RCAAP Repository

ABSTRACTAlien species have been transported and traded by humans for many centuries. However, with the era of globalization, biological invasions have reached notable magnitudes. Currently, introduction of alien species is one of the major threats to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. The North American crayfish Procambarus clarkii is one of the most widely introduced freshwater species in the world, especially due to its high economic importance. It is responsible for great modifications in invaded environments causing irreparable ecological and economic damages. Its impressive ability to successfully colonize a wide range of environments is a consequence of its behavioural and biological characteristics that can adapt to features of the invaded location, conferring to this species a notable ecological plasticity. This review summarizes the available information regarding P. clarkii's biology and invasive dynamics around the world in order to contribute to the understanding of the threats posed by its establishment, as well as to support management and impact mitigation efforts.

ABSTRACTRecent worldwide taxonomical research on Cladocera is discovering a number of new species but hardly in South America. The Río de La Plata is the second largest basin in the continent and the knowledge on cladocerans of the different sub-basins is uneven. The recent increase in the number of cladocerans species worldwide inspired this survey in the Río de La Plata basin. It was expected that new species, or at least a significant number of new records, could be found which would contribute to the richness of the least studied sub-basins. Twenty three sampling locations were selected and the Cladocera were analyzed in detail to the species level. The family Chydoridae was targeted due to its high species richness. Fifty species of Chydoridae were recorded, two of them probably new for science and a third one whose taxonomical status could not be further addressed, due to insufficient material for analysis. All sub-basins had at least one specimen of one or both new species. The contribution of new species was more homogeneous among sub-basins when compared to the total contribution of new registers. It was concluded that the improvement of the taxonomical resolution and extensive samplings are fundamental in assessing the real cladoceran richness in the basin and that knowledge based on just a few research centers is not enough to promote secure taxonomical and biogeographical considerations yet.

ABSTRACTTwo new species of family Tanaopsidae, genus Tanaopsis, from Admiralty Bay (Antarctica) are herein described. Tanaopsis brevicorpus sp. nov. displays antennule article 1 about 1.5 times as long as wide, carapace as long as first three pereonites, both rami of uropod biarticulate with fusion line, and pleotelson short, more than twice longer than wide. Tanaopsis bamberi sp. nov. resembles other Antarctic species T. kerguelenensis in its habitus, antennule long and uropod uniarticulate. However, the new species can be distinguished from it by a combination of characters that includes maxilliped basis with long seta arising from tubercles; inner margin of cheliped fixed finger with three smooth sub-terminal spines; uropod subequal to pleotelson in length, and uropodal endopod about twice as long as exopod.

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study is to report new occurrences of five species of snapping shrimps of the genus AlpheusFabricius, 1798 in Brazil and, thus, contribute to the knowledge of their zoogeography. The southern limit of distribution of A. formosus Gibbes, 1850 and A. peasei (Armstrong, 1940) is extended from Paraná to Santa Catarina and from Bahia to Rio de Janeiro, respectively. The northern distribution limit of A. pouang Christoffersen, 1979 and A. verrilli (Schmitt, 1924) is substantially extended from São Paulo to Pará and from Bahia to Pará, respectively. Finally, A. rudolphi Almeida & Anker, 2011, previously known from Ceará and Alagoas, is recorded for the first time in Pernambuco, filling a gap in its known distribution.

ABSTRACTThis contribution reviews the morphology and the main diagnostic characters of the peppermint shrimp Lysmata ankeri. Individuals were sampled by scuba divers from August 2008 to June 2013 on the subtidal rocky bottom at Couves Island, on the coast of São Paulo State, Brazil. In the laboratory, the individuals were analyzed morphologically, with emphasis on the characters used in the diagnosis of the species; measured as carapace length (CL); and photographed. Seventeen individuals of L. ankeri were analyzed with an average size of 6.9 ± 2.0 mm CL. From the morphological analysis the following variations of the diagnosis were observed: five teeth on the dorsal margin of the rostrum, in the diagnosis this was 6-8; five spines on the flexor margin of the dactyli of pereiopods 2-4, in the diagnosis this was 3-4. The records of this study extend the knowledge of the variation of some morphological characteristics for this species, resulting in an overlap among the species of the Lysmata wurdemanni complex.

