Abstract Due to the complex nature of pain and the participation of physical, cognitive, psychological and behavioral aspects, pain management has several approaches. The use of medicinal plants in developing countries is quite expressive. Seeking new options for the treatment of emerging or debilitating diseases. Therefore, the present study seeks to elucidate the effects of the monoterpene, citronellal, differentiating its activity by isomers (R)-(+) and (S)-(-) citronellal. The study used several methods to evaluate the effects of citronellal isomers on motor coordination, nociceptive response, and the involvement of opioid, glutamatergic, and transient receptor pathways. The methods included rota-rod, hot-plate, and formalin tests, as well as the use of specific inhibitors and agonists. Data were analyzed using inferential statistics with a 95% confidence level. Both isomers did not significantly affect the motor coordination of the studied animals. The isomer (S)-(-) citronellal showed better results in relation to its structural counterpart, managing to have an antinociceptive effect in the formalin and hot plate tests with a lower concentration (100 mg/kg) and presenting fewer side effects, however, the this study was not able to elucidate the mechanism of action of this isomer despite having activity in studies with substances that act on specific targets such as glutamate and capsaicin, its activity was not reversed with the use of antagonists for pathways related to nociception. While the (R)-(+) citronellal isomer, despite showing total activity only at a concentration of 150 mg/kg, was able to determine its mechanism of action related to the opioid pathway by reversing its activity by the antagonist naloxone, being this is a pathway already correlated with nociception control treatments, however, it is also related to some unwanted side effects. In this way, new studies are sought to elucidate the mechanism related to the isomer (S)-(-) citronellal and a possibility of use in other areas related to the treatment of pain or inflammation.

Resumo Devido à natureza complexa da dor e a sua participação de aspectos físicos, cognitivos, psicológicos e comportamentais, o manejo da dor possui diversas abordagens. O uso de plantas medicinais em países em desenvolvimento é bastante expressivo. Buscando novas opções para o tratamento de denças emergentes ou debilitantes. Portanto, o presente estudo busca elucidar os efeitos do monoterpeno, citronelal, diferenciando sua atividade pelos isômeros (R)-(+) e (S)-(-) citronelal. O estudo utilizou diversos métodos para avaliar os efeitos dos isômeros de citronelal na coordenação motora, resposta nociceptiva e o envolvimento de vias opioides, glutamatérgicas e de receptores transitórios. Os métodos incluíram testes de rota-rod, placa quente e formalina, além do uso de inibidores e agonistas específicos. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente com um intervalo de confiança de 95%. Ambos os isomeros não afetaram significativamente a coordenação motora dos animais em estudo. O isômero (S)-(-) citronelal apresentou melhores resultados em relação ao seu homólogo estrutural, conseguindo ter um efeito antinociceptivo nos testes de formalina e placa quente com menor concentração (100 mg/kg) e apresentando menos efeitos colaterais, entretanto, o presente estudo não foi capaz de elucidar o mecanismo de ação deste isomero apesar de ter atividadade em estudos com substancias que agem em alvos específicos como glutamato e capsaicina, sua atividade não foi revertida com a utilização de antagonistas para as vias relacionadas à nocicepção. Enquanto o isômero (R)-(+) citronelal, apesar de apresentar de apresentar total atividade somente na concentração de 150 mg/kg, foi capaz de determinar seu mecanismo de ação relacionado à via opióide pela reversão da sua atividade pelo antagonista naloxona, sendo esta uma via já correlacionada com os tratamentos de controle da a nocicepção, no entanto, também está relacionada a alguns efeitos colaterais indesejados. Desta forma busca-se novos estudos para elucidação do mecanismo relacionados ao isomero (S)-(-) citronellal e uma possibilidade de utilização em outras areas relacionadas ao tratamento da dor ou inflamação.

