Abstract Bacteria responsible for causing infections are common in hospital environments, water, soil, and food products. The infection risk is intensified by the absence of public sanitation, poor quality of life, and food scarcity. These external factors promote the dissemination of pathogens by direct contamination or biofilm formation. In this work, we identified bacterial isolates obtained from intensive care units in the southern region of Tocantins, Brazil. We compared matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) techniques and 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) molecular analysis; we also performed phenotypic characterization. Fifty-six isolates characterized using morphotinctorial tests were classified as gram-positive (80.4%; n = 45) and gram-negative (19.6%; n = 11) and were resistant to several antibiotic classes; notably, we identified the blaOXA-23 resistance gene in the ILH10 isolate. Microbial identification using MALDI-TOF MS resulted in the identification of Sphingomonas paucimobilis and Bacillus circulans. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed four isolates belonging to the genera Bacillus and Acinetobacter. The similarity was superior to 99% for Acinetobacter schindleri in the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST), grouped in the clade superior to 90%. Several strains isolated from intensive care units (ICU) were resistant to various antibiotic classes. These techniques allowed for the identification of several microorganisms of importance in public health, enabling improvements in human infection control and proving the quality of inputs, food, and water.

Resumo As bactérias responsáveis por causar infecções são comuns em ambientes hospitalares, água, solo e produtos alimentícios. O risco de infecção é intensificado pela ausência de saneamento público, má qualidade de vida e escassez de alimentos. Esses fatores externos promovem a disseminação de patógenos por contaminação direta ou formação de biofilme. Neste trabalho, identificamos isolados bacterianos obtidos de unidades de terapia intensiva na região sul do Tocantins, Brasil. Comparamos técnicas de espectrometria de massa de tempo de voo com ionização por dessorção a laser assistida por matriz (MALDI-TOF MS) e análise molecular de ácido ribonucleico ribossômico 16S (rRNA); também realizamos caracterização fenotípica. Cinquenta e seis isolados caracterizados por testes morfotintoriais foram classificados como gram-positivos (80,3%; n = 45) e gram-negativos (19,6%; n = 11) e foram resistentes a várias classes de antibióticos; notavelmente, identificamos o gene de resistência blaOXA-23 no isolado de ILH10. A identificação microbiana usando MALDI-TOF MS resultou na identificação de Sphingomonas paucimobilis e Bacillus circulans. O sequenciamento do 16S rRNA revelou quatro isolados pertencentes aos gêneros Bacillus e Acinetobacter. A similaridade foi superior a 99% para Acinetobacter schindleri no BLAST, agrupado no clado superior a 90%. Várias cepas isoladas de ICU foram resistentes a várias classes de antibióticos. Essas técnicas permitiram a identificação de diversos microrganismos de importância em saúde pública, possibilitando melhorias no controle de infecções humanas e comprovando a qualidade dos insumos, alimentos e água.

Abstract The present study was based on the analysis of 10,467 trawls of the industrial piramutaba (Brachyplatystoma vaillantii) fishing fleet of the Brazilian state of Pará, which were mapped by onboard GPS loggers (between February 2008 and September 2011) and the PREPS data from 40 vessels which were tracked by this system between 2008 and 2011. The variation in the mean monthly CPUE, based on Lomb’s periodogram, revealed a well-defined and constant cycle with a duration of approximately one year. Three environmental factors influenced this cycle. The El Niño 3.4 index had a negative correlation with the CPUE of the piramutaba fishery, with a time lag of 15 months, while monthly rainfall and the mean discharge of the Amazon River correlated strongly (r=0.89 and 0.87, respectively; p<0.001) with the CPUE, with time lags of 12 and 11 months, respectively. The spatiotemporal analysis of the distribution of the activity of the piramutaba fishing fleet indicated that the most intense area of operation of the fleet lies between latitudes 00º N and 02° N, and longitudes 047º40’ W and 049º40’ W. This area was divided into four geographic quadrants, although fishery operations were concentrated in only three of these quadrants. The study proposed a quadrimester fishing cycle with zoning in three of the quadrants, where fishing would be permitted for four months (occupation period), followed by an 8-month rest period for the recuperation of stocks, aiming at the sustainability of this fishing exploration.