ABSTRACTThis study evaluated the population structure, relative growth and morphological maturity size in Ucides cordatus in the Joanes River, Bahia State (Brazil). Crabs were sampled in a fragmented and human-altered mangrove ecosystem in a Brazilian Environmental Protected Area (EPA). A total of 431 crabs were sampled (265 males and 166 females) between September 2011 and August 2012. The following measurements were taken using precision callipers: carapace width (CW) and length (CL), the length of the propodus of the major cheliped (PL, males only), and the width of the 5th somite of the abdomen (AW, females only). Specimens were also weighed to a precision of 0.5 g on a scale to obtain the total wet weight (WW). The relative growth of this species was studied by using biometric relationships to estimate the morphological maturity size in both sexes (PLxCW in males and AWxCW in females). The overall sex ratio was 1.6:1, with a predominance of males (p & 0.05). The population structure of ‘uçá'-crabs was composed of two normal curves (juveniles and adults) in both sexes. A relative growth analysis using the CLxCW relationship revealed a negative allometric growth in adult males whereas adult females exhibited an isometric growth, with an inverse pattern occurring in juveniles. In males, the PLxCW relationship indicated a change in allometric growth at 39.4 mm CW (isometric growth in juveniles changing to positive allometry growth in adults). In females, the AWxCW relationship indicates that morphological maturity occurs at a delay (44.5 mm CW) and that growth changes between phases (positive allometry to isometry). Isometric growth was found using the WWxCW relationship, also regardless of sex. A literature review combined with results previously published about this species in northeast Brazilian region suggests that U. cordatus had a seasonal reproduction during six months (from December to May), with a fattening season in the following six months (June to November). Joanes River is an environmental protected area, but had a high anthropic pressure by closed condos and marinas. Despite the high anthropic pressure on this EPA, the population structure and reproduction of U. cordatus did not appear to be affected.

ABSTRACTThe spatial distribution of fauna associated to marine macroalgae has mostly been investigated considering a horizontal plane. However, the macroalgal substrates can present a three-dimensional structure. In this sense, investigating how the associated fauna varies throughout a vertical plane can contribute to understanding the distribution of these organisms. The brown macroalga Sargassumpresents a vertical stratification along its thallus and harbors an amphipod fauna with a variety of feeding habits. In this work, we tested if the amphipod assemblage varies along different portions of the Sargassum thallus. We collected whole Sargassum stenophyllum thalli, as well as isolated basal and distal portions, from a rocky shore located on the north coast of São Paulo, in southeastern Brazil. The composition of amphipod families varied according to the Sargassum portion and the families Corophiidae, Caprellidae and Hyalidae accounted for most of the differences. Moreover, the basal portion of Sargassum had a higher diversity of amphipod families than the distal one, which may be related to differences regarding habitat complexity (herein, measured as algal biomass) between these portions. Detritivores (such as Corophiidae) were more associated to the basal portion and herbivores to the distal portion (Hyalidae) or along the whole Sargassum thallus (Ampithoidae). The variation of amphipod assemblage along Sargassum thallus seems to result from the interaction between the fauna natural history and the differences in conditions and physical structure along the algal thallus. In this sense, the vertical stratification of Sargassum can add another source of variation to the spatial distribution of associated fauna.

ABSTRACTMarine sponges are advantageous microhabitats because of their complex architecture. The system of internal canals provides circulation of water and deposition of particulate organic matter, ensuring availability of food and shelter. Diminutive amphipods have little difficulty penetrating the spaces of sponges and remain in their aquiferous systems as one of the most abundant taxa in this association. This study evaluated the temporal variation of the gammaridean amphipod species associated with the sponge Mycale angulosa. Sponge samples were collected every three months over one year at Pontal da Cruz Beach, São Sebastião Channel, southeastern Brazil. The amphipod assembly varied over time, while the amphipod density and sponge biomass remained approximately constant. Six species contributed to the temporal variation infaunal composition, highlighting the importance of the natural history of each species.

