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We study the problem of the existence of filtered multiplicative bases of a restricted enveloping algebra u(L), where L is a finite-dimensional and p-nilpotent restricted Lie algebra over a field of positive characteristic p., 7 pages

We reviewed prominent emerging infectious diseases of cetaceans, examined their potential to impact populations, re-assessed zoonotic risk and evaluated the role of environmental stressors. Cetacean morbilliviruses and papillomaviruses as well as Brucella spp. and Toxoplasma gondii are thought to interfere with population abundance by inducing high mortalities, lowering reproductive success or by synergistically increasing the virulence of other diseases. Severe cases of lobomycosis and lobomycosis-like disease (LLD) may contribute to the death of some dolphins. The zoonotic hazard of marine mammal brucellosis and toxoplasmosis may have been underestimated, attributable to frequent misdiagnoses and underreporting, particularly in developing countries and remote areas where carcass handling without protective gear and human consumption of fresh cetacean products are commonplace. Environmental factors seem to play a role in the emergence and pathogenicity of morbillivirus epidemics, lobomycosis/LLD, toxoplasmosis, poxvirus-associated tattoo skin disease and, in harbour porpoises, infectious diseases of multifactorial aetiology. Inshore and estuarine cetaceans incur higher risks than pelagic cetaceans due to habitats often severely altered by anthropogenic factors such as chemical and biological contamination, direct and indirect fisheries interactions, traumatic injuries from vessel collisions and climate change.

Cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) were determined in samples of liver and breast muscles of first-year Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus), from two different areas on the Brazilian coast, 35 on the Rio de Janeiro coast and 12 on the Rio Grande do Sul coast. In both areas, Cd concentrations in muscle samples were0.025 microg/g. However, the Cd and Hg concentrations found in liver and Hg concentrations found in muscle showed a significant difference between the two regions. The geometric mean of the concentrations was higher in the specimens from Rio de Janeiro (Cd--6.8 microg/g; Hg--liver, 1.6 microg/g, and muscle, 0.4 microg/g wet weight) than in those from Rio Grande do Sul (Cd--2.3 microg/g; Hg--liver, 0.9 microg/g, and muscle, 0.1 microg/g wet weight). The site differences could be related to differences in diet influenced by geographic factors. Brazil's southeastern coast is highly urbanized, and its coastal waters are contaminated by the waste of agricultural and industrial activities. There is a lack of information on the levels of heavy metals in S. magellanicus, however, their wide distribution and top position in the trophic chain make the use of stranded specimens an attractive source of information for monitoring heavy metals in the South Atlantic coast.

The southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) was one of the most intensively hunted whales between the 17th and 20th centuries in the southern hemisphere. Recent estimates indicate that today there are around 7000 whales, representing 5 to 10% of its original population. On the other hand, recent studies estimated that the population that migrates to the Brazilian coast grew by 14% from 1987 to 2003. However, there is no information about sex-ratio for adults or for calves in this region, which is an important parameter for understanding the biology of the species. We present here the first estimate of calves' sex-ratio of southern right whales found along the southern Brazilian coast, one of the most important wintering grounds for the species. Sex was molecularly indentified for 21 biopsies collected from calves between 1998 and 2002, along the coast of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina States, in southern Brazil. The sex-ratio was two females for one male, however, it was not statistically different (χ2 test, α = 0.05; df = 1) from the expected ratio of 1:1. This result is in accordance with the sex-ratio estimated for the species of all ages using external morphology (and behaviour information), as well as for most species of baleen whales.

The aquatic environment is the habitat of many microorganisms, including Plesiomonasshigelloides and Aeromonas species which are pathogenic to human and animals. In the present investigation, we evaluated the occurrence of these pathogens from marine mammals beached or accidentally captured by fishing net in southeastern (RJ) and southern (RS) coastal Brazilian regions. A total of 198 swabs from 27 specimens of marine mammals, including 11 different species, were collected by DEENSP and GEMARS-CECLIMAR/UFRGS Institutes and sent to LRNCEB/IOC/FIOCRUZ. The samples were enriched in Alkaline Peptone Water (APW) added with 1% of sodium chloride (NaCl), APW plus 3% NaCl and incubated at 37ºC for 18-24 hours. Following, samples were streaked onto Pseudomonas-Aeromonas Selective Agar Base (GSP Agar) and suspected colonies were biochemically characterized. The results revealed 114 strains, including ten Aeromonas species and P.shigelloides. The main pathogens isolated were A.veronii biogroup veronii (19.3%), A. caviae (12.3%), A. hydrophila (9.6%) and P.shigelloides (7%). The pathogens were isolated in both coastal and offshore marine mammals. These data point the importance of epidemiological surveillance and microbiological monitoring and reinforce the need to implement environmental protection programs, especially related to endangered cetacean species.

The aquatic environment is the habitat of many microorganisms, including Plesiomonasshigelloides and Aeromonas species which are pathogenic to human and animals. In the present investigation, we evaluated the occurrence of these pathogens from marine mammals beached or accidentally captured by fishing net in southeastern (RJ) and southern (RS) coastal Brazilian regions. A total of 198 swabs from 27 specimens of marine mammals, including 11 different species, were collected by DEENSP and GEMARS-CECLIMAR/UFRGS Institutes and sent to LRNCEB/IOC/FIOCRUZ. The samples were enriched in Alkaline Peptone Water (APW) added with 1% of sodium chloride (NaCl), APW plus 3% NaCl and incubated at 37ºC for 18-24 hours. Following, samples were streaked onto Pseudomonas-Aeromonas Selective Agar Base (GSP Agar) and suspected colonies were biochemically characterized. The results revealed 114 strains, including ten Aeromonas species and P.shigelloides. The main pathogens isolated were A.veronii biogroup veronii (19.3%), A. caviae (12.3%), A. hydrophila (9.6%) and P.shigelloides (7%). The pathogens were isolated in both coastal and offshore marine mammals. These data point the importance of epidemiological surveillance and microbiological monitoring and reinforce the need to implement environmental protection programs, especially related to endangered cetacean species.O ambiente aquático é o habitat de vários microrganismos, incluindo Plesiomonasshigelloides e espécies de Aeromonas, os quais são patogênicos para o homem e os animais. Na presente investigação, foi avaliada a ocorrência destes patógenos a partir de swabs coletados de mamíferos marinhos encalhados ou capturados acidentalmente em redes de pesca nas regiões costeiras do sudeste (RJ) e sul (RS) do Brasil. O total de 198 swabs de 27 espécimes de mamíferos marinhos, incluindo 11 espécies distintas, foi coletado por profissionais dos institutos DEENSP, GEMARS-CECLIMAR/UFRGS e enviado ao LRNCEB/IOC/FIOCRUZ. Em seguida, as amostras foram submetidas a enriquecimento em Água Peptonada Alcalina (APA) adicionada de 1% de cloreto de sódio (NaCl) e APA com 3% de NaCl (37ºC/18-24 h). Posteriormente, as amostras foram semeadas em meio Agar Seletivo para Pseudomonas-Aeromonas (Agar GSP) e as colônias suspeitas submetidas à caracterização bioquímica. Um total de 114 cepas foram identificadas, incluindo dez espécies de Aeromonas e P.shigelloides. Os principais patógenos isolados foram A.veronii biogrupo veronii (19,3%), A. caviae (12,2%), A. hydrophila (9,6%) e Plesiomonasshigelloides (7%). Os patógenos foram encontrados tanto em espécies de mamíferos marinhos costeiros como oceânicos. Esses dados apontam para a importância da vigilância epidemiológica e monitoramento microbiológico, além de reforçar a necessidade de implantação de programas de proteção ambiental, particularmente relacionados aos mamíferos marinhos ameaçados de extinção.