Resumo O inseto sugador, Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae), é de origem australiana e reduz a produtividade de cultivos do gênero Eucalyptus. O parasitoide Psyllaephagus bliteus Riek (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) é o principal agente utilizado no manejo integrado de G. brimblecombei. Endossimbiontes, em insetos, são importantes na adaptação e proteção de seus hospedeiros ao ambiente que habitam. Wolbachia, um simbionte intracelular, induz alterações reprodutivas, como feminização, incompatibilidade citoplasmática, morte de machos e partenogênese. O objetivo foi relatar o primeiro registro de Wolbachia pipientis em populações de G. brimblecombei e de seu parasitoide P. bliteus em campo no Brasil. Ramos com adultos de G. brimblecombei e P. bliteus foram coletados em árvores de eucalipto em plantios comerciais em seis estados do Brasil e, após a emergência, os insetos obtidos foram congelados -20 °C. A reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) foi realizada para detectar o endossimbionte Wolbachia. Wolbachia pipientis foi identificado em indivíduos de G. brimblecombei e de seu parasitoide P. bliteus de populações de Agudos e Mogi-Guaçu (São Paulo), Itamarandiba (Minas Gerais) e São Jerônimo da Serra (Paraná), Brasil.

Abstract The sucking insect, Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae), is originally from Australia and reduces the productivity of Eucalyptus crops. The parasitoid Psyllaephagus bliteus Riek (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is the main agent used in the integrated management of G. brimblecombei. Endosymbionts, in insects, are important in the adaptation and protection of their hosts to the environment. The intracellular symbionts Wolbachia, induces reproductive changes such as cytoplasmic incompatibility, feminization, male death and parthenogenesis. The objective of this study was to report the first record of Wolbachia pipientis in populations of G. brimblecombei and of its parasitoid P. bliteus in the field in Brazil. Branches with adults of G. brimblecombei and P. bliteus were collected from eucalyptus trees in commercial farms in six Brazilian states and, after emergence, the insects obtained were frozen at -20 °C. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect the Wolbachia endosymbiont. Wolbachia pipientis was identified in individuals of G. brimblecombei and its parasitoid P. bliteus from populations of the counties of Agudos and Mogi-Guaçu (São Paulo State), Itamarandiba (Minas Gerais State) and São Jerônimo da Serra (Paraná State) in Brazil.

Resumo A bacia do rio Negro é considerada a maior área de extrativismo de peixes ornamentais do Brasil. Esta área possui importância fundamental para as populações da Amazônia. O presente estudo objetivou descrever o perfil socioeconômico de pescadores conhecidos como “piabeiros” no município de Barcelos, bem como a pesca ornamental, área de pesca, espécies-alvo, ambientes, técnicas de pesca, equipamentos, técnicas de captura e dificuldades enfrentadas nesta atividade. O estudo foi realizado por meio de entrevistas semi - estruturadas, com pescadores artesanais ornamentais (N= 89). Os dados mostram que as famílias de peixes ornamentais capturados e comercializados foram: Characidae, Lebiasinidae, Gasteropelecidae, Cichilidae, Anostomidae, Loricaridae, Potamotrygonidae e Gymnotidae. As áreas de captura descritas foram igarapés, lagos, alagados, praias, margens de rios e floresta de igapó. O Rapiché foi o equipamento mais utilizado nas pescarias tanto pelos pescadores das áreas urbanas (43,81%) como rurais (41,89%). A maioria dos pescadores está associada à colônia de pescadores de Barcelos (Z33). Os dados coletados mostraram que a dinâmica da pesca ornamental mudou em pouco tempo e afetou diretamente os pescadores. Além da baixa taxa de renovação, com a participação de pescadores mais jovens, ameaçando a transmissão de conhecimento ecológico para as gerações futuras. Como resultado, notamos o aumento dos problemas relacionados à cadeia produtiva e a ausência de poder público na atividade. A pesca ornamental já foi tratada como uma das principais atividades econômicas para as comunidades locais e para o Estado do Amazonas.

Abstract The Negro river basin is considered the largest area of extractive of ornamental fish in Brazil. This area has fundamental importance for the populations from the Amazon. The present study aimed to describe socioeconomic profile of ornamental fishermen known as “piabeiros” in the Municipality of Barcelos, as well as the ornamental fishery, fisheries area, target species, environments, fishing techniques, equipment, capture techniques and main difficulties faced by the current activity. This study was carried out in municipality of Barcelos, through semi - structured interviews, with artisanal ornamental fishermen (N= 89). The main families of ornamental fish caught and traded were: Characidae, Lebiasinidae, Gasteropelecidae, Cichilidae, Anostomidae, Loricaridae, Potamotrygonidae and Gymnotidae. The main catchment areas were igarapés, lakes, flooded fields, beaches, river banks and igapó forest. Rapiché was the most used equipment in the fisheries both by the fishermen of the urban areas (43.81%) and rural (41.89%). Most of the fishermen are associated with the colony of fishermen of Barcelos (Z33). The data showed that the dynamics of ornamental fishing have changed in a short time and directly affected fishermen, in addition to the low age renewal with the participation of younger fishermen, threatening the transmission of ecological knowledge to future generations. As a result, the increase of the problems related to the productive chain and absence of public power to the activity, since ornamental fishing has already been treated as one of the main economic activities more important for the local communities and for the State of Amazonas.

