Morphological characterization of the gonads of bullfrog tadpoles (Lithobates catesbeianus)

Introduction: This work describes various aspects of early gonadal development of female and male in pre-metamorphic tadpoles (Lithobates catesbeianus) at Gosner stage 25. Materials and Methods: Ovaries and testicles were prepared for routine light microscopy for morphological study and for acridine orange technique fluroescent microscopy for observation of RNA cytoplasm activity. Results: The results showed that female gonads at Gosner stage 25 predominated primary and secondary oogonias, as well as primary, secondary and tertiary oocytes. The developing testicle presented primary spermatogonia (I or A) and secondary spermatogonia (II or B), and as well as primary and secondary spermatocyte. All this cell phases were morphologically characterized and the cell sizes measured. In pre-metamorphic testes the somniferous duct are not developed and the vasa deferentia is opened. Conclusion: At this point, it was possible differentiate ovary from testes does not for the gonadal cells, but for the general anatomy of the organs, being the ovary a spheroid structure and the testicle an elongated tubule.

Successful Treatment of Strongyloides stercoralis Hyperinfection in a Kidney Transplant Recipient: Case Report

Strongyloides stercoralis (SS) can cause hyperinfection and disseminated infection in immunosuppressed individuals, with risk of mortality. We report the case of a cadaveric kidney transplant recipient who developed gastrointestinal symptoms and eosinophilia, approximately 3 months after transplantation. Stool examination and esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsies were positive for SS larvae. The patient was started on oral ivermectin and immunosuppression was reduced, but still the clinical picture got worse with metabolic ileus and respiratory symptoms, with the need for administration of subcutaneous ivermectin and combined therapy with albendazol. The patient survived and graft function was preserved. The patient was unlikely to be the source of infection. We also present a review of cases of SS infection in kidney transplant recipients.

Genetic structure and evidence of anthropogenic effects on wild populations of two Neotropical catfishes: baselines for conservation

Genetic diversity and structure of Pseudoplatystoma corruscans and P. reticulatum, large migratory South America catfishes, where overfishing and the construction of numerous dams in their feeding and reproducing areas are affecting their migratory processes negatively, were studied using microsatellites in samples from Paraguay (that comprises the Pantanal biome), and the upper and lower Paraná Basins. Genetic diversity was in accordance to that observed for other large migratory fishes, but the most geographically isolated populations of P. reticulatum and those P. corruscans subject to anthropogenic effects (stocking and dams) showed lower genetic diversity and evidences of bottlenecks compatible with low effective population size. Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum presented subtle genetic differentiation within the Paraguay area, especially between the edges of its distribution. Pseudoplatystoma corruscans, in this same area, presented a quite homogeneous but significant genetic break between the Paraguay and upper Paraná populations, apparently resulting from natural and historical isolation between the basins until recently. These data demonstrates that, although these Pseudoplatystoma spp. are abundant in the Pantanal area, anthropogenic events are leading to negative effects on their populations, particularly in the upper Paraná Basin. Genetic differentiation observed along each species distribution demands conservation actions to preserve each population's biodiversity. These results represent important genetic information using new microsatellite markers and the first genetic study of P. reticulatum covering this area of its native distribution. Data may also contribute to a better understanding of species migration patterns and to be used as a baseline for proper management.

Indisciplina em sala de aula: um estudo transcultural

A indisciplina em sala de aula é um fenómeno que representa uma preocupação à escala global. Neste estudo, realizado com professores do ensino primário ao ensino secundário, serão explorados a frequência e tipologia dos comportamentos problemáticos em sala de aula, o tempo que os professores estimam despender com a indisciplina, o nível de preparação que julgam ter para lidar com a indisciplina, a formação recebida na gestão de sala de aula e da indisciplina, e a evolução da indisciplina nos últimos cinco anos. Serão também exploradas variáveis culturais, comparando professores portugueses e angolanos em relação às variáveis mencionadas. Palavras-chave: Indisciplina, sala de aula, gestão da sala de aula, transculturalidade

Teacher’s Classroom Management Behavior and Students’ Classroom Misbehavior: A Study with 5th through 9th - Grade Students

