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Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder and its possible correlations with clinical characteristics in patients with infantile epileptic spasms syndrome in a single center in Brazil. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study examined 53 children with the diagnosis of infantile epileptic spasms syndrome prior to an autism spectrum disorder assessment. Participants were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of autism spectrum disorder. Available variables (sex, medications, median age at onset of infantile epileptic spasms syndrome, and presence of comorbidities) were compared using Mann-Whitney U or chi-square tests. Results: Among the included patients, 12 (23 %) were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, corresponding to a relative risk of 0.29 (95 % confidence interval 0.174-0.492). The age at the first seizure ranged from 3 to 15 months, with a mean of 6.65 months. This age significantly differed between participants with autism spectrum disorder (10.58 months) and those without (5.43 months), p<0.001. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We carried out a literature review to investigate the taxonomic and functional β diversity of zooplankton and its species replacement (βrepl) and richness difference (βrich) components in Brazilian rivers. In addition, the taxonomic (LCBD-t) and functional ecological uniqueness (LCBD-f) were also measured. We tested the following hypotheses: (i) The βrepl component is the main driver of taxonomic β diversity, while βrich is most important for functional β diversity, due to functional simplification; (ii) Sites with lower taxonomic and functional richness are the ones that most contribute to LCBD. Contrary to expectations, βrich drove the taxonomic and functional β diversity. This may have occurred due to environmental constraints and geographic distance, thus causing a loss or gain of species and traits between hydrographic regions. For just two regions, the sites with the lowest functional richness were the ones that most contributed to LCBD-f. This reinforces that sites with lower richness can support species that perform unique functions in the ecosystem. As studies involving zooplankton from lotic systems are still limited in Brazil, we suggest that future research should consider the patterns of β diversity in these dynamic, diverse, and threatened aquatic ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As requested, the highlights containing the main conclusions of the study are listed below (85 characters). • The deterministic metrics indicated that the MGB-IPH can well represent the hydrological regime in the study areas, although there was a tendency to overestimate flows. • Results show that the MGB-IPH can satisfactorily produce flows in paired watersheds with similar environmental conditions and different land use and cover. • The study provides results that can be applied to hydrological modeling in the region, helping to manage water resources in the Doce River watershed. Simulating hydrological behavior makes it possible to analyze and predict water availability in river basins, anticipate potential events and carry out quantitative water balances using various scenarios. These scenarios arise from changes in land use and landscape over the years, the occurrence of extreme events and the effects of climate change. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Large Basin Hydrological Model (MGB-IPH) for representing rainfall-runoff in the paired watershed of the Piracicaba River and Piranga River in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, using the usual calibration and validation procedures. The results of the average statistical performance indices NASH, NASH-Log, BIAS, R², D and Dr showed that the model was able to simulate the seasonality of the watersheds and presented good adjustments, with a tendency to overerestimate the flow, but within acceptable limits. It is concluded that the model performed satisfactorily in its ability to simulate the hydrological behaviour of the Piracicaba River and Piranga River watersheds, despite its limitations and the lack of input data, making it an applicable tool in local contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diversity and natural history of Cassidinae s. str (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), popularly known as tortoise beetles, were recorded in a 335 ha remnant area of Atlantic Forest in Passa Quatro, south of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This is the first inventory with beetles conducted within this conservation unit. Tortoise beetles and their host plants were collected manually at weekly visits conducted between November 2015 and December 2017. Biological and behavioural characteristics of these organisms were obtained. Forty-six species of tortoise beetles were identified, belonging to 23 genera and five tribes. New records include 13 species of cassidines for the state of Minas Gerais, the first host plant 22 record for nine species of beetles, and 15 new host plants for ten species of cassidines. The most common tribes were Cassidini (n = 22) and Mesomphaliini (n = 20). Identification of host plants was possible, at least at the family level, for 40 of the 46 cassidine species collected. The dominant host plant families were Convolvulaceae (43%) and Asteraceae (19%). The biological and behavioural findings are discussed by relating them to the defensive mechanisms that have been described or hypothesised previously in the literature. The present paper is a novel contribution to the tortoise beetle diversity studies in Brazil, as well as their natural history and life cycle within the Atlantic Forest, a diverse and endangered Neotropical biome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbivorous insects have their density limited by biotic and abiotic factors, which influence their survival. For subsocial tortoise beetles (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae) little is known about natural history and what factors affect their densities, although they are promising models for ecological and evolutionary studies. We described (1) the biology, behaviour and natural enemies of Omaspides (P.) brunneosignata Boheman 1854 (Cassidinae: Mesomphaliini); (2) its population density, and (3) the possible correlation between its density and climatic factors (temperature and precipitation) and host plant, Ipomoea syringifolia Meisn. 1869 (Convolvulaceae). The study was conducted in the Floresta Nacional de Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais, Brazil, from: October/2010 to May/2011, to investigate the species life cycle and the population dynamics, correlating the density to the climatic variables and from October/2016 to January/2018, when population dynamics was monitored again, and the density was correlated to the climatic variables and phenology of the host plant. Parental care was observed only by the female of O. (P.) brunneosignata, which cares for the offspring for approximately 48 days, the total duration of immature development. Maternal care was fundamental in the egg stage, because in the absence of the female, all the egg masses were predated, mainly by ants. Immatures were predated and/or parasitised by Hymenoptera (ants, wasps) and Coccinellidae beetles. Omaspides (P.) brunneosignata is a bivoltine species, being abundant during the hot and rainy months and not being observed in the dry and cold season, a similar pattern to that of other cassidines of mountainous tropical areas in Brazil. The density did not correlate with the climatic variables or with the leaf density of the host plant. Other factors are discussed as possible causes for the population fluctuation of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate and environmental conditions are determinant for coral distribution and their very existence. When changes in such conditions occur, their effects on distribution can be predicted through species distribution models, anticipating suitable habitats for the subsistence of species. Mussismilia harttii is one of the most endangered Brazilian endemic reef-building corals, and in increasing risk of extinction. Herein, species distribution models were used to determine the present and future potential habitats for M. harttii. Estimations were made through the maximum entropy approach, predicting suitable habitat losses and gains by the end of the 21st century. For this purpose, species records published in the last 20 years and current and future environmental variables were correlated. The best models were chosen according to the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and evaluated through the partial ROC (AUCratio), a new approach which uses independent occurrence data. Both approaches showed that the models performed satisfactorily in predicting potential habitat areas for the species. Future projections were made using the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) scenarios for 2100, with different levels of greenhouse gas emission. Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) were used to model the Future Potential Habitat (FPH) of M. harttii in two different scenarios: stabilization of emissions (RCP 4.5) and increase of emissions (RCP 8.5). According to the results, shallow waters to the south of the study area concentrate most of the current potential habitats for the species. However, in future scenarios, there was a loss of suitable areas in relation to the Current Potential Habitat (RCP 4.5 46% and RCP 8.5 59%), whereas there is a southward shift of the suitable areas. In all scenarios of FPH, the temperature was the variable with the greatest contribution to the models (> 35%), followed by the current velocity (> 33%) and bathymetry (>29%). In contrast, there is an increase of deep (50–75 m) suitable areas FPH scenarios, mainly in the southern portion of its distribution, at Abrolhos Bank (off Espirito Santo State). These deeper sites might serve as refugia for the species in global warming scenarios. Coral communities at such depths would be less susceptible to impacts of climate change on temperature and salinity. However, the deep sea is not free from human impacts and measures to protect deeper ecosystems should be prioritized in environmental policies for Brazilian marine conservation, especially the Abrolhos Bank, due to its importance for M. harttii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) is a rare lung disease. It can be idiopathic or associated with any one of various conditions. To our knowledge, this is the first report of two cases of PPFE in Brazil. Our first patient presented with pleural and subpleural fibrosis in the upper lobes; a spiculated nodule in the left upper lobe; and a mild reticular pattern in the lower lobes. Surgical lung biopsy revealed PPFE in the upper lobes, including the nodule, and unclassified interstitial pneumonia in the left lower lobe. Our second patient had a history of exposure to domestic birds, indicating a risk of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and presented with advanced lung disease, predominantly in the upper lobes, together with subpleural fibrosis.That patient underwent lung transplantation. In the explant specimen, PPFE and granulomas were identified, suggesting hypersensitivity pneumonitis as an associated cause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article cites a morphological study on the effects of environmental factors on genetic differentiation and the phenotypic plasticity of the colonial zoanthid, Palythoa caribaeorum, in Brazilian intertidal beach rocks. It established a direct link between three harbor sites and the seasons on the adaptation of the zoanthids, in terms of variables such as their numbers, diameter and height. Homogeneity in colonies of zoanthids indicated it is a biological strategy to adapt to the environment.

Abstract: The occurrence of Hepatozoon sp. infection in dogs was evaluated in the urban area of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The study involved 300 animals, 120 from the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Uberlândia''s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 80 from private clinics, and 100 from the Animal Protective Association (APA). Among these animals, 7.66% presented Hepatozoon sp. gamonts inside neutrophils. No statistically significant difference was found among the diagnoses based on capillary and venous blood smears, but a statistical significance was identified in age range and breed. The main signs and symptoms the animals presented were pale mucous membranes, swollen lymph nodes, ocular discharge and pain in response to renal palpation. All the ticks collected were of the species Rhipicephalus sanguineus and no oocyst of the parasite was found in the hemolymph of the ixodidae. The findings of this study reinforce the presence of Hepatozoon sp. infecting dogs in Uberlândia, MG, with age and breed possibly related to the infection. The symptoms presented by the animals were consistent with those reported by other researchers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

There is growing concern about the sustainability of burrowing-shrimp fisheries in many coastal areas because of their widespread use as bait and their importance as ecosystem engineers. The response of the target populations to the effect of long-term fishing pressure is still poorly understood. The present study reassessed the growth parameters, size structure and reproductive aspects of an exploited population of Callichirus major in northeastern Brazil, comparing it to a population on a beach where fishing pressure is negligible. The results are also discussed in the light of a previous study at the same site in 1999–2000. Sampling was carried out from September 2015 to May 2017 on two urban sandy beaches. Monthly length (dorsal oval) frequency data were analyzed using the FISAT II software package. Growth parameters were estimated with the ELEFAN I routine, using the von Bertalanffy seasonal growth model. The relationship between fecundity and individual size was estimated by linear regression. The exploited population had individual maximum sizes smaller than both those on the unexploited beach and in the population studied 16 years ago on the same beach. The percentages of ovigerous females were smaller than in 1999, and also differed widely between the two populations, with the exploited-beach population having one-fourth as many ovigerous females. This population showed smaller sizes at sexual maturation and low fecundity, and the females were 20% smaller. This study showed that the observed interpopulational differences in the size structure and reproductive parameters of Callichirus major can be attributed to overfishing, and indicated that the exploited population will tend toward collapse if regulatory measures to limit or prohibit fishing are not implemented. Image 1 • We reassessed an exploited population of Callichirus major , comparing it with one under negligible fishing pressure. • Interpopulation differences in size distribution and body size can be attributed to overfishing. • The loss of reproductive potential indicates that the exploited population of C. major is tending toward collapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]