Abstract Central Brazil hosts Paleo-Mesoproterozoic A-type granitic suites related to the Goiás Tin Province (GTP) that contain Sn (±W, Nb-Ta, REE) mineralization associated with greisen, veins, and small pegmatite bodies. The Pedra Branca granite massif (1.77–1.74 Ga) is the main representative of GTP, marked by important cassiterite (±wolframite) contents. The cassiterite contains SnO2= 96–100 wt. %, with the sum FeOtotal, TiO2, WO3, Ta2O5, Nb2O5, In2O3, and UO2 content below 4 wt.%, while wolframite contains WO3= 71.5–74.5 wt.%, FeOtotal= 14.3–17.4 wt.% and MnO = 6.3–9.9 wt.%, as well as Sn, Ca, Ti, Ta, Nb, Pb, In, and U as trace elements. The δ18O data on the quartz-cassiterite pair (quartz = 9.4–10.4‰, cassiterite = 2.6–2.9 ‰) from greisen reveal a magmatic-hydrothermal signature with calculated crystallization temperatures between 410 and 485°C. However, during the Neoproterozoic Brasiliano/Pan-African Orogeny (800–500 Ma), all lithologies and ore sites were subjected to flattening, fragmentation, and mylonitic deformation. Fluid inclusion data revealed the presence of low-salinity aqueous solutions with homogenization temperatures between 215 and 100°C related to Neoproterozoic deformation. Finally, during the Phanerozoic, prolonged erosive produced Sn (±W)-rich alluvium around the Pedra Branca granitic massif.

Abstract Beryl is usually found in granite-pegmatite systems. The addition of chromophore elements (V, Cr, Mn, Fe) into the crystalline structure favors color changes in beryl and thus generates some of the world’s expensive gems such as emerald, morganite, heliodor and aquamarine. The Massangana polyphasic batholith is a well-known cassiterite, wolframite and gems deposit in the Rondônia state. These metals and blue-gems (topaz and aquamarine) are located in feldspar-rich pegmatite granite bodies. The aquamarine crystals show color ranging from light- to medium-blue and display concentric growth zones. Electron-probe microanalyses revealed that the Fe is the main chromophore element, occupying the octahedral Al-site, while Na had an important role in the charge balance, inserted in the channel sites together with H2O. The irregular supply of Fe and Na during the nucleation and growth of aquamarine was the main cause for the color change. A fluid inclusion study indicated that the aquamarine growth under an aqueous fluid system (H2O-NaCl), with low salinity, low density and total homogenization temperature between 243º-315º C, is compatible with final temperatures in the pegmatite pocket zone.

Abstract We investigated the immobilization of a tetrameric Kluyveromyces lactis β-galactosidase (EC: 3.2.1.23) (KL-Gal) on Immobead 150 using different support modification strategies. Immobead support was modified using an acid solution of H2SO4:HNO3 (3:1) (Immobead-Ac) or 5 % (v/v) glutaraldehyde (Immobead-Glu). Its unmodified form (Immobead) was also tested. Immobilization yields and efficiencies were evaluated by testing protein loads from 10 to 200 mg.g-1 support. The thermal, physico-chemical, textural and catalytic properties of the supports (modified and unmodified) and their derivatives (Immobead-KL-Gal, Immobead-Ac-KL-Gal and Immobead-Glu-KL-Gal) were analyzed. The highest immobilization yields and efficiencies were achieved with a protein load of 100 mg.g-1 support. Surface and pore areas of the Immobead support were greatly decreased after modification. Michaelis constant of the immobilized β-galactosidase increased in the derivatives. Maximum velocity decreased approximately 2.8 times for Immobead-KL-Gal and Immobead-Glu-KL-Gal, and approximately 1.4 times for Immobead-Ac-KL-Gal. In batch processes, the three derivatives could be reused successfully at least 15 times, maintaining high residual enzymatic activity during the lactose hydrolysis (in both cheese whey and milk). The tetrameric K. lactis β-galactosidase immobilized on Immobead supports via the tested treatments was stabilized and is an alternative tool for lactose hydrolysis in the dairy industry.