Resumen La enfermedad pulmonar avanzada (EPAV) es la principal causa de morbimortalidad en pacientes con Fibrosis Quística (FQ). Objetivo: describir características clínicas de pacientes con FQ con EPAV y mortalidad en el seguimiento. Método: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo de pacientes con FQ y EPAV: VEF1 < 40%, oxígeno dependiente, y/o enviados a programa de trasplante pulmonar. Se recolectaron características clínicas, microbiológicas, funcionales, genéticas, mortalidad. Resultados: De 111 pacientes controlados, un 39% cumplió criterios de EPAV. Un 52% son hombres y el promedio de edad fue de 29,8 años. El IMC promedio fue de 19,9 kg/m2, un 72% eran portadores de insuficiencia pancreática y un 87% con estudio genético, siendo la mutación DF508 la más frecuente (67%). La edad promedio de diagnóstico fue de 11,2 años (DS ± 13 años), siendo en un 54,5% en > 4 años de vida. Un 75% era portador de infección crónica por Pseudomonas. Un 68% era dependiente de oxígeno y un 18% de ventilación mecánica no invasiva. El 70 % tuvo 2 o más hospitalizaciones el último año de seguimiento. De 27 pacientes derivados a trasplante, 7 se trasplantaron, 3 fallecieron en lista para trasplante, 9 presentaron alguna contraindicación: 4 de ellos por desnutrición y 5 por mala adherencia y escasa red de apoyo. En el seguimiento un 32% (n = 14) falleció, 93% de causa respiratoria. Conclusión: Un 39% de los pacientes tenían EPAV cuyo diagnóstico de FQ en promedio fue a los 11,2 años (SD ± 13 a). Las barreras de ingreso a lista para trasplante fueron: desnutrición, mala adherencia y falta de red de apoyo. Esta es una población con una elevada mortalidad.

Advanced cystic fibrosis lung disease (ACFLD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Objective: to describe clinical characteristics of patients with CF with ACFLD and mortality during follow-up. Method: Descriptive, retrospective study of patients with CF and ACFLD: FEVi < 40%, oxygen dependent, and/or referred to a lung transplantprogram. Clinical, microbiological, functional, genetic and mortality characteristics were collected. Results: Of 111 controlled patients, 39% met criteria for ACFLD. 52% were men and the mean age was 29,8 years- old. The average BMI was 19.9 kg/m2, 72% had pancreatic insufficiency and 87% had a genetic study, being the DF508 mutation the most frequent (67%). The average age of diagnosis was 11.2 years (SD ± 13 years), being in 54,5% over the age of 4 years. 75% had chronic Pseudomonas infection. 68% were oxygen dependent and 18% on noninvasive mechanical ventilation. In the last year of follow-up 70% had 2 or more hospitalizations. Of 27 patients who have been referred for transplantation, 7 underwent lung transplantation, 3 died waiting on the transplant list, 9 had contraindications: 4 due to malnutrition and 5 to poor adherence and poor support network. 32% (n = 14) of the ACFLD patients died, 93% due to respiratory causes. Conclusion: 39% of the patients had ACFLD. The average age for CF diagnosis was 11.2 years (SD ± 13 years) Barriers to entering the transplant list are: malnutrition, poor adherence, and lack of a support network. This is a population with a high mortality.

ABSTRACT Habitat loss and fragmentation caused by deforestation are important anthropogenic drivers of changes in biodiversity in the Amazon rainforest, and has reached its highest rate in recent decades. However, the magnitude and direction of the effects on species composition and distribution have yet to be fully understood. We evaluated the responses of four taxonomic groups − birds, amphibians, orchid bees, and dung beetles - to habitat loss and fragmentation at both species and assemblage level in the northern Ecuadorian Amazon. We sampled fifteen 250-m long plots in terra-firme forest remnants. We calculated one landscape fragmentation index (fragindex), which considers the proportion of continuous forest cover, edge density and isolation in the landscape, and nine landscape configuration metrics. Logistic regression models and multivariate regression trees were used to analyze species and assemblage responses. Our results revealed that over 80% of birds, amphibians or orchid-bee species, and 60% of dung beetles were negatively affected by habitat loss and fragmentation. Species composition of all taxonomic groups was significantly affected by differences in forest cover and connectivity. Less than 5% of all species were restricted to landscapes with fragindex values higher than 40%. Landscape metrics related to the shape and area of forest patches determined the magnitude and direction of the effect on species responses. Therefore, changes in the landscape configuration of Ecuadorian Amazonia should be minimized to diminish the effects of habitat loss and fragmentation on species occurrence and assemblage composition.

