Abstract Fish parasites are an important part of aquatic biodiversity and knowing these species and their interactions with their hosts helps in monitoring the aquatic biota. The present study investigated the ectoparasite crustacean fauna of ten fish species from the upper Araguari River, in the state of Amapá, northern Brazil. A total of 508 fish were collected and analyzed from July to November 2014, of which 82.6% (109) were parasitized by one or more crustacean ectoparasite species. In the ten host fish species, a total of 308 ectoparasite specimens were collected, from 12 taxa, such as Argulus multicolor Stekhoven, 1937, Argulus spinulosus Silva, 1980, Argulus sp.1, Argulus sp.2, Argulus sp.3, Dipteropeltis sp., Dipteropeltis hirundo Calman, 1912, Dolops bidentata Bouvier, 1899, Dolops striata Bouvier, 1899 (Argulidae), Braga fluviatilis Richardson, 1911, Braga amapaensis Thatcher, 1996 (Cymothoidae) and Excorallana berbicensis Boone, 1918 (Corallanidae). Higher levels of prevalence and abundance were recorded for Hoplias aimara (Valenciennes, 1847) and Tometes trilobatus Valenciennes, 1850, respectively. These ectoparasites were found in the fins, integument, mouth, and anus of the host fish. Argulus sp.2 and D. bidentata were the most abundant parasites (65.1%), and had the highest species richness. This study registered 36 novel host-parasite interactions, and thus represents a new record for all host species here examined. biota River Amapá Brazil 50 2014 826 82 6 82.6 109 (109 30 1 taxa Stekhoven 1937 Silva 1980 sp1 sp sp.1 sp2 2 sp3 3 sp.3 sp. Calman 1912 Bouvier 189 Argulidae, Argulidae , (Argulidae) Richardson 1911 Thatcher 199 Cymothoidae (Cymothoidae Boone 191 Corallanidae. Corallanidae . (Corallanidae) Valenciennes (Valenciennes 1847 1850 respectively fins integument mouth D 65.1%, 651 65.1% 65 (65.1%) richness hostparasite parasite examined 5 201 8 82. 10 (10 193 198 18 (Argulidae 19 (Corallanidae 184 185 65.1 (65.1% 20 (1 65. (65.1 ( (65. (65 (6

RESUMO Os dados de comprimento e peso são úteis na gestão da pesca e resultados padrão dos programas de monitoramento de peixes. A relação peso-comprimento (RPC) é usada para estimar o peso correspondente a um determinado comprimento e o fator de condição é usado para comparar a condição corporal, gordura ou saúde de populações de peixes. O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a RPC e o fator de condição para 12 espécies de peixes de água doce da bacia do Igarapé Fortaleza, um afluente do sistema do Rio Amazonas no estado do Amapá, na Amazônia oriental brasileira. O coeficiente de determinação, o fator de condição alométrico e o coeficiente alométrico variaram entre espécies, e foram comparados com populações de outras localidades. Para 83,3% das espécies, os valores do coeficiente alométrico estavam dentro da faixa esperada. Este foi o primeiro registro de parâmetros de RPC para Acestrorhynchus falcirostris.

ABSTRACT Length and weight data are useful in fisheries management and standard results of fish monitoring programs. Length-weight relationship (LWR) is used for estimating the weight corresponding to a given length, and the condition factor is used to compare the body condition, fatness or health of fish populations. This study aimed to estimate the LWR and the condition factor for 12 freshwater fish species from the Igarapé Fortaleza basin, a tributary of the Amazonas River system in the State of Amapá, eastern Amazon (Brazil). The coefficient of determination, the allometric condition factor and the allometric coefficient varied among species, and were compared with populations elsewhere. In 83.3% of the species, the allometric coefficient remained within the expected range. This was the first record of LWR parameters for Acestrorhynchus falcirostris.

Abstract The aim of the present study was to investigate the infracommunities of ectoparasitic crustaceans in Phractocephalus hemioliopterus Bloch and Schneider, 1801, a catfish from the lower Amazon River, in the state of Pará, eastern Amazon region, Brazil. From 12 hosts examined, a total of 45 specimens of crustacean ectoparasites from 5 species were found in the tegument, oral cavity or dorsal fins. The species were: Argulus multicolor, Argulus violaceus, Dolops nana, Dolops discoidalis, and Braga patagonica. Dolops discoidalis was the dominant ectoparasite, while D. nana had the highest mean intensity in the tegument, which was the most infested host site. This is the first record of A. multicolor, A. violaceus, D. nana and B. patagonica parasiting P. hemioliopterus.

