Ocean acidification is a major threat to coral reefs worldwide, with reduced growth already reported in the hydrocoral Millepora alcicornis (Linnaeus, 1758) under these conditions. Inhibition of enzymes related to energy metabolism is hypothesized as one of the mechanisms associated with the physiological impacts of ocean acidification. Therefore, a mesocosm experiment was conducted to investigate whether three levels of decreasing seawater pH could alter the activity of key enzymes involved in the energy metabolism in M. alcicornis. Hydrocorals were acclimated to marine mesocosm conditions for 20 days and then exposed to different seawater pH levels [ambient pH (8.1) and experimental pH (7.8, 7.5 and 7.2)] for 16 and 30 days. Endpoints analyzed included the activity of key enzymes involved in the regulation of the glycolytic pathway (hexokinase and pyruvate kinase), aerobic energy production via the Krebs cycle (citrate synthase) and anaerobic energy production via lactate formation (lactate dehydrogenase). The results obtained show that only citrate synthase was affected by seawater acidification, as a marked reduction in its activity was observed at all experimental pH levels tested (7.8, 7.5 and 7.2). This finding indicates that reduced growth previously reported for M. alcicornis under seawater acidification conditions can be explained, at least in part, by a negative impact on the Krebs cycle, a major pathway involved in aerobic energy production.

Anthropogenic climate change combined with the 2023–24 El Niño-Southern Oscillation triggered the fourth global bleaching event, affecting coral reefs worldwide. However, the extent of its impacts on the unique and extensive reef environments in the Southwestern Atlantic remained unquantified. Here, we report results from the first large-scale, standardized bleaching monitoring effort in the Southwestern Atlantic, encompassing 18 reef sites across a broad latitudinal range (3°-27°S). The intensity and duration of the thermal stress experienced were evaluated using the Degree Heating Week metric, obtained through remote-sensing data. Bleaching and coral cover loss were monitored through photoquadrat surveys conducted before, during, and after the event. Our results revealed widespread thermal anomalies that often exceeded 20 °C-weeks and lasted 3–5 months. Bleaching incidence reached 96

Southwestern Atlantic reefs are experiencing increased bleaching-associated mortality, prompting the proposal of active coral restoration as a solution. However, this approach faces challenges such as genetic bottlenecks, cost, scale, survival amidst local and global impacts, and long-term efficacy. Thus, we reviewed the major attributes of Southwestern Atlantic reefs and their coral species to assess the feasibility of active coral restoration in this unique biological and oceanographic setting. We also examined existing restoration techniques and their applicability to Southwestern Atlantic coral species and reef sites. Few species meet both suitability and priority criteria for restoration, with only Millepora alcicornis, Mi. braziliensis, and Mi. nitida, and, to a lesser extent, Mussismilia braziliensis emerging as relevant candidates. In this low-diversity region, suitable species are scarce, and identifying suitable restoration sites is challenging due to widespread local impacts and ineffective policy enforcement. We propose that practitioners (i) master species-specific fragmentation, handling, care, and monitoring techniques; (ii) align restoration practices with scientific knowledge; (iii) avoid combining multiple interventionist techniques; (iv) acknowledge potential conflicts of interest in restoration practices; and that (v) government agencies oversee restoration activities, and that transparency reports be generated. Southwestern Atlantic reefs need custom-designed conservation measures, and baseline data is essential for identifying suitable restoration sites. Although few species are viable candidates for restoration, and its effectiveness in restoring degraded reefs is unproven under current climate conditions, following the proposed ethical and ecological guidelines may help sustain threatened species and ecosystem services in degraded areas until climate change policies take effect.

Rhodolith beds are predominantly formed by calcareous red algae with a rich benthic fauna. Nonetheless, little is known about the biota relationships with their structural variability. Rhodolith shape, size and vitality were examined from 22 sampling stations in dense and sparse areas of a mesophotic rhodolith bed in the Campos Basin, Brazil located within a major oil production area. Nine taxonomic benthic faunal groups were identified: Mollusca (58 taxa), Polychaeta (51), Echinodermata (27), Crustacea (24), Bryozoa (20), Porifera (19), Cnidaria (6), Ascidiacea (2) and Brachiopoda (1). Cnidaria, Mollusca, Bryozoa and Brachiopoda were abundant in areas with gravelly/rhodolith bottoms, while Polychaeta were associated with sandy/muddy bottoms. The faunal composition in the Peregrino oil field showed greater species richness than observed in other rhodolith beds worldwide. The present study contributes to the knowledge of the structural, taxonomical and functional characteristics of a rhodolith bed present along the Brazilian continental shelf.

