Resumo Acacia mangium é uma espécie pioneira, de rápido crescimento e utilizada na recuperação de áreas degradadas. Os objetivos foram avaliar insetos e aranhas, seus índices ecológicos e interações com plantas de A. mangium em área tropical degradada em processo de recuperação. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com 24 repetições, com os tratamentos representados pelos primeiro e segundo anos após a plantio de A. mangium. Os números de folhas/galhos, galhos/plantas e cobertura do solo por plantas de A. mangium, de Hemiptera: Phenacoccus sp. e Pachycoris torridus; Hymenoptera: Tetragonisca angustula e Trigona spinipes, Brachymyrmex sp., Camponotus sp. e Cephalotes sp.; Blattodea: Nasutitermes sp. e Neuroptera: Chrysoperla sp.; a abundância, riqueza de espécies de insetos polinizadores, formigas cuidadoras e a abundância de predadores de Sternorrhyncha foram maiores no segundo ano após o plantio. Os números de Hemiptera: Aethalium reticulatum, Hymenoptera: Camponotus sp., Cephalotes sp., Polybia sp., T. angustula, T. spinipes, formigas cuidadoras, insetos polinizadores, predadores de Sternorrhyncha e a riqueza de espécies de formigas cuidadoras foram maiores em plantas de A. mangium com maior altura e número de folhas ou galhos. O aumento populacional de artrópodes e da cobertura do solo com o processo de envelhecimento das plantas de A. mangium indicam impacto positivo dessa planta na recuperação de áreas degradadas.

Abstract Acacia mangium is a pioneer species with fast growth and frequently used in the recovery of degraded areas. The objectives were to evaluate insects and spiders, their ecological indices and interactions on A. mangium saplings in a tropical degraded area in recovering process. The experimental design was completely randomized with 24 replications, with treatments represented by the first and second years after A. mangium seedling planted. Numbers of leaves/branch, branches/sapling, and ground cover by A. mangium saplings, Hemiptera: Phenacoccus sp. and Pachycoris torridus; Hymenoptera: Tetragonisca angustula and Trigona spinipes, Brachymyrmex sp., Camponotus sp. and Cephalotes sp.; Blattodea: Nasutitermes sp. and Neuroptera: Chrysoperla sp.; abundance, species richness of pollinating insects, tending ants, and the abundance of Sternorrhyncha predators were greatest in the second year after planting. Numbers of Hemiptera: Aethalium reticulatum, Hymenoptera: Camponotus sp., Cephalotes sp., Polybia sp., T. angustula, T. spinipes, tending ants, pollinating insects, Sternorrhyncha predators and species richness of tending ants were highest on A. mangium saplings with greatest numbers of leaves or branches. The increase in the population of arthropods with ground cover by A. mangium saplings age increase indicates the positive impact by this plant on the recovery process of degraded areas.

Resumo A fertilização com lodo de esgoto desidratado pode acelerar o processo de recuperação de áreas degradadas devido à concentração de nutrientes, favorecendo o desenvolvimento de plantas pioneiras tais como Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. ex Beth (Fabales: Fabaceae) e de seus insetos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os insetos mastigadores, polinizadores e predadores e seus índices e relações ecológicas em plantas de A. auriculiformis fertilizadas com lodo de esgoto desidratado, em área degradada, durante 24 meses. O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizados com dois tratamentos (com e sem adubação com lodo de esgoto desidratado) e 24 repetições (uma repetição = uma planta). O maior número de insetos mastigadores Parasyphraea sp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), Nasutitermes sp. (Blattodea: Termitidae) e Tropidacris collaris (Stoll, 1813) (Orthoptera: Romaleidae), de desfolha, e do índice ecológico abundância de Coleoptera e de Orthoptera foram maiores em plantas de A. auriculiformis fertilizadas do que nas não fertilizadas com lodo de esgoto desidratado. Plantas de A. auriculiformis, com maior quantidade de galhos/árvore, apresentaram maiores abundâncias de Coleoptera e Orthoptera, riqueza de espécies de insetos polinizadores, desfolha e números de Parasyphraea sp. e T. collaris, e as com maior folhas/galho os de riqueza de espécies de Coleoptera e Diabrotica speciosa (Germar, 1824) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Por tanto, a utilização de A. auriculiformis, adubada com lodo de esgoto desidratado, é promissora na recuperação de áreas degradadas devido ao aumento dos índices ecológicos de insetos mastigadores, polinizadores e aranhas na área.