Abstract The Fazenda Bonfim emerald deposit lies within the Seridó Belt. It is a classic example of deposit formed through metasomatic interactions between Be-rich granite intrusions and Cr(± V)-rich mafic-ultramafic rocks. The setting of the emerald mineralization was built under strong strike-slip dynamics, which produced serpentinization and talcification of mafic-ultramafic host-rocks, and was followed by syn-kinematic emplacement of Be-rich albite granite, favoring hydrothermal/metasomatic processes. The structural control and lithological-contrast were fundamental to the fluid flow and the best ore-shoot geometry, developed in the S-foliation intra-plane at the contact zone (phlogopite hornfels) between mafic-ultramafic rocks and the albite granite. Subsequently, an albitization process, linked to the final-stage of magmatic crystallization, led to an overall mineralogical and chemical change of the albite granite. 207U-235Pb data revealed inheritance ages from Archean to Neoproterozoic and a crystallization age of 561 ± 4 Ma for albite granite. However, 40Ar/39Ar data revealed plateau age of 553 ± 4 Ma for phlogopite hornfels, interpreted as the closure time for the metasomatic event responsible for the nucleation and growth of emerald crystals. The short interval of time between U-Pb and Ar-Ar data indicates an intense, but not protracted, metasomatic history, probably due to low volume of intrusive magma.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Visceral leishmaniasis is a disease that affects humans, wildlife, and domestic species. Since dogs play a key role in urban Leishmania spp. transmission, the Brazilian government maintains the Monitoring and Control Program of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VLMCP) in endemic regions, which promotes awareness campaigns aiming to enhance the control of the infection. The VLMCP recommends the Dual Path Platform (DPP®) canine visceral leishmaniasis test (Bio-Manguinhos, Brazil) for screening and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to confirm the infection. The DPP® test is produced and distributed by the Health Ministry to the Municipal Health Centers responsible for the local VLMCP. The test is not available to all the clinics, forcing some veterinarians to use other rapid tests for screening and diagnosis of this disease in their daily routine. METHODS: The present study was conducted to compare the performance of the DPP® and SNAP® tests using sera from the dogs with confirmed infections of L. infantum and from the dogs with no previous testing, residing in areas with a low Leishmania infection. RESULTS: There was 97.0% agreement between the two tests. Sensitivity and specificity of the SNAP® test were 96.3% and 100%, respectively. Agreement between both the antibody tests and the parasitological detection methods was 96.8%. The DPP® test had 95.8% sensitivity and 100% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: The SNAP® and the DPP® tests were virtually equivalent in terms of detection of canine antibodies against L. infantum, and both the tests demonstrated high and similar levels of sensitivity and specificity.

ABSTRACT: The Fazenda Bonfim emerald deposit, State of Rio Grande do Norte, is within the regional geological domain known as Seridó Mobile Belt, Borborema Tectonic Province. It was formed from metasomatic fluids interaction at along lithological contacts between Be-rich albite-granite intrusions and Cr (±V)-rich mafic-ultramafic host-rocks, enclosed in the lens-shaped “hornfels” phlogopite schist. Emerald crystals display relatively high contents of Mg and Na, as well as trace amounts of Ca, K, Cs, Li, P, Sc, Ti, Mn, Co, Ni, Zn, Ga and Rb. Cr is the main chromophore element, followed by Fe and some V. Display also concentric growth zones and randomly-oriented mineral micro-inclusions, indicative for static growth. This zoning is linked to cationic substitution of alkalis accompanied by Cr loss, which favors irregular coloration of crystals. Metasomatic fluids contemporaneous with emerald growth are aqueous (H 2 O+NaCl), with low to moderate salinity and low density, although trace amounts of CO 2 ± CH 4 were also observed. These fluids showed a field-trapped between 375-430ºC and 200-600 bars, based on combination of fluid inclusions isochores. In addition, oxygen isotope data (δ 18 O = 6.9-7.4‰) suggest an igneous-metasomatic source for fluids and emerald components.