The Southwestern Atlantic harbors unique reef environments with high proportions of endemic species. The most prominent reefs are located in the Abrolhos Bank, a 46,000 km2 extension of the South American continental shelf. However, just 100 km north of Abrolhos is the Royal Charlotte Bank (RCB), an area still poorly investigated. From a biological perspective, the only scientific information available is the historical record of lobster fisheries in the region. Hence, we performed an expedition to investigate what macrohabitats are found in the RCB and perform a preliminary biodiversity assessment. A dropcam was deployed in 67 sites and recorded images of macrohabitats and associated biodiversity. Four different macrohabitats were detected: rhodolith beds, macroalgal forests associated with rhodolith beds, calcareous sand deposits and coral reefs. The former two were the most frequent, and both rhodolith and macroalgae densities were higher on the outer shelf. A total of 83 species of fish, invertebrates and algae were identified, which comprises a comparatively high diversity for visual reef biodiversity assessments in the Southwestern Atlantic. Our findings show that the RCB is a large and diverse ecosystem complex mostly composed of rhodoliths, and also that it may be already undergoing anthropogenic impacts associated with climate change and fisheries. Therefore, further investigations are necessary to understand the extent of biodiversity and its main threats and evaluate the possible need of conservation and management measures.

Maintenance optimization of railway infrastructure includes several kinds of aspects, such as safety, economic, operational, organization and regulatory issues. Among them the regulatory issues, that are fixed, increase the maintenance costs significantly. This is especially true in so-called capillary networks (local regional railway networks), where only the freight transport exists. Hence, the question is how to minimize maintenance costs with respect to regulatory issues? To solve this problem, we propose a clustering approach. The idea is to cluster tracks, considering elements of railway infrastructure as attributes. Once railway tracks are clustered in groups with similar attributes, then the maintenance can be organized more efficiently. In this paper, Variable Neighborhood Search metaheuristic is developed to solve minimum sum of squares clustering problem. Based on the results of clustering and available real and simulated data we report 22% savings in maintenance schedule for clusters.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Primary polydipsia (PP), or psychogenic polydipsia, is the excessive liquid intake (> 3 litres per day) that is not explained by any other medical condition. It can occur in up to 14% of psychiatric patients and the origin of the water-seeking behaviour among these patients remains unknown. When uncontrolled, patients drink beyond their renal capacity of excretion, developing hyponatremia, which can progress to water intoxication with nausea, vomiting, confusion, ataxia and can even be fatal. Methods: Case presentation based on the observation of the patient in the inpatient unit, analytical studies and the patient’s cli- nical records. We present a non-systematic review of the literature on the possible mechanisms that may be at the origin of the primary polydipsia and treatment approaches that have been suggested. Case presentation: We present a case of an individual with an intellectual disability medicated with risperidone for several years suffering from primary polydipsia and consequent severe water in- toxication. After stopping risperidone and switching to low dose clo- zapine, the polydiptic behaviour stopped. One month after discharge it hadn’t resurged and the patient remained analytically normal. Discussion: Antipsychotics have been suggested to be associated with primary polydipsia due to their high affinity to dopamine D2 receptors with consequent receptor hypersensitivity in the hypo- thalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and centre of thirst. Fluid restriction is important to correct hyponatremia. A pharmacological approach is often imperative to help patients to become more permeable to behavioural strategies. Unlike other antipsychotics, clozapine does not induce D2 hypersensitivity in the centre of thirst, therefore, it can be a reasonable treatment option. Conclusion: It is important to elucidate clinicians about this condition since it is common in psychiatric patients and often goes unnoticed or inadequately approached. Further investigations on the link between primary polydipsia and mental diseases are needed, as they are greatly under-researched, in order to find new treatments and management approaches to this condition. RESUMEN Introducción: La polidipsia primaria (PP), o polidipsia psicógena, es la ingestión excesiva de líquidos (> 3 litros por día) que no se explica por ninguna otra condición médica. Puede ocurrir hasta en el 14% de los pacientes psiquiátricos y se desconoce el origen del comportamiento de búsqueda de agua de estos pacientes. Cuando no se controla, los pacientes beben más allá de su capacidad renal de excreción, desarrollando una hiponatremia que puede progresar a una intoxicación hídrica con náuseas, vómitos, confusión, ataxia e incluso puede ser fatal. Métodos: Presentación de casos basada en la observación del paciente en la unidad de hospitalización, los estudios analíticos y las historias clínicas del paciente. Se presenta una revisión no sistemática sobre los posibles mecanismos que pueden estar en el origen de la polidipsia primaria y los enfoques de tratamiento que se han sugerido. Presentación de caso: Presentamos el caso de una persona con discapacidad intelectual medicada con risperidona durante varios años que padece polidipsia primaria y la consiguiente intoxicación grave por el agua. Tras dejar de tomar la risperidona y cambiar a una dosis baja de clozapina, el comportamiento polidíptico se detuvo. Un mes después de la alta hospitalaria, la polidipsia no había resurgido y el paciente se mantenia analíticamente normal. Discusión: Se ha sugerido que los antipsicóticos se asocian con la polidipsia primaria debido a su alta afinidad con los receptores de dopamina D2, con la consiguiente hipersensibilidad de los receptores en el eje hipotalámico-pituitaria-suprarrenal y el centro de la sed. La restricción de líquidos es importante para corregir la hiponatremia. A menudo es imprescindible un enfoque farmacológico para ayudar a los pacientes a ser más permeables a las estrategias de comportamiento. A diferencia de otros antipsicóticos, la clozapina no induce hipersensibilidad al D2 en el centro de la sed, por lo que puede ser una opción de tratamiento razonable. Conclusión: Es importante aclarar a los médicos acerca de esta afección ya que es común en los pacientes psiquiátricos y a menudo pasa desapercibida o se aborda de manera inadecuada. Se necesitan más investigaciones sobre el vínculo entre la polidipsia primaria y las enfermedades mentales, ya que están muy poco investigadas, a fin de encontrar nuevos tratamientos y enfoques de gestión de esta afección.

