Gláucia C. Silva-Oliveira

Genetic characterisation of populations of the critically endangered Goliath grouper ( Epinephelus itajara, Serranidae) from the Northern Brazilian coast through analyses of mtDNA

The Goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara) is one of the most endangered species of fish of the subfamily Epinephelinae. Slow to develop and mature, and dependent on mangrove habitats for breeding, the species also suffers intense harvesting, which has reduced drastically in numbers in many areas. To contribute to the understanding of the characteristics of E. itajara populations, we conducted a molecular genetics study of the species, focusing on populations from the Northern Brazilian coast. The mtDNA control region (D-loop) of 116 individuals from five localities (Braganca, Ajuruteua, Parnaiba, Fortaleza and Natal) was analysed, and a sequence of 499 base pairs identified. Analyses of the sequences indicated that genetic variability was generally lower in E. itajara than in other endangered species of the genus. AMOVA found no significant grouping structure among the populations. Nested Clade Analysis revealed a significant association between genetic variability and geographic distribution among only three populations (Ajuruteua, Parnaiba and Natal). Genetic diversity was higher in populations from the Amazon region, which may be related to the better conservation of mangrove habitats in this area. Therefore, the present study could be used for the implementation of conservation and management measures in order to protect and consolidate these populations.

New nuclear primers for molecular studies of Epinephelidae fishes

The EPIC strategy was used in the present study in order to develop molecular markers for Epinephelus itajara. Twelve primers were designed for six genomic regions. The results of the study provide a number of appropriate new nuclear DNA markers for future genetic studies in several endangered/overexploited grouper species. The description of these markers will also expand the number of molecular tools available for the reconstruction of the life history of the different grouper species, in particular those in urgent need of effective protection measures.

Prevalence of HCV infection and associated factors among illicit drug users in Breves, State of Pará, northern Brazil

INTRODUCTION Illicit drug users (DUs) are vulnerable to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The shared use of illicit drugs is the main method of HCV transmission. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in Breves, in northern Brazil. We surveyed 187 DUs to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with HCV infection. RESULTS The prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies was 36.9%, and the prevalence of hepatitis C virus-ribonucleic acid (HCV-RNA) was 31%. Hepatitis C virus infection was associated with tattoos, intravenous drug use, shared use of equipment for drug use, drug use for longer than 3 years, and daily drug use. CONCLUSIONS Strategies for preventing and controlling HCV transmission should be implemented among DUs.

Use of marijuana and cocaine among students in the municipality of Breves,Marajo Archipelago, Brazilian Amazon

Background: Globally, the use of illicit drugs is a public health problem. Generally, the use of licit drugs tends to precede and increase the risk of regular use of illicit drugs. Since, the family environment can influence this process. In Brazil, marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug, especially among adolescent users. In northern Brazil, epidemiological studies of illicit drug use in the population of adolescents and young people are still scarce. This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with the regular use of marijuana and cocaine among high school students in the municipality of Breves, Para, Brazilian Amazon. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in four high schools in the municipality of Breves, in which a self-filling form was used to collect information and enable the description and analysis of socio-demographic, economic and family conditions related to the regular use of illicit drugs. Chi-Square and Odds Ratio tests were used to indicate and quantify the contribution of factors associated with regular use of illicit drugs. Results: Among 3,218 students, 1,828 (56.8%) agreed to participate in this study. The age range was 14-52 years, with predominance of female students (55.6%). The prevalence of experimentation and regular use of marijuana and cocaine was 8.8% and 4.0%, respectively. The average initial age of use of marijuana and cocaine was 13.5 years. Most students who regularly use illicit drugs use only marijuana (81.1%). Several factors associated with regular use of illicit drugs have been identified. In particular related to social, economic and demographic aspects. Conclusion: The prevalence of students using illicit drugs is moderate in the municipality of Breves. Possibly, regular use of marijuana and cocaine is associated with the social, demographic and economic issues of the users family.

Primers for the amplification of the MHC IIβ chain exon 2 in the Atlantic goliath grouper ( Epinephelus itajara )

Abstract In the present study we designed a pair of primers to amplify the exon 2 of the MHC IIβ chain of the Atlantic goliath grouper, which is responsible for the recognition of pathogenic molecules and the regulation of the immune system. Future analyses of this region may provide an important database to understand the evolutionary processes affecting the populations of the goliath grouper, and to predict the conservation perspectives in the species.