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The developmental and evolutionary principles of coloniality in marine animals remain largely unexplored. Although many common traits have evolved independently in different groups of colonial animals, questions about their significance for colonial life histories remain unanswered. In 2018 (Nov. 25 - Dec. 8), the inaugural course on the Evolution of Coloniality and Modularity took place at the Center for Marine Biology of the University of Sao Paulo (CEBIMAR-USP), Brazil. During the intensive two-week graduate-level course, we addressed some of the historical ideas about animal coloniality by focal studies in bryozoans, tunicates, cnidarians, and sponges. We discussed many historical hypotheses and ways to test these using both extant and paleontological data, and we carried direct observations of animal colonies in the different phyla to address questions about coloniality. We covered topics related to multi-level selection theory and studied colonial traits, including modular miniaturization, polymorphism, brooding, and allorecognition. Course participants carried out short research projects using local species of animals to address questions on allorecognition and regeneration in ascidians and sponges, fusion and chimerism in anthoathecate hydrozoans, and evolution of polymorphism in bryozoans. Although many questions remain unanswered, this course served as a foundation to continue to develop a developmental and evolutionary synthesis of clonal and modular development in colonial marine organisms.

The arborescent bryozoan Amathia verticillata (Delle Chiaje, 1822) can be found in both tropical and temperate waters but little is known on how natural dispersal and human-mediated transport mediates its current widespread distribution. The species can rapidly cover and dominate large areas of natural and artificial substrates, and infests port areas, ships, pipelines, and industrial marine installations. In addition, A. verticillata could be a complex of cryptic species, similar to many other bryozoan species with presumed cosmopolitan distributions. In this study, we tested whether A. verticillata represents a complex of cryptic species or it is a single species, and assessed whether natural and/or anthropogenic dispersal can explain its cosmopolitan distribution. We performed phylogenetic and population genetic analyses based on two mitochondrial genes (16S and COI) from samples collected in the United States, Brazil, Spain, Australia, and Mexico. Our results show a low genetic structure between Atlantic and Pacific oceans, with one haplotype of both genes widely distributed, while the other haplotypes (all with very low nucleotides diversity) were specific to each region. This suggests that A. verticillata is a single species, whose broad distribution seems to have been mediated by humans; the biology of the species in addition to its common occurrence near port areas also indicate this fact. However, to elucidate its origin and dispersal routes, a more extensive sampling effort and the usage of the genome-wide molecular markers should be explored. Until these studies are carried out, we recommend that the species should still be considered as cryptogenic.

The recently erected macrocnemic family Hydrozoanthidae comprises relatively few species recorded from tropical and subtropical regions. In the Atlantic Ocean, this family has been reported only fr...

Analyzing the mitochondrial 16S gene from specimens collected along the Brazilian coast, we expanded the current genetic diversity and phylogeny of the Christmas tree hydroid, Pennaria disticha Goldfuss, 1820 complex. A total of seven clades were retrieved, of which three were recovered among the newly added specimens—two were already known from different locations in previous studies and a new one was formed by a specimen collected near an isolated coastal island in the Sao Paulo state—demonstrating that P. disticha also represents a complex of cryptic species in the southwestern Atlantic. Species delimitation analyses recovered three to five clades as separate species within P. disticha; moreover, the haplotype network confirmed the already suggested scenario of multiple invasive trajectories and helped untangle the genetic relationships between clades. The data presented herein, besides broadening P. disticha genetic diversity, reinforce the importance of barcoding analyses of local populations in cryptic species studies.

Containing 51 extant genera and over 300 species, the family Caryophylliidae Dana, 1846 is reported from Antarctica to the Arctic, ranging from shallow to deep waters. Even though most caryophylliids are solitary, the majority of the most extensive deep-water reefs have their main engineers in colonial representatives of this family. However, several of these colonial species are small-sized and are usually found in shallow waters. Based on a study of colonies collected during scuba diving at Alcatrazes Archipelagos’ main island (Sao Paulo State) and Ilha Rasa (Rio de Janeiro), Brazil, a new species belonging to the genus Coenocyathus Milne Edwards & Haime, 1848 is described as C. sebroecki sp. nov. The species identity and its phylogenetic position within the Caryophylliidae could be distinguished by using morphological and genetic data. Also, the description of the cnidom of this species and remarks on its biology are provided, as well as a brief discussion on the polyphyly of the Caryophylliidae and an identification key for all extant Coenocyathus species.

The effects of dietary levels of hop β-acids on physical attributes, lipid oxidation and chemical composition of pork meat were evaluated. Thirty-two castrated male pigs obtained from a complete block design feeding experiment (6.23 ± 0.42 kg initial body weight (BW) to 20.45 ± 0.95 kg final BW) and fed diets supplemented with 0, 120, 240 or 360 mg kg-1 hop β-acids during 35 days were slaughtered to sample longissimus dorsi muscle for meat analysis.; Results: No effects (P > 0.05) of dietary hop β-acids were observed on meat physical attributes. Quadratic effects (P < 0.05) of hop β-acids were observed on lipid and protein contents and on thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) values of meatballs, whose equations allowed the estimation of dietary hop β-acid levels of 176, 169 and 181 mg kg-1 to provide up to 16.20% lipid reduction, 1.95% protein accretion and 23.31% TBARS reduction respectively.; Conclusion: Dietary hop β-acids fed to pigs might reduce lipid, increase protein and reduce lipid oxidation without affecting physical attributes of the pork meat. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.; © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

We analysed hydromedusa assemblages of South America (from 22°S to 56°S and from 040°W to 080°W), their association with water masses and the influence of the life cycle on medusa distributions. The geographic distribution of 130 species of hydromedusae was compiled from literature reports (62 publications between 1913 and 2012). Seven areas were defined: Atlantic Magellanic, Argentinean, Pacific intermediate zone, Pacific Magellanic, Peruvian–Chilean, South Brazilian and Oceanic. The variance of the species–environment relationship was explained by depth and temperature. Distribution patterns of Atlantic hydromedusae are associated with neritic water masses, supporting previously proposed biogeographical provinces. Assemblages on the Pacific side of South America are under the influence of the Humboldt Current system, with a break in species distribution around Chiloé Island. Only the oceanic assemblage contained the same species in both the Pacific and Atlantic zones. We found that meroplanktonic medusae contributed more to define the neritic assemblages, while the oceanic assemblage was better defined by holoplanktonic medusae. Therefore, our data suggest that meroplanktonic hydromedusae appeared to be more restricted in distribution than holoplanktonic ones. Fil: Rodriguez, Carolina Soledad. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; Argentina Fil: Marques, Antonio C.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: Mianzan, Hermes Walter. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones y Desarrollo Pesquero; Argentina Fil: Tronolone, Valquiria B.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: Migotto, Alvaro E.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: Genzano, Gabriel Nestor. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; Argentina

In this study, a zoantharian specimen was found associated with a gorgonian colony of the genus Nicella (Anthozoa, Octocorallia), representing the first zoantharian-octocoral association reported from the southwestern Atlantic. Unexpectedly, phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial (COI and mt 16S rDNA) and nuclear (ITS-rDNA) markers assigned the specimen to the widely distributed species Parazoanthus cf. swiftii, known until now to associate exclusively with sponges (Porifera). In the sampled locality (Alcatrazes Archipelago, Sao Paulo State), P. cf. swiftii has been observed to associate with both sponges and octocoral. We review the literature and discuss the specificity of biotic substrate associations in Zoantharia and suggest that many interactions may not be as host-specific as previously thought. Such flexibility in habitat choice may provide the mechanisms that have allowed zoantharians to adapt and associate with a wide range of invertebrate hosts across evolutionary time scales.

