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The Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus is one of the most threatened marine mammals, with only 600–700 individuals restricted to three populations off the coast of Western Sahara and Madeira (North Atlantic) and between Greece and Turkey (eastern Mediterranean). Its original range was from the Black Sea (eastern Mediterranean) to Gambia (western African coast), but was drastically reduced by commercial hunting and human persecution since the early stages of marine exploitation. We here analyse 42 mitogenomes of Mediterranean monk seals, from across their present and historical geographic ranges to assess the species population dynamics over time. Our data show a decrease in genetic diversity in the last 200 years. Extant individuals presented an almost four-fold reduction in genetic diversity when compared to historical specimens. We also detect, for the first time, a clear segregation between the two North Atlantic populations, Madeira and Cabo Blanco, regardless of their geographical proximity. Moreover, we show the presence of historical gene-flow between the two water basins, the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, and the presence of at least one extinct maternal lineage in the Mediterranean. Our work demonstrates the advantages of using full mitogenomes in phylogeographic and conservation genomic studies of threatened species.

Rationale: Disuse colitis is frequent in our country and the most effective treatment is high cost and there is a need for effective and low cost therapy. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Baccharis dracunculifolia (field rosemary) in the treatment of exclusion colitis in rats. Method: Eighteen Wistar rats were anesthetized and submitted to colostomy; they were then distributed into two groups: Control Group, receiving intrarectal saline infusion (n = 8) and Group BD receiving intrarectal infusion ofBaccharis dracunculifolia extract (n = 10); after 21 days of treatment they were euthanized, the intestinal segment excluded from intestinal transit was resected and submitted to histopathological study, classifying the degree of inflammation and degree of vascular congestion from 0 to 3. Results: Mean inflammation was 2.7 in Control Group versus 2.1 in BD Group (p = 0.049), while mean vascular congestion was 2.3 and 2, respectively, in Control and BD groups (p = 0.1642). Conclusion: Intra-rectal infusion ofBaccharis dracunculifolia extract significantly minimized the inflammatory process in the exclusion colitis of rats submitted to colostomy, without altering the degree of vascular congestion. Resumo: Racional: A colite de desuso é frequente em nosso meio e o tratamento de maior eficácia é de alto custo, havendo necessidade de se encontrar uma terapêutica eficaz e de baixo custo. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia da Baccharis dracunculifolia (alecrim-do-campo) no tratamento da colite de exclusão em ratos. Método: Utilizou-se 18 ratos Wistar, os quais foram anestesiados e submetidos à colostomia; em seguida distribuídos em 2 grupos: Grupo Controle, recebendo infusão intrarretal de solução salina (n = 8) e Grupo BD, recebendo infusão intrarretal de extrato de Baccharis dracunculifolia (n = 10); após 21 dias de tratamento foram submetidos a eutanásia, o segmento intesinal excluso de trânsito intestinal foi ressecado e submetido a estudo histopatológico classificando-se o grau de inflamação e grau de congestão vascular de 0 a 3. Resultados: Verificou-se média de inflamação 2,7 no Grupo Controle vs. 2,1 no Grupo BD (p = 0,049), enquanto as médias de congestão vascular foram 2,3 e 2, respectivamente, nos grupos controle e BD (p = 0,1642). Conclusão: A infusão intrarretal do extrato de Baccharis dracunculifolia minimizou significantemente o processo inflamatório na colite de exclusão de ratos submetidos à colostomia, sem alterar o grau de congestão vascular. Keywords: Baccharis dracunculifolia, Asteraceae, Colitis, Anti-inflammatory, Rats, Colostomy, Palavras-chave: Baccharis dracunculifolia, Asteraceae, Colite, Anti-inflamatórios, Ratos, Colostomia

