Understanding the morphological and physiological correlates of competitive behaviours can provide important insights into the ecology of competition, home range size and resource consumption. Here we first estimated and defined sexual dimorphism in a poorly studied African cerambycid species, Cacosceles newmannii (Thomson, 1877). We then assessed morphological and physiological attributes of male beetles in relation to their fighting behaviour. Suites of morphological and energetic measurements were carried out on adult males, the latter before and after male-male interactions. Aggressive behaviour and the outcomes of male fighting trials were assessed under controlled conditions. The species is highly sexually dimorphic in relation to mandible size. During male-male interactions, a continuum of behaviours with an increasing risk of injury and metabolic cost was observed. Grasping was prolonged in males with larger fighting apparatus, who also tended to use more energy during the encounter than males displaying other behaviours. Our results indicate that the mandible size in C. newmannii serves as an honest signal of fighting ability in this species. Additionally, energetic assessments in preparation for fighting, costs during a fight, and persistence of metabolic costs post-fighting may be useful for understanding the relative fitness costs of competition.

OBJECTIVES: The present coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has ushered in an unprecedented era of quality control that has necessitated advanced safety precautions and the need to ensure the adequate protection of healthcare professionals (HCPs). Endoscopy units, endoscopists, and other HCP may be at a significant risk for transmission of the virus. Given the immense burden on the healthcare system and surge in the number of patients with COVID-19, well-designed protocols and recommendations are needed. We aimed to systematically characterize our approach to endoscopic procedures in a quaternary university hospital setting and provide summary protocol recommendations. METHOD: This descriptive study details a COVID-19-specific protocol designed to minimize infection risks to patients and healthcare workers in the endoscopy unit. RESULTS: Our institution, located in São Paulo, Brazil, includes a 900-bed hospital, with a 200-bed-specific intensive care unit exclusively designed for patients with moderate and severe COVID-19. We highlighted recommendations for infection prevention and control during endoscopic procedures, including appropriate triage and screening, outpatient management and procedural recommendations, role and usage of personal protective equipment (PPE), and role and procedural logistics involving COVID-19-positive patients. We also detailed hospital protocols for reprocessing endoscopes and cleaning rooms and also provided recommendations to minimize severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 transmission. CONCLUSION: This COVID-19-specific administrative and clinical protocol can be replicated or adapted in multiple institutions and endoscopy units worldwide. Furthermore, the recommendations and summary protocol may improve patient and HCP safety in these trying times.

Abstract Organic acidurias and aminoacidopathies are groups of frequent inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs), which are caused by mutations in specific genes that lead to loss of protein/enzyme or transport function with important deleterious effects to cell metabolism. Since a considerable number of such disorders are potentially treatable when diagnosed at an early stage of life, diagnosis is crucial for the patients. In the present report, we describe symptomatic individuals referred to our service that were diagnosed with these disorders from 2006 to 2016. We used blood and urine samples from 21,800 patients suspected of aminoacidopathies or organic acidemias that were processed by the analytical techniques reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography for amino acid quantification and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry for organic acid detection. Analysis of dried blood spots by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used in some cases. We detected 258 cases of organic acidurias, and 117 patients with aminoacidopathies were diagnosed. Once diagnosis was performed, patients were promptly submitted to the available treatments with clear reduction of mortality and morbidity. The obtained data may help pediatricians and metabolic geneticists to become aware of these diseases and possibly expand newborn screening programs in the future.

A análise do quadro geral da inserção profissional dos egressos é uma forma inequívoca para avaliação de Programas de Pós-Graduação no que tange à qualidade de sua formação e preparo de profissionais gabaritados para o mercado de trabalho. Este artigo relata a experiência pioneira do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Geografia- UNESP/ Rio Claro (SP) na construção de instrumentos de avaliação a partir da procedência, formação acadêmica e destino profissional dos egressos, nos níveis de Mestrado e Doutorado, no período de 1980-2008. Os resultados foram resumidos em gráficos e mapas e são elementos importantes para mostrar o desenvolvimento e a disseminação da ciência geográfica no Brasil e no exterior. A metodologia utilizada revelou-se extremamente eficaz, podendo ser utilizada por qualquer Programa, com as devidas adaptações, para avaliar tanto sua realidade quando sua extensão.

The analysis of the results about the alumni's professional positioning is an unequivocally way in order to evaluate the post graduation program regarding to quality of their background and the grooming of qualified professionals for a niche market. The purpose of this research is reporting a groundbreaking experience of the Post Graduation Program in Geography - UNESP/ Rio Claro - SP by framing criteria concerning the alumni's origin, academic background and their current position, in both Master Degree and PHD, between 1980-2008. The outcome have been summarized and placed into graphs and maps, becoming key element regarding to development and spreading the Geography science in Brazil and also abroad. The methodology which has been applied revealed to be extremely efficient, which could taken by any other Program, nevertheless taking its differences into consideration, in order to evaluate its reality as well as its range.