ABSTRACTCaridean shrimps are often infested by ectoparasites from the isopod family Bopyridae. Urobopyrus processae is a widespread species of bopyrid parasitizing the branchial (gill) chambers of members of the caridean family Processidae, including Ambidexter symmetricus. We examined hypotheses on differential infestation based on gender, castration of the host by the parasite, correlation between host and parasite size, and the fecundity of female parasites. Infestation rates varied from 1.3 to 32.1% between 2010 and 2011. Infested shrimps ranged from 1.26 mm to 6.24 mm carapace length (CL) between 2010 and 2011. Female shrimps were infested at a higher rate than males (2010 P = 0.0376; 2011 P = 0.0023). We report for the first time the differential selection between left and right branchial chambers in a caridean shrimp by a bopyrid parasite (P = 0.0209). Female parasite total length (TL) increased with host size (CL) in both years of sampling (2010 R2adj = 0.6863; 2011 R2adj= 0.8206). The size of male parasite TL was explained by both host CL (2010 R2adj = 0.4591; 2011 R2adj = 0.5490) and parasite female TL (2010 R2adj = 0.5606; 2011 R2adj = 0.6195). The number of embryos in a brood of the female parasite (85-3096) was varied positively with female TL (R2adj = 0.625). Our results show that the bopyrid-shrimp host relationship in processids is typical of those studied in other carideans, indicating similar selective pressures act on bopyrids infesting the branchial chambers of shrimps.

ABSTRACT Hypolobocera olgaluciae Ramos-Tafur and Ríos, 2007 is considered herein as junior synonym of H. buenaventurensis (Rathbun, 1905) taking into account that the morphological differences on the first male gonopod are not significant and are the consequence of natural variations of the populations. The first male gonopod of H. buenaventurensis is redescribed and illustrated.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the efficacy of percutaneous transluminal septal alcoholization in the treatment of refractory obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HOC). METHODS: The patients were referred for alcoholization after Doppler echocardiography. Before and after alcoholization, the intraventricular pressure gradient was recorded. Alcoholization was performed with a 3mL injection of absolute alcohol through a coronary angioplasty balloon catheter. The procedure was concluded after a significant reduction or abolition of the pressure gradient. RESULTS: Of 22 patients, 18 (81.8%) successfully concluded the procedure with a reduction in intraventricular pressure gradient at baseline (from 67.6±24.2 mmHg to 3.8± 1.9 mmHg, p<0.005) and after extrasystole (from 110.4± 24.2 mmHg to 9.6±2.6 mm Hg, p<0.005). A significant reduction in mean interventricular septal thickness (from 2± 0.3 mm to 1.7±0.2 mm, p<0.005) and in peak pressure gradient (from 90.7±23.5 mmHg to 6.1±1.4 mmHg, p<0.005) was observed on Doppler echocardiography after 6 months, when all patients were in functional class I. The most frequent acute complication, present in 11% of the patients, was the need for definitive pacing implantation. Relapse of the symptoms and reappearance of the pressure gradient occurred in 16.6% of the patients. One patient (5.5%) died probably due to a diffuse coronary spasm prior to the procedure, and another died suddenly on late follow-up. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous transluminal septal alcoholization is effective and safe in the treatment of HOC.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk factors, lipid and apolipoprotein profile, hemostasis variables, and polymorphisms of the apolipoprotein AI-CIII gene in early coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: Case-control study with 112 patients in each group controlled by sex and age. After clinical evaluation and nutritional instruction, blood samples were collected for biochemical assays and genetic study. RESULTS: Familial history of early CAD (64 vs 39%), arterial hypertension (69 vs 36%), diabetes mellitus (25 vs 3%), and previous smoking (71 vs 46%) were more prevalent in the case group (p<0.001). Hypertension and diabetes were independent risk factors. Early CAD was characterized by higher serum levels of total cholesterol (235 ± 6 vs 209 ± 4 mg/dL), of LDL-c (154 ± 5 vs 135 ± 4 mg/dL), triglycerides (205 ± 12 vs 143 ± 9 mg/dL), and apolipoprotein B (129 ± 3 vs 105 ± 3 mg/dL), and lower serum levels of HDL-c (40 ± 1 vs 46 ± 1 mg/dL) and apolipoprotein AI (134 ± 2 vs 146 ± 2mg/dL) [p<0.01], in addition to an elevation in fibrinogen and D-dimer (p<0.02). The simultaneous presence of the rare alleles of the APO AI-CIII genes in early CAD are associated with hypertriglyceridemia (p=0.03). CONCLUSION: Of the classical risk factors, hypertension and diabetes mellitus were independently associated with early CAD. In addition to an unfavorable lipid profile, an increase in the thrombotic risk was identified in this population. An additive effect of the APO AI-CIII genes was observed in triglyceride levels.

