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Abstract Liquid biopsy (LB) has boosted a remarkable change in the management of cancer patients by contributing to tumour genomic profiling. Plasma circulating cell-free tumour DNA (ctDNA) is the most widely searched tumour-related element for clinical application. Specifically, for patients with lung cancer, LB has revealed valuable to detect the diversity of targetable genomic alterations and to detect and monitor the emergence of resistance mechanisms. Furthermore, its non-invasive nature helps to overcome the difficulty in obtaining tissue samples, offering a comprehensive view about tumour diversity. However, the use of the LB to support diagnostic and therapeutic decisions still needs further clarification. In this sense, this review aims to provide a critical view of the clinical importance of plasma ctDNA analysis, the most widely applied LB, and its limitations while anticipating concepts that will intersect the present and future of LB in non-small cell lung cancer patients. Graphical Abstract

Abstract The salt is indispensable for several industrial sectors, and its production is associated with some natural conditions. These conditions result in productive areas often close to the estuary. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the estuaries environmental monitoring associated with solar salt production in the Brazilian semiarid. The study was developed in the area of influence of a solar saltwork, in the Conchas’ river estuary, RN, where the quality of the water in the estuary was monitored for the non-productive and productive periods of the saltwork for 3 years. Thus, a collection site was established immediately in front of the saltwork discharge channel, and samples were collected monthly, at 30 cm depth, always during high tides, totaling 36 samples. For this, the following parameters were evaluated: salinity, pH, calcium, magnesium, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll a and rainfall. Salinity was measured in the field with the aid of a portable refractometer. During the operational phase, the average salinity remained above 30.00, characterizing the environment as saline. The calcium and magnesium ions showed an average concentration of 440.00 mg/L and 1280.00 mg/L respectively, values that were according to the limits historically observed for a saline estuary in the analyzed region. The pH and dissolved oxygen were not influenced by the production period (7.93 and above 6.00mg/ L, respectively), while the concentration of chlorophyll a characterized the area as oligotrophic. The functioning of the analyzed solar saltwork did not cause significant changes in the water quality parameters of the estuary.

Liquid biopsy is an emerging technology with a potential role in the screening and early detection of lung cancer. Several liquid biopsy-derived biomarkers have been identified and are currently under ongoing investigation. In this article, we review the available data on the use of circulating biomarkers for the early detection of lung cancer, focusing on the circulating tumor cells, circulating cell-free DNA, circulating micro-RNAs, tumor-derived exosomes, and tumor-educated platelets, providing an overview of future potential applicability in the clinical practice. While several biomarkers have shown exciting results, diagnostic performance and clinical applicability is still limited. The combination of different biomarkers, as well as their combination with other diagnostic tools show great promise, although further research is still required to define and validate the role of liquid biopsies in clinical practice.

Introduction: Overcoming immunosurveillance is a major step in the progression of many types of tumors. Several immune escape strategies have been identified, including immunoediting and the establishment of an immune suppressive microenvironment. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the hereditary or sporadic context has any influence in the relationship between immune surveillance and tumor development, using sporadic and familial adenomatous polyposis related colorectal adenomas as a model. Material and Methods: The immune tumor-infiltrating cells of a total of 58 low-grade and 18 high-grade colorectal adenomas were examined and compared, using immunostaining for CD3, CD4, CD8, CD57, CD68 and FoxP3. Results: FoxP3 and CD68 counts were significantly higher in sporadic low-grade dysplasia (p = 0.0003 and p = 0.0103, respectively),and FoxP3 and CD4 counts were found to be significantly higher in high-grade sporadic dysplasia (p = 0.0008 and p = 0.0018, respectively)when compared with corresponding lesions in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. Discussion: This study suggests that the immune microenvironment of sporadic and hereditary lesions is different. Sporadic lesions contain a higher number of immune suppressive Treg cells, which suggests a stronger immune selective pressure. In contrast, hereditarylesions seem to benefit from a more tolerant immune microenvironment, allowing for the development of lesions with lower immune cell infiltration. Conclusion: This study shows that sporadic lesions harbor higher tumor-infiltrating immune cell counts, which might reflect a higher immune tolerance towards hereditary lesions.

ABSTRACT: The extraction of sea salt depends on the occupation of large areas at the estuary banks, many of them inserted in Permanent Preservation Areas (PPAs). Thus, the objective was to evaluate the economic viability of Environmental Offsets (EO) as an alternative to the unoccupied PPAs in the saltworks. In order to do so, 27 solar saltworks installed in the region of the Brazilian White Coast were evaluated for the occupation of PPAs - measured using images from satellite, georeferenced, vectored with corresponding PPA bands generated - and estimated to EO (Impact Degree x Sum of the investments necessary to implement the project) and Economic Impact (Net Present Value, with long-term interest rate of 7%) of vacating PPAs. It was considered that EO was feasible whenever the costs resulting from it were lower than the economic impact caused by the vacancy of the PPAs. The PPAs were tthe productive area of the saltworksthat occupied 13.70% of PPAs. For all the evaluated enterprises the value corresponding to EO was lower than the Economic Impact resulting from the vacancy of the PPAs. Thus, EO is an economically viable and more attractive alternative to the eviction of PPAs by the saltworks industry and may also provide environmental gains due to the financing of conservation units in the areas of influence of the enterprises. However, there is a need to improve the methodology used to estimate the EO, since a maximum limit is set, the environmental impacts caused by the projects are underestimated.

Objetivou-se caracterizar a estrutura da comunidade fitoplanctônica bem como as principais variáveis abióticas do estuário do rio Apodi-Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. Foram realizadas coletas mensais durante as marés altas de sizígia e análises de variáveis abióticas e bióticas de julho de2004 aagosto de 2005 em três pontos (foz, estuário médio e estuário superior). Foram calculadas as médias para cada estação de coleta e período sazonal, além dos atributos de comunidade: riqueza, diversidade e equitabilidade. Para a identificação dos principais fatores responsáveis pela variância dos dados foi realizada a Análise de Componentes Principais, as variações na abundância fitoplanctônica, por sua vez, foram avaliadas usando a Análise de Correspondência e a Análise de Correspondência Canônica. O estuário do rio Apodi-Mossoró é um ecossistema tropical e estável termicamente, influenciado pela sazonalidade dos períodos de estiagem e chuvas. Seu regime de salinidade predominante é o euhalino, podendo variar entre oligohalino e hipersalino em função do balanço hídrico, além disso, seu pH é predominantemente alcalino. Este ambiente pode ser considerado oligotrófico e bem oxigenado. A comunidade fitoplanctônica do estuário esteve composta por 109 táxons infragenéricos, pertencentes a cinco grupos distintos, com Bacilallariophyta apresentando maior contribuição, tanto no aspecto qualitativo (62%) como quantitativo (74%). A riqueza, bem como a diversidade, foi superior em 2004, assim como no período de estiagem, apresentando tendência de diminuição conforme o afastamento da foz e, segundo os atributos de comunidade, esta é de elevada riqueza e bem distribuída, porém, de baixa diversidade.Composition of the phytoplankton community in the Apodi-Mossoró River estuary, Brazilian semi-aridAbstract: The objective was to characterize the structure of the phytoplankton community as well as the main abiotic variables of the Apodi-Mossoró estuary, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Monthly collections were carried out during high tides of syzygy and analyzes of abiotic and biotic variables from July 2004 to August 2005 in three points (estuary, middle estuary and upper estuary). The means were calculated for each collection season and seasonal period, in addition to the community attributes: richness, diversity and equitability. For the identification of the main factors responsible for the data variance, the Principal Component Analysis was performed and the variations in the phytoplankton abundance were evaluated using the Correspondence Analysis and Canonical-Correlation Analysis. The Apodi-Mossoró River estuary is a thermally stable tropical ecosystem, influenced by the seasonality of drought and rainy periods. Its predominant salinity regime is euhaline, which can vary from oligohaline to hypersaline as a function of water balance, and its pH is predominantly alkaline. This environment can be considered oligotrophic and well oxygenated. The phytoplankton community of the estuary consisted of 109 infrageneric taxa, belonging to five distinct groups, with Bacilallariophyta showing the greatest contribution, both in the qualitative aspect (62%) and in the quantitative aspect (74%). Wealth and diversity were higher in 2004, as well as in the dry season, with decreasing trends depending on the distance from the mouth, and according to community attributes, this richness is well distributed but low in diversity.

