Spatially multiplexed single-molecule translocations through a nanopore at controlled speeds.

In current nanopore-based label-free single-molecule sensing technologies, stochastic processes influence the selection of translocating molecule, translocation rate and translocation velocity. As a result, single-molecule translocations are challenging to control both spatially and temporally. Here we present a method using a glass nanopore mounted on a three-dimensional nanopositioner to spatially select molecules, deterministically tethered on a glass surface, for controlled translocations. By controlling the distance between the nanopore and glass surface, we can actively select the region of interest on the molecule and scan it a controlled number of times and at a controlled velocity. Decreasing the velocity and averaging thousands of consecutive readings of the same molecule increases the signal-to-noise ratio by two orders of magnitude compared with free translocations. We demonstrate the method's versatility by assessing DNA-protein complexes, DNA rulers and DNA gaps, achieving down to single-nucleotide gap detection.

Zooplankton exposure to microplastic contamination in a estuarine plume-influenced region, in Northeast Brazil.

This work describes the spatio-temporal distribution of suspected plastic and microplastic (MP) particles in estuarine plumes and analyzes the microplastic/zooplankton ratio. Subsurface hauls with a conical-cylindrical net were deployed in the coastal area of Tamandare (Pernambuco, Brazil), covering the plume of two rivers and a bay adjacent to coral reefs. A total of 2079 suspected plastic particles were detected, mostly fibers and fragments (>60%). Organic matter digestion was made using a 30% hydrogen peroxide solution, of which approximately 50% of suspected particles were validated as MPs. The average MP abundance was significantly higher during the high rainfall season (53.8 ± 89.6 and 18.8 ± 32.3 particles/m³, respectively), with higher values registered in the plume area (108.9 ± 158.5 and 44.6 ± 55.5 particles/m³). Polymer identification using FT-IR confirmed that suspected particles were mainly polypropylene, polyamide, and polyurethane. These results confirm the hypothesis of a temporal transport variation of MPs from the river to the coastal environments, particularly since the plume influences debris input. Eleven animal phyla were identified, and the subclass Copepoda was predominant (90%), particularly the nauplius stage (70%). Over 70% of verified MPs range between 20 and 2000 µm, equivalent to the most common size of zooplanktonic organisms. Results support that coastal areas near estuarine plumes are exposed to microplastic contamination, affecting species dependent on zooplankton in marine coastal food webs.

Healthcare professionals and students' knowledge on termination of pregnancy legislation and clinical practice: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Legal and safe termination of pregnancy (TOP) has long been recognised as an important public health issue internationally. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) and students have a key role within TOP services, and it is crucial that they have sufficient understanding of laws, guidelines and clinical practice to facilitate safe and effective care. The current systematic review aims to study the level of knowledge of both HCPs and students on TOP legislation, methods and procedures and potential associated complications. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Scopus and EBSCOhost were searched for peer-reviewed studies published until July 2020. After initial selection, 239 articles were screened in full and 31 studies (qualitative and quantitative) were included. A narrative review and synthesis of the findings was completed. MAIN FINDINGS: Poor knowledge on TOP legislation and clinical practice was reported for HCPs and students. The main issues identified included limited awareness of specific circumstances for legal TOP and poor understanding of methods and medical regimens recommended. Overall, education/training, experience in provision of TOP and receiving reminders of legislation were the main factors associated with increased levels of knowledge. CONCLUSION: HCPs must be fully aware of the clinical practice and circumstances in which TOP is legal in their country/region so adequate provision of this service is ensured. This study highlighted the importance of involving and promoting participation of HCPs and students in the provision of TOP services. A clear need and desire for staff education and training on TOP was shown. Adequate training allows preparation of current and future HCPs to provide respectful and compassionate care.

Maternal morbidity and mortality: an iceberg phenomenon.