INTRODUÇÃO: Há indícios de que a proteína da soja poderia contribuir para reduzir a velocidade de progressão da doença renal, diminuindo colesterol sérico e proteinúria em pacientes com nefropatias. Este estudo foi desenvolvido para avaliar o efeito da die>ta com proteína da soja sobre proteinúria e dislipidemia, em pacientes com glomerulopatias proteinúricas. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos: o Grupo Controle (n = 9) recebeu dieta com 0,8 g/kg/dia de proteína animal; o Grupo de Estudo 1 (n = 9) recebeu dieta com 0,8 g/kg/dia de proteína da soja e o Grupo 2 (n = 9), dieta com 0,8 g/kg/dia de proteína da soja mais fibras. O período de estudo foi de oito semanas. Durante o período basal e no final do estudo, os pacientes foram submetidos à avaliação laboratorial e antropométrica. RESULTADOS: Não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os períodos pré e pós-intervenção em nenhum dos grupos estudados, nos parâmetros antropométricos ou na composição corporal entre os três grupos, nem nos níveis de proteinúria (Controle: 0.7 ± 0.6 versus 0.8 ± 0.6; Grupo 1: 2.0 ± 1.7 versus 1.9 ± 1.8; Grupo 2: 2.0 ± 1.4 versus 2.1 ± 2.0). No entanto, observou-se discreta diminuição nos níveis triglicérides (244.8+-275.9 versus 200.5+-34.0), colesterol total (234.0+-59.4 versus 181.2+-110.3) e LDL (136.0+-59.1 versus 104.1+-39.4) no Grupo 1, embora sem atingir significância estatística. CONCLUSÃO: Não foram detectados efeitos benéficos com a substituição da proteína animal pela proteína da soja em relação aos objetivos de reduzir proteinúria e hiperlipidemia; porém, constatou-se que a dieta de proteína da soja não causou alterações deletérias na composição corporal, mantendo um estado nutricional adequado.

INTRODUCTION: It has been suggested that soy protein can slow renal disease progression by decreasing plasma cholesterol and proteinuria in patients with nephropathies. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of soy protein on proteinuria and dyslipidemia, in patients with proteinuric glomerulopathies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were divided into three groups: Control Group (n = 9) received diet with 0.8 g/kg/day of animal protein; Study Group 1 (n = 9), 0.8 g/kg/day of soy protein; and Group 2 (n = 9), 0.8 g/kg/day of soy protein plus fibers. The study period corresponded to eight weeks. During the baseline period and by the end of the study, patients were submitted to laboratorial and anthropometric evaluation. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between baseline and post-diet periods among the three groups in anthropometric parameters or body composition, neither in proteinuria levels (Control: 0.7 ± 0.6 versus 0.8 ± 0.6; Group 1: 2.0 ± 1.7 versus 1.9 ± 1.8; Group 2: 2.0 ± 1.4 versus 2.1 ± 2.0). However, a slight decrease in triglycerides (244.8 ± 275.9 versus 200.5 ± 34.0), total (234.0 ± 59.4 versus 181.2 ± 110.3) and LDL (136.0 ± 59.1 versus 104.1 ± 39.4) cholesterol in Group 1 was observed, although not significant. CONCLUSION: We have not observed beneficial effects when using soy protein instead of animal protein with the aim of attenuating proteinuria and hyperlipidemia, but we have shown that soy protein has not caused deleterious changes in body composition, ensuring an adequate nutritional state.

Foram estudados os hábitos alimentares da raia-viola-de-focinho-curto, Zapteryx brevisrostris, com base em 382 espécimes coletados no litoral norte de São Paulo, sudeste do Brasil. A dieta mostrou predominância de crustáceos (carídeos e anfípodes), anelídeos poliquetos e ocasionalmente pequenos peixes, sipunculídeos e cefalópodes. A dieta de machos e fêmeas mostrou-se similar, entretanto, juvenis, subadultos e adultos demonstraram diferenças na composição de presas. As frequências dos itens diferiram ao longo do ano, provavelmente influenciadas por fatores oceanográficos, embora, em geral, a espécie se alimente predominantemente de crustáceos e poliquetos.

