A screening tool for psychological difficulties in children aged 6 to 36 months: cross-cultural validation in Kenya, Cambodia and Uganda.

BACKGROUND: In low-resource settings, the lack of mental health professionals and cross-culturally validated screening instruments complicates mental health care delivery. This is especially the case for very young children. Here, we aimed to develop and cross-culturally validate a simple and rapid tool, the PSYCa 6-36, that can be administered by non-professionals to screen for psychological difficulties among children aged six to 36 months. METHODS: A primary validation of the PSYCa 6-36 was conducted in Kenya (n = 319 children aged 6 to 36 months; 2014), followed by additional validations in Kenya (n = 215; 2014) Cambodia (n = 189; 2015) and Uganda (n = 182; 2016). After informed consent, trained interviewers administered the PSYCa 6-36 to caregivers participating in the study. We assessed the psychometric properties of the PSYCa 6-36 and external validity was assessed by comparing the results of the PSYCa 6-36 against a clinical global impression severity [CGIS] score rated by an independent psychologist after a structured clinical interview with each participant. RESULTS: The PSYCa 6-36 showed satisfactory psychometric properties (Cronbach's alpha > 0.60 in Uganda and > 0.70 in Kenya and Cambodia), temporal stability (intra-class correlation coefficient [ICC] > 0.8), and inter-rater reliability (ICC from 0.6 in Uganda to 0.8 in Kenya). Psychologists identified psychological difficulties (CGIS score > 1) in 11 children (5.1%) in Kenya, 13 children (8.7%) in Cambodia and 15 (10.5%) in Uganda, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.65 in Uganda and 0.80 in Kenya and Cambodia. CONCLUSIONS: The PSYCa 6-36 allowed for rapid screening of psychological difficulties among children aged 6 to 36 months among the populations studied. Use of the tool also increased awareness of children's psychological difficulties and the importance of early recognition to prevent long-term consequences. The PSYCa 6-36 would benefit from further use and validation studies in popula`tions with higher prevalence of psychological difficulties.

Detection of Pathogenic Leptospira in Captive Chelonians (Kinosternon scorpioides-Linnaeus, 1766) in the Brazilian Amazon.

Leptospirosis is a zoonosis of great importance for One Health. In this context, the Amazonian biome may harbor numerous hosts for Leptospira spp. that contribute to the maintenance of the pathogen in the environment. Some reptiles, such as chelonians, have been little studied in terms of their involvement with leptospires. The objective of this study was to detect Leptospira spp. DNA in Kinosternon scorpioides turtles kept in captivity in a region of the Brazilian Amazon. A total of 147 samples of blood (n = 40), cloacal fluid (n = 27), cloacal lavage (n = 40), and stomach (n = 40) were collected from 40 chelonians. After DNA extraction, the samples were subjected to amplification of a 331 base pair product of the 16S rRNA gene using the Lep1 and Lep2 primers. PCR products were Sanger sequenced, assembled, and subjected to online blast search and phylogenetic analysis. Of the animals tested, 40% (16/40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 25-55) had at least one or two samples positive for Leptospira spp. Considering the total number of samples collected, 12.93% (19/147) were positive, being blood clots (27.5%; 11/40), followed by cloacal washings (10%; 4/40), cloacal fluid (11.11%; 3/27) and gastric washings (2.5%; 1/40). Of these, 11 samples were sequenced and showed 99% to 100% identity with Leptospira interrogans sequences, which was confirmed by phylogenetic analysis. This is the first study to detect pathogenic Leptospira DNA in chelonians in a region of the Brazilian Amazon. It has been concluded that K. scorpioides turtles in captivity have been exposed to pathogenic Leptospira.

Effect of three feeding management systems on some reproductive parameters of Scorpion mud turtles (Kinosternon scorpioides) in Brazil.