Chelonians have, historically, played an important role as a natural resource for human food in the Amazon region, among them the Kinosternon scorpioides species, the muçuã. This is a semi-aquatic freshwater chelonian that has an omnivorous feeding habit. Due to the lack of research on the feeding of this species in captivity, the present study aimed to evaluate the acceptance and preference of fruits by K. scorpioides and to describe their feeding behavior in captivity. The study was conducted between January and June 2017, at the Scientific Breeding Ground of the Bio-Fauna Project / ISARH-UFRA. 36 muçuãs were used, 18 in the fattening phase and 18 in the brooding phase, with an average initial weight of 438g (± 16.22g) and 84g (± 16.11g), respectively. The animals were housed in polyethylene boxes with 60% of the flooded area and 40% of the dry area, with three animals per box. In order to assess food preference, fresh fruits were used, classified as regional and non-regional Amazon. Each fruit was offered in a food/animal unit for 50 minutes. Monitoring of food preference was done with the help of video cameras. It was observed that the animals in the breeding phase were those that consumed a higher percentage of regional fruits (48.89%), when compared to the fattening phase that consumed 46.67% of the same fruits. Among the fruits offered, it was possible to observe a higher consumption of pupunha (Bactris gasipaes Kunth), melon (Cucumis melo L.) and mango (Mangifera indica L.) by both groups. The regional Amazonian fruits obtained great acceptance in which the pupunha was more prominent (88.89%) for the fattening phase, however the melon (63.19%) was the most consumed by the young.

Background Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease, characterized by being multi-systemic and, therefore, reaching various organs and affecting mainly young women. Its pathogenesis comprehends many factors, including the interaction between microbiota and immune system. This systematic review assessed the relationship between intestinal microbiota and SLE in activity, highlighting microbiota representative patterns regarding quantity and diversity. Methods This study considered researches carried out in patients with SLE, with no restriction of age or gender, which fulfilled the classification criteria of either Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinic (SLICC), American College of Rheumatology (ACR) or European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) and used the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) to classify disease in activity or remission were included. The search was carried out from October, 2020 to January, 2021 using the following databases: Medline via Pubmed, Scopus, and Embase. Five papers were included with a total of 288 participants with SLE. Results Regarding microbiota in patients with SLE in activity, there was significant increase in the following genera: Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Megasphaera, Fusobacterium, Veillonella, Oribacterium, Odoribacter, Blautia, and Campylobacter. On the other hand, decrease in Faecalibacterium and Roseburia genera as well as Ruminococcus gnavus species was observed in remission cases, showing differences between the microbiota profile in SLE in activity and in remission. Conclusions Results suggest that dysbiosis may be involved in the disease activity process. Trial registration CRD42021229322.

The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is one of the world’s most endangered marine mammals. Centuries of human persecution along with recent expansion of the fishing industry and intensive shoreline development, have isolated Mediterranean monk seals into small populations in the eastern Mediterranean Basin and eastern North Atlantic. We developed 19 microsatellite loci from the species’ genome and investigated genetic patterns within the two existing populations from the North Atlantic (Cabo Blanco and Madeira; N = 50). Microsatellite characterization was conducted on the Cabo Blanco population before the massive die-off that happened in 1997 (N = 30). Four loci deviated from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and six loci showed an excess of homozygotes, suggesting that both nonequilibrium conditions (small-size, bottlenecked population subject to inbreeding) and null alleles are at stake. We could not detect any linkage disequilibrium among locus pairs. The genetic diversity observed in the population was low (mean number of alleles per locus = 2.68) but higher than reported in previous studies using cross-species amplification for the same population. Observed levels of genetic diversity in the post-crash population (N = 16) were slightly lower than in the precrash population (AR = 2.14 vs. 2.39), but the loss of 10 rare alleles in the post-crash population likely reflects the deleterious impact of the 1997 die-off. The Madeiran individuals (N = 4) were fully homozygous (AR = 1.11). Although they were genetically differentiated from Cabo Blanco, allelic distribution showed that Madeira is a genetically depauperate subpopulation of Cabo Blanco, suggesting that translocations from the latter may be considered beneficial. The newly developed microsatellites shall prove useful in managing populations at the individual level, and will be used to further investigate on the genetic structure and historical demography of past and present populations of Mediterranean monk seals.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of and risk factors for surgical site infections (SSIs) in the treatment of children with myelomeningocele. Methods: The medical records of children who underwent the procedure were listed; only the cases that tested positive for SSI were analyzed. Results: From 2005 to 2010, 155 medical records were listed, 123 (79.35%) of which were found. Of these, 14 (9.03%) were discarded, and 109 (70.32%) remained for analysis. There was a 33.94% prevalence of SSIs; the lumbosacral localization (32.43%) and ruptured lesions (83.78%) are predominant. The majority (86.49%) of the children underwent surgical correction after 48 hours of life. In 11 (27.73%) cases, material from the surgical wound was cultured, all of them (100%) were positive; Klebsiella pneumoniae (46.66%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (26.67%) prevailed. Conclusion: The prevalence rate of SSIs in this study was high when compared to other types of surgery; for infected surgeries, however, the levels found are consistent with the literature, which reports from 7% to 40%.