ObjectiveMaintenance treatment may improve quality of life (QoL) in heroin-dependent patients.The study compares the QoL of heroin-dependent patients between those receiving methadone and those receiving buprenorphine maintenance treatment.Additionally, the study assessed QoLassociated factors. MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional study on patients with heroin dependence receiving maintenance treatment (either methadone or buprenorphine) for at least 3 months.The Chinese Health Questionnaire (CHQ-12), Obsessive Compulsive Drug Use (OCDUS) questionnaire, and World Health Organization Quality of life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire were administered. ResultsA total of 149 patients on methadone and 31 on buprenorphine (mean age 49.9 ± 9.8 years) were surveyed.There were no differences in CHQ-12, but the buprenorphine group had a lower score on the OCDUS (P = .035)and a higher total score on the WHOQOL-BREF (P = .004)compared with the methadone group.After adjusting other variables, the buprenorphine group scored higher in the psychological domain of the WHOQOL-BREF (P = .032)than the methadone group.More participants in the buprenorphine group were employed than those in the methadone group (P = .024).Employment was associated with better QoL in the physical, psychological, and environmental domains of the WHOQOL-BREF. ConclusionsHeroin-dependent patients on buprenorphine maintenance treatment had a better QoL and higher likelihood of maintaining a job than those on methadone maintenance treatment.We recommend buprenorphine maintenance treatment for heroin-dependent patients. Acknowlegement

Terrestrial runoff is a source of sediments and nutrients to coral reefs. Due to runoff, Brazilian reefs are typically turbid, and have coral species that are naturally turbidity-resistant.This study investigated how terrestrial input influences population and physiology for the coral Favia gravida on two reefs with differences in river mouth proximity in eastern Brazil. The population structure and physiological traits of F. gravida colonies were assessed on both reefs, then some colonies selected for a subsequent transplantation experiment. The reef less impacted by terrestrial influence showed higher population density and lower recruitment. At this site, the coral colonies displayed higher calcification and larger larvae. The reproductive effort between coral populations at the two sites showed no significant difference. The transplantation experiment confirmed the high physiological plasticity of F. gravida colonies at the more turbid reef site. Despite being regarded as a more challenging environment, where F. gravida has a lower population density, the reef closer to the river mouth appears to secure more nutrients, which may heterotrophically compensate its coral colonies.

The Brazilian Continental Margin (BM) hosts one of the most poorly known deep-water fauna in the world, especially those referred to as habitat forming such as scleractinians and octocorallians (Cnidaria: Anthozoa). In waters deeper than 150 m, these anthozoans are the framework builders for coral reefs and coral gardens. Together, these habitats host the highest diversity of metazoans on the external shelf and slope. Although only a few surveys have been dedicated to the study of these organisms in the BM, it is known that Desmophyllum pertusum (former Lophelia pertusa), Solenosmilia variabilis, and Madrepora oculata form extensive reefs especially on the southern and southeastern regions. In the same way, Octocorallia representatives, such as those of the families Priminoidae, Clavulariidae, Plexauridae, Alcyoniidae, Isididae, Coralliidae, and Paragorgidae, also have great ecological importance at the BM and are particularly abundant at the northern and northeastern continental shelves and slope. In order to set a baseline for future research, the present chapter provides a historical review of the studies of these anthozoans from the BM, including a list of all records and their geographical and depth distributions. Based on part of these records, the BM distributional modeling of these organisms is predicted using habitat suitability models, which suggest that carbonate saturation state, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and particulate organic carbon are the main factors structuring habitat suitability along the BM. In addition, a comprehensive review of the studies focusing on reproduction of the main species occurring at the BM, a key process for the maintenance and renewal of coral populations and, therefore, design of marine protected areas, as well as the human-based impacts imposed to the habitats structured by these species, are provided.