Abstract Fertilization with dehydrated sewage sludge can speed up the recovery process of degraded areas due to nutrients concentration, favoring the development of pioneer plants such as Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. ex Beth (Fabales: Fabaceae) and the emergence of insects. This study aimed the evaluation of chewing, pollinating insects, predators, their ecological indices and relationships on A. auriculiformis plants fertilized with dehydrated sewage sludge. The experimental design was completely randomized with two treatments (with and without dehydrated sewage sludge) and 24 repetitions. The prevalence of chewing insects Parasyphraea sp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), Nasutitermes sp. (Blattodea: Termitidae), and Tropidacris collaris (Stoll, 1813) (Orthoptera: Romaleidae), defoliation, and ecological indices of abundance of Coleoptera and Orthoptera were observed on fertilized A. auriculiformis. Acacia auriculiformis plants, with a superior number of branches/tree, revealed greater abundance of Coleoptera and Orthoptera, species richness of pollinating insects, defoliation, numbers of Parasyphraea sp. and T. collaris. The ones with larger leaves/branches displayed greater abundance of species richness of Coleoptera and Diabrotica speciosa (Germar, 1824) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Therefore, the use of A. auriculiformis plants, fertilized with dehydrated sewage sludge, is promising in the recovery of degraded areas due to the ecological indices increase of chewing and pollinators insects and spiders in the analyzed area.

Abstract Refeeding syndrome is a serious and life-threatening complication associated with oral, enteral and parenteral nutritional therapy. It appears in severely malnourished patients or in those at risk of malnutrition, such as persons with cerebral palsy. We present the case of an 8-year-old girl with cerebral palsy who was admitted with severe hypoglycemia. After starting enteral nutrition by nasogastric tube, she developed refeeding syndrome. In children with cerebral palsy, it is essential to assess the presence of risk factors for refeeding syndrome before starting any nutritional support, and then start feeding progressively and monitor serum electrolytes.

Resumen El síndrome de realimentación es una complicación grave y potencialmente mortal asociada a la terapia nutricional por vía oral, enteral o parenteral. Afecta a pacientes con desnutrición severa o en riesgo de desnutrición, como aquellos con parálisis cerebral infantil. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de ocho años con parálisis cerebral que ingresó por hipoglucemia severa y que, tras iniciar la alimentación enteral por sonda nasogástrica, desarrolló un síndrome de realimentación. En niños con parálisis cerebral es fundamental valorar la presencia de factores de riesgo para desarrollar un síndrome de realimentación, iniciar la alimentación de manera progresiva y monitorizar los iones séricos.

Resumo Os materiais nanoestruturados à base de dióxido de titânio (TiO2) têm demonstrado grande potencial para uso em implantes graças às suas excelentes propriedades físico-químicas, como alta área superficial específica, capacidade de provocar resposta celular positiva e estabilidade nos fluidos corporais. No entanto, existem poucos estudos na literatura que se concentram no uso de TiO2 nanoestruturado para fins de suporte ao crescimento celular e regeneração óssea. O objetivo desta pesquisa é revisar o estado da arte do TiO2 para uso em implantes ósseos, além de fornecer informações sobre suas características e métodos de síntese. São descritos estudos das propriedades biológicas do TiO2 nanoestruturado, estabelecendo seu potencial para o campo biomédico.

Abstract Titanium dioxide (TiO2) based nanostructured materials have shown great potential for use in implants thanks to their excellent physicochemical properties, such as high specific surface area, ability to elicit positive cell response, and stability in body fluids. However, there are few studies in the literature that focus on the use of nanostructured TiO2 to support cell growth and bone regeneration. The purpose of this survey is to review the state of the art of TiO2 for use in bone implants, as well as provide insight into its characteristics and synthesis methods. Studies of the biological properties of nanostructured TiO2 are described, establishing its potential for the biomedical field.