The feeding habits of the shortnose guitarfish, Zapteryx brevirostris, were studied based on 382 specimens from the northern São Paulo coast, southeast Brazil. The diet showed a predominance of crustaceans (carideans and amphipods), polychaete annelids, and occasionally small fish, sipunculids, and cephalopods. The diets of males and females were similar; however, differences in the proportion of prey items were found among juveniles, subadults, and adults. Differences in the ingestion of prey items were found during the year, probably influenced by oceanographic parameters, although in general, the species feeds mostly on crustaceans and polychaetes.

O objetivo deste estudo foi explorar a relação entre a aptidão física e a capacidade funcional de residentes em instituições de longa permanência para idosos de baixa renda. Foi realizada avaliação em seis instituições localizadas em três regiões do país. Amostra foi composta de 78 idosos, com média de idade de 77,4 anos (DP = 7,9). A avaliação da aptidão física aplicando-se testes da AAHPERD adaptada para idosos institucionalizados, e da capacidade funcional pela escala de Katz, constatou que a aptidão física, em seus cinco componentes, em média era regular na flexibilidade, coordenação, agilidade e resistência aeróbia, era boa no componente força. Já o Índice de Aptidão Física Geral (IAFG), em média era regular. Os resultados demonstram que quanto maior o grau de dependência dos idosos institucionalizados menor é a força e o resultado do IAFG e, quanto melhor é a coordenação e a agilidade melhor é o nível de independência para a realização das atividades da vida diária. As implicações estão em contribuir com os programas de exercícios físicos adequados na manutenção e/ou recuperação da funcionalidade.

This study analyzed the relationship between physical fitness and functional capacity in 78 residents of long-stay institutions for low-income elderly located in five regions of Brazil. The majority of the sample consisted of women, and mean age was 77.4 years (SD = 7.9). Physical fitness was assessed with the AAHPERD test, adjusted for institutionalized elderly. The Katz scale was used for functional capacity. The five components of physical fitness rated fair for flexibility, coordination, agility, and aerobic endurance and good for strength. The mean general physical fitness (GPF) index was fair. According to the findings, the greater the degree of dependency in institutionalized elderly, the lesser their strength and GPF level; meanwhile, better coordination and agility are associated with greater independence for performing activities of daily living. The results can contribute to appropriate physical exercise programs for maintenance and/or recovery of functionality.

O objetivo deste estudo foi explorar a relação entre a aptidão física e a capacidade funcional de residentes em instituições de longa permanência para idosos de baixa renda. Foi realizada avaliação em seis instituições localizadas em três regiões do país. Amostra foi composta de 78 idosos, com média de idade de 77,4 anos (DP = 7,9). A avaliação da aptidão física aplicando-se testes da AAHPERD adaptada para idosos institucionalizados, e da capacidade funcional pela escala de Katz, constatou que a aptidão física, em seus cinco componentes, em média era regular na flexibilidade, coordenação, agilidade e resistência aeróbia, era boa no componente força. Já o Índice de Aptidão Física Geral (IAFG), em média era regular. Os resultados demonstram que quanto maior o grau de dependência dos idosos institucionalizados menor é a força e o resultado do IAFG e, quanto melhor é a coordenação e a agilidade melhor é o nível de independência para a realização das atividades da vida diária. As implicações estão em contribuir com os programas de exercícios físicos adequados na manutenção e/ou recuperação da funcionalidade.

This study analyzed the relationship between physical fitness and functional capacity in 78 residents of long-stay institutions for low-income elderly located in five regions of Brazil. The majority of the sample consisted of women, and mean age was 77.4 years (SD = 7.9). Physical fitness was assessed with the AAHPERD test, adjusted for institutionalized elderly. The Katz scale was used for functional capacity. The five components of physical fitness rated fair for flexibility, coordination, agility, and aerobic endurance and good for strength. The mean general physical fitness (GPF) index was fair. According to the findings, the greater the degree of dependency in institutionalized elderly, the lesser their strength and GPF level; meanwhile, better coordination and agility are associated with greater independence for performing activities of daily living. The results can contribute to appropriate physical exercise programs for maintenance and/or recovery of functionality.

One hundred and ten specimens of Pseudoplatystoma corruscans (Agassiz, 1829) (Pimelodidae), "pintado", and 582 specimens of Schizodon borelli (Boulenger, 1900) (Anostomidae), "piava", collected in the floodplain of the high Paraná River were analyzed. P. corruscans presented 74.54% of parasitism while S. borelli presented 19.42%. Results of the present research show that in the case of P. corruscans, two species of proteocephalideans presented a significant relationship with the type of environment with regard to prevalence. Spasskyelina spinulifera (Woodland, 1935) was the only species that presented a relationship between the intensity of infection and the environment. In S. borelli only Cucullanus pinnai Travassos. Artigas & Pereira, 1928 presented a relationship with the environment. In this case the mean intensity was greater in lentic environments. The high values of the similarity index in the three environments studied indicate a considerable homogeneity of the endohelminths' species with regard to P. corruscans and S. borelli. This is probably due to what occurs with environments during the high water period when they are interlinked. The hydrological level was a less influential variable in endoparasitic infrapopulations of the hosts studied. In P. corruscans only three species, S. spinulifera, Nomimoscolex sudobim Woodland, 1934 and Megatnylacus travassosi Pavanelli & Rego, 1992 presented higher mean intensities in the high water period. This fact was also observed in the case of C. pinnai in S. borelli.