Chelonians have been exploited since ancient times for their meat, eggs, fat, and offal, among other things. Among these animals, there is Scorpion mud turtle (Kinosternon scorpioides) which is an omnivorous turtle with semiaquatic habits and is widely consumed in Brazil. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different feeding management systems on the reproductive performance of captive-bred Scorpion mud turtles, including egg quality and chemical composition. Study animals included 15 males and 48 females, divided into three groups. Animals were fed with either a commercial diet or a commercial diet supplemented with one of two different mixes (wet diet). All animals were fed at 1 % BW/day divided on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Treatments were as follows: TR = 100 % fish food (22 % CP); TRM1 = 70 % fish food + 30 % mix 1 (bovine offal and fish); TRM2 = 70 % fish food + 30 % mix 2 (bovine offal, fish, and shrimp). Samples were collected during 7 months, and eggs were identified, weighed, measured, and frozen for later analysis. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA, were performed using the program SAEG 9.0. Measurements taken from the nests were compared using the Tukey's test (P < 0.05). The different diets were associated with differential egg-laying performance and eggshell thickness. Animals fed with wet diets containing protein of animal origin displayed the best performance. Furthermore, nests with fewer eggs contained eggs of better external quality (e.g., greater length, width, and eggshell thickness). Finally, animals fed with only commercial feed produced eggs with lower saturated fatty acid content.

Renal evaluation of Aotus azarai infulatus by ultrasonography and serum chemistry profile.

This study aimed to characterize anatomical and biochemical properties of owl monkey kidneys in order to provide normal reference values. Sixty-nine Aotus azarai infulatus (45 males and 24 females) were divided into four different age groups (AG1: 3 months-1 year; AG2: 2-3 years; AG3: 4-6 years; and AG4: over 7 years old). The monkeys were evaluated with a serum chemistry profile, focusing on serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and with ultrasound. Mean body mass differed among the age groups. This significance was attributed to AG1 body mass being significantly lower than in AG2 and that in both AG2 and AG3 being significantly lower than in the two older age groups (AG3 and AG4). SCr and BUN concentrations differed significantly between the sexes and SCr level correlated positively with age. In contrast, renal measurements did not differ between males and females. Left and right renal volumes did not differ significantly within age groups, or among AG2, AG3, and AG4. Renal volumes in AG1, however, while not differing from those in AG2, did differ significantly from those in AG3 and AG4. In conclusion, this study provides ultrasonographic reference values for the morphology the kidneys in A. a. infulatus. Evidence is also provided that SCr and BUN levels in owl monkeys are influenced by the sex and age of the individual, factors that should be considered when interpreting test results.

Ethnoveterinary knowledge and practices at Colares Island, Pará state, eastern Amazon, Brazil.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The lack of ethnoveterinary surveys in Brazil, especially in the Amazon region, results in losses in the veterinary phytopharmacology field and in scientific documentation of the cultural traditions of plant use in the treatment of animal diseases. AIM OF THE STUDY: To catalog, analyze and disseminate the ethnoveterinary knowledge of the inhabitants of Colares Island, Pará state, eastern Amazon, Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 72 interviews were conducted, and semi-structured questionnaires were answered by 18 men and 54 women. The data obtained were quantitatively analyzed using the informant consensus factor (ICF) and use value (UV). The plants with a reported medicinal use for domestic animals were harvested, herbalized and botanically identified. RESULTS: Fifty-six plants, distributed in 49 genera and 35 families, were indicated to have 23 different medicinal uses, divided into six categories of use. The highest ICF (0.80) was obtained for the antiparasitic class. The Euphorbiaceae family exhibited the highest number of citations, and the species with the highest UVs were Caladium cf. bicolor, Bixa orellana, Carapa guianensis, Jatropha curcas and Cymbopogon citratus. The parts of the 56 plants that were most frequently used to prepare ethnoveterinary medications were the leaves (46%), bark (15%), roots and fruit (10%). The use of the macerated leaves was the most common method of application, used by 43% of the interviewees, and the majority of the preparations (87.3%) used a single plant. In addition to medicinal plants, the interviewees reported the use of products of animal and mineral origin. CONCLUSION: The present study contributed to the establishment of an inventory of plants used in ethnoveterinary practices in this region of the Brazilian eastern Amazon. Future phytochemical and pharmacological studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of the identified plants, enabling communities to use them in a more economic, effective and safe manner.

