RESUMEN Introducción: La infección por Chikungunya se presenta fiebre y afectación cutánea. Las manifestaciones neurológicas, incluyen encefalopatías principalmente encefalitis; afectación periférica como mielitis, o una combinación de éstas. Objetivo: Describir la frecuencia y las manifestaciones neurológicas asociadas a infección por virus Chikungunya en el periodo enero-marzo 2023 en una población pediátrica. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de corte transversal de serie de casos Ingresaron menores de 18 años con manifestaciones neurológicas y resultados positivos PCR RT a virus Chikungunya que acudieron a un Hospital Público en enero-marzo del 2023. Las variables: demográficas, tiempo de evolución, síntomas, diagnósticos neurológicos, estudio de líquido cefalorraquídeo, electroencefalograma, estudios imagenológicos, tratamiento, ingreso a Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, disfunción orgánica, mortalidad. Los datos se analizaron en SPSS utilizando estadística descriptiva. El protocolo fue aprobado por el comité de ética. Resultados: Ingresaron 24 pacientes, con edad de 10.0 ±1 meses. El 58.7% de sexo masculino. Como síntoma neurológico, el 54.1% tuvo convulsión. Los diagnósticos neurológicos, el 83.3% fue Encefalitis. Los pacientes con diagnóstico de Encefalitis, 75% fueron menores de 3 meses, 50% con líquido cefalorraquídeo patológico, 45% se realizó Electroencefalografía, 50% recibió inmunoglobulinas. El 50% ingresaron a Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos. Pediátricos. El 60% presentó disfunción orgánica. La mortalidad fue del 4.2%. Conclusión: El diagnóstico neurológico más frecuente fue la encefalitis, predominó en lactantes menores de 3 meses. Los síntomas neurológicos fueron: crisis convulsivas e irritabilidad. Más de la mitad presentaron disfunción orgánica, se registró la mortalidad de un paciente.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Chikungunya infection present clinically with fever and skin involvement. Neurological manifestations include encephalopathies, mainly encephalitis and meningoencephalitis; peripheral involvement such as myelitis, Guillain Barré Syndrome; or a combination of these such as encephaloneuromyelopathy. Objective: To describe the frequency and neurological manifestations associated with Chikungunya virus infection during the January-March 2023 time period in a pediatric population. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive, retrospective and cross-sectional study of a case series. Minors under 18 years of age were admitted with neurological manifestations and positive RT-PCR results for Chikungunya virus who presented to a Public Hospital in January-March 2023. The variables were: demographics, reason for hospitalization, symptoms, neurological diagnoses, cerebrospinal fluid study, electroencephalogram, imaging studies, treatment, admission to the Intensive Care Unit, organic dysfunction and mortality. Data were analyzed in SPSS using descriptive statistics. The protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee. Results: 24 patients were admitted, aged 10.0 ±16 months. 58.7% were male. As a neurological symptom, 54.1% had a seizure. Among the neurological diagnoses, 83.3% were encephalitis. Among the patients diagnosed with encephalitis, 75% were younger than 3 months, 50% had pathological cerebrospinal fluid, 45% underwent electroencephalography, and 50% received immunoglobulins. 50% were admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. 60% presented organic dysfunction. Mortality was 4.2%. Conclusions: The most frequent neurological diagnosis was encephalitis, it predominated in infants under 3 months. The neurological symptoms were: seizures and irritability. More than half presented organic dysfunction, one patient expired.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The SARS-CoV-2 disease has had a great impact in our country, after having marked its presence throughout the world, producing high mortality rates in patients according to age and with associated risk factors. Objective: To determine sociodemographic characteristics and clinical risk factors of patients who died due to SARS-CoV-2 infection at the Regional Hospital of Ciudad del Este, Paraguay, in the period 2021 and 2022. Methodology: An observational, descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study was carried out with non-probabilistic sampling. The population studied was deceased patients with a positive RT-PCR result for SARS-CoV-2, who were admitted to the Internal Medicine service and Intensive Care Unit of the Ciudad del Este Regional Hospital in the above-mentioned period. The variables analyzed were mortality, sex, age, risk factors and areas of hospitalization. Results: Eight hundred forty-four patients with a diagnosis of coronavirus infection were included, mortality rate was 38.86%. Of the deceased, 56.71% were male, over 60 years of age in 60.67% of the cases. Furthermore, 63.72% had clinical risk factors, the most frequent being high blood pressure (56.46%) and diabetes mellitus (51.67%). Of the deceased patients who did not present clinical risk factors, 56.30% were over 60 years of age and 13.11% of the deaths were in the Intensive Care Unit. Conclusion: Most patients who died from SARS-CoV-2 infection were over 60 years of age and male. High blood pressure, diabetes mellitus and obesity predominated among the risk factors.