Objective: To assess, during rapid maxillary expansion, the plaque index (PI) and the gingival index (GI) of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate(UCLP) using Hyrax (HX) or inverted mini-Hyrax (IMHX) rapid maxillary expanders (RME) considering patients’ sex and age. Methods: PI (Quigley Index modified by Turesky et al) and GI (Löe and Silness) of 28 UCLP (11 females; 17 males: aged 8 to 15 years) submitted to daily RME activation were assessed before (T0) and 7 (T1), 28 (T2) and 90 (T3) days after activation. Log-linear models and Bonferroni correction were performed to analyze possible differences in PI and GI between RME, sexes or age groups over time. Results: Intra-group comparison revealed significant increases in PI of patients using HX (T0 < T2), IMHX (T0 < T3; T1< T3), males (T0 < T1; T0 < T2; T0 < T3) or aged 12-15 years (T0 < T1; T0 < T2; T0 < T3), and in GI of patients using IMHX (T0 < T3; T1 < T3), females (T1 < T3; T2 < T3) or aged 12-15 years (T0 < T3; T2 < T3). One inter-group difference in GI according to patients’ age (8-11 < 12-15; T1) was observed. Conclusions: Since a single difference between groups was encountered, the results of this study indicated that PI and GI during maxillary expansion were similar between HX and IMHX, sexes and the analyzed age groups. Therefore, orthodontists can use these RME in UCLP patients according to the patient’s necessity or their preferences. RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar, durante a expansão rápida da maxila (ERM), o índice de placa dentária (IP) e o índice gengival (IG) de pacientes com fissura labiopalatina unilateral (FLPU), usando o aparelho disjuntor Hyrax (HX) ou o mini-Hyrax invertido (MHXI), considerando-se também o sexo e a idade. Métodos: o IP (Quigley-Hein modificado por Turesky et al.) e o IG (Silness e Löe) de 28 pacientes com FLPU (11 meninas; 8-15 anos de idade) tratados com ativação diária do aparelho de ERM foram avaliados antes (T0) e após 7 (T1), 28 (T2) e 90 (T3) dias da ativação inicial. Modelos de regressão log-linear e correção de Bonferroni foram usados para analisar as possíveis diferenças de IP e IG entre os grupos, de acordo com o tipo de aparelho de ERM, sexo e idade, ao longo do tempo. Resultados: as comparações intragrupos revelaram aumentos significativos do IP em pacientes usando HX (T0< T2) ou MHXI (T0< T3; T1< T3), com idades entre 12 e 15 anos (T0 < T1; T0 < T2; T0 < T3), e do IG de pacientes usando MHXI (T0< T3; T1< T3), que eram meninas (T1 < T3; T2 < T3), com idades entre 12 e 15 anos (T0 < T3; T2 < T3). Uma diferença no IG entre grupos foi observada em relação à idade dos pacientes (8-11 < 12-15; T1). Conclusões: uma única diferença entre grupos foi encontrada, o que sugere que os resultados de IP e IG, durante a expansão maxilar, foram semelhantes entre os grupos HX e MHXI, bem como entre os sexos e idades analisadas. Dessa forma, os ortodontistas podem usar esses aparelhos de ERM no tratamento de pacientes com FLPU de acordo com as necessidades do paciente ou suas preferências.

