Abstract The present paper describes a new species of freshwater crayfish of the genus Parastacus Huxley, 1879 from the municipality of Amaral Ferrador in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil, evaluates its conservation status according to the IUCN Red List Criteria (sub-criterion B1), and updates the identification key for the genus. Parastacus longidactylus sp. n. differs from all analyzed species by the large eyes, the prominent and wide rostral carinae, surpassing the rostral basis and extending to the proximal third of the postorbital carinae, postorbital carinae and rostral carinae prominent and with similar lengths, chelipeds carpus dorsomedial surface not divided longitudinally by groove and long dactylus, surpassing the fixed finger. The possible extent of occurrence was estimated to be 6,968 km² and the species was recorded in only one location in the Camaquã River basin. The main threats to the region are the replacement of native vegetation by crops and livestock, water pollution and soil erosion. However, because there is only one known location where Parastacus longidactylus sp. n. occurs we suggest classifying the species as Data Deficient.

ABSTRACT Zinnia sp. and hairy beggartick (Bidens pilosa) plants exhibiting symptoms of possible virus infection were found in the municipality of Santa Bárbara d’Oeste, São Paulo State, Brazil. Flexuous filamentous particles and cytoplasmatic inclusions typical of potyvirus infection were observed by transmission electron microscopy, respectively, in leaf extracts and cells of symptomatic leaves. Infection of both plants with bidens mottle virus (BiMoV) was confirmed by RT-PCR using potyvirus universal primers, followed by nucleotide sequencing of the amplicons. The nearly complete genome sequence of the Brazilian isolate, named BiMoV-BR, is 9700 nucleotides long and shares 95.6 % identity with the corresponding nucleotide sequence of a BiMoV isolate from the United States. BiMoV-BR was mechanically transmitted and caused systemic infection on plants of Zinnia sp., hairy beggarstick, sunflower (Helianthus annuus), and lettuce (Lactuca sativa). Myzus persicae transmitted the virus to Zinnia sp. plants with efficacy of 8 % and 42 %, using one and ten aphids per plant, respectively. This is the first detection of BiMoV in Brazil. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the distribution of this potyvirus in the country.

ABSTRACT Due to its excellent resistance to traction and compression, wood is regularly used in furniture, window frames and in structures and sealing of homes and buildings. Due to the anisotropy and complexity of the material, its properties vary depending on its intrinsic anatomical characteristics and external factors, such as species, moisture content, acting requests, among others. The Brazilian standard provides linear models for estimating and correcting all strength and stiffness properties as a function of the moisture content of the wood. However, due to its characteristics, there may not be a linear variation of the physical and mechanical properties in relation to the moisture content. Thus, this research aims to evaluate and analyze the influence of moisture content on 15 properties of Calophyllum sp. The reliability of the Brazilian standard equation for correcting strength and stiffness values as a function of humidity (U% to 12%) was evaluated, in addition to analyzing, through ANOVA, whether there is a change in the properties when they are at the saturation point of the fiber and 12% moisture. Of the 15 properties analyzed, 4 did not change, contrary to the linear models set out in the Brazilian standard. In addition, it was possible to note that the Brazilian standard can estimate with an error of up to 76% when correcting the humidity to 12%.