RESUMEN Introducción: la enfermedad por SARS-CoV-2 ha tenido un gran impacto en nuestro país, tras haber marcado presencia en todo el mundo, produciendo altas tasas de mortalidad en pacientes según edad y con factores de riesgo asociados. Objetivo: determinar características sociodemográficas y los factores de riesgo clínico de los pacientes fallecidos por infección por SARS-CoV-2 en el Hospital Regional de Ciudad del Este, Paraguay, en el periodo 2021 y 2022. Metodología: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo, de corte transversal con muestreo no probabilístico. La población estudiada fue de los pacientes fallecidos con resultado positivo de RT-PCR para SARS-CoV-2, que fueron internados en el servicio de Medicina Interna y Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital Regional de Ciudad del Este en el periodo mencionado. Las variables analizadas fueron: mortalidad, sexo, edad, factores de riesgo y áreas de hospitalización. Resultados: se incluyeron 844 pacientes con diagnóstico de infección por coronavirus, la mortalidad fue 38,86%. De los fallecidos, 56,71% era del sexo masculino, mayor a 60 años en 60,67% de los casos. Además, 63,72% presentaba factores de riesgo clínicos, siendo los más frecuentes la hipertensión arterial (56,46%) y diabetes mellitus (51,67%). De los pacientes fallecidos que no presentaron factores de riesgo clínico, 56,30% eran mayores de 60 años. El 13,11% de los fallecidos fueron en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos. Conclusión: la mayoría de los pacientes fallecidos por infección por SARS-CoV-2 fueron mayores de 60 años y del sexo masculino. Entre los factores de riesgo predominaron la hipertensión arterial, la diabetes mellitus y la obesidad.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by a mosquito. It can present with mild or severe forms. Objective: To describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients younger than 6 months, diagnosed with dengue fever, who presented to the pediatric emergency department. Materials and Methods: This was an observational, descriptive and retrospective study. We included Infants under 6 months of age with a diagnosis of dengue, who presented to the emergency department from 2017 to 2021. Variables studied: age, sex, place of residence, signs and symptoms, alarm signs, type of alarm signs, leukocytes, hematocrit, platelets, underlying disease, complications, ancillary diagnostic methods used, admission to the PICU, discharge status. Data were analyzed in SPSS using descriptive statistics. The protocol was approved by the institutional ethics committee. Results: 172 patients were included, with a median age of 5 months, 51.7% were male, 98.2% presented with fever, of which 47.3% presented with fever as their only symptom. 47.1% presented with rashes. 8.1% presented alarm signs. The median leukocytes were 5,105, platelets 250,000, and hematocrit 29.9 per mm3. 4.8% had underlying disease. 1.7% presented complications and 0.6% were admitted to the intensive care unit. 73.2% were diagnosed by NS1 antigen test. None died. Conclusions: The mean age of the infants was 5 months, no marked leukopenia or thrombocytopenia was observed. Most had a mild course of the disease and only 1 patient required admission to the pediatric intensive care unit. No deaths were registered.

RESUMEN Introducción: El dengue es una infección viral transmitida por un mosquito. Puede presentarse con formas leves o graves. Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de pacientes menores de 6 meses, con diagnóstico de fiebre dengue, que acudieron al departamento de urgencias pediátricas. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo. Se incluyeron lactantes menores de 6 meses con diagnóstico de dengue, que consultaron en el departamento de urgencias de 2017 al 2021. Variables estudiadas: edad, sexo, procedencia, signos y síntomas, signos de alarma, tipo de signos de alarma, leucocitos, hematocrito, plaquetas, enfermedad de base, complicaciones, métodos auxiliares de diagnóstico, ingreso a UCIP, estado al alta. Los datos se analizaron en SPSS utilizando estadística descriptiva. El protocolo fue aprobado por el comité de ética. Resultados: Fueron incluidos 172 pacientes, con mediana de edad de 5 meses, el 51,7% del sexo masculino. El 98,2% presentó fiebre, de los cuales 47,3% como síntoma único y el 47,1% asociado a exantemas. El 8,1% presentó signos de alarma. La mediana de leucocitos fue de 5.105, plaquetas de 250.000 y hematocrito 29,9 por mm3. El 4,8% tenía enfermedad de base. Presentaron complicaciones el 1,7 % y el 0,6% ingresaron a unidad de cuidados intensivos. El 73,2% fue diagnosticado por NS1. Ninguno falleció. Conclusión: La edad media de los lactantes fue de 5 meses, no se observó marcada leucopenia ni plaquetopenia. La mayoría tuvo curso leve de la enfermedad y solo 1 paciente requirió ingreso a terapia intensiva pediátrica. No se registraron fallecidos.