RESUMEN La pérdida y fragmentación del hábitat causada por la deforestación es un importante impulsor antropogénico de cambios sobre la biodiversidad en la selva amazónica. Sin embargo, la magnitud y dirección de los efectos sobre la composición y distribución de las especies aún es incomprendida. Evaluamos las respuestas de cuatro grupos taxonómicos - aves, anfibios, abejas de orquídeas y escarabajos peloteros - a la pérdida y fragmentación del hábitat, tanto a nivel de especies como de ensamblaje, en la Amazonía norte ecuatoriana. Tomamos muestras de quince parcelas de 250 m de largo en remanentes de bosque de tierra firme. Calculamos un índice de fragmentación del paisaje (fragindex), que considera la cobertura forestal continua, densidad del borde y el aislamiento en el paisaje, y nueve métricas de configuración del paisaje para analizar las respuestas de especies y ensamblajes. Más del 80% de las especies de aves, anfibios o abejas de orquídeas y el 60% de los escarabajos peloteros se vieron afectados negativamente por la pérdida y fragmentación del hábitat. La composición por especies se vio significativamente afectada por las diferencias en la cobertura forestal y la conectividad, mientras que la forma y el área de los parches de bosque determinaron la magnitud y la dirección del efecto en las respuestas de las especies. Por lo tanto, los cambios en la configuración del paisaje de la Amazonía ecuatoriana deben minimizarse para disminuir los efectos de la pérdida y fragmentación del hábitat sobre la presencia de especies y la composición de los ensambles.

Abstract Wilson’s Plover, Charadrius wilsonia, is widely distributed in coastal areas of the Americas. This report presents the first record of breeding in this species on Coroa do Avião Island, on the coast of Pernambuco, and in the estuary of the Cardoso and Camurupim rivers, on the coast of Piauí, in northeastern Brazil, extending the known area of reproduction of this species in this region. One breeding pair was observed on October 29th 2014 on Coroa do Avião Island, and a second pair was recorded on April 6th 2016 in the Cardoso/Camurupim estuary on the Piauí coast. Both the male and the female contributed to the incubation of the eggs. The nest on Coroa do Avião island was camouflaged by the local vegetation, but despite this, the eggs were attacked by a predator. Possible predators observed on the island included Caracara plancus and domestic cats and dogs.

Resumo Charadrius wilsonia (Wilson’s Plover) está amplamente distribuído pela costa das Américas. Este é o primeiro registro de reprodução no litoral de Pernambuco, Coroa do Avião, e no estuário dos rios Cardoso e Camurupim, litoral do Piauí, Brasil, ampliando a área de reprodução no Nordeste do Brasil. Foi encontrado um casal em período reprodutivo em 23 de outubro de 2014 na ilha Coroa do Avião, litoral de Pernambuco e outro registro em 06 de abril de 2016 nos estuários Cardoso e Camurupim, litoral do Piauí. Foi observado que o macho e a fêmea contribuem na incubação dos ovos. A vegetação na ilha contribui para a camuflagem do ninho, bem como na proteção dos ovos pelos predadores. Apesar da proteção ocorreu a predação do ninho na ilha Coroa do Avião. Alguns possíveis predadores foram registrados na ilha, como Caracara plancus que diariamente frequentam a área e animais domésticos como cães e gatos.

