Diet of Engystomops pustulosus (Anura: Leptodactylidae) from Colombia and current knowledge of its dietary

Investigamos la dieta de Engystomops pustulosus de una población del valle medio del río Magdalena, incluyendo una evaluación del efecto del tamaño del cuerpo y de la cabeza sobre el número y volumen de presas. Presentamos el estado actual de conocimiento sobre la dieta de E. pustulosus a partir de información publicada más nuestros datos. Encontramos un total de 400 presas representando dos phyla, Arthropoda y Mollusca; siete órdenes y nueve familias de invertebrados. Los artrópodos, principalmente insectos, fueron las presas más frecuentes en la dieta. Entre los artrópodos, Acari e Isoptera fueron numéricamente dominantes. No se observaron efectos del tamaño del cuerpo y la cabeza sobre el número y volumen de presas. La literatura publicada sobre la dieta de E. pustulosus incluyó 66 taxones presas, entre los que Isoptera, Acari y Formicidae fueron los grupos más comunes, lo que sugiere una especialización en la dieta. Las presas consumidas por E. pustulosus varían entre localidades; Blattodea, Orthoptera y Thysanoptera, son únicos en algunas localidades. Estudios más detallados de la disponibilidad de presas y dietas asociadas a los cambios en el uso del suelo en mas localidades geográficas contribuirá a una mejor comprensión de las interacciones depredador-presa en estos entornos antropogénicos.Investigamos a dieta de Engystomops pustulosus de uma população do vale médio do rio Magdalena, incluindo uma avaliação do efeito do tamanho do corpo e da cabeça sobre o número e o volume das presas. Apresentamos o estado atual do conhecimento sobre a dieta de E. pustulosus com base em informações publicadas e em nossos próprios dados. Encontramos um total de 400 itens alimentares representando os filos Arthropoda e Mollusca; sete ordens e nove famílias de invertebrados. Artrópodes, principalmente insetos, foram os itens mais frequentes na dieta. Entre os artrópodes, Acari e Isoptera foram numericamente dominantes. Não foram observados efeitos do tamanho do corpo e da cabeça sobre o número e o volume de presas. A literatura publicada sobre a dieta de E. pustulosus incluiu 66 táxons, entre os quais Isoptera, Acari e Formicidae foram os grupos mais comuns, sugerindo especialização na dieta. Os itens consumidos variaram entre as localidades; Blattodea, Orthoptera e Thysanoptera foram exclusivos de algumas localidades. Estudos mais detalhados da disponibilidade de presas e dietas associadas a mudanças no uso do solo em mais localidades geográficas contribuirão para uma melhor compreensão das interações predador-presanesses ambientes antropogênicos.We investigated the diet of Engystomops pustulosus from a population in the Middle Magdalena River valley, including an evaluation of theeffect of body and head size on prey number and volume. We present the current state of knowledge of the diet of E. pustulosus from published information in addition to our data. We found a total of 400 prey items representing two phyla, Arthropoda and Mollusca; seven orders and nine families were detected. Arthropods, mainly insects, were the most frequent prey in the diet. Among arthropods, Acari and Isoptera were numerically dominant. We did not observe effects of body and head size on prey number and volume. The published literature of the diet of E. pustulosus included 66 prey items, among which Isoptera (termites), Acari, and Formicidae were the most common groups, suggesting dietary specialization. Prey items consumed by E. pustulosus varied among different localities; Blattodea, Orthoptera, and Thysanoptera were unique at certain localities. Further study of prey availability and diets associated with land-use changes across majorgeographic localities will contribute to a better understanding of the predator-prey interactions in these anthropogenic environments

Acute Effects of Muscular Fatigue on Vertical Jump Performance in Acrobatic Gymnasts, Evaluated by Instrumented Insoles: A Pilot Study

The study of fatigue during training is becoming a very useful tool to avoid possible injuries not only during the training sessions but also during recovery time. Many researches have proved that concepts such as muscular fatigue and postactivation potentiation have a close relationship. With this aim, vertical jump can provide a very important information that can help to analyze the muscular fatigue that happened during this type of activity, mainly if the monitoring system is able to measure jumping parameters during their regular training session in their natural training environment. This study was performed with instrumented insoles called ECnsole. These insoles were tested with a group of twelve volunteers. In a tumbling surface, the participants performed a jumping protocol in three conditions: rest, fatigue-induced, and recovery. Using these validated insoles, the acrobatic gymnasts showed an inability to use the stretch-shortening cycle for improving vertical jumping performance after fatigue condition, although no deterioration of jump performance was found.Junta de Andalucía European Commission P10-TIC5997European Commissio