RESUMO: O depósito de W-Sn Igarapé Manteiga é formado por um stock granítico intrusivo no embasamento Paleoproterozóico. A mineralização está encapsulada em uma carapaça hidrotermal alumino-silicosa formada por greisen, veios-vênulas e brecha, desenvolvidos na zona apical do stock granítico. Os minerais de minério (wolframita ± cassiterita) e minerais sulfetados, bem como siderita, monazita, xenotima, hematita e outros, ocorrem disseminados ou em aglomerados maciços associados com quartzo, topázio, zinnwaldita e fluorita. A wolframita não está zonada, é relativamente rica em Fe, pobre em Nb e Ta, enquanto a cassiterita exibe zonas de crescimento com cores de amarelo claro a laranja escuro, sendo rica em Ta, pobre em Ti, W, Mn e U. Dados de isótopos de oxigênio e enxofre (δ 18 O e δ 34 S) do minério e alguns sulfetos indicam uma fonte magmática, com temperatura de fechamento de 230 ° a 480 ° C. A fase hidrotermal foi cíclica e prolongadamente ativa, promovendo greisenização e hidrofraturamento. A diminuição da temperatura e a alteração na composição dos fluidos (de oxidado para reduzido), controlou a precipitação da associação mineral hidrotermal. Análises 40 Ar- 39 Ar revelaram uma idade platô de 988 Ma, interpretada como fechamento do processo hidrotermal responsável pela mineralização, o qual está vinculado à evolução magmática final da Suíte Intrusiva de Rondônia (995-991 Ma).

ABSTRACT: The Igarapé Manteiga W-Sn deposit is formed by a granite stock that intrudes in the Paleoproterozoic basement. The mineralization is encapsulated in an alumino-siliceous hydrothermal carapace formed by greisen, vein-veinlets and breccia, developed in the apex zone of a granite stock. At this site, wolframite, cassiterite and sulfides-minerals, as well as siderite, monazite, xenotime, hematite and others, are spread out or in massive clusters associated with quartz, topaz, zinnwaldite and fluorite. Wolframite is not zoned and relatively rich in Fe, and poor in Nb and Ta. Cassiterite exhibits growth-zones with light-yellow to dark-orange colors, and is rich in Ta, and poor in Ti, W, Mn and U. Oxygen and sulfur (δ18O and δ34S) isotope data on the ore- and sulfide-minerals indicates that it is a magmatic source, with closing temperatures from 230°C to 480°C. The hydrothermal phase was cyclical and protractedly active, promoting greisenization and hydrofracturing. The lowering of temperature and the change in the composition of fluids (from oxidized to reduced) controlled the precipitation of the hydrothermal mineral assemblage. The 40Ar-39Ar analyses reveal a plateau age of 988 Ma, interpreted as the closure time for the hydrothermal processes responsible for mineralization, which is linked to the final magmatic evolution of the Rondônia Intrusive Suite (995-991 Ma).

RESUMO: Este trabalho analisa o registro do magmatismo alcalino potássico saturado-SiO 2 do Quartzo-Monzonito Castanhal e do Quartzo-Sienito Ladeira da Vovó. Essas rochas estão localizadas próximas à borda norte da Bacia do Amazonas. As amostras mostram valores K 2 O + 2 > Na 2 O e K 2 O/Na 2 O < 2, que confirmam o caráter alcalino potássico ou shoshonítico. O Quartzo Monzonito Castanhal contém menos de 20% de quartzo, o qual é também característico de rochas alcalinas potássicas, o que é confirmado nos diagramas geoquímicos. O Quartzo-Sienito Ladeira da Vovó foi alojado e retrabalhado em falhas lístricas, representantes da fase rifte da formação da Bacia do Amazonas, que causou sua proeminente textura granofírica (granófiro) provavelmente durante o período Toniano. Um grupo de 21 cristais de zircão foi extraído do hornblenda-quartzo-monzonito Castanhal e forneceu a idade média de 1872 ± 6 Ma (MSWD = 2,4), contudo um cristal adicional forneceu uma idade Transamazônica de 2062 ± 17 Ma. Essas rochas alcalino-potássicas de idade Orosiriana (1872 Ma) podem corresponder a um ambiente pós-colisional. Os valores negativos em εHft e as idades TDM Hf revelam grande contribuição de componentes crustais máficos Meso- a Neoarqueanos (2,95 - 2,66 Ga) e/ou componentes crustais félsicos Neoarquenos a Siderianos tardios (2,51 - 2,34 Ga).