ABSTRACT Skin biopsy with investigation of small-diameter nerve fibers in human epidermis and dermis has been proven to be a useful method for confirming small-fiber neuropathy. In medical practice, small-fiber neuropathy is increasingly recognized as a leading cause of neuropathic pain. It is a prevalent complaint in medical offices, brought by patients often as a “painful burning sensation”. The prevalence of neuropathic pain is high in small-fiber neuropathies of different etiologies, especially in the elderly; 7% of population in this age group present peripheral neuropathy. Pain and paresthesia are symptoms which might cause disability and impair quality of life of patients. The early detection of small-fiber neuropathy can contribute to reducing unhealthy lifestyles, associated to higher incidence of the disease.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Spinal Muscular Atrophy 5q (SMA 5q) is the most frequent form of spinal muscular atrophy and is related to the mutation of the SMN1 gene. It is classified into 4 types according to the age of presentation and the maximum motor achievement achieved. Objective: To describe the clinical, epidemiological and genetic characteristics of pediatric patients with SMA 5q evaluated in the Neurology service of the Children’s General Hospital “Niños de Acosta Ñu”. Materials and Methods: This was an observational, descriptive, retrospective and cross-sectional study. Patients with a diagnosis of SMA from the Neurology Service of the Children’s General “Niños de Acosta Ñu”, from July 2013 to July 2017, were included. Variables: demographic data, symptoms, classification, genetic study, complications and evolution. Descriptive statistics were used. The research ethics committee determined informed consent was not required. Results: 26 patients with a diagnosis of SMA 5q were included. 57.5% (15/26) were male. They consulted for: not walking (19.2%), respiratory distress and poor movement (19.2%). Types of SMA 5q: I 15/26 (57.7%), II 8/26 (30.7%) and III 3/26 (11.5%). Median age of clinical and genetic diagnosis: 6 months and 7.5 months respectively. The genetic alteration was homozygous deletion in exons 7 and 8 of the SMN1 gene. Most frequent complications: respiratory, nutritional and osteoarticular. Almost all received respiratory and motor physiotherapy plus nutritional support. None received specific modifying treatment. 12/15 of SMA type I died. The median age of death was 8 months. Conclusion: a classic clinical, epidemiological and genetic pattern was found, with late clinical and genetic diagnosis.

RESUMEN Introducción: La Atrofia Muscular Espinal 5q (AME 5q) es la forma más frecuente de atrofia muscular espinal y está relacionada con la mutación del gen SMN1. Se clasifica en 4 tipos según la edad de presentación y el máximo logro motor alcanzado. Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas, epidemiológicas y genéticas de pacientes pediátricos con AME 5q evaluados en el servicio de Neurología del Hospital General Pediátrico Niños de Acosta Ñu. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo, transversal. Fueron incluidos pacientes con diagnóstico de AME del Servicio de Neurología del Hospital General Pediátrico Niños de Acosta Ñu, desde julio 2013 a julio 2017. Variables: datos demográficos, síntomas, clasificación, estudio genético, complicaciones y evolución. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva. El comité de ética de investigación liberó el consentimiento informado. Resultados: Se incluyeron 26 pacientes con diagnóstico de AME 5q. El 57,5%(15/26) fueron del sexo masculino. Consultaron por: no camina (19,2%), dificultad respiratoria y escaso movimiento (19,2%). Tipos de AME 5q: I 15/26 (57,7%), II 8/26 (30,7%) y III 3/26 (11,5%). Mediana de edad de diagnóstico clínico y genético: 6 meses y 7,5 meses respectivamente. La alteración genética fue delección homocigota en exones 7 y 8 del gen SMN1. Complicaciones más frecuentes: respiratorias, nutricionales y osteoarticulares. Casi todos recibieron fisioterapia motora y respiratoria más soporte nutricional. Ninguno recibió tratamiento específico modificador. Fallecieron 12/15 de AME tipo I. La mediana de edad de fallecimiento fue 8 meses. Conclusión: se encontró un patrón clínico, epidemiológico y genético clásico, con diagnóstico clínico y genético tardíos.