Introduction: Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) analysis offers a non-invasive method to identify sensitising and resistance mutations in advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) patients. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of circulating free DNA (cfDNA) is a valuable tool for mutations detection and disease′s clonal monitoring. Material and methods: An amplicon-based targeted gene NGS panel was used to analyse 101 plasma samples of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with known oncogenic mutations, mostly EGFR mutations, serially collected at different clinically relevant time points of the disease. Results: The variant allelic frequency (VAF) monitoring in consecutive plasma samples demonstrated different molecular response and progression patterns. The decrease in or the clearance of the mutant alleles was associated with response and the increase in or the emergence of novel alterations with progression. At the best response, the median VAF was 0% (0.0% to 3.62%), lower than that at baseline, with a median of 0.53% (0.0% to 9.9%) (p = 0.004). At progression, the VAF was significantly higher (median 4.67; range: 0.0–36.9%) than that observed at the best response (p = 0.001) and baseline (p = 0.006). These variations anticipated radiographic changes in most cases, with a median time of 0.86 months. Overall, the VAF evolution of different oncogenic mutations predicts clinical outcomes. Conclusion: The targeted NGS of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) has clinical utility to monitor treatment response in patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma.

Abstract Aim The diet of Plagioscion squamosissimus present in the Santa Cruz Reservoir, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, was investigated, evaluating the influences of spatial and temporal variations and abiotic factors in the utilization of food resources. Methods The samplings were performed quarterly between February 2011 and November 2014. Of the 525 specimens captured, 375 presented food items in the stomachs. The diet was determined using: (i) Feeding Index (IAi); (ii) and the graphical interpretation of the food strategy through non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analyzes, the differences in diet being tested from Permutational Multivariate Analyzes of Variance (PERMANOVA). To verify if environmental variables influence the Canonical Correspondence Analyzes (CCA) were used, using the data from the IAi the environmental data, being the significance of the axes tested through Monte Carlo simulations. Results The species feed mainly on items of animal origin, vegetable being a resource ingested accidentally. The diet was composed of shrimp, fish, insect, mollusk and vegetable, the latter rarely found. The shrimp was the main item (92.57%) and the insects (7.24%) accessory items. Spatial and temporal ordering demonstrated that the species didn’t present variation in diet composition, as well as a low association between diet and environmental variables. Conclusion P. squamosissimus is characterized as carcinophagous, due to the predominance of shrimp in its diet, evidencing that the species is adapted to the conditions offered by the Brazilian semi-arid environment.

Abstract Aim: To evaluate the fish feeding and to establish the preferential and secondary items of their diets, to determine the trophic guilds and the possible trophic structure variations in function of the water volume in Umari reservoir, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazilian semiarid. Methods The fish were captured quarterly between February and November of 2013, with gill nets with different meshes, being the apparatuses exposed at 5:00 p.m., with removal at 5:00 a.m. The food items were identified using stereoscopic and optical microscopes and evaluated through the Feeding Index (IAi), being the results of this procedure used in food similarity analysis. The volume of the items was orderly in NMDS and the time differences were tested in PERMANOVA. Results A total of 740 individuals belonging to 14 species were sampled, being analyzed a total of 258 stomachs and 8 intestines of 11 species. From the IAi values used in the trophic similarity analysis, the species were classified into five trophic guilds: detritivorous, insectivorous, malacophagous, carcinophagous and piscivorous. Conclusion The oscillation in the water volume of the reservoir did not influence the diet of the guild detritivorous, which shows that the variations in the volume of water of the reservoir do not influence in the same way the diet of the local ichthyofauna.

Abstract Aim To evaluate the impact of a biomanipulation experiment on the feeding of fish species from a neotropical semiarid reservoir, before and after the removal of the exotic species Oreochromis niloticus. Methods The values of Food Index were analyzed for six species: Oreochromis niloticus , Prochilodus brevis Steindachner,1875, Hypostomus cf. paparie Fowler,1941, Hoplias gr. malabaricus Bloch,1794, Astyanax bimaculatus Linnaeus,1758 and Leporinus piau Fowler,194. All data were obtained in two periods, before of the removal O. niloticus (May 2012 to January 2013) and after its removal (April 2013 to November 2013). The Morisita-Horn index was used to evaluate the feeding similarity among the six species and determine trophic categories (insectivorous, omnivorous, iliophaga and piscivora). To establish the probable variations due the presence of O. niloticus species, the Food Index of the six species was used in a Bray-Curtis similarity matrix. Through the Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) we could not observe any differences among items consumed by different species. The Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was used to assay the influence of environmental variables on the dietary, from the Food Index data. Results All species were classified in four trophic categories that do not shown any variation among the formed groups during studied periods. After the removal of Nile tilapia some species showed changes in food items, according to NMDS. The CCA indicated low association among the monthly Food Index of species and the environmental changes. Conclusion The process of biomanipulation on the Ecological Station from Serra Negra reservoir, which compares the dietaries from five local species before and after removal of exotic species Oreochromis niloticus, resulted in modification of dietary composition from three of five studied species.

The Amazonian fish species Plagioscion squamosissimus(Sciaenidae) and Cichla monoculus(Cichlidae), have been widely introduced into different reservoirs in Brazil, and have caused many negative impacts on local fish fauna. The aim of this study was to evaluate the population structure (abundance, length structure, length-weight relationship, sex ratio, and length at first maturity) and the reprodutive period of these two species in the Santa Cruz Reservoir (built in 2002), located in the Brazilian semiarid region, for their adequate management and local species conservation policies. Specimens were collected quarterly in eight sites from February 2010 to November 2013 using gillnets (12 to 70 mm mesh between adjacent knots). The specimens captured were counted and the following biometric and biological data were analysed: standard length, total weight, and reproductive data, such as, sex, weight and gonadal maturity stage. The species abundances were estimated by CPUE and expressed as the number of individuals per gill net area x gill net exposition time (m2 x h); length frequency histograms were built with intervals of 5 cm. The length-weight parameters were estimated with a linear regression after a logarithmic transformation of the data. With the reproductive data we estimated sex ratio, reproduction period and length at first maturity (L50). We captured a total of 1 071 specimens of P. squamosissimusand 156 specimens of C. monoculus.Both species showed higher abundances in 2010, 0.004306 m2 x h and 0.00022 m2 x h, respectively, but this parameter decreased from 2010 to 2013. Standard length ranged between 6.4 and 46.2 cm for P. squamosissimus(20.025.0 cm was the most frequent class), and 7.0 and 38.7 cm for C. monoculus(10.0-15.0 cm was the most frequent class). The length-weight relationships were described by the following equations: log10Wt = -1.8349+3.0899log10Lp and R2 = 0.9795 for P. squamosissimus,and log10Wt = -1.7944+3.0885log10Lp and Wt = 0.0160 and R2 = 0.9929 for C. monoculus;both species exhibited positive allometric growth. The sex ratio for both species differed from 1:1, with a predominance of females for P. squamosissimusand males for C. monoculus.The Lp50 was estimated to be 15.90 cm for P. squa-mosissimusand 15.65 cm for C. monoculus,and the reproductive data indicated that both species reproduced throughout the year. We concluded that although the population of both species reduced their abundance over the study period, P. squamosissimusand C. monoculusare established and structured populations in the Santa Cruz Reservoir with individuals growing satisfactorily and reproducing in all seasons, without a well-defined reproductive peak. We suggest that the managers may allow the artisanal and/or sport fisheries of these species.

Objetivou-se caracterizar a estrutura da comunidade fitoplanctônica bem como as principais variáveis abióticas do estuário do rio Apodi-Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. Foram realizadas coletas mensais durante as marés altas de sizígia e análises de variáveis abióticas e bióticas de julho de2004 aagosto de 2005 em três pontos (foz, estuário médio e estuário superior). Foram calculadas as médias para cada estação de coleta e período sazonal, além dos atributos de comunidade: riqueza, diversidade e equitabilidade. Para a identificação dos principais fatores responsáveis pela variância dos dados foi realizada a Análise de Componentes Principais, as variações na abundância fitoplanctônica, por sua vez, foram avaliadas usando a Análise de Correspondência e a Análise de Correspondência Canônica. O estuário do rio Apodi-Mossoró é um ecossistema tropical e estável termicamente, influenciado pela sazonalidade dos períodos de estiagem e chuvas. Seu regime de salinidade predominante é o euhalino, podendo variar entre oligohalino e hipersalino em função do balanço hídrico, além disso, seu pH é predominantemente alcalino. Este ambiente pode ser considerado oligotrófico e bem oxigenado. A comunidade fitoplanctônica do estuário esteve composta por 109 táxons infragenéricos, pertencentes a cinco grupos distintos, com Bacilallariophyta apresentando maior contribuição, tanto no aspecto qualitativo (62%) como quantitativo (74%). A riqueza, bem como a diversidade, foi superior em 2004, assim como no período de estiagem, apresentando tendência de diminuição conforme o afastamento da foz e, segundo os atributos de comunidade, esta é de elevada riqueza e bem distribuída, porém, de baixa diversidade. Composition of the phytoplankton community in the Apodi-Mossoró River estuary, Brazilian semi-arid Abstract: The objective was to characterize the structure of the phytoplankton community as well as the main abiotic variables of the Apodi-Mossoró estuary, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Monthly collections were carried out during high tides of syzygy and analyzes of abiotic and biotic variables from July 2004 to August 2005 in three points (estuary, middle estuary and upper estuary). The means were calculated for each collection season and seasonal period, in addition to the community attributes: richness, diversity and equitability. For the identification of the main factors responsible for the data variance, the Principal Component Analysis was performed and the variations in the phytoplankton abundance were evaluated using the Correspondence Analysis and Canonical-Correlation Analysis. The Apodi-Mossoró River estuary is a thermally stable tropical ecosystem, influenced by the seasonality of drought and rainy periods. Its predominant salinity regime is euhaline, which can vary from oligohaline to hypersaline as a function of water balance, and its pH is predominantly alkaline. This environment can be considered oligotrophic and well oxygenated. The phytoplankton community of the estuary consisted of 109 infrageneric taxa, belonging to five distinct groups, with Bacilallariophyta showing the greatest contribution, both in the qualitative aspect (62%) and in the quantitative aspect (74%). Wealth and diversity were higher in 2004, as well as in the dry season, with decreasing trends depending on the distance from the mouth, and according to community attributes, this richness is well distributed but low in diversity.

