braço lateral do reservatório de Salto Caxias, Brasil. Foram selecionadas duas estações de amostragem no braço com tanques-rede e outras duas em um braço sem tanques. As variáveis abióticas e o biovolume fitoplanctônico não apresentaram diferenças significativas entre os locais estudados. Apenas mudanças temporais foram confirmadas pelas análises utilizadas. Os dois braços laterais foram classificados como oligotróficos, refletindo a baixa influência dos tanques-rede. O crescimento do fitoplâncton parece ter sido limitado principalmente por nitrogênio. Os valores de biovolume foram, em geral, baixos e cinco principais grupos funcionais foram observados (E, F, G, K e P). No verão, os maiores valores de biovolume foram observados e representantes de Chlorophyceae e Cyanobacteria dos grupos funcionais F e K, respectivamente, se destacaram. No inverno, o fitoplâncton foi composto principalmente por táxons de Bacillariophyceae do grupo P. O grupo G também foi restrito ao inverno e o grupo E ocorreu no inverno e verão. As variações registradas na estrutura do fitoplâncton parecem ter sido principalmente influenciadas pelas mudanças sazonais de temperatura, precipitação e disponibilidade de nutrientes. Os efeitos dos tanques-rede sobre as variáveis abióticas e biovolume fitoplanctônico parecem ter sido pequenos, provavelmente devido ao pequeno número de tanques utilizados e a capacidade de diluição do sistema. Entretanto, o monitoramento permanente do fitoplâncton é recomendado, uma vez que este ambiente possui uma capacidade de suporte, a partir da qual o estado trófico pode aumentar.

Response of phytoplankton to an experimental fish culture in net cages in a subtropical reservoir / Resposta do fitoplâncton ao cultivo experimental de peixes em tanques-rede em um reservatório subtropical

This study aimed to evaluate nutrients concentration and spatial-temporal changes in phytoplankton biovolume during an experimental fish culture in net cages in a lateral arm of Salto Caxias reservoir, Brazil. Two sampling stations were placed in the affected lateral arm and other two in a cageless lateral arm. Neither abiotic variables nor phytoplankton biovolume presented significant differences between the treatments. Only temporal changes were confirmed by the analysis performed. Both lateral arms were classified as oligotrophic, reflecting low influence of the net cages. Phytoplankton growth seems to be limited by nitrogen. Biovolume values were, in general, low and five major functional groups were recognized (E, F, G, K and P). In summer higher biovolume values were observed and representatives of Chlorophyceae and Cyanobacteria belonging to the functional groups F and K, respectively, were the most important. In winter phytoplankton was mainly composed by Bacillariophyceae taxa from P group. G group was also restricted to winter and E group occurred in winter and summer. The variations recorded in phytoplankton structure appear to have been mainly influenced by seasonal changes in temperature, precipitation and nutrients availability. The effects of net cages on the abiotic variables and phytoplankton biovolume appear to have been small, probably due to the small number of net cages employed and the system dilution capacity. However, a permanent monitoring of phytoplankton is recommended, since this environment has a carrying capacity, from which the trophic state may increase.(AU)

Este estudo objetivou avaliar alterações nas variáveis abióticas e no biovolume fitoplanctônico durante o cultivo experimental de peixes em tanques-rede em um braço lateral do reservatório de Salto Caxias, Brasil. Foram selecionadas duas estações de amostragem no braço com tanques-rede e outras duas em um braço sem tanques. As variáveis abióticas e o biovolume fitoplanctônico não apresentaram diferenças significativas entre os locais estudados. Apenas mudanças temporais foram confirmadas pelas análises utilizadas. Os dois braços laterais foram classificados como oligotróficos, refletindo a baixa influência dos tanques-rede. O crescimento do fitoplâncton parece ter sido limitado principalmente por nitrogênio. Os valores de biovolume foram, em geral, baixos e cinco principais grupos funcionais foram observados (E, F, G, K e P). No verão, os maiores valores de biovolume foram observados e representantes de Chlorophyceae e Cyanobacteria dos grupos funcionais F e K, respectivamente, se destacaram. No inverno, o fitoplâncton foi composto principalmente por táxons de Bacillariophyceae do grupo P. O grupo G também foi restrito ao inverno e o grupo E ocorreu no inverno e verão. As variações registradas na estrutura do fitoplâncton parecem ter sido principalmente influenciadas pelas mudanças sazonais de temperatura, precipitação e disponibilidade de nutrientes. Os efeitos dos tanques-rede sobre as variáveis abióticas e biovolume fitoplanctônico parecem ter sido pequenos, provavelmente devido ao pequeno número de tanques utilizados e a capacidade de diluição do sistema. Entretanto, o monitoramento permanente do fitoplâncton é recomendado, uma vez que este ambiente possui uma capacidade de suporte, a partir da qual o estado trófico pode aumentar.(AU)