OBJECTIVE: To apply the iceberg model, quantifying absolute and relative incidence, to the four main causes of maternal morbidity and mortality in Ireland: haemorrhage, hypertension, sepsis and thrombosis. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of national data on maternal morbidity and mortality. SETTING: Republic of Ireland. POPULATION OR SAMPLE: Approximately 715 000 maternities, 1 200 000 maternal hospitalisations, 2138 cases of severe maternal morbidity (SMM) and 54 maternal deaths. METHODS: Incidence rates and case-fatality ratios were calculated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Maternal death, SMM and hospitalisation. RESULTS: At the 'tip of the iceberg', the incidence of maternal death per 10 000 maternities was 0.09 (95% CI 0.03-0.20) due to thrombosis and 0.03 (95% CI 0-0.11) due to haemorrhage, hypertension disorders or sepsis. For one death due to thrombosis there were 35 cases of pulmonary embolism and 257 thrombosis hospitalisations. For one death due to eclampsia, there were 58 eclampsia cases, 13 040 hospitalisations with pre-existing hypertension and 40 781 hospitalisations with gestational hypertension. For one death due to pregnancy-related sepsis, there were 92 cases of septicaemic shock and 9005 hospitalisations with obstetric sepsis. For one maternal death due to haemorrhage, there were 1029 cases of major obstetric haemorrhage and 53 715 maternal hospitalisations with haemorrhage. For every 100 maternities, there were approximately 16 hospitalisations associated with haemorrhage, 12 associated with hypertension disorders, three with sepsis and 0.2 with thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: Haemorrhage and hypertension disorders are leading causes of maternal morbidity in Ireland but they have very low case fatality. This indicates that these morbidities are managed effectively but their prevention requires more focus. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Study shows that haemorrhage and hypertension are main causes of #maternalmorbidity in Ireland. Timely interventions for #maternalhealth and focus on prevention of severe and non-severe morbidities are needed. @NPEC #maternityservices #clinicalaudit #qualityimprovement.

Irish Inquiry Reports Relating to Perinatal Deaths and Pregnancy Loss Services.

Aims External inquiries are carried out following specific adverse events in healthcare, many in maternity care; to identify issues and make recommendations to improve standards of care. Methods Ten publically-available national inquiry reports published between 2005-2018 relating to pregnancy loss services, were reviewed by 2 clinicians, separately, examining the content and recommendations from each report. Results A total of 258 recommendations were made in 9 reports (90%). Five inquiries (50%) clearly stated that affected families were involved and four (40%) involved affected clinical staff. In 9 reports (90%) recommendations included: increase workforce staffing and/or training, strengthen clinical governance, enhance adverse incident management and comprehensive data collection e.g. maternity outcomes. Only two inquiry reports (20%) stated that feedback was sought from key stakeholders prior to publication. Conclusion A collaborative and standardised inquiry process involving and supporting all persons affected as well as key stakeholders would ensure that all relevant issues are identified, recommendations are implemented and essential lessons are learned.

Psychosocial, psychiatric and work-related risk factors associated with suicide in Ireland: optimised methodological approach of a case-control psychological autopsy study.

BACKGROUND: Suicide has profound effects on families and communities, but is a statistically rare event. Psychological autopsies using a case-control design allow researchers to examine risk factors for suicide, using a variety of sources to detail the psychological and social characteristics of decedents and to compare them to controls. The Suicide Support and Information System Case Control study (SSIS-ACE) aimed to compare psychosocial, psychiatric and work-related risk factors across three groups of subjects: suicide decedents, patients presenting to hospital with a high-risk self-harm episode, and general practice controls. METHODS: The study design includes two inter-related studies; one main case-control study: comparing suicide cases to general practice (GP) controls, and one comparative study: comparing suicide cases to patients presenting with high-risk self-harm. Consecutive cases of suicide and probable suicide are identified through coroners' registration of deaths in the defined region (Cork City and County, Ireland) and are frequency-matched for age group and gender with GP patient controls recruited from the same GP practice as the deceased. Data sources for suicide cases include coroners' records, interviews with health care professionals and proxy informants; data sources for GP controls and for high-risk self-harm controls include interviews with control, with proxy informants and with health care professionals. Interviews are semi-structured and consist of quantitative and qualitative parts. The quantitative parts include a range of validated questionnaires addressing psychiatric, psychosocial and occupational factors. The study adopts several methodological innovations, including accessing multiple data sources for suicide cases and controls simultaneously, recruiting proxy informants to examine consistency across sources. CONCLUSIONS: The study allows for the investigation of consistency across different data sources and contributes to the methodological advancement of psychological autopsy research. The study will also inform clinical and public health practice. The comparison between suicide cases and controls will allow investigation of risk and protective factors for suicide more generally, while the comparison with high-risk self-harm patients will help to identify the factors associated specifically with a fatal outcome to a self-harm episode. A further enhancement is the particular focus on specific work-related risk factors for suicide.