La agricultura de precisión utiliza herramientas modernas capaces de facilitar la obtención y análisis de datos georreferenciados. La conductividad eléctrica aparente (CEa) del suelo, se obtiene con sensores remotos y está correlacionada con algunas propiedades del suelo (capacidad de almacenamiento de agua, contenido de materia orgánica, salinidad y drenaje, topografía, manejos previos y texturas entre otras). El exceso de sales puede ser perjudicial para las plantas mientras que altos contenidos de sodio intercambiable pueden provocar daños físicos y químicos en el suelo, afectando el crecimiento de los cultivos. Se seleccionaron 3 lotes con una superficie promedio de 80 ha, regados con pivote central, en el sudeste de la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. En cada lote se midió la CEa georreferenciada con un sensor de medición directa. Con los datos obtenidos se confeccionaron mapas de CEa utilizando técnicas de interpolación espacial (Kriging). Los campos fueron divididos en zonas de igual rango de CEa, para tomar muestras de suelo en las que se midió humedad gravimétrica (θg), CE del extracto de saturación (CEe) y cationes solubles (Na+, Ca+2 y Mg+2). Se calculó la relación de adsorción de sodio (RAS). Los datos fueron analizados estadísticamente utilizando el procedimiento PROC MIXED de SAS. Se observó variabilidad espacial de la CEa y se detectó una asociación entre la CEa y el RAS. Existe una relación significativa entre la CEa, la CEe y el contenido de sodio del suelo, diferenciándose estadísticamente los contenidos de Na+ entre las diferentes zonas de CEa de cada lote. Los sensores de medición directa de CEa son herramientas eficaces para la estimación espacial del contenido de sodio del suelo.Precision agriculture utilizes modern tools in order to obtain and analyze georreferenced data. Direct measuring sensors of soil apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) are part of these modern tools and are widely used to quantify ECa spatial variability. This variable is correlated with other soil properties (water holding capacity, organic matter content, salinity, drainage, topography, tillage managing and soil texture). Plants are negatively affected by elevated salts amount and elevated exchangeable sodium content, which causes physical and chemical damage of soils, affecting crop's grown and production. In order to determinate sodium spatial content and distribution, three fields about 80 Has average were selected. All fields are under central pivot irrigation system and are located in the southeast of Buenos Aires province, Argentina. In these fields ECa was measured and georreferenced whit a direct measure sensor. Obtained data was used to create ECa maps in every field using spatial interpolation methods (Kriging). All fields were divided into four different zones, based on its ECa value, where soil samples were taken. Soil samples were laboratory processed in order to determinate gravimetric humidity (θg),, electrical conductivity of soil saturation paste extract (ECe) and soluble cations (Na+, Ca+2 and Mg+2), and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) was calculated. Experimental data was statistically analyzed using SAS PROC MIXED procedure. We observed CEa spatial variability, and associations between ECa and SAR. Significantly relationships between ECa, ECe and soil sodium content were found. Sodium content was statistically differenced between different ECa zones in every field. The ECa direct measuring sensors are accurately tools to estimate soil sodium spatial content.

Hoplias malabaricus is a viable economic alternative for artisanal fishermen who used to live on the banks of rivers that now are dammed in Brazil. In order to preserve the species’ natural stock, the main objectives of this study were to obtain bio-ecological information on this species reproduction, feeding dynamics and the description of the extent of its exploitation in river-reservoir transition area in Brazil. This way, from January to December 2005, different fishery catches were made with gill nets by artisanal fishermen, and a total of 426 individual H. malabaricus were obtained and sampled. From each specimen, the following biometric and biological data were analyzed: standard length, total weight, stomach contents, reproductive data such as sex, weight and gonadal maturation stage; with these data we estimated sex ratio, reproduction period and feeding habits. To assess growth parameters and infer on the degree of exploitation, the standard length frequency data were analysed using the FISAT (ELEFAN I) computer program. Data revealed a sex ratio of 0.8:1 (M:F), that reproduction occurs all year around, being more intense during spring and summer; it also showed that H. malabaricus is piscivorous. The growth parameters and mortality were estimated at: L∞=35.18cm, k=0.32 year, longevity=9.3 years, Z=1.25 years, M=0.63 year and F=0.62 year. The weight-length relationship was: ln Wt=-3.1663+2.7456 ln Lp. The yield-per-recruit analysis produced the following values: E=0.496, Emax=0.916, E0.1=0.701 and E0.5=0.378. Overall, our data suggest that the stock of H. malabaricus is not yet overfished in the studied area. Rev. Biol. Trop. 59 (1): 71-83. Epub 2011 March 01.Hoplias malabaricus representa una alternativa económica viable para los pescadores artesanales que viven a la orilla de ríos que actualmente cuentan con represas en Brasil. El objeto del presente estudio fue evaluar la dinámica de la reproducción, alimentación, crecimiento y nivel de explotación de la especie nativa Hoplias malabaricus, capturada por pescadores artesanales en la zona de transición entre el río Paranapanema y el Embalse de Jurumirim. En 2005, los especimenes de H. malabaricus se obtuvieron utilizando redes agalleras de forma mensual y se registraron las siguientes características y datos biológicos de cada uno: longitud estándar, peso corporal, sexo, estadio reproductivo, peso de las gónadas y contenido estomacal. Estos datos fueron utilizados para estimar la proporción sexual, el período reproductivo y los hábitos alimenticios. Para evaluar los parámetros de crecimiento y el grado de explotación, los datos de frecuencia de la longitud estándar fueron analizados utilizando el software FISAT a través de la rutina ELEFAN I. Según los resultados obtenidos, la proporción sexual fue de 0.8:1 (macho:hembra); la reproducción fue observada durante todo el año, pero sobre todo en la primavera y el verano. El hábito alimentario fue piscívoro. Los parámetros de crecimiento y mortalidad fueron estimados en: L∞=35.18cm, k=0.32/año; longevidad= 9.3, Z=1.25/año, M=0.63/año y F=0.62/año. La relación longitud-peso fue: Wt=-3.1663+2.7456lnLp. El análisis de rendimiento por recluta estimó los siguientes valores: E=0.496, Emax=0.916, E0.1=0.701 y E0.5=0.378. Puede concluirse que la población de H. malabaricus en la región estudiada todavía no está siendo altamente explotada.

Hoplias malabaricus is a viable economic alternative for artisanal fishermen who used to live on the banks of rivers that now are dammed in Brazil. In order to preserve the species’ natural stock, the main objectives of this study were to obtain bio-ecological information on this species reproduction, feeding dynamics and the description of the extent of its exploitation in river-reservoir transition area in Brazil. This way, from January to December 2005, different fishery catches were made with gill nets by artisanal fishermen, and a total of 426 individual H. malabaricus were obtained and sampled. From each specimen, the following biometric and biological data were analyzed: standard length, total weight, stomach contents, reproductive data such as sex, weight and gonadal maturation stage; with these data we estimated sex ratio, reproduction period and feeding habits. To assess growth parameters and infer on the degree of exploitation, the standard length frequency data were analysed using the FISAT (ELEFAN I) computer program. Data revealed a sex ratio of 0.8:1 (M:F), that reproduction occurs all year around, being more intense during spring and summer; it also showed that H. malabaricus is piscivorous. The growth parameters and mortality were estimated at: L∞=35.18cm, k=0.32 year, longevity=9.3 years, Z=1.25 years, M=0.63 year and F=0.62 year. The weight-length relationship was: ln Wt=-3.1663+2.7456 ln Lp. The yield-per-recruit analysis produced the following values: E=0.496, Emax=0.916, E0.1=0.701 and E0.5=0.378. Overall, our data suggest that the stock of H. malabaricus is not yet overfished in the studied area. Rev. Biol. Trop. 59 (1): 71-83. Epub 2011 March 01.