Resumen El objetivo del presente estudio fue investigar las infracomunidades de crustáceos ectoparásitos en Phractocephalus hemioliopterus Bloch y Schneider, 1801, un bagre de la parte baja del río Amazonas, en el estado de Pará, en la Amazonía oriental, Brasil. A partir de 12 hospederos examinados, se encontraron un total de 45 ejemplares de crustáceos ectoparásitos de 5 especies en el tegumento, cavidad o aletas dorsales orales. Las especies fueron: Argulus multicolor, Argulus violaceus, Dolops nana, Dolops discoidalis y Braga patagonica. Dolops discoidalis fue el ectoparásito dominante, mientras que D. nana tuvo la intensidad media más alta en el tegumento, que fue el sitio más infestado. Este es el primer registro de A. multicolor, A. violaceus, D. nana y B. patagonica parasitando P. hemioliopterus.

ABSTRACT This study evaluates the thermal, morphological and mechanical behavior of polypropylene (PP) composite with different natural fibers. The fibers used were wood, sugarcane, bamboo, babassu, coconut and kenaf with and without coupling agent. The thermal, morphological and mechanical properties were evaluated, and a composite PP+GFPP (glass fiber) was used as reference. The interaction at the interface fiber-polymer matrix was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at the fractured surface of the composites, as expected the presence of maleic anhydride (MA) as coupling agent increasedthe interaction at the interface. The influence of natural fiber in the degree of crystallinity of the composites was evaluated by DSC analysis. The samples of PP+GFPP and PP+(PP-MA)+WF (wood flour) showed better temperature stability. PP+GF also presented superior flexural modulus. The thermal dynamic mechanical behavior was evaluated by DMA, a decrease in storage modulus with increasing temperature was observed, the PP+GF and the composite containing maleic anhydride and sugarcane fiber showed higher modulus. The natural fiber biocomposites studied, consistently presented lower flexural modulus and tensile strength than the reference composite, with and without the use of coupling agent. As expected the use of natural fibers lowered the density compared to the reference material.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Few studies have addressed the primary characteristics of patients infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the general population, especially those living in small- and medium-sized cities in Brazil. We aimed to determine the clinical, demographic, and epidemiologic characteristics of patients diagnosed with HBV who were followed up at an infectious diseases clinic of a public hospital in State of São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: Medical records of patients aged >18 years and diagnosed with HBV infection between January 2000 and December 2013 were reviewed. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients were enrolled with male-female main infection-associated risk factors; 9 (12%) were co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), 5 (6.7%) with hepatitis C virus (HCV), and 3 (4%) were co-infected with both HIV and HCV. Antiviral HBV therapy was applied in 21 (28%) patients and tenofovir monotherapy was the most prescribed medication. After approximately 2 years of antiviral treatment, the HBV-DNA viral load was undetectable in 12 (92.3%) patients and lower levels of alanine aminotransferase were found in these patients. CONCLUSIONS: Over a 13-year interval, very few individuals infected with HBV were identified, highlighting the barriers for caring for patients with HBV in developing countries. New measures need to be implemented to complement curative practices.

O estudo objetiva identificar motivos pelos quais idosos de Pelotas, RS, aderem a programas de atividade física (AF) e determinar a importância da AF. Com relação à metodologia, o estudo tem caráter descritivo com corte transversal e o instrumento utilizado na coleta de dados foi um questionário semiestruturado, com perguntas abertas e fechadas. A amostra é composta por 199 idosos - sendo 195 do sexo feminino e 4 do sexo masculino. Os participantes apresentam uma média de idade de 70,03 ± 6,17; e 46,7% pertencem à classe social "C", conforme parâmetros da ABEP. Os resultados indicam a 'prevenção de problemas de saúde' como o principal motivo de adesão, 68,8%, e como a primordial importância atribuída à AF, 75,9%. Esta percepção indica uma postura consciente da relação AF e saúde.

The study aims to identify the purposes for elderly people adhering to physical activity (PA) programs and to determine the significance of PA. The research adopts a cross-sectional descriptive methodology; and data is collected through a semi-structured questionnaire. The sample is composed of 199 elderly people - 195 female and 4 male. The participants have an average age of 70.03 ± 6.17 years old; and 46.7% of them belong to class "C", according to ABEP. Results indicate 'health prevention' as the main purpose for adhesion, 68.8%, and as the primary significance attributed to PA, 75.9%. The paper concludes appointing that this perception denotes a conscious attitude to the relation between PA and health.

