Combining Conventional Organic Solvent Extraction, Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction, and Chromatographic Techniques to Obtain Pure Betanin from Beetroot for Clinical Purposes.

Red beetroot extract (E162) is a natural colorant that owes its color to betanin, its major red pigment. Betanin displays remarkable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and chemoprotective properties mediated by its structure and influence on gene expression. However, the betanin employed in most preclinical assays is a beetroot extract diluted in dextrin, not pure betanin, as no isolated compound is commercially available. This makes its use inaccurate concerning product content estimates and biological effect assessments. Herein, a combination of conventional extraction under orbital shaking and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) to purify betanin by semi-preparative HPLC was performed. The employed methodology extracts betalains at over a 90% yield, achieving 1.74 ± 0.01 mg of pure betanin/g beetroot, a 41% yield from beetroot contents increasing to 50 %, considering the betalains pool. The purified betanin exhibited an 85% purity degree against 32 or 72% of a commercial standard evaluated by LC-MS or HPLC methods, respectively. The identity of purified betanin was confirmed by UV-Vis, LC-MS, and 1H NMR. The combination of a conventional extraction, UAE, and semi-preparative HPLC allowed for betanin purification with a high yield, superior purity, and almost three times more antioxidant power compared to commercial betanin, being, therefore, more suitable for clinical purposes.

Efficacy of Quaternary Ammonium Compounds for Control of Individual and Mixed Cultures of Escherichia coli with High- and Low-Quaternary Ammonium Compounds Resistance.

Escherichia coli is a well-characterized micro-organism in scientific literature. Similarly, quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are historical sanitizers in food processing. However, the use of QACs has been questioned due to bacterial resistance in some studies. Therefore, this study aimed to compare effects of single and mixed cultures of E. coli strains of different serogroups with either high (six strains) or low (five strains) resistance to QACs. Twenty-five combinations of strains with either high (H)- or low (L)-QAC resistance were analyzed (H + H vs. L + L). After exposure to QAC, combinations with statistical differences (p < 0.05) compared with individuals were selected and an inactivation model determined using GInaFit®. Only one combination of two strains (C23 and C20) with low-QAC resistance (mixture T18) had greater resistance (p < 0.05) than the individual isolates. The combination T18 and individual strain C23 presented a Weibull model, whereas the other isolated strain (C20) presented a biphasic inactivation model with a shoulder. Whole genome sequencing determined that unlike C20, C23 carried yehW, which may have led to Weibull inactivation. Possibly, very rapid interaction of C20 with the QAC favored increased survival of C23 and overall persistence of the T18 mixture. Consequently, our results indicate that individual E. coli with low-QAC resistance can synergistically interfere with QAC inactivation.

Prevalence, Tetracycline Resistance and Tet(O) Gene Identification in Pathogenic Campylobacter Strains Isolated from Chickens in Retail Markets of Lima, Peru.

Background: In this study, we aimed to estimate the prevalence, tetracycline resistance and presence of Tet(O) in Campylobacter strains isolated from chicken in markets of Lima, Peru. Methods: A total of 250 chicken samples were obtained from traditional markets (skin, n = 120) and supermarkets (meat, n = 130). Samples were subjected to microbiological assays for identification of Campylobacter spp. according to ISO 10272-2017, and the isolates were then submitted to species identification by PCR. Phenotypic resistance to tetracyclines was assessed by the Kirby−Bauer test, and the presence of the Tet(O) gene was determined by PCR. Results: A significantly higher prevalence (p < 0.0001) of Campylobacter coli in skin samples from traditional markets (97.5%) than in meat samples from supermarkets (36.2%) was observed. On the other hand, Campylobacter jejuni was confirmed only in 3.1% of meat samples. All Campylobacter species isolated from skin and meat samples were phenotypically resistant to tetracyclines; however, the presence of the Tet(O) gene in C. coli was identified in 76.9% and 66.0% of skin and meat samples, no significant statistical difference (p = 0.1488) was found between these prevalence. All C. jejuni isolated from chicken meat samples from supermarkets were positive for Tet(O) gene. Conclusions: This study confirms the high prevalence of C. coli isolated from chicken sold in traditional markets and supermarkets in Lima, Peru, and in more than 70% of these strains, phenotypic resistance to tetracyclines could be linked with expression of the Tet(O) gene. It is necessary to evaluate other genes involved in resistance to tetracyclines and other groups of antibiotics in campylobacter strains isolated from chicken meat.

