This study aimed to evaluate the exposure of Chelonia mydas (green turtles) inhabiting the south coast of Pernambuco, Northeast Brazil, to essential and toxic elements. Concentrations of Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Zn were determined in shell, muscle, liver, and kidney samples from 43 individuals using ICP-OES. Element concentrations varied according to tissue type. Specifically, the average concentrations of A...

Objective To develop an endoscope reprocessing system using ozonated water jets. Methods The system features a jet head with concentric orifices that moves vertically to disinfect the external surface of the endoscope. Simultaneously, ozonated water is injected into the internal channel to ensure complete disinfection. Endoscopes were experimentally contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli . Quantitative an...

Aim We investigate the distribution of dispersal modes — endozoochory (via animal ingestion), synzoochory (via animal seed accumulation) and anemochory (via wind)—and seed mass of woody plants across Brazilian ecosystems, testing whether their relative abundance in local plant communities could be predicted by climate, edaphic factors and dispersal agents (e.g., the main vectors moving seeds). We expected climate to be the mai...