The sun coral Tubastraea coccinea Lesson, 1829 (Dendrophylliidae) is a widely distributed shallow‐water scleractinian that has extended its range to non‐native habitats in recent decades. With its rapid spread, this coral is now one of the main invasive species in Brazil. Its high invasive capability is related to opportunistic characteristics, including several reproductive strategies that have allowed it to disperse rapidly and widely. To better understand the reproductive biology of T. coccinea and aid in developing management strategies for invaded areas, we investigated aspects of its reproductive performance and life cycle, including the effects of colony size, seawater temperature and salinity, and lunar periodicity on offspring production and larval metamorphosis competence. A total of 18,139 offspring were released in different developmental stages, mainly from the larger colonies, which also produced larvae with longer competence periods. The main reproductive peak occurred during the First Quarter and New Moon phases and was highest in water temperatures around 26°C. Together, these results help to explain the rapid expansion of T. coccinea into non‐native habitats such as the Caribbean and southwestern Atlantic, and will inform actions of the recent Brazilian National Plan for the prevention, eradication, control, and monitoring of sun corals.

Objective: To investigate the imaging and biodistribution of a novel zirconium-89 (89Zr)-labeled mouse anti-cd20 monoclonal antibody (mAb) in control and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice following subcutaneous (s. c.) and intravenous (i.v.) administration. Background: Anti-cd20-mediated B-cell depletion using mAbs is a promising therapy for multiple sclerosis. Recombinant human myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (rhMOG)-induced EAE involves B-cell-mediated inflammation and demyelination in mice. Design/Methods: C57BL/6J mice (n = 39) were EAE-induced using rhMOG. On Day 14 post EAE induction, 89Zr-labeled-anti-cd20 mAb was injected in control and EAE mice in the right lower flank (s.c.) or tail vein (i.v.). Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging and gamma counting (ex vivo) were performed on Days 1, 3, and 7 to quantify tracer accumulation in the major organs, lymphatics, and central nervous system (CNS). A preliminary study was conducted in healthy mice to elucidate full and early kinetics of the tracer that were subsequently applied in the EAE and control mice study. Results: 89Zr-labeled anti-cd20 mAb was effectively absorbed from s.c. and i.v. injection sites and distributed to all major organs in the EAE and control mice. There was a good correlation between in vivo PET/CT data and ex vivo quantification of biodistribution of the tracer. From gamma counting studies, initial tracer uptake within the lymphatic system was found to be higher in the draining lymph nodes (inguinal or subiliac and sciatic) following s.c. vs. i.v. administration; within the CNS a significantly higher tracer uptake was observed at 24 h in the cerebellum, cerebrum, and thoracic spinal cord (p < 0.05 for all) following s.c. vs. i.v. administration. Conclusions: The preclinical data suggest that initial tracer uptake was significantly higher in the draining lymph nodes (subiliac and sciatic) and parts of CNS (the cerebellum and cerebrum) when administered s.c. compared with i.v in EAE mice.

Chaetopterus variopedatus has been studied for over a century in terms of its physiology, ecology and life history. One focus of research is on its intrinsic bioluminescent emissions, which can be observed as a blue light emitted from the extremities of individual body segments, or as a secreted mucus. Even though research shows that C. variopedatus is a species complex miscategorized as a single species, all of the variants of this polychaete produce light, which has been investigated in terms of both physiology and biochemistry. Despite decades of study, there are still many questions about the luminescence reaction, and, as of yet, no clear function for light emission exists. This review summarizes the current knowledge on C. variopedatus luminescence in addition to briefly describing its morphology, life cycle and ecology. Possible functions for luminescence were discussed using observations of specimens found in Brazil, along with a comparison of previous studies of other luminescent organisms. Further study will provide a better understanding of how and why C. variopedatus produces luminescence, and purifying the protein and luciferin involved could lead to new bioanalytical applications, as this reaction is unique among all known luminescent systems.

In order to evaluate the antioxidant effects of barbatimao (BAR) or pacari (PAC) on chicken meat oxidative stability and quality, seven dietary treatments containing in three different BAR and PAC concentrations (200, 400 and 600ppm) plus a negative control (CONT) were fed to 350 broilers from 1 to 41 days of age. Ten birds per treatment were slaughtered to collect breast and thigh meat to evaluate pH, color (L*, a*, b*), cooking weight loss (CWL), and shear force (SF) 24 hours postmortem , and TBARS levels in precooked meatballs stored chilled for 8days. The dietary supplementation with BAR and PAC extracts did not affect pH and color, but reduced (p

Marine invertebrates are a rich source of small antiparasitic compounds. Among them, Macrorhynchia philippina is a chemically underexplored marine cnidarian. In the search for candidates against the neglected protozoan Chagas disease, we performed a bio-guided fractionation to obtain active compounds. The structural characterization of the active compound was determined using NMR analysis and MS and resulted in the isololiolide, a compound described for the first time in this species. It showed in vitro activity against both trypomastigote and intracellular amastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi, with IC50 values of 32 µM and 40 µM, respectively, with no mammalian cytotoxicity (>200 µM). The lethal action was investigated in T. cruzi using different fluorophores to study: (i) mitochondrial membrane potential; (ii) plasma membrane potential and (iii) plasma membrane permeability. Our results demonstrated that isololiolide caused disruption of the plasma membrane integrity and a strong depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential, rapidly leading the parasite to death. Despite being considered a possible covalent inhibitor, safety in silico studies of isololiolide also considered neither mutagenic nor genotoxic potential. Additionally, isololiolide showed no resemblance to interference compounds (PAINS), and it succeeded in most filters for drug-likeness. Isololiolide is a promising candidate for future optimization against Chagas disease.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the addition of the oil resins ofsucupira (Pterodon emarginatus Vog.) and copaiba (Copaifera langsdorffii) to broiler diets on chicken meat composition, quality, and lipid peroxidation. 350 one-d-old broiler chicks were submitted to seven treatments, consisting of the diets supplemented with copaiba (COP) or sucupira (SUC) resin oils at three different concentrations (500, 900, and 1300 ppm) plus a negative control diet (CONT). At 37 days of age, 10 birds per treatment were selected according to the average weight of the experimental unit and slaughtered to collect breast and thigh meat, which was stored at 4°C for 24 hours to evaluate pH, color (L*, a*, b*), cooking weight loss (CWL), and shear force (SF). Raw meat was vacuum packed and stored frozen until lipid peroxidation analysis. Meat samples were pooled to prepare pre-cooked meatballs (30 ± 0.5g), stored under refrigeration (eight days), and analyzed every two days for TBARS concentration. Results were analyzed using the PROC GLM and MIXED procedures (SAS statistical software). Plant oils increased (p

A series of new quaternary ammonium salts containing a polyconjugated moiety has been synthesized and characterized; their biological activity as potential antimalarial agents was investigated, as well. All compounds were screened against chloroquine resistant W-2 (CQ-R) and chloroquine sensitive, D-10 (CQ-S) strains of Plasmodium falciparum showing IC50 in the submicromolar range and low toxicity against human endothelial cells.