Etnozoologia e educação ambiental para escolas da amazônia: experimentação de indicadores quantitativos / Ethnozoology and environmental education for schools in the amazon: experimentation of quantitative indicators / Etnozoología y educación ambiental para escuelas de la amazonia: experimentación de indicadores cuantitativos

Resumo Desenvolvido em escolas públicas de diferentes contextos ambientais e educacionais de Belém, no Pará, o estudo apresentado objetivou criar uma abordagem metodológica possível de ser reproduzida por qualquer escola de ensino fundamental ou médio na Amazônia, gerando informações sobre as interações homem-animal-ambiente e a evolução da consciência ecológica do alunado. Testaram-se cinco indicadores quantitativos: ‘Diferenciação de animais silvestres e domésticos’, ‘Animais no prato’, ‘Proximidade aluno-animal’, ‘Sentimentos em relação à fauna’ e ‘Justificativas de falta dos alunos’. Obtiveram-se resultados significativos: na identificação do conhecimento prévio dos alunos sobre o conceito de animais silvestres-domésticos, verificou-se que em uma das escolas o avançar das séries não determinava maior capacidade de diferenciação dos animais; jacaré, tatu e tartaruga foram as espécies mais citadas pelos alunos nas duas escolas e constituíam o cardápio alimentar das famílias; foi comum a presença de animais domésticos e silvestres criados nos cômodos internos das casas, registrando-se altos percentuais de criações múltiplas de animais; sentimentos de ‘querer matar’ e ‘medo/nojo’ ainda foram bastante frequentes, principalmente para répteis, traduzindo a necessidade de maiores investimentos em educação ambiental; faltas por motivo de doença foram recorrentes e tinham estreita relação com animais. A metodologia é válida para etnozoologia e educação ambiental, adequando-se à realidade socioeconômica e ambiental das escolas.

Abstract Carried out in public schools in different environmental and educational contexts of Belém, state of Pará, Brazil, the study presented was designed to create a possible methodological approach to be reproduced by any primary or secondary school in the Amazon, generating information about the human-animal-environment interactions and the progress made in ecological awareness among the students. Five quantitative indicators were tested: ‘Distinction between wild and domestic animals,’ ‘Animals on the plate,’ ‘Student-animal proximity,’ ‘Feelings regarding the fauna,’ and ‘Student absence justifications.’ Significant results were obtained: In the identification of the students' prior knowledge about the concept of wild-domestic animals, it was found that at one of the schools, although students passed from one grade to the next, they were not necessarily more able to distinguish among the animals; alligators, armadillos, and turtles were the species students mentioned most frequently in the two schools, and they were on their families’ food menus; keeping domestic and wild animals in the homes was common, and keeping multiple animals was frequently recorded; feelings of ‘want to kill’ and ‘fear/disgust’ were still quite common, especially with regard to reptiles, reflecting the need for greater investments in environmental education; absences due to illness were recurrent and were closely related with animals. The methodology is valid for ethnozoology and environmental education, and is appropriate for the socioeconomic and environmental realities of the schools.