Distribution of the Planktonic Shrimp Lucifer (Thompson, 1829) (Decapoda, Sergestoidea) off the Amazon

Lucifer faxoni (BORRADAILE, 1915) and L. typus (EDWARDS, 1837) are species first identified in the neritic and oceanic waters off the Amazon. Samplings were made aboard the vessel Antares at 22 stations in July and August, 2001 with a bongo net (500-µm mesh size). Hydrological data were taken simultaneously for comparative purposes. L. faxoni was present at thirteen of the fourteen neritic stations analysed, as well as at five of the eight oceanic stations. L. typus was present at three of the fourteen neritic stations and in one of the eight oceanic stations. The highest density of L. faxoni in the neritic province was 7,000 ind.m3 (St. 82) and 159 ind.m3 (St. 75) in the oceanic area. For L. typus, the highest density observed was 41 ind.m3 (St. 64) in the neritic province. In the oceanic province, the highest single density value was recorded at station 75 (5 ind.m3). Overall, L. faxonitypically presented the highest densities.

Lucifer faxoni (BORRADAILE, 1915) e L. typus (EDWARDS, 1837) são espécies identificadas pela primeira vez nas águas neríticas e oceânicas da Amazônia. As coletas foram realizadas a bordo do navio Antares em 22 estações em julho e agosto de 2001, com uma rede bongô (500 µm). Dados hidrológicos foram tomados simultaneamente para fins comparativos. L. faxoniesteve presente em 13 das 14 estações neríticas analisadas, bem como em 5 das 8 estações oceânicas. L. typusesteve presente em 3 das 14 estações neríticas e em 1 das 8 estações oceânicas. A maior densidade de L. faxoni na província nerítica foi de 7.000 ind.m3 (estação 82) e 159 ind.m3 (estação 75) na área oceânica. Para L. typus, a maior densidade observada foi de 41 ind.m3 (estação 64), na província nerítica. Na província oceânica, o maior valor de densidade foi registrado na estação 75 (5 ind.m3). No geral, L. faxonitipicamente apresentou as maiores densidades.

Distribution of the Planktonic Shrimp Lucifer (Thompson, 1829) (Decapoda, Sergestoidea) off the Amazon / Distribuição do camarão planctônico Lucifer (Thompson, 1829) (Decapoda, Sergestoidea) na plataforma continental amazônica

Lucifer faxoni (BORRADAILE, 1915) and L. typus (EDWARDS, 1837) are species first identified in the neritic and oceanic waters off the Amazon. Samplings were made aboard the vessel “Antares” at 22 stations in July and August, 2001 with a bongo net (500-µm mesh size). Hydrological data were taken simultaneously for comparative purposes. L. faxoni was present at thirteen of the fourteen neritic stations analysed, as well as at five of the eight oceanic stations. L. typus was present at three of the fourteen neritic stations and in one of the eight oceanic stations. The highest density of L. faxoni in the neritic province was 7,000 ind.m–3 (St. 82) and 159 ind.m–3 (St. 75) in the oceanic area. For L. typus, the highest density observed was 41 ind.m–3 (St. 64) in the neritic province. In the oceanic province, the highest single density value was recorded at station 75 (5 ind.m–3). Overall, L. faxoni typically presented the highest densities.