Response of phytoplankton to an experimental fish culture in net cages in a subtropical reservoir.

This study aimed to evaluate nutrients concentration and spatial-temporal changes in phytoplankton biovolume during an experimental fish culture in net cages in a lateral arm of Salto Caxias reservoir, Brazil. Two sampling stations were placed in the affected lateral arm and other two in a cageless lateral arm. Neither abiotic variables nor phytoplankton biovolume presented significant differences between the treatments. Only temporal changes were confirmed by the analysis performed. Both lateral arms were classified as oligotrophic, reflecting low influence of the net cages. Phytoplankton growth seems to be limited by nitrogen. Biovolume values were, in general, low and five major functional groups were recognized (E, F, G, K and P). In summer higher biovolume values were observed and representatives of Chlorophyceae and Cyanobacteria belonging to the functional groups F and K, respectively, were the most important. In winter phytoplankton was mainly composed by Bacillariophyceae taxa from P group. G group was also restricted to winter and E group occurred in winter and summer. The variations recorded in phytoplankton structure appear to have been mainly influenced by seasonal changes in temperature, precipitation and nutrients availability. The effects of net cages on the abiotic variables and phytoplankton biovolume appear to have been small, probably due to the small number of net cages employed and the system dilution capacity. However, a permanent monitoring of phytoplankton is recommended, since this environment has a carrying capacity, from which the trophic state may increase.

Immunoexpression of HPV 16/18 E6 and E7 oncoproteins in high-grade cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions in HIV-positive women.

The aim of this study was to assess the immunoexpression of human papillomavirus genotypes 16 and 18 (E6 and E7) oncoproteins in cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive women. These results were also compared to the persistence and/or recurrence of lesions after loop electrosurgical excision procedure. Cervical samples from 158 patients were divided into three groups according to the presence or absence of HSIL in women who were or were not HIV-positive. By using the tissue microarray technique, immunohistochemistry was performed to analyze the expression of HPV 16/18 E6 and E7 oncoproteins. Cervical samples from 95 HIV-positive women and 63 HIV-negative women were studied. A statistically significant difference was found in the immunoexpression of E6 and E7 oncoproteins in samples from HIV-positive women with HSIL and that of women with non-neoplastic tissue (P < 0.001). There was also a statistically significant correlation between the immunoexpression of E6 (P = 0.012) and E7 (P < 0.001) oncoproteins in lesion persistence among HIV-positive women. Within the limitations of this study, the immunoexpression of HPV 16/18 E6 and E7 oncoproteins may have prognostic value regarding lesion persistence in HIV-positive women.

Floral resources and habitat affect the composition of hummingbirds at the local scale in tropical mountaintops.

Hummingbird communities tend to respond to variation in resources, having a positive relationship between abundance and diversity of food resources and the abundance and/or diversity of hummingbirds. Here we examined the influence of floral resource availability, as well as seasonality and type of habitat on the composition of hummingbird species. The study was carried out in two habitats of eastern Brazilian mountaintops. A gradient representative of the structure of hummingbird community, based on species composition, was obtained by the ordination of samples using the method of non-metric multidimensional scaling. The composition of hummingbird species was influenced by the type of habitat and floral resource availability, but not by seasonality. Hummingbird communities differ between habitats mainly due to the relative abundance of hummingbird species. The variation in composition of hummingbird species with the variation in floral resource availability may be related to differences in feeding habits of hummingbirds. Hummingbird species with the longest bills visited higher proportions of ornithophilous species, while hummingbirds with shorter bills visited higher proportions of non-ornithophilous species. The results demonstrate that at local-scale the composition of hummingbird species is affected by the type of habitat and floral resources availability, but not by seasonality.

