RESUMO: Objetivou-se apresentar aspectos relevantes sobre o ambiente amazônico e como este impacta no conforto térmico de búfalos domésticos (Bubalus bubalis) criados na Amazônia Oriental. Adicionalmente, são apresentadas estratégias para monitoramento e mitigação do estresse térmico animal, a partir de resultados de pesquisa com a espécie. Apesar dos búfalos domésticos serem considerados animais adaptáveis, a exposição à intensa radiação solar provoca desconforto térmico. Essa condição é expressa em indicadores biofísicos, nas respostas metabólicas, endócrinas, comportamentais e nos padrões termográficos corporais. Assim, o monitoramento biometeorológico da produção é crucial para subsidiar tomadas de decisão em relação a estratégias de manejo ambiental, seleção genética de indivíduos termotolerantes e incremento do bem-estar animal. Por fim, o uso de sistemas silvipastoris pode auxiliar na oferta de maior conforto térmico, que é uma condição que impacta diretamente na produtividade de bubalinos de leite e carne, quando estes são criados em regiões tropicais, como na Amazônia Oriental.

ABSTRACT: This study presented relevant aspects about the Amazonian environment and how it impacts the thermal comfort of domestic buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) raised in the Eastern Amazon. Furthermore, strategies for monitoring and mitigating animal heat stress are presented, based on research results with the species. Although domestic buffaloes are considered adaptable animals, exposure to intense solar radiation causes thermal discomfort. This condition is expressed in biophysical indicators, in metabolic, endocrine, behavioral responses, and in body thermographic patterns. Therefore, the biometeorological monitoring of production is crucial to support decision-making regarding environmental management strategies, genetic selection of thermotolerant individuals, and increase in animal welfare. Lastly, the use of silvopastoral systems can help to provide higher thermal comfort, which is a condition that directly impacts the productivity of milk and meat buffaloes when they are raised in tropical regions, such as in the Eastern Amazon.

Abstract Ruminant energy supplementation with vegetable oils or fats has been standing out worldwide and oil palm processing has been receiving growing interest. This study assessed the effect of supplementation with saturated and unsaturated fatty acids from the palm oil industry on the lipid profile of seminal plasma and of the sperm membrane, as well as on the morphological and functional characteristics of raw and cryopreserved buffalo semen. Twelve purebred Murrah bulls (Bubalus bubalis) were assigned to the experimental groups and fed diets for 120 days with no added lipids (CONT, four bulls), or with an extra amount of 3% lipids from crude palm oil (PALM, four bulls), or from palm oil deodorizer distillate (PODD, four bulls). Semen was collected and cryopreserved every 15 days. The lipid composition of membranes and semen quality were determined after collections. Lipid supplementation did not impact feed intake (P>0.05). Diet enrichment with PALM increased the linoleic acid (C18:2,ω6) in seminal plasma. Lipid supplementation did not increase the polyunsaturated fatty acids in the sperm membrane composition, but significantly increased the lignoceric acid (C24:0). Cryopreserved semen of the supplemented bulls presented higher progressive motility (60.2 vs. 67.9 vs. 65.2%; P<0.05) and sperm viability detected by eosin-nigrosin staining (61.1 vs. 69.4 vs. 67.8%; P<0.05). Palm oil reduced major sperm defects in both raw (12.2 vs. 9.3 vs. 13.2%; P<0.0001) and cryopreserved semen (12.4 vs. 9.4 vs. 11.2%; P<0.0001). The lipids added to the diet did not impact the population of spermatozoa with intact plasma and acrosomal membranes (PI-/PSA-), but significantly increased the percentage of spermatozoa with high mitochondrial potential (25.6 vs. 31.5 vs. 32.0%; P=0.008). The results suggest that lipid supplementation based on crude palm oil or palm oil deodorizer distillate can be safely used to feed buffalo bulls and may increase sperm attributes related to male fertility.