Previous studies identified the Amazon river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis) as the species frequently traded in public markets of Pará and Amazonas State (Brazil). In order to investigate the geographic origin and the taxonomic identification of these specimens we analysed 21 samples provided by residents of the city of Belém and vicinities (Pará State, Brazil), presumably purchased in the ‘Ver-o-Peso’ Market (Belém) or the Manaus Municipal Market. DNA was extracted from dehydrated genitalia or from genitalia conserved in alcohol and the cytochrome b gene was PCR-amplified. Phylogenetic analyses showed identical topologies in both MP and NJ trees, with Sotalia splitting into two groups, one clade comprising the estuarine dolphin (S. guianensis) and all eight haplotypes from market-samples and another one, comprising the tucuxi (S. fluviatilis) haplotypes from the GenBank. Our findings indicated that the marine species is under a stronger commercial pressure than the Amazonian river dolphin (I. geoffrensis) and the tucuxi (S. fluviatilis) in the region. Therefore population dynamic studies as well as population monitoring should be carried out in order to evaluate the effects of this commercial hunting on the species and its local populations. The marine dolphins have been incidentally captured in gill-nets in the region, suggesting that these activities must also be monitored at the same time that social programmes must be implemented in order to inform and clarify local community and people involved in fishery activity to avoid that more animals might be captured and killed.

In this note we study the Lie derived lengths of a restricted enveloping algebra u ( L ) , for a non-abelian restricted Lie algebra L over a field of positive characteristic p. For p > 2 we show that if the Lie derived length of u ( L ) is minimal then u ( L ) is Lie nilpotent. Moreover, we investigate the case when the strong Lie derived length of u ( L ) is minimal. For odd p we establish a classification of Lie centrally metabelian restricted enveloping algebras.

In this note we analyse the analogy betweenm-potent andp-central restricted Lie algebras andp-groups. For restricted Lie algebras the notion ofm-potency has stronger implications than forp-groups (Theorem A). Every finite-dimensional restricted Lie algebra  is isomorphic tofor some finite-dimensionalp-central restricted Lie algebra(Proposition B). In particular, for restricted Lie algebras there does not hold an analogue of J.Buckley's theorem. Forpodd one can characterise powerful restricted Lie algebras in terms of the cup product map in the same way as for finitep-groups (Theorem C). Moreover, thep-centrality of the finite-dimensional restricted Lie algebra  has a strong implication on the structure of the cohomology ringH•(,) (Theorem D).

This study provides the first compilation on age and growth of some delphinids in south-eastern Brazil (18°25′S–25°45′S). A total of 154 delphinids were reported: 44 Atlantic spotted dolphin Stenella frontalis; 36 bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus; 26 ‘Brazilian’ common dolphin Delphinus sp.; 20 rough-toothed dolphin Steno bredanensis; 16 Fraser's dolphin Lagenodelphis hosei; 3 false killer whale Pseudorca crassidens; 3 unidentified Stenella sp.; 2 pantropical spotted dolphin Stenella attenuata; 2 short-finned pilot whale Globicephala macrorhynchus; 1 spinner dolphin Stenella longirostris; and 1 striped dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba. Age was estimated by counting the number of growth layer groups present in the dentine in 74.5% of the sample. The growth of 92 individuals of the first five species was determined by the Gompertz model to length-at-age data. Stenella frontalis—the oldest specimen was 23 y and the asymptotic length of 224.4 cm predicted by growth curve occurred at about 20 y; T. truncatus—the oldest specimen was 26 y and the asymptotic length of 301.3 cm predicted by growth curve occurred at about 20 y; Delphinus sp.—the oldest dolphin was 18 y and the asymptotic length of 215.9 cm predicted by growth curve occurred at about 5–6 y; S. bredanensis—the oldest specimen was 24 y and the asymptotic length of 258.1 cm predicted by growth curve occurred at about 10 y; L. hosei—the oldest specimen was 19 y and the asymptotic length of 231.2 cm predicted by growth curve occurred at about 7–8 y. Only age was estimated for the other species. The age-at-length data for S. frontalis, Delphinus sp., S. bredanensis and L. hosei were consistent, suggesting a good agreement with previous work on these species. For T. truncatus, the age at asymptotic length obtained in this study might be confirmed by increasing the sample size. The information currently presented will contribute to further life history research of delphinids on the western south Atlantic coast.

PCBs and PBDEs were determined in two dolphin species, Sotalia guianensis and Steno bredanensis, from an upwelling system off the Central-northern coast of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. PCB levels varied from 0.040 to 0.75 μg g(-1) lw in muscles and from 0.022 to 1.32 μg g(-1)lw in liver samples from S. guianensis. In S. bredanensis, values varied from 0.085 to 11.3 μg g(-1) lw in muscles and from 0.024 to 18.6 μg g(-1) lw in livers. PCB-138, -153 and -180 were the major PCB congeners detected in both species, while BDE-47 was the predominant PBDE congener found in both species. Higher concentrations in S. bredanensis were possibly related to the different feeding habits for both delphinid species. These results contribute to extend the database on organic contamination in cetaceans from the southern hemisphere, understanding their distribution and environmental fate in Southeastern Brazil.