Floral resources and habitat affect the composition of hummingbirds at the local scale in tropical mountaintops / Recursos florais e habitat influenciam a composição de espécies de beija-flores em escala local em área de montanha tropical

Hummingbird communities tend to respond to variation in resources, having a positive relationship between abundance and diversity of food resources and the abundance and/or diversity of hummingbirds. Here we examined the influence of floral resource availability, as well as seasonality and type of habitat on the composition of hummingbird species. The study was carried out in two habitats of eastern Brazilian mountaintops. A gradient representative of the structure of hummingbird community, based on species composition, was obtained by the ordination of samples using the method of non-metric multidimensional scaling. The composition of hummingbird species was influenced by the type of habitat and floral resource availability, but not by seasonality. Hummingbird communities differ between habitats mainly due to the relative abundance of hummingbird species. The variation in composition of hummingbird species with the variation in floral resource availability may be related to differences in feeding habits of hummingbirds. Hummingbird species with the longest bills visited higher proportions of ornithophilous species, while hummingbirds with shorter bills visited higher proportions of non-ornithophilous species. The results demonstrate that at local-scale the composition of hummingbird species is affected by the type of habitat and floral resources availability, but not by seasonality.(AU)

Comunidades de beija-flores tendem a responder a variação em recursos, havendo uma relação positiva entre a abundância e diversidade de recurso alimentar com a abundância e/ou diversidade de beija-flores. Neste estudo nós analisamos a influencia da disponibilidade de recurso floral, bem como da sazonalidade e do tipo de habitat na composição de espécies de beija-flores. O estudo foi realizado em dois habitas de montanha do leste do Brasil. Um gradiente representativo da estrutura da comunidade de beija-flores, baseado na composição de espécies, foi obtido através da ordenação das amostras usando o método de escalonamento multidimensional não-métrico. A composição de espécies de beija-flores foi influenciada pelo tipo de habitat e disponibilidade de recurso floral, mas não pela sazonalidade. As comunidades de beija-flores variaram entre os habitas, principalmente devido a abundância relativa das espécies de beija-flores. A variação na composição de espécies de beija-flores com a variação na disponibilidade de recurso floral parece estar relacionada a diferenças nos hábitos alimentares dos beija-flores. Espécies de beija-flores com bicos de comprimentos maiores visitaram maiores proporções de espécies ornitófilas, enquanto beija-flores com bicos de comprimento menores visitaram maiores proporções de espécies não-ornitófilas. Os resultados demonstram que em escala local a composição de espécies de beija-flores é afetada pelo tipo de habitat e a disponibilidade de recurso floral, mas não pela sazonalidade.(AU)

Effect of urban vs. rural residence on the association between atopy and wheeze in Latin America: findings from a case-control analysis.

BACKGROUND: The association between atopy and asthma is attenuated in non-affluent populations, an effect that may be explained by childhood infections such as geohelminths. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between atopy and wheeze in schoolchildren living in urban and rural areas of Ecuador and examine the effects of geohelminths on this association. METHODS: We performed nested case-control studies among comparable populations of schoolchildren living in rural communities and urban neighbourhoods in the Province of Esmeraldas, Ecuador. We detected geohelminths in stool samples, measured recent wheeze and environmental exposures by parental questionnaire, and atopy by specific IgE (sIgE) and skin prick test (SPT) reactivity to aeroallergens. RESULTS: Atopy, particularly sIgE to house dust mite (HDM), was more strongly associated with recent wheeze in urban than rural schoolchildren: (urban, adj. OR 5.19, 95% CI 3.37-8.00, P < 0.0001; rural, adj. OR 1.81, 95%CI 1.09-2.99, P = 0.02; interaction, P < 0.001). The population fractions of wheeze attributable to atopy were approximately two-fold greater in urban schoolchildren: SPT to any allergen (urban 23.5% vs. rural 10.1%), SPT to HDM (urban 18.5% vs. rural 9.6%), and anti-HDM IgE (urban 26.5% vs. rural 10.5%), while anti-Ascaris IgE was related to wheeze in a high proportion of rural (49.7%) and urban (35.4%) children. The association between atopy and recent wheeze was attenuated by markers of geohelminth infections. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that urban residence modifies the association between HDM atopy and recent wheeze, and this effect is explained partly by geohelminth infections.