Introduction. Classroom misbehavior is a major source of classroom-wasted time and a situation that negatively interferes with students’ opportunity to learn.Method. The present study investigated the relation between 5th through 9th grade perceived Portuguese teacher’s classroom management, teacher’s perceived time spend with misbehavior, teacher’s self-efficacy, and teacher’s perceived classroom misbehavior. A conditional process analysis of the relation between teacher’s classroom management and teacher’s perceived classroom misbehavior with mediator and moderator variables was tested.Results. Generically the results show that (1) teachers who perceive themselves as more controllers of students’ behaviors tend to perceive less misbehavior in the classroom; (2) that both teacher’s self-efficacy efficacy (TSE) and time spent with classroom misbehavior (TSMisb) are better predictors of classroom misbehavior than the classroom behavior management style; (3) both TSE and TSMisb fully mediate the relation between classroom management style and classroom perceived misbehavior.Discussion and Conclusion. Teachers must, therefore, learn the specific behaviors that more likely optimize the available instructional time and reduce time and energy wasted with students’ misbehavior.  

Three new species of Curimatopsis (Characiformes: Curimatidae) from the Amazon basin

Three new species of Curimatopsis are described from major tributaries of the Amazon basin. Curimatopsis guaporensis n. sp., from the Rio Madeira, belongs to the Curimatopsis evelynae clade and can be distinguished by the distinctive shape of the dark blotch on the caudal peduncle and by the position and shape of the nostrils. Curimatopsis pallida n. sp., from the Rio Negro, also related to C. evelynae, is distinguished from all congeners by the complete absence of pigmentation on the lateral surface of the caudal peduncle. Curimatopsis jaci n. sp., apparently endemic to the upper Rio Tapajós, belongs to the Curimatopsis macrolepis clade and differs from all congeners in details of body pigmentation. Meristic and morphometric features supplement diagnoses for the three new species. These species are hypothesized to belong to the two main clades of Curimatopsis on the basis of previous studies of osteology and external morphology and supplement a recent genetic study that revealed several cryptic and yet undescribed species within the genus. An updated identification key to the species of Curimatopsis is also provided.

Exploration of the phycoremediation potential of Laminaria digitata towards diflubenzuron, lindane, copper and cadmium in a multitrophic pilot-scale experiment

The presence of contaminants in aquatic ecosystems can cause serious problems to the environment and marine organisms. This study aims to evaluate the phycoremediation capacity of macroalgae Laminaria digitata for pesticides (diflubenzuron and lindane) and toxic elements (cadmium and copper) in seawater in the presence or absence of mussels. The photosynthetic activity was monitored in the macroalgae to assess its "physiological status". The results showed that the presence of algae decreased diflubenzuron concentration in mussels by 70% after 120 h of exposure. Additionally, this macroalgae was efficient to reduce lindane, Cu and Cd in seawater; even though it not was able to reduce these contaminants in mussels. The studied pollutants did not affect the physiological status of macroalgae. This study reveals that the application of phycoremediation with macroalgae can be an useful and effective mitigation strategy to remove/decrease contaminant levels from the aquatic environment.

Anti-psychotics: To withdraw or not to withdraw?

Introduction

Anti-psychotics constitute a class of psychotropic drugs used for the treatment and prophylaxis of several disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and psychotic depression. Frequently, clinicians are asked by their patients to withdraw this medication. In some cases, that may be related to notable side effects. However, it may actually indicate an inadequate control of the psychiatric disorder with poor insight.

Aims

The goal of this work is to systematically review the scientific literature in order to understand if there are consistent data that support anti-psychotics withdraw in specific clinical situations.

Methods

The literature was reviewed by online searching using PubMed®. The authors selected scientific papers with the words “anti-psychotics” and “withdraw” in the title and/or abstract, published in English.

Results and discussion

Anti-psychotics improve prognosis and enhance patients’ quality of life. There are few data in the literature regarding recommendations that support anti-psychotic withdraw in psychiatric patients. Very specific conditions must exist for withdrawing anti-psychotics, like neuroleptic malignant syndrome, cardiac side effects, and change of diagnosis or prolonged remission after a first and single psychotic event. When that decision is made, it should be done slowly and carefully and both the patient and his family should be involved.

Conclusions

There is no evidence in the literature that supports withdraw of anti-psychotics for the majority of psychiatric situations. When specific conditions are present that possibility must then be considered, however, with careful consideration and after discussion with the patient and parties involved in patient's care.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.