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of season and pregnancy stage on the temperature of various body areas of Holstein cows using digital infrared thermography, an effective and non-invasive technique. The temperature was recorded at several areas of the body surface to determine the most reliable body area for measurement of rectal temperature in pregnant and non-pregnant animals. Holstein cows (n = 24) were divided into groups according to their physiological stage. The experimental period was 365 days, containing a dry (April-September) and rainy (October-March) season, with parameters measured every 28 days. Thermographic data for different body areas, rectal thermometry, ultrasonography, and climatic data were collected between 7:00 and 9:00. Thermogram-recorded temperatures significantly differed (P < 0.05) between seasons and reproductive phases. Moreover, significant differences were noted between the temperatures of the flank, lateral udder, and perineal areas across seasons (P < 0.05). The udder, perineal, and rectal temperatures differed according to the reproductive phase (P < 0.05). Significant correlations (P < 0.01) were observed between reproductive phases and rectal, ocular globe, snout, flank, and perineum temperature. The body areas examined by thermographic imaging presented different temperatures, exhibiting physiological variation. Season and physiological stage influenced the temperature of body areas of milk cows.

RESUMO. A pesquisa objetivou determinar o índice de conforto térmico mais adequado para búfalos criados na Amazônia Oriental, Pará, Brasil. Foram utilizados vinte búfalos Murrah. Foram registrados dados de variáveis climáticas e temperatura retal (TR), temperatura da superfície corporal (TSC) e frequência respiratória (FR), e foram calculados os índices: Índice de Temperatura e Umidade (ITU), Índice de Temperatura de Globo e Umidade (ITGU), Índice de Conforto Térmico de Benezra (ICB), Índice de Tolerância ao Calor de Ibéria (ITCI), Índice de Condições Climáticas de Conforto para búfalos geral (BCCCIg), efetivo (BCCCIe) e prático (BCCCIp) e Índice de Conforto Ambiental para búfalos geral (BECIg), efetivo (BECIe) e prático (BECIp), nos períodos da manhã e da tarde. Foram observados valores de ITU, ITGU, TR, TSC, FR, ICB, BCCCIg, BCCCIe, BCCCIp, BECIg, BECIe e BECIp mais elevados à tarde. Os maiores valores de ITCI foram encontrados de manhã. Houve correlação positiva entre as variáveis fisiológicas e ITU, ITGU, ITCI, BCCCIg, BECIg, BCCCIe, BECIg, BCCCIe, BECIp, enquanto uma correlação negativa foi encontrada para TR e TSC com ITCI. Os índices THI, GTHI, BCCCIg, BECIg, BCCCIe, BECIe, BCCCIp e BECIp são eficientes para avaliar o estado de conforto térmico dos búfalos na Amazônia Oriental.

ABSTRACT. This research aimed to determine the most appropriate thermal comfort index for buffaloes reared in the Eastern Amazon, Pará, Brazil. Twenty male Murrah buffaloes were used, and data on climate variables, rectal temperature (RT), body surface temperature (BST), and respiratory rate (RR) were recorded. Subsequently, the following indices were calculated: Temperature and Humidity Index (THI), Global Temperature and Humidity Index (GTHI), Benezra’s Thermal Comfort Index (BTCI), Ibéria’s Heat Tolerance Index (IHTI), the general, effective, and practical Buffalo Comfort Climatic Conditions Indices (BCCCIg, BCCCIe, and BCCCIp, respectively) and the general, effective, and practical Buffalo Environmental Comfort Indices (BECIg, BECIe, and BECIp, respectively) in the morning and afternoon. Higher values for THI, GTHI, RT, BST, RR, BTCI, BCCCIg, BCCCIe, BCCCIp, BECIg, BECIe, and BECIp were observed in the afternoon, and the highest IHTI values were found in the morning. A positive correlation was found among the physiological variables and THI, GTHI, BTCI, BCCCIg, BECIg, BCCCIe, BECIe, BCCCIp, BECIp, while a negative correlation was found for RT and BST with IHTI. The indices THI, GTHI, BCCCIg, BECIg, BCCCIe, BECIe, BCCCIp, and BECIp were determined to be very efficient to assess the thermal comfort status of buffaloes under the conditions of the present research.