RESUMO A madeira por possuir excelente resistência à tração e compressão é comumente utilizada em móveis, esquadrias e em estruturas e vedação de residências e edifícios. Devido à anisotropia e complexidade do material, suas propriedades variam em função de suas características anatômicas intrínsecas e de fatores externos, como a espécie, teor de umidade, solicitações atuantes, dentre outros. A norma brasileira traz modelos lineares para a estimativa e correção de todas as propriedades de resistência e de rigidez em função do teor de umidade da madeira. Porém, devido às suas características, pode não haver variação linear das propriedades físicas e mecânicas em relação ao teor de umidade. Assim, esta pesquisa tem como objetivo avaliar e analisar a influência do teor de umidade em 15 propriedades da madeira Calophyllum sp. Foi avaliada a confiabilidade da equação da norma brasileira para corrigir os valores de resistência e rigidez em função da umidade (U% para 12%), além de analisar, por meio de ANOVA, se há alteração nas propriedades quando estão no ponto de saturação da fibra e 12% de umidade. Das 15 propriedades analisadas, 4 não sofreram alteração, contrariando os modelos lineares dispostos na norma brasileira. Além disso, foi possível notar que a norma brasileira pode estimar com erro de até 76% ao corrigir a umidade para 12%.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se com o estudo detectar Cryptosporidium sp. em ostras de cultivo e estoque natural no estado do Maranhão e determinar o(s) tecido(s) eletivo(s) para pesquisa desse protozoário. Para a realização do estudo foram adquiridas 200 ostras de cultivo do município de Raposa e 100 de Paço do Lumiar, além de 100 ostras extraídas de estoque natural do município de Primeira Cruz, totalizando 400 ostras. Estas foram agrupadas em 80 pools constituídos por cinco animais. De cada pool, as brânquias e a massa visceral foram removidas totalizando 160 pools, sendo 80 para o grupo das brânquias e 80 para o grupo de massa visceral. Na sequência, procedeu-se à extração de DNA de cada pool com a utilização de kit comercial com modificações. Posteriormente, realizou-se a detecção do DNA do protozoário por meio da técnica de Nested-PCR. Com a técnica utilizada, foi detectado o DNA do protozoário pesquisado em 2,5% (n=2/80) pools apenas de brânquias, sendo 1,25% pools (n=1/80) oriundos de cultivo e os outros 1,25% (n=1/80) de estoque natural. Com os resultados obtidos nesse estudo, conclui-se que as ostras analisadas do gênero Crassostrea sp., oriundas de cultivo e estoque natural no estado do Maranhão, estavam contaminadas por Cryptosporidium sp. e podem se reverter em fontes potenciais para seres humanos e outros animais. Para a pesquisa de Cryptosporidium sp. em ostras, as brânquias são o tecido eletivo.

ABSTRACT: This study detected Cryptosporidium spp. in cultivated oysters and the natural oyster stock of the state of Maranhão and determine the elective tissue(s) to examine this protozoan. For this purpose, 200 cultivated oysters were purchased from the municipality of Raposa and another 100 from Paço do Lumiar. Additionally, 100 oysters were extracted from the natural stock of the municipality of Primeira Cruz, thus making up a total of 400 oysters. They were grouped into 80 pools consisting of 5 oysters each. From each pool, the gills and visceral mass were removed to obtain 160 pools, 80 pools for the gill group and another 80 for the visceral mass group. Then, DNA was extracted from each pool using a commercial kit with modifications. Subsequently, the protozoan DNA was detected using nested polymerase chain reaction. With this technique, the DNA of the protozoan under investigation was detected in 2.5% (n = 2/80) of the pools containing gills, with 1.25% of the pools (n = 1/80) belonging to the cultivation group of oysters and the other 1.25% (n = 1/80) to the natural stock. With the results obtained in this study, it was concluded that the analyzed oysters of the genus Crassostrea, from cultivation and natural stock groups, found in the state of Maranhão, were contaminated by Cryptosporidium spp. and may become potential sources of infection in humans and other animals. In addition, the gills are the elective tissue for the study of Cryptosporidium spp. in oysters.

ABSTRACT: We describe an outbreak of leishmaniasis in seven guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) in which nodular ulcerated skin lesions of varying sizes were observed in the nasal cavity, upper lip, pinnae, vulva, and periarticular region of the limbs. Cytologic exam of collected samples of the lesions in the auricle of one of the animals revealed macrophages containing parasitophorous vacuoles of approximately 4.0μm in diameter in their cytoplasm with morphology suggestive of Leishmania sp. Although skin lesions spontaneously regressed in two of the Guinea pigs, only one survived. All six animals that died were necropsied. Grossly, all animals showed bloody nodular cutaneous lesions with crusts. One of the guinea pigs had distended dark red and firm lungs. Histopathology of the skin lesions revealed histiocytic interstitial acanthotic dermatitis associated with a myriad of Leishmania organisms within macrophages cytoplasm. In the lung, the lesions were characteristic of broncho-interstitial pneumonia with focal infiltrates of neutrophils, epithelioid macrophages, and multinucleated giant cells containing 2µm basophilic amastigotes with morphology compatible with Leishmania spp. A focal granulomatous lesion ,associated with the causal agent in the lung is a novel description of leishmaniasis in guinea pigs caused by L. enriettii. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique with mini-exon primer performed in samples of lesions from two affected guinea pigs was positive and equal to the reference strain, identifying Leishmania enriettii. The cytological, macroscopic, and histological lesions associated with the PCR technique allowed the diagnosis of leishmaniasis and the identification of the specie L. enriettii.