RESUMO O fungo Cylindrocladium spathiphylli causa podridão no colo e nas raízes de espatifilo. Fungos produzem enzimas extracelulares e muitas destas podem estar envolvidas na patogênese. Há poucos estudos procurando comprovar o papel de uma determinada enzima na patogênese, principalmente no patossistema C. spathiphylli e espatifilo. Assim, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi verificar a patogenicidade de diferentes isolados do fungo em espatifilo, em condições de BOD, e depois relacionar a patogênese com a produção in vitro da enzima extracelular lacase. O ensaio da patogenicidade foi inteiramente casualizado, com dois isolados normais e três isolados alterados por fungistase com seis repetições. Após a inoculação, avaliou-se a severidade da doença em mudas de espatifilo em quatro períodos (até 10 dias) com uma escala de notas (1,0 – sadia até 3,0 – morte de plantas). Aos 10 dias de avaliação, a severidade média da doença causada pelo isolado normal MMBF 01/01 e pelos isolados alterados MMBF 01/01 – 9 D e LFEEI016 – 3 D foi semelhante, enquanto que a severidade causada pelo isolado normal LFEEI016 não diferiu da testemunha. O isolado alterado MMBF 01/01 – 3 D apresentou severidade máxima da doença (nota média 3,0) aos sete dias de avaliação, diferindo dos demais. Quanto à enzima lacase, delineou-se ensaio inteiramente casualizado, com os mesmos isolados do fungo, em placa de Petri contendo meio específico para produção da enzima lacase com seis repetições. Mensurou-se a área da coroa circular da enzima formada no meio. A maior área média da enzima foi produzida pelo isolado alterado MMBF 01/01 – 3 D (2256,0 mm2), enquanto que as áreas dos isolados alterados LFEEI016 – 3 D e MMBF 01/01 – 9 D e do isolado normal MMBF 01/01 foram iguais e a menor área de lacase foi produzida pelo isolado normal LFEEI016 (747,2 mm2). Há uma relação quanto à quantidade da enzima lacase produzida in vitro com a severidade da doença causada pelos isolados na planta, o que reforça a necessidade de mais estudos in vivo para provar o papel da lacase na patogênese do fungo C. spathiphylli em espatifilo.

The azooxanthellate sun corals Tubastraea coccinea and T. tagusensis have invaded and dramatically changed rocky reef habitats along the Brazilian coast. Management of invaded areas has brought discussions on its potential negative effects regarding species dispersal, including those related to fragmentation. Although fragmentation has been observed in unmanaged localities, here we experimentally tested the sun coral ability to regenerate from undifferentiated coral tissue to fully functional polyps in response to differences in food supply, temperature, and fragment size. In general, survival and successful regeneration were high and markedly similar for both species. However, while percent of tissue retraction/reorganization (a proxy of metabolic cost) responded to fragment size and temperature, mouth development was faster in fed fragments. Together, our findings indicate that sun coral fragments may regenerate at temperatures that lead to extensive bleaching in native scleractinians that harbor Symbiodinium. Although no doubts remain about the necessity and efficacy of the management of invasive Tubastraea spp., recovery of undifferentiated coral tissue to fully functional polyps may contribute to their invasion success and should be taken into account during management efforts.

Species of the nudibranch Pseudovermidae Thiele, 1931 are rare but conspicuous inhabitants of the marine mesopsammon. Their characteristic vermiform body with reduced cerata and acorn-shaped head lacking appendages is well adapted to life in the interstices of sand grains. Traditionally, species descriptions are based mainly on external morphology and radula characteristics; knowledge on their anatomy is scarce. Here we provide the first microanatomical redescription of a member of Pseudovermidae based on 3D-reconstruction from histological semi-thin section series. The present study on Pseudovermis salamandrops Marcus, 1953 reveals several discrepancies to the original description especially within the complex triaulic genital system (i.e., absence of a connection between vas deferens and kidney, presence of a receptaculum seminis and a large muscular penial sheath gland). We also add microanatomical details such as the presence of gastroesophageal ganglia in the central nervous system, described for the first time in Pseudovermidae. Concluding from the nematocysts found in the cnidosacs of P. salamandrops, this species is a cnidarivore which likely preys on various meiofaunal cnidarians. We show that microanatomical redescriptions of poorly known Pseudovermidae are needed to gather comparative data as a backbone to place these neglected meiofaunal slugs in a phylogeny and trace their evolutionary pathway into the mesopsammon. Traditional characters used for species delineation are insufficient to diagnose Pseudovermis and an integrative approach is needed to reliably address pseudovermid diversity in the future.

The study of biological invasions can be roughly divided into three parts: detection, monitoring, mitigation. Here, our objectives were to describe the marine fauna of the area of the port of São Sebastião (on the northern coast of the state of São Paulo, in the São Sebastião Channel, SSC) to detect introduced species. Descriptions of the faunal community of the SSC with respect to native and allochthonous (invasive or potentially so) diversity are lacking for all invertebrate groups. Sampling was carried out by specialists within each taxonomic group, in December 2009, following the protocol of the Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) in three areas with artificial structures as substrates. A total of 142 species were identified (61 native, 15 introduced, 62 cryptogenic, 4 not classified), of which 17 were Polychaeta (12, 1, 1, 3), 24 Ascidiacea (3, 6, 15, 0), 36 Bryozoa (17, 0, 18, 1), 27 Cnidaria (2, 1, 24, 0), 20 Crustacea (11, 4, 5, 0), 2 Entoprocta (native), 16 Mollusca (13, 3, 0, 0). Twelve species are new occurrences for the SSC. Among the introduced taxa, two are new for coastal Brazil. Estimates of introduced taxa are conservative as the results of molecular studies suggest that some species previously considered cryptogenic are indeed introduced. We emphasize that the large number of cryptogenic species illustrates the need for a long-term monitoring program, especially in areas most susceptible to bioinvasion. We conclude that rapid assessment studies, even in relatively wellknown regions, can be very useful for the detection of introduced species and we recommend that they be carried out on a larger scale in all ports with heavy ship traffic.

The spionid polychaete Polydora hoplura Claparede, 1868, is a harmful shell-borer accidentally transported with objects of aquaculture across the world. It was originally described from the Gulf of Naples, Italy, and later widely reported from European waters, South Africa, the Arabian Gulf, New Zealand, Australia and Tasmania. Here, for the first time, we describe adults and larvae of P. hoplura from Atlantic South America (Brazil), and report this species from Pacific North America (California, USA). We also examined material from Italy, New Zealand, Australia, Chile and Japan, and treat Polydora uncinata Sato-Okoshi, 1998, from Japan, as a junior synonym of P. hoplura. Consequently, we report P. hoplura for the first time in the Asian Pacific, Japan and South Korea, and in Pacific South America (Chile). The new records of P. hoplura from the American continents are cause for concern. The spread of this non-indigenous species may have negative impacts on the farm cultivation of oysters and abalone.