The fishes of the family Characidae are among the main species of fresh water fishes in South America. In this work, some aspects of the population structure of two Astyanax species were assessed. The fishes were caught in Santo Antônio and São José rivers, in the Paraguaçu basin, by standardized monthly samplings adapted to the microhabitats. Astyanax sp. b (São José river) presented larger size than Astyanax sp. a (Santo Antônio river). The length-weight relationship showed positive allometric growth for Astyanax sp. a, and negative for Astyanax sp. b. Both the species showed a long reproductive period, with higher activities in dry period.Os peixes da família Characidae estão entre os principais representantes de peixes de água doce da região Neotropical. Este trabalho apresenta alguns aspectos da estrutura populacional de duas espécies de Astyanax coletadas a partir de amostragens mensais padronizadas e adaptadas a diferentes microhabitats, em trechos dos rios Santo Antônio e São José, tributários do alto curso do rio Paraguaçu. Astyanax sp. b, coletada no rio São José apresentou maior tamanho que Astyanax sp. a, coletada no rio Santo Antônio. A relação peso-comprimento indicou um crescimento alométrico positivo para Astyanax sp. a e negativo para Astyanax sp. b. Ambas as espécies apresentaram um longo período reprodutivo, com maior atividade reprodutiva no período seco.

Despite the recent advances in the development of complementary diagnostic exams and modern targeted therapies, colorectal cancer remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In this context, a lot of research has been conducted in the last years to find new markers of poor prognosis. The existence of a complex tumour architecture formed by multiple subclones genetically heterogeneous has been increasingly considered in recent studies as an element of particular importance. This feature seems to influence factors as relevant as the representativeness of tumour biopsies for genetic diagnosis and the efficacy of targeted therapies. There is growing evidence suggesting a relation between genetic heterogeneity and the patients’ prognosis. The widespread use of next-generation sequencing techniques will allow a better understanding of the true degree of genetic heterogeneity in colorectal tumours, its causes and impact on the course of the disease. In this review we intend to analyse the recent findings related to the genetic heterogeneity of colorectal cancer, as well as its major clinical implications.

We compared the artisanal fisheries, in terms of catch strategies, productivity, and gross per capita income, at two reservoirs: the Barra Bonita (an eutrophic reservoir with some introduced species), and the Jurumirim (an oligotrophic reservoir, with no introduced species). Published data and structured interviews with fishers were used to evaluate fishing activity, fish biomass, and the financial performance of the fisheries. In the Barra Bonita Reservoir we analysed data from 745 fishing trips, from which 86,691.9 kg of fish were landed, with a mean CPUE of 62.4 kg/fisher-1 day-1. The main type of fish caught was tilapia (71,513.5 kg; CPUE of 51.5 kg/fisher-1 day-1), which constituted 82.5% of the biomass caught. In the Jurumirim Reservoir, we analysed data from 2,401 fishing trips, from which 25,093.6 kg of fish were landed, with a mean CPUE of 10.4 kg/fisher-1 day-1. The main type of fish caught was "traíra" (6,158.6 kg; CPUE of 2.6 kg/fisher-1 day-1), which constituted 24.5% of the biomass caught. Ordination analysis (PCA) indicated that there was a difference in composition between the fishing reservoirs and ANCOVA showed that there was a significant difference in fish production between the reservoirs. A Student's t-test showed that fishers in the Barra Bonita Reservoir had a significantly higher gross per capita income than those from the Jurumirim Reservoir. Although the Barra Bonita Reservoir has a higher fish production and the fishers earn a higher gross per capita income, we recommend the Jurumirim Reservoir as a model for artisanal fishery management because fishing activity in this reservoir is viable in the long term and such a model would promote conservation and sustainability. This contrasts with the Barra Bonita Reservoir, in which the fishery is not viable in the long term, due to environmental problems caused by artificial eutrophication and the introduction of alien species. It is also noted that in many countries, management of fisheries based on exotic species has not been viable in the long term.Nós comparamos a pesca artesanal, em termo de estratégia de captura, produtividade e renda per capita bruta em dois reservatórios: Barra Bonita (reservatório eutrófico e com espécies introduzidas) e Jurumirim (reservatório oligotrófico e sem espécies introduzidas). Dados publicados e entrevistas estruturadas mensais com os pescadores sobre a atividade de pesca, quilo pescado e rendimento financeiro, foram usados para as análises. No reservatório de Barra Bonita foram analisados dados de 745 viagens pesqueiras, que desembarcaram 86.691,9 kg de pescado, com CPUE de 62,4 kg/pescador-1 dia-1. O principal pescado foi a tilápia (71.513,5 kg, CPUE de 51,5 kg/pescador-1dia-1) que representou 82,5% da biomassa pescada. No reservatório de Jurumirim analisamos dados de 2.401 viagens pesqueiras, que desembarcaram 25.093,6, como CPUE de 10, kg/ pescador-1 dia-1. O principal pescado foi a traíra (6.158,6 kg, CPUE de 2,6 kg pescador-1 dia-1), que representou 24,5% da biomassa pescada. Uma análise de ordenação (PCA) indicou diferença na composição pesqueira entre os reservatórios e uma ANCOVA indicou diferença na produção pesqueira entre os reservatórios. Teste t de Student foi significativo e os pescadores do reservatório de Barra Bonita tiveram maior renda per capita bruta. Embora o reservatório de Barra Bonita tenha tido maior produção pesqueira e os pescadores maior renda, recomendamos o reservatório de Jurumirim como modelo para gestão de pesca artesanal nos reservatório, pois a atividade mostrou ser viável em longo prazo bem como ecologicamente correto. Isto contrasta como o reservatório de Barra Bonita, em que a pesca não é viável em longo prazo, devido a problemas ambientais provocados pela eutrofização artificial e pela introdução de espécie. Observou-se que em muitos países, o manejo da pesca com espécies exóticas, não tem sido viável em longo prazo.

We compared the artisanal fisheries, in terms of catch strategies, productivity, and gross per capita income, at two reservoirs: the Barra Bonita (an eutrophic reservoir with some introduced species), and the Jurumirim (an oligotrophic reservoir, with no introduced species). Published data and structured interviews with fishers were used to evaluate fishing activity, fish biomass, and the financial performance of the fisheries. In the Barra Bonita Reservoir we analysed data from 745 fishing trips, from which 86,691.9 kg of fish were landed, with a mean CPUE of 62.4 kg/fisher-1 day-1. The main type of fish caught was tilapia (71,513.5 kg; CPUE of 51.5 kg/fisher-1 day-1), which constituted 82.5% of the biomass caught. In the Jurumirim Reservoir, we analysed data from 2,401 fishing trips, from which 25,093.6 kg of fish were landed, with a mean CPUE of 10.4 kg/fisher-1 day-1. The main type of fish caught was "traíra" (6,158.6 kg; CPUE of 2.6 kg/fisher-1 day-1), which constituted 24.5% of the biomass caught. Ordination analysis (PCA) indicated that there was a difference in composition between the fishing reservoirs and ANCOVA showed that there was a significant difference in fish production between the reservoirs. A Student's t-test showed that fishers in the Barra Bonita Reservoir had a significantly higher gross per capita income than those from the Jurumirim Reservoir. Although the Barra Bonita Reservoir has a higher fish production and the fishers earn a higher gross per capita income, we recommend the Jurumirim Reservoir as a model for artisanal fishery management because fishing activity in this reservoir is viable in the long term and such a model would promote conservation and sustainability. This contrasts with the Barra Bonita Reservoir, in which the fishery is not viable in the long term, due to environmental problems caused by artificial eutrophication and the introduction of alien species. It is also noted that in many countries, management of fisheries based on exotic species has not been viable in the long term.