Studies of the feeding habits of sea turtles are important in identifying their feeding grounds and preferred prey, thus helping with management decisions regarding habitat protection. The present study describes, for the first time, the feeding habits of the sea turtlesCaretta carettaandLepidochelys olivaceain Rio de Janeiro State, south-eastern Brazil (22°06′S–22°55′S). The stomach contents of fiveC. carettaand fiveL. olivacearecovered between 2009 and 2010 were analysed to identify the prey species. A common feeding pattern was noted for both species, with bottom-dwelling prey (fish, crustaceans, molluscs and echinoderms), common in shallow environments, constituting the main food items. All fish and brachyuran crustacean species identified in the stomach contents were by-catch in small-scale shrimp fisheries that operate along the study area. The coastal waters of Rio de Janeiro State represent a new feeding ground forL. olivacea, expanding its preferential habitat during the non-reproductive period. The results provide strong evidence for the likelihood that sea turtles are interacting with fisheries due to an overlapping between feeding and fishery grounds. An evaluation of carcasses washed up on beaches is needed for a better understanding of the effects on the population dynamics of sea turtles.

Let L be a Lie superalgebra over a field of characteristic p ≠ 2 with enveloping algebra U ( L ) or let L be a restricted Lie superalgebra over a field of characteristic p > 2 with restricted enveloping algebra u ( L ) . In this note, we establish when u ( L ) or U ( L ) is bounded Lie Engel.

For a restricted Lie algebra L over a field of characteristic p > 0 we study the Lie nilpotency index t L (u(L)) of its restricted universal enveloping algebra u(L). In particular, we determine an upper and a lower bound for t L (u(L)). Finally, under the assumption that L is p-nilpotent and finite-dimensional, we establish when the Lie nilpotency index of u(L) is maximal. Communicated by I. Shestakov.

In this paper we examine some properties of the Carter subgroups in the group of units of certain associative algebras. A description of the Carter subgroups in the case of a solvable associative algebra is obtained. Moreover, given an associative algebra A, we study relationships between the Cartan subalgebras of the Lie algebra associated with A and the Carter subgroups of the group of units of A.

We characterize the restricted Lie algebras L whose restricted universal enveloping algebra u(L) is Lie metabelian. Moreover, we show that the last condition is equivalent to being u(L) strongly Lie metabelian.

We report the first record of Sterna dougallii Montagu, 1813 on the southeastern Brazilian coast. During monthly bird surveys in the northern Rio de Janeiro State, on January 2012 we recovered a tern banded in Massachusetts, USA. The present record stretches the S. dougallii southernmost geographic distribution in Brazil (Bahia state) by about 600 km. It is difficult to evaluate this species' regional status due to the absence of continuous sampling efforts.

Data from several sources and original data are presented regarding sightings, strandings and incidental captures of leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) on the Brazilian coast in a 33 year period, from 1969 to 2001. Two of the turtles were small juveniles (curved carapace length=40 cm and approximately 85 cm) and the remaining animals with known carapace size were large juveniles or adults. The origin of leatherbacks observed in Brazil is unknown. Several colonies in South America, including a Brazilian one, in the Caribbean, in western Africa and even in eastern South Africa could be the source of these turtles. The data presented here suggest that more effort should be directed to the assessment of the impact of fishing gear and marine pollution on leatherbacks and that systematic surveys on beaches should be maintained in order to monitor long term fluctuations in stranding levels and spatial stranding patterns. Genetic studies and satellite telemetry would be helpful in clarifying the origin of leatherbacks stranded or incidentally captured on the Brazilian coast.

Little is known about the biology of the Fraser’s dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei), which is found in tropical and subtropical oceanic waters around the world. There is, depending on age and sex, great variation in intensity and development of the components of the colour pattern and external morphological characteristics of the species. The main characteristic of the colour pattern is the eye-toanus stripe, which has highly variable development. This is the first description of Fraser’s dolphin external appearance in the Southwestern Atlantic, based on 13 specimens stranded dead on the coast of Rio de Janeiro State (Brazil) around 22(30#S. Individuals analysed presented sexual dimorphism in shape of the dorsal fin, presence of a post-anal hump and deepening of the caudal peduncle, features most prominent in mature males of the species. Specimens analyzed revealed that the Fraser’s dolphin possesses the same colour pattern and external morphological features reported in other areas.

In this paper we show that the projective cover of the trivial irreducible module of a finite-dimensional solvable restricted Lie algebra is induced from the one-dimensional trivial module of a maximal torus. As a consequence, we obtain that the number of the isomorphism classes of irreducible modules with a fixed p-character for a finite-dimensional solvable restricted Lie algebra L is bounded above by p^MT(L), where MT(L) denotes the largest dimension of a torus in L. Finally, we prove that in characteristic p>3 the projective cover of the trivial irreducible L-module is only induced from the one-dimensional trivial module of a torus of maximal dimension if L is solvable., 18 pages

We deal with the existing problem of filtered multiplicative bases of finite-dimensional associative algebras. For an associative algebra A over a field, we investigate when the property of having a filtered multiplicative basis is hereditated by homomorphic images or by the associated graded algebra of $A$. These results are then applied to some classes of group algebras and restricted enveloping algebras., Comment: 10 pages

In Brazil only one confirmed stranding is known from an emaciated specimen collected along the southeastern coast. The aim of this work is to report a recent record of a pygmy killer whale from the coast of Maranhão State, northern Brazil. On 22 October 2005, through regular surveys conducted by Projeto Cetáceos do Maranhão team, a beach-worn skull of a pygmy killer whale was found on the Mangue Seco beach, at Caju Island, Maranhão State. The specimen was identified through peculiar features, such as a short beak, 11 teeth per row in the maxile and the distance between the anterorbital notch and the end of the toothrow. This stranding suggests that pygmy killer whales may use oceanic waters close to Maranhão continental shelf. This is the second confirmed stranding of F. attenuata for the Brazilian Coast and the first along the northern coast. The present record increases our poor knowledge on the cetacean fauna of the northern Brazilian coast.

Este estudo avaliou a influencia de diferentes regimes de precipitacao em flutuacoes numericas de aves aquaticas na Lagoa da Ribeira, Quissama, norte fluminense, Brasil. Contagens de aves foram conduzidas mensalmente entre agosto de 2008 e julho de 2009, totalizando 12 visitas. Dados de precipitacao pluviometrica foram obtidos na estacao meteorologica automatica mais proxima. Um total de 50 especies foi classificado em seis grupos funcionais. A riqueza e abundância de aves foram maiores durante o periodo seco (maio/agosto). O coeficiente linear de Spearman entre a abundância de aves e a precipitacao mensal foi -0,77 (P = 0,003). Da mesma forma, houve correlacao negativa significativa entre valores de precipitacao e a abundância de grupos de aves vasculhadoras, mergulhadoras e catadoras. O modelo de predicao exponencial foi o mais adequado aos dados (R² = 0,53), com coeficiente de correlacao entre valores de abundância previstos e os observados, igual a 0,76 (P = 0,006). O modelo obtido prediz consideravel declinio no numero total de aves em meses com precipitacao superior a 100 mm na Lagoa da Ribeira.

Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) are small cetaceans that inhabit coastal regions down to a 50 m depth. As a coastally distributed species, they are exposed to a variety of human-induced risks that include passive fishing nets, persistent environmental pollution, and emerging diseases. As a top predatorS. guianensis occupies an important ecological niche in marine ecosystems. However, this niche also exposes this dolphin to extensive biomagnification of marine contaminants that may accumulate and be stored throughout their life of about 30 years.In this paper, we have compiled available data on the Guiana dolphin as regards its exposure to chemical pollutants, pathogenic microbes, infectious diseases, and injuries caused by interactions with passive fishing gears. Our analysis of the data shows that Guiana dolphins are particularly sensitive to environmental changes.Although the major mortal threat to dolphins results from contact with fishing other human-related activities in coastal zones also pose risks and need more attention.Such human-related risks include the presence of persistent toxicants in the marine environment, such as PCBs and PBDEs. Residues of these chemicals have been detected in Guiana dolphin's tissues at similar or higher levels that exist in cetaceans from other known polluted areas. Another risk encountered by this species is the non lethal injuries caused by fishing gear. Several incidents of this sort have occurred along the Brazilian coast with this species. When injuries are produced by interaction with fishing gear, the dorsal fin is the part of the dolphin anatomy that is more affected, commonly causing severe laceration or even total loss.The Guiana dolphins also face risks from infectious diseases. The major ones thus far identified include giardiasis, lobomycosis, toxoplasmosis, skin and skeletal lesions. Many bacterial pathogens from the family Aeromonadaceae and Vibrionaceae have been isolated from Guiana dolphins. Several helminth species have also been observed to affectS. guianensis. These results suggest a vulnerability of this species to environmental disturbances. Moreover, there is some evidence that the effects of some infectious diseases may be enhanced from stress caused by habitat impairment. For example, certain diseases and pathogenic organisms in S.guianensis may be associated with the high levels of endocrine-disruptor contaminants(e.g., PCBs; DDTs; PBDEs) that have been detected in marine waters.Although the data available on S. guianensis is growing, most of the work has been focused on a small portion of the species total area of distribution. Most studies,to date, have been carried out in the Southern region of the distribution, and in north eastern Brazil. Few studies have been conducted in the northern region of the South America or in Central America. Therefore, future studies should be conducted that address the heterogeneity of this species total distribution.The biology and ecology of the Guiana dolphin renders this species potentially useful as a sentinel species for detecting environmental changes, such as chemical and biological pollution. Research about this dolphin is encouraged as a way to assess what coastal environmental changes have occurred and to continue evaluating the health status of this vulnerable species in a changing environment.

Introduction: Seabirds have been historically used to monitor environmental contamination. The aim of the present study was to test the suitability of a species belonging to the Procellariiformes group, the Manx shearwater, Puffinus puffinus, as a sentinel of environmental health, by determining contaminant levels (trace metals and organochlorine compounds) from carcass tissues and by isolating Vibrio spp. and Aeromonas spp. from live specimens. To this end, 35 Puffinus puffinus carcasses wrecked on the north-central coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and two carcasses recovered in Aracruz, on the coast of the state of Espirito Santo, Brazil, were sampled, and fragments of muscle and hepatic tissues were collected for contaminant analyses. Swabs from eleven birds found alive at the north-central coast of Rio de Janeiro were collected for isolation of the aforementioned bacteria. Results: The average concentration in dry weight (dw) of the trace metals were: mercury 7.19 mg kg �1 (liver) and 1.23 mg kg �1 (muscle); selenium 34.66 mg kg �1 (liver) and 7.98 mg kg �1 (muscle); cadmium 22.33 mg kg �1 (liver) and 1.11 mg kg �1 (muscle); and lead, 0.1 mg kg –1 (liver) and 0.16 mg kg �1 (muscle). Organochlorine compounds were detected in all specimens, and hexachlorbiphenyls, heptachlorbiphenyls and DDTs presented the highest levels. Regarding microbiological contamination, bacteria from the Vibrio genus were isolated from 91% of the analyzed specimens. Vibrio harveyi was the predominant species. Bacteria from the Aeromonas genus were isolated from 18% of the specimens. Aeromonas sobria was the only identified species. Conclusions: The results indicate that Puffinus puffinus seems to be a competent ocean health sentinel. Therefore, the monitoring of contaminant levels and the isolation of public health interest bacteria should proceed in order to consolidate this species importance as a sentinel.

Selenium (Se), mercury (Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg) were determined in microplankton (⩾25μm), crustacean muscle tissue, in the muscle and liver of two fish species and tissues of a dolphin from a bay in the Brazilian Southeast coast. Differences were found between the fish and dolphin muscle and hepatic concentrations. Liver showed the highest concentrations of Se and Hg. Positive biotransference of MeHg from source to consumer was observed for all interactions, demonstrating that MeHg biomagnified along the food web. The pelagic food chain has the highest biomagnification potential when compared to the benthic system. A large excess of Se in relation to Hg was observed in all tissues. The muscle and liver of the predator species, the dolphin and the carnivorous fish, presented similar MeHg. The predator species presented similar MeHg to Hg (% MeHg) ratios in muscle tissues (∼100%), whereas dolphin showed lower hepatic% MeHg (18) than the carnivorous fish (69%). Iliophagous fish presented the lowest % MeHg in tissues. Fish showed a positive relationship between hepatic MeHg and Se, whereas % MeHg did not change with increasing Se:Hg molar ratios in liver. Dolphins showed a significant inverse relationship between hepatic MeHg and Se and the % MeHg and Se:Hg ratios. This suggests a strong antagonistic effect of Se on MeHg assimilation and accumulation in this species. Probably, the differences observed among Hg as MeHg and Se and on the effect of Se on MeHg assimilation and accumulation in all marine species are related to the physiological differences between dolphins and fish.