Algarve Citrus are non-climacteric Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) commodities. They are harvested with minimal levels of juice content (>35 %), soluble solids content (SSC) (>10 %) and maturation index (MI) (>8), as required by the respective PGI normative reference. These internal quality attributes (IQA) are usually determined in small samples of fruit collected from the orchards close to harvest. This study aimed to use geostatistics to help predict the optimal harvest date (OHD) of two sweet orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) cultivars, namely, 'Newhall', and 'Valencia Late', at two different edaphoclimatic conditions observed in the locations of Quarteira, at the coast, and Paderne, near a mountainous area. Two orchards of 0.5-0.7 ha per cultivar were chosen and a total of 25 trees were georeferenced within each orchard, comprising 100 sampling points/trees. Firmness, juice content, SSC and MI of fruit were determined through time. In general, the fruit grown in Quarteira showed higher SSC and MI and lower firmness values, ripening two months earlier than those grown in Paderne, although the full effect of the various edaphoclimatic factors on these results are not fully understood. However, geospatial modelling of ripening has shown a large variability within the orchards, with some IQA evolution patterns observed in some orchards and/or cultivars but not in the others. Specifically, 1) a negative correlation between the firmness and MI spatial patterns; 2) a variable decay rate of firmness, much faster in Paderne for 'Valencia Late'; 3) local minima in juice content, below 35 %, observed in restricted spatial areas and in specific time periods, and which were clearer in 'Newhall'. These local variations highlight the need for an optimized management based on geospatial modelling. For example, the variable decay rate of firmness must be taken into account during fruit harvest and postharvest handling. On the other side, the observation of localized plots with juice content below 35 % must be contextualized in the broader picture of the entire orchard which, in the present study, always had consistent temporal average level above 35 %. This study has provided evidence that fruit ripening variability should be considered in the site-specific orchard management of citrus to optimize their harvest date. FCT - Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia, PortugalPortuguese Foundation for Science and Technology [UID/Multi/00631/2013]; NIBAP: Nucleo de Investigacao em Biotecnologia e Agricultura de Precisao [ALG-01-0247-FEDER-037303]; FCT - Fundacao para a Ciencia e a TecnologiaPortuguese Foundation for Science and Technology [DL 57/2016/CP1361/CT0031] ALG-01-0247-FEDER-037303 info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The pathological interaction between oak trees and Phytophthora cinnamomi has implications in the cork oak decline observed over the last decades in the Iberian Peninsula. During host colonization, the phytopathogen secretes effector molecules like elicitins to increase disease effectiveness. The objective of this study was to unravel the proteome changes associated with the cork oak immune response triggered by P. cinnamomi inoculation in a long-term assay, through SWATH-MS quantitative proteomics performed in the oak leaves. Using the Arabidopis proteome database as a reference, 424 proteins were confidently quantified in cork oak leaves, of which 80 proteins showed a p-value below 0.05 or a fold-change greater than 2 or less than 0.5 in their levels between inoculated and control samples being considered as altered. The inoculation of cork oak roots with P. cinnamomi increased the levels of proteins associated with protein-DNA complex assembly, lipid oxidation, response to endoplasmic reticulum stress, and pyridine-containing compound metabolic process in the leaves. In opposition, several proteins associated with cellular metabolic compound salvage and monosaccharide catabolic process had significantly decreased abundances. The most significant abundance variations were observed for the Ribulose 1,5-Bisphosphate Carboxylase small subunit (RBCS1A), Heat Shock protein 90-1 (Hsp90-1), Lipoxygenase 2 (LOX2) and Histone superfamily protein H3.3 (A8MRLO/At4G40030) revealing a pertinent role for these proteins in the host-pathogen interaction mechanism. This work represents the first SWATH-MS analysis performed in cork oak plants inoculated with P. cinnamomi and highlights host proteins that have a relevant action in the homeostatic states that emerge from the interaction between the oomycete and the host in the long term and in a distal organ. FCT:UID/Multi/00631/2019 and UIDB/00631/2020 CEOT BASE to CEOT and ACC, GS and RP; UIDB/ 04326/2020 to CCMAR; Norma Transitoria- DL57/2016/CP1361/CT0015 to PP; contract NIBAP (ALG-01-0247-FEDER-037303) to RP; projects POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007440 (Ref. UIDB/04539/ 2020), POCI-01-0145-FEDER-016428 (Ref. SAICTPAC/0010/2015), POCI-01-0145- FEDER-029311 (Ref. PTDC/BTM-TEC/29311/ 2017), POCI-01-0145-FEDER-30943 (Ref. PTDC/ MECPSQ/30943/2017) and PTDC/MED-NEU/ 27946/2017 to CNC, BM and CS. The work at CNC was also funded by the National Mass Spectrometry Network (RNEM) under contract POCI-01-0145-FEDER-402-022125 info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Background: Diversion colitis is still very common in our country, since the stoma creation is a common practice especially in situations of trauma. needing treatment for this condition. Aim: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of rectal infusion of Curcuma longa (turmeric) in the excluded intestinal segment of rats. Method: Eighteen Wistar rats were used and submitted to colostomy: control group (n=8) under rectal saline infusion and group CL, receiving intra-rectal infusion of Curcuma longa extract (n=10). After 21 days of treatment they were submitted to euthanasia; the intestinal segment excluded from intestinal transit was resected and sent to histopathological evaluation, classifying the degree of inflammation and of vascular congestion. Results: The average of inflammation was 2.7 in the control group vs. 2.6 in the CL group (p=0.3125), while the mean vascular congestion was 2.3 and 2.1, respectively, in the control and CL groups (p=0.1642). Conclusion: Intra-rectal infusion of Curcuma longa extract was not able to minimize the inflammatory process or vascular congestion in the diversion colitis of rats subjected to colostomy. RESUMO Racional: A colite de exclusão é ainda muito frequente em nosso meio, uma vez que a confecção de estomas é prática comum especialmente em situações de trauma. Em consequência, há necessidade de tratamento para a colite de desuso. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito terapêutico da infusão retal de Curcuma longa (açafrão-da-terra) no segmento intestinal excluso de ratos. Método: Utilizou-se 18 ratos Wistar submetidos à colostomiae distribuídos em dois grupos: grupo controle, recebendo infusão intrarretal de solução salina (n=8) e grupo CL, recebendo infusão intrarretal de extrato de Curcuma longa (n=10). Após 21 dias de tratamento foram submetidos a eutanásia; o segmento intestinal excluso de trânsito intestinal foi ressecado e submetido a estudo histopatológico classificando-se os graus de inflamação e de congestão vascular. Resultados: Verificou-se média de inflamação 2,7 no grupo controle vs. 2,6 no grupo CL (p=0,3125), enquanto as médias de congestão vascular foram 2,3 e 2,1, respectivamente, nos grupos controle e CL (p=0,1642). Conclusão: A infusão intrarretal do extrato de Curcuma longa não foi capaz de minimizar o processo inflamatório ou a congestão vascular na colite de exclusão de ratos submetidos a colostomia.