ABSTRACT: This paper approaches the record of SiO2-saturated potassic alkaline magmatism of Castanhal Quartz Monzonite, Mapuera Suite, and Ladeira da Vovó Quartz Syenite. These samples are located near the Northern border of the Amazon Basin. Such rocks show K2O + 2 > Na2O and K2O/Na2O < 2 values that confirm the potassic or shoshonitic character of these rocks. The Castanhal Quartz Monzonite contains less than 20% volume of quartz, which is also a characteristic of the shoshonitic or SiO2-satured potassic alkaline A-type magma signature observed on geochemical plots. Listric faults, representing the rifting phase of Amazon Basin formation, emplaced and reworked Ladeira da Vovó Quartz Syenite, which caused its granophyric texture, probably during the Tonian period. A group of 21 zircon crystals was extracted from a hornblende quartz monzonite and yields an average age of 1872 ± 6 Ma (MSWD = 2.4). However, an additional zircon crystal yielded a Trans-Amazonian age of 2062 ± 17 Ma. These potassic alkaline rocks of Orosirian (1872 Ma) age may correspond to a post-collisional setting. Dominantly negative εHft values and Hf TDM ages reveal a large contribution of a mafic crustal component from Mesoarchean to Neoarchean age (2.95 - 2.66 Ga), and a felsic crustal component from Neoarchean to later Siderian ages (2.51 - 2.34 Ga).

RESUMOObjetivo:Avaliar a concordância entre um novo método de vigilância epidemiológica do Center for Disease Control and Prevention e o Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score para detecção de pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica.Métodos:Coorte prospectiva que avaliou pacientes internados nas unidades de terapia intensiva de dois hospitais que permaneceram intubados por mais de 48 horas no período de agosto de 2013 a junho de 2014. Os pacientes foram avaliados diariamente pelos fisioterapeutas com o Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score. De forma independente, um enfermeiro aplicou o novo método de vigilância proposto pelo Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Avaliou-se a concordância diagnóstica entre os métodos. Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score ≥ 7 foi considerado diagnóstico clínico de pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica, considerando-se diagnóstico definitivo a associação de Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score ≥ 7 com germe isolado em cultura semiquantitativa ≥ 104 unidades formadoras de colônias.Resultados:De 801 pacientes admitidos nas unidades de terapia intensiva, 198 estiveram sob ventilação mecânica. Destes, 168 permaneceram intubados por mais de 48 horas. Identificaram-se 18 (10,7%) condições infecciosas associadas à ventilação mecânica e 14 (8,3%) pneumonias associadas à ventilação mecânica possíveis ou prováveis, representando 35% (14/38) diagnósticos clínicos de pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica. O método do Center for Disease Control and Prevention identificou casos de pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica com sensibilidade de 0,37 e especificidade de 1,0, com valor preditivo positivo de 1,0 e negativo de 0,84. As diferenças implicaram em discrepâncias na densidade de incidência de pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica (CDC: 5,2/1000 dias de ventilação mecânica; Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score ≥ 7: 13,1/1000 dias de ventilação mecânica).Conclusão:O método do Center for Disease Control and Prevention falhou na detecção de casos de pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica e pode não ser satisfatório como método de vigilância.Objective: To evaluate the agreement between a new epidemiological surveillance method of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the clinical pulmonary infection score for mechanical ventilator-associated pneumonia detection.

ABSTRACTObjective:>To evaluate the agreement between a new epidemiological surveillance method of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the clinical pulmonary infection score for mechanical ventilator-associated pneumonia detection.Methods:This was a prospective cohort study that evaluated patients in the intensive care units of two hospitals who were intubated for more than 48 hours between August 2013 and June 2014. Patients were evaluated daily by physical therapist using the clinical pulmonary infection score. A nurse independently applied the new surveillance method proposed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The diagnostic agreement between the methods was evaluated. A clinical pulmonary infection score of ≥ 7 indicated a clinical diagnosis of mechanical ventilator-associated pneumonia, and the association of a clinical pulmonary infection score ≥ 7 with an isolated semiquantitative culture consisting of ≥ 104 colony-forming units indicated a definitive diagnosis.Results:Of the 801 patients admitted to the intensive care units, 198 required mechanical ventilation. Of these, 168 were intubated for more than 48 hours. A total of 18 (10.7%) cases of mechanical ventilation-associated infectious conditions were identified, 14 (8.3%) of which exhibited possible or probable mechanical ventilatorassociated pneumonia, which represented 35% (14/38) of mechanical ventilator-associated pneumonia cases. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention method identified cases of mechanical ventilator-associated pneumonia with a sensitivity of 0.37, specificity of 1.0, positive predictive value of 1.0, and negative predictive value of 0.84. The differences resulted in discrepancies in the mechanical ventilator-associated pneumonia incidence density (CDC, 5.2/1000 days of mechanical ventilation; clinical pulmonary infection score ≥ 7, 13.1/1000 days of mechanical ventilation).Conclusion:The Center for Disease Control and Prevention method failed to detect mechanical ventilatorassociated pneumonia cases and may not be satisfactory as a surveillance method.