RESUMO: Descrevemos um surto de leishmaniose em sete cobaias (Cavia porcellus), com lesões cutâneas nodulares ulceradas de tamanhos variados observadas na cavidade nasal, lábio superior, pavilhões auriculares, vulva e região periarticular dos membros. No exame citológico foram encontrados macrófagos contendo vacúolos parasitóforos no citoplasma de aproximadamente 4.0μm em diâmetro com morfologia sugestiva de Leishmania sp. Apesar de regressão espontânea das lesões cutâneas terem ocorrido em duas das sete cobaias, apenas um sobreviveu. Seis dos sete animais afetados morreram e foram necropsiados. Macroscopicamente, todos os animais apresentaram lesões cutâneas nodulares, crostosas e sanguinolentas. Uma das cobaias tinha pulmões vermelho-escuros, distendidos e firmes. A histopatologia das lesões cutâneas revelou dermatite acantótica intersticial histiocítica associada a miríades de organismos de Leishmania no citoplasma de macrófagos. Nos pulmões as lesões eram características de pneumonia bronco-intersticial com infiltrado focal de neutrófilos, eosinófilos, macrófagos epitelioides e células gigantes multinucleadas contendo amastigotas basofílicos de 2µm com morfologia compatível com Leishmania spp. Lesões granulomatosas focais associadas ao agente no pulmão são um achado inédito na leishmaniose causada por L. enriettii em cobaias. A técnica de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) com primer mini-exon realizada em amostras de lesões de duas cobaias afetadas foi positiva, identificando Leishmania enriettii. Os aspectos macroscópicos, citológicos, e histológicos associados à técnica da (PCR), permitiram o diagnóstico da leishmaniose e a identificação da espécie L. enriettii.

ABSTRACT The indiscriminate use of antibiotics has contributed to the emergence of multiresistant bacteria. Faced with this, the search for antibiotics from plants has proven to be a promising alternative. The objective of this work was to isolate and identify Staphylococcus sp. resistant to methicillin of the ocular surface of dogs with ophthalmopathies and to evaluate its susceptibility to alcoholic extract of the bark and hexane extract of the pulp of Caryocar brasiliense. Biological material was collected from the ocular surface of 21 dogs presenting ophthalmopathies. We isolated 64 S. pseudintermedius, among these, 4 isolates were identified as methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP). The alcoholic extract of C. brasiliense peel was able to inhibit the bacterial growth of MRSP isolates at a concentration of 2.2%. Thus, the extract from the C. brasiliense peel has antimicrobial potential and represents an alternative in the control of MRSP.

RESUMO O uso indiscriminado de antibióticos tem contribuído para o surgimento de bactérias multirresistentes. Diante disso, a busca por antibióticos a partir de plantas tem se mostrado uma alternativa promissora. O objetivo deste trabalho foi isolar e identificar Staphylococcus sp. resistente à meticilina da superfície ocular de cães com oftalmopatias e avaliar sua susceptibilidade ao extrato alcoólico da casca e ao extrato hexânico da polpa de Caryocar brasiliense. O material biológico foi coletado da superfície ocular de 21 cães com oftalmopatia. Isolaram-se 64 S. pseudintermedius; entre esses, quatro isolados foram identificados como S. pseudintermedius resistente à meticilina (MRSP). O extrato alcoólico da casca de C. brasiliense foi capaz de inibir o crescimento bacteriano dos isolados de MRSP na concentração de 2,2%. Dessa forma, o extrato da casca de C. brasiliense possui potencial antimicrobiano e representa uma alternativa no controle de MRSP.

Abstract This paper is one of the first to propose a research model to assess the quality and satisfaction perceived by low-income Brazilian patients using public healthcare services, under the moderating effect of perceived crowding. The model was evaluated from data obtained from 417 patients, and its proposed relationships and statistics were tested through Structural Equation Modeling using a Partial Least Squares approach (PLS-SEM). To explore the moderating effect of perceived crowding, the sample was divided into two groups and tested by employing multi-group analysis (MGA). The results show that Reliability, Safety, Tangibles, Empathy and Responsiveness have a positive effect on Perceived Healthcare Quality (PHQ), which, in turn, has a marked effect on patient satisfaction (PS), ergo, PHQ acts as antecedent of PS. However, perceived crowding has no moderating effect on any relationship in the model.