Resumen Desarrollado en escuelas públicas de diferentes contextos ambientales y educativos de Belém, en el estado de Pará, Brasil, el estudio presentado buscó crear un enfoque metodológico que se pudiera reproducir en cualquier escuela de la enseñanza fundamental o media, en la Amazonia, generando información sobre las interacciones hombre-animal-ambiente y la evolución de la conciencia ecológica del alumnado. Se probaron cinco indicadores cuantitativos: ‘Diferenciación de animales silvestres y domésticos’, ‘Animales en el plato’, ‘Proximidad alumno-animal’, ‘Sentimientos con relación a la fauna’ y ‘Justificativas de falta de los alumnos’. Se obtuvieron resultados significativos: en la identificación del conocimiento previo de los alumnos sobre el concepto de animales silvestres-domésticos, se observó que en una de las escuelas, el avanzar de grado no determinaba mayor capacidad de diferenciación de los animales; yacaré, tatú y tortuga eran las especies más citadas por los alumnos en las dos escuelas y constituían el menú familiar; era común la presencia de animales domésticos y silvestres criados en los cuartos de las casas, registrándose altos porcentajes de crías múltiples de animales; sentimientos de ‘querer matar’ y ‘miedo/asco’ todavía eran bastante frecuentes, principalmente para reptiles, lo que traduce la necesidad de mayores inversiones en educación ambiental; faltas por motivo de enfermedad eran recurrentes y guardaban estrecha relación con animales. La metodología es válida para la etnozoología y educación ambiental, adecuándose a la realidad socioeconómica y ambiental de las escuelas.

Perfil clínico-epidemiológico dos acidentes ofídicos ocorridos na ilha de Colares, Pará, Amazônia oriental / Clinical-epidemiological profile of snakebites occurred on the islandof Colares, Pará, eastern Amazonia

Descrever o perfil clínico-epidemiológico dos acidentes ofídicos ocorridos na ilha de Colares, Pará,Brasil. O estudo consistiu em uma investigação epidemiológica transversal a partir da análise de todos os casos de envenenamento por serpentes peçonhentas atendidos no Hospital Municipal e notificados ao Sistema Nacional de Notificações e Agravos (SINAN) do Ministério da Saúde, entre janeiro de 2007 e dezembro de 2011. Os dados obtidos a partir das fichas de notificação foram analisados utilizando-se estatística descritiva simples no Microsoft Excel (versão 2007). Foram notificados ao SINAN 94 casos de acidentes ofídicos, sendo observada maior concentração dos envenenamentos no primeiro semestre de cada ano, período em que ocorrem os maiores índices pluviométricos para a região. A maioria dos acidentes aconteceu na zona rural (85,11%), durante a realização dos trabalhos braçais (55,32%), com maior incidência em homens (73,40%), predominantemente provocados por serpentes do gênero Bothrops(69,62%). Foram identificadas falhas no protocolo de soroterapia, sendo verificada sua utilização em dois casos cujas serpentes não eram peçonhentas e não administrado em dois casos confirmados de acidentes ofídicos envolvendo serpentes peçonhentas. O pé foi a região mais acometida (51,06%) e a dor, edema e manifestações vagais foram os sinais mais frequentes. Estes resultados demonstram que o município de Colares segue o perfil dos acidentes ofídicos de outras localidades rurais amazônicas, sendo necessária maior atenção dos profissionais de saúde quanto ao preenchimento das fichas de notificação e aos protocolos terapêuticos dispensados às vítimas.

To describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of snakebites occurred on the island of Colares,Pará, Brazil. The study consisted of a cross-epidemiological research based on the analysis of allcases of poisoning by venomous snakes treated at City Hospital and served on the National System Notifications and Disability (SINAN) and conducted to the Ministry of Health between January 2007 and December 2011. Data obtained from the notification records were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics in Microsoft Excel (2007 version). Ninety-four cases of snakebites were reported to SINAN and the highest frequency occurred in the first half of each year, a period in which most precipitation occurs in the region. Most accidents occurred in rural areas (85.11%), while performing manual labor (55.32%), with higher incidence in men (73.40%), with predominance of accidents caused by snakes of the genus (Bothrops) (69.62%). Failures were identified in the protocol of serum therapy, as it was used in two cases in which the snakes were not venomous and not used in two other cases involving poisono us snakes. Regarding clinical aspects, the foot was the most affected region (51.06%) while pain, edema and vagal manifestations were the most frequent signs. These results demonstrate that the municipality of necklaces follows the profile of snakebites other Amazonian rural areas. Greater attention is needed from health professionals when filling in the notification forms and when following therapeutic protocols of snakebite victims.