Based on literature review, recent surveys, and specimens’ identification, we examined benthic cnidarian species richness across the oceanic Trindade and Martin Vaz Archipelago (TMA), Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. A total of 37 species (three Hydrozoa and 34 Anthozoa) are reported, including seven new records. The zooxanthellate scleractinian corals Montastraea cavernosa, Mussismilia hispida, Mussismilia leptophylla and Siderastrea stellata were the most commonly found species, while some species, such as the azooxanthellate coral Polycyahtus sp., were only found at one site. Although Martin Vaz Island has a lower diversity (11 species) compared to Trindade Island (37 species), fewer studies have been conducted in the former. Likewise, research in the TMA has focused on shallow water communities (<40 m depth), and comprehensive surveys of benthic Cnidaria species of mesophotic and deeper water habitats are needed. All data presented herein are discussed in the light of species ecology and distributional patterns and we also report tissue necrosis in some Octocorallia colonies.

Aim Our aim was to uncover patterns of distribution of marine subtidal rocky reef communities across six taxonomic groups and decompose the relative roles of species loss and turnover in total community variation. Additionally, we propose an easily calculated index that can be used to highlight areas with unique species composition for conservation planning. We estimated the strengths of associations between environmental factors and species richness and rarity. Location Ilha Grande Bay, Brazil, covering about 150,000 ha harbouring different marine habitats. Methods We used the Marine Rapid Assessment Protocol at 42 sites to gather information on environmental variables and species in six subtidal marine groups. We determined "singular" sites as the regions harbouring higher numbers of rare species. Then, we estimated the roles of species loss and turnover on the observed total variation among sites. We used Generalized Linear Model to partition the relative importance of the selected environmental factors in driving variation in species richness and singularity. Results The singularity index and richness showed that the bay could be divided into three subregions for subtidal communities. Richness and rarity were structured at different spatial scales and associated with environmental variables related to water productivity and nutrients but varied among taxonomic groups. Community variation over space was largely associated with turnover of species. Main conclusions Higher singularity and richness on the western side of the bay and around the main island suggested that these regions should be conservation priorities, but high species turnover across the whole bay indicated that portions of the central channel should be included in conservation strategies. This draws attention to the importance of community variation rather than just species numbers in conservation and management planning. The high species turnover indicated that these rocky reefs have high beta diversity when compared to other studied biological systems.

Global impacts are affecting negatively coral reefs’ health worldwide. Ocean acidification associated with the increasing CO 2 partial pressure in the atmosphere can potentially induce oxidative stress with consequent cellular damage in corals and hydrocorals. In the present study, parameters related to oxidative status were evaluated in the hydrocoral Millepora alcicornis exposed to three different levels of seawater acidification using a mesocosm system. CO 2 -driven acidification of seawater was performed until reaching 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 pH units below the current pH of seawater pumped from the coral reef adjacent to the mesocosm. Therefore, treatments corresponded to control (pH 8.1), mild (pH 7.8), intermediate (pH 7.5) and severe (pH 7.2) seawater acidification. After 0, 16 and 30 d of exposure, hydrocorals were collected and the following parameters were analyzed in the holobiont: antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals (ACAP), total glutathione (GSHt) concentration, reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione ratio (GSH/GSSG), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and protein carbonyl group (PC) levels. ACAP was increased in hydrocorals after 16 d of exposure to intermediate levels of seawater acidification. GSHt and GSH/GSSG did not change over the experimental period. LPO was increased at any level of seawater acidification, while PC content was increased in hydrocorals exposed to intermediate and severe seawater acidification for 30 d. These findings indicate that the antioxidant defense system of M. alcicornis is capable of coping with acidic conditions for a short period of time (16 d). Additionally, they clearly show that a long-term (30 d) exposure to seawater acidification induces oxidative stress with consequent oxidative damage to lipids and proteins, which could compromise hydrocoral health.