El creciente predominio de soja dentro de los esquemas agrícolas sin una correspondiente rotación con cereales, y sin una adecuada fertilización se ha convertido en una amenaza para los suelos, pudiendo provocar la degradación físico-química de los mismos. Además, el uso de las labranzas convencionales que remueven el suelo en los cultivos de cosecha gruesa y la intensidad de las lluvias en el sudeste bonaerense, constituyen un alto riesgo de erosión de los suelos. La introducción de las labranzas conservacionistas, podría contribuir a solucionar dichos problemas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar la evolución de las propiedades físicas y el contenido de materia orgánica durante el ciclo de cultivo de soja bajo labranza vertical y siembra directa, y dos historias de fertilización, 0 kg N-ha-1 y 150 kg N- ha-1. La experiencia se realizó en la campaña agrícola 2009-2010, en un complejo de suelos Argiudol típico. Se tomaron muestras de suelo a la siembra, 60 días después de la siembra (dds) (en período vegetativo), 100 dds (en reproductivo) y 280 dds (en poscosecha). En las mismas se determinó el contenido de materia orgánica, cambio de diámetro medio ponderado y densidad aparente. En el estudio no se detectó correlación negativa entre la materia orgánica y la densidad aparente. La información obtenida de los parámetros físicos es relevante porque permitió analizar su evolución durante un ciclo del cultivo de soja en el sudeste bonaerense, brindando información antes inexistente. La información que aquí se presenta es parcial, y forma parte del seguimiento en un ensayo de larga duración. Se espera que los resultados sean confirmados a partir del análisis de nuevos ciclos en el mismo ensayo.

Clinical laboratories worldwide are implementing next-generation sequencing (NGS) to identify cancer genomic variants and ultimately improve patient outcomes. The ability to massively sequence the entire genome or exome of tumour cells has been critical to elucidating many complex biological questions. However, the depth of information obtained by these methods is strenuous to process in the clinical setting, making them currently unfeasible for broader adoption. Instead, targeted sequencing, usually on a selection of clinically relevant genes, represents the predominant approach that best balances accurate identification of genomic variants with high sensitivity and a good cost-effectiveness ratio. The information obtained from targeted sequencing can support diagnostic classification, guide therapeutic decisions, and provide prognostic insights. The use of targeted gene panels expedites sample processing, including data analysis, results interpretation, and medical reports generation, directly affecting patient management. The key decision factors for selecting sequencing methods and panel size in routine testing should include diagnostic yield and clinical utility, sample availability, and processing turnaround time. Profiling by default all patients with late-stage cancer with large panels is not affordable for most healthcare systems and does not provide substantial clinical benefit at present. Balancing between understanding cancer biology, including patients in clinical trials, maximising testing, and ensuring a sustainable financial burden for society requires thorough consideration. This review provides an overview of the advantages and drawbacks of different sizes NGS panels for tumour molecular profiling and their clinical applicability.

La utilización de nuevas tecnologías asociadas a la agricultura de precisión permite capturar información de múltiples variables en gran cantidad de sitios georreferenciados dentro de lotes en producción. Las covariaciones espaciales de las propiedades del suelo y el rendimiento del cultivo pueden evaluarse a través del análisis de componentes principales clásico (PCA). No obstante, como otros métodos multivariados descriptivos, el PCA no ha sido desarrollado explícitamente para datos espaciales. Nuevas versiones de análisis multivariado permiten contemplar la autocorrelación espacial entre datos de sitios vecinos. En este trabajo se aplican y comparan los resultados de dos técnicas multivariadas, el PCA y MULTISPATI-PCA. Este último incorpora la información espacial a través del cálculo del índice de Moran entre los datos de un sitio y el dato promedio de sus vecinos. Los resultados mostraron que utilizando MULTISPATI-PCA se detectaron correlaciones entre variables que no fueron detectadas con el PCA. Los mapas de variabilidad espacial construidos a partir de la primera componente de ambas técnicas fueron similares; no así los de la segunda componente debido a cambios en la estructura de co-variación identificada, al corregir la variabilidad por la autocorrelación espacial de los datos. El método MULTISPATI-PCA constituye una herramienta importante para el mapeo de la variabilidad espacial y la identificación de zonas homogéneas dentro de lotes.

El objetivo de este trabajo es caracterizar el área agrícola bajo riego complementario en el Sudeste Bonaerense (SB) en cuanto al incremento del área ocupada, tipo de suelo, pendiente y calidad de agua. Mediante un proceso de digitalización visual sobre imágenes satelitales se identificaron áreas de riego con pivote central en seis partidos del sudeste bonaerense para el período 2017-2019. De la superficie total, 82.659 ha, Lobería y Balcarce registran el 60% y, junto con Tandil, registran el área de mayor expansión. El 94% de los círculos es menor a 100 ha. Las series de suelos “Mar del Plata” y “Tandil”, del tipo Argiudol típico, son las de mayor presencia del área estudiada, con 34,7% y 17,2% respectivamente. El 12,6% del área presenta algún sector con pendientes mayores a 5%. En relación con la aptitud agrícola del agua de riego, se observó una tendencia de aumento en los valores de Conductividad Eléctrica (CE) y Relación de Adsorción de Sodio (RAS) a medida que se aproximan a la costa del mar. El 18% del área se encuentra en zonas identificadas con alta CE (>1,3) y un 15% del área en zonas altas de RAS (>a 13). La expansión del riego con aguas con baja aptitud para la producción agropecuaria y en zonas con pendiente puede afectar la estructura del suelo, reducir la infiltración y acentuar los procesos de erosión hídrica.

Statistics have demonstrated that one of the main factors responsible for the high mortality rate related to lung cancer is the late diagnosis. Precision medicine practices have shown advances in the individualized treatment according to the genetic profile of each patient, providing better control on cancer response. Medical imaging offers valuable information with an extensive perspective of the cancer, opening opportunities to explore the imaging manifestations associated with the tumor genotype in a non-invasive way. This work aims to study the relevance of physiological features captured from Computed Tomography images, using three different 2D regions of interest to assess the Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status: nodule, lung containing the main nodule, and both lungs. A Convolutional Autoencoder was developed for the reconstruction of the input image. Thereafter, the encoder block was used as a feature extractor, stacking a classifier on top to assess the EGFR mutation status. Results showed that extending the analysis beyond the local nodule allowed the capture of more relevant information, suggesting the presence of useful biomarkers using the lung with nodule region of interest, which allowed to obtain the best prediction ability. This comparative study represents an innovative approach for gene mutations status assessment, contributing to the discussion on the extent of pathological phenomena associated with cancer development, and its contribution to more accurate Artificial Intelligence-based solutions, and constituting, to the best of our knowledge, the first deep learning approach that explores a comprehensive analysis for the EGFR mutation status classification.

Early diagnosis and personalised disease management remain serious challenges in the field of haematological malignancies, especially for acute conditions. Additionally, reliable and timely detection of minimal residual disease is the key to improving patients’ clinical management, including guiding therapy choice, monitoring treatment response, and detecting relapse. Genomic biomarkers provide valuable information in this regard. For example, chromosomal translocations and mutations in genes involved in haematopoietic proliferation and differentiation are considered the strongest predictors of treatment response and overall survival in acute myeloid leukaemia. Furthermore, NPM1 gene mutations and internal tandem duplications in FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3) are used to monitor minimal residual disease in acute myeloid leukaemia. Despite the growing availability of relevant molecular biomarkers, long turnaround times for genomic testing greatly impact the management of aggressive haematological disorders. Delayed access to laboratory test results both negatively influences patients’ psychological state and postpones therapy administration and adjustments. Depending on the technology used, next-generation sequencing allows high-throughput genome analyses within hours to days, at a relatively low cost. Simultaneously, it enables testing of large numbers and various types of biomarkers by targeted gene panels. At the present time, with the latest technological improvements, next-generation sequencing provides the means for advancing genomic-based diagnostics in haematological malignancies, by simplifying complex laboratory workflow and should be introduced more widely in routine clinical settings.

Abstract Background Gene fusion events resulting from chromosomal rearrangements play an important role in initiation of lung adenocarcinoma. The recent association of four oncogenic driver genes, ALK, ROS1, RET, and NTRK1, as lung tumor predictive biomarkers has increased the need for development of up-to-date technologies for detection of these biomarkers in limited amounts of material. Methods We describe here a multi-institutional study using the Ion AmpliSeq™ RNA Fusion Lung Cancer Research Panel to interrogate previously characterized lung tumor samples. Results Reproducibility between laboratories using diluted fusion-positive cell lines was 100%. A cohort of lung clinical research samples from different origins (tissue biopsies, tissue resections, lymph nodes and pleural fluid samples) were used to evaluate the panel. We observed 97% concordance for ALK (28/30 positive; 71/70 negative samples), 95% for ROS1 (3/4 positive; 19/18 negative samples), and 93% for RET (2/1 positive; 13/14 negative samples) between the AmpliSeq assay and other methodologies. Conclusion This methodology enables simultaneous detection of multiple ALK, ROS1, RET, and NTRK1 gene fusion transcripts in a single panel, enhanced by an integrated analysis solution. The assay performs well on limited amounts of input RNA (10 ng) and offers an integrated single assay solution for detection of actionable fusions in lung adenocarcinoma, with potential savings in both cost and turn-around-time compared to the combination of all four assays by other methods.