Resumo Este artigo apresenta os resultados de pesquisa envolvendo a formação docente em tempos de cibercultura e sua inter-relação com conhecimentos, habilidades e atitudes para atuação de professores no cenário educacional influenciado pelo uso de Tecnologias Digitais (TDs). A discussão aqui proposta é resultante de uma pesquisa qualitativa, apoiada por um estudo de caso, com dados coletados por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, no cenário de uma universidade comunitária no sul do Brasil, tendo como sujeitos os docentes que ministram disciplinas com abordagem semipresencial. Utilizou-se, para realizar a análise dos dados, uma metodologia associada à análise textual discursiva. A investigação possibilitou compreender as competências evidenciadas pelos docentes que empreendem boas práticas pedagógicas com TDs, resultando em elementos que nos permitem refletir acerca do planejamento de ações formativas no âmbito do desenvolvimento acadêmico/profissional de professores em serviço. Foram identificadas quatro grandes competências a serem objeto de reflexão: fluência digital, prática pedagógica, planejamento e mediação pedagógica. Neste artigo, discutimos os desdobramentos da fluência digital, por entender sua contribuição para docentes que desejam utilizar/criar práticas pedagógicas com TDs, a partir de suas experiências e das de seus pares. Os sujeitos entrevistados no estudo demostraram um nível de familiaridade diferenciado quanto ao uso de tecnologias, mas evidenciaram restrições na sua formação no que tange a aspectos didático-metodológicos. Os resultados forneceram-nos indicadores para refletirmos a respeito da organização de espaços de formação estrategicamente pensados para que o corpo docente experimente, teste, discuta e troque experiências acerca das possibilidades didáticas para compor suas práticas com uso de TDs.

Abstract This article presents the research results involving teacher training in the era of cyberculture and its interrelation with knowledge, skills and attitudes by teachers in an educational context influenced by the use of Digital Technologies (DTs). The discussion advanced here results from a qualitative investigation, consisting of a case study, with data collected from semi-structured interviews with teachers of courses with a hybrid approach, in the setting of a non-profit university in the south of Brazil. To analyze the data, we used a methodology associated to discourse textual analysis. This investigation provided an understanding of the competencies evidenced by teachers who engage in good teaching practices with DTs, resulting in elements that allow us to reflect on planning educational actions in the scope of the academic/professional development of working professors. Four major competencies were identified as the object of reflection: digital fluency, teaching practice, planning and pedagogical intervention. In this article, we discuss the developments of digital fluency, for understanding its contribution to teachers that wish to use/create teaching practices with DTs, based on their experiences and those of their peers. The subjects interviewed in this study demonstrated a heightened level of familiarity regarding the use of technologies, but had limited training with respect to their didactic-methodological aspects. The results provided us with indicators to reflect on the organization of strategically-prepared training spaces so that the faculty can experiment, test, discuss and exchange experiences regarding teaching activities to include in their practices with the use of DTs.

Resumo Objetivo A diversidade de peixes em dois ambientes lacustres, uma lagoa conectada (lagoa do Barbosa) ao rio e outro artificial (reservatório das Ninfeias) foram determinadas nos períodos seco e chuvoso de 2015. Métodos Espécimes foram capturados utilizando-se redes de emalhar. Parâmetros ambientais como a temperatura, condutividade elétrica, pH, oxigênio dissolvido e transparência da água foram medidos durante os dois períodos. Resultados Foram coletados 546 exemplares de peixes, de 9 famílias, 12 gêneros e 15 espécies das ordens Characiformes, Siluriformes, Cichliformes e Gymnotiformes. Pimelodus maculatus foi a espécie mais abundante na lagoa do Barbosa. No reservatório foram capturadas duas espécies, Geophagus brasiliensis e Hoplias malabaricus, com predomínio da primeira. As espécies dominantes nos ambientes estudados corresponderam a 48,71% do total de exemplares. A composição da ictiofauna da lagoa revelou uma maior riqueza da ordem Characiformes (66,7%). Siluriformes e Gymnotiformes representaram 13,3% cada e a ordem Cichliformes 6,7% do total de espécies. No reservatório artificial houve contribuição equivalente de Cichliformes e de Characiformes. A diversidade foi maior na lagoa (H’ = 2,05) e menor no reservatório (H’ = 0,34). Diferenças significativas (p<0,05) da diversidade foram encontradas entre a lagoa conectada e o reservatório. A captura de peixes foi menor na seca (24,7%) que no período chuvoso (75,3%). A PCA separou os dois ambientes e os períodos pela diferença na condutividade elétrica da água. A prevalência de espécies das ordens Characiformes e Siluriformes obedece ao padrão encontrado para a ictiofauna da região Neotropical. Conclusões A análise do padrão de diversidade da ictiofauna dos ambientes estudados mostrou que o ambiente conectado ao rio apresenta maior diversidade quando comparado ao reservatório artificial. A presença de macrófitas aquáticas de diferentes espécies pode ser um fator regulador na estruturação da comunidade de peixes da lagoa conectada ao rio.