Resumo Esse trabalho mostra a produção de nanofibras de alumina após tratamento térmico de fibras híbridas preparadas por fiação por sopro em solução. Essas nanofibras foram convertidas em γ-Al2O3 e α-Al2O3 após tratamento térmico ao ar entre 500 e 1200 °C. Os padrões de difração de raios X apresentaram todas as características das fases alumina γ e α. Além disso, as micrografias eletrônicas de varredura mostraram que os diâmetros das nanofibras de alumina variaram entre 200 e 270 nm para diferentes temperaturas. Os resultados demonstraram que o método de fiação por sopro em solução é eficiente para produzir nanofibras de alumina.

Abstract This work shows the successful production of alumina nanofibers after thermal treatment of solution blow spun hybrid fibers. These nanofibers were converted into γ-Al2O3 and α-Al2O3 after the thermal treatment in air between 500 to 1200 °C. The X-ray diffraction patterns presented all the characteristics of the γ and α phases of alumina. In addition, the scanning electron micrographs showed alumina nanofiber diameters varying between 200 and 270 nm for different temperatures. The results demonstrated that the solution blowing spinning method is efficient to produce alumina nanofibers.

Background: Salmonella can cause asymptomatic infections, diarrhea, bacteremia and focal infections such as meningitis and osteomyelitis. Aim: To describe clinical and microbiological aspects of infections by Salmonella spp. in children in a pediatric referral hospital: Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell, in Montevideo, Uruguay. Materials and Methods: Descriptive and retrospective study of 46 patients, from which Salmonella spp was isolated between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2010. Results: Salmonella spp was isolated in 46 children younger than 15 years old. 18 were below 2 years old and 5 children below three months. 24% of the children had risk factors, such as HIV infection, oncological diseases and malnutrition; low birth weight and pneumonia were associated conditions. No deaths were reported. The serotypes more frequently found were: Typhimurium and Enteritidis. Most of the strains were susceptible to ampicillin and third generation of cephalosporins. Discussion: Diarrhea with blood was the predominant clinical presentation, and there were no outbreaks. Typhimurium and Enteritidis were the most common serotypes. Based on the profiles of susceptibility antimicrobial, we could maintain the same recommendations until the moment suggested. Conclusions: we must consider the Salmonella infection in febrile children under risk of an invasive bacterial disease, with or without focal infection.

Resumen Introducción: Salmonella sp puede causar infecciones asintomáticas, gastroenteritis, bacteriemia e infecciones focales como meningitis y osteomielitis. Objetivo: Describir aspectos microbiológicos y clínicos de las infecciones por Salmonella spp en niños en un hospital de referencia pediátrico Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell. Montevideo Uruguay. Material y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo de pacientes en quienes se aislara Salmonella spp en el período 1 de enero de 2005 al 31 de diciembre de 2010. Resultados: Se aisló Salmonella spp en 46 niños menores de 15 años. Dieciocho eran menores de 2 años y 5 niños menores de tres meses. 24% de los pacientes presentaba factores de riesgo (infección por VIH; enfermedad hemato-oncológica, desnutrición) y co-morbilidades (bajo peso al nacer y neumonía). No hubo fallecidos. Los serotipos más frecuentes fueron: Typhimurium y Enteritidis. La mayoría de las cepas eran sensibles a ampicilina y cefalosporinas de tercera generación. Discusión: La presentación clínica predominante fue diarrea con sangre, no se presentaron brotes. Basados en los perfiles de susceptibilidad antimicrobiana, se pueden mantener las recomendaciones hasta el momento sugeridas. Conclusiones: Se debe tener en cuenta la infección por Salmonella sp en niños febriles con riesgo de enfermedad bacteriana invasora, con o sin focalidad.

Increased prevalence of obesity is associated with the growth of chronic degenerative diseases. One of the main factors associated with this increase is the change in nutritional status of individuals. Medium chain triglycerides (MCT) are rapidly metabolized and less stored in the adipose tissue, being a possible tool for weight control. In order to analyze the influence of consumption of this lipid on satiety, body composition and energy expenditure (EE), a literature review was performed of controlled clinical studies reported in PUBMED and ELSEVIER between the years 2000 and 2010. Fourteen articles were selected presenting short and long-term intervention. Among these, six showed a decrease in body mass of individuals, with consequent loss of weight. Only one showed a positive effect on satiation and four showed an increase in EE. Thus the results are inconclusive and there is a need for further controlled studies with standardized amounts of MCT, so that its use can become an alternative for obesity nutritional treatment.