Resumo Este trabalho é um dos primeiros a propor um modelo de pesquisa que avalie a qualidade percebida e satisfação de pacientes brasileiros de baixa-renda em relação aos serviços públicos de saúde sob o efeito moderador do crowding percebido. O modelo é avaliado por meio de dados obtidos de 417 pacientes e tanto suas relações propostas, quanto suas estatísticas foram testadas por meio da Modelagem de Equações Estruturais com a Abordagem de Mínimos Quadrados Parciais (PLS-SEM). A fim de explorar o efeito moderador do crowding percebido, a amostra foi dividida em dois grupos e testada por meio do emprego da análise multigrupo (MGA). Os resultados demonstraram que a Confiabilidade, Segurança, Aspectos Tangíveis, Empatia e Capacidade de Resposta tem um efeito positivo na Qualidade Percebida do Serviço (QPS) que, por sua vez, tem um impacto positivo na satisfação dos pacientes (SP), logo, QPS atua como antecendente da SP. O crowding percebido, contudo, não possui efeito moderador em nenhuma das relações do modelo.

Abstract In order to evaluate the influence of moisture content on wood physical and mechanical properties, the present research analyzed the influence of moisture content variation on Cedrella sp. on 12 strength and stiffness properties, considering 12% moisture content up to Fiber Saturation Point (FSP) were considered. Brazilian Standard consider a correction on wood properties obtained on moisture content different of 12%, reducing the properties. Eight properties from these twelve were significantly influenced by moisture content according to statistical analysis (5% significance level). ANOVA, Anderson Darling and Multiple Comparison tests were used at 5% significance level. Considering that most of properties were affected by moisture content, the equations to estimate wood properties according to moisture decrease are quite precise, but most of estimations were higher than the experimental values at 12% moisture content, indicating the need of a standard review for such estimators, which may lead to an unsafe timber structure design. For a conclusive consideration of moisture content variation influence on wood products, further researches with other tropical wood species are required.

Resumo Os resíduos oriundos do processamento da madeira constituem uma oportunidade para o aproveitamento energético, sendo a briquetagem um processo eficiente para concentrar a energia disponível da biomassa florestal. Nesse sentido, este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar diferentes composições de resíduos das madeiras de mogno-africano (Khaya ivorensis e Khaya senegalensis) e eucalipto (Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla) para produção de briquetes. Para isso, cinco composições foram testadas com diferentes proporções de resíduos (100% eucalipto, 75% eucalipto + 25% mogno-africano, 50% eucalipto + 50% mogno-africano, 25% eucalipto + 75% mogno-africano e 100% mogno-africano) e submetidas às análises químicas e físicas (extrativos totais, ligninas totais, teor de cinzas, teor de umidade, poder calorífico e densidade a granel). Os briquetes foram produzidos à temperatura de 120°C, pressão de 100 kgf cm-2 e tempos de compactação e resfriamento de 5 e 7 minutos, respectivamente, sendo submetidos a ensaios físico-mecânicos (densidade relativa aparente e resistência à compressão axial). As composições com maiores porcentagens de mogno-africano tiveram maior teor de extrativos e cinzas, e maior poder calorífico superior. Para os briquetes oriundos das composições com maiores porcentagens de eucalipto, verificou-se menor densidade relativa aparente e menor resistência à compressão axial. Apesar disso, os resíduos dessas espécies possuem potencial para a geração de energia, sendo os briquetes produzidos com maior porcentagem de mogno-africano, os que apresentaram maior potencial energético e resistência mecânica.

Abstract The residues from wood processing are an opportunity for energy use, and the briquetting is an efficient process of concentrating the available energy from forest biomass. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate different compositions of residues from African mahogany (Khaya ivorensis and Khaya senegalensis) and eucalypts (Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla) woods for the production of briquettes. To do so, five composites were tested with different proportions of residues (100% eucalypts, 75% eucalypts + 25% African mahogany, 50% eucalypts + 50% African mahogany, 25% eucalypts + 75% African mahogany e 100% African mahogany) and submitted to analysis chemical and physical (total extracts, total lignin, ash content, moisture content, higher calorific value and bulk density). The briquettes were produced at a temperature of 120°C, pressure of 100 kgf cm-2 and compaction and cooling times of 5 and 7 minutes, respectively and were submitted to physical-mechanical analysis (apparent relative density and resistance to axial compression). The compositions with the highest percentage of African mahogany had higher extractives and ash content, and a greater calorific value. For the briquettes from compositions with higher percentages of eucalyptus, there was less apparent relative density and less resistance to axial compression. Despite this, the residues of these species have potential for energy generation. However, the briquettes with a higher percentage of African mahogany in the composition have greater energy potential and are, mechanically, more resistant.