The tadpole of Physalaemus lateristriga (Steindachner, 1864) (Anura: Leptodactylidae): external and oral internal morphology.

The genus Physalaemus Fitzinger is composed by 49 species (Frost 2020), which are grouped in two major clades (Lourenço et al. 2015), the Physalaemus cuvieri and P. signifer clades. Within the P. cuvieri clade, five species groups are recognized: P. biligonigerus, P. cuvieri, P. gracilis, P. henselii, and P. olfersii (Lourenço et al. 2015). According to Lourenço et al. (2015), seven species are assigned to the P. olfersii group: P. feioi, P. insperatus, P. lateristriga, P. maximus, P. olfersii, P. orophilus, and P. soaresi. Regarding their larval stage, four species have their tadpoles described for external morphology: P. maximus, P. olfersii, P. orophilus, and P. soaresi (Weber et al. 2005; Baêta et al. 2007; Giaretta et al. 2009; Pezzuti et al. 2019); two of them have their tadpoles described for oral internal morphology: P. maximus and P. soaresi (Ruggeri Weber 2012). Herein, we describe the external and oral internal morphology of tadpole of P. lateristriga from Paraná State, southern Brazil, and compare them to the known tadpoles of the P. olfersii group.

Whole-Genome Draft Assemblies of Difficult-to-Classify Escherichia coli O157 and Non-O157 Isolates from Feces of Canadian Feedlot Cattle.

Forty-eight Escherichia coli strains were chosen due to variable detection of stx or serogroup by PCR. Although all strains were initially determined to be Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), their genomes revealed 11 isolates carrying stx 1a, stx 1b, stx 2a, and/or stx 2b Assembled genome sizes varied between 4,667,418 and 5,556,121 bp, with N 50 values between 79,648 and 294,166 bp and G+C contents between 50.3% and 51.4%.

Análise epidemiológica clínico-cirúrgica pós-herniorrafia inguinal bilateral

Introdução: Hérnia inguinal é um defeito anatômico resultante de evaginação de estruturas intra-abdominais para o interior do canal inguinal. Em casos bilaterais, abordagem cirúrgica depende da extensão do defeito herniário e pode se associar a taxa de recidiva maior que a do reparo unilateral. Objetivo: Analisar variáveis epidemiológicas, clínicas e cirúrgicas em pós-operatório de pacientes submetidos a herniorrafia inguinal bilateral. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo de 51 prontuários de pacientes submetidos a herniorrafia inguinal bilateral no Hospital Estadual João Paulo II de São José do Rio Preto (SP), de 2006 a 2016. Resultados: Os participantes do estudo apresentaram média de idade de 51,6 anos, em sua maioria eram do sexo masculino (84%), brancos (86,36%), tabagistas (62,86%) e lavradores (21,43%). Em 100% dos casos, procedeu-se à raquianestesia e uso da técnica livre de tensão (Lichtenstein), com permanência intra-hospitalar por 1 a 4 dias. Durante média de 4 anos de seguimento pós-operatório, não houve complicações em 43 pacientes (84,31%); recidiva unilateral ocorreu em 7,84% dos casos, e seroma em 3,92%. Tempo médio de retorno às atividades pós-cirurgia foi de 58 dias. Houve associação significativa entre hérnia inguinal e sexo masculino, raça branca, profissão como lavrador e tabagismo, mas sem associações com períodos de internação, de retorno às atividades diárias e de seguimento pós-operatório. Conclusão: Hérnia inguinal bilateral tende a acometer homens caucasianos de meia-idade, tabagistas e com atividade laboral intensa. Para sua abordagem, raquianestesia e técnica cirúrgica de Lichtenstein têm sido amplamente aceitas. Ainda que recidiva unilateral possa estar presente, associa-se a fatores intrínsecos ou a intercorrências cirúrgicas. Reparo bilateral de hérnia inguinal não apresenta morbidade maior do que correção unilateral, e retorno a atividades de vida diária tende a ser semelhante.

Genetically distinct lineages of Salmonella Typhimurium ST313 and ST19 are present in Brazil.