Resumo Desenvolvemos dois experimentos para testar se C. perspicillata pode agir como indutor da germinação de sementes de C. pachystachya. Primeiro comparamos a germinação das sementes retiradas das fezes do morcego, de sementes tratadas em soluções ácidas e sementes retiradas de infrutescências da planta. Avaliamos também a germinação das sementes após 4 meses de armazenamento. A porcentagem de germinação das sementes foi reduzida após a ingestão do morcego, entretanto, ainda com altas taxas de germinação (76%). Sementes ingeridas pelo morcego mantiveram sua viabilidade após o período de armazenamento. C. perspicillata pode ser considerado um dispersor eficiente de sementes de C. pachystachya.

Abstract We tested if seed germination of the tree Cecropia pachystachya is induced after being consumed by the frugivorous bat Carollia perspicillata. We carried out two essays; in the first, we compared germination of seeds from C. perspicillata feces, seeds chemically scarified in acid solutions, and seeds from fresh C. pachystachya infructescences. In the second essay we evaluated seed viability after four months storage. Percentage of seed germination was reduced after C. perspicillata ingestion, but nevertheless remained high (76%). Seeds ingested by this bat also maintain their viability after storage, and C. perspicillata can be considered an effective seed disperser of C. pachystachya seeds.

Abstract In this paper the production and characterization of compacted graphite iron alloys in ten chemical compositions is presented. The specimens were obtained through a foundry process performed by a gating system model developed in order to allow the incorporation of silicon, copper and tin. Hardness and tensile tests were performed, as well as microstructural evaluation. Additionally, the results related to the experimental investigation were compared to those obtained from a finite element method analysis. The results showed a correlation between the addition of silicon and the increase of ferrite and graphite count per mm2. Regarding copper and tin additions, the percentage increase of pearlite was associated with the reduction of graphite average size. Changes in chemical composition led to different values of ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and hardness, whose magnitude was mainly related to the amount of ferrite. Computer simulation was considered efficient in predicting these results.

RESUMO O objetivo desse estudo é verificar se há relação entre o comprimento dos isquiotibiais, função motora grossa e marcha em crianças e adolescentes com paralisia cerebral (PC). Os participantes, entre 6 e 18 anos, foram classificados pelo Sistema de Classificação da Função Motora Grossa (GMFCS) nos níveis I, II e III através da escala Tardieu modificada, para avaliar o comprimento dos músculos isquiotibiais, sendo identificados em: R1 (primeira resistência da extensão da perna), R2 (segunda resistência da extensão da perna) e R2-R1 (diferença entre R1 e R2) do membro inferior esquerdo e direito. Para avaliar a função motora grossa, foi utilizado o teste gross motor function measure (GMFM-88), e a escala physicians rating scale modificada (PRS) foi utilizada para avaliar a marcha. Vinte e três participantes foram incluídos e os resultados evidenciaram correlações moderadas entre R1, R2 e PRS do membro inferior esquerdo e GMFM. As demais variáveis apresentaram uma correlação fraca.

ABSTRACT This study aims at assessing the relationship between hamstring length, gross motor function, and gait in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Children and adolescents aged between 6 and 18 years, were classified as levels I, II or III according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System. Participants were assessed using a modified Tardieu Scale to determine hamstring length, evaluating: R1 (first leg extension resistance), R2 (second leg extension resistance) and R2-R1 (difference between R1 and R2) of the left and right lower limbs. The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) was used to evaluate gross motor function and the modified Physicians Rating Scale (PRS) for gait. Twenty-three participants were included in the study and the results showed a moderate correlation between R1, R2, and PRS of the left leg and the GMFM. All other variables exhibited a weak correlation. Hamstring length was weakly to moderately related to gross motor function and gait in children and adolescents with CP.