RESUMO O recente interesse pela construção de estruturas altas e robustas em madeira tem estimulado a investigação de propriedades físicas e mecânicas, assim como a correlação delas com outros parâmetros importantes do material de espécies tropicais como o angelim-amargoso (Vatairea sp.) utilizada especialmente em estruturas de telhados de grandes vãos. No Brasil, a norma de projetos de madeira recomenda a utilização de modelos lineares para a correção ou estimativa da resistência e/ou rigidez da madeira correlacionada ao teor de umidade, bem como traz a classificação das folhosas segundo sua resistência característica. Entretanto, por ser um material natural, heterogêneo e anisotrópico, certas propriedades podem não ser afetadas por diferenças no teor de umidade. Portanto, nesse trabalho, investigou-se a influência do teor de umidade em 15 propriedades físicas e mecânicas da madeira de Vatairea sp., através da sua caracterização. Os ensaios foram realizados em 12 corpos-de-prova para cada propriedade e para dois grupos: com teor de umidade de 12% e no ponto de saturação das fibras. O teste de Anderson-Darling foi empregado para verificar a normalidade dos resultados e a análise de variância (ANOVA) para analisar a influência do teor de umidade nessas propriedades. Além disso, classificou-se a madeira segundo as classes de resistência da norma brasileira e estimou-se a resistência e rigidez segundo os modelos lineares propostos pela mesma norma. Os resultados estimados foram comparados com os experimentais através do cálculo da diferença e o erro percentual dos valores. Concluiu-se que a maioria das propriedades não foram afetadas pelo teor de umidade e que os maiores erros obtidos nas estimativas foram para as propriedades que foram influenciadas significativamente pelo teor de umidade.

ABSTRACT The recent interest in constructing high and robust wooden structures has stimulated the investigation of physical and mechanical properties as well as their correlation with other important parameters of the material of tropical species like the Vatairea sp., whose popular name is angelim-amargoso, used especially in roof structures with large spans. The Brazilian Standard for wood constructions recommends using linear models to correct or estimate the strength and/or stiffness of wood correlated with moisture content and also provides the classification of hardwoods according to their characteristic strength. However, because wood is a natural, heterogeneous, and anisotropic material, certain properties may not be affected by significant differences in moisture content. Therefore, in this study, the influence of moisture content on fifteen physical and mechanical properties of Vatairea sp. wood was investigated through its characterization. The tests were carried out on 12 specimens for each property and two groups: with the moisture content of 12% and at the fiber saturation point. The Anderson-Darling test was performed to verify the results’ normality and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) to analyze the influence of moisture content on these properties. In addition, the wood was classified according to the strength classes of the Brazilian Standard, and the strength and stiffness were estimated according to the linear models proposed by the same norm. The estimated results were compared with the experimental ones through the difference calculation and percentual error of the values. It was concluded that most properties were not affected by the moisture content, and the most significant errors obtained in the estimates were for properties that were significantly influenced by the moisture content.

Resumo A composição de macro endoparasitas associada com o lagarto Norops fuscoauratus (Squamata) foi analisada em duas localidades da Mata Atlântica no nordeste do Brasil, entre dezembro de 2012 e julho de 2015. 74 espécimes foram examinados e cinco espécies de helmintos foram encontradas, sendo: (a) para a população de Pernambuco: Cistacanto (Prevalência=37.5%), Physaloptera retusa Rudolphi, 1819 (Prevalência=4.16%), larva de platelminto (Prevalência=2.08%), Rhabdias sp. (Prevalência =2.08%) e Strongyluris oscari Travassos, 1923 (Prevalência =2.08%) e (b) Alagoas: S. oscari (Prevalência=17.85%) e Rhabdias sp. (Prevalência =3.57%). As diferenças na composição dos endoparasitas nas duas populações pode ser atribuída as individualidades dos ambientes ocupados por esses lagartos. O período de coleta não influenciou na abundância de parasitas, mas quando associado com o sexo, houve uma correlação positiva com a abundância de helmintos, com mais fêmeas do que machos, infectadas na estação chuvosa.