Essential (Cu, Mn, Se and Zn) and non-essential (Cd and Hg) elements were analyzed in the hepatic tissue of 22 individuals of seven different species of small cetaceans (Feresa attenuata; Orcinus orca; Pontoporia blainvillei; Sotalia guianensis; Stenella frontalis; Steno bredanensis; Tursiops truncatus) accidentally caught in fishing nets or found stranded along the northern coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, between 2001 and 2010. Atlantic spotted dolphin (S. frontalis) showed the highest levels of Cd (20.23 μg g−1, dry weight), while rough-toothed dolphin (S. bredanensis) showed the highest levels of Hg (825.9 μg g−1 dw) and Se (221.9 μg g−1 dw). Killer whale (O. orca) presented the highest levels of Cu (64.80 μg g−1 dw) and Zn (2220 μg g−1 dw), and Guiana dolphin (S. guianensis), the highest level of Mn (13.05 μg g−1 dw). Cu, Hg, Mn and Zn in the hepatic tissue of killer whale (O. orca), Cu, Hg, Mn, Se and Zn in the hepatic tissue of rough-toothed dolphin (S. bredanensis) and Cd and Zn in the hepatic tissue of Guiana dolphin (S. guianensis) were significantly higher when compared to other studies with these species around the world. No significant correlations were observed between element accumulation and sex, sexual maturity and body length. An analysis of the interelemental relationships in the Guiana dolphin specimens showed strong positive correlations between Cd and Se, Cu and Zn, and Hg and Se. Differences were observed in the bioaccumulation of elements between the analyzed species, probably related to each species feeding habit, and differences between different element concentrations in the different dolphin species were probably due to the preference for certain preys and their bioavailability in the environment. Thus, the bioavailability of the analyzed elements in the marine environment should also be taken in consideration. This study also presents the first data ever reported for pygmy killer whale (F. attenuata) regarding trace element concentrations in hepatic tissue.

Methylmercury (MeHg), inorganic mercury (Hginorg) and their biomagnification factors (BMF) were evaluated along a non-degraded Brazilian bay food web. Highly significant differences (p < 0.0001) were found between MeHg and Hginorg concentrations among all organisms (microplankton, shrimp, fish and dolphin). MeHg increased with increasing trophic position while Hginorg did not present the same pattern. BMF values for MeHg were higher than 1 for all trophic interactions from source to consumer, indicating that MeHg was transferred more efficiently and biomagnified over the entire web. Only one BMF exceeding one was observed for Hginorg (27) between microplankton and their consumer, planktivorous fish. BMF values for Hginorg were significantly different than those found for MeHg (20) at the base of the food web.

This work provides the first information about the stomach contents of juvenile green turtles (Chelonia mydas) on the coast of Rio de Janeiro State, south-eastern Brazil (22°50′S–23°00′S). Between June 2009 and May 2010, we obtained 49 stomach contents of specimens that were stranded, of which 37 contained food items. Among food items, macroalgae stood out with 83.7% frequency of occurrence in the stomachs analysed and 37 species were identified. The most representative macroalgae in the stomach contents were: Sargassum vulgare, Ulva lactuca, Gelidiella acerosa and Pterocladiella capillacea. Teleosts and molluscs were also recorded in the stomach contents of the species in the region; however, with low representativeness. Analysis of stomach contents confirmed herbivory as the preferred dietary pattern of C. mydas.

Let L be a restricted Lie algebra over a field of characteristic p > 2 and denote by u(L) its restricted enveloping algebra. We determine the conditions under which the set of symmetric elements of u(L) with respect to the principal involution is Lie solvable, Lie nilpotent, or bounded Lie Engel.

Carcasses of whales provide much valuable information on their natural history. However, some specimens cannot be identified in the field due to the advanced state of decomposition. In this study, the DNA was extracted and the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and sequenced for four carcasses of possible mysticeti (GEMM: 075, 088, 135 and GEMARS: 1302). A blast search using the nucleotide–nucleotide basic local alignment (blastn) search tool was conducted using the generated sequences. Samples GEMM 075 and GEMARS 1302 showed 98% identity to one sequence of Balaenoptera acutorostrata. Samples GEMM 088 and GEMM 135 showed 99% identity to sequences from Balaenoptera edeni and Megaptera novaeangliae, respectively. A neighbour-joining tree was generated using sequences from GenBank from all species of balaenopterid that occur on the coast of Brazil. The results showed that all carcasses analysed were correspondent to species from the family Balaenopteridae already recorded in Brazil.

Information on Balaenoptera edeni strandings along the Brazilian south-east coast and feeding associations with other marine vertebrates are reported. A total of 19 strandings were observed from 1972 to 2003 along ≈1200 km of coast. Strandings were evenly distributed among seasons with no distinguishable peaks. Besides the stranding data, opportunistic observations on Bryde's whales engaged in feeding activities were reported from nine cruises along São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro State coasts (22–24°S). Bryde's whales were observed preying on Brazilian sardines (Sardinella brasiliensis) in at least three events, and possibly two others. Associations with other marine vertebrates were observed, and included dolphin fish (Coryphaena hippurus), little tunny (Euthynnus alletteratus), unidentified sharks, terns (Sterna hirundinacea, Sterna spp.), brown boobies (Sula leucogaster), frigate birds (Fregata magnificens), parasitic jaeger (Stercorarius cf. parasiticus), albatrosses (Thalassarche spp.), and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Stranding data and on-board observations support the hypothesis that Bryde's whales are common in coastal waters of south-eastern Brazil.

The South American Fur Seal Arctocephalus australis is one of the most widely distributed South American otariid species. In Brazil, during austral winter months specimens of A. australis are regularly found along the Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina coasts. Occasionally, vagrants have been recorded along the southeastern coast but rarely moves north of Rio de Janeiro, at 23°S. On 01 May 2015, fishermen noticed in the surf zone an unidentified large animal in Ilhéus, Bahia, northeastern Brazil. Severely wounded, it was still alive when first spotted. Numerous shark bites were observed in the rostrum and flippers, the peduncle was severely lacerated and the intestines were protruding. The specimen was identified as an adult of South American Fur Seal based on the combination of the characteristic coloration of the pelage, head shape, body size, the relatively large eye size, and mainly due to the pronounced three cusped teeth in post canines. Fishermen decided to butcher the carcass and share the meat among their companions. The present record, however, is of special concern as human consumption South American Fur Seal seems to be unusual in Brazil. Pieces of meat were shared among fishermen. In addition, small pieces of blubber were used as bait in the local shark long-line fishery. Consumption of an injured and presumably weak marine mammal carcass points to an increasing risk of contact between potentially harmful viruses, bacteria and fungi and humans. This note represents an alert to public health specialists and wildlife authorities in Brazil. It calls the urgency of an outreach campaign advertising to the potential risks of ingesting bushmeat either from land or aquatic sources.