El estudio tiene como objetivo identificar los motivos por los cuales ancianos adherem a los programas de actividade física (AF) y determinar la importancia de la AF. La investigación adopta una metodologia descriptivo-transversal y el instrumento utilizado fue un cuestionario semi-estructurado. La muestra es compuesta por 199 ancianos (195 del sexo feminino y 4 del sexo masculino). Los participantes apresentam una media de edad de 70,03 ± 6,17; y 46,7% pertenencem a la classe social "C", conforme los parámetros de la ABEP. Los resultados indicam la 'prevención de problemas de salud' como el principal motivo de la adhesión, 68,8%, y como la primordial importancia atribuída a la AF, 75,9%. Esta percepción indica una postura consciente de la relación AF y la salud.

Serrasalmus spilopleura (piranha-amarela) é fonte de proteína animal para as populações ribeirinhas, sendo ocasionalmente comercializada nos mercados e feiras da região. Considerando a escassez de informações sobre a reprodução de peixes em lagos de várzea, o trabalho propõe investigar o comprimento médio de primeira maturação sexual e a época de desova de S. spilopleura nos lagos Jaitêua-São Lourenço, Manacapuru, AM. Também são relacionados os fatores abióticos (nível de água e profundidade) e bióticos (fator de condição) com a época de desova. Foram capturadas 232 fêmeas no período de agosto de 2006 a junho 2007, utilizando rede-de-emalhar e, em laboratório, foram realizadas as biometrias e identificação dos estádios de maturação gonadal. A época de desova das fêmeas foi estabelecida através da distribuição temporal da freqüência relativa nos diferentes estádios de maturação gonadal e do fator de condição relativo, Kn = Pt/aCp b, onde: Kn = fator de condição relativo; Pt = peso total; Cp = comprimento padrão e, a e b = constantes obtidas da regressão entre peso e comprimento. E, para verificar se há correlação entre o fator de condição e época de desova com a profundidade dos lagos, utilizou-se o coeficiente de correlação de Spearman ao nível de significância 5%. A amplitude do comprimento padrão dos exemplares variou de 7 a 22 cm. A análise de correlação entre o Kn e a época de desova foi positiva (r s = 0,58, p < 0,05), ou seja, a época de desova correspondeu ao período de maior Kn, sugerindo ser um indicador para época de desova de S. spilopleura. Houve correlação negativa entre a profundidade e o Kn (r s = -0,66, p < 0,05) e entre a profundidade e a época de desova (r s = -0,25, p < 0,05). O L50 estimado correspondeu a 13,0 cm ± 0,09 e o L100 a 17,0 cm ± 0,02. S. spilopleura desenvolve o seu ciclo reprodutivo no complexo lacustre lago Grande de Manacapuru, e com base nos indicadores reprodutivos, época de desova e fator de condição relativo, a desova começa em dezembro, logo no início da enchente, se estendendo até fevereiro, meados de enchente, coincidindo com a elevação do nível da água do rio Solimões-Amazonas e da profundidade nos lagos.

Serrasalmus spilopleura (piranha) is a source of animal protein for marginal populations, it is occasionally sold in markets and fairs in the region. Considering the scarcity of information on reproduction of fish in floodplain lakes, the study proposes to investigate the average size at first maturity and spawning season of S. spilopleura lakes Jaitêua-São Lourenço, Manacapuru, AM. Also related are the abiotic factors (water level and depth) and biotic (condition factor) with the spawning season. 232 females were captured from August 2006 to June 2007, using gill net, and in the laboratory were used for biometrics and identification of the maturation stages. The spawning season of the females was established through the temporal distribution of relative frequency in different maturation stages and relative condition factor, Kn = Pt/aCp b, where: Kn = relative condition factor; Pt = total weight; Cp = standard length, a and b = constants obtained from regression between weight and length. And, to check for correlation between condition factor and with the spawning season depth of the lakes, we used the Spearman correlation coefficient of the 5% significance level. The amplitude of the standard length of specimens ranged 7-22 cm. Correlation analysis between Kn and spawning season (r s= 0.58, p < 0.05) was positive, i.e. the spawning season corresponded to the higher Kn, suggesting that an indicator of spawning season of S. spilopleura. There was a negative correlation between the depth and Kn (r s = -0.66, p < 0.05) and between depth and spawning season (r s = -0.25, p < 0.05). The estimated L50 corresponded to 13.0 ± 0.09 cm and 17.0 ± 0.02 cm L100, S. spilopleura develops its complex reproductive cycle in the lake of Grand Lake Manacapuru, and based on indicators of reproduction, spawning season and relative condition factor, spawning begins in December, early on the rising extending to February, mid-rising, which coincided with the rise of water level of the Solimões-Amazon River and deep lakes.

