Accelerating the monitoring of global biodiversity : Revisiting the sampled approach to generating Red List Indices

Abstract Given the current biodiversity crisis, pragmatic approaches to detect global conservation trends across a broad range of taxa are critical. A sampled approach to the Red List Index (RLI) was proposed, as many groups are highly speciose. However, a decade after its conception, the recommended 900 species sample has only been implemented in six groups and trend data are available for none, potentially because this sample is unfeasibly high. Using a broader set of all available data we show that when re-assessments are conducted every 10 years, 200 species (400 in some cases) should be sufficient to detect a RLI trend. Correctly detecting changes in slope still requires samples of 900 species (11,000 in some cases). Sampled assessments can accelerate biodiversity monitoring and complement current metrics, but the time-period between assessments and the approaches? purpose should be carefully considered, as there is a trade-off between sample size and the resulting indices.Peer reviewe

Survey radiography and computerized tomography imaging of the thorax in female dogs with mammary tumors

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Accurate early diagnosis of lung metastases is important for establishing therapeutic measures. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare survey thoracic radiographs and computerized tomography (CT) scans to specifically identify lung metastases in female dogs with mammary tumors.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Twenty-one female dogs, weighing 3 to 34 kg and aged from 5 years to 14 years and 10 months, with mammary tumors were studied. In all dogs before the imaging examinations, fine-needle aspiration cytology of the mammary tumors was performed to confirm the diagnosis. Three-view thoracic radiographs were accomplished: right lateral, left lateral and ventrodorsal views. Sequential transverse images of the thorax were acquired on a spiral Scanner, before and after intravenous bolus injection of nonionic iodine contrast. Soft-tissue and lung windows were applied. All the mammary tumors were surgically removed and examined histologically.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The correlation between the cytological and histological results regarding presence of malignancy was observed in only 17 cases. In radiographic examinations, no dog displayed signs of lung metastases or thorax chest lesions. CT detected lung metastasis in two cases, while small areas of lung atelectasis located peripherally were found in 28.57% of the dogs.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In this study population, spiral CT showed higher sensitivity than chest radiographies to detect lung metastasis; this indicates that CT should be performed on all female dogs with malignant mammary tumors.</p

Runoff volume and soil loss from forest roads under normal rainfall conditions

Foram determinados o volume total de água escoada e a perda de solo através da produção de sedimentos provenientes de segmentos de estradas florestais em condições de chuva natural, com diferentes valores de precipitações. As inclinações dos segmentos de 1 e 7% foram analisadas, enquanto os comprimentos variaram de 20 e 40 m, com 4 m de largura. Os segmentos de estrada foram delimitados com tábuas de 0,30 m de largura, envolvidas em lona plástica, para sua impermeabilização. Os dados de volume e intensidade de precipitação diária foram obtidos com a instalação de pluviômetro e pluviógrafo no local. O período de coleta de dados foi de um ano, concentrando-se na época das chuvas. O volume de enxurrada foi mais afetado pelo comprimento do segmento, ao passo que a massa de solo sofreu maior influência da declividade. A massa de solo erosinado cresceu exponencialmente em função do incremento do volume de enxurrada. _________________________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACT: The total runoff volume and soil loss caused by the production of sediments derived from forest road segments under normal rainfall conditions were determined. Segment slopes from 1 and 7% were analyzed, with segment lengths ranging from 20 and 40 m and width of 4 m. The road segments were marked with 0.30 m wide boards, protected with a plastic, waterproof film. Rainfall volume and intensity data were daily obtained by means of pluviometers and pluviographs. Data collection period was one year, concentrated in the rainy season. Runoff volume was most affected by segment length while soil loss was most affected by steepness. Soil sediment mass increased exponentially in function of the increased runoff volume

Bovine pericardium retail preserved in glutaraldehyde and used as a vascular patch

