Régime alimentaire de Dasyatis pastinaca et Myliobatis aquila (Elasmobranchii: Myliobatiformes) des Açores, Atlantique NE

This paper describes and discusses the feeding ecology of two stingray species that occur in the Azores: Dasyatis pastinaca and Myliobatis aquila. Both are common coastal species associated with sandy, muddy and rocky bottoms, from surface waters to depths of over 200 m. The diet described here is based on the stomach content analysis from 33 specimens (23 D. pastinaca, 10 M. aquila) collected by spearfishing between June and October 2010 at three different locations along the coast of Terceira Island, Azores. Food habits of D. pastinaca consist mainly of Decapod crustaceans (with a relevance for Pachygrapsus marmoratus) followed by other groups with high representativeness: Polychaeta and Mysidacea. The diet of M. aquila consists mainly of Calliostoma lusitanicum and Stramonita haemastoma. Both species from our sample proved to be generalist predators with different feeding habits. The diet of D. pastinaca is characterized by Crustacea (81% IRI) and that of M. aquila characterized by Mollusca (82% IRI).RÉSUMÉ: Cet article décrit et analyse l’écologie alimentaire de deux raies des Açores : Dasyatis pastinaca et Myliobatis aquila. Ce sont deux espèces côtières communes associées à des fonds sableux, vaseux et rocheux, se trouvant depuis les petits fonds jusqu’à plus de 200 m de profondeur. Le régime décrit ici est basé sur l’analyse du contenu stomacal de 33 spécimens (23 D. pastinaca, 10 M. aquila) récoltées en chasse sous-marine entre juin et octobre 2010 à trois endroits différents le long de la côte de l’île Terceira, aux Açores. Le régime alimentaire de D. pastinaca se compose principalement de crustacés décapodes (avec une préférence pour Pachygrapsus marmoratus), suivis par d’autres groupes fortement représentés: polychètes et mysidacés. Le régime de M. aquila se compose principalement de Calliostoma lusitanicum et Stramonita haemastoma. Les deux espèces sont des prédateurs généralistes avec des habitudes alimentaires différentes. Le régime alimentaire de D. pastinaca est caractérisé par les crustacés (81% IRI) et celui de M. aquila par les mollusques (82% IRI).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The Yellow-­crowned Night Heron Nyctanassa violacea (Aves: Pelecaniformes: Ardeidae) in the Azores and Madeira Archipelagos: a new species for the Western Palearctic

This paper presents and describes the first confirmed occurrence of the Yellow-crowned Night Heron Nyctanassa violacea in the Azores, which also represents the first record for Europe and the Western Palearctic. We also present and discuss subsequent reports of the species in Macaronesia. Several hypotheses may help to explain the occurrence of this species in this part of the Atlantic, including disorientation caused by strong winds and increasing observation pressure. However, further studies are necessary to assess the part played by the different factors in the occurrence of new vagrant individuals/species in Macaronesia

Variação espacial e temporal na ocorrência de cetáceos no sul da ilha Terceira

Dissertação de Mestrado em Gestão e Conservação da Natureza.O trabalho apresentado tem como objetivo principal o estudo da ocorrência espacial e temporal de cetáceos no litoral Sul da ilha Terceira, entre 2007-2011. Os resultados apresentados referem-se à ocorrência das espécies, frequência e respetiva homogeneidade. Igualmente se discute a importância de determinar se fatores abióticos, tais como profundidade e temperatura à superfície da água do mar (TSM), influenciam a ocorrência de cetáceos. No litoral Sul da ilha Terceira é possível observar 15 das 27 espécies de cetáceos que estão dadas como ocorrendo nos Açores. Destas destacam-se 5 espécies de Delphinidae (D. delphis, T. truncatus, G. griseus, S. frontalis e S. coeruleoalba) e o cachalote (P. macrocephalus) como mais frequentes. A ocorrência destas espécies sofre alguma variação ao longo dos meses, sendo as maiores ocorrências em junho e julho. A análise e discussão dos resultados revelam que as espécies têm preferências por águas com profundidades diferentes, mas no entanto é possível observar as 6 espécies mais frequentes em águas costeiras. A maioria dos avistamentos ocorre na zona Sudoeste, em águas costeiras, até 200 metros de profundidade, e entre os 700 e 1000 metros de profundidade. Os avistamentos em águas mais profundas estão relacionados com o aumento da TSM (Temperatura Superficial do Mar). Também com este aumento algumas espécies tendem a aumentar a ocorrência e outras tendem a diminuir. Estes diferentes comportamentos estarão relacionados com a biologia das espécies em causa. Verificou-se também alterações nas FO de algumas espécies em relação ao tráfego marítimo. Estas alterações não puderam ser comprovadas estatisticamente por falta de dados. Com este estudo pretende-se contribuir para um maior conhecimento dos cetáceos em geral e em particular da sua ocorrência espacial e temporal no litoral Sul da ilha Terceira.ABSTRACT: The aim of this work is to study the occurrence of cetaceans, in space and time, on the south cost of Terceira Island, during 2007-2011 periods. Results concerning occurrence, frequency and homogeneity are presented. Also discussed is the importance of some abiotic factors, such as depth and sea surface temperature (SST), and their influence on the occurrence of cetaceans. It is possible to observe 15 off the 27 species of cetaceans that occurred in the Azores, on the south shore of Terceira island. Of that D. delphis, T. truncatus, G. griseus, S. frontalis and S. coeruleoalba point out as the most frequent Delphinidae species and P. macrocephalus as the most frequent whale species. There are variations on the occurrence of this species during the months, being the higher occurrence on June and July. The analysis and discussions of the results reveals different water depths preferences per species, but is possible to observe the six more frequent species in coastal waters, up to 200 meters depth, and between 700 and 1000 meters. The deeper sightings are related with SST increase. Species are affected differently by de SST. When SST increases, the occurrence of some species also increases, but others tend to decease. These different variations are related with the species biology. There were also changes on the frequencies of occurrence of species, related with boat traffic. This changes was not proved statistically because lake of data. This study seeks to contribute to the knowledge about cetaceans that occur in the southern waters of Terceira Island, and particularly their temporal and spatial occurrence