WOS:000406954100003; Fire corals are the only branching corals in the South Atlantic and provide an important ecological role as habitat-builders in the region. With three endemic species (Millepora brazilensis, M. nitida and M. taboret and one amphi-Atlantic species (M. alcicornis), fire coral diversity in the Brazilian Province rivals that of the Caribbean Province. Phylogenetic relationships and patterns of population genetic structure and diversity were investigated in all four fire coral species occurring in the Brazilian Province to understand patterns of speciation and biogeography in the genus. A total of 273 colonies from the four species were collected from 17 locations spanning their geographic ranges. Sequences from the 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) were used to evaluate phylogenetic relationships. Patterns in genetic diversity and connectivity were inferred by measures of molecular diversity, analyses of molecular variance, pairwise differentiation, and by spatial analyses of molecular variance. Morphometrics of the endemic species M. braziliensis and M. nitida were evaluated by discriminant function analysis; macro-morphological characters were not sufficient to distinguish the two species. Genetic analyses showed that, although they are closely related, each species forms a well-supported Glade. Furthermore, the endemic species characterized a distinct biogeographic barrier: M. braziliensis is restricted to the north of the Sao Francisco River, whereas M. nitida occurs only to the south. Millepora laboreli is restricted to a single location and has low genetic diversity. In contrast, the amphi-Atlantic species M. alcicornis shows high genetic connectivity within the Brazilian Province, and within the Caribbean Province (including Bermuda), despite low levels of gene flow between these populations and across the tropical Atlantic. These patterns reflect the importance of the Amazon Orinoco Plume and the Mid Atlantic Barrier as biogeographic barriers, and suggest that, while M. alcicornis is capable of long-distance dispersal, the three endemics have restricted ranges and more limited dispersal capabilities.

The caracaras belong to a group of falconids with widespread geographical distribution in the Western Hemisphere, particularly in South America. Here we report fossil remains of a new species attributed to the genusCaracarafrom the late Pleistocene of Uruguay. This bird would have had an estimated body mass of 3700 grams, a value that greatly exceeds the maximum body mass reported for living falconids. Apparently, it would have had flying capabilities, in contrast to another paleospecies recently described from the Holocene of Jamaica. This fossil bird was found in association with mammal megafaunal remains and could offer new insights about the role of carnivorous birds in late Pleistocene environments of South America.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding pigs with diets containing increasing levels of Brazilian red pepper essential oil ( Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) on the physical attributes, fatty acid profile and oxidative stability of precooked meat. Seventy-two weanling pigs (5.7±0.8kg) were allotted in a completely randomized block design experiment with four treatments, six replicates per treatment, and three animals per experimental unit (pen). Animals were fed with a basal diet supplemented with 0, 500, 1,000, or 1,500mg kg-1 Brazilian red pepper essential oil during the 35-d experimental period. At the end of the experiment, one animal per experimental unit (16.4±2.2kg) was slaughtered to sample Longissimus dorsi muscle for analysis. Dietary supplementation of Brazilian red pepper had no effect (P>0.05) on pork meat color, pH, cooking loss and shear force. Inclusion of essential oil in the diet provided a linear increase (P0,05) do óleo essencial de aroeira sobre cor, pH, perda de peso por cozimento e força de cisalhamento. A inclusão de níveis crescentes do óleo essencial de aroeira na dieta aumentou linearmente (P0,05) os lipídios da oxidação. Portanto, o óleo essencial de aroeira, adicionado às dietas para suínos, aumentou o conteúdo de ácidos graxos saturados e reduziu a oxidação lipídica na carne fresca e logo após cozimento, sem ocorrer efeitos sobre os parâmetros físicos da carne.

We have compiled available records in the literature for medusozoan cnidarians and ctenophores of South America. New records of species are also included. Each entry (i.e., identified species or still as yet not determined species referred to as "sp." in the literature) includes a synonymy list for South America, taxonomical remarks, notes on habit, and information on geographical occurrence. We have listed 800 unique determined species, in 958 morphotype entries: 5 cubozoans, 905 hydrozoans, 25 scyphozoans, 3 staurozoans, and 20 ctenophores. Concerning nomenclatural and taxonomical decisions, two authors of this census (Miranda, T.P. & Marques, A.C.) propose Podocoryna quitus as a nomen novum for the junior homonym Hydractinia reticulata (Fraser, 1938a); Euphysa monotentaculata Zamponi, 1983b as a new junior synonym of Euphysa aurata Forbes, 1848; and Plumularia spiralis Milstein, 1976 as a new junior synonym of Plumularia setacea(Linnaeus, 1758). Finally, we also reassign Plumularia oligopyxis Kirchenpauer, 1876 as Kirchenpaueria oligopyxis(Kirchenpauer, 1876) and Sertularella margaritacea Allman, 1885 as Symplectoscyphus margaritaceus (Allman, 1885). Fil: Oliveira, Otto M. P.. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; Brasil Fil: Miranda, Thaís P.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: Araujo, Enilma M.. Faculdade Pitágoras de Feira de Santana; Brasil Fil: Ayón, Patricia. Instituto Mar del Peru; Perú Fil: Cedeño Posso, Cristina M.. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; Colombia Fil: Cepeda Mercado, Amancay A.. ProCAT Colombia/Internacional; Colombia Fil: Córdova, Pablo. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; Chile Fil: Cunha, Amanda F.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: Genzano, Gabriel Nestor. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; Argentina Fil: Haddad, Maria Angélica. Universidade Federal do Paraná; Brasil Fil: Mianzan, Hermes Walter. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Subsede Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero; Argentina Fil: Migotto, Alvaro E.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: Miranda, Lucília S.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: Morandini, André C.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: Nagata, Renato M.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: Nascimento, Karine B.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: Nogueira, Miodeli. Universidade Federal da Paraíba; Brasil Fil: Palma, Sergio. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; Chile Fil: Quiñones, Javier. Instituto Mar del Perú; Perú Fil: Rodriguez, Carolina Soledad. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; Argentina Fil: Scarabino, Fabrizio. Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones y Desarrollo Pesquero; Argentina Fil: Schiariti, Agustin. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Subsede Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero; Argentina Fil: Stampar, Sergio. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; Brasil Fil: Tronolone, Valquíria B.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: Marques, Antonio C.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil

Members of the azooxanthellate coral genus Tubastraea are invasive species with particular concern because they have become established and are fierce competitors in the invaded areas in many parts of the world. Pacific Tubastraea species are spreading fast throughout the Atlantic Ocean, occupying over 95% of the available substrate in some areas and out-competing native endemic species. Approximately half of all known coral species are azooxanthellate but these are seriously under-represented compared to zooxanthellate corals in terms of the availability of mitochondrial (mt) genome data. In the present study, the complete mt DNA sequences of Atlantic individuals of the invasive scleractinian species Tubastraea coccinea and Tubastraea tagusensis were determined and compared to the GenBank reference sequence available for a Pacific "T. coccinea" individual. At 19,094bp (compared to 19,070bp for the GenBank specimen), the mt genomes assembled for the Atlantic T. coccinea and T. tagusensis were among the longest sequence determined to date for "Complex" scleractinians. Comparisons of genomes data showed that the "T. coccinea" sequence deposited on GenBank was more closely related to that from Dendrophyllia arbuscula than to the Atlantic Tubastraea spp., in terms of genome length and base pair similarities. This was confirmed by phylogenetic analysis, suggesting that the former was misidentified and might actually be a member from the genus Dendrophyllia. In addition, although in general the COX1 locus has a slow evolutionary rate in Scleractinia, it was the most variable region of the Tubastraea mt genome and can be used as markers for genus or species identification. Given the limited data available for azooxanthellate corals, the results presented here represent an important contribution to our understanding of phylogenetic relationships and the evolutionary history of the Scleractinia.

The hydroid Zyzzyzus warreni is usually found in shallow coastal waters forming aggregations of solitary polyps embedded in demosponges. Early life history transformations and settlement responses by the actinulae of this hydroid were studied in the laboratory using 13 species of sponges and 2 species of algae collected in the Sao Sebastiao Channel (Brazil) as substrata. The absence of oral tentacles and mouth in the actinulae and early events of metamorphosis suggest that these larvae are unable to spend long periods in the plankton and attach quickly near conspecifics when a preferred substratum is encountered. The time required for settlement and the number of elicited settlings indicated four settlement responses: (a) frequent and short-time settlement, in actinulae exposed to Halichondria cebimarensis, Mycale angulosa, M. aff. americana, M. laxissima (skeleton) and Tedania ignis; (b) moderate and delayed settlement, in actinulae exposed to Aplysina caissara, A. fulva, Haliclona melana and M....

BACKGROUND The potential use of T-lymphocyte measurements as infection risk markers after solid organ transplant has not been fully investigated. We analyzed the kinetics of T-lymphocyte subsets within the first 8 months posttransplant and their correlation with opportunistic infections (OIs) in solid organ transplant recipients. METHODS Serial measurement of CD4 and CD8 T cells was performed retrospectively in 48 heart transplant recipients (HTR) and 42 kidney transplant recipients (KTR). Generalized estimating equation models were used to analyze longitudinal data separately for HTR and KTR. RESULTS An initial CD4 T-cell drop (at months 1 and 2, in HTR and KTR, respectively) coincided with the peak of OIs. HTR with a low nadir CD4 T-cell count (≤ 200/μL) showed poor CD4 T-cell recovery (175 ± 277 cells/μL at baseline vs 242 ± 99 cells/μL at month 8) and their CD8 T cells increased from 153 ± 194 cells/μL at baseline to 601 ± 399 cells/μL at month 8. KTR with a low nadir CD4 T-cell count (≤ 200/μL) showed a modest CD4 T-cell recovery (138 ± 46 cells/μL at baseline vs. 440 ± 448 cells/μL at month 8), and their CD8 T cells increased from 90 ± 41 cells/μL at baseline to 450 ± 242 cells/μL at month 8. HTR developing OIs had lower CD4 (P

O Filo Entoprocta compreende cerca de 180 espécies de metazoários aquáticos e sésseis, na grande maioria marinho. Esses animais são encontrados em substratos diversos, incluindo seixos, algas, conchas e outros animais. Apesar da semelhança com outros organismos coloniais, como hidrozoários e briozoários, os entoproctos são distintos pelo corpo constituído por um cálice distal com tentáculos ciliados, sustentado por um pedúnculo fixo no substrato através do pé ou estolão. A relação do grupo é bastante obscura, e estudos taxonômicos e morfológicos são escassos em todo mundo. Devido sobretudo ao trabalho de Ernest Marcus e Eveline Du Bois-Reymond-Marcus, realizado entre as décadas de 1930 e 1970, são conhecidas 18 espécies na costa brasileira, 16 das quais relatadas para o estado de São Paulo. Infelizmente, grande parte do material tipo descrito por eles está provavelmente perdido, sendo localizados apenas alguns nas coleções do Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo (MZUSP) e Natural History Museum em Londres (NHMUK). Assim, o conhecimento sobre a taxonomia, biologia e ecologia é restrito a algumas espécies e localidades. A ausência de levantamentos faunísticos e monitoramentos dificulta uma avaliação detalhada da composição e alteração da fauna em regiões impactadas. Atualmente, não existem especialistas em Entoprocta em São Paulo ou no Brasil, e devido à baixa diversidade do filo, só se justifica a capacitação de especialistas que se dediquem também a outros grupos, como Ectoprocta (Bryozoa). A formação de coleções científicas, como a do MZUSP, pode atrair o interesse de pesquisadores para estudo taxonômicos e de outros aspectos dos espécimes brasileiros, até agora pouco conhecidos.

Hydrocoryne iemanja sp. nov. was found in an aquarium, growing on rhodoliths of coralline algae collected on the south-eastern coast of Brazil (20°40′S 40°2′W). The colonies were reared through maturity in the laboratory. Each colony had up to 7 sessile, long and thin monomorphic zooids, very extensible and flexible, arising from a chitinous, hard dark-brown plate with minute spines. Medusae budded from near the basal part of hydrocaulus, and were released in immature condition, acquiring fully developed interradial gonads 5–7 days after release. Asexual reproduction by longitudinal fission was observed on the hydrocaulus of the polyps, both for those in normal condition and those with injuries. Fission started at the oral region, extending aborally, with a new hard plate formed in the basal part of hydrocaulus. When fission reached the new hard plate, the new polyp detached, becoming free and sinking to the bottom, starting a new colony. Detached polyps were morphologically indistinguishable from other polyps, being able to produce medusae. Mother and daughter polyps undertook subsequent fissions. This mode of longitudinal fission is distinct from other modes of longitudinal fission, a process known for a few species of cnidarians. Further studies of this process may shed light on the understanding of the evolutionary pathways in Cnidaria and animals. Hydrocoryne iemanja sp. nov. is distinguishable from its two congeners by the distinct marginal tentacles of the medusae—short and with a median nematocyst knob—an unambiguous character useful even for the identification of newly liberated medusae.

Adults ofPseudopolydora rosebelaesp. nov. inhabit silty tubes on muddy bottoms in shallow water in southern Brazil, states of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. They are rare and extremely delicate, attaining 20 mm long for 55 chaetigers. The worms are distinctive by their colourful yellow and black pigmentation on the anterior part of body and palps, prominent transverse hood on the dorsal anterior edge of chaetiger 3, and lack of coloured respiratory pigment in blood. Of 12 examined individuals, all were females. Oogenesis is intraovarian; oocytes develop from chaetigers 14–15 to chaetigers 24–36. Recently laid oocytes were about 150 μm in diameter, with embryos and developing larvae found in capsules inside female tubes in March–June. Broods comprised up to 23 capsules with 400 propagules. Capsules were joined to each other in a string and each attached by a single thin stalk to the inner wall of the tube. Larvae hatched at the 4-chaetiger stage and fed on plankton. Pelagic larvae are unique amongPseudopolydorain having large ramified mid-dorsal melanophores from chaetiger 3 onwards. Competent larvae are able to settle and metamorphose at the 15-chaetiger stage, but can remain planktonic up to 18 chaetigers. They have one pair of unpigmented ocelli and three pairs of black eyes in the prostomium, unpaired ramified mid-dorsal melanophores on chaetiger 1 and on the pygidium, ramified lateral melanophores on chaetigers 5–10, prominent yellow chromatophores in the prostomium, peristomium, on dorsal and ventral sides of chaetigers and in the pygidium. Branchiae are present on chaetigers 7–10, and gastrotrochs are arranged on chaetigers 3, 5, 7 and 12. Provisional serrated bristles are present in all notopodia, and hooks are present in neuropodia from chaetiger 8 onwards. Two pairs of provisional protonephridia are present in chaetigers 1 and 2, and adult metanephridia are present from chaetiger 4.

The genus Acryptolaria is reviewed, with a complete redescription of the type specimens, with the exception of A. andersoni and A. rectangularis for which type material could not be located. The genus includes 16 valid species, though A. andersoni is insufficiently known. All records found in the literature have been checked. The cnidome proved to be a useful tool for species identification. A key for the identification of the species of the genus is also presented.

Embora abundantes e importantes ecologicamente no meio marinho, os ctenóforos do litoral brasileiro têm sido pouco estudados. O presente estudo tem por objetivo prover informações para auxiliar na identificação desses organismos. Para tal, são descritos métodos de fixação e documentação fotográfica dos ctenóforos. A terminologia referente ao grupo, em língua portuguesa, é apresentada na forma de um glossário. Além disso, as características que distinguem as treze espécies registradas para águas brasileiras são organizadas em uma chave de identificação. A complementação da identificação pode ser feita pela literatura indicada para cada espécie.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T16:59:05Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2015-10-12 The life cycles of many marine taxa are still unknown, especially those species with indirect development and long-lived larval stages. Life cycles of cnidarians are relatively well known for most groups except Ceriantharia. This taxon presents taxonomic problems stemming from the lack of association between planktonic larval forms, often described as distinct species, with the corresponding adult benthic stages. Our study focused on the development of larvae with peculiar external morphology that could be linked to a described species established from adult specimens. Through cultivation of these larvae to juveniles with adult-like morphology and also with the use of DNA barcoding, it was possible to link the stages observed to a known species, Isarachnanthus nocturnus. Based on life span of the larva in the plankton (63–118 days), the larvae could potentially drift for about 2000–4000 km along the coast. Because rearing larvae in the laboratory may be complex and time-consuming and also because morphological data may have limited distinguishing power for specific identification of larvae collected in the field, we suggest and discuss the use of DNA barcoding as a tool to connect life stages of species of cerianthids and invertebrates in general. Departamento de Ciências Biológicas Unesp - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Assis, Av. Dom Antonio, 2100 Departamento de Zoologia Instituto de Biociências Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, trav. 14, no. 101 Centro de Biologia Marinha Universidade de São Paulo, Rodovia Manoel Hipólito do Rego, km. 131,5 - Praia do Cabelo Gordo Departamento de Ciências Biológicas Unesp - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Assis, Av. Dom Antonio, 2100

Dissertação (mestrado)—Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, 2015. A erva mate (Ilex paraguaiensis) é uma planta muito usada em vários países sul-americanos para preparar bebidas através de uma infusão aquosa de folhas secas e talos moídos. Esta bebida é saboreada por seu sabor amargo e apresenta propriedades relatadas com efeitos diurético, anti-inflamatório e estimulantes (Schinella etal., 2000). O potencial antioxidante da erva mate está provavelmente relacionado com a elevada percentagem de compostos fenólicos presentes no extrato de folhas da planta. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da inclusão de extratos liofilizados de erva-mate nas rações de frangos de corte sobre o desempenho e a digestibilidade dos nutrientes das dietas. Para o ensaio do desempenho foram utilizados 1.400 pintos de corte fêmeas da linhagem comercial Ross 308, com um dia de vida, peso inicial de 43,65g ± 2,40 e distribuídos em 6 tratamentos e 6 repetições em um delineamento em blocos casualizados totalizando 36 boxes com 40 aves cada. As aves foram alimentadas ad libitum até os 38 dias de vida com dietas formuladas para atender às necessidades nutricionais de frangos de corte fêmeas para as fases pré-inicial, inicial, crescimento e final, de acordo com Rostagno et al. (2011). Para a composição dos tratamentos experimentais foram incluídas diferentes concentrações do extrato liofilizado de erva mate (EM): 0; 250; 500; 750 e 1000 mg/kg e mais um controle positivo (250 mg Vit. E /kg). Os parâmetros de desempenho (peso vivo, ganho de peso, consumo de ração, conversão alimentar e viabilidade) foram avaliados em seis períodos, aos 7, 14, 21, 28, 33 e 38 dias de idade. Para o ensaio de metabolismo foram utilizados 90 pintos de corte fêmeas da linhagem Cobb 500 com um dia de idade, que foram distribuídos em 15 gaiolas metabólicas com 6 aves por gaiola em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, composto de 3 tratamentos e 5 repetições. As aves foram alimentadas ad libitum até os 12 dias com as mesmas dietas do ensaio de desempenho para os tratamentos contendo extrato liofilizado de erva mate (EM) nas concentrações de 0, 250 e 750 mg/kg de ração. Foi aplicado o método de coleta total de excretas durante cinco dias consecutivos (de 12 até 17 dias de idade). Para o ensaio de desempenho, apenas aos 7 dias de idade foram verificados efeitos significativos da adição dos extratos, sendo que o ganho de peso foi influenciado negativamente (P0,05) para nenhum dos tratamentos aplicados. Em conclusão, a adição do extrato liofilizado de erva mate não melhorou o desempenho ou a digestibilidade dos nutrientes, quando adicionado às rações de frangos de corte nas concentrações estudadas. Yerba mate (Ilex paraguaiensis) is a plant commonly used in several South American countries to prepare beverages through an aqueous infusion of dried leaves and stems milled. This beverage is savored for its bitter flavor and has diuretic, anti-inflammatory and stimulant properties reported (Schinella et al., 2000). The antioxidant potential of the yerba mate is probably related to the high percentage of phenolic compounds present in leaves. The main objective of this study was to assess the effects of the addition of lyophilized extracts of yerba mate in broilers diets on performance and nutrient digestibility .A total of 1,400 one-day-old female broiler chicks Ross 308 were allocated in 36 pens with 40 broilers in randomized design blocks with 6 treatments and 6 replicates. Until 38 days of age, chicks were fed with diets formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of female chicks on pre-initial, initial, growth and final phases according to Rostagno et al. (2011), and with the inclusion of lyophilized extract of yerba mate in five different inclusion levels (0; 250; 500; 750 and 1,000 mg/kg) plus a positive control (125 mg of vit. E/kg). Average live weight, total weight gain, daily weight gain, feed intake, feed convertion and viability were assessed at 7, 14, 21, 28, 33 and 38 days of age. For the metabolism trial were used 90 one-day-old female broiler chicks Cobb 500 distributed in 15 metabolic cages with 6 animals per cage in a randomized design with 3 treatments and 5 repetitions. The broilers were fed ad libitum until 12 days of age with the same basal diets with two experimental treatments (250 and 750 mg of lyophilized extract of yerba mate /kg) plus a negative control with no antioxidants. It was conducted the method of total excreta collection during five consecutive days after xx days of adaptation period. For birds performance, the addition of yerba mate extract to broilers diets affected negatively (P0.05) for any of the treatments used. In conclusion, the addition of yerba mate extract to broilers diets did not improved performance or digestibility of nutrients.

A pair of spherical unpigmented ocelli in addition to pigmented eyes have been observed in the anterior part of the prostomium in larvae of more than 40 species of Spionidae examined alive with light microscopy. Ocelli become visible in larvae at the one- to three-segment stage, increase in size as growth proceeds, and probably disintegrate in the course of metamorphosis because they were not observed in adults and settled juveniles. One pair of transparent, spherical bodies is also found in the anterior part of the head of planktotrophic pelagosphera larvae of Sipuncula. These bodies are in a similar position and have a similar appearance and size to unpigmented ocelli in Spionidae larvae. A pair of epidermal invaginations, densely covered with short cilia, is also observed antero-laterally in the head in pelagospheras of one species. These invaginations appear similar to the nuchal organs present in many polychaete larvae. Photoreceptive organs so far reported for sipunculan larvae comprise only pigmented eyes. Unpigmented ocelli and nuchal organs have never been reported in pelagospheras. Further ultrastructural investigations on sipunculan larvae are encouraged to clarify the composition, function and morphogenesis of transparent, spherical bodies and ciliated invaginations in the anterior part of the head. Such investigations may help to better understand the nature of photoreceptive structures and nuchal organs in Sipuncula, and also contribute to phylogenetic hypotheses regarding relationships of the Sipuncula and Annelida.

The Antarctic–Patagonian genus Abietinella, comprising two known species, Abietinella operculata (Jaderholm, 1903) and Abietinella grandis (Vanhoffen, 1910), is reviewed. The holotype of Abietinella operculata is fully redescribed, including morphometry and cnidome, unknown up to now. Its distinctive characters are the growth habit, hydrothecal shape and, most important, the presence of a dish‐shaped operculum attached to the adcauline side of the hydrothecal aperture. We corroborate its conspecificity with A. grandis and, therefore, the monotypic condition of Abietinella.

The bathyal genus Cryptolarella, comprising three known species, Cryptolarella abyssicola (Allman, 1888), Cryptolarella diffusa (Allman, 1888) and Cryptolarella humilis (Allman, 1888), is reviewed after the study of the holotypes of the species. A complete redescription and characterization of the species, including new data concerning morphometry and cnidome is presented, and its literature data reviewed. We conclude that all species are conspecific, resulting in a single valid species, C. abyssicola. The distinctive characters of the species are the growth habit, gonothecal arrangement and cnidome.

This paper reports the second occurrence of a sand-grain encrusting interstitial epifauna dominated by bryozoans and polychaetes at a site thousands of kilometers from the first described occurrence of such a fauna 20 years ago. Such faunas seem to have gone almost unrecorded in the marine ecological literature, but they are potentially geographically wide- spread and ecologically significant, deserving recognition and further study by benthic ecol- ogists. Although rooted-erect and free-living lunulitiform bryozoans can be abundant in soft- bottom habitats, the presence of encrusting forms was, until recently, considered to be limited to patches of hard substrata. In 1985 and 1988, a new and seemingly unique habitat for en- crusting bryozoans and other organisms on single grains of shell or sand was reported from the coastal waters of Florida, USA. Here we report a second discovery of an interstitial en- crusting fauna from the continental shelf off the state of Saio Paulo, Brazil. In addition to the cupuladriid Discoporella umbellata, several species of bryozoans (9 cheilostomes, 3 ctenos- tomes, and 1 cyclostome) were found encrusting on or boring into sand grains from the 4 stations examined. Four species were found exclusively on sand to gravel size grains. The most abundant colonies, with --1300-1500 colonies m-2, belonged to a new species of Cleido- chasma. New species of Trypostega and Reginella, each with up to 200-300 colonies m-2, were also discovered. The grain-encrusting bryozoans were characterized by their small size, and by the fact that sexual reproduction was initiated very early in colony growth; brood cham- bers (for the development of embryos into larvae) occurred in colonies having only a few zooids. Colonies of boring ctenostome and cheilostome bryozoans were even more abundant than those of grain encrusting forms, being present in almost every piece of shell (-5000-5500 colonies m-2). The fauna also included representatives of other groups of encrusting organ- isms, especially tubeworms (11,000-13,000 tubes m-2). Planned work on samples from addi- tional stations on the Saio Paulo shelf will no doubt yield a larger number of species from various taxa and perhaps show some overlap in sand fauna species between the Brazilian and Floridian sites. In addition to the unique species of single grain encrusters, colonies of bryozoan species characteristic of larger subtidal hard substrata were also found on sand or gravel size grains, indicating that an interstitial refuge may be available to some epifaunal taxa and suggesting that this interstitial refuge, which remains almost completely unknown to benthic ecologists, may play a large role in determining distributions of those taxa.

The commensal hydroid Eutima sapinhoa Narchi and Hebling, 1975 lives attached to the mantle, gills, labial palps and foot of the bivalve Tivela mactroides. The solitary polyps bud off medusae that become free, leaving the host through the exhalant water current. Newly liberated medusae were cultivated in the laboratory, attaining 7.8 mm in bell height, 13.3 mm in diameter and having eight marginal tentacles, while developing the typical eutimid medusa characters of a long peduncle, four radial canals and marginal statocysts with many statoliths. Eutima sp., previously reported from Florida, USA, is probably referable to Eutima sapinhoa. Like the other bivalve-inhabiting species of Eutima [E. ostrearum (Mattox and Crowell, 1951) and Eutima sp.] from the Atlantic Ocean, Eutima sapinhoa has no trace of marginal cirri, thereby differing from the eutimid medusae of the Pacific Ocean.

The life cycles of Clytia linearis and Clytia noliformis, two common campanulariids previously known solely from their polyp and young medusa stages, were investigated. Adult medusae of C. linearis have a bell diameter of 2·5–3·6 mm, and up to 29 tentacles. The bell is almost flat when relaxed and C-type microbasic mastigophore nematocysts form a cluster at the tip of the tentacles. Mature medusae of C. noliformis have a more hemispherical, saucer-shaped bell (3·5–4·5 mm in diameter), up to 16 tentacles, and no diagnostic nematocysts. Polyps of both species also differ in morphology, colour, and cnidome, and a possible resting structure is described for C. linearis. The relevance of characters from the perisarc and hydranths for taxonomy within the Campanulariidae is also evaluated, and whether the size of nematocysts is variable or not, and therefore appropriate for species identification.

Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociencias, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Caixa Postal 11461, 05422-970, SaoPaulo, SP, Brasil.Tel.:+55-11-30917619 Fax: +55-11-30917513e-mails: valbadtr@usp.br, acmorand@usp.br, aemigott@usp.brResumo – A ocorrencia de efiras de cifozoarios das ordens Semaeostomeae e Rhizostomeae e registrada pelaprimeira vez para a costa brasileira. Os especimes, coletados com arrastos de plâncton no Canal de Sao Sebastiao e noSistema estuarino-lagunar de Cananeia, sao: Chrysaora lactea (Semaeostomeae), Phyllorhiza punctata (Rhizostomeae),e uma especie nao identificada de Pelagia (Semaeostomeae). Uma tabela, com todas as especies de cifozoarios com ciclode vida conhecido, e apresentada.Palavras-chave : Scyphozoa, Semaeostomeae, Rhizostomeae, efira, ciclo de vida, Brasil.Abstract – The occurrence of ephyrae of the scyphozoan orders Semaeostomeae and Rhizostomeae is reported forthe first time for the Brazilian coast. The specimens, caught in plankton tows in the Sao Sebastiao Channel and theCananeia lagoon estuarine system, are: Chrysaora lactea (Semaeostomeae), Phyllorhiza punctata (Rhizostomeae), andan unidentified species of Pelagia (Semaeostomeae). A table with all species of scyphozoan with the known life cycle isprovided.Palavras-chave : Scyphozoa, Semaeostomeae, Rhizostomeae, ephyra, life cycle, Brazil.Biota Neotropica v2 (n2) – http://www.biotaneotropica.org.br/v2n2/pt/abstract?article+BN02102022002

We describe the species richness, distribution and composition of mesozooplankton over the continental shelf and slope, and in the water masses in the Campos Basin, southwest Atlantic Ocean. We analyzed the mesozooplankton from two oceanographic cruises (rainy and dry seasons, 2009) with samples taken in five different water masses from the surface to 2,300 m depth. In the Subsurface Water (SS), in both sampling periods, more species were recorded over the slope (rainy: 100; dry: 128) than the continental shelf (rainy: 97; dry: 104). Over the slope, species richness decreased with increasing depth: the highest values were observed in the South Atlantic Central Water (SACW), and the lowest values in the North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW), in both sampling periods. We recorded 262 species in 10 groups (Hydrozoa, Siphonophora, Ctenophora, Branchiopoda, Copepoda, Euphausiacea, Decapoda, Chaetognatha, Appendicularia e Thaliacea), with 13 new occurrences for the southwest Atlantic. Copepoda was the group with the highest species richness, containing 138 species. In both periods, the samples from SS, SACW and Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW)/Upper Circumpolar Deep Water (UCDW) were clustered in different faunistic zones, based on species composition. This study confirmed that zooplankton richness in the southwest Atlantic Ocean is underestimated, and suggests that additional efforts must be directed toward a better understanding of this fairly unknown region.

The bryozoan genus Scrupocellaria comprises about 80 species in the family Candidae. We propose a hypothesis for the phylogenetic relationships among species assigned to Scrupocellaria to serve as framework for a phylogenetic classification using 35 morphological characters. Our results suggest that the genus Scrupocellaria is polyphyletic. Scrupocellaria s. str. is redefined according to four morphological features: vibracular chamber with a curved setal groove, ooecium with a single ectooecial fenestra, two axillary vibracula, and a membranous operculum with a distinct distal rim. Thus, the genus includes only 11 species: Scrupocellaria aegeensis, Scrupocellaria delilii, Scrupocellaria harmeri, Scrupocellaria incurvata, Scrupocellaria inermis, Scrupocellaria intermedia, Scrupocellaria jullieni, Scrupocellaria minuta, Scrupocellaria puelcha, Scrupocellaria scrupea, and Scrupocellaria scruposa. The monophyly of Cradoscrupocellaria is supported and five new genera are erected: Aquiloniella n. gen., Aspiscellaria n. gen., Paralicornia n. gen., Pomocellaria n. gen. and Scrupocaberea n. gen. Two other new genera, Bathycellaria n. gen. and Sinocellaria n. gen., are erected to accommodate two poorly known species, Scrupocellaria profundis Osburn and Scrupocellaria uniseriata Liu, respectively. Scrupocellaria congesta is tentatively assigned to Tricellaria. Fifteen species are reassigned to Licornia: Licornia cookie n. comb., Licornia micheli n. comb., Licornia milneri n. comb., Licornia curvata n. comb., Licornia diegensis n. comb., Licornia drachi n. comb., Licornia mexicana n. comb., Licornia pugnax n. comb., Licornia raigadensis n. comb., Licornia regularis n. comb., Licornia resseri n. comb., Licornia securifera n. comb., Licornia spinigera n. comb., Licornia tridentata n. comb., and Licornia wasinensis n. comb. Notoplites americanus n. name is proposed as a replacement name for Scrupocellaria clausa Canu & Bassler. Three fossil species are reassigned to Canda: Canda rathbuni n. comb., Canda triangulata n. comb. and Canda williardi n. comb. A species is reassigned to Notoplites, Notoplites elegantissima n. comb. The generic assignment of eleven species of Scrupocellaria, including Scrupocellaria macandrei, remains uncertain.

Open reading frame expressed sequences tags (ORESTES) differ from conventional ESTs by providing sequence data from the central protein coding portion of transcripts. We generated a total of 696,745 ORESTES sequences from 24 human tissues and used a subset of the data that correspond to a set of 15,095 full-length mRNAs as a means of assessing the efficiency of the strategy and its potential contribution to the definition of the human transcriptome. We estimate that ORESTES sampled over 80% of all highly and moderately expressed, and between 40% and 50% of rarely expressed, human genes. In our most thoroughly sequenced tissue, the breast, the 130,000 ORESTES generated are derived from transcripts from an estimated 70% of all genes expressed in that tissue, with an equally efficient representation of both highly and poorly expressed genes. In this respect, we find that the capacity of the ORESTES strategy both for gene discovery and shotgun transcript sequence generation significantly exceeds that of conventional ESTs. The distribution of ORESTES is such that many human transcripts are now represented by a scaffold of partial sequences distributed along the length of each gene product. The experimental joining of the scaffold components, by reverse transcription–PCR, represents a direct route to transcript finishing that may represent a useful alternative to full-length cDNA cloning.

Based on live specimens of Nemalecium lighti collected in the coasts of La Reunion (Indian Ocean) and Sao Sebastiao (Southeastern coast of Brazil) and kept in the laboratory, we observed the release of short-lived medusoids. The gonangia pass through six developmental phases: growing, ripening, migrating, stripping, liberating and spawning. The medusoids are tall, lack tentacles, bulbs, circular and radial canals, and the sexual products are packed around the eccentric manubrium; they are provided with a velum and with a subumbrellar ectoderm rich in transverse striated muscle fibers. There are refringent and isotropic corpuscles within vacuolated and ciliated large cells located around the aperture of the medusoid, which possibly function as statoliths. The corpuscles are similar to those already described for the families Plumulariidae and Aglaopheniidae. The gametes are liberated shortly after the release of the medusoid from the gonotheca. The female medusoid spawned 40-62 ova; spermatozoa exhibited a semicircular nucleus, and planulae were formed c. twelve hours after fertilization. Colonies with medusoids of only one sex or with both male and female medusoids.