OBJECTIVE: We determined the effects of losartan and PD 123319 (antagonists of the AT1 and AT2 angiotensin receptors, respectively), and [Sar¹, Ala8] ANG II (a relatively peptide antagonist of angiotensin receptors) injected into the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) on water and 3% NaCl intake, and the diuretic, natriuretic, and pressor effects induced by administration of angiotensin II (ANG II) into the medial septal area (MSA) of conscious rats. METHODS: Holtzman rats were used . Animals were anesthetized with tribromoethanol (20 mg) per 100 grams of body weight, ip. A stainless steel guide cannula was implanted into the MSA and PVN. All drugs were injected in 0.5-mul volumes for 10-15 seconds. Seven days after brain surgery, water and 3% NaCl intake, urine and sodium excretion, and arterial blood pressure were measured. RESULTS: Losartan (40 nmol) and [Sar¹, Ala8] ANG II (40 nmol) completely eliminated whereas PD 123319 (40 nmol) partially blocked the increase in water and sodium intake and the increase in arterial blood pressure induced by ANG II (10 nmol) injected into the MSA. The PVN administration of PD 123319 and [Sar¹, Ala8] ANG II blocked whereas losartan attenuated the diuresis and natriuresis induced by MSA administration of ANG II. CONCLUSION: MSA involvement with PVN on water and sodium homeostasis and arterial pressure modulation utilizing ANGII receptors is suggested.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of endogenous estrogens on the bioavailability of nitric oxide (·NO) and in the formation of lipid peroxidation products in pre- and postmenopausal women. METHODS: NOx and S-nitrosothiols were determined by gaseous phase chemiluminescence, nitrotyrosine was determined by ELISA, COx (cholesterol oxides) by gas chromatography, and cholesteryl linoleate hydroperoxides (CE18:2-OOH), trilinolein (TG18:2-OOH), and phospholipids (PC-OOH) by HPLC in samples of plasma. RESULTS: The concentrations of NOx, nitrotyrosine, COx, CE18:2-OOH, and PC-OOH were higher in the postmenopausal period (33.8±22.3 mM; 230±130 nM; 55±19 ng/mL; 17±8.7 nM; 2775±460 nM, respectively) as compared with those in the premenopausal period (21.1±7.3 mM; 114±41 nM; 31±13 ng/mL; 6±1.4 nM; 1635±373 nM). In contrast, the concentration of S-nitrosothiols was lower in the postmenopausal period (91±55 nM) as compared with that in the premenopausal p in the premenopausal period (237±197 nM). CONCLUSION: In the postmenopausal period, an increase in nitrotyrosine and a reduction of S-nitrosothiol formation, as well as an increase of COx, CE18:2-OOH and PC-OOH formation occurs. Therefore, •NO inactivation and the increase in lipid peroxidation may contribute to endothelial dysfunction and to the greater risk for atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the major causes of surgical morbidity and mortality in patients with infective endocarditis operated upon in a regional cardiology center. METHODS: Thirty-four patients underwent surgical treatment for infective endocarditis. Their ages ranged from 20 to 68 years (mean of 40.6) and 79% were males. Their NYHA functional classes were as follows: IV - 19 (55.8%) patients; III - 12 (35.2%) patients; II - 3 (8.8%) patients. Blood cultures were positive in only 32% of the cases. Eight patients had already undergone previous cardiac surgery, whose major indication (82.3%) was heart failure refractory to clinical treatment. RESULTS: Four (11.7%) patients died at the hospital. Follow-up was complete in 26 (86%) patients. Five (14.7%) patients died later, 12, 36, 48, 60, and 89 months after hospital discharge. Of the 21 patients being currently followed up, 1 is in NYHA functional class III, and 5 in NYHA functional class II. CONCLUSION: A high degree of clinical suspicion, at an early diagnosis, and indication of surgical treatment prior to deterioration of left ventricular function and installation of generalized sepsis may improve prognosis.