In sub-Saharan Africa, two genetically distinct lineages of multi-drug resistant non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) serovar Typhimurium sequence type 313 (ST313) are known to cause invasive disease among people. S. Typhimurium ST313 has evolved to become more human-adapted and is commonly isolated from systemic sites (eg., blood) from febrile patients in sub-Saharan Africa. Epidemiological studies indicate that S. Typhimurium is frequently isolated from systemic sites from human patients in Brazil, however, it is currently unknown if this pathogen has also evolved to become more invasive and human-adapted in this country. Here we determined genotypic and phenotypic divergence among clinical S. Typhimurium strains isolated from systemic and non-systemic sites from human patients in Brazil. We report that a subset (8/38, 20%) of epidemiologically diverse human clinical strains of S. Typhimurium recovered from systemic sites in Brazil show significantly higher intra-macrophage survival, indicating that this subset is likely more invasive. Using the whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic approaches, we identified S. Typhimurium ST313-lineage in Brazil that is genetically and phenotypically distinct from the known African ST313-lineages. We also report the identification of S. Typhimurium ST19-lineage in Brazil that is evolving similar to ST313 lineages from Africa but is genetically and phenotypically distinct from ST19-lineage commonly associated with the gastrointestinal disease worldwide. The identification of new S. Typhimurium ST313 and ST19 lineages responsible for human illnesses in Brazil warrants further epidemiological investigations to determine the incidence and spread of a genetically divergent population of this important human pathogen.

[Digital applications and support devices for persons with intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder]. / Las tecnologías de apoyo en discapacidad intelectual y del desarrollo.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of digital applications and support devices for persons with intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These technologies have not only become part of the everyday life of patients, improving their quality of life and self-determination, but also been incorporated into the treatments they require. Nevertheless, what are those persons' needs and what are the most suitable apps? Are they effective? What is the evidence for them? These questions are analyzed by making a review of current work and lines of research. The starting point is effcient assisted intervention, analyzing the pairing relation between the needs of persons with intellectual disability and ASD and the existing technology. Moreover, concepts and applications to do with virtual and extended reality, affective computation and interaction with robots in therapeutic work with autism are analyzed.

Purification of caprine oligosaccharides at pilot-scale.

The purification of caprine milk oligosaccharides (COS) by membrane filtration has been hampered by the low concentration of target COS and high concentration of lactose. In addition, their molecular weight proximity hinders the recovery of a COS fraction with high degree of purity and recovery yield. In this work, the recovery of a high purity COS concentrate was obtained by the optimization of an integrated approach including complete lactose hydrolysis, fermentation of the resulting monosaccharides and nanofiltration. All carbohydrates were quantified using High Performance Anion Exchange Chromatography with Pulsed Amperometric Detection (HPAEC PAD). Defatted goat whey was ultrafiltered with discontinuous diafiltrations to increase the recovery of COS in the whey permeate which was then subsequently concentrated by nanofiltration. COS recovery yields of 75% with negligible amounts of monosaccharides (0.3% of the initial amount of lactose in the whey permeate) were achieved. A final retentate containing 67.6 and 34.4% of acidic and neutral oligosaccharides respectively was obtained from caprine milk.

[From excluded individuals to rights-endowed citizens: The new approaches to disability]. / Del sujeto excluido al ciudadano con derechos: las nuevas conceptualizaciones en la discapacidad.

The new models for understanding persons with disabilities and their needs come with an expansion of their rights. This article discusses the new approaches, the changes produced in recent years, and the upcoming challenges posed by the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which, in Argentina, is on equal par with the Constitution. Additionally, the article mentions the incorporation of the World Health Organization's new multi-dimensional classifcation of disability, which takes into account the impairments suffered by persons along with any limitations on their activities and constraints on participation. The article discusses quality of life models and supports as guidelines for professional action. Finally, the article mentions some consequences of these new approaches for the relevant disciplines in general and for mental health in particular.

Diversity of anurans in dry forest fragments of a subtropical region in Brazil.

This study aimed to identify and compare the diversity between two areas within different matrices located in the Mesophytic Semideciduous Forest; to compare composition and diversity registered to other assemblages; and to evaluate which criteria used here were the most important when sampling them. Data was obtained from September 2011 to March 2012 from 10 sites with different habitats in two areas of mid northern state of Paraná, southern Brazil. We recorded 18 species. Alfa-diversity between the areas did not vary, but the population within one of them was more stable, suggesting better distribution and equity of species in the available habitat. Beta-diversity in the region was high; a result attributed to the species Dendropsophus nanus. Comparing the sampled areas to others in the Semideciduous Forest, the quantity of sampled breeding sites was the most important variable for higher records of richness. Geographical distance was a determinant factor for the distinction between localities. Different factors were determinant for the variation in richness and composition of species in the area. Hence, the conservation of fragments and their associated habitat need to be prioritized.