Contamination from an affluent of Furnas reservoir by trace metals / Contaminação de um afluente do Reservatório de Furnas por metais traço

This study aims to determine concentrations and characterize trace metals distribution in an affluent of Furnas reservoir, Alfenas-MG. Water and sediment samples were taken monthly, 2010/10-2011/07 in five sites of Córrego do Pântano for subsequent determination of Pb, Cd and Zn levels by chemical analysis. The stream studied is in disagreement with Brazilian legislation for Class II water bodies (CONAMA 357). The highlights are the unsuitable concentrations of Pb for human consumption, according to Ministry of Health 2914 decree, providing risk for population.(AU)

Este trabalho objetiva determinar as concentrações e caracterizar a distribuição de metais traço em um afluente do Reservatório de Furnas, em Alfenas-MG. Foram coletadas amostras de água e sedimento de Outubro de 2010 a Julho de 2011 em cinco pontos do Córrego do Pântano para posterior determinação dos níveis de Cd, Pb e Zn através da análise química. O córrego estudado encontra-se em desacordo com a legislação brasileira para corpos de água Classe II (CONAMA 357). Destacam-se as concentrações de Pb inadequadas para consumo humano, conforme a portaria n° 2914 do Ministério da Saúde, oferecendo risco à população.(AU)

Flowers visited by hummingbirds in the open habitats of the southeastern Brazilian mountaintops: species composition and seasonality.

The hummingbird-visited plant community located on the open-habitat mountaintop of the Espinhaço Range was studied for two years (from August 2007 to July 2009) in Serra do Cipó National Park, Southeastern Brazil (19° 15' S and 43° 31' W). The floral characteristics and flowering period of the hummingbird-visited plants was monthly recorded along trails located in three vegetation types: (1) typical campos rupestres (TCR), (2) open fields (OPF), and (3) capões de mata (CAM). Hummingbird visitation was observed in 51 plant species, 22 ornithophilous and 29 non-ornithophilous species. The TCR showed the greatest number of species visited (N = 38), followed by the OPF (N = 18) and CAM (N = 17). Six species of hummingbirds were recorded visiting flowers: Augastes scutatus, Campylopterus largipennis, Colibri serrirostris, Chlorostilbon lucidus, Eupetomena macroura and Phaethornis pretrei. This study demonstrates that the species richness and the number of ornithophilous species visited by the hummingbirds at the study site are more similar to hummingbird-plant communities of the Atlantic Forest than to those of the Cerrado communities and other Brazilian highland open-habitat communities. The plant families most visited by hummingbirds were Bromeliaceae and Asteraceae. Although the Asteraceae family is rarely used as a food resource for hummingbirds in other high and lowland communities, in the study site this family is used mainly by the endemic hummingbird Augastes scutatus. We found a large overlap of flowering throughout the year among the species visited by the hummingbirds. Thus, the nectar availability supports these resident hummingbirds. The present study also showed that the studied hummingbird-plant community is composed of many species endemic to the campos rupestres of the Espinhaço Range, some of which are considered to be in danger of extinction, thus constituting a unique and threatened community. Thus, understanding hummingbird-plant pollination dynamics becomes fundamental to the conservation of the campos rupestres.

Flowers visited by hummingbirds in the open habitats of the southeastern brazilian mountaintops: species composition and seasonality / Flores visitadas por beija-flores em habitats abertos de montanhas do sudeste do Brasil: sazonalidade e composição de espécies