Abstract The composition of macro endoparasites associated with the lizard Norops fuscoauratus (Squamata) was analysed in two localities in the Atlantic Forest on the northeast of Brazil between December 2012 and July 2015. 74 specimens of N. fuscoauratus were examined and five species of helminths were reported, being: (a) for the population of Pernambuco: Cystacanth (Prevalence=37.5%), Physaloptera retusa Rudolphi, 1819 (Prevalence=4.16%), larva of flatworm (Prevalence=2.08%), Rhabdias sp. (Prevalence=2.08%) and Strongyluris oscari Travassos, 1923 (Prevalence=2.08%), and (b) of Alagoas: S. oscari (Prevalence=17.85%) and Rhabdias sp. (Prevalence=3.57%). The differences in the composition of endoparasites in the two populations are attributed to individualities of environments occupied by the lizards. The collection period does not influence the abundance of parasites, but when associated with sex, there was a positive correlation with the abundance of helminths, with more females than males being infected with parasites in the rainy season.

Resumo Vários estudos enfatizam o uso de pelotas de coruja em inventários de pequenos mamíferos em áreas naturais com elevada riqueza de espécies raras, mas poucas localidades da Mata Atlântica brasileira têm sido inventariadas por esse método. O presente estudo documenta a composição de espécies e abundância de pequenos mamíferos na dieta de Tyto furcata em uma área urbana do município de Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, discutindo a relevância de um novo registro de um raro marsupial do gênero Cryptonanus na Mata Atlântica. Foram analisadas 265 pelotas regurgitadas por um casal de T. furcata entre novembro de 2016 e setembro de 2017, encontradas abaixo de uma caixa de nidificação. A análise das amostras permitiu encontrar o total de 596 indivíduos de quatro espécies pequenas de mamíferos. O roedor exótico Mus musculus foi predominante entre os itens alimentares (98,3%), enquanto os roedores nativos Necromys lasiurus (1,3%) e Holochilus brasiliensis (0,17%) foram bem mais raros. Um único espécime de Cryptonanus sp. foi identificado entre os itens com base em caracteres dentários. A identificação desse gênero no presente estudo representa o segundo registro no estado do Rio de Janeiro e o sexto no bioma Mata Atlântica, sugerindo que este marsupial ocupa uma ampla faixa ecológica e biogeográfica. O presente estudo destaca a relevância dos pellets de coruja para pesquisas com pequenos mamíferos, mesmo em áreas urbanas e altamente perturbadas.

Abstract Several studies emphasize the use of owl pellets in small mammal inventories in natural areas harboring high richness of rare species, but few Brazilian Atlantic forest localities have been surveyed by this method. The present study documents the species composition and abundance of small mammals in the diet of Tyto furcata in an urban area of the municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, remarking on a new record of the dwarf mouse opossum genus Cryptonanus in the Atlantic forest. We analyzed 265 pellets regurgitated by a pair of T. furcata from November 2016 to September 2017 found in a nesting box. Analysis of the samples enabled finding a total of 596 individuals of four small mammal species. Mus musculus was predominant among the prey items (98.3%), while the native rodents Necromys lasiurus (1.3%) and Holochilus brasiliensis (0,17%) were much rarer. A single specimen of Cryptonanus sp. was identified among the diet items based on distinctive dental characters. The identification of this genus in the present study represents the second record in the state of Rio de Janeiro, and the sixth in the Atlantic Forest biome, suggesting that this marsupial occupies a wider ecological and biogeographic range. The present study underscores the relevance of owl pellets for small mammal surveys, even in urban and highly disturbed areas.

Resumo Objetivou-se avaliar a diversidade de endoparasitos e alterações hepáticas em Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus (jeju) e Cichlasoma bimaculatum (acará preto) de área quilombola maranhense, Brasil. Assim, 21 H. unitaeniatus e 21 C. bimaculatum foram capturados de ambiente alagável e transportados vivos ao laboratório. Após a eutanásia, procedeu-se à coleta, identificação de endoparasitos e avaliação de alterações hepáticas por meio de análise histológica, baseada na severidade das lesões: (i) alterações de estágio I, não comprometem o funcionamento dos órgãos; (ii) estágio II, lesões mais severas que prejudicam o funcionamento normal dos órgãos; (iii) estágio III, lesões muito severas e irreversíveis. Dos peixes avaliados, 71,43% H. unitaeniatus e 61,90% C. bimaculatum estavam parasitados. Contracaecum sp. foi encontrado nas duas espécies e acantocéfalos apenas em H. unitaeniatus. As alterações hepáticas foram vacuolização, núcleo na periferia das células, deformação do contorno celular, centro de melanomacrófagos, hiperemia, degeneração citoplasmática e vacuolização nuclear. Com o cálculo do índice das alterações, constatou-se que 26,19% dos exemplares apresentaram alterações de estágio I; 38,09% de estágio II e 9,52% de estágio III com a constatação de larvas de Contracaecum sp. encistadas no fígado. Conclui-se que existe alta prevalência de Contracaecum sp., e lesões hepáticas podem ser respostas adaptativas dos peixes à infecção endoparasitária.