Halting biodiversity loss is one of the major conservation challenges of our time and science-based conservation actions are required to safeguard the survival of endangered species. However the establishment of effective conservation strategies may be hampered by inherent difficulties of studying elusive animals. We used analysis of control region sequences to obtain baseline information on the genetic diversity and population structure and history of the elusive and critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal that will help define an effective conservation strategy for the species. We analyzed 165 samples collected throughout the entire extant range of the species and identified 5 haplotypes. Based on levels of genetic diversity (haplotypic diversity: 0.03; variable sites: 0.6%) the Mediterranean monk seal appears to be one of the most genetically depauperate mammals on Earth. We identified three genetically distinct monk seal subpopulations: one in the north Atlantic [Cabo Blanco vs. Aegean Sea (FST = 0.733; P = 0.000); Cabo Blanco vs. Ionian Sea (FST = 0.925; P = 0.000)] and two in the Mediterranean, one in the Ionian and another one in the Aegean Sea (Ionian vs. Aegean Sea FST = 0.577; P = 0.000). Results indicate a recent divergence and short evolutionary history of the extant Mediterranean monk seal subpopulations. Based on the results we recommend continuation of the monitoring efforts for the species and systematic collection of genetic samples and storage in dedicated sample banks. On a management level we argue that, based on genetic evidence, it is justified to manage the Atlantic and Mediterranean monk seal subpopulations as two separate management units. In Greece, the existence of two subpopulations should guide efforts for the establishment of a network of protected areas and identify the monitoring of habitat availability and suitability as an important conservation priority.

The Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus is the most endangered seal species. In this review we summarize the status, ecology, and behaviour of the Mediterranean monk seal, and identify the main threats that currently affect the species and the conservation priorities for securing its survival. Once abundant throughout the Black Sea and Mediterranean, as well as off the Atlantic coasts of northwestern Africa and Macaronesia, the Mediterranean monk seal has recently suffered dramatic declines, both in abundance and geographical range. It is now estimated that fewer than 700 individuals survive in three or four isolated subpopulations in the eastern and western Mediterranean, the archipelago of Madeira and the Cabo Blanco area in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. Mediterranean monk seals are coastal marine mammals. When resting and pupping on land, individuals generally seek refuge in inaccessible marine caves; this behaviour is, in part, believed to be an adaptation to increased disturbance by humans. Larger aggregations or colonies of the species can now be found only at Cabo Blanco in the Atlantic Ocean and on the island of Gyaros in the eastern Mediterranean. The main threats to the survival of the Mediterranean monk seal are habitat deterioration; deliberate killing, mainly by fishermen; and accidental entanglement and drowning in fishing gear. Limited availability of food sources and stochastic and unusual events have occasionally also contributed to Mediterranean monk seal mortality. Based on a common consensus among scientists and conservationists, the main conservation priorities for the monk seal are: habitat protection; mitigating negative interactions between seals and fisheries; scientific research and monitoring of local seal populations; education and public awareness campaigns; and rescue and rehabilitation of wounded, sick, and orphaned seals.

Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts from leaves of P. guajava on four bacterial and two fungal samples to determine the range of minimum inhibitory concentration of the extracts. Material and Methods: The antimicrobial activity of extracts of different polarities was compared using the agar dilution method. Differences in susceptibility to the active ingredient could be observed. Results: The results showed that the hydroalcoholic extract was active against Escherichia coli (1024 μg/ml) and Bacillus cereus (900 μg/ml). The aqueous extract showed no antimicrobial activity. Conclusions: Despite demonstrating antimicrobial efficiency, the P. guajava extract may be insufficient or may require a higher concentration to be fully effective.Uniterms: Psidium. Products with antimicrobial action. Traditional medicine.

3 MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal, Solomou Street 18, 10682, Athens, Greece Abstract Marine mammal and fishery interactions have increased concurrently with human population growth and subsequent increases in demand for fish- eries products. As a result, populations of marine mammals and the livelihood of coastal fishermen have both been adversely affected. Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus) are among the most endangered marine mammals in the world that have been impacted by fisheries. The aim of this study was to understand the nature and assess the magnitude of monk seal-fisheries interactions in the Archipelago of Madeira and to propose a set of con- servation measures to mitigate them. Information on interactions was collected during questionnaire sur- veys conducted at the main fishing port of Madeira, where approximately 14% of all the fishermen and 59% of all fishing vessels in the Archipelago were interviewed. Most fishermen (91%) believed that fish stocks were declining in their region, but few (1%) considered the monk seal to be the principal reason for this negative trend. Furthermore, only 30% of the fishermen interviewed had experienced monk seal-fishing gear interactions. These interac- tions occurred mainly in summer, in the morning, at depths between 0 to 50 m and below 100 m, and affected mainly hand-lines for demersal species. At the same time, no records of entangled monk seals in fishing gear were reported. Compared to other areas in the species' range, the intensity of poten- tially negative monk seal-fisheries interactions in the Archipelago of Madeira is lower, and they do not currently constitute a threat to the survival of the species. We believe that this is due to the fact that the use of fishing nets in the region has been banned, and fishers have switched to alternative, less harmful fishing methods. Proposed conserva- tion actions should include promoting environmen- tal awareness, the production of a "Good Fishing Conduct" manual, and the increase in surveillance and enforcement of fishing regulations.

The Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus is the most endangered seal in the world with

Activity patterns of the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) were examined in the Desertas Islands Nature Reserve in the archipelago of Madeira. Activity of seals at sea was recorded from 25 lookout sites positioned along the reserve’s coastline and correlated to site location, season, time of day, and state of tide. From 1994 to 2005, monk seal activity, related mainly to the reproductive behaviour of the species, was recorded primarily at the three pupping sites within the reserve. Activity was influenced by site location, season, and state of tide but not by the time of day. Activity was highest during the autumn and winter months and was related to the pupping and post-parturition necessities of the species, and during high tide, when the incoming action of the sea led monk seals to move out of coastal caves, which are used for resting and breeding. Differences in activity among the three sites monitored were attributed to the level of protection offered by these locations against wind and wave action. The findings of this study, the most extensive study of its kind, have enabled the identification of priority research, and conservation actions for the species in the area.