Lucifer faxoni (BORRADAILE, 1915) e L. typus (EDWARDS, 1837) são espécies identificadas pela primeira vez nas águas neríticas e oceânicas da Amazônia. As coletas foram realizadas a bordo do navio “Antares” em 22 estações em julho e agosto de 2001, com uma rede bongô (500 µm). Dados hidrológicos foram tomados simultaneamente para fins comparativos. L. faxoni esteve presente em 13 das 14 estações neríticas analisadas, bem como em 5 das 8 estações oceânicas. L. typus esteve presente em 3 das 14 estações neríticas e em 1 das 8 estações oceânicas. A maior densidade de L. faxoni na província nerítica foi de 7.000 ind.m–3 (estação 82) e 159 ind.m–3 (estação 75) na área oceânica. Para L. typus, a maior densidade observada foi de 41 ind.m–3 (estação 64), na província nerítica. Na província oceânica, o maior valor de densidade foi registrado na estação 75 (5 ind.m–3). No geral, L. faxoni tipicamente apresentou as maiores densidades.

Wiki as a tool for microbiology teaching, learning and assessment.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence suggests that cooperative learning and peer-assessment fosters students' ability to work with others and may lead to better cognitive outcomes and higher achievement. This work aimed to assess the use of an online collaborative tool for the teaching/learning and assessment of Microbiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 144 students were grouped and assigned to create wiki entries as well as to peer review wikis created by colleagues (peer-assessment process) using the Wiki module from Moodle Virtual Learning Environment (MVLE). MVLE actions log was used for tracking students' activity. RESULTS: The number of student's actions within wiki did not present a strong correlation with wiki scores, so it should not be used as a heavy evaluation parameter. The amount of work developed between members of the same group differed significantly, suggesting that final scores should be attributed individually. When peer-assessment process was implemented, the number of editing actions increased, suggesting that the peer-assessment strategy encourages the development of a better work. The vast majority of students execute the work in the last 10% of the period assigned for task development, which can be counter-productive for a truly collaborative work. CONCLUSIONS: Wiki revealed to be a useful tool for Microbiology teaching/learning and assessment, promoting collaborative work, promoting virtual mobility and facilitating the real-time monitoring of the students' work. This pedagogical project promoted also the involvement of students in their assessment process, encouraging their critical sense and quest for Excellency.

Distribution of the planktonic shrimp Lucifer (Thompson, 1829) (Decapoda, Sergestoidea) off the Amazon.

Lucifer faxoni (BORRADAILE, 1915) and L. typus (EDWARDS, 1837) are species first identified in the neritic and oceanic waters off the Amazon. Samplings were made aboard the vessel "Antares" at 22 stations in July and August, 2001 with a bongo net (500-µm mesh size). Hydrological data were taken simultaneously for comparative purposes. L. faxoni was present at thirteen of the fourteen neritic stations analysed, as well as at five of the eight oceanic stations. L. typus was present at three of the fourteen neritic stations and in one of the eight oceanic stations. The highest density of L. faxoni in the neritic province was 7,000 ind.m(-3) (St. 82) and 159 ind.m(-3) (St. 75) in the oceanic area. For L. typus, the highest density observed was 41 ind.m(-3) (St. 64) in the neritic province. In the oceanic province, the highest single density value was recorded at station 75 (5 ind.m(-3)). Overall, L. faxoni typically presented the highest densities.

The zooplankton biodiversity of some freshwater environments in Parnaíba basin (Piauí, Northeastern Brazil).

The plankton fauna of the state of Piauí, Northeastern Brazil, especially in the Parnaíba basin, is still poorly known; the results of most studies of the subject have not been published and can only be found in grey literature (unpublished scientific works), such as course completion work and consulting reports. Thus, this paper presents data from samples taken recently from different water bodies in Piauí and represents the second study to be published on the region's zooplankton since the pioneering work of Spandl (1926). A total of 38 species were recorded, including 23 new occurrences of rotifers, 10 of cladocerans and 2 of copepods for the state of Piauí. The greatest richness was observed for the rotifers, of which the genus Brachionus must be highlighted, especially at the Joana reservoir. Among the crustaceans, the greatest richness was observed at the Bezerra reservoir, where cladocerans of the genus Bosmina were prominent. The rotifers Brachionus havanaensis Rousselet, 1911 and Filinia longiseta (Ehrenberg, 1834); the cladocerans Diaphanosoma spinulosum Herbst, 1967 and Moina micrura Kurz, 1874; and the copepods Notodiaptomus cearensis Wright, 1936 and Thermocyclops decipiens Kiefer, 1927 occurred in all or in most environments in which the respective groups were studied. The results presented here expand the taxonomic list of zooplankton for the state of Piauí, including a total fauna of 30 species of rotifers, 15 of cladocerans and 3 of copepods. The zooplankton richness was considered low in the studied reservoirs compared to other freshwater ecosystems from Northeastern Brazil; however, the few studies developed in the Parnaíba basin suggest that the diversity for these organisms should be higher.