Objectives: Establish the clinical and microscopic characteristics of the patients diagnosed with lip squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in an oral diagnostic service of Bauru School of Dentistry. Material en methods: A search was made through software created internally which contains the records of the clinical cases attended in the last 11 years.The survey revealed of 5136 records, 163 SCC, but only 18 located in the lip. All cases had the final diagnosis confirmed by incisional biopsy and made the final sample. The clinical and histopathological information were taken from the records and submitted for analysis. Results: 78% were white men, being mostly retired and smokers. The average progression time was 9 months and the lesion diameter 1.5 cm. The histopathologic characteristics showed an invasion pattern of islets with constantly present dysplastic features. Conclusions: Knowledge of both clinical and histopathological features is fundamental for proper SCC of the lip diagnosis, directing to the best therapeutic strategy, thus generating a better prognosis

Objetivos: Determinar las características clínicas e histopatológicas de casos clínicos con diagnostico final de carcinoma de células escamosas en labio, en la clínica de estomatología de la Facultad de Odontologia de Bauru(FOB-USP). Material y Métodos: Fue realizada una búsqueda de datos a través de un software creado por la FOB-USP que contiene los registros de los casos clínicos atendidos en este establecimiento en el transcurso de 11 años. Un total de 5136 casos clínicos fueron registrados, siendo que 163 correspondían a carcinoma de células escamosas, de los cuales solo 18 casos registrados tenían localización en labio inferior. En todos estos casos, fue realizado biopsia incisional formando parte de la muestra final. Las informaciones clínicas e histopatológicas fueron obtenidas por medio de los registros electrónicos e historias clínicas, los cuales fueron sometidos a análisis. Resultados: Deltotal de la muestra final, un 78% fueron de raza blanca, la mayoría jubilados y con hábito de fumar. El tiempo de evolución de la lesión tuvo una media de 9 meses, tamaño medio de 1,5 cm de diámetro. Las características histopatológicas fueron descritas como una invasión de islotes con características de displasia epitelial. Conclusiones: Conocer las características clínicas y las características histopatológicas son importantes para realizar un adecuado diagnóstico de carcinoma de células escamosas en labio, dirigiéndose a la mejor estrategia terapéutica, generando así un mejor pronóstico.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a vulnerabilidade dos jovens brasileiros às DSTs/Hiv Aids e Hepatites Virais. Foram entrevistados 1.208 jovens (18 e 29 anos em 15 Estados e DF). A margem de erro da pesquisa ponderada regional e nacionalmente foi 2,8%. O estudo foi aprovado pelo CEP da Faculdade de Medicina da UnB e teve apoio da OPAS e do Ministério da Saúde. Escala com 35 questões (-35 a +35 pontos) de conhecimentos, atitudes e práticas em DSTs/Hiv Aids e Hepatites Virais foi utilizada como variável dependente. Modelos de regressão linear ajustados identificaram fatores demográficos e determinantes sociais que explicam a variação na escala. A escala atingiu nível satisfatório de consistência (Alfa Cronbach: 0,689). Fatores sociodemográficos associados à variação na escala foram: gênero, etnia, escolaridade e estado civil. Determinantes sociais associadas à variação na escala foram: hábito de conversar sobre sexualidade com pais e profissionais de saúde, consumo de álcool, ter lazer e ser engajado, acesso à internet, interesse em aprender e ter pai e/ou professor como referência pessoal. Os jovens brasileiros estão vulneráveis à transmissão de DSTs/Hiv Aids. São necessárias políticas públicas que promovam engajamento dos pais e professores em assuntos sobre sexualidade.

Abstract The scope of this study was to evaluate the vulnerability of Brazilian youths to STDs/HIV&AIDS and Viral Hepatitis. Interviews were conducted with 1,208 youths aged 18 to 29 in 15 states and the Federal District. The regional and national adjusted margin of error of the research was 2.8%. The study was approved by the School of Medicine of Brasilia University with support from PAHO and the Ministry of Health. A scale with 35 questions (knowledge, attitudes and practices) was the main dependent variable. Adjusted linear regression models identified the demographic and social determinant factors that explain scale variations. The scale attained a satisfactory level of consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha: 0.689). Sociodemographic factors associated to scale variations include gender, race, education and civil status. Social determinants associated to scale variations include frequency of discussions about sexuality with parents and health professionals, alcohol consumption, leisure and being part of a social movement, access to the internet, interest in learning and having the father and/or teacher as a personal reference. Brazilian youths are vulnerable to the transmission of STDs/HIV&AIDS. Public policies are needed to promote the engagement of parents and teachers in issues related to sexuality.