In order to describe the resting and pupping habitat of the Critically Endangered Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus and facilitate the identification of preferences by the species for suitable habitat for resting and pupping, 94 sea caves in the archipelago of Madeira were located, charted, and categorized using six characteristics. A cluster analysis indicated that there are eight different types of cave, in three groups. Observations of cave usage indicate that monk seals in the archipelago do not appear to exhibit a preference for certain cave types for resting. When taking care of young, however, the species appears to prefer sea caves that have beaches above sea level during high tide and long entrance corridors. Based on these preferences we believe that although there is a large number of caves in the area that are suitable for resting, only 16 (17%) of the caves are suitable for pupping. The survival of the Critically Endangered Mediterranean monk seal will depend on the allocation of sufficient suitable habitat for reproduction.

The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) survives in small isolated subpopulations, some of which currently are facing extinction. In the Archipelago of Madeira, the species is found only at the Desertas Islands, where it is legally protected. The last place on the main island of Madeira where monk seals were sighted was the Sao Lourenco Peninsula, where a protected area was recently created. A habitat survey carried out in the area, and recent sporadic sightings, indicated the existence of suitable resting and pupping habitat. The enforcement of protection measures in the area is intended to promote the establishment of a resident colony and enhance the species’ recovery chances.

The Mediterranean monk seal is categorized as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is in urgent need of effective conservation measures. Following a steep decline in the 20th century, the National Park Service of Madeira initiated efforts to protect the species in the archipelago of Madeira, including habitat protection, scientific research and public awareness. The aim of this study was to analyse data collected during a monitoring project (19882005) to assess the conservation status of the species and identify priority conservation actions for the future. The study recorded the presence of the species at key pupping sites in a strictly protected area at the Desertas Islands, increased sightings in recent years around the main island of Madeira, an increase in the number of pups born, and low mortality. The population in the archipelago of Madeira is currently estimated to be 20-30 adults. These findings suggest that the species remains Critically Endangered in the area but that its conservation situation has improved because of the implementation of effective conservation actions. Conservation priorities identified include protecting suitable monk seal habitat at Madeira, investigating sealfisheries interactions, increas- ing environmental education, and strengthening regional legislation for the protection of the species.

This study evaluated the microbiological conditions of root canals, using smears and culture from anterior teeth and premolars with necrotic pulps associated with chronic periapical pathologies, before and after biomechanical preparation (BMP). During double-flared instrumentation, 1, 2.5 and 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)-based irrigants were used in 3 groups: GI (n=39), GII (n=36) and GIII (n=36), respectively. Before BMP, all cultures were positive and the smears showed microbiologically diverse morphotypes, including fusiforms, pleomorphic, rods, cocci and filaments. Quantitetively, 20, 20 and 23 morphotypes were identified in GI, GII and GIII, respectively). After BMP, the percentages of negative cultures in GI, GII and GIII were 74.2%, 86.3% and 93.4% (p>0.05) and the number of morphotypes decreased to 14, 15 and 5, respectively. All teeth with 2 root canals and/or associated fistulas were microbiologically negative after BMP, regardless of irrigant concentration. Gram-negative morphotypes were more susceptible to the action of irrigants. After irrigation with 5% NaOCl, only structural arrangements consisting of Gram-positive cocci and bacilli persisted. Thus, BMP plus 5% NaOCl offered the best antiseptic potential because in the few positive cultures a significant reduction in the number of microbiological morphotypes was also shown (p0,05) e a incidência de morfotipos declinou para 14, 15 e 5, respectivamente. Todos os dentes birradiculados e/ou portadores de fístulas apresentaram-se microbiologicamente negativos após o PBM, independentemente do irrigante utilizado. Os morfotipos Gram-negativos foram mais suscetíveis à ação do PBM. Após o PBM persistiram apenas cocos e bacilos Gram-positivos no grupo III. Portanto, o PBM coadjuvado por solução de NaOCl a 5%, proporcionou o melhor desempenho anti-séptico, pois, nas poucas culturas positivas, houve também significativa redução do número de morfotipos microbiológicos (p