Prevalence for nematodes of hygiene-sanitary importance in fish from Colares Island and Vigia, Pará, Brasil / Prevalência de nematoides de importância higiênico-sanitária em peixes da ilha de Colares e Vigia, Pará, Brasil

Zoonotic parasites can infect fish and be a serious threat to human health. The objective of this research was to estimate the prevalence for the main fish-borne zoonotic parasitic diseases of freshwater fish marketed in Colares Island and Vigia, Pará, Brazil. In February, 2012, 85 (40 of Colares and 45 of Vigia) fish were randomly sampled by means of net fishing. Eighty and 76% of fish sampled were parasitized, being silver croacker (Plagioscion squamosissimus), kumakuma (Brachyplatystoma filamentosum), and gilded catfish (Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii) the species most parasitized. The most prevalent parasites were Anisakis (50% in Colares and 49% in Vigia) and Contracaecum (60% in Colares and 40% in Vigia), followed by Pseudoterranova (2% in Colares and 11% in Vigia), Eustrongylides (10% in Colares and 0% in Vigia) and Hysterothylacium (2% in Colares and 7% in Vigia) in the species: silver croacker, kumakuma and gilded catfish, in both cities. Mesentery (55%) was the organ with highest level of intense infestation. A greater proportion of massive infestation was observed in females (57%) than in males (12%). Results of this study indicate that fish caught in Colares and Vigia could be of high risk for consumer.

Parasitos zoonóticos podem infectar peixes e causar sérios agravos à saúde humana. O objetivo do presente estudo foi estimar a prevalência e identificar os fatores de risco para doenças parasitárias veiculadas por peixes de água doce comercializados na ilha de Colares e Vigia, Pará, Brazil. Em fevereiro de 2012, 85 peixes (40 de Colares e 45 de Vigia) foram coletados de forma aleatória com redes de pesca. Oitenta por cento e 76% dos peixes amostrados estavam parasitados, sendo a corvina (Plagioscion squamosissimus), piramutaba (Brachyplatystoma filamentosum) e dourada (Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii), as espécies mais parasitadas. Os parasitos mais prevalentes foram: Anisakis (50% em Colares e 49% em Vigia) e Contracaecum (60% em Colares e 40% em Vigia), seguido pelo Pseudoterranova (2% em Colares e 11% em Vigia), Eustrongylides (10% em Colares e 0% em Vigia) e Hysterothylacium (2% em Colares e 7% em Vigia) nas espécies: corvina, piramutaba e dourada, em ambos os municípios. O mesentério (55%) foi o órgão que apresentou infestação maciça em maior quantidade. A infestação maciça também foi observada com maior proporção em fêmeas (57%) do que em machos (12%). Os resultados deste estudo indicam que o peixe capturado em Colares e Vigia pode ser de alto risco para a o consumidor.

Mode B ultrasonography and abdominal Doppler in crab-eating-foxes (Cerdocyon thous) / Ultrassonografia abdominal modo B e Doppler em cachorros-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous)