Review of the records of the smalltooth sand tiger shark, Odontaspis ferox (elasmobranchii: lamniformes: odontaspididae), in the Azores

In recent years Azorean fishermen reported the presence of the smalltooth sand tiger shark, Odontaspis ferox (Risso, 1810), a very rare demersal shark species, associated with insular shelves and slopes, with occasional incursions into shallow waters and of poorly known biology and ecology. There are fourteen new records of this species, between 1996 and 2014, captured by spearfishing, harpoons, hand lines, or entangled in fishing gear in the Azores. These records were analysed and complemented with fishermen interviews, providing new locations and new biological data for this species. Also, specimens photographs were studied and post-mortem analysis were carefully carried out in one individual. This species is rare and captured only as bycatch in shallow waters. More detailed information on this species is critically needed in order to assess its conservation status and implement management guidelines. Bycatch statistics are crucial in this respect.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Birds from the Azores : An updated list with some comments on species distribution

BACKGROUND An updated checklist of the Birds of the Azores is presented based on information compiled from Rodrigues et al. (2010) and from the websites, Azores Bird Club. (2014), Aves dos Açores (2014), Azores Bird Sightings (2014) and Vittery (2014), since 2010. NEW INFORMATION The checklist has a total of 414 species, including 38 new species. Almost half of the species and subspecies that occur in the Azores have a Palearctic origin, the remaining ones being essentialy Nearctic and Holarctic species. São Miguel is the island with the highest number of bird species, followed by Terceira, Corvo and Flores islands.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Portuguese recommendations for the use of methotrexate in rheumatic diseases - 2016 update

BACKGROUND: Methotrexate (MTX) is the first-line drug in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the most commonly prescribed disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug. Moreover, it is also used as an adjuvant drug in patients under biologic therapies, enhancing the efficacy of biologic agents. OBJECTIVES: To review the literature and update the Portuguese recommendations for the use of MTX in rheumatic diseases first published in 2009. METHODS: The first Portuguese guidelines for the use of MTX in rheumatic diseases were published in 2009 and were integrated in the multinational 3E Initiative (Evidence Expertise Exchange) project. The Portuguese rheumatologists based on literature evidence and consensus opinion formulated 13 recommendations. At a national meeting, the recommendations included in this document were further discussed and updated. The document resulting from this meeting circulated to all Portuguese rheumatologists, who anonymously voted online on the level of agreement with the updated recommendations. RESULTS: Results presented in this article are mainly in accordance with previous guidelines, with some new information regarding hepatitis B infection during MTX treatment, pulmonary toxicity monitoring, hepatotoxicity management, association with hematologic neoplasms, combination therapy and tuberculosis screening during treatment. CONCLUSION: The present recommendations combine scientific evidence with expert opinion and attained desirable agreement among Portuguese rheumatologists. The regular update of these recommendations is essential in order to keep them a valid and useful tool in daily practice.publishersversionpublishe

Practical guide for the use of biological therapies in rheumatoid arthritis - Update of December 2011

The authors review the practical aspects of biologi -cal therapy use for rheumatoid arthritis patients, commenting safety issues before and after treatment initiation and the best treatment strategies to optimize efficacy.publishersversionpublishe

Portuguese guide lines for the use of biological agents in rheumatoid arthritis - october 2011 update