The zooplankton biodiversity of some freshwater environments in Parnaíba basin (Piauí, Northeastern Brazil) / Diversidade do zooplâncton de alguns ambientes de água doce na bacia do rio Parnaíba (Piauí, Nordeste do Brasil)

The plankton fauna of the state of Piauí, Northeastern Brazil, especially in the Parnaíba basin, is still poorly known; the results of most studies of the subject have not been published and can only be found in grey literature (unpublished scientific works), such as course completion work and consulting reports. Thus, this paper presents data from samples taken recently from different water bodies in Piauí and represents the second study to be published on the region's zooplankton since the pioneering work of Spandl (1926). A total of 38 species were recorded, including 23 new occurrences of rotifers, 10 of cladocerans and 2 of copepods for the state of Piauí. The greatest richness was observed for the rotifers, of which the genus Brachionus must be highlighted, especially at the Joana reservoir. Among the crustaceans, the greatest richness was observed at the Bezerra reservoir, where cladocerans of the genus Bosmina were prominent. The rotifers Brachionus havanaensis Rousselet, 1911 and Filinia longiseta (Ehrenberg, 1834); the cladocerans Diaphanosoma spinulosum Herbst, 1967 and Moina micrura Kurz, 1874; and the copepods Notodiaptomus cearensis Wright, 1936 and Thermocyclops decipiens Kiefer, 1927 occurred in all or in most environments in which the respective groups were studied. The results presented here expand the taxonomic list of zooplankton for the state of Piauí, including a total fauna of 30 species of rotifers, 15 of cladocerans and 3 of copepods. The zooplankton richness was considered low in the studied reservoirs compared to other freshwater ecosystems from Northeastern Brazil; however, the few studies developed in the Parnaíba basin suggest that the diversity for these organisms should be higher.

A fauna planctônica do Estado do Piauí, Nordeste do Brasil, especialmente para a Bacia do Rio Parnaíba, é ainda pouco conhecida; o resultado da maioria dos estudos não é publicado, podendo ser encontrado apenas em bibliografia cinzenta (não publicada cientificamente), tais como trabalhos de finalização de curso e relatórios de consultorias. Assim, o presente trabalho apresenta dados de amostragens recentes realizadas em diferentes corpos d'água do Piauí, consistindo no segundo estudo publicado sobre o zooplâncton da região, após o trabalho pioneiro de Spandl (1926). Registrou-se um total de 38 espécies, incluindo 23 novas ocorrências de rotíferos, dez novas ocorrências de cladóceros e dois novos registros de copépodes para o estado do Piauí. A maior riqueza foi observada para os rotíferos, com destaque para o gênero Brachionus, sobretudo no Açude Joana. Entre os crustáceos, foi observada uma maior riqueza no Açude Bezerra, destacando-se os cladóceros do gênero Bosmina. Os rotíferos Brachionus havanaensis Rousselet, 1911 e Filinia longiseta (Ehrenberg, 1834), os cladóceros Diaphanosoma spinulosum Herbst, 1967 e Moina micrura Kurz, 1874, e os copépodes Notodiaptomus cearensis Wright, 1936 e Thermocyclops decipiens Kiefer, 1927 ocorreram em todos ou na maioria dos ambientes onde os respectivos grupos foram estudados. Os resultados apresentados aqui ampliam a lista taxonômica do zooplâncton do Estado do Piauí, em uma fauna total de 30 espécies de rotíferos, 15 de cladóceros e três de copépodes. A riqueza do zooplâncton nos ambientes estudados foi considerada baixa em comparação com outros ecossistemas de água doce da Região Nordeste do Brasil; porém, os poucos estudos desenvolvidos na Bacia do Rio Parnaíba sugerem que a diversidade destes organismos seja maior.