Abstract The capture and fixation of atmospheric CO2 is one of the environmental services provided by native forests. Tree biomass is an indicator of carbon stocks and can be estimated using allometric models that must be accurate, unbiased and local. The objectives of this study were to determine the individual aerial biomass of Vachellia caven and its distribution by structural component; estimate the diametric class-based biomass expansion factors (BEF) and obtain allometric models for the estimation of the aerial biomass of the El Espinal, a native forests of Entre Ríos, Argentina. The dasometric variables of 30 individuals of different diametric classes were measured and both the total and componential (trunk, branches of more than 5 cm in diameter, and branches of less than 5 cm + leaves + flowers + fruits) biomass determined using the destructive method. To select the best biomass estimating models, goodness of fit indicators were used: the adjusted coefficient of determination (r.), mean squared predicting error, the PRESS statisticgraph, the Akaike and Bayesian’s Information Criteria and the Furnival index. The best-fit models were based on diameter at breast height (BHD), crown area (ca) and total height. The best model was: Ln(Bt) = -1,69 + 1,74 * Ln(dbh) + 0,41 * Ln(ca). The BEF values varied between 3.1 and 5.8, and were significantly higher in individuals with larger diameters. The models developed in this work present high accuracy (r2 adj. ≥ 0.92) and can be applied in the native forest area of the province of Entre Ríos (Argentina) in V. caven individuals with diameters between 5 cm and 25 cm.

Resumen La captura y fijación de CO2 atmosférico es uno de los servicios ambientales que proveen los bosques nativos. La biomasa arbórea constituye un indicador de las existencias de carbono y puede ser estimada mediante modelos alométricos, que deben ser precisos, insesgados y locales. Los objetivos fueron cuantificar la biomasa individual de Vachellia caven y su distribución por componente estructural; estimar los factores de expansión de la biomasa (FEB) por clase diamétrica; y obtener modelos alométricos para la estimación de la biomasa aérea en bosques nativos del Espinal (Entre Ríos). En 30 individuos de distintas clases diamétricas se midieron variables dasométricas y se determinó la biomasa aérea total y por componente (fuste, ramas mayores de 5 cm de diámetro y ramas menores de 5 cm + hojas + flores + frutos) mediante el método destructivo. Para la selección de los mejores modelos de estimación de biomasa se utilizaron indicadores de bondad de ajuste: coeficiente de determinación ajustado, error cuadrático medio de predicción, estadígrafo PRESS, Criterios de Información de Akaike y Bayesiano e Índice Furnival. Los modelos de mejor ajuste se basaron en el diámetro a la altura del pecho (DAP), área de copa (ac) y altura total. El mejor modelo fue: Ln(Bt) = -1,69 + 1,74 * Ln(DAP) + 0,41 * Ln(ac). Los valores de FEB variaron entre 3,1 y 5,8 y fueron significativamente más altos en individuos de mayor diámetro. Los modelos obtenidos presentan alta precisión (R2 aj. ≥ 0,92), pudiendo ser aplicados en individuos de V. caven en el área de bosques nativos del Espinal, que presenten diámetros basales comprendidos entre 5 cm y 25 cm.

Abstract This work aimed to perform the characterization of electrical properties of niobium pentoxide, Nb2O5, pure and doped with molybdenum, prepared by powder metallurgy route and to do a comparative analysis of the influence of this material when sintered in a muffle or in a microwave oven. The results showed that the doping of the niobium pentoxide with 0.5% or 1% of molybdenum along with the process of sintering in a microwave oven make the material more applicable as a microwave absorber material for electromagnetic radiation in the UHF (ultra-high frequency) range between 0.3 to 3 GHz. The motivation of this work was associated with the fact that in Brazil are located two of the largest niobium reserves in the world. Under this view, the study of the processing of the ceramic materials is important considering possible technological applications.

A oxidação preferencial do CO (PROX) é o método mais adequado para a purificação de fluxos gasosos ricos em H2. Catalisadores de CuO/CeO2 têm sido desenvolvidos e apresentados na literatura como uma alternativa bastante promissora para a reação de oxidação preferencial do CO - PROX-CO. O objetivo deste trabalho é sintetizar catalisadores a base de CuO/CeO2 por meio do método de síntese Pechini, caracterizar e analisar as suas estruturas e avaliar a performance catalítica destes materiais aplicados na reação de PROX-CO. Foram desenvolvidas duas amostras de catalisadores a base CuO/CeO2, uma contendo 0,1 mol e outra contendo 0,5 mol de CuO. De acordo com os resultados, ambas as amostras sintetizadas mostraram-se aptas a serem utilizadas em processos de conversão de CO para CO2. No entanto, a amostra que continha 0,1 mol de CuO exibiu atividade catalítica mais expressiva do que a amostra que continha 0,5 mol da mesma espécie ativa.