The authors present the revised version of the Portuguese Society of Rheumatology (SPR) guidelines for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) with biological therapies. In these guidelines the criteria for introduction and maintenance of biological agents are discussed as well as the contraindications and procedures in the case of non-responders. Biological treatment (with a tumour necrosis factor antagonist, abatacept or tocilizumab) should be considered in RA patients with a disease activity score 28 (DAS 28) equal to or greater than 3.2 des pite treatment with at least 20mg-weekly-dose of methotrexate (MTX) for at least 3 months or, if such treatment is not possible, after 3 months of other conventional disease modifying drug or combination therapy. A DAS 28 score between 2.6 and 3.2 with a significant functional or radiological deterioration under treatment with conventional regi -mens could also constitute an indication for biological treatment. The treatment goal should be remission or, if that is not achievable, at least a low disease activity, defined by a DAS28 lower than 3.2,without significative functional or radiological worsening. The response criteria, at the end of the first 3 months of treatment, are a decrease of at least 0.6 in the DAS28 score. After 6 months of treatment res ponse criteria is defined as a decrease greater than 1.2 in the DAS28 score. Non-responders, in accordance to the Rheumatologist's clinical opi -nion, should try a switch to another biological agent (tumour necrosis factor antagonist, abatacept, rituxi mab or tocilizumab).publishersversionpublishe

Revisão sistematizada da literatura e opinião de peritos

Objective: The 3E (Evidence, Expertise, Exchange) Initiative is a multinational effort of rheumatologists aimed at developing evidence-based recommendations addressing specific questions relevant to clinical practice. The objective of the Portuguese contribution for the 3E Initiative was to develop evidence-based recommendations on how to investigate, follow-up and treat undifferentiated peripheral inflammatory arthritis (UPIA) adapted to local reality and develop additional recommendations considered relevant in the national context. Methods: An international scientific committee from 17 countries selected a set of questions concerning the diagnosis and monitoring of UPIA using a Delphi procedure. Evidence-based answers to each question were sought by a systematic literature search, performed in Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library and ACR/EULAR 2007-2009 meeting abstracts. Relevant articles were reviewed for quality assessment, data extraction and synthesis. In a national meeting, a panel of 63 Portuguese rheumatologists used the evidence which was gathered to develop recommendations, and filled the gaps in the evidence with their expert opinion. Finally, national recommendations were formulated and agreement among the participants was assessed. Results: A total of 54754 references were identified, of which 267 were systematically reviewed. Thirteen national key recommendations about the investigation, follow-up and treatment of UPIA were formulated. One recommendation addressed differential diagnosis and investigations prior to the established operational diagnosis of UPIA, eight recommendations were related to the diagnostic and prognostic value of clinical and laboratory assessments in established UPIA (history and physical examination, acute phase reactants, serologies, autoantibodies, radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound, genetic markers and synovial biopsy), one recommendation highlighted predictors of persistence (chronicity), one addressed monitoring of clinical disease activity in UPIA, one aimed to find an useful method/score to predict a definitive diagnosis and the last one was related to treatment. Conclusion: Portuguese evidence-based recommendations for the management of UPIA in everyday practice were developed. Their dissemination and implementation in daily clinical practice should help to improve practice uniformity and optimize the management of UPIA patients.publishersversionpublishe

Brazilian Flora 2020: Leveraging the power of a collaborative scientific network

International audienceThe shortage of reliable primary taxonomic data limits the description of biological taxa and the understanding of biodiversity patterns and processes, complicating biogeographical, ecological, and evolutionary studies. This deficit creates a significant taxonomic impediment to biodiversity research and conservation planning. The taxonomic impediment and the biodiversity crisis are widely recognized, highlighting the urgent need for reliable taxonomic data. Over the past decade, numerous countries worldwide have devoted considerable effort to Target 1 of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC), which called for the preparation of a working list of all known plant species by 2010 and an online world Flora by 2020. Brazil is a megadiverse country, home to more of the world's known plant species than any other country. Despite that, Flora Brasiliensis, concluded in 1906, was the last comprehensive treatment of the Brazilian flora. The lack of accurate estimates of the number of species of algae, fungi, and plants occurring in Brazil contributes to the prevailing taxonomic impediment and delays progress towards the GSPC targets. Over the past 12 years, a legion of taxonomists motivated to meet Target 1 of the GSPC, worked together to gather and integrate knowledge on the algal, plant, and fungal diversity of Brazil. Overall, a team of about 980 taxonomists joined efforts in a highly collaborative project that used cybertaxonomy to prepare an updated Flora of Brazil, showing the power of scientific collaboration to reach ambitious goals. This paper presents an overview of the Brazilian Flora 2020 and provides taxonomic and spatial updates on the algae, fungi, and plants found in one of the world's most biodiverse countries. We further identify collection gaps and summarize future goals that extend beyond 2020. Our results show that Brazil is home to 46,975 native species of algae, fungi, and plants, of which 19,669 are endemic to the country. The data compiled to date suggests that the Atlantic Rainforest might be the most diverse Brazilian domain for all plant groups except gymnosperms, which are most diverse in the Amazon. However, scientific knowledge of Brazilian diversity is still unequally distributed, with the Atlantic Rainforest and the Cerrado being the most intensively sampled and studied biomes in the country. In times of “scientific reductionism”, with botanical and mycological sciences suffering pervasive depreciation in recent decades, the first online Flora of Brazil 2020 significantly enhanced the quality and quantity of taxonomic data available for algae, fungi, and plants from Brazil. This project also made all the information freely available online, providing a firm foundation for future research and for the management, conservation, and sustainable use of the Brazilian funga and flora