O evento mesoproterozoic K´Mudku (1490 - 1147 Ma) é representado por um cinturão de cisalhamento rúptil-dúctil que atravessa unidades paleoproterozóicas no sul do Escudo das Guyanas, centro-norte do craton Amazonas. Esse evento produziu milonitização e cataclasitos em baixo a alto grau metamórfico com geração localizada de magmatismo intraplaca. No Estado do Amazonas, magamatismo do tipo A cronologicamente associado ao K´mudku tem sido reportado pelos sienogranitos Samaúma e Pedra do Gavião. Entretanto, a relação espacial o evento K´Mudku e a geração de granitos do tipo A ainda não está esclarecida na região. O sienogranito Pedra do Gavião tem assinatura geoquímica alcalina de alto K2O, metaluminoso, tipo A reduzido e intraplaca a pós-colisional. Tem idade de cristalização U-Pb 1218 Ma e herança entre 1820 e 1720 Ma, que juntamente com os dados Sm-Nd, sugerem fusão de rochas do embasamento paleoproterozóico associadas à unidade regional Complexo Cauaburi (1810 - 1780 Ma). Esses dados demonstram que os efeitos do magmatismo do tipo A associado ao final da orogenia Grenvilliana-Sunsás, relatado principalmente na borda sudoeste do craton Amazonas, pode ser também estendido para a parte centro-norte do craton Amazonas. Provavelmente, os mecanismos de geração ou emplacamento de magmas do tipo A ocorreu com algum grau de envolvimento nos estágios tarde a pós do evento K´Mudku. Contudo, a concepção desse quadro tectônico ainda carece de mais informações geológicas e geofísicas. Portanto, esses novos dados devem instigar ao retorno dos trabalhos geológicos na região, bem como ao debate sobre a evolução tectônica e produção de granitos tipo A durante período Ectasiano-Steniano no centro-norte do craton Amazonas.

The Mesoproterozoic K'Mudku event (1490 - 1147 Ma) is represented by a britlle-ductile shear belt that cuts across the Paleoproterozoic units in the southernmost Guyana shield, central-north Amazon craton. This event produced mylonitization and cataclasites at low/medium- to high-grade metamorphic, and local within-plate magmatism. In the Amazonas State, Brazil, A-type magmatism chronologically associated to K'Mudku has been reported for the Pedra do Gavião and Samaúma syenogranites. However, the spatial relationship between K´Mudku event and A-type magma generation are not yet adequately clarified in the region. The Pedra do Gavião syenogranite is a high-K alkaline, metaluminous, reduced A-type granite with a post-collisional to within-plate geochemical signature. It has U-Pb zircons crystallization age of 1218 Ma and inherited zircons with ages between 1820 and 1720 Ma, which, together with the Sm-Nd data, suggest melting of Paleoproterozoic basement rocks of the Cauaburi Complex (1810 - 1780 Ma) regional unit. These data demonstrate that the effects of the A-type magmatism associated to the end of the Grenvillian-Sunsas orogeny, reported primarily in the southwestern margin of the Amazon craton, may also be extended for the central-northern part of the Amazon craton. Probably the generation or emplacement mechanisms of A-type magma occurred with some degree of involvement in the final stages of the K´Mudku event. However, this tectonic framework conception still needs more geological and geophysical investigations. Therefore, these news data should instigate to the return of geological research in the region, as well as to debate on the tectonic evolution and A-type granites production during the Ectasian-Stenian period in the central-north Amazon craton.