The genus Kogia, which comprises only two extant species, Kogia sima and Kogia breviceps, represents one of the least known groups of cetaceans in the global ocean. In some coastal regions, however, stranding events of these species have been relatively common over the last decades. Stranding provides the opportunity to investigate the biology of these cetaceans and to explore the epidemiological aspects associated with the mortality of the organisms found on the beach. A number of disturbances (including pelagic fisheries, chemical pollution, boat strikes, and noise pollution) have been confirmed to pose a particular threat to the Kogia species. However, no study has yet investigated potential relationships between environmental conditions and stranding events. Here we analyse how a collection of environmental, physical, and biological variables, such as wind, sea surface temperature (SST), water depth, and chlorophyll-a, correlate to Kogia stranding events along the Brazilian coast. The results of our statistical analyses suggest that K. sima is more likely found in warm tropical waters, which provide an explanation for the high frequency of stranding in northeastern Brazilian coast. In contrast, K. breviceps appears to have a preference for temperate and productive waters. Wind speed results to be also an important factor for predicting Kogia strandings in Brazilian coast. Additionally, literature information in combination with our own data and analyses of stomach contents confirms that oceanic cephalopods constitute the primary nutritional source of both Kogia species. By using the available information as a qualitative proxy for habitat preference and feeding ecology, our study provides a novel and comprehensive assessment of Kogia stranding data in relation to environmental conditions along the Brazilian coast.

Este trabalho analisou os resíduos sólidos de origem antropogênica obtidos em conteúdos estomacais de tartarugas-verdes juvenis, Chelonia mydas, na costa leste do estado do Rio de Janeiro, sudeste do Brasil (22º50’S – 23º00’S). Entre junho de 2009 e maio de 2010 foram analisados os conteúdos estomacais de 49 espécimes encalhados em praias. Resíduos sólidos foram registrados em 29 conteúdos estomacais (59,2%) e verificou-se mais de uma categoria de resíduos em 22 amostras. Sacos e sacolas plásticas, categorizados como plásticos flexíveis, alcançaram a maior frequência de ocorrência (96,5%). Provavelmente, esses resíduos se originaram a partir do descarte de sacos de lixo, sacos de ráfia, sacolas de estabelecimento comercial e embalagens diversas. Resíduos relacionados à confecção de artefatos de pesca também foram registrados com frequência, tais como fios de náilon, borracha, cordas, isopor e anzóis. A região é área de ocorrência regular de C. mydas e a ingestão relativamente elevada de resíduos sólidos depositados no ambiente representa risco à conservação dessa espécie.

The oceans represent a significant source of biological diversity, water, biomass, oxygen, and other important aspects to human health [1-3]. The quality of the ocean is essential for maintaining the planet, and thus to public health. However, the complex and fragile evolutionary stabilization of the ocean and coastal regions has been disrupted by human activities in a short time scale [4]. The vast majority of waste produced by human activities for centuries has reached the oceans, even over long distances and in inhospitable places [3, 5]. In recent decades there have been evident the vast scope of the changes of the marine environment caused by anthropogenic activities, as well as the many responses to these changes that tend to impact ecological processes, putting endangered species susceptible and producing various diseases in the human population [3, 6]. These changes are not restricted to oceanic scale, but are strongly associated with the continents, consequently, strong pressure on the health of terrestrial ecosystems, with impacts on socioeconomic and cultural activities and, finally, to public health. Recently, the trend has grown to incorporate the term health within the definitions of environmental health. The term health of the oceans, the second definition of the Panel on Health of the Oceans (HOTO/GOOS), refers to the condition of the marine environment from a perspective of adverse effects caused by anthropogenic activities, in particular: habitat destruction, changes in the proportion of sedimentation, mobilization of contaminants and climate changes [7, 8].

In this study we present data on 46 strandings of Bryde's whales along the coast of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro States, south-eastern Brazil. The aim of this study was to evaluate the stranding pattern of Bryde's whales in south-eastern Brazil. The results show a relationship with annual increasing of strandings in a 20 year period of data collection (1990–2010). No significant seasonal trend was observed among four seasonal categories, but most whales stranded during winter (July–September). Males stranded more frequently than females. There was a significant trend in strandings of sexually mature whales (>11.12 m; 53.6%), but juveniles (≤8 m; 21.9%) were also relatively common. The present work confirms that Bryde's whales are common on the south-eastern Brazilian coast. Some discrepancy in published results from sightings and our results on strandings (e.g. seasonal pattern) was observed and may be related to environmental condition and the presence of inshore and offshore populations with differences in life history and behaviour. No whales showed signals of impact caused by human interactions, despite the potential threats in the study area. Future studies comparing morphology with genetics are suggested to be carried out to elucidate the taxonomic status of the Bryde's whales in Brazil.

In this paper we investigate the relation between the multiplicities of split abelian chief factors of finite-dimensional Lie algebras and first degree cohomology. In particular, we obtain a characterization of modular solvable Lie algebras in terms of the vanishing of first degree cohomology or in terms of the multiplicities of split abelian chief factors. The analogues of these results are well known in the modular representation theory of finite groups. An important tool in the proof of these results is a refinement of a non-vanishing theorem of Seligman for the first degree cohomology of non-solvable finite-dimensional Lie algebras in prime characteristic. As applications we derive several results in the representation theory of restricted Lie algebras related to the principal block and the projective cover of the trivial irreducible module of a finite-dimensional restricted Lie algebra. In particular, we obtain a characterization of solvable restricted Lie algebras in terms of the second Loewy layer of the projective cover of the trivial irreducible module., 12 pages; minor revisions

The occurrence of dolphins in the Belem area, northern Brazil, has been poorly surveyed. In addition, there has been much speculation on the identity of cetaceans inhabiting these brackish waters. Vantage point observations conducted from September 2008 to October 2010 resulted in the observation of 44 groups of dolphins and 79 individuals. Among these, 56 were Inia geoffrensis (71%) and 23 Sotalia. In addition, 21 boat transects were conducted and recorded 50 individuals in 19 sightings. Among sighted during transects 36 were Sotalia (72%) and 14 were Inia. In both observation methods, Tasco Offshore binoculars were used and size and group composition and behaviour (feeding, resting, socializing, travelling and not identified) were recorded. All the categories of behaviour were recorded for Inia and Sotalia, except resting. The Inia group size ranged from one to four individuals, the solitary ones prevailing (57% in vantage point and 67% in boat surveys). Groups ranging from one to seven Sotalia dolphins were registered, in both observation methods. Boto calves were observed in September 2008 and 2009, and February 2010. In April 2010 two botos were sighted in courtship behaviour. Sotalia calves were found in March, May and December 2009. Botos frequently came closer to the right river margin, often entering the Igarape do Tucunduba, usually in feeding behaviour. On the other hand, Sotalia was sighted in the main channel, or closer to the left margin, opposite to the observation point. Sotalia were observed in the rainy season, except for three sightings in the dry season.