Annually hundreds of crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) are referred to rehabilitation centers and zoos in Brazil. The ultrasonographic study of wildlife species is an important tool for a non-invasive and accurate anatomical description and provides important information for wildlife veterinary care. The aim of the present study was to determine the characteristics of the main abdominal organs as well as the vascular indexes of the abdominal aorta and renal arteries of crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) using mode B ultrasonography and Doppler ultrasonography, respectively. Ultrasonographic features of the main abdominal organs were described and slight differences were noticed between ultrasound imaging of abdominal organs of crab-eating foxes and other species. The bladder presented wall thickness of 12±0.01mm, with three defined layers. Both, the right and left kidneys presented corticomedullary ratio of 1:1 and similarly to the adrenals and the liver, they were homogeneous and hypoechoic compared to the spleen. The spleen was homogeneous and hyperechoic compared to the kidneys. The stomach presented 3 to 5 peristaltic movements per minute, wall thickness of 39±0.05mm and lumen and mucosa with hyperechoic and hypoechoic features, respectively. Small and large intestines presented 2 to 3 peristaltic movements per minute, wall thickness of 34±0.03mm and three defined layers with hyperechogenic (submucosa and serosa) and hypoechogenic (muscular) features. Ovaries of the female crab-eating fox were hypoechoic compared to the spleen and with heterogeneous parenchyma due to the presence of 2x2mm ovarian follicles. Prostates of the six males were regular and with a well defined boundary, with a homogeneous and hyperechoic parenchyma compared to the spleen. Vascular indexes of the abdominal aorta (PSV: 25.60±0.32cm/s; EDV: 6.96±1.68cm/s; PI: 1.15±0.07 e RI: 0.73±0.07) and right (PSV: 23.08±3.34cm/s; EDV: 9.33±2.36cm/s; PI: 1.01±0.65 e RI: 0.65±0.16) and left renal arteries (PSV: 23.74±3.94cm/s; EDV: 9.07±3.02cm/s; PI: 1.04±0.31 e RI: 0.64±0.10) were determined. Thus, conventional and Doppler ultrasonographic imaging provides basic information that can be used as reference for the species as well for other wild canids and it is a precise and non-invasive method that can be safely used to evaluate and diagnose abdominal injuries in these patients.(AU)

O objetivo desse estudo foi descrever os achados ultrassonográficos convencionais dos principais órgãos abdominais e determinar com a utilização da ultrassonografia Doppler os índices vasculares da aorta abdominal e artérias renais em cachorros-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous). Foram avaliados nove cachorros-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous). Por meio da ultrassonografia convencional do abdômen dos animais, estudaram-se os achados ultrassonográficos normais e a biometria dos principais órgãos dessa cavidade como fígado, baço, bexiga, estômago, intestinos, adrenais, rins, ovários, próstata e tecido linfoide dos animais, obtendo-se resultados importantes para a caracterização sonográfica desses tecidos. A bexiga apresentou espessura da parede de 12 ± 0,01 mm, com três camadas bem definidas. O rim direito e esquerdo apresentaram relação corticomedular de 1:1 e com ecogenicidade semelhante as adrenais e fígado, homogêneas e hipoecoica em comparação ao baço. O baço apresentou-se homogêneo e hiperecoica em relação aos rins. O estômago apresentou de 3 a 5 movimentos peristálticos por minuto, espessura da parede de 39 ± 0,05mm e lúmen e mucosa com características hiperecoicas e hipoecoicas, respectivamente. O intestino delgado e grosso apresentaram de 2 a 3 movimentos peristálticos por minuto, espessura da parede de 34 ± 0,03mm e três camadas definidas, hiperecogênica (submucosa e serosa) e hipoecogênicas (musculares). Os ovários de uma fêmea se apresentaram hipoecoica, em comparação com o baço, e heterogêneos, devido à presença de folículos ovarianos de 2x2mm de diâmetro. As prostatas de seis machos eram regulares e com contornos definidos, parênquima homogêneo e hiperecoico em relação ao baço. Ao exame Doppler foram determinados os índices vasculares da aorta abdominal (PSV: 25,60±0,32cm/s; EDV: 6,96±1,68cm/s; PI: 1,15±0,07 e RI: 0,73±0,07) e das artérias renais direitas (PSV: 23,08±3,34cm/s; EDV: 9,33±2,36cm/s; PI: 1,01±0,65 e RI: 0,65±0,16) e esquerdas (PSV: 23,74±3,94cm/s; EDV: 9,07±3,02cm/s; PI: 1,04±0,31 e RI: 0,64±0,10). Pode-se concluir que a ultrassonografia convencional e Doppler podem ser ferramentas importantes no estudo morfofisiológico de órgãos abdominais em cachorros-do-mato, possibilitando o diagnóstico de alterações abdominais nesses animais e a utilização desses achados como referências para outros caninos silvestres.(AU)