The preferential CO oxidation (PROX) is the most suitable for the purification of gas streams rich in H2 method. Catalysts CuO/CeO2 have been developed and presented in the literature as a promising alternative for the reaction preferential oxidation of CO - CO-PROX. The objective of this work is to synthesize catalysts based on CuO/CeO2 via Pechini synthesis method, characterize and analyze their structures and evaluate the catalytic performance of these materials used in CO-PROX reaction. Two samples of catalysts were developed based on CuO/CeO2, containing 0.1 mol and one containing 0.5 mole of CuO. Both synthesized samples proved suitable for use in processes of conversion of CO to CO2. However, the sample containing 0.1 mol CuO was catalytically more active than the sample containing 0.5 mol of the same active species.

A oxidação preferencial do CO (PROX) é o método mais adequado para a purificação de fluxos gasosos ricos em H2. Catalisadores de CuO/CeO2 têm sido desenvolvidos e apresentados como uma alternativa bastante promissora para a reação de oxidação preferencial do CO-PROX-CO. O objetivo deste trabalho é sintetizar catalisadores cerâmicos a base de CuO/CeO2 por meio do método de síntese Pechini, caracterizar e analisar as suas estruturas e avaliar a performance catalítica destes materiais aplicados na reação de PROX-CO. Foram desenvolvidas duas amostras de catalisadores cerâmicos à base CuO/CeO2, uma contendo 0,1 mol de CuO e outra contendo 0,5 mol do mesmo óxido. De acordo com os resultados, ambas as amostras sintetizadas mostraram-se aptas a serem utilizadas em processos de conversão de CO para CO2. No entanto, a amostra que continha 0,1 mol de CuO mostrou-se mais ativa cataliticamente do que a amostra que continha 0,5 mol da mesma espécie ativa catalítica.

The preferential oxidation of CO (PROX) is the most suitable method for the purification of gas streams rich in H2. CuO/CeO2 catalysts have been developed and presented as a promising alternative for the preferential oxidation reaction of CO - CO-PROX. The aim this work is to synthesize CuO/CeO2 ceramic catalysts by means of the synthesis Pechini's method, characterization and analysis the structures and evaluation of the performance of these materials used in catalytic reaction of CO-PROX. Two samples ceramic catalysts based on CuO/CeO2 were synthesized, the first containing 0.1 mol of CuO and the second containing 0.5 mol of CuO. According to the results, both synthesized samples were ready to be used in a process of converting CO to CO2. However, the sample containing 0.1 mol of CuO was more active than the catalyst sample containing 0.5 mol of the same active species.

Light and shadows caused by the interaction with objects are important features in computer graphics which are usually taken into account to achieve realistic images. In order to simulate them, some attempts have been carried out which are based on direct illumination classical approaches as shadow mapping and shadow volumes. However, classical approaches in their beginnings could not support semi-transparent objects, soft-shadows, light interactions inside objects and the possibility to update a scene based on previous information. In this paper a novel shadow casting approach is proposed to solve the previously mentioned problem using an interactive cooperative multi agent system to provide a better understanding and easy customization of the rendered scenes; for instance, the scenes are represented with object agents that propagate rectilinear photon information through them causing several changes on photon properties such as wavelength, intensity, among others. This system uses a two-dimensional space represented by pixels. Our multi-agent system (MAS) uses a blackboard architecture for storing and sharing data and the implicit invocation design pattern. The system was developed to calculate direct illumination in a two-dimensional space. In addition, the proposed system supports point light agents, opaque agents, semi-opaque agents and empty agents. A comparison is presented between the classic approaches and the proposed one presented in this work in scenes composed of opaque and semi-opaque objects. The proposed approach, as opposed to the classical ones, allows the shadows to be casted by the light that passes through semi-opaque objects. The light is casted by one or many light agents producing hard and soft shadows.