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In this study we evaluated the performance of bovine pericardium preserved in glutaraldehyde used as a vascular patch.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Fourteen young pigs, six females and eight males, weighting 10.3 - 18.4 kg were used in our study. We implanted three remnants in each pig, two in the abdominal aorta and one was juxtaposed to the peritoneum. The smooth face (SF) and rough face (RF) of each remnant were implanted turned to the vessel inner portion and one remnant was juxtaposed to the peritoneum. The animals were sacrificed in 4.5 - 8 months after surgery (75 - 109 kg). The remnants were assessed for aorta wall, fibroses formation in inner apposition and calcification related to the face turned to the vessel inner portion.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The rough face showed a lower dilatation level compared to the face implanted in adjacent aorta. There was no difference between intensity and/or incidence of graft calcification when the superficies were compared. The bovine pericardium preserved in glutaraldehyde did not show alterations in its structure when implanted with different faces turned to the inner portion of vessel.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>When turned to the inner portion of the vessel, the rough face of the remnant presented a lower dilatation in relation to the adjacent aorta and a better quality of endothelium layer and did not show a difference between intensity and/or incidence of graft calcification.</p

A comparative study between mixed-type tumours from human salivary and canine mammary glands

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In comparative pathology, canine mammary tumours have special interest because of their similarities with human breast cancer. Mixed tumours are uncommon lesions in the human breast, but they are found most frequently in the mammary gland of the female dogs and in the human salivary glands. The aim of the study was to compare clinical, morphological and immunohistochemical features of human salivary and canine mammary gland mixed tumours, in order to evaluate the latter as an experimental model for salivary gland tumours.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Ten examples of each mixed tumour type (human pleomorphic adenoma and carcinomas ex-pleomorphic adenomas and canine mixed tumour and metaplastic carcinoma) were evaluated. First, clinical and morphologic aspects of benign and malignant variants were compared between the species. Then, streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the expression of cytokeratins, vimentin, p63 protein, estrogen receptor, β-catenin, and E-cadherin.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>After standardization, similar age and site distributions were observed in human and canine tumours. Histological similarities were identified in the comparison of the benign lesions as well. Metaplastic carcinomas also resembled general aspects of carcinomas ex-pleomorphic adenomas in morphological evaluation. Additionally, immunohistochemical staining further presented similar antigenic expression between lesions.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>There are many similar features between human salivary and canine mammary gland mixed tumours. This observation is of great relevance for those interested in the study and management of salivary gland tumours, since canine lesions may constitute useful comparative models for their investigations.</p

Utilização de controles de gestão nas maiores indústrias catarinenses

Este artigo objetiva demonstrar o efetivo uso dos controles de gestão nas maiores indústrias catarinenses. A pesquisa caracteriza-se como um estudo exploratório do tipo levantamento ou survey. Utilizando como parâmetro indústrias com mais de 200 funcionários, a população do estudo, após al-guns ajustes realizados, consistiu de 250 empresas. Para essas foi enviado um questionário com perguntas abertas e fechadas, via e-mail, obtendo respostas de 36 empresas, que constituíram a amostra da pesquisa. Para tratamento dos dados optou-se por uma abordagem predominantemente quantitativa. Assim, inicia-se o artigo com uma incursão teórica no processo de gestão e nos controles de gestão. Em seguida, procede-se à descrição e análise dos dados, enfocando as características das empresas, o perfil dos respondentes, a utilização dos controles de gestão, as formas de disponibilização das informações geradas pelos controles, bem como os aspectos positivos e negativos percebidos pelos respondentes em relação aos controles de gestão utilizados. Os resultados da pesquisa mostram que as empresas valem-se de diversos tipos de controles a fim de auxiliar o processo de gestão.This article aims to demonstrate the effective use of management control systems among the biggest industries in Santa Catarina. The research is characterized as a exploratory survey. Using as a parameter industries with more than 200 employees, the study population, after some adjustments, consisted of 250 companies. A questionnaire with open and closed questions was sent by e-mail. We received answers from 36 companies, which constituted the research sample, using a predominantly quantitative approach for data treatment. The article begins with a theoretical review of the management process and management control systems. Next, data are described and analyzed, focusing on the companies' characteristics, the respondents' profiles, the use of management control systems, the means of making available information generated by control systems, as well as the positive and negative aspects perceived by the respondents in relation to the management controls that are used. The research results show that the companies use several kinds of control systems in order to support the management process