Résumé L’objectif de cette étude a été d’évaluer la vulnérabilité des jeunes brésiliens aux MST/VIH SIDA et aux Hépatites Virales. À cet effet, 1.208 jeunes (âgés de 18 à 29 ans dans 15 États brésiliens et le DF [Distrito Federal] ont été interviewés. La marge d’erreur de la recherche pondérée régionalement et nationalement était de 2,8%. L’étude a été approuvée par le CEP [Comité d’Éthique en Recherche] de la Faculté de Médecine de l’UnB et a eu le support de l’OPAS [Organisation Panaméricaine de la Santé] et du Ministère de la Santé. Une échelle de 35 questions (-35 à +35 points) évaluant les connaissances, les attitudes et les pratiques en MST/VIH SIDA et Hépatites Virales a été utilisée comme une variable dépendante. Des modèles de régression linéaire ajustés ont identifié les facteurs démographiques et les déterminants sociaux qui expliquent la variation dans l’échelle. L’échelle a atteint un niveau satisfaisant de consistance (Alpha de Cronbach: 0,689). Des facteurs socio-démographiques associés à la variation dans échelle ont été pris en compte, à savoir: le genre, l´ethnie, la scolarité et l´ état civil. Les déterminants sociaux associés à la variation dans l’échelle: l´habitude de discuter sur la sexualité avec les parents et des professionnels de la santé, la consommation d’alcool, profiter du loisir et être engagé, avoir accès à Internet, avoir intérêt à apprendre et avoir un parent et/ou un enseignant comme référence personnelle.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a vulnerabilidade dos jovens brasileiros às DSTs/Hiv Aids e Hepatites Virais. Foram entrevistados 1.208 jovens (18 e 29 anos em 15 Estados e DF). A margem de erro da pesquisa ponderada regional e nacionalmente foi 2,8%. O estudo foi aprovado pelo CEP da Faculdade de Medicina da UnB e teve apoio da OPAS e do Ministério da Saúde. Escala com 35 questões (-35 a +35 pontos) de conhecimentos, atitudes e práticas em DSTs/Hiv Aids e Hepatites Virais foi utilizada como variável dependente. Modelos de regressão linear ajustados identificaram fatores demográficos e determinantes sociais que explicam a variação na escala. A escala atingiu nível satisfatório de consistência (Alfa Cronbach: 0,689). Fatores sociodemográficos associados à variação na escala foram: gênero, etnia, escolaridade e estado civil. Determinantes sociais associadas à variação na escala foram: hábito de conversar sobre sexualidade com pais e profissionais de saúde, consumo de álcool, ter lazer e ser engajado, acesso à internet, interesse em aprender e ter pai e/ou professor como referência pessoal. Os jovens brasileiros estão vulneráveis à transmissão de DSTs/Hiv Aids. São necessárias políticas públicas que promovam engajamento dos pais e professores em assuntos sobre sexualidade.

Abstract The scope of this study was to evaluate the vulnerability of Brazilian youths to STDs/HIV&AIDS and Viral Hepatitis. Interviews were conducted with 1,208 youths aged 18 to 29 in 15 states and the Federal District. The regional and national adjusted margin of error of the research was 2.8%. The study was approved by the School of Medicine of Brasilia University with support from PAHO and the Ministry of Health. A scale with 35 questions (knowledge, attitudes and practices) was the main dependent variable. Adjusted linear regression models identified the demographic and social determinant factors that explain scale variations. The scale attained a satisfactory level of consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha: 0.689). Sociodemographic factors associated to scale variations include gender, race, education and civil status. Social determinants associated to scale variations include frequency of discussions about sexuality with parents and health professionals, alcohol consumption, leisure and being part of a social movement, access to the internet, interest in learning and having the father and/or teacher as a personal reference. Brazilian youths are vulnerable to the transmission of STDs/HIV&AIDS. Public policies are needed to promote the engagement of parents and teachers in issues related to sexuality.