Gene transcription of TLR2, TLR4, LPS ligands and prostaglandin synthesis enzymes are up-regulated in canine uteri with cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the most frequent bacterium isolated in cases of cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex, the most frequent endometrial disorder in the bitch. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play an essential role in the innate immune system. The aim of this study was to compare transcription of genes encoding TLR2, TLR4 and LPS ligands (CD14, MD-2, LBP), prostaglandin synthesis enzymes (COX1, COX2, PGES1 and PGFS), and to compare COX1 and COX2 protein expression and PGE(2) and PGF(2alpha) endometrial content in the endometrium of canine diestrous uteri with (n=7) or without (n=7) pyometra. All cases of pyometra were hyperplastic and E. coli was the only isolated bacteria, while diestrous normal uteri did not present signs of cystic endometrial hyperplasia and were negative for bacteriology. Except for COX1, transcription of all genes was significantly higher in pyometra than in normal endometria. COX1 protein was observed in both normal and pyometra uteri, but COX2 protein was only present in pyometra cases. Endometrial PGE(2) and PGF(2alpha) content were significantly higher in pyometra than in normal diestrous endometria. In conclusion, data obtained in this study provides evidence that pyometra-isolated E. coli induces the up-regulation of TLR2 and TLR4 genes in the canine diestrous endometrium. This up-regulation, which is probably the result of the stimulation by LPS and lipoprotein E. coli constituents, leads to the endometrial up-regulation of PG synthesis genes. This, in turn, results in a higher endometrial concentration of PGE(2) and PGF(2alpha), which may further regulate the local inflammatory response.

Genomic and phenotypic characterization of Escherichia coli isolates recovered from the uterus of puerperal dairy cows.

The role of Escherichia coli in the pathogenesis of the puerperal uterine infection of the cow is largely unknown. It is proposed that E. coli favors the persistence of Arcanobacterium pyogenes and gram-negative bacteria that are pivotal to the establishment of the infection. Here, we report the genomic and phenotypic characteristics of 72 E. coli isolates recovered from the uterus of dairy cows with normal puerperium (n = 12; 35 isolates) or clinical metritis (n = 18; 37 isolates), in an attempt to identify characteristics that are related to the establishment of uterine infection. We evaluated DNA fingerprints generated by repetitive element sequence-based PCR, phylogenetic grouping, the presence of 15 virulence factor genes, in vitro biofilm formation and its relationship to curli fimbriae expression, and cellulose production. We found a wide genetic diversity (40 clonal types), including types common to normal puerperium and clinical metritis cows (n = 6), as well as types specific to normal puerperium (n = 14) or clinical metritis (n = 20) cows. Isolates were assigned to phylogenetic groups B1 (58%), A (31%), and D (11%). Only 4 virulence factor genes were detected (hlyE, hlyA, iuc, and eaeA). In vitro biofilm formation was significantly affected by culture medium and incubation temperature. Curli fimbriae expression and cellulose production, although related to biofilm formation, were not required for it. None of the evaluated E. coli characteristics were significantly related to the establishment of the uterine infection. In conclusion, data presented in this paper indicate that E. coli isolates recovered from the uterus of puerperal cows present a wide genetic diversity, do not belong to a known pathogenic group, and have a low potential of virulence and persistence. This corroborates the putative role of the bacterium in the pathogenesis of the puerperal uterine infection of the cow.

Prostaglandin synthesis genes are differentially transcripted in normal and pyometra endometria of bitches.