Nutritional Profile and Chemical Stability of Pasta Fortified with Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Flour.

Physicochemical parameters of pasta enriched with tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) flour were investigated. Five formulations were prepared with different concentrations of tilapia flour as partial substitute of wheat flour: pasta without tilapia flour (PTF0%), pasta with 6% (PTF6%), 12% (PTF12%), 17% (PTF17%), and 23% (PTF23%) of tilapia flour. The formulations were assessed for proximate composition, fatty acid and amino acid profile on day 1 whereas, instrumental color parameters (L*, a* and b* values), pH, water activity (aw), and lipid and protein oxidation were evaluated on days 1, 7, 14, and 21 of storage at 25°C. Fortification with tilapia flour increased (p < 0.05) protein, lipid, ash, total essential amino acids, and total polyunsaturated fatty acids contents. In addition, supplementation of pasta with tilapia flour decreased (p < 0.05) lightness and water activity while redness, yellowness, pH values, and lipid oxidation were increased (p < 0.05) in a level-dependent manner. Nevertheless, all formulations were exhibited storage stability at 25°C. In general, protein oxidation was greater (p < 0.05) in the pasta containing 12%, 17%, and 23% of tilapia flour than their counterparts, and the storage promoted an increase (p < 0.05) on the carbonyl content in all formulations. Thus, pasta with 6% of tilapia flour has the potential to be a technological alternative to food industry for the nutritional enrichment of traditional pasta with negligible negative effects on the chemical stability of the final product during 21 days at 25°C.

A new species of Scinax Wagler (Anura: Hylidae) from Paraná, Southern Brazil.

In this article, we describe a new species of Scinax from the state of Paraná, southern Brazil, based on the external morphology of adults and their advertisement calls. The new species is diagnosed by the size of its males (SVL 27.8-31.6 mm); the snout subovoid in the dorsal view and slightly acuminate in profile; the vocal sac subgular and ventrally not reaching the pectoral region; and the advertisement call composed of a single pulsed note with 7-13 pulses, and a duration of 0.16-0.25s. This new species occurs in natural highland grassland formations, in the threatened ecosystem of the Atlantic Forest in the state of Paraná, southern Brazil.

Linking environmental drivers with amphibian species diversity in ponds from subtropical grasslands.

Amphibian distribution patterns are known to be influenced by habitat diversity at breeding sites. Thus, breeding sites variability and how such variability influences anuran diversity is important. Here, we examine which characteristics at breeding sites are most influential on anuran diversity in grasslands associated with Araucaria forest, southern Brazil, especially in places at risk due to anthropic activities. We evaluate the associations between habitat heterogeneity and anuran species diversity in nine body of water from September 2008 to March 2010, in 12 field campaigns in which 16 species of anurans were found. Of the seven habitat descriptors we examined, water depth, pond surface area and distance to the nearest forest fragment explained 81% of total species diversity. Water depth, margin vegetation type, surface area and distance to the next body of water explained between 31-74% of the variance in abundance of nine of the 16 species. Thus, maintenance of body of water, of the vegetation along the water edge and natural forest fragments in the grasslands, along with fire control (used to renovation of pasture), are fundamentally important for the maintenance of anuran species diversity through the conservation of their breeding sites.

Acute l-arginine supplementation increases muscle blood volume but not strength performance.

l-Arginine (L-arg) is an amino acid precursor to nitric oxide (NO). Dietary supplements containing L-arg have been marketed with the purpose of increasing vasodilation, thereby elevating blood flow to the exercising muscle and enhancing the metabolic response to exercise. Our goal was to identify the acute effect of L-arg supplementation on biceps strength performance, indicators of NO production (nitrite and nitrate - NOx), and muscle blood volume (Mbv) and oxygenation (Mox) during recovery from 3 sets of resistance exercise. Fifteen males participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. After withdrawing resting blood samples, the subjects were supplemented with 6 g of L-arg (ARG) or placebo (PLA). Monitoring of Mbv and Mox with near-infrared spectroscopy began 30 min after supplementation and lasted for 60 min. The exercise protocol (3 sets of 10 maximal voluntary contractions of isokinetic concentric elbow extension at 60°·s(-1), 2-min rest between sets) was initiated 80 min after supplementation. Blood samples were drawn at 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after supplementation. Repeated measures ANOVA showed that Mbv significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased in ARG compared with the PLA during the recovery period of each set of resistance exercise. NOx, Mox, peak torque, total work, and set total work were not significantly different between groups. We found that acute L-arg supplementation increases Mbv during recovery from sets of resistance exercise with no increase in strength performance. It is still premature to recommend nutritional supplements containing L-arg as an ergogenic aid to increase muscle strength during resistance training in healthy subjects.