Os Autores, após terem demonstrado no laboratório a atividade "in vitro" de 119 produtos naturais de origem vegetal no bloqueio da evolução externa de Ancilostomídeos e S. stercoralis, pesquisaram a aplicação prática da Profilaxia ecológica fitoquímica das respectivas endemias parasitárias. A investigação foi realizada em dois grupos populacionais de favelados da Ilha do Governador (Rio de Janeiro, Brasil), ao longo de 26 meses de intenso trabalho que compreendeu: 1) seleção e levantamento demográfico das áreas; 2) inquérito geral para determinação da incidência parasitária; 3) introdução dos vegetais ativos em uma das áreas, ficando a outra como controle; 4) tratamento em massa de ambas as populações, repetido 10 meses depois; 5) três controles epidemiológicos, após cada tratamento e a intervalos constantes de 60 a 70 dias, para verificação das reinfestações e do confronto final da prevalência das helmintoses nas duas áreas. Das plantas introduzidas somente se adaptou o C. citratus que atingiu uma concentração média de uma touceira por 10 m². Os níveis de ancilostomose cairam na área plantada de 23,2% para 2,2% e na área controle de 14,5% para 5,8%, durante o período de 21 meses da investigação. A estrongiloidose desceu de 17,1% para 0,6% na área tratada fitoecologicamente e de 13,0% para 2,9% na área controle. Da população inicialmente examinada, 46% foram acompanhados até o término da experiência. A redução da prevalência de ancilostomídeos, 30,5% superior na área plantada, é considerada estatisticamente significativa e, portanto, o novo método profilático válido e viável. Para conclusão definitiva, já teve início uma pesquisa comparada, sob rigorosas condições de controle. Tudo indica que o método ora instituído, pioneiro na literatura mundial, seja de grande valor profilático reduzindo sensivelmente a prevalência, após tratamento em massa das populações, nas áreas endêmicas. Pelas suas características, tais como aceitação popular, pequeno custo operacional e, sobretudo, obtenção de resultados a curto prazo, será altamente oportuno, considerando-se que os recursos convencionais são baseados na educação e engenharia sanitárias, cujos resultados são obtidos a médio e longo prazos e sempre dependentes de cada indivíduo. Além da aplicação médico-sanitária, a presente pesquisa poderá estabelecer possibilidades na profilaxia de certas fitonoses e zoonoses de grande importância econômica na agropecuária.

The previously reported activity of natural products of plant origin which inhibit the external larval evolution of Ancylostomidae and of Strongyloides stercoralis, has now been applied in the pratical ecological prophylaxis of human parasitic disease. The study was made in two populations of low economic level inhabiting shanty towns on the Ilha do Governador, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. During 26 months the following phases were completed: 1 - selection and census ofeach area; 2 - parasitological survey; 3 - mass treatment of both populations with the anthelminthics pyrantel pamoate and thiabendazole, this treatment repeated 10 months later; 4 - introduction of plants with parasitic inhibitory activity in one area, leaving the other as control; 5 - three epidemiological Controls, one after each treatment and then at intervals of 60 to 70 days to determine the prevalence and reinfection leveis of the two parasites in each area. Of the plants introduced only lemon-grass, Cymbopogon citratus, survived and attained an average density of one dump per 10 m². Ancylostomiasis levels fell in the plantedarea from 23.2% to 2.2% and in the control are from 14.5% to 5.8% during the twenty-one month study. Strongyloidiasis fell from 17.1% to 0.6% in the planted area, and from 13% to 2.9% in the control area. 46% of the initially examined populations were followed through to the end. The reduction in prevalence of hookworms, 30.5% higher in the planted area, is considered statistically significant, and the method therefore valid and viable. Supporting evidence is being sought in a parallel experiment with animais where complete control is possible. The method, apparently novel, seems of value in the reduction of reinfection after mass treatment in endemic areas. It is popularly acceptable, cheap and produces quick results and may bridge the gap until definitive measures such as sanitary education and engineering produce their longer term solution. In addition to the medicai and sanitary application, the results presented suggest applications in the veterinary and phytosanitary fields.