Ethnoveterinary knowledge of the inhabitants of Marajó Island, Eastern Amazonia, Brazil / Conhecimento etnoveterinário dos habitantes da Ilha de Marajó, Amazônia Oriental, Brasil

There have been ethnoveterinary reports from around the world investigating plant usage in therapeutic protocols; however, there is no information regarding the ethnoveterinary practices in Brazilian Amazonia. The objective of this work was to register and document the ethnoveterinary knowledge of the inhabitants of the Island of Marajó, eastern Amazonia, Brazil. In the study, interviews were conducted with 50 individuals, with the application of semi-structured questionnaires that were quantitatively analyzed using descriptive statistic methods of frequency distribution. Use-value was calculated to determine the most important species. Samples of plants that were reported to have medicinal value were collected and identified by botanical classification. Fifty plants, distributed among 48 genera and 34 families, were indicated for 21 different medicinal uses. The family Asteraceae had the largest number of reported species; Carapa guianensis Aubl., Copaifera martii Hayne, Crescentia cujete L., Caesalpinia ferrea Mart., Chenopodium ambrosioides L., Jatropha curcas L. and Momordica charantia L. were species with highest use- value. The plant parts that were more commonly utilized for the preparation of ethnoveterinary medicines were the leaves (56 percent), bark (18 percent), roots (14 percent), seeds (14 percent) and fruit (8 percent). With regard to usage, tea was reported as a usage method by 56 percent of the informants; most preparations (90.9 percent) utilized only a single plant. In addition to medicinal plants, informants reported using products of animal and mineral origin. The present study contributed to the construction of an inventory of Marajó Island's ethnoveterinary plants, which might be the basis for future scientific validation studies.

Em várias partes do mundo existem relatos etnoveterinários sobre a utilização de plantas em protocolos terapêuticos, entretanto não existem informações disponíveis sobre a etnoveterinária praticada na Amazônia brasileira. Desta forma, objetivou-se documentar o conhecimento etnoveterinário de habitantes da Ilha do Marajó, Amazônia Oriental. Foram realizadas 50 entrevistas individuais com aplicação de questionários semi-estruturados que foram analisados quantitativamente através de estatística descritiva utilizando freqüência de distribuição. O valor de uso foi calculado para determinar as espécies mais importantes. Amostras de plantas com relatos de uso medicinal foram coletadas e identificadas botanicamente. Cinqüenta plantas, distribuídas em 48 gêneros e 34 famílias, foram indicadas para 21 diferentes usos medicinais. A família Asteraceae foi a que teve maior número de espécies citadas e Carapa guianensis Aubl, Crescentia cujete L., Copaifera martii Hayne, Caesalpinia ferrea Mart., Chenopodium ambrosioides L., Jatropha curcas L. e Momordica charantia L. foram as espécies com maiores valor de uso. As partes das plantas mais utilizadas para preparo dos medicamentos etnoveterinários foram folhas (56 por cento), cascas (18 por cento), raizes (14 por cento), sementes (14 por cento) e frutos (8 por cento). Quanto à forma de uso o chá foi citado por 56 por cento dos entrevistados e a maioria das preparações (90,9 por cento) utiliza uma só planta. Além das plantas medicinais, os entrevistados relataram o uso de produtos de origem animal e mineral. Esse trabalho contribui para realização de um inventário das plantas utilizadas na etnoveterinária marajoara que pode servir de base de dados para futuros estudos de validação científica.