What level of native beetle diversity can be supported by forestry plantations? A global synthesis

Forestry plantations have been established globally to meet timber demands, often leading to the conversion of natural to artificial forests. Forestry plantations may support natural elements of forest biodiversity, but understanding their role in the maintenance of biodiversity is a crucial question. We performed a meta-analysis of 48 studies to determine how forestry plantations relative to natural forests influence the species richness and abundance of three important coleopteran groups (i.e., ground beetles, rove beetles, and dung beetles), given their essential role in ecosystem functioning. We assessed whether beetle responses depended on taxonomic group, geographical location, native or exotic character of the planted tree species, and associated management characteristics (i.e., composition, size, age, and connectivity of the plantations). We found that forestry plantations negatively affected coleopteran species richness and abundance compared to natural forests. The negative impact was most severe in plantations with exotic tree species and located in tropical biomes. Species richness and abundance of beetles significantly increased with plantation age in native plantations but decreased in exotic ones. Also, small plantations close to native forest had higher beetle species richness and abundance than ones located far away from native forest. Stopping the conversion of natural forests to plantations, promoting the use of native tree species, and lengthening rotations are critical for allowing biodiversity recovery in forestry plantations, combined with a robust conservation strategy to protect threatened biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.Hungarian Basic Research FundRemedinalNatural Environment Research CouncilMinisterio de Ciencia e Innovació

Acute effect of acrobatic jumps on different elastic platforms in the muscle response evaluated through tensiomyography

The aim of the study was to determine the changes in the muscle mechanics for the flexo-extension of the knee joint and extension of the ankle joint from a sample of 14 high-performance male gymnasts (mean ± SD: age 20.71±3.12 years; body mass 67.59±6.10 kg, height 1.73±0.05 cm). An acrobatic training protocol in three different elastic platforms: gymnastics floor, tumbling track, and trampolining, and its recovery times were compared. The contraction time, delay time, deformation of the muscle belly were evaluated and muscular response speed was calculated by Tensiomyography. The results showed different types of propensity to fatigue according to the muscle group involved (p<0.05). The greater the stiffness of the surface, the greater the muscle enhancement and the shorter post-effort recovery time. In trampolining fatigue level was higher in all muscle groups (p<0.05) and they needed more time to retrieve the baseline. The decrease of the delay and contraction time in vastus medialis (p<0.001) reflected the instability experienced in performing jumps when the training surface was changed from high to low elasticity in a short period of time. Tensiomyography allowed us to estimate the different levels of activation-enhancement at which the muscle reaches levels of fatigue, which enables training on different drive surfaces to be adapted and to evaluate the optimal recovery time for preventing joint instability

Adhesion factors and antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli strains associated with colibacillosis in piglets in Colombia

Background and Aim: The pathogenicity of Escherichia coli is determined by the presence of genes that mediate virulence factors such as adherence capacity and toxin production. This research aimed to identify the adhesion factors and antibiotic resistance capacity of E. coli strains associated with diarrhea in piglets in Colombia. Materials and Methods: Presumptive E. coli strains were isolated from the rectal swabs of piglets in swine farms between 4 and 40 days of age with evidence of diarrhea. Presumptive E. coli strains were tested for antibiotic resistance. The hemolytic capacity of presumptive E. coli strains was measured and molecularly identified. Strains confirmed as hemolytic E. coli was evaluated for the presence of five adhesion factors (F4, F5, F6, F18, and F41) and resistance to 11 antibiotics. Results: Fifty-two putative E. coli strains were isolated, six of which showed a hemolytic capacity. The hemolytic strains were molecularly identified as E. coli. Adhesive fimbriae were found in five of six β-hemolytic E. coli isolates. Combinations of the adhesion factors F6–F18 and F6–F41 were linked to antibiotic resistance capacity. Conclusion: The phenomenon of E. coli strains resistant to multiple antibiotics on pig farms represents a constant risk factor for public health and pig production

Genome-Wide Linkage Scan of Bipolar Disorder in a Colombian Population Isolate Replicates Loci on Chromosomes 7p21–22, 1p31, 16p12 and 21q21–22 and Identifies a Novel Locus on Chromosome 12q

Background/Aims: Bipolar disorder (BP) is a severe psychiatric illness, characterised by alternating episodes of depression and mania, which ranks among the top ten causes of morbidity and life-long disability world-wide. We have previously performed a