Luz y sombras causadas por la interacción con los objetos son características importantes en gráficas computacionales para lograr realismo en las imágenes. Para simularlas, se han hecho intentos en enfoques de iluminación directa como lo son shadow mapping y volumes. Sin embargo, éstas no pueden soportar objetos semitransparentes, sombras suaves, interacciones de la luz en el interior de los objetos y la posibilidad de actualizar una escena basada en información previa. En éste trabajo se propone un novedoso enfoque de generación de sombras para resolver los problemas antes mencionados desarrollados bajo un enfoque de sistema multi-agente cooperativo para una mejor comprensión y una fácil personalización de escenas; como ejemplo, las escenas son representadas con agentes-objeto que propagan la información de los fotones de manera rectilínea entre ellos, causando varios cambios en las propiedades de los fotones como la frecuencia, intensidad, entre otros. Este sistema utiliza un espacio bidimensional representado por pixeles. Nuestro sistema multi-agente (SMA) utiliza la arquitectura pizarrón (blackboard) para almacenar y compartir datos entre agentes y el patrón de diseño invocación implícita. El sistema fue desarrollado para calcular la iluminación local en un espacio discreto bidimensional. Adicionalmente, el sistema propuesto soporta agentes luz puntual, agente opaco, agente semi-opaco y agente vacío. Se muestra una comparación entre los enfoques clásicos y la alternativa propuesta utilizando escenas con objetos opacos y semi-opacos. La alternativa propuesta en comparación con los enfoques clásicos permite sombras generadas por la luz al cruzar objetos semi-opacos. La luz es generada por uno o varios agentes luz puntual provocando sombras fuertes o suaves.

O objetivo deste trabalho é desenvolver catalisadores de Ni suportados em α-Al2O3 dopada com os seguintes elementos metálicos: ferro, zinco, cério e zircônio. Os suportes catalíticos de α-Al2O3 dopada foram obtidos por meio do método de síntese da reação de combustão e o níquel, na condição de espécie ativa catalítica, foi depositado sobre os suportes por meio do método de impregnação úmida. As caracterizações estruturais, bem como, a avaliação dos desempenhos catalíticos destes materiais cerâmicos na reação de reforma a vapor do metano fazem parte dos objetivos deste trabalho. Os suportes catalíticos sintetizados apresentaram estruturas cristalinas com dimensão de suas porosidades na faixa da microporosidade associada à presença de mesoporos. A avaliação catalítica das amostras obtidas neste trabalho, na reação de reforma a vapor do metano, revelou que o desempenho catalítico deste tipo de material é influenciado por suas características físicas, tais como, valor da área superficial das partículas que compõem a estrutura, como também, o valor médio dos diâmetros de poros da mesma. Dentre as quatro amostras desenvolvidas neste trabalho, a amostra de α-Al2O3 dopada com zinco contendo 1,5% de Ni como espécie ativa catalítica, apresentou valores percentuais de conversão do metano mais elevados que as demais amostras.

The aim this work is to develop Ni catalysts supported on α-Al2O3 doped with the following metallic elements: iron, zinc, cerium and zirconium. The catalytic supports composed by α-Al2O3 doped were obtained by means method of synthesis of the combustion reaction and the nickel in the active catalytic species condition, was deposited over the supports by the method of wet impregnation. The structural characterizations, as well as the evaluation of performance of these ceramic materials in catalytic reaction of steam reforming of methane are among the objectives of this work. The catalytic supports synthesized showed crystalline structures with dimensions of its pores in the range of microporosity associated with the presence of mesopores. The catalytic evaluation of the samples obtained in this work, in reaction of steam reforming of methane revealed that the catalytic performance of this materials is influenced by physical characteristics her structure, such as, value of surface area of the particles that make up the structure, but also, the average diameter of pores of the same. Among the four samples developed in this work, the sample of α-Al2O3 doped with zinc containing 1.5% Ni as active catalytic species, showed percentages of conversion of methane higher than the other samples.