Abstract Aim Fish diversity in two lentic environments: a lake connected (Barbosa lake) to a river and an artificial reservoir (Ninfeias reservoir) were determined in the dry and rainy periods in 2015. We expected to find more diversity in the connected lake and greater abundance in the reservoir. Methods Specimens were caught using gill nets. Moreover, environmental parameters such as temperature, electrical conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen and water transparency were measured during the two periods. Results 546 specimens were collected from 9 families, 12 genera and 15 species of the orders Characiformes, Siluriformes, Cichliformes and Gymnotiformes. Pimelodus maculatus was the most abundant species in the connected lake. Two species were caught from the reservoir: Geophagus brasiliensis and Hoplias malabaricus, the former being predominant. The dominant species in the studied environments corresponded to 48.71% of the total number of specimens. The ichthyofaunal composition from the lake showed a high richness of the order Characiformes (66.7%). Siluriformes and Gymnotiformes represented 13.3% each and the order Cichliformes only 6.7% of the total number of species. In the artificial reservoir, there was an equivalent contribution of Cichliformes and Characiformes. The diversity was higher in the lake (H' = 2.05) and lower in the reservoir (H' = 0.34). Significant differences (p<0.05) of diversity were found between the connected lake and the reservoir. The catch of fish was lower in the dry season (24.7%) than the rainy season (62.3%). The principal component analysis (PCA) showed segregation between the two environments and periods, which was due to the difference in water electrical conductivity. The prevalence of species of the orders Characiformes and Siluriformes follows the pattern found for the ichthyofauna in the Neotropical region. Conclusions The analysis of distinct patterns of diversity and abundance of the ichthyofauna from the studied environments showed that the environment connected to the river has a high diversity when compared to the reservoir. The presence of aquatic macrophytes of different species may be a regulating factor in structuring the fish community of the lake connected to the river.

ABSTRACT Although jaundice affects more than half of infants in the first week of life, only a few of them develop severe hyperbilirubinemia and are at risk of developing bilirubin encephalopathy. Neurological involvement may occur acutely (acute bilirubin encephalopathy,) which may or may not progress to a chronic form (Kernicterus), or with a constellation of sensory, motor and cognitive, subacute or chronic symptoms, depending on the presence of risk factors that increase susceptibility to neurological damage. Free bilirubin interacts with inflammatory cytokines and is responsible for neuronal and glial cell damage in the central nervous system. Despite different methods to prevent severe hyperbilirubinemia, Kernicterus cases continue to be reported, especially in developing countries, including some where this condition constitutes a public health problem.

RESUMEN Aunque la ictericia afecta a más de la mitad de los neonatos en la primera semana de vida, sólo un grupo de ellos pueden desarrollar hiperbilirrubinemia severa y estar en riesgo de desarrollar encefalopatía bilirrubínica. La afectación neurológica puede presentarse con un cuadro agudo (la encefalopatía bilirrubínica aguda), la cual puede o no progresar a una forma crónica (Kernicterus), o con una constelación de síntomas sensoriales, motores y cognitivos, subagudos o crónicos, dependiendo de la presencia de factores de riesgo que aumentan la susceptibilidad al daño neurológico. La bilirrubina libre interactúa con citoquinas inflamatorias y es la responsable del daño neuronal y de las células de la glía en el sistema nervioso central. A pesar de las diferentes medidas de prevención de hiperbilirrubinemia severa, se siguen reportando casos de Kernicterus sobre todo en países en vías de desarrollo, en algunos de los cuales constituyen un problema de salud pública.