La predicción espacial del contenido de arcillas (As) a escala de lote es requerida para la implementación de agricultura de precisión y modelos de simulación hidrológica. Sin embargo, la brecha de técnicas de cartografía que permitan establecer la heterogeneidad de As limita la capacidad para determinar su variabilidad. En este estudio, se utilizó cokriging ordinario, conductividad eléctrica aparente (CEa) como variable auxiliar y dos esquemas de muestreo basados en modelos (EBM) (Hipercubo latino condicionado (HCL) y fuzzy c-medias (FCM)) para predecir contenido de As superficial en un lote agrícola experimental de 25,18 ha. Los resultados soportan los supuestos que HCL y FCM capturan adecuadamente la distribución total de la CEa; y que As está cerradamente relacionado con CEa en condiciones del sudeste bonaerense. A partir de los resultados se determinó que (i) el tipo de EBM afecta la eficiencia de la interpolación para predecir As; (ii) una reducción considerable de muestras es posible cuando se aplica la metodología propuesta, logrando mapas precisos de As (R²>0,69); (iii), un conjunto de muestras de suelo independiente es lo más adecuado para validar la metodología propuesta; y (iv) la Interpolación espacial a partir de CEa y HCL proporcionó una leve mejora en la predicción espacial de As (R² = 0,78, RMSE=1,50%) que interpolación espacial a partir de CEa y FCM (R² = 0,69, RMSE=1,69%). La metodología propuesta proporcionó una mejora significativa de información de As en comparación con los costos y el tiempo que demandan las técnicas de cartografía convencional. Además, la metodología propuesta es sencilla de replicar para otros lotes o condiciones edáficas, lo cual puede ser significativo para la implementación de manejo sitio específico de cultivos y para modelos de simulación hidrológica.

The effective soil depth (ESD) affects both dynamic of hydrology and plant growth. In the southeast of Buenos Aires province, the presence of petrocalcic horizon constitutes a limitation to ESD. The aim of this study was to develop a statistic model to predict spatial patterns of ESD using apparent electrical conductivity at two depths: 0-30 (ECa_30) and 0-90 (ECa_90) and geomorphometric indices. To do this, a Random Forest (RF) analysis was applied. RF was able to select those variables according to their predictive potential for ESD. In that order, ECa_90, catchment slope, elevation and ECa_30 had main prediction importance. For validating purposes, 3035 ESD measurements were carried out, in five fields. ECa and ESD values showed complex spatial pattern at short distances. RF parameters with lowest error (OOBerror) were calibrated. RF model simplified which uses main predictors had a similar predictive development to it uses all predictors. Furthermore, RF model simplified had the ability to delineate similar pattern to those obtained from in situ measure of ESD in all fields. In general, RF was an effective method and easy to work. However, further studies are needed which add other types of variables importance calculation, greater number of fields and test other predictors in order to improve these results.

The evolution of personalized medicine has changed the therapeutic strategy from classical chemotherapy and radiotherapy to a genetic modification targeted therapy, and although biopsy is the traditional method to genetically characterize lung cancer tumor, it is an invasive and painful procedure for the patient. Nodule image features extracted from computed tomography (CT) scans have been used to create machine learning models that predict gene mutation status in a noninvasive, fast, and easy-to-use manner. However, recent studies have shown that radiomic features extracted from an extended region of interest (ROI) beyond the tumor, might be more relevant to predict the mutation status in lung cancer, and consequently may be used to significantly decrease the mortality rate of patients battling this condition. In this work, we investigated the relation between image phenotypes and the mutation status of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), the most frequently mutated gene in lung cancer with several approved targeted-therapies, using radiomic features extracted from the lung containing the nodule. A variety of linear, nonlinear, and ensemble predictive classification models, along with several feature selection methods, were used to classify the binary outcome of wild-type or mutant EGFR mutation status. The results show that a comprehensive approach using a ROI that included the lung with nodule can capture relevant information and successfully predict the EGFR mutation status with increased performance compared to local nodule analyses. Linear Support Vector Machine, Elastic Net, and Logistic Regression, combined with the Principal Component Analysis feature selection method implemented with 70% of variance in the feature set, were the best-performing classifiers, reaching Area Under the Curve (AUC) values ranging from 0.725 to 0.737. This approach that exploits a holistic analysis indicates that information from more extensive regions of the lung containing the nodule allows a more complete lung cancer characterization and should be considered in future radiogenomic studies.

Lung cancer late diagnosis has a large impact on the mortality rate numbers, leading to a very low five-year survival rate of 5%. This issue emphasises the importance of developing systems to support a diagnostic at earlier stages. Clinicians use Computed Tomography (CT) scans to assess the nodules and the likelihood of malignancy. Automatic solutions can help to make a faster and more accurate diagnosis, which is crucial for the early detection of lung cancer. Convolutional neural networks (CNN) based approaches have shown to provide a reliable feature extraction ability to detect the malignancy risk associated with pulmonary nodules. This type of approach requires a massive amount of data to model training, which usually represents a limitation in the biomedical field due to medical data privacy and security issues. Transfer learning (TL) methods have been widely explored in medical imaging applications, offering a solution to overcome problems related to the lack of training data publicly available. For the clinical annotations experts with a deep understanding of the complex physiological phenomena represented in the data are required, which represents a huge investment. In this direction, this work explored a TL method based on unsupervised learning achieved when training a Convolutional Autoencoder (CAE) using images in the same domain. For this, lung nodules from the Lung Image Database Consortium and Image Database Resource Initiative (LIDC-IDRI) were extracted and used to train a CAE. Then, the encoder part was transferred, and the malignancy risk was assessed in a binary classification—benign and malignant lung nodules, achieving an Area Under the Curve (AUC) value of 0.936. To evaluate the reliability of this TL approach, the same architecture was trained from scratch and achieved an AUC value of 0.928. The results reported in this comparison suggested that the feature learning achieved when reconstructing the input with an encoder-decoder based architecture can be considered an useful knowledge that might allow overcoming labelling constraints.

In this paper, the predictive power of diffracxtive magneto-optics concerning domain structure and reversal mechanisms in ordered arrays of magnetic elements is demonstrated. A simple theoretical model based on Fraunhoffer diffraction theory is used to predict the magnetisation reversal mechanisms in an array of magnetic elements. Different domain structures and simplified models (or educated guesses) of the associated reversal mechanisms produce marked differences in the spatial distributions of the magnetisation. These differences and the associated magnetisation distribution moments are experimentally accessible through conventional and diffractive magneto-optical Kerr effect measurements. The domain and magnetisation reversal predictions are corroborated with Magnetic Force Microscopy (MFM) measurements.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a supraseasonal drought on the ecological attributes of Plagioscion squamosissimus. The fish were caught quarterly from February 2010 to November 2014 using gill nets in the reservoir of Santa Cruz, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The abundance of the species was evaluated with the catch per unit effort (CPUE) metric and then correlated with the accumulated rainfall and water volume of the reservoir. The diet of the fish was evaluated using the feeding index (IAi). The proportional similarity index (PSi) was used to evaluate the variation in the niches of the fish. The body condition was inferred through the relative condition factor, and its variation was assessed with ANOVA. A reduction in the abundance of the species that were positively correlated with the reservoir water volume was observed. The diet of the fish comprised shrimp, gastropods, fish, insects, shrimp larvae, and vegetable matter, with shrimp being the major component. PSi showed the occurrence of individual specialization during November 2013 and November 2014. The relative condition factor was not correlated with a reduction in the water volume of the reservoir. The supraseasonal drought did not affect the relative condition factor, diet, and the trophic niche, but it did affect the species abundance.