RESUMEN El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo verificar si existe una relación entre el tamaño de los isquiotibiales, la función motora gruesa y la marcha en niños y adolescentes con parálisis cerebral (PC). Los participantes con edades entre 6 y 18 años fueron clasificados en el Sistema de Clasificación de la Función Motora Gruesa (GMFCS) en los niveles I, II y III utilizando la escala Tardieu modificada para evaluar el tamaño de los músculos isquiotibiales, y que los identificaron en: R1 (primera resistencia de extensión de la pierna), R2 (segunda resistencia de extensión de la pierna) y R2-R1 (diferencia entre R1 y R2) de la extremidad inferior izquierda y derecha. Para evaluar la función motora gruesa, se utilizó la prueba Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88); y para evaluar la marcha, la escala Physicians Rating Scale modificada (PRS). Se incluyeron 23 participantes, y los resultados mostraron correlaciones moderadas entre R1, R2 y PRS del miembro inferior izquierdo y GMFM. Las otras variables tuvieron una correlación débil.

Resumo A transecção do nervo isquiático (SNT), um modelo para estudar dor neuropática, simula os sintomas clínicos do “membro fantasma”, uma condição dolorosa que ocorre nos humanos após amputação ou secção completa da medula espinal. Essa condição muda a atividade da acetilcolinesterase (AChE), a enzima responsável pela rápida hidrólise da acetilcolina liberada nas sinapses colinérgicas, em alguns tecidos de vertebrados. Em medula espinal de rã Rana pipiens, a atividade da AChE não foi significativamente alterada nos primeiros dias após a secção da raiz ventral, outro modelo para o estudo da dor neuropática. Uma questão ainda não respondida é se a SNT diminui a atividade da AChE na medula espinal de rã Lithobates catesbeianus, uma espécie que vem sendo usada como modelo em estudos da dor neuropática induzida por SNT. Como cada modelo animal é criado a partir de metodologia específica, e seus resultados tendem a variar com pequenas mudanças na metodologia de indução da dor, o presente estudo avaliou a atividade da AChE em medula espinal lombossacral de rã-touro Lithobates catesbeianus, adultos, machos, 3 e 10 dias após a completa SNT. Como há diferenças temporais na maturação de placas motoras em músculos esqueléticos de ratos, nosso estudo ainda demonstrou, na rã-touro, os efeitos da SNT sobre a atividade da AChE nos músculos esqueléticos tibial posticus, um músculo postural, e gastrocnêmio, um músculo frequentemente usado em estudos do sistema motor. A atividade da AChE não mudou significativamente na medula espinal aos 3 e 10 dias após a SNT. Nos músculos, a atividade não alterou significativamente aos 3 dias após a lesão, mas reduziu de forma significativa aos 10 dias após a SNT. Aos 10 dias, a diminuição foi 18% no músculo tibial posticus e 20% no gastrocnêmio. No momento, nós não temos explicação para essa mudança na atividade da AChE. Embora temporalmente diferente, o sentido da mudança é similar ao que é descrito em ratos. Esta similaridade torna a rã-touro um modelo válido para se estudar questões ainda não respondidas da SNT sobre a AChE.

Abstract Sciatic nerve transection (SNT), a model for studying neuropathic pain, mimics the clinical symptoms of “phantom limb”, a pain condition that arises in humans after amputation or transverse spinal lesions. In some vertebrate tissues, this condition decreases acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, the enzyme responsible for fast hydrolysis of released acetylcholine in cholinergic synapses. In spinal cord of frog Rana pipiens, this enzyme’s activity was not significantly changed in the first days following ventral root transection, another model for studying neuropathic pain. An answerable question is whether SNT decreases AChE activity in spinal cord of frog Lithobates catesbeianus, a species that has been used as a model for studying SNT-induced neuropathic pain. Since each animal model has been created with a specific methodology, and the findings tend to vary widely with slight changes in the method used to induce pain, our study assessed AChE activity 3 and 10 days after complete SNT in lumbosacral spinal cord of adult male bullfrog Lithobates catesbeianus. Because there are time scale differences of motor endplate maturation in rat skeletal muscles, our study also measured the AChE activity in bullfrog tibial posticus (a postural muscle) and gastrocnemius (a typical skeletal muscle that is frequently used to study the motor system) muscles. AChE activity did not show significant changes 3 and 10 days following SNT in spinal cord. Also, no significant change occurred in AChE activity in tibial posticus and gastrocnemius muscles at day 3. However, a significant decrease was found at day 10, with reductions of 18% and 20% in tibial posticus and gastrocnemius, respectively. At present we cannot explain this change in AChE activity. While temporally different, the direction of the change was similar to that described for rats. This similarity indicates that bullfrog is a valid model for investigating AChE activity following SNT.