El aumento de la prevalencia de obesidad se asocia con el crecimiento de las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles. Uno de los principales factores asociados a este aumento es el cambio en el estado nutricional de los individuos. Los triglicéridos de cadena media (TCM) tienen el metabolismo rápido y menor capacidad de almacenamiento en el tejido adiposo, siendo una posible herramienta para controlar el peso corporal. Con el objetivo de evaluar la influencia del consumo de este lípido en la saciedad, la composición corporal y el gasto energético (GE) se realizó un levantamiento bibliográfico de estudios clínicos controlados reportados en PUBMED y ELSEVIER entre los años 2000 y 2010. Catorce artículos fueron seleccionados para la intervención en corto y largo plazo. Entre ellos, seis mostraron disminución de la masa corporal de los individuos, con la consiguiente pérdida de peso. Solamente uno mostró efecto positivo en la satisfacción y cuatro mostraron aumento en el GE de los individuos. Por lo tanto, los resultados son inconclusivos y hay necesidad de más estudios controlados con cantidades estandarizadas de TCM, para que su utilización pueda convertirse en una alternativa para el tratamiento nutricional de la obesidad.

A tuberculose é uma doença bem conhecida e para a qual há fármacos de reconhecida eficácia. Em Portugal, a incidência da tuberculose tem vindo a diminuir de forma consistente nos últimos anos, mantendo contudo valores acima da média europeia. Uma nova dificuldade surge, associada à resistência aos antibacilares reconhecidamente relacionada com a não adesão ao tratamento e/ou a uma incorrecta escolha do regime terapêutico. Assim, é importante focar a atenção na abordagem inicial do caso de tuberculose, sendo esse o objectivo desta revisão.

Tuberculosis is a well-known illness for which there is treatment of recognized effectiveness. In Portugal, tuberculosis incidence has been diminishing although keeping values higher than the rest of the Western Europe. A new challenge is associated with resistance to drugs, admittedly related to treatment noncompliance or incorrect treatment choice. The purpose of this review to focus our attention on the importante of the first approach to the tuberculosis case.

Diarrheal disease continues to be a serious health problem, especially in developing countries. Bloody diarrhea represents approximately 20-30% of all cases and has higher morbidity and mortality. Treatment with antibiotics is beneficial in cases of Shigella, Campylobacter, Yersinia and Salmonella infection, principally in those children with a higher risk of invasive disease. The aims of this study were to detect the bacterial agents associated with bloody diarrhea in children and to determine their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. Between June 2001 and January 2008, 249 children with bloody diarrhea were studied. Shigella and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) were recovered from 48 (19.3%) and 3 (1.2%) of the total of cases, respectively. In 49 out of 249 children, in whom other enteropathogens were investigated, we recovered Campylobacter jejuni from 7 children (14.3%), Salmonella spp. from 2 (4.1%) and Aeromonas spp. from 1 (2%) in addition to Shigella from 7 children (14.3%). Thirty-four (70%) Shigella isolates showed resistance to ampicillin and 13 (27%) to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. All Shigella isolates were susceptible to nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone. Salmonella and STEC isolates were susceptible to all antibiotics assayed. Thus, the use of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or ampicillin would not be appropriate for the empirical treatment of Shigella - associated diarrhea.

La enfermedad diarreica es un problema de salud importante, especialmente en los países en desarrollo. La diarrea sanguinolenta representa el 20-30% del total de casos y determina una mayor morbimortalidad. La antibioticoterapia es beneficiosa en casos de infección por Shigella, Campylobacter, Yersinia y Salmonella, principalmente en niños con riesgo elevado de enfermedad invasora. Los objetivos del presente trabajo fueron conocer las bacterias asociadas a diarrea sanguinolenta y determinar su patrón de sensibilidad a los antimicrobianos. Entre junio de 2001 y enero de 2008 se estudiaron 249 niños con diarrea sanguinolenta. Shigella y Escherichia coli productor de toxina Shiga (STEC) se recuperaron de 48 (19,3%) y 3 (1,2%) casos, respectivamente. En la subpoblación de 49 niños cuyo estudio coprobacteriológico fue más completo se aisló, además de Shigella (14,3%), Campylobacter jejuni (14,3%), Salmonella spp. (4,1%) y Aeromonas spp. (2%). Treinta y cuatro (71%) aislamientos de Shigella mostraron resistencia a ampicilina y 13 (27%) a trimetoprima-sulfametoxazol. Todos los aislamientos de Shigella fueron sensibles a ácido nalidíxico, ciprofloxacina y ceftriaxona. Los aislamientos de Salmonella y STEC fueron sensibles a todos los antibióticos ensayados. En función de estos resultados, se concluye que el uso de trimetoprima-sulfametoxazol y de ampicilina no sería apropiado para el tratamiento empírico de la diarrea asociada a Shigella.