The atmospheric deposition of dissolved trace elements was investigated in two subtropical estuarine systems, located on the coast of Paraná, Southeast Brazil. The samples (n = 91) were collected in three periods, from May to September 2010, in four different areas. Trace elements concentrations (Al, Fe, Zn, Mn, Ba, Ca, Mo, V, As, Cu, Co, Ni, Cr and Pb) were determined for dissolved fraction using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). pH measurements revealed the occurrence of a slightly acidic precipitation in the investigated points. Among the trace elements, Zn was the most abundant, followed by Al, Fe, Mn, Cu, Ba and V. The analysis of the enrichment factors enabled the identification of the different sources of the analysed elements. The origin of the Al and Fe elements were entirely continental, whereas Zn was primarily associated with human activities. Thus, the atmospheric deposition may be a primary route of exposure to anthropogenic Zn for estuarine biota.

Resumo Objetivo: Nós identificamos e analisamos as fases de desenvolvimento do perifíton (exponencial e perda) em substrato artificial com base na taxa de acumulação de biomassa no período seco e chuvoso em um reservatório mesotrófico raso (Lago das Ninfeias, Parque Estadual das Fontes do Ipiranga, São Paulo, Brasil). Foi avaliado o tempo de colonização requerido para a mudança de fase de desenvolvimento, a qual também foi relacionada com as variáveis limnológicas. Métodos Foram analisadas variáveis limnológicas e do perifíton (clorofila-a, massa seca livre de cinzas, taxa acumulação líquida e bruta) durante 98 dias de exposição do substrato. Resultados No período chuvoso, a fase exponencial de acumulação de biomassa foi até o 28° dia de colonização, sendo seguida por uma fase de flutuação (35º-77° dia) e fase de perda (84°-98º dia). Na estação seca, a fase exponencial foi até o 35° dia, sendo seguida por uma fase de perda (42°-63° dia) e de flutuação (70° dia e 77° dia). Nesta estação, observou-se o início de uma nova fase exponencial de acumulação de biomassa (84° ao 98° dia). O pico de biomassa foi registrado no 42º dia no período chuvoso e no 98º dia no período seco. A biomassa e a taxa de acumulação bruta e líquida foram maiores no período seco do que no chuvoso. Conclusão A biomassa e a taxa de acumulação líquida e bruta do perifíton foram maiores no período seco, o qual foi caracterizado pela alta concentração de nitrogênio total e transparência da água e baixa pluviosidade. Concluímos que a taxa de acumulação de biomassa e duração das fases de desenvolvimento (exponencial, perda e flutuação) do perifíton mudaram com condições limnológicas em cada período climático no reservatório tropical raso estudado.

Abstract Aim: We identified and analyzed the developmental phases (exponential and loss) of periphyton on artificial substrates based on biomass accrual rate in dry and rainy seasons in a shallow mesotrophic reservoir (Ninfeias Reservoir, Parque Estadual das Fontes do Ipiranga, São Paulo, Brazil). We evaluated the colonization time required for the developmental phase to change, as well as related limnological variables. Methods Samplings were carried out weekly, totaling 98 days of substrates exposure. We analyzed the limnological and periphyton variables (chlorophyll a, ash free dry mass, net and gross accrual rate). Results Maximum biomass occurred on the 42nd day in rainy season and on the 98th day in dry season. In the rainy season, the exponential phase of biomass accrual continued until the 28th day of colonization, followed by a fluctuation phase (35th to 77th day) and then a loss phase (84th to 98th days). In the dry season, the exponential phase continued until the 35th day, followed by a loss phase (42th to 63rd day) and then a fluctuation phase (70th and 77th day). In the same season, we observed the beginning of a new exponential phase (84th to 98th day). The biomass peak was recorded on the 42nd colonization day in the rainy season and on the 98th day in the dry season. Biomass and gross and net accrual were higher in the dry season than in the rainy season. Conclusions Periphyton biomass and net and gross accrual rates were higher during the dry season, which was characterized by high total nitrogen concentration, water transparency and low rainfall. We concluded that periphyton biomass accrual and the duration of the developmental phases (exponential, loss and fluctuation) changed with variations in limnological conditions in each climatic period in the tropical shallow reservoir studied.