Dispensación de medicamentos en farmacias y establecimientos asistenciales del sector público / Dispensing of medicines in pharmacies and public health-care institutions

INTRODUCCION: Existe un conjunto de variables que están asociadas a los resultados de la política nacional de medicamentos implementada en los últimos años.OBJETIVO: Identificar variables y nuevas estrategias que permitan mejorar el acceso de la población a los medicamentos y promuevan su uso racional.METODOS: Se utilizó un enfoque descriptivo y cuantitativo basado en encuestas realizadas sobre una muestra probabilística de etapas múltiples, que aseguró la selección aleatoria de la población relevada en todas las fases del proceso. La investigación contuvo dos módulos: a) encuestas en farmacias y b) encuestas en lugares de dispensación de medicamentos pertenecientes a establecimientos asistenciales del sector público de toda la Argentina. En ambos casos, se encuestó a los compradores y beneficiarios de medicamentos, así como a los vendedores y responsables de la dispensación.RESULTADOS: La proporción de recetas que incluyen el nombre genérico del medicamento ha disminuido en las farmacias, mientras que alcanza el 95% en los establecimientos públicos.CONCLUSIONES: Las características de la compra y la proporción de entrega sin receta de medicamentos éticos resultan preocupantes. Tanto el sector público como el privado requieren acciones de fortalecimiento para garantizar el acceso y el uso racional de medicamentos.

INTRODUCTION: There are several variables related to the results of the national drug policy, implemented by health authorities in Argentina during the last years.OBJECTIVE: To identify variables and new strategies that help to improve the access to the medicines and promote its rational use.METHODS: A descriptive and quantitative approach was used. The surveys were conducted through a multistage probabilistic sample, ensuring a random selection of the population during the whole process. The research included two modules: a) surveys in pharmacies, and b) surveys in public health-care institutions dispensing medicines all around the country. In both cases the people surveyed were, on one side, buyers and beneficiaries, and on the other, sellers and persons in charge of the dispensing.RESULTS: The proportion of prescriptions including the generic name of the drug has been reduced in pharmacies, while it reaches 95% in public health-care institutions.CONCLUSIONS: The features of the purchase and the rate of delivery of ethical drugs without prescription are distressing. Both public and private sectors require appropriate actions in order to guarantee access to and rational use of medicines.

Dispensación de medicamentos en farmacias y establecimientos asistenciales del sector público / Dispensing of medicines in pharmacies and public health-care institutions

INTRODUCCION: Existe un conjunto de variables que están asociadas a los resultados de la política nacional de medicamentos implementada en los últimos años.OBJETIVO: Identificar variables y nuevas estrategias que permitan mejorar el acceso de la población a los medicamentos y promuevan su uso racional.METODOS: Se utilizó un enfoque descriptivo y cuantitativo basado en encuestas realizadas sobre una muestra probabilística de etapas múltiples, que aseguró la selección aleatoria de la población relevada en todas las fases del proceso. La investigación contuvo dos módulos: a) encuestas en farmacias y b) encuestas en lugares de dispensación de medicamentos pertenecientes a establecimientos asistenciales del sector público de toda la Argentina. En ambos casos, se encuestó a los compradores y beneficiarios de medicamentos, así como a los vendedores y responsables de la dispensación.RESULTADOS: La proporción de recetas que incluyen el nombre genérico del medicamento ha disminuido en las farmacias, mientras que alcanza el 95% en los establecimientos públicos.CONCLUSIONES: Las características de la compra y la proporción de entrega sin receta de medicamentos éticos resultan preocupantes. Tanto el sector público como el privado requieren acciones de fortalecimiento para garantizar el acceso y el uso racional de medicamentos.

INTRODUCTION: There are several variables related to the results of the national drug policy, implemented by health authorities in Argentina during the last years.OBJECTIVE: To identify variables and new strategies that help to improve the access to the medicines and promote its rational use.METHODS: A descriptive and quantitative approach was used. The surveys were conducted through a multistage probabilistic sample, ensuring a random selection of the population during the whole process. The research included two modules: a) surveys in pharmacies, and b) surveys in public health-care institutions dispensing medicines all around the country. In both cases the people surveyed were, on one side, buyers and beneficiaries, and on the other, sellers and persons in charge of the dispensing.RESULTS: The proportion of prescriptions including the generic name of the drug has been reduced in pharmacies, while it reaches 95% in public health-care institutions.CONCLUSIONS: The features of the purchase and the rate of delivery of ethical drugs without prescription are distressing. Both public and private sectors require appropriate actions in order to guarantee access to and rational use of medicines.