Pro-inflammatory stimuli, such as endotoxins released by Gram-negative bacteria, are potent stimulators of prostaglandin (PG) synthesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the gene transcription pattern of PG synthesis enzymes in normal (anestrous, n = 6 and diestrous, n = 8) and pyometra (n = 7) endometria of bitches. Uteri were collected during routine ovariohysterectomy, processed for histopathological evaluation and uterine contents cultured. Gene transcription of COX-1, COX-2, mPGES-1 and PGF-synthase (PGFS) were evaluated by relative real-time PCR and normalized with the ribosomal protein L27 (RPL27) housekeeping gene. Normal uteri had no histological abnormalities and were negative for bacteriology. All pyometra uteri were hyperplasic and Escherichia coli was the only isolated bacterium. Except for COX-1, gene transcription was significantly higher in pyometra than in normal endometria. No significant differences in gene transcription were observed between normal diestrous and anestrous endometria. COX-2 gene transcription was 19 and 69 times higher in pyometra than in diestrous and anestrous endometria (p < 0.001), while PGFS gene transcription had a 3- and 600-fold increase in pyometra endometria compared to normal diestrous and anestrous endometria (p < 0.001). Gene transcription of mPGES-1 was 9 times higher in pyometra than in normal uteri (p < 0.01). Based on these results, we suggest that pyometra-associated E. coli endotoxin release stimulates the up-regulation of COX-2 PGFS and mPGES-1 gene transcription in the endometrium.

Zooplankton community dynamics in relation to the seasonal cycle and nutrient inputs in an urban tropical estuary in Brazil / Dinâmica da comunidade zooplanctônica em relação a um ciclo sazonal e aportes de nutrientes em um estuário urbano tropical no Brasil

Micro- and mesozooplankton were studied in the Sergipe estuary, northeastern Brazil, in order to assess the temporal variability in abundance and biodiversity under stressed conditions (urban pollution). Zooplankton samples and abiotic data were collected at one station during a full tidal cycle in July 2001 and in February 2002, corresponding to the rainy and dry seasons, respectively. The salinity regime was euhaline-polyhaline. Phosphate and dissolved oxygen were higher in July 2001, and nitrite, nitrate and ammonia in February 2002. Chlorophyll-a concentrations were low as a result of light limitation, with 1.18 ± 0.88 µg.m-3 in February and 1.53 ± 1.48 µg.m-3 in July. Fifty-nine zooplankton taxa were identified. Microzooplankton were abundant, mainly the tintinnid Favella ehrenbergii, and ranged from 18,649 ind.m-3 in July to 678,009 ind.m-3 in February. Mesozooplankton ranged from 1,537 ind.m-3 in July to 37,062 ind.m-3 in February and were dominated by barnacle nauplii in July and by copepods in February. The cluster analysis by taxa revealed the existence of three distinct groups: resilient species, characteristic of estuarine areas and occurring during all the year; species mainly more abundant in July (indicators of a healthier environmental condition); and species more abundant in February (tolerant to poor water quality).

O micro-e o mesozooplâncton foram estudados no estuário do rio Sergipe, Nordeste do Brasil para conhecer a variação temporal em abundância e biodiversidade sob condições de estresse. Amostras do zooplâncton e dados abióticos foram coletados em uma estação durante um ciclo completo de marés em julho de 2001 e em fevereiro de 2002, correspondendo aos períodos chuvoso e seco, respectivamente. O regime de salinidade variou de euhalino a polihalino. O fosfato e o oxigênio dissolvidos foram mais elevados em julho 2001, e o nitrito, o nitrato e a amônia, em fevereiro 2002. As concentrações de clorofila-a foram baixas devido à limitação da luz, com valores médios de 1,18 ± 0,88 µg.m-3 em fevereiro e 1,53 ± 1,48 µg.m-3 em julho. Foram identificados 59 taxa zooplanctônicos. O microzooplâncton foi abundante, principalmente o tintinídeo Favella ehrenbergii, que variou de 18.649 ind.m-3 em julho a 678.009 ind.m-3 em fevereiro. O mesozooplâncton variou de 1.537 ind.m-3 em julho a 37.062 ind.m-3 em fevereiro e foi dominado por náuplios de Cirripedia em julho e por Copepoda em fevereiro. A análise de agrupamento por taxa revelou a existência de três grupos: espécies resilientes, características de áreas estuarinas de ocorrência contínua; espécies que dominaram em julho (indicadores de uma melhor condição ambiental); e espécies mais abundantes em fevereiro (tolerantes à baixa qualidade da água).