ResumoObjetivo:Identificar as dificuldades enfrentadas na prestação da assistência à pessoa hospitalizada no contexto dos cuidados paliativos em um Centro de Assistência de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia do estado do Rio de Janeiro, na percepção dos enfermeiros; e discutir estratégias para melhor qualificar a assistência de enfermagem nesse contexto.Métodos:Pesquisa descritiva, com abordagem qualitativa. Obteve aprovação do Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da instituição. Foram entrevistadas 13 enfermeiras. Os dados foram submetidos à análise temática.Resultados:Emergiram duas categorias: O lidar cotidiano do enfermeiro na presença de pessoas hospitalizadas em cuidados paliativos oncológicos; e Pensando em estratégias para melhor qualificar a assistência de enfermagem. Destacam-se a falta de conhecimento em cuidados paliativos; a necessária criação de leitos diferenciados; e formação de redes institucionais.Conclusão:O estudo alerta sobre a necessidade de mudanças efetivas para atendimento dessas pessoas, que dependem de esforço coletivo para qualificar a prática e da realização de novas pesquisas.

AbstractObjective:This study aimed to identify the difficulties faced up to provide care for people hospitalized in the context of palliative care in a High Complexity Oncology Care Center at Rio de Janeiro State according to Nurses’ perception, and discuss strategies to better qualify nursing care in this context.Methods:This descriptive study used a qualitative approach. Institutional Review Board approval was obtained. We interviewed 13 Nurses, and applied the thematic analysis to the data.Results:Two categories emerged: daily life of Nurses in the presence of patients in palliative cancer care; and thinking about strategies to better qualify the nursing care. They highlighted the lack of knowledge in palliative care; the necessary creation of differentiated beds; and creation of institutional networks.Conclusion:The study alerts to the need for effective changes to assist these people, who depend on collective effort to qualify the practice and on further research.

ResumenObjetivo:Identificar las dificultades en la prestación de la asistencia a la persona hospitalizada en el contexto de los cuidados paliativos en un Centro de Asistencia de Alta Complejidad en Oncología del Estado de Rio de Janeiro, bajo la percepción del enfermero; y discutir estrategias para mejorar la atención de enfermería en este escenario.Métodos:Investigación descriptiva, con enfoque cualitativo. Fueron entrevistadas trece enfermeras y los datos analizados según el análisis temático.Resultados:Emergieron dos categorías: el cotidiano del enfermero en la presencia de personas hospitalizadas en cuidados oncológicos paliativos; y la proposición de estrategias para cualificar la asistencia de enfermería. Se destaca la falta de conocimiento en los cuidados paliativos; la necesaria creación de sectores diferenciados; y formación de redes institucionales.Conclusión:El estudio advierte sobre la necesidad de cambios efectivos para atender a los enfermos, lo que requiere esfuerzo colectivo para cualificar la práctica y nuevas investigaciones.

AbstractObjective:This study aimed to identify the difficulties faced up to provide care for people hospitalized in the context of palliative care in a High Complexity Oncology Care Center at Rio de Janeiro State according to Nurses’ perception, and discuss strategies to better qualify nursing care in this context.Methods:This descriptive study used a qualitative approach. Institutional Review Board approval was obtained. We interviewed 13 Nurses, and applied the thematic analysis to the data.Results:Two categories emerged: daily life of Nurses in the presence of patients in palliative cancer care; and thinking about strategies to better qualify the nursing care. They highlighted the lack of knowledge in palliative care; the necessary creation of differentiated beds; and creation of institutional networks.Conclusion:The study alerts to the need for effective changes to assist these people, who depend on collective effort to qualify the practice and on further research.

ResumenObjetivo:Identificar las dificultades en la prestación de la asistencia a la persona hospitalizada en el contexto de los cuidados paliativos en un Centro de Asistencia de Alta Complejidad en Oncología del Estado de Rio de Janeiro, bajo la percepción del enfermero; y discutir estrategias para mejorar la atención de enfermería en este escenario.Métodos:Investigación descriptiva, con enfoque cualitativo. Fueron entrevistadas trece enfermeras y los datos analizados según el análisis temático.Resultados:Emergieron dos categorías: el cotidiano del enfermero en la presencia de personas hospitalizadas en cuidados oncológicos paliativos; y la proposición de estrategias para cualificar la asistencia de enfermería. Se destaca la falta de conocimiento en los cuidados paliativos; la necesaria creación de sectores diferenciados; y formación de redes institucionales.Conclusión:El estudio advierte sobre la necesidad de cambios efectivos para atender a los enfermos, lo que requiere esfuerzo colectivo para cualificar la práctica y nuevas investigaciones.