Novos registros na distribuição geográfica de anuros na floresta com araucária e considerações sobre suas vocalizações / New records in the geographic distribution range of the anurans of the araucaria forest and considerations on their vocalizations

Estudos envolvendo análises bioacústicas têm possibilitado a identificação de espécies pertencentes a grupos complexos, bem como a descrição e diferenciação de espécies crípticas. Recorrendo a esta ferramenta e com o objetivo de aumentar o conhecimento sobre a composição de espécies de anfíbios em áreas de Floresta com Araucária, foram amostradas 11 áreas nos estados do Paraná e Santa Catarina. Os resultados ampliaram significativamente o conhecimento da distribuição geográfica de oito espécies de anfíbios anuros: Ischnocnema henselii, Dendropsophus anceps, atualmente classificada como criticamente ameaçada no Estado do Paraná, D. nahdereri, Scinax granulatus, Trachycephalus dibernardoi, Pseudis cardosoi, Leptodactylus araucaria e L. nanus. Alguns destes registros representam correções em identificações anteriores: Ischnocnema henselii é uma espécie críptica e algumas populações até o momento eram confundidas no Paraná com I. guentheri; Trachycephalus dibernardoi era identificada como T. imitatrix e Leptodactylus nanus como L. marmoratus. A caracterização e descrição dos cantos destas espécies também são apresentadas.

Studies involving bioacoustics analysis turned possible the identification of complex species groups, as well as the description and differentiation of cryptic species. In order to increase the knowledge on the species composition of amphibians in Araucaria Forests, we sampled eleven areas in the states of Paraná and Santa Catarina, which significantly increased the geographic distribution range of eight amphibian species: Ischnocnema henselii, Dendropsophus anceps, a currently classified as critically endangered in Paraná State, D. nahdereri, Scinax granulatus, Trachycephalus dibernardoi, Pseudis cardosoi, Leptodactylus araucaria and L. nanus. Some of the new records represent corrections of previous identifications for example: Ischnocnema henselii is a cryptic species with some populations in Paraná that have been previously mistaken to I. guentheri; Trachycephalus dibernardoi was mistaken for T. imitatrix and Leptodactylus nanus to L. marmoratus. We also characterize and describe the calls of all these species.

Taxocenose de anuros (Amphibia: Anura) em uma área de Floresta Ombrófila Densa no Sul do Brasil / Assemblage of anurans (Amphibia, Anura) of an area of Atlantic Forest, South of Brazil

A riqueza de espécies, o uso de habitat e a identificação das principais ameaças sobre uma taxocenose de anfíbios anuros foram determinadas ao longo de 19 meses, em uma localidade originalmente coberta de Floresta Ombrófila Densa no município de Morretes, Paraná, Brasil. Foram registradas 32 espécies de anuros pertencentes a 10 famílias. A anurofauna local apresenta 58 por cento das espécies associadas à ambientes de área aberta e 42 por cento associadas à ambientes florestais. Dentre todos os modos reprodutivos registrados, o modo tipo um - ovos e larvas exotróficas em habitats lênticos, foi o mais comum, especialmente em Hylidae. A atividade de desmatamento, que atualmente é umas das causas de maior efeito negativo sobre populações de anfíbios, ocorre a pelo menos 28 anos nessa região. Iniciativas de conservação e o manejo adequado da área são necessários para que a diversidade de anuros possa ser preservada.

Assemblage of anurans (Amphibia, Anura) in a locality of dense Atlantic rain forest, Morretes, Paraná, Brazil. The species richness, habitat use and main environmental impacts on a taxocenose of anurans were determined during 19 months, in a region originally covered by dense Atlantic rain forest at Morretes municipality. Thirty-two species of anurans, belonging to ten families, were registered. In the local anuran fauna, 58 percent of these species were associated with open areas, and 42 percent of the species were associated to forests. Among all species, the most frequently observed reproductive mode was mode 1 - eggs and exotrophic larvae in lentic water, mainly presented by the family Hylidae. The deforestation, which today has the major negative impact on this amphibian assemblage, is present in the region for at least 28 years. Environmental management programs are necessary to keep the diversity of anurans.