Abstract This study described a broad clinical characterization of classical homocystinuria (HCU) in Brazil. This was a cross-sectional, observational study including clinical and biochemical data from 72 patients (60 families) from Brazil (South, n = 13; Southeast, n = 37; Northeast, n = 8; North, n = 1; and Midwest, n = 1). Parental consanguinity was reported in 42% of families. Ocular manifestations were the earliest detected symptom (53% of cases), the main reason for diagnostic suspicion (63% of cases), and the most prevalent manifestation at diagnosis (67% of cases). Pyridoxine responsiveness was observed in 14% of patients. Only 22% of nonresponsive patients on treatment had total homocysteine levels <100 mmol/L. Most commonly used treatment strategies were pyridoxine (93% of patients), folic acid (90%), betaine (74%), vitamin B12 (27%), and low-methionine diet + metabolic formula (17%). Most patients diagnosed with HCU in Brazil are late diagnosed, express a severe phenotype, and poor metabolic control. Milder forms of HCU are likely underrepresented due to underdiagnosis.

Abstract Aims: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of training volume (1 vs. 3 sets) on lower-body muscle strength in untrained young men. Methodsː Eighteen untrained young men were recruited and their legs were trained with 1 or 3 sets (in a contralateral design) for 6 weeks, using a knee extension machine. Isokinetic peak torque and one repetition maximum (1RM) were assessed at pre- and post-training. Resultsː There was a similar improvement in the 1RM strength (1SET: +14.8% vs. 3SET: 16.3%, P > 0.05) and peak torque (1SET: +8.1% vs. 3SET: 9.3%, P > 0.05) for both conditions from pre- to post-training. The effect size (ES) for the change in 1RM was moderate for both conditions (1SET: 1.39 vs. 3SET: 1.41), and peak torque was trivial and small for 1SET (0.47) and 3SET (0.55), respectively. Additionally, there were no significant (P > 0.05) differences in the dietary intakes from pre- to post-training. Conclusionsː Our results indicate that 1 set is as effective as 3 sets for increasing lower-body muscle strength after a short-term RT period (6 weeks) in untrained young men.

Resumo Foram analisados os nematóides em Iguana iguana, um grande lagarto Iguanidae que possui ampla distribuição pelas Américas. Os objetivos do estudo foram investigar os helmintos associados ao lagarto I. iguana e seus índices parasitológicos (prevalência e intensidade média de infecção). Foram examinados 18 espécimes (oito machos e 10 fêmeas). A prevalência total foi de 66,6% (12/18), nos machos foi de 75% (6/8) e nas fêmeas 60% (6/10). Iguana iguana foi identificado como um novo hospedeiro para Physaloptera sp., Atractis sp., Piratuba sp., e Subulura sp. Este registro contribui para o conhecimento da diversidade de helmintos associados a este hospedeiro.

Abstract Nematodes were analyzed in Iguana iguana, a large lizard Iguanidae that is widely distributed throughout the Americas. The aims of the study were investigate the helminths associated with the lizard, I. iguana in semi-arid areas of northeastern Brazil and analyze the parasitological indices (prevalence, and mean intensity of infection). A total of 18 specimens of I. iguana were examined (8 males and 10 females). The overall prevalence of infection was 66.6% (12/18), while in males, it was 75% (6/8) and in females, 60% (6/10). Iguana iguana was identified as a new host for Physaloptera sp., Atractis sp., Piratuba sp. and Subulura sp. This registered contributes to the knowledge of helminth diversity associated with this host.

Resumo O lagarto Salvator merianae é uma espécie bem distribuída na América do Sul, ocorrendo do sul da Amazônia até o leste dos Andes e norte da Patagônia. Estudos com a fauna parasitária desse lagarto revelaram que ele hospeda helmintos em vários biomas brasileiros. O presente trabalho fornece novo dado parasitológico sobre nematoda gastrointestinal associado ao lagarto S. merianae. Dezesseis amostras foram analisadas a partir de nove localidades diferentes na região semiárida do nordeste do Brasil. Foram identificadas cinco espécies de nematóide. Oswaldofilaria petersi foi registrado pela primeira vez parasitando S. merianae, aumentando assim o conhecimento da fauna de parasitas que infectam grandes lagartos neotropicais.

Abstract The lizard Salvator merianae is a widely distributed species in South America, occurring from southern Amazonia to the eastern Andes and northern Patagonia. Studies on the parasitic fauna of this lizard have revealed that it is a host for helminths in various Brazilian biomes. The present work provides new parasitological data on the gastrointestinal nematodes associated with the lizard S. merianae. Sixteen specimens were analyzed from nine different locations in a semi-arid region in northeastern Brazil. Five species of nematodes were identified. Oswaldofilaria petersi was first recorded as a parasite of the S. merianae, thus increasing the knowledge of the fauna of parasites that infect large Neotropical lizards.