Let A be an algebra with involution ∗ over a field F. We recall that A is said to be normal if xx∗ = x∗x for every x ∈ A. Over the decades, normal algebras with involutions have been extensively investigated on their own (see e.g. [1], [3], [4], [5], [7], [8], [9], [10], [11]) and, moreover, they have several applications in linear algebra and functional analysis as well (see e.g. [2], [6], [11], [12], [13]). It is well-known that any normal algebra with involution satisfies the standard polynomial identity of degree 4 (see [7, §5]). Moreover, in [11] Maxwell determined the structure of a normal simple algebra of matrices with entries in a field with involution. He also proved that a division algebra D with involution is normal if and only if D is either a field or a generalized quaternion algebra over its center. Furthermore, a characterization of group algebras which are normal under the standard involution was established by Bovdi, Gudivok, and Semirot in [3]. Subsequently, such a result has been extended to twisted group algebras in [4] and to group algebras under a Novikov involution in [5]. On the other hand, it seems that the rather natural problems of characterizing ordinary and restricted enveloping algebras which are normal under their canonical involutions have not been settled yet. The present paper is just devoted to answering these questions. For an arbitrary Lie algebra L we denote by U(L) the universal enveloping algebra of L. Moreover, if L is restricted with a p-map [p] over a field F of characteristic p > 0, then we denote by u(L) the restricted enveloping algebra of L. We consider U(L) and u(L) with the principal involution ∗, namely, the unique F-antiautomorphism such that x∗ = −x for every x in L. Note that ∗ is just the antipode of the F-Hopf algebras U(L) or u(L). We use the symbols Z(L) and L′ for the center and the derived subalgebra of L, respectively. If S ⊆ L then we denote by 〈S〉F and 〈S〉 the F-vector space and the subalgebra generated by S. Also, if L is restricted then 〈S〉p denotes the restricted subalgebra generated by S and we put S = {x |x ∈ S}. In our first main result we completely settle the restricted case

Methylfolate (5-methyltetrahydrofolate) was administered to patients with thalassemia minor to prevent folate deficiency and its hematologic complications. Two groups of heterozygous beta-thalassemia patients were studied: 145 patients aged 14 to 40 years (mean, 30 years) and 50 patients aged

The (210)Po concentration of muscle and liver samples obtained from dolphins stranded on beaches in the Southeastern region of Rio de Janeiro State was analyzed in the present study. The samples were primarily obtained from "Franciscana" (Pontoporia blainvillei) and "Guiana" dolphins (Sotalia guianensis); however, samples from four other species were also evaluated. The (210)Po concentration of muscle samples obtained from "Franciscana" dolphins (66.7±6.7, n=8)Bq kg(-1)w.w. was greater than that of "Guiana" dolphins (25.3±5.7, n=8)Bq kg(-1)w.w. due to differences in the diets of these species. Alternatively, the (210)Po concentrations of liver samples obtained from different species were statically equivalent. Compared to the results described in the literature, the muscle samples evaluated in the present study displayed lower (210)Po concentrations, except for those obtained from "Franciscana" dolphins, which exhibited similar values. For "Franciscana" and "Guiana" dolphins, a clear relationship between the (210)Po concentration of muscle and liver samples and the size of the dolphin was not observed.

Nas últimas décadas, as atividades humanas têm causado forte impacto sobre o ambiente marinho, provocando alterações no seu processo ecológico. A relação entre a saúde dos oceanos, as atividades antropogênicas e a saúde pública já é consenso, entretanto, seus mecanismos ainda estão sob os olhares da ciência. Essas relações incluem o foco sobre as mudanças climáticas, florações de algas tóxicas, contaminação microbiológica e química nas águas marinhas e bioinvasão de espécies exóticas. Além disso, existe a relação dos valores benéficos que os oceanos proporcionam à saúde e bem-estar da humanidade, tais como produtos naturais relevantes para a alimentação humana, o desenvolvimento da biomedicina, ou simplesmente, a satisfação humana derivada da recreação, esportes e outras interações dos seres humanos com os oceanos. A importância de se conhecer a relação entre saúde pública e a saúde dos oceanos dá-se, principalmente, devido ao crescente número de pessoas vivendo em zonas costeiras, nas regiões tropicais e subtropicais, tendo como pano de fundo as atividades antropogênicas produtoras de risco para a saúde do ambiente marinho, aumento da vulnerabilidade do homem, da biodiversidade e da iniquidade socioambiental.

The present knowledge of pinnipeds’ distribution is principally based on the location of breeding colonies. Several species of pinnipeds have shown the ability to undertake long travels to different and unusual locations, where they are frequently interpreted as vagrants. A total of seven species of pinnipeds are known to occur along the Brazilian coast: four belong to the family Otariidae and three to the family Phocidae. From 1954 to 2008 a total of 54 records of pinnipeds were reviewed for the coast of Rio de Janeiro State, ten of them were new records, representing 18.2% of the total. The most common species registered in the study area was Arctocephalus tropicalis (49.1%; N = 27) followed by Mirounga leonina (20%; N = 11). The other species recorded were Lobodon carcinophaga, Otaria flavescens, Arctocephalus australis and Hydrurga leptonyx. From 51 pinniped specimens with information on periods of occurrence, 76.5% (N = 39) were reported during winter, and the other 12 specimens were equally distributed over the three other seasons. Most sub-Antarctic fur seals (88%) and southern elephant seals (83%) were males. The majority of the species were classified as sexually immature. The seasonal pattern of the pinnipeds found on the coast of Rio de Janeiro State is related to the intensive northward flow of the Malvinas/Falkland Current during winter. In addition, the potential to swim long distances together with the lack of physical barriers in the marine environment could help the dispersion of the seals to distant regions far from their traditional breeding or feeding regions.