Throughout 2006 and 2007, at a small swamp in San Francisco del Cabo, northwestern Ecuador, monthly field expeditions were done to monitor a population of the leaf frog Agalychnis spurrelli with the following aims: (1) to determine population size and annual fluctuation; (2) to determine spatial distributional patterns and microhabitat resource partitioning; and (3) to analyze associations with other nocturnal frogs. We employed standardized sampling methods to study the population size, which included capture-recapture analysis using toe clip codes. In northwestern Ecuador, Agalychnis spurrelli presents highly effective population sizes, with local increments in relative density through rainy and breeding seasons, beginning in February. A low recapture rate was obtained and population size was projected between 1400 to 6000 individuals of Agalychnis spurrelli for Laguna del Diablo. Throughout the dry season this particular frog prefers the canopy of higher trees, descending only to low vegetation which occurs around the swamp when the breeding season begins. We obtained low rates in overlap and amplitude functional niche values, demonstrating a high level of specialization in resource partitioning in the habitat. Nine species of nocturnal anurans were identified around this body of water, among which, Hypsiboas rosenbergi and H. pellucens were the most similar species to A. spurrelli in resource use and spatial distribution at the swamp. The snake Leptodeira septentrionalis is its principal predator.

Entre los años 2006 y 2007, en un pequeño humedal de la localidad de San Francisco del Cabo al noroccidente de Ecuador, monitoreamos mensualmente una población de la rana arborícola Agalychnis spurrelli. Nuestros objetivos fueron: (1) determinar el tamaño poblacional y las fluctuaciones anuales de la población, (2) evaluar la distribución espacial el hábitat por categoría de edad; y (3) analizar las asociaciones con otras especies de anuros relacionadas con la partición de recursos del sustrato, época reproductiva y sitio de reproducción. Se emplearon métodos estandarizados de muestreo para estudiar la dinámica y tamaño poblacional, los cuales incluían la captura-recaptura, codificados mediante el corte de falanges. La población de Agalychnis spurrelli podría alcanzar altos tamaños poblacionales, con incrementos de su densidad relativa y en su actividad reproductiva durante los períodos de lluvias, que inician desde el mes de Febrero. Se obtuvo una baja tasa de recaptura, con tamaños poblacionales calculados entre 1400 y 6000 individuos adultos para la Laguna del Diablo. Durante los períodos secos, esta especie prefiere los estratos altos del bosque, descendiendo hacia los bordes de la laguna solamente cuando comienzan los períodos de lluvia. Nueve especies de anuros nocturnos fueron identificados en los alrededores de la laguna, de los cuales Hypsiboas rosenbergi y H. pellucens fueron las más similares con A. spurrelli en el uso de recursos del hábitat. La serpiente Leptodeira septentrionalis es su principal depredador. Se reportan valores medianos en la amplitud y solapamiento del nicho, que refleja tendencias generalistas de esta especie en la distribución vertical y uso de sustratos en el humedal.

The present study was undertaken in order to asses the existing genetic diversity within a germplasm collection of avocado (Persea americana Mill.) kept at the Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP) Campo Experimental Uruapan (CEFAP-Uruapan). The parental relationship among 77 accessions (231 plants) of the Mexican race was investigated by using seven Inter Simple Sequence Repeat microsatellites (ISSRs). A total of 154 loci were detected. Percentage polymorphism ranged from 82.3 to 95.4, with number of bands ranging from 17 to 25 within accessions. Genetic similarity analysis revealed formation of two major groups, one with eleven subgroups and the other one with three subgroups. Genetic similarity was highest between accession 237 (Atlixco, Puebla) and accession XTC01 (Uruapan, Michoacan), while accessions 532 (Atlixco, Puebla) and 369 (Chilchota, Michoacan) were the most dissimilar ones. None of the accessions were found to be duplicates. In general, the present study demonstrated the usefulness of ISSRs analysis for determination of genetic diversity in avocado.