Na Amazônia brasileira a pesca é importante fonte de renda e proteína animal para as populações ribeirinhas. E, entre as espécies de peixes de maior volume desembarcado nos mercados e feiras da região se destacam as sardinhas, Triportheus albus, T. angulatus e T. auritus. Considerando o aumento da pressão pesqueira, que gera a redução de alguns estoques pesqueiros na região, tanto na quantidade como no tamanho de algumas espécies, o trabalho propõe determinar os parâmetros de crescimento, mortalidade e relação peso-comprimento dessas espécies em lagos de várzea, Manacapuru, AM. Os parâmetros foram estimados através da análise de distribuição de frequência de comprimento com o auxílio da rotina "scan de valores de k" do método ELEFAN I do programa FISAT II. Os valores calculados foram: T. albus L∞ = 24,68 cm, k = 0,86/ano, Ø´ = 2,71, A0,95 = 3,48 anos, Mp = 1,76/ano, Mt = 0,85/ano, Pt = 0,0398I Cp2,6303; T. angulatus L∞ = 26,78 cm, k = 0,77/ano, Ø´ = 2,74, A0,95 = 3,89 anos, Mp = 1,60/ano, Mt = 0,76/ano, Pt = 0,0294I Cp2,8599; T. auritus L∞ = 27,83 cm, k = 0,65/ano, Ø´ = 2,70, A0,95 = 4,68 anos Mp = 1,40/ano, Mt = 0,63/ano e Pt = 0,0542I Cp2,5094. Essas espécies apresentaram crescimento rápido, mortalidade elevada, baixa expectativa de vida e ciclo de vida curto. É sugerido o monitoramento desses parâmetros para que possam ser utilizados como instrumentos de análise dos estoques pesqueiros.

In the Amazon the fishing is considered an important source of income and animal protein for the people in the region. Among the different fish species that landed in the market and fairs stand out Triportheus albus, T. angulatus and T. auritus. Considering the reduction of some fish stocks in the region, both the quantity and the size of some species, the research proposes to determine the growth parameters, mortality and length-weight relation of these species in floodplain lakes, Manacapuru, AM. The parameters were estimated by analyzing the length frequency distribution with the help of the routine "scan of values of k" method ELEFAN I program FISAT II. The values for each species were: T. albus L∞ = 24.68 cm, k = 0.86/year, Ø '= 2.71, A0.95 = 3.48 years, Mp = 1.76/year, Mt = 0.85/year, Pt = 0.0398I Cp2.6303; T. angulatus L∞ = 26.78 cm, k = 0.77/year, Ø '= 2.74, A0.95 = 3.89 years, Mp = 1.60/year, Mt = 0.76/year, Pt = 0.0294 I Cp2.8599 and T. auritus L∞ = 27.83 cm, k = 0.65/year, Ø '= 2.70, A0.95 = 4.68 years, Mp = 1.40/year, Mt = 0.63/year and Pt = 0.0542I Cp2.5094. These species showed rapid growth, high mortality, low life expectancy and short life cycle. It is suggested the parameters population should be continuously monitored to be used as a tool in the stock analysis.

The purpose of this work was the production of ammonium sulfate double labeled with 15N and 34S ((15NH4)2(34)SO4)), employing the ion exchange technique in two different processes. The first one was carried out using Na2(34)SO4 and (15NH4)2SO4 previously enriched. It was possible to obtain about 54g of (15NH4)2(34)SO4 from 70.0g of Na2(34)SO4 and 64.2g of (15NH4)2SO4 . The second method involved the production of H2(34)SO4, by ion exchange, and its subsequent reaction with 15NH3(aq), using a distillation system, to yield 58 g of (15NH4)2(34)SO4 from 43.1 g of H2(34)SO4.