The patient was a 4-month-old infant, who underwent persistent ductus arteriosus interruption with titanium clips at the age of 13 days and, since the age of 2 months, had crises of hypoxia and hypertonicity. After clinical investigation, the presence of pulmonary hypertension was confirmed and left ventricular inflow tract obstruction was suspected. The patient underwent surgical treatment at the age of 4 months, during which right and left ventricular endocardial fibrosis was identified. The fibrosis was resected, but the infant had an unfavorable clinical evolution with significant diastolic restriction and died on the sixth postoperative day. Anatomicopathological and surgical findings suggested endomyocardial fibrosis, although that pathology is very rare at the patient's age.

No summary/description provided

OBJECTIVE: To characterize left ventricular regional myocardial function through tissue Doppler echocardiography in healthy adults and to assess the influence of aging in this function. METHODS: In 45 healthy volunteers divided in two groups (< 45 and > 45 years old) we assessed longitudinal and radial regional function (velocities, times intervals and velocity-time integrals). Data were compared in each group and between groups. RESULTS: Systolic function: a) longitudinal: higher velocities and integrals in lateral and inferior walls and in basal segments, with a trend to reduction of these parameters with aging; b) radial: higher basal velocities, no significant change with aging. Diastolic function: a) longitudinal: higher velocities in lateral and inferior walls and in basal segments. With aging e and e/a velocities and integrals decreased, a increased and older individuals showed lower percentage of segments with e/a >1; b) radial: aging was associated with lower e and higher a velocities. CONCLUSION: 1) Tissue Doppler echocardiography detects physiological differences between regional myocardial function of different ventricular segments, in velocities, times intervals and integrals, with physiological heterogeneity and asynchrony; 2) Many of these data are age dependent; 3) Our data contribute to define normal values, and may become useful when compared with data from populations with heart diseases.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether arginine vasopressin releases endothelium-derived nitric oxide (EDNO) from the epicardial coronary artery. METHODS: We studied segments of canine left circumflex coronary arteries suspended in organ chambers to measure isometric force. The coronary artery segments were contracted with prostaglandin F2alpha (2 x 10-6M) and exposed to a unique, strong arginine vasopressin concentration (10-6M) or titrated concentrations (10-9 a 10-5 M). RESULTS: The unique dose of arginine vasopressin concentration (10-6M) induced transient, but significant (p<0.05), relaxation in arterial segments with endothelium, and an increase, not significant, in tension in arteries without endothelium. Endothelium-dependent relaxation to arginine vasopressin was inhibited by Ng-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA, 10-5M) or N G-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG) (10-4M), 2 inhibitors of nitric oxide synthesis from L-arginine. Exogenous L-arginine (10-4M), but not D-arginine (10-4M), reversed the inhibitory effect of L-NMMA on vasopressin-mediated vasorelaxation. Endothelium dependent relaxation to vasopressin was also reversibly inhibited by the vasopressin V1-receptor blocker d(CH2)5Try(Me) arginine vasopressin (10-6M) (n=6, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Vasopressin acts through V1 endothelial receptors to stimulate nitric oxide release from L-arginine.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the immediate postoperative period of patients undergoing myocardial revascularization without extracorporeal circulation with different types of grafts. METHODS: One hundred and twelve patients, 89 (79.5%) of whom were males, were revascularized without extracorporeal circulation. Their ages ranged from 39 to 85 years. The criteria for indicating myocardial revascularization without extracorporeal circulation were as follows: revascularized coronary artery caliber > 1.5 mm, lack of intramyocardial trajectory on coronary angiography, noncalcified coronary arteries, and tolerance of the heart to the different rotation maneuvers. RESULTS: Myocardial revascularization without extracorporeal circulation was performed in 112 patients. Three were converted to extracorporeal circulation, which required a longer hospital stay but did not impact mortality. During the procedure, the following events were observed: atrial fibrillation in 10 patients, ventricular fibrillation in 4, total transient atrioventricular block in 2, ventricular extrasystoles in 58, use of a device to retrieve red blood cells in 53, blood transfusion in 8, and arterial hypotension in 89 patients. Coronary angiography was performed in 20 patients on the seventh postoperative day when the grafts were patent. CONCLUSION: Myocardial revascularization without extracorporeal circulation is a reproducible technique that is an alternative for treating ischemic heart disease.