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), which is exotic to South America, is the most common species caught in artisanal fisheries at the Barra Bonita Reservoir, Southeastern Brazil. This species is of great socioeconomic importance for the region and keeps active a population of about 500 fishers. In the present study we assess reproduction, food dynamics and level of exploitation of O. niloticus, caught by artisanal fisheries in the Barra Bonita Reservoir. Specimens were collected monthly, from July 2004-June 2005, and a total of 1 715 specimens were analyzed. Each specimen was examined to obtain biological and biometric data: standard length (cm), total weight (g), reproductive data (sex and stage of maturation), and stomach contents (empty, partly full, and full). We also estimated the sex ratio (by macroscopic observation of gonads), reproductive period (by ovarian development and seasonal average of gonadosomatic index in females), and feeding habits (by stomach contents). The possible relationship between abiotic factors and the reproductive period was statistically verified using Spearman’s Rank Correlation. The FiSAT (ELEFAN I) package was used to assess growth parameters, mortality rates and to infer exploitation rate from standard length frequencies. The O. niloticus population had a sex ratio of 1.3:1 (M:F). Results indicated that ripe females were captured throughout the year, with a higher frequency during the winter-2004 (with a frequency of 59%, at a mean temperature of 20.5°C), and in spring-2004 (with a frequency of 60.5% at a mean temperature of 21.18°C). The GSI mean values obtained by season were: winter-2004: 1.71; spring-2004: 1.72; summer-2005: 0.80, and autumn-2005: 1.19. The Spearman correlation indicated positive values with respect to pH, dissolved oxygen, electric conductivity, transparency and chlorophyll a, and negative values with respect to temperature, accumulated rainfall and altimetric benchmark. The main food items were phytoplankton and periphytic algae, observed in 99.6% of the analyzed stomachs. The estimated growth and mortality parameters were: L∞=33.60cm, k=0.63/year, longevity= 4.76years, Z=2.81/ year, M=1.20/year and F=1.61/year. The weight-length relationship was Ln Wt=-2.8532+2.8835 Ln Lp. The estimated yield per recruit values were as follows: E=0.570, Emax=0.776, E0.1=0.604 and E0.5=0.349. These results indicate that a well established population of O. niloticus is present at Barra Bonita Reservoir; with an active reproduction throughout the year, more intense during winter and spring, and that O. niloticus is a phytoplanktophagus species. There were no indications that this species is being overfished, we therefore recommend that, due to its exotic condition, no restrictions need to be taken on its fishing activities. Rev. Biol. Trop. 60 (2): 721-734. Epub 2012 June 01.

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), which is exotic to South America, is the most common species caught in artisanal fisheries at the Barra Bonita Reservoir, Southeastern Brazil. This species is of great socioeconomic importance for the region and keeps active a population of about 500 fishers. In the present study we assess reproduction, food dynamics and level of exploitation of O. niloticus, caught by artisanal fisheries in the Barra Bonita Reservoir. Specimens were collected monthly, from July 2004-June 2005, and a total of 1 715 specimens were analyzed. Each specimen was examined to obtain biological and biometric data: standard length (cm), total weight (g), reproductive data (sex and stage of maturation), and stomach contents (empty, partly full, and full). We also estimated the sex ratio (by macroscopic observation of gonads), reproductive period (by ovarian development and seasonal average of gonadosomatic index in females), and feeding habits (by stomach contents). The possible relationship between abiotic factors and the reproductive period was statistically verified using Spearman’s Rank Correlation. The FiSAT (ELEFAN I) package was used to assess growth parameters, mortality rates and to infer exploitation rate from standard length frequencies. The O. niloticus population had a sex ratio of 1.3:1 (M:F). Results indicated that ripe females were captured throughout the year, with a higher frequency during the winter-2004 (with a frequency of 59%, at a mean temperature of 20.5°C), and in spring-2004 (with a frequency of 60.5% at a mean temperature of 21.18°C). The GSI mean values obtained by season were: winter-2004: 1.71; spring-2004: 1.72; summer-2005: 0.80, and autumn-2005: 1.19. The Spearman correlation indicated positive values with respect to pH, dissolved oxygen, electric conductivity, transparency and chlorophyll a, and negative values with respect to temperature, accumulated rainfall and altimetric benchmark. The main food items were phytoplankton and periphytic algae, observed in 99.6% of the analyzed stomachs. The estimated growth and mortality parameters were: L∞=33.60cm, k=0.63/year, longevity= 4.76years, Z=2.81/ year, M=1.20/year and F=1.61/year. The weight-length relationship was Ln Wt=-2.8532+2.8835 Ln Lp. The estimated yield per recruit values were as follows: E=0.570, Emax=0.776, E0.1=0.604 and E0.5=0.349. These results indicate that a well established population of O. niloticus is present at Barra Bonita Reservoir; with an active reproduction throughout the year, more intense during winter and spring, and that O. niloticus is a phytoplanktophagus species. There were no indications that this species is being overfished, we therefore recommend that, due to its exotic condition, no restrictions need to be taken on its fishing activities. Rev. Biol. Trop. 60 (2): 721-734. Epub 2012 June 01.La exótica tilapia del Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) es la especie mayormente capturada en la pesquería artesanal del embalse de Barra Bonita, sudeste de Brasil, de gran importancia socioeconómica para la región y para una población de unos 500 pescadores. El estudio analizo: la reproducción, la dinámica alimentaria y la explotación de O. niloticus, la cual fue capturada en la pesquería del embalse de Barra Bonita. Asimismo, se tomaron muestras mensuales y se analizo un total de 1 715 animales desde julio-2004 a junio-2005. De cada espécimen, se obtuvieron los siguientes datos biológicos y biométricos: longitud estándar (cm), peso total (g), datos reproductivos (sexo y estadio de maduración), contenido estomacal (vacio, parcialmente lleno y lleno). Estos datos fueron utilizados para estimar la proporción de sexo (a través de la observación macroscópica de las gónadas), el periodo reproductivo (a través de la distribución de la frecuencia de los estadios macroscópicos del desarrollo de los ovarios), y la media de la proporción del índice gonadosomático IGS de hembras, así como los hábitos alimentarios (a través de la observación del contenido estomacal). Para verificar las posibles relaciones entre los factores abióticos y el periodo reproductivo fue aplicada la correlación de Spearman. El software FiSAT (ELEFAN I) fue utilizado para evaluar los parámetros de crecimiento, tasa de mortalidad e inferir el grado de explotación, en donde se usaron los datos de frecuencia de longitud estándar. La población de O. niloticus presento una proporción de sexo 1.3:1 (M:H). Los resultados indicaron que hembras fueron muestreadas durante todo el ano, pero ha sido más frecuente en el invierno-2004-59.0% (temperatura media=20.05°C) y primavera-2004-60.5% (temperatura media=21.18°C). Los valores medios del IGS fueron: invierno-2004=1.71, primavera- 2004=1.72, verano-2005=0.80 y otoño-2005=1.19. La correlación de Spearman fue positiva para pH, oxigeno disuelto, conductividad eléctrica, transparencia y clorofila a, y negativo para temperatura, pluviosidad acumulada y variación del nivel del agua en el embalse. Los principales ítems de alimentación fueron fitoplancton y algas perifiticas observadas en 99.6% de los estómagos analizados. Los parámetros estimados del crecimiento y mortalidad fueron los siguientes: L∞=33.60cm, k=0.63/año, longevidad= 4.76 años, Z= 2.81/año, M=1.20/año y F=1.61año. La relación peso-longitud fue Ln Wt=-2.8532+2.8835 Ln Lp. Los valores de producción por reclutamiento estimado fueron=0.570, Emax=0.776, E0.1=0.604 y E0.5=0.349. Estos resultados indican que la población de O. niloticus está bien establecida en el embalse de Barra Bonita. Además, su reproducción ocurre durante todo el ano, pero es más intensa en el invierno y primavera; su dieta tiene como base el fitoplancton. Los resultados indican que no está ocurriendo sobrepesca de O. niloticus, por tanto, recomendamos que, debido a su naturaleza exótica, no se tomen restricciones a la hora de su pesca.

El manejo sitio-específico demanda la identificación de sub-regiones homogéneas, o zonas de manejo (ZM), dentro del espacio productivo. Sin embargo, definir ZM suele ser complejo debido a que la variabilidad espacial del suelo puede depender de varias variables. La zonificación o delimitación de ZM puede realizarse utilizando una variable de suelo a la vez o considerando varias variables simultáneamente. Entre los métodos de análisis multivariado, difundido para la zonificación, se encuentra el análisis de conglomerados fuzzy k-means (KM) y el análisis de componentes principales (PCA). No obstante, como otros métodos multivariados, éstos no han sido desarrollados específicamente para datos georreferenciados. Una nueva versión del PCA, conocido como MULTISPATI-PCA (PCAe), permite contemplar la autocorrelación espacial entre datos de variables regionalizadas. El objetivo de este estudio fue proponer una nueva estrategia de análisis para la identificación de ZM, combinando la aplicación KM y PCAe sobre datos de múltiples variables de suelo. La capacidad del método propuesto se evaluó en base a la comparación de los rendimientos promedios alcanzados en cada zona delimitada, tanto para la combinación de KM con PCA, la aplicación tradicional de KM sobre las variables originales y la nueva propuesta KM-PCAe. Los resultados mostraron que KM-PCAe fue el único método que permitió distinguir zonas estadísticamente diferentes en cuanto al potencial productivo. Se concluye que la combinación propuesta constituye una herramienta importante para el mapeo de la variabilidad espacial y la identificación de ZM a partir de datos georreferenciados.