El presente estudio se efectuó para determinar la existencia de diversidad genética dentro de una colección de germoplasma de aguacate (Persea americana Mill.) perteneciente al Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP), Campo Experimental Uruapan (CEFAP-Uruapan). Se investigó la relación parental entre 77 accesiones (231 plantas) de la raza Mexicana con el uso de siete ISSRs (Inter Simple Sequence Repeat microsatellites, en inglés). En total se detectaron 154 loci. El porcentaje de polimorfismo varió de 82.3 a 95.4, con un número de bandas entre 17 y 25 dentro de las accesiones. El análisis de similitud genética reveló la formación de dos grupos principales, uno con once subgrupos y el otro con tres subgrupos. La similitud genética fue más alta entre las accesiones 237 (Atlixco, Puebla) y XTC01 (Uruapan, Michoacán), mientras que las accesiones 532 (Atlixco, Puebla) y 369 (Chilchota, Michoacán) fueron las más disímiles. No se encontraron duplicados en los genotipos analizados. En general, el presente estudio demostró la utilidad del análisis mediante ISSRs para la determinación de diversidad genética en aguacate.

Agalychnis spurrelli Boulenger, 1913 is the earliest available name for a hylid species of Phyllomedusin frogs that inhabit the lowland and pre-montane tropical forests on the Pacific coast, from southern Costa Rica to central-western Ecuador. I present data that support the placement of Agalychnis litodryas Duellman & Trueb, 1967 as a junior synonym of A. spurrelli. Agalychnis spurrelli is a medium-large sized frog with extensive interdigital membrane that is distinguished from other species of the genus Agalychnis by having the flanks and limbs uniformly yellow, orange, pale rose or pale purple, without dark stripes. The dorsum is green, usually with black-bordered pustular white warts.

Agalychnis spurrelli Boulenger, 1913 es el nombre válido más reciente para una especie hylida de rana Phyllomedusina que habita los bosques tropicales de tierras bajas y premontanos del Pacífico, desde el sur de Costa Rica hasta el centro-occidente de Ecuador. Presento datos que apoyan la ubicación de Agalychnis litodryas Duellman & Trueb, 1967 como un sinónimo junior de A. spurrelli. Agalychnis spurrelli es una rana medianamente grande con extensas membranas interdigitales que se distingue de otras especies del género Agalychnis por tener los flancos y extremidades uniformemente amarillo, anaranjado, rosado pálido o morado pálido, sin barras oscuras. Su dorso es verde, comúnmente con verrugas pustulares bordeadas de negro.

Na região de Lavras, MG, analisou-se o comportamento geoquímico dos elementos menores (EM) e elementos das terras raras (ETR) ao longo da evolução pedogenética em perfis de solos com horizonteB textural, individualizados a partir de rochas de composição ácida, intermediária e básica do substrato. Nos perfis, realizaram-se análises químicas de EM e ETR, avaliando perdas e ganhos pelo balanço químico de massa. O estudo possibilitou o grupamento dos EM em duas classes: (a)mobilidade moderada a alta: perda da rocha fresca até o sólum; (b)mobilidade moderada: enriquecimento relativo e eventualmente real no sólum. O comportamento dos ETR revelou grande mobilidade ao longo da evolução dos perfis de alteração.

The geochemical behavior of trace elements (TE) and rare earth elements (REE) was evaluated in the region of Lavras (MG), during the pedogenetic evolution in soil profiles with argillic horizons differentiated by acid, intermediate and basic compositions of the parent material.Chemical analyses of TE and REE were performed along the profiles and gains and losses were evaluated through mass chemical balance.The study allowed to group the TE into two classes: (a)moderate to high mobility: loss from the consolidated rocks to the solum; and (b)moderate mobility: relative and occasionally real enrichments in the solum.The REE showed a great mobility throughout the evolution of the alteration profiles.