The aim of this work was to identify the nursing problems in the care of elderly patients (aged 65 and over) who receive a kidney graft during their time in hospital for transplant. To do so, the clinical histories of the years 2005 and 2006 were analysed retrospectively, and the nursing problems were coded using NANDA taxonomy. Descriptive statistics were used to show the frequency and duration of the problems, and the presence of medical complications. The number of blood transfusions, number of cases of post-transplant haemodialysis and the number of patients who required continuous vesicular irrigation to treat intravesicular clotting problems were also recorded. The most frequent nursing problems are: risk of infection, risk of perioperatory injury, excess of liquids, deterioration of skin integrity, deterioration of physical mobility, insuffi cient self-care, deficient knowledge, and deterioration of sleep pattern. The problems which were most frequently unresolved upon discharge of the patient from hospital were deterioration of urinary elimination, deficient knowledge, risk of unstable glucaemia and deterioration of sleep pattern. The most frequent medical complications were acute tubular necrosis and urinary fistula. Post-surgery blood transfusion was needed by 23% of the patients, 45% needed haemodialysis in the days after the transplant and 38% needed continuous vesicular irrigation.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue identificar los problemas de enfermería en la atención a pacientes añosos (a partir de 65 años), receptores de injerto renal durante su ingreso hospitalario para el trasplante. Para ello se analizaron retrospectivamente las historias clínicas de los años 2005 y 2006, codificándose los problemas de enfermería mediante la Taxonomía NANDA. Se utilizó la estadística descriptiva para mostrar la frecuencia y duración de los problemas, así como la presencia de complicaciones médicas. También se contabilizaron el número de transfusiones sanguíneas, número de hemodiálisis post-trasplante y el número de pacientes que precisaron de suero de irrigación continua vesical para tratar los problemas de coágulos intravesicales. Los problemas de enfermería más frecuentes son: riesgo de infección, riesgo de lesión perioperatoria, exceso de volumen de líquidos, deterioro de la integridad cutánea, deterioro de la movilidad física, déficit de autocuidados, conocimientos deficientes y deterioro del patrón del sueño. Los problemas que, al alta, quedaron sin resolver de forma más frecuente fueron deterioro de la eliminación urinaria, conocimientos deficientes, riesgo de glucemia inestable y deterioro del patrón del sueño. Las complicaciones médicas más frecuentes fueron la necrosis tubular aguda y la fístula urinaria. El 23% de los pacientes necesitaron transfusiones de sangre post-cirugía, el 45% necesitó de hemodiálisis en los días posteriores al trasplante y el 38% necesitó de irrigación continua vesical.

O presente trabalho apresenta uma contribuição aos estudos de modelagem climática com ênfase na variabilidade pluviométrica sazonal da Amazônia oriental, durante as estações de verão e outono (DJF e MAM). Baseado nos resultados das simulações regionais do RegCM3 para um período de 26 anos (1982/83 a 2007/08) e usando domínio em alta resolução espacial (30 Km) e dois diferentes esquemas de convecção (Grell e MIT), foi investigado o desempenho do modelo em simular a distribuição regional de precipitação sazonal na Amazônia oriental, com referência a um novo conjunto de dados observacional compilado com informações de uma ampla rede integrada de estações pluviométricas. As análises quantitativas evidenciaram que o RegCM3 apresenta erros sistemáticos, sobretudo aqueles relacionados com viés seco no Amapá e norte/nordeste do Pará usando ambos os esquemas Grell e MIT, os quais apontam que o modelo não reproduz as características da ZCIT sobre o Atlântico equatorial. As simulações usando MIT, também apresentaram viés úmido no sudoeste/sul/sudeste do Pará e norte do Tocantins. Além disso, através da técnica de composições, também foi investigado o desempenho do RegCM3 em reproduzir os padrões espaciais anômalos de precipitação sazonal em associação aos episódios ENOS, e as fases do gradiente térmico sobre o Atlântico intertropical. Os resultados demonstraram que o modelo conseguiu representar realisticamente bem o padrão espacial das anomalias pluviométricas acima (abaixo) do normal em grande parte da Amazônia oriental, durante os conhecidos cenários favoráveis, i.e., condições de La Niña e gradiente de aTSM para o Atlântico sul (desfavoráveis, i.e., El Niño e gradiente de aTSM para o Atlântico norte).