Introduction and objectives: A device called FeelBreathe® (FB) has been designed, developed and patented for inspiratory muscle training (IMT). In order to examine the effects of FB on lung ventilation and gas exchange during exercise, 27 trained male healthy volunteers (age: 32.5 ± 7.2 years) were measured. Methods: Maximum static inspiratory pressure (PImax) and spirometry to determine lung capacity were measured at baseline. We continued with an incremental cycloergometer to determine the VO2 peak. Three days later, each subject performed randomly three identical submaximal cycloergometer tests at 50% between ventilatory thresholds under three different breathing conditions: a) oronasal breathing (ONB), b) nasal breathing (NB) and c) nasal breathing through the FB. Results: FB trial showed lower minute ventilation (VE) and breathing frequency (BF) than NB, which had lower BF, but similar VE than ONB (p < 0.001). Despite this, FB had similar values of VO2, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), heart rate (HR) and peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2) compared to NB and ONB. The latter can occur partly due to increased tidal volume (VT) and expiration time (Tex) in FB until same level than NB, which were in both trials 15% and 14% respectively higher than ONB (p < 0.001). The percentage of inspiration time (Ti/Tot) was 7% greater in FB compared to NB and ONB (p < 0.001). Increased end-tidal pressure of CO2 (P ET CO2) and reduced end-tidal pressure of O2 (P ET O2) and fraction of O2 expiration (FEO2) were found only in FB. Conclusions: FeelBreathe is a new nasal restriction device that stimulates the inspiratory muscles to produce a breathing pattern more efficiency during exercise in well-trained humans.

Durante el siglo pasado, se elaboraron mapas de suelo en la provincia de Buenos Aires a una escala de 1:50000. Por lo general, los lotes de producción del Sudeste Bonaerense contienen más de una unidad cartográfica con distintas series de suelo con diferentes aptitudes agrícolas. En los mapas a escala 1:50000, la ubicación precisa de estas series de suelo no siempre se logra identificar. La profundidad efectiva del perfil del suelo es un indicador de las series de suelo. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue: (l) examinar la estructura espacial de la CEa (ll) evaluar la relación espacial de la Conductividad Eléctrica Aparente del suelo entre diferentes sensores (Geonics EM38-mk2 y veris 3100); y (lll) evaluar la relación espacial de la CEa y la profundidad del suelo, como un indicador de la serie de suelo. Los muestreos se efectuaron en un lote de 16 ha ubicado en la EEA Balcarce. La medición de la CEa fue realizada con un sensor de no-contacto (Geonics EM38-mk2) en la orientación dipolo vertical (0-150 cm de profundidad) midiendo la CEa por inducción electromagnética, y un sensor de contacto (Veris 3100) (0-30 y 0-90 cm de profundidad). La profundidad del suelo fue medida a una distancia promedio entre puntos de muestreo de 25 m con un muestreador hidráulico (Giddings). Los datos colectados con el EM38-mk2 en la orientación dipolo vertical (0-150 cm de profundidad) y Veris 3100 (0-90 cm de profundidad) presentaron las mayores correlaciones espaciales (r= 0, 77) La profundidad del suelo estuvo principalmente asociada a la CEa superficial (0-30 cm) medida por el Veris 3100 (r= -0,58). La CEa puede usarse como indicador de la serie de suelo en lotes que presenten variabilidad en su profundidad efectiva.

El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la incidencia de diferentes combinaciones de agua de riego (agua desmineralizada y agua salinizada artificialmente en laboratorio), sobre la conductividad eléctrica (CE), relación de adsorción de sodio (RAS), pH, porcentaje de sodio de intercambio (PSI), y porcentaje de saturación con bases (PSB) de suelos paleudoles petrocalcicos del sudeste de Buenos Aires. Se realizó un experimento en invernáculo, utilizando columnas de suelo de 30 cm de largo, donde se sembró raigrás perenne (Lolium perenne). Se establecieron cinco tratamientos de riego: W0 (100% de agua desmineralizada), W1 (30% de agua con bajo RAS y 70% de agua desmineralizada); W2 (50% de agua de bajo RAS y 50% de agua desmineralizada); W3 (30% de agua de alto RAS y 70% de agua desmineralizada); W4 (50% de agua con alto RAS y 50% de agua desmineralizada). A medida que la proporción de agua artificialmente salinizada fue mayor que la de agua desmineralizada, los valores de PSI y CE se incrementaron especialmente a nivel superficial (10 cm). El agua artificial de RAS=12,5 produjo un aumento considerable del PSI=19,8 en comparación con el tratamiento testigo. Considerando el efecto de dilución del agua de lluvia fue posible establecer una ecuación que permite estimar para determinada calidad de agua de riego que valor del RAS alcanzaría el suelo.

El manejo sitio-específico demanda la identificación de subregiones con características homogéneas (zonas de manejo). Sin embargo, la determinación de zonas es dificultosa por las complejas relaciones y variabilidad espacial de las propiedades de suelo, que afectan los patrones espaciales del rendimiento de los cultivos. En el presente trabajo evaluamos si la conductividad eléctrica aparente (CEa) funciona como un potencial estimador de las propiedades de suelo y nutrientes, y una herramienta para la delimitación de zonas de manejo. La CEa fue mapeada en 58 ha en dos lotes de producción, ubicados al sur de la provincia de Córdoba, próximo a la localidad de Canals, compuestos de Haplustoles. Las propiedades de suelo y la CEa fueron analizadas usando estadísticos descriptivos, correlaciones simples y un ANOVA. Los contenidos de partículas finas (arcilla y limo), arena y materia orgánica mostraron altas correlaciones con la CEa (r>0,6; p

La Agricultura de Precisión (AP) permite delimitar zonas de manejo (ZM) que expresan diferente potencial de rendimiento. Los objetivos de esta investigación fueron: (l) determinar la interacción entre las ZM y la fertilización nitrogenada sobre el rendimiento del cultivo de cebada cervecera cv. Scarlett.; (ll) estimar las disponibilidades óptimas económicas (DOE) de nitrógeno (N) según ZM y; (lll) determinar si la delimitación de ZM mejora la eficiencia en el uso del N del fertilizante. Esta investigación fue conducida en un lote comercial de 156 ha ubicado en el partido de Lobería (37°57'45,82"S, 59°6'24,67M O)I provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Las ZM se generaron utilizando la medición georeferenciada de la Conductividad eléctrica Aparente del suelo, la elevación del terreno y la profundidad de suelo. Los datos de rendimiento de cebada se recolectaron con un monitor de rendimiento. Se utilizó un diseño experimental de bloques completos aleatorizados con 12 repeticiones por ZM. Los bloques fueron divididos en tres parcelas. Cada parcela recibió una dosis de fertilizante nitrogenado (38 N, 83 N y un testigo -0 kg N ha-1). El efecto de la interacción entre N disponible y ZM resultó significativo (p

Los suelos de la Pampa Deprimida presentan una elevada heterogeneidad espacial. Por ende, una alternativa para el manejo de los mismos podría ser la incorporación de las técnicas de manejo por ambientes (MA). Por ello, nuestro objetivo fue medir la conductividad eléctrica aparente (CEa) y la elevación, relacionarlas con diferentes parámetros edáficos y evaluar si permiten delimitar áreas edáficas homogéneas. En dos lotes localizados en General Madariaga, se midieron y georreferenciaron la CEa y la elevación con un sensor de medición directa (Geonics EM38) y un DGPS respectivamente. Con los datos obtenidos se confeccionaron mapas de estas variables utilizando técnicas de interpolación espacial. Se tomaron muestras de suelo georre-ferenciadas en las que se midió materia orgánica (MO), humedad gravimétrica, conductividad eléctrica del extracto de saturación (CEe), pH y capacidad de intercambio catiónico (CIC). Las propiedades de suelo y la CEa fueron medidas hasta los 50 cm de profundidad del suelo. La CEe, el pH y la humedad gravimétrica presentaron una relación estrecha con la CEa (r²=0,77; 0,55 y 0,52, respectivamente). En cambio, la MO y la CIC mostraron un grado de ajuste inferior (r²=0,27 y 0,33, respectivamente). Se realizaron mapas de los lotes dividiéndolos en la cantidad de zonas edáficas determinadas mediante un análisis de clúster multivariado y se realizó un ANVA a las variables de suelo analizadas en función de cada una de estas zonas. Esto permitió determinar que la CEa y la elevación serían herramientas útiles para delimitar ambientes edáficos en suelos de aptitud ganadera de la Pampa Deprimida. Se sugiere continuar con futuras investigaciones para corroborar estos resultados preliminares.