Utilização dos recursos naturais por comunidades humanas do Parque Ecoturístico do Guamá, Belém, Pará / Utilization of natural resources by the human communities of the Guamá Ecotouristic Park, Belém, Pará

O trabalho apresenta dados sobre o uso dos recursos naturais por populações humanas em pequenas comunidades (vilas) localizadas no entorno (n = 6) e no interior (n = 1) do Parque Ecoturístico do Guamá (PEG), visando avaliar os impactos sobre a fauna e flora local, ante a implantação de um projeto de infra-estrutura rodoviária local. A metodologia consistiu da aplicação de dois modelos de questionários. Um direcionado a pessoas-chave, como: moradores mais antigos, presidentes de associações, agentes de saúde, etc, e o outro aplicado aleatoriamente aos adultos locais. Buscou-se atingir pelo menos 50 por cento das famílias das pequenas localidades (<10 famílias) e 10-15 por cento no caso de comunidades maiores ( >11 famílias). Em todos os casos é realizado o extrativismo da fauna e flora, principalmente com o objetivo de subsistência. As espécies mais caçadas foram Agouti paca,Dasyprocta agouti,Nasua nasua, Euphractus sexcintus e Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris. A complementação da renda familiar através do comércio de caça sob encomenda é realizada em todas as comunidades estudadas. Frutíferas como Euterpe oleracea Mart., Musa spp e Theobroma cacao foram encontradas em 100 por cento das comunidades (n=7). Plantas medicinais são rotineiramente cultivadas e empregadas. As espécies madeireiras exploradas são utilizadas com o objetivo de produção de carvão, construção de casas e de meios de transporte, predominando o Inga edulis, Virola surinamensis (Rol.) Warb e Simaruba amara (Aubl.). O trabalho discute os resultados sob o aspecto da implantação do projeto viário, oferecendo recomendações para a minimização dos impactos do mesmo sobre a fauna, a flora e o modo tradicional de vida das comunidades.

This work shows data about the use of natural resources by the human population located in (n=1) and around (n=6) the Guamá Ecotouristic Park (GEP), in order to evaluate the impact on the local fauna and flora in view of the project for constructing a road through the park. The methodology utilized in this community study was the application of two different types of questionnaires. One was directed to key persons such as old residents, presidents of associations, health agents, etc., and the other was randomly applied to local adults. We attempted to approach at least 50 percent of the families in the small villages (< 10 families) and 10-15 percent in the larger communities (> 11 families). In all cases, there was flora and fauna extractivism, especially for subsistence. The most hunted species were the Agouti paca, Dasyprocta agouti, Nasua nasua, Euphractus sexcintus and Hidrochaeris hidrochaeris. All the communities studied complement their family income by hunting wildlife on order. Fruit trees such as Euterpe oleracea Mart., Musa spp and the Theobroma cacao were found in 100 percent of the communities (n=7). Medicinal plants are cultivated and used routinely. Timber species such Inga edulis,Virola surinamensis (Rol.) Warb e Simaruba amara (Aubl.) are used for charcoal production, house building and transportation means. We discuss the results relating to construction of the road, and make recommendations for reducing the impact on the fauna, the flora and the traditional livelihood of the communities.

Sucrose hydrolysis catalyzed by auto-immobilized invertase into intact cells of Cladosporium cladosporioides

The enzyme known as invertase (E.C. 3.2.1.26 - beta-D-fructofuranosidase) catalyzes the sucrose hydrolysis producing an equimolar mixture of glucose and fructose named inverted sugar. The fungus Cladosporium cladosporioides has invertase as its constituent. Hence, its use as a natural immobilized support for the invertase produces interesting results for the enzyme. The present work has the objective of determining the optimum operational conditions of auto-immobilized invertase, as well as its kinetic parameters (K M and Vmax). A complete 2³ factorial planning was done for the evaluation of such parameters. Temperature, pH and agitation level were the studied variables. The hydrolysis percentage was the monitored result. Batch tests in optimum conditions were done to determine the kinetic parameters. Temperature of 70ºC, pH 6 and agitation of 170 rpm were the established conditions for the hydrolysis process. The auto-immobilized invertase presented a K M of 447 mM and Vmax of 2,805 mmol/min.