Résumé L’objectif de cette étude a été d’évaluer la vulnérabilité des jeunes brésiliens aux MST/VIH SIDA et aux Hépatites Virales. À cet effet, 1.208 jeunes (âgés de 18 à 29 ans dans 15 États brésiliens et le DF [Distrito Federal] ont été interviewés. La marge d’erreur de la recherche pondérée régionalement et nationalement était de 2,8%. L’étude a été approuvée par le CEP [Comité d’Éthique en Recherche] de la Faculté de Médecine de l’UnB et a eu le support de l’OPAS [Organisation Panaméricaine de la Santé] et du Ministère de la Santé. Une échelle de 35 questions (-35 à +35 points) évaluant les connaissances, les attitudes et les pratiques en MST/VIH SIDA et Hépatites Virales a été utilisée comme une variable dépendante. Des modèles de régression linéaire ajustés ont identifié les facteurs démographiques et les déterminants sociaux qui expliquent la variation dans l’échelle. L’échelle a atteint un niveau satisfaisant de consistance (Alpha de Cronbach: 0,689). Des facteurs socio-démographiques associés à la variation dans échelle ont été pris en compte, à savoir: le genre, l´ethnie, la scolarité et l´ état civil. Les déterminants sociaux associés à la variation dans l’échelle: l´habitude de discuter sur la sexualité avec les parents et des professionnels de la santé, la consommation d’alcool, profiter du loisir et être engagé, avoir accès à Internet, avoir intérêt à apprendre et avoir un parent et/ou un enseignant comme référence personnelle.

ABSTRACT We analyzed the diet of 25 individuals of Pseudis minuta tadpoles which consisted in debris with more than 30%, follow by diatoms, euglenids, green algae, and desmids. With regard to the feeding strategy, P. minuta tadpoles are generalist consumer. The negative correlation between the abundance of items in the digestive tract and the mouth width indicate an effect of metamorphosis on the diet.

ABSTRACT Although ariid catfishe species are known to use coastal systems during some stages of their life cycles, the energetic contribution of estuarine resources and habitat use by many species in this family are still unclear. We used stable isotope analyses to estimate the assimilation of primary carbon sources and to infer the use of estuarine and freshwater habitats by two ariid catfishes Genidens barbus (Lacepède, 1803) and Genidens genidens (Cuvier, 1829). An isotopic mixing model revealed that juveniles of both catfish species consume considerable amounts of estuarine-produced carbon sources (G. barbus: 54-87% and G. genidens: 36-84%). However, G. genidens adults rely more on freshwater-derived carbon sources (31-77%) than on estuarine sources (23-69%). These results support the hypothesis that both species occupy the estuary and assimilate organic carbon produced in this region during their early stages, but G. genidens adults consume carbon sources associated with the freshwater portion of the lagoon.

O conhecimento da composição de ácidos graxos da gônada, como dos fatores que a influenciam são importantes na formulação de dietas para reprodutores de qualquer espécie. O presente estudo caracteriza a composição de ácidos graxos da gônada de fêmeas de jundiá (Rhamdia quelen) selvagens em seus diferentes estágios de maturação gonadal. Fêmeas de jundiá (n = 36) com peso médio de 383,8 + 208,8 g foram capturadas no alto rio Uruguai, ao longo de um ano, abrangendo as quatro estações. As gônadas foram extraídas, classificadas e posteriormente sua composição de ácidos graxos foi determinada. A relação gônado-somática variou significativamente entre as estações, sendo maior na primavera (3,7), seguida de verão (2,2), inverno (0,9) e no outono (0,6). Os principais grupos de ácidos graxos detectados foram: saturados (35,5 + 3,5%), monoinsaturados (28,1 + 4,3%) e ácidos graxos poli-insaturados (33,5 + 3,0%), com aproximadamente 30% para cada grupo. Ao longo das quatro estações, o ácido palmítico foi registrado em grandes quantidades, seguido do ácido docosahexaenóico (DHA) e ácido araquidônico (ARA). O ácido araquidônico estava presente em concentrações mais elevadas nas gônadas imaturas que nas gônadas maturas, e seu conteúdo diminuído ao longo do processo de maturação. Inversamente, o conteúdo de DHA e ácido eicosapentaenoico (EPA) aumentaram durante o processo de maturação. Tal variação resultou num aumento das relações EPA/ARA e DHA/ARA nas gônadas maturas, fato que pode ser importante para o sucesso da reprodução no jundiá. Tais resultados sugerem que dietas para reprodutores da espécie devem conter fontes de lipídios que proporcionem ácidos graxos de cadeia longa de ambas series (n-3 e n-6) para assegurar uma correta maturação final da gônada.