The hummingbird-visited plant community located on the open-habitat mountaintop of the Espinhaço Range was studied for two years (from August 2007 to July 2009) in Serra do Cipó National Park, Southeastern Brazil (19° 15′ S and 43° 31′ W). The floral characteristics and flowering period of the hummingbird-visited plants was monthly recorded along trails located in three vegetation types: (1) typical campos rupestres (TCR), (2) open fields (OPF), and (3) capões de mata (CAM). Hummingbird visitation was observed in 51 plant species, 22 ornithophilous and 29 non-ornithophilous species. The TCR showed the greatest number of species visited (N = 38), followed by the OPF (N = 18) and CAM (N = 17). Six species of hummingbirds were recorded visiting flowers: Augastes scutatus, Campylopterus largipennis, Colibri serrirostris, Chlorostilbon lucidus, Eupetomena macroura and Phaethornis pretrei. This study demonstrates that the species richness and the number of ornithophilous species visited by the hummingbirds at the study site are more similar to hummingbird-plant communities of the Atlantic Forest than to those of the Cerrado communities and other Brazilian highland open-habitat communities. The plant families most visited by hummingbirds were Bromeliaceae and Asteraceae. Although the Asteraceae family is rarely used as a food resource for hummingbirds in other high and lowland communities, in the study site this family is used mainly by the endemic hummingbird Augastes scutatus. We found a large overlap of flowering throughout the year among the species visited by the hummingbirds. Thus, the nectar availability supports these resident hummingbirds. The present study also showed that the studied hummingbird-plant community is composed of many species endemic to the campos rupestres of the Espinhaço Range, some of which are considered to be in danger of extinction, thus constituting a unique and threatened community. Thus, understanding hummingbird-plant pollination dynamics becomes fundamental to the conservation of the campos rupestres.(AU)

A comunidade de flores visitadas por beija-flores em habitats abertos de montanhas da Serra do Espinhaço, sudeste do Brasil foi estudada por dois anos (de agosto de 2007 a julho de 2009) no Parque Nacional da Serra do Cipó (19° 15′ S e 43° 31′ W). As características florais e o período de floração das plantas visitadas foram registradas mensalmente ao longo de trilhas localizadas em três tipos vegetacionais: (1) campos rupestres típicos (TCR), (2) campos abertos (OPF), e (3) capões de mata (CAM). Foram observadas visitas de beija-flores a 51 espécies de plantas: 22 ornitófilas e 29 não-ornitófilas. O TCR apresentou o maior número de espécies visitadas (N = 38), seguido pelo OPF (N = 18) e CAM (N = 17). Seis espécies de beija-flores foram observadas visitando as flores: Augastes scutatus, Campylopterus largipennis, Colibri serrirostris, Chlorostilbon lucidus, Eupetomena macroura e Phaethornis pretrei. A riqueza de espécies e o número de espécies ornitófilas visitadas pelos beija-flores, neste estudo, foi mais similar à comunidades de plantas visitadas por beija-flores na Floresta Atlântica, que as comunidades do Cerrado, bem como de outras comunidades de ambientes abertos do Brasil. As famílias com maior número de plantas visitadas pelos beija-flores foram Bromeliaceae e Asteraceae. Apesar da família Asteraceae, raramente ser utilizada como fonte alimentar pelos beija-flores em outras comunidades, nas áreas amostradas neste estudo esta família foi utilizada, principalmente, pelo beija-flor endêmico A. scutatus. Nós registramos grande sobreposição de floração ao longo do ano entre as espécies visitadas pelos beija-flores. Portanto, a disponibilidade de néctar mantem os beija-flores residentes. Este estudo, demonstrou também, que a comunidade de plantas visitadas pelos beija-flores nesta área é composta por muitas espécies endêmicas dos campos rupestres da Serra do Espinhaço, algumas das quais consideradas em perigo de extinção, constituindo assim uma comunidade única e ameaçada. Portanto, o entendimento da dinâmica de polinização desta comunidade é fundamental para a conservação dos campos rupestres.(AU)

Influence of fish farming in net cages on phytoplankton structure: a case study in a subtropical Brazilian reservoir.

This study investigated the enrichment influence due to fish farming in net cages on the phytoplankton composition, density and diversity in two arms of a subtropical reservoir (Salto Caxias, Paraná). There were no statistically significant differences in the phytoplankton composition and diversity, as well as for concentrations of nutrients among the handled treatment. The density values were higher during the summer. Richness and Shannon diversity values were low during the study period. The equitability values were high during the winter and low in the summer. Variations of phytoplankton community and nutrients were mainly influenced by seasonality. The absence of significant differences between the treatments was probably due to the small number of net cages and fish used, as well as to the hydrodynamics of the studied environments, which are influenced by upstream rivers inflows.