Abstract Our aim was to assess endoparasite diversity and liver alterations in Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus (jeju) and Cichlasoma bimaculatum (acará preto) in a quilombola area in Maranhão, Brazil. For this, 21 H. unitaeniatus and 21 C. bimaculatum were caught in a natural environment and transported to a laboratory. After these had been euthanized, endoparasites were collected and identified. Liver alterations were evaluated histological analysis based on the severity of each lesion: stage I, organ functioning not compromised; stage II, more severe lesions that impair normal functioning of the organs; and stage III, very severe and irreversible lesions. Among the fish evaluated, 71.43% H. unitaeniatus and 61.90% C. bimaculatum were parasitized. Contracaecum sp. was found in both species; while acanthocephalans, only in H. unitaeniatus. The alterations were vacuolization, nucleus in the cell periphery, deformation of the cell outline, melanomacrophage center, hyperemia, cytoplasmic degeneration and nuclear vacuolization. Through calculating a histological alteration index, it was found that 26.19% of the specimens presented lesions in stage I; 38.09% lesions in stage II and 9.52% lesions in stage III. It was concluded that there is high prevalence of Contracaecum sp. and that the liver lesions may be adaptive responses by the fish to endoparasitic infection.

Abstract The banana is one of the most consumed fruits in the world, but it has little shelf life due to its high water activity. Drying is able to increase shelf life and pre-treatments can optimize the process. The objective was to study the solar drying kinetics and evaluate the effect of pre-treatments on the drying kinetics and physico-chemical quality of 'Prata' bananas. The drying was carried out in a solar dryer and the pre-treatments consisted of immersing the samples in solutions of water, citric acid (1%) and lemon juice (10%). Water loss, drying kinetics, mathematical models and physical-chemical and colorimetric characteristics of fresh and dried bananas were evaluated. The drying rate was higher at the beginning and stabilized after 20 hours. The mathematical model of Midilli and Kucuk was the one that best fit the experimental data. The water content, ascorbic acid and the parameters L *, b *, C * and h ° reduced after drying. Reducing sugars and a * coordinate increased and the acidity was not changed with drying. The solar drying of 'Prata' bananas is a sustainable and economical way to make a product available with a longer shelf life.

Abstract Here we present a three-year survey of amphibian and reptile species registered in the Vale Natural Reserve (VNR), located in the north of Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil. The VNR, along with the Sooretama Biological Reserve (SBR) and other surrounding areas, form a forest block that constitutes one of the largest remnants of continuous forest in the Atlantic Forest biome. We systematically sampled the herpetofauna community from 2015 to 2018, using the method of active search method in 27 plots of RAPELD distributed in the different types of vegetation present in the area. We recorded 39 species of amphibians belonging to the order Anura, distributed in seven families and 40 species of reptiles belonging to 20 families distributed in three orders: Crocodylia, Testudines and Squamata. The supplementation the samplings with those records from occasional encounters was important for the survey of the region’s herpetofauna, mainly for reptiles. We added four species (two lizards, one amphisbaenid and one snake) to the known list for the VNR-SBR forest block: Micrablepharus maximiliani, Strobilurus torquatus, Amphisbaena alba and Tantilla sp. We demonstrated that VNR contains a high species richness of amphibians and reptiles, with a high number of anurans being endemic to the Atlantic Forest biome. The present species inventory provided the most current approximation of known the richness and composition of species of the existing herpetofauna at Vale Natural Reserve, since the period of the gathering of records is quite recent (2015-2018). Also, it brings the knowledge of some community parameters as species richness and composition not only for the whole area of the Vale Natural Reserve, but also for its different vegetation types, with no inclusion of environments outside this reserve. Furthermore, the presence of threatened species, the addition of four species to the current list, and the potential for new species to occur, reinforce the role of VNR as an important area for the protection of amphibian and reptile biodiversity in the Atlantic Forest.