In this paper we prove that every finite-dimensional nilpotent restricted Lie algebra over a field of prime characteristic has an outer restricted derivation whose square is zero unless the restricted Lie algebra is a torus or it is one-dimensional or it is isomorphic to the three-dimensional Heisenberg algebra in characteristic two as an ordinary Lie algebra. This result is the restricted analogue of a result of T\^og\^o on the existence of nilpotent outer derivations of ordinary nilpotent Lie algebras in arbitrary characteristic and the Lie-theoretic analogue of a classical group-theoretic result of Gasch\"utz on the existence of $p$-power automorphisms of $p$-groups. As a consequence we obtain that every finite-dimensional non-toral nilpotent restricted Lie algebra has an outer restricted derivation., Comment: 9 pages, minor revisions, to appear in Proc. Amer. Math. Soc

The objective of this study was to analyze the morphology of Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) to evaluate the existence of geographical variation along southeastern Brazil. Body length and 39 cranial variables were measured of specimens stranded or accidentally captured to consider ontogenetic and geographic variations. The areas studied were Espirito Santo (ES; 18o30'S-20o40'S), northern Rio de Janeiro (NRJ; 21o35'S-22o25'S), southern Rio de Janeiro (SRJ; 23o00'S-23o07'S) and Sao Paulo (SP; 23o30'S-25o30'S). Body length at age zero predicted by a non-linear Gompertz model for the Guiana dolphin was 148.3cm for area ES, 108.97cm for area NRJ, 98.4cm for area SRJ and 90.9cm for area SP. Asymptotic values were reached at about six years of age for total body length and cranial variations. These results indicate that Guiana dolphins reach adult size and sexual maturity simultaneously at six to seven years of age, when specimens cease to grow. The growth pattern for body and skull size indicated that there is variation between geographic areas. Guiana dolphins found in Sao Paulo are smaller than those analyzed in northern Rio de Janeiro and Espirito Santo, which implies a different growth rate. A canonical discriminant analysis of the cranial metric characters indicated significant differences between the four geographic areas. Differences between areas NRJ, SRJ and SP were responsible for 54% (axis 1) and 34% (axis 2) of the variation, respectively. The third axis depicted a difference between the area ES and the others. A partial overlap between geographic areas was observed in the projection of the species on the canonical axes, suggesting parapatry. Geographic variation recorded in this study is likely to be related to environmental adaptations. One of the areas that could play a role in the distribution of Guiana dolphin in the surveyed area is the central coast of Rio de Janeiro, which is characterized by the absence of river discharges, a narrowing of the continental shelf and upwelling influence that might be limiting the species occurrence in this area. RESUMO: O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar a morfologia do boto-cinza (Sotalia guianensis) para avaliar a existencia de variacao geografica no sudeste do Brasil. O comprimento do corpo e 39 variaveis cranianas foram medidas em animais encalhados ou capturados acidentalmente em rede de pesca para analisar a variacao ontogenica e geografica. As areas estudadas foram Espirito Santo (ES) (18o30'S-20o40'S), norte do Rio de Janeiro (NRJ) (21o35'S-22o25'S), sul do Rio de Janeiro (SRJ) (23o00'S-23o07'S) e Sao Paulo (SP) (23o30'S-25o30'S). O comprimento do corpo na idade zero, predito pela curva de crescimento de Gompertz para o boto-cinza foi 148,3cm para a area ES, 108,97cm para a area NRJ, 98,4cm para a area SRJ e 90,9cm para a area SP. Os valores assintoticos foram alcancados aproximadamente aos seis anos de idade para o comprimento do corpo e variaveis cranianas. Esses resultados indicam que o boto-cinza alcanca o tamanho adulto e a maturidade sexual simultaneamente aos seis a sete anos de idade, quando os especimes param de crescer. Os padroes de crescimento para o tamanho corporeo e craniano indicaram que ha uma variacao entre areas geograficas. Os especimes de botos-cinza encontrados em Sao Paulo sao menores do que aqueles analisados no norte do Rio de Janeiro e Espirito Santo, o que implica em uma taxa de crescimento diferenciada. A analise discriminante canonica para os caracteres metricos do crânio indicou diferenca significativa entre as quatro areas geograficas. Diferencas entre as areas NRJ, SRJ e SP foram responsaveis por 54% (eixo 1) e 34% (eixo 2) da variacao. A diferenca entre a area ES das demais areas foi responsavel pelos 12% restantes (eixo 3). Uma sobreposicao parcial entre as areas geograficas foi observada na projecao das especies nos eixos canonicos, sugerindo parapatria.. A variacao geografica registrada neste estudo pode ser um reflexo de adaptacoes ambientais. Uma area que pode ser considerada critica para a distribuicao do boto-cinza e a costa central do Rio de Janeiro, a qual e caracterizada pela ausencia de rios, plataforma continental estreita e influencia de ressurgencia. Estas caracteristicas ambientais podem ser limitantes para a ocorrencia da especie nesta area.

The Guiana dolphin, Sotalia guianensis (Van Beneden, 1864), is a delphinid species found along the Brazilian coast. Morphological and genetic data point to the existence of different biological populations of the species within this portion of the range. The present paper compares the frequencies of developmental anomalies in two skeletal collections from geographically distant areas. The vertebral column of 43 specimens from Marajo Bay, located on the Para State coast, and 20 specimens from the central-north coast of the Rio de Janeiro State were analyzed. The only anomalies found were cervical ribs and cleft neural arches, both located on the seventh cervical (C7) vertebra. Cervical ribs were found in 12% of the Para specimens and in 45% of the Rio de Janeiro specimens; according to the Fisher’s Exact Test the difference was significant at a confidence level of α = 0.01, thus confirming that the series belong to different populations. The frequencies of cervical ribs observed in the present study were also compared to the frequencies of the same anomaly found in S. guianensis from the Ceara and Santa Catarina states, Brazil, and in tucuxi ( S. fluviatilis ) from the Brazilian Amazon. Although the results can be partially explained by demographic and evolutionary models for Sotalia , they may be affected by differences in the composition of the collections and in diagnostic methods/criteria used by different authors. Regarding the presence of cervical ribs, Amazon tucuxi were significantly different from the Rio de Janeiro and Para series, as well as other marine series, as previously stated in the literature. The difference in the frequency of cleft neural arches in specimens from Rio de Janeiro and Para was also significant, but no comparison could be conducted with other series due to lack of published material. A metric technique to discriminate transverse processes with and without fused cervical ribs is proposed as a methodological contribution for diagnosing the described anomaly.

Based on published records and unpublished information retrieved from the Helminthological Collection of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (CHIOC), a checklist of the helminth parasites of cetaceans from Brazil was generated. A total of 215 records of 18 species of helminths were associated with 22 species of cetaceans in Brazil. Six species determined only to genus were also included. The majority of these helminth species are nematodes (33.3%) and trematodes (33.3%), which total 66.6% of the helminth fauna of cetaceans from Brazil. The Acanthocephala represents 22.2% of species, and the Cestoda 11.1%.