Knowledge about gonad fatty acid composition is important for broodstock diet formulation. This study characterized ovary fatty acid composition of wild female jundiá catfish (Rhamdia quelen) in their different gonadal maturation stages. Female jundiá (n = 36, average weight= 383.8 + 208.8 g) were captured in the rio Uruguay, comprising all seasons. Ovaries were extracted and classified according to their gonadal maturation stage. Gonad-somatic ratio varied significantly among seasons, being higher in spring (3.7), followed by summer (2.2), winter (0.9) and autumn (0.6). Main fatty acids groups detected were: saturated (SFA= 35.5%), monounsaturated (MUFA= 28.1%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA= 33.5%). Over the four seasons, palmitic acid was recorded in large quantities, followed by docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA). ARA was present in higher concentrations in immature or maturing ovaries, and its content decreased along the maturation process. Conversely, DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) contents increased during maturation. Such variation resulted in an increase in EPA/ARA and DHA/ARA ratios in mature gonads, which can be important for successful breeding. Such findings suggest that jundiá broodstock diets should contain lipids that provide long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids from both the n-3 and n-6 series to ensure gonadal maturation completion.

The hormonal responses of 20 female buffaloes raised under the sun (SS group) or in the shade (CS group) in Belém, Pará, Brazil, were assessed. The CS group (n = 10) was kept in a silvopasture system featuring Racosperma mangium, whereas the SS group (n = 10) was kept in paddocks without shade featuring Brachiaria humidicola, drinking water, and mineral salt. The following parameters were measured for each treatment: dry-bulb temperature (AT), relative humidity (RH), and black-globe temperature in order to calculate the globe temperature and humidity index (GTHI). Blood sample collections to quantitatively determine levels of cortisol, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) were performed every 14 days, at 13.00 h. Different seasons of the year were also assessed: rainy (January-April), transition (May-July), and less rainy (August-December). Analysis of variance revealed that AT and the index of global temperature and humidity (GTHI) differed between groups; specifically, higher values were found in the SS group, which shows how important silvopastoral systems are in buffalo farming in tropical climates. Relative humidity was significantly different across seasons and particularly high in the rainy season. The treatments influenced cortisol such that higher values were observed in the SS group. The highest mean cortisol levels were recorded during the rainy and less rainy seasons, whereas the highest T3 and T4 levels were recorded only during the rainy season. Triiodothyronine and thyroxine were negatively correlated with AT and GTHI and positively correlated with RH. Silvopastoral systems provide thermal comfort to buffaloes, and the less rainy season is more likely to cause heat stress.

Characidium rachovii (Regan, 1913) é uma espécie frequente em riachos da planície costeira do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, sul do Brasil. Entretanto, seu nicho trófico é ainda desconhecido. O presente trabalho teve como objetivos: (i) descrever a dieta de C. rachovii de três riachos costeiros do RS; (ii) avaliar a influência de um ecótono (mar-riacho) na dieta, comparando dois locais, um próximo do mar e outro distante, e (iii) avaliar o efeito do número de indivíduos analisados na riqueza da dieta. A análise do conteúdo estomacal de 139 indivíduos revelou que a espécie é especializada no consumo de Diptera (estágio aquático) e Amphipoda. Ao mesmo tempo, pode-se considerar que C. rachovii apresentou hábito alimentar oportunista, já que, apesar de tal preferência, consumiu grande riqueza de recursos (24 itens), vários deles em baixa frequência e alta abundância. Não houve diferenças na composição da dieta entre os riachos e locais. A riqueza esperada (rarefação) mostrou que o número de indivíduos analisados altera a estimativa de riqueza da dieta em espécies que consomem itens raros.

Characidium rachovii (Regan, 1913) is a frequent species in coastal plain streams on state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. However, its trophic niche is still unknown. This paper aimed to: (i) describe the diet of C. rachovii in three coastal plain streams of RS; (ii) evaluate the influence of an ecotone (sea-stream) in the diet by comparing two sites, one near and other distant of the sea, and (iii) evaluate the effect of individuals number analyzed on the richness of the diet. The stomach contents analysis of 139 individuals revealed that the species was a specialist in Diptera (aquatic stage) and Amphipoda. Characidium rachovii was also opportunist, since besides such preference, consumed great richness of resources (24 items) and various with low frequency and high abundance. There were no differences in diet composition among streams and sites. The expected richness (rarefaction) showed that the number of individuals analyzed changes the estimate of diet richness in species that consume several items at low frequency.

The dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus is a marine species historically exploited showing slow growth, late maturation and protogynous hermaphroditism. Currently, it is considered as endangered by the IUCN. Therefore, it is essential to increase the knowledge about its biology and ecology to help conservation of this species. The present study reports the first record of a dusky grouper individual undergoing sexual transition, from female to male, in the Atlantic Ocean based on histological analyses of gonads. The specimen with total length: 770 mm; total weight: 8.1 kg and age: 21 years was captured in a rocky bottom along the coastline of the southernmost in state Brazil.

El mero Epinephelus marginatus es una especie marina que presenta crecimiento lento, madurez sexual tardía y hermafroditismo protogínico. Actualmente está clasificada por la IUCN como amenazada, razón por la cual es esencial aumentar el conocimiento sobre su biología y ecología, para ayudar en su conservación. Se presenta el primer caso documentado de transición sexual gonadal de un mero, de hembra a macho, en el Océano Atlántico sudoccidental basado en análisis histológicos de las gónadas. El espécimen con largo total de 700 mm, peso total de 8.1 kg y edad de 21 años fue capturado en un fondo rocoso en la costa del extremo sur de Brasil.

Abstract: The VSB-30 vehicle is a two-stage, unguided, rail launched sounding rocket, consisting of two solid propellant motors, payload, with recovery and service system. By the end of 2010, ten vehicles had already been launched, three from Brazil (Alcântara) and seven from Sweden (Esrange). The objective of this paper is to give an overview of the main characteristics of the first ten flights of the VSB-30, with emphasis on performance and trajectory data. The circular 3σ dispersion area for payload impact point has around 50 km of radius. In most launchings of such vehicle, the impact of the payload fell within 2 sigma. This provides the possibility for further studies to decrease the area of dispersion from the impact point.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de um sistema silvipastoril no conforto térmico de 20 búfalas Murrah, das quais 10 criadas em piquetes sem sombra (SS) e 10 com sombreamento (CS) de Racosperma mangium, em Belém, PA. Os animais foram alimentados em pasto, com Urochloa humidicola, com acesso livre à água para beber e sal mineral. A cada três dias, foram mensuradas: temperatura do ar (TA), umidade relativa do ar (UR), temperatura de globo negro (TGN), temperatura retal (TR), frequências respiratória (FR) e cardíaca (FC), e a temperatura da superfície corporal (TSC), pela manhã (7h) e à tarde (13h). Os valores de TR, TSC, FR e FC foram maiores à tarde, especialmente no grupo SS. Mais altas no período menos chuvoso, a TR, TSC e FR apresentaram correlação linear positiva com a TA e o índice de temperatura e umidade (ITGU) e negativa com a UR. Tanto na estação mais chuvosa quanto na menos chuvosa, a FC apresentou correlações significativas positivas com a TA e ITGU e negativas com a UR, apenas no período mais chuvoso. A arborização da pastagem é eficiente para melhorar o conforto térmico das búfalas Murrah, principalmente à tarde.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of a silvipasture system on the thermal comfort of 20 female buffaloes, from which 10 raised in under nonshaded paddocks (SS) and 10 in paddocks shaded by Racosperma mangium (CS), in Belém county, PA, Brazil. All animals were fed in pastures with Urochloa humidicola, and had free access to drinking water and mineral salt. Every three days, measurements were made for air temperature (TA), relative humidity ( UR ), black globe temperature (TGN), rectal temperature (TR), respiratory rate (FR), heart rate (FC), and body surface temperature (TSC), in the morning (7 AM) and in the afternoon (1 PM). The values of TR, TSC, RR and FR, mainly for the SS group, were higher in the afternoon. The TR, TSC and FR showed a significant and positive correlation with TA and the temperature and humidity index (ITGU), and a negative correlation with UR . These correlations were higher for the less rainy period. The FR showed significant and positive correlations with TA and ITGU, during both the most and the less rainy seasons, and negative correlations with UR only in the rainy season. The forestation of pasture areas is efficient to increase the thermal comfort for Murrah females, especially in the afternoon.