This paper presents a contribution on the climate modelling studies with emphasis on seasonal rainfall variability in eastern Amazonia, during the austral summer and autumn seasons (DJF and MAM). Based on RegCM3 regional climate simulations for a 26 years period (1982/83 to 2007/08) using high resolution domain scale (30 km) and two different convection schemes (Grell and MIT), it was investigated the model performance to simulate the regional pluviometric distribution in eastern Amazon, with reference to a new observational data base containing regional aspects extracted from a dense rain gauge station network. The quantitative analysis showed that RegCM3 presents systematic errors, especially those related to the dry bias in the Amapá and north/northeast of Pará using both schemes Grell and MIT, which indicate that the model does not reproduce ITCZ characteristics over equatorial Atlantic. The simulations using MIT also indicated wet bias in the southwest/south/southeast of Pará and north of Tocantins. Moreover, through composites technique, it was also investigated RegCM3 response to reproduce the anomalous spatial rainfall patterns in association with ENSO episodes and interhemispheric SSTa gradient phases across the intertropical Atlantic. The results showed that the model represented realistically well the spatial pattern related to the rainfall anomalies above (below) than normal in most of eastern Amazonia, during the known favourable scenarios, i.e., La Niña and south Atlantic SSTa gradient (unfavourable, i.e., El Niño and north Atlantic SSTa gradient).

O objectivo do estudo centrou-se na avaliação da dinâmica de nemátodes fito parasitas, e relação com alguns parâmetros físico-químicos, num terreno utilizado para produção de beterraba sacarina, na zona de Coruche. Com o intuito de acompanhar o processo de crescimento da cultura, o estudo foi efectuado de Janeiro a Junho de 2003. Recorreu-se a métodos standard para a amostragem, extracção e observação dos nemátodes. Empregaramse comparações estatísticas (Kruskal-Wallis) na análise da distribuição mensal dos fitoparasitas. As relações entre indivíduos e parâmetros físico-químicos do seu habitat foram verificadas por análise de componentes principais (PCA), análise canónica de correspondência (CCA) e correlações. Em virtude das acções causadas pelas práticas agrícolas, a comunidade decresceu de Janeiro a Abril, aumentando até Junho com o início do processo de rega. O número de nemátodes do género Meloidogyne foi significativamente superior, secundado por Helicotylenchus e Tylenchus. As correlações entre indivíduos e parâmetros ambientais indicam que, aparte a influência directa do hospedeiro, o cálcio, o potássio, o azoto e a humidade do solo influenciaram a abundância e as relações entre os géneros.

The objective of this research was studying population dynamics of plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN) and their relationships with some soil physico-chemical characteristics, from 1 plot used for sugarbeet production in Coruche. The study was performed from January to June 2003, following the plant growth cycle. Standard sampling, extraction and observation methods were employed. Statistical comparisons (Kruskal-Wallis) were used to analyze nematode monthly distribution. Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Correspondence Canonical Analysis (CCA) and correlations were used to correlate PPN numbers and several physical and chemical parameters. As a result of agricultural practices, the community declined from January to April, following a period of increase until June, as a result of irrigation. Among PPN, numbers of Meloidogyne were significantly higher, followed by Helicotylenchus and Tylenchus. The correlations between these groups and environmental parameters show that, apart from the direct influence of the host, calcium, potassium, nitrogen and soil moisture influenced the abundance and relation between genera.

Protozoa are important microorganisms for the ecosystem balance in wastewater treatment plants. A procedure for their semi-automated identification and counting based on image analysis is proposed. The main difficulty is segmentation of the protozoa as most of them are in contact with the sludge. The protozoa are characterized by the size of their silhouette (area and length) and three shape factors (elongation, circularity and eccentricity). They are identified after projecting the resulting 5D space into a 3D space of principal components. The rate of automated identification is actually higher than 50% for some of the species commonly found in activated sludge.