Foram analisadas amostras fecais de 56 serpentes do Instituto Vital Brazil, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, por técnicas de sedimentação e flutuação, para pesquisa de formas evolutivas de parasitos como helmintos e protozoários, e imunoenzimáticas para detecção de antígenos de Cryptosporidium sp. e Giardia sp. Dos animais estudados, 80,3% foram positivos para parasitos, dos quais 16 pertenciam à espécie Bothrops jararaca, 16 à B. jararacussu e 13 à Crotalus durissus. A prevalência de nematódeos parasitos foi de 41,1%, sendo evidenciados nas três espécies de serpentes. Dentre estes, o mais frequente foi o encontro de ovos de Kalicephalus sp., diagnosticado em 25% das serpentes. A positividade para protozoários detectados pelas técnicas de concentração foi de 75%, nas quais oocistos de Caryospora sp. foram detectados em 75%, cistos com morfologia similar a Giardia sp. em 3,6%, cistos de amebídeos em 41,1% e oocistos não esporulados de coccídios em 8,9%. Obteve-se positividade para antígenos de Cryptosporidium sp. por imunoensaio em 60,7%. Pseudoparasitos foram detectados em 64,3%. Estes resultados apontam para a necessidade de aprimoramento do manejo sanitário das serpentes cativas, bem como no biotério que fornece roedores para sua alimentação, destacando a realização periódica de diagnóstico nas amostras fecais de serpentes cativas.

Fecal samples from 56 snakes at the Vital Brazil Institute, in the city of Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, were tested using the sedimentation and flotation techniques to investigate the evolutionary forms of parasites such as helminths and protozoa, and using enzyme immunoassay techniques to detect antigens of Cryptosporidium sp. and Giardiasp. Among the animals tested, 80.3% were positive for parasites. Out of these, there were 16 Bothrops jararaca, 16 B. jararacussu and 13 Crotalus durissus. The prevalence of parasitic nematodes was 41.1%, and nematodes were found in all three snake species. Among these, the most frequent finding was eggs of Kalicephalus sp., which were diagnosed in 25% of the snakes. The positivity for protozoa detected using parasite concentration techniques was 75%, including oocysts of Caryospora sp. in 75%, cysts with morphology similar to Giardia sp. 3.6%, amoeboid cysts in 41.1% and unsporulated coccidia oocysts in 8.9%. Immunoassays for Cryptosporidium sp. antigens produced positive findings in 60.7%. Pseudoparasites were detected in 64.3%. These results show that there is a need to improve the sanitary handling of captive-bred snakes, and also for the animal house that supplies rodents to feed them. The results also highlight that diagnostic tests should be performed periodically on stool specimens from captive-bred snakes.

Para estudos de seleção de linhagens de inimigos naturais provenientes do campo, de comportamento ou mesmo de taxonomia, a captura de insetos vivos é de grande importância. Uma das alternativas para obtenção de parasitoides (Hymenoptera) adultos é a utilização de armadilhas de emergência. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi propor dois modelos de armadilhas de emergência (armadilhas do tipo "caixa" e "garrafa"), para obtenção de parasitoides vivos de ovos endofíticos. Os dois modelos de armadilhas propostas foram eficientes na captura de parasitoides vivos. Entretanto, foi observada uma maior captura de espécimes na armadilha do tipo "caixa" em relação à do tipo "garrafa", decorrente de uma maior armazenagem de folíolos no interior desta. A utilização de cada um dos modelos dependerá do tipo de pesquisa a ser realizada, do custo/benefício da sua confecção e da quantidade de parasitoides necessários para realização do estudo.

For strain selection studies of natural enemies from the field, studies of behavior or even of taxonomy, capture of alive insects are of great importance. One alternative for obtaining adult parasitoids (Hymenoptera) is the use of emergency traps. Therefore, the objective of this work was to propose two models of emergency traps (traps like "box" and "bottle"), for obtaining alive endophytic egg parasitoids. The two models proposed were efficient in the capture of alive parasitoids, however a larger capture of specimens was observed in the "box" trap in relation to the e "bottle", due to larger folioles storage inside the same. The use of each one of the models will depend on the research which is being accomplished, the cost/benefit to built it, the amount parasitoids necessary to accomplish the study.

O crescimento populacional de Manaus tem impulsionado o setor de rochas ornamentais e revestimentos a buscar matéria-prima de qualidade e beleza (granitos, gnaisses, mármores, etc.) na região sudeste do país a um custo elevado em até seis vezes. Entretanto a região nordeste do Amazonas hospeda maciços graníticos paleoproterozóicos com características ornamentais, os quais têm sido extraídos apenas para a produção de brita. Esse trabalho apresenta informações texturais, petrográficas, geoquímicas e de índices tecnológicos (porosidade, densidade, absorção d'água, compressão uniaxial, pulsos ultra-sônicos, resistência à flexão e desgaste Amsler) obtidas em cinco maciços graníticos expostos no nordeste do Amazonas. Tais informações sugerem que esses maciços graníticos podem ser utilizados como rochas ornamentais, porém em ambientes de moderado trânsito, baixa umidade e livres de ataques ácidos. Considerando os parâmetros técnicos favoráveis e a relativa proximidade das pedreiras da cidade de Manaus (cerca de 140 a 240 km), a qual é um centro consumidor com 2 milhões de habitantes, o investimento no setor extrativista de rochas com fins ornamentais na região nordeste do Amazonas torna-se uma opção, no mínimo, interessante para o setor empresarial.