ResumoObjetivo:Identificar as dificuldades enfrentadas na prestação da assistência à pessoa hospitalizada no contexto dos cuidados paliativos em um Centro de Assistência de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia do estado do Rio de Janeiro, na percepção dos enfermeiros; e discutir estratégias para melhor qualificar a assistência de enfermagem nesse contexto.Métodos:Pesquisa descritiva, com abordagem qualitativa. Obteve aprovação do Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da instituição. Foram entrevistadas 13 enfermeiras. Os dados foram submetidos à análise temática.Resultados:Emergiram duas categorias: O lidar cotidiano do enfermeiro na presença de pessoas hospitalizadas em cuidados paliativos oncológicos; e Pensando em estratégias para melhor qualificar a assistência de enfermagem. Destacam-se a falta de conhecimento em cuidados paliativos; a necessária criação de leitos diferenciados; e formação de redes institucionais.Conclusão:O estudo alerta sobre a necessidade de mudanças efetivas para atendimento dessas pessoas, que dependem de esforço coletivo para qualificar a prática e da realização de novas pesquisas.

ResumoEste estudo avaliou a estrutura da comunidade de algas perifíticas emPanicum repens em pontos pluriespecíficos de macrófitas em reservatório raso (Lago das Ninféias, São Paulo, Brasil). O objetivo foi avaliar as mudanças na biomassa, abundância e composição espécies, bem como identificar as variáveis ambientais mais relacionadas à variação dos atributos estruturais da comunidade. Pontos de amostragem com a presença de três e quatro espécies de macrófitas (n=3) foram selecionados aleatoriamente (04/2010, 06/2010, 11/2010, 02/2011). Foram analisadas variáveis climáticas, abióticas da água, cobertura de macrófitas e atributos estruturais do perifíton. Bacillariophyceae e Chrysophyceae foram as classes algais mais abundantes e Frustulia crassinervia e Chromulina elegans as espécies mais representativas, respectivamente. Os maiores valores de biomassa e densidade algal e o menor índice autotrófico foram encontrados no verão, evidenciando o maior desenvolvimento da comunidade algal. Os nossos resultados mostraram que as mudanças na estrutura do perifíton foram determinadas primariamente pela sazonalidade. Concluiu-se que a abundância, biomassa e composição de algas perifíticas mudaram fortemente entre as estações do ano e que, a disponibilidade de luz e de nutrientes, particularmente o fósforo, foram as variáveis ambientais mais associadas às mudanças estruturais da comunidade durante o período de estudo.

AbstractThis study evaluated the periphytic algal community structure on Panicum repens at macrophytes pluriespecifics sites in shallow reservoir (Ninféias Reservoir, São Paulo, Brazil). The aim was to evaluate changes in species composition and abundance, as well as identify the environmental factors most related to the variation of the periphyton structural attributes. Sampling sites with presence of three and four macrophytes species (n = 3) were randomly selected in seasons (04/2010, 06/2010, 11/2010, 02/2011). Climate and water variables, cover macrophyte and periphyton structural attributes were analyzed. Bacillariophyceae and Chrysophyceae were the most abundant algal class andFrustulia crassinervia and Chromulina elegans were the most representative species. The highest biomass and algal density and the lowest autotrophic index were found in summer, showing the further development of the algal community. Our results showed that changes in the periphyton structure on P. repens were determined primarily by seasonality. We conclude that periphyton abundance, biomass and composition changed greatly between the seasons and the light and nutrients availability, particularly phosphorus, were the variables most associated with the community structural changes during the study period.

Copper and zinc are common elements in paint residues and can be toxic to estuarine organisms. This study aims to determine the labile dissolved and labile particulate fractions (LPFs) of copper and zinc in the estuarine waters of a shipyard in southern Brazil under different salinity levels and in different seasons. The labile dissolved fraction was determined using the diffusive gradient in thin-film (DGT) technique. The variations in DGT-Cu (0.22-1.05 µg L-1), DGT-Zn (0.54-18.39 µg L-1), LPF-Cu (1.22-3.77 µg g-1), and LPF-Zn (4.29-19.12 µg g-1) concentration were related to changes in their physico-chemical parameters and as a result of boat maintenance activities.

The prevalence of T. gondii infection was investigated in free-range chickens for human consumption in the county of Rio Bonito, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Thus, a search for antibodies to T. gondii by indirect fluorescent antibody test was done in the serum of 220 chickens from twenty two farms. Titres equal or greater than 16 were considered positive. The prevalence of toxoplasmic infection found in chickens was 27.6% (61/220). There were positive cases in eighteen (77.2%) farms. The more frequent titre was 16 (12.5%) and the highest was 4096 (0.4%). The high prevalence of T. gondii in chickens and the high percentage of farms with positive cases indicate environmental contamination in the studied area showing the possibility of human and animal infection.