The population increase of the City of Manaus has propelled the ornamental stones business sector to procure raw-material of quality and beauty (granites, gneisses, marble, etc.) in the southeastern region of Brazil at a cost up to six times more expensive. However, the northeastern region of the State of Amazonas hosts paleoproterozoic granitic massifs with great potential for use as ornamental stones, which have onely been extracted for crushed-stone production. This paper presents the textural, petrographic, and geochemical characteristics, as well as technological indices (porosity, density, water absorption, uniaxial compression, ultrasonic pulses, resistance to flexion and Amsler degeneration) for samples from five granitic massifs exposed in the northeastern region of the State of Amazonas. The obtained data suggest that the granite massifs can be used as ornamental stones, but applicable in places with moderate transit, low humidity and free of acidic attacks. Considering the favorable technical parameters and the relative proximity of the granite massifs to the City of Manaus (about 140 to 240 km), which is a consumer centre with 2 million inhabitants, the investment in the extraction of ornamental stones in the northeast of Amazonas becomes an option, at least, interesting for the business sector.

We show for the first time that the ventral diverticulum of the mosquito gut (impermeable sugar storage organ) harbors microorganisms. The gut diverticulum from newly emerged and non-fed Aedes aegypti was dissected under aseptic conditions, homogenized and plated on BHI medium. Microbial isolates were identified by sequencing of 16S rDNA for bacteria and 28S rDNA for yeast. A direct DNA extraction from Ae. aegypti gut diverticulum was also performed. The bacterial isolates were: Bacillus sp., Bacillus subtilis and Serratia sp. The latter was the predominant bacteria found in our isolations. The yeast species identified was Pichia caribbica.

No município de Paracambi, Estado do Rio de Janeiro, foi realizado um inquérito epidemiológico sobre a leishmaniose tegumentar americana na população canina residente em áreas endêmicas rural e semiurbana. Foram cadastrados 179 cães e 138 (77,1%) foram examinados, segundo seus aspectos clínicos e desenvolvimento de hipersensibilidade tardia ao antígeno Imunoleish® e respostas sorológicas à reação de imunofluorescência indireta e ao ensaio imunoenzimático. Dos 9 (6,5.%) animais portadores de lesões/cicatrizes suspeitas, 66,7% foram causadas por Leishmania sp; 44,4% produziram infecção em hamsters e apresentaram crescimento em meio de cultura, compatíveis com o comportamento de Leishmania do complexo braziliensis. A caracterização molecular (análises isoenzimáticas e do perfil de restrição do KDNA) identificou 2 amostras como similares à Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. A prevalência da infecção canina observada através do teste cutâneo, RIFI e ELISA foi, respectivamente, 10,1%, 16,7% e 27,8%. A presença das formas clínica/subclínica da LTA na população canina associada à infecção humana sugere que o cão pode atuar como possível fonte de infecção, assim como na disseminação da doença.

In the district of Paracambi, State of Rio de Janeiro an epidemiological survey for American tegumentary leishmaniasis in canine population was carried out in endemic localities. A total of 179 dogs was registered and 138 (77.1%) examined for their clinical aspects, development of delayed hypersensitivity (DHS) with Imunoleish® antigen and serological responses by indirect immunofluorescent reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In 9 (6.5%) dogs with active cutaneous lesions or suspect scars, 66.7% were caused by Leishmania sp; 44.4% produced infection in hamsters and showed growth in culture media, which was considered to be compatible with the species of Leishmania braziliensis complex. The molecular characterization (isoenzyme and KDNA restriction profiles) defined two strains with similar profiles for L. (Viannia) braziliensis. The prevalence of canine infection estimated by the cutaneous test, IFR and ELISA was 10.1%, 16.7% and 27.8%, respectively. The presence of clinical / sub-clinical form of ATL in canine population associated with human infections suggested that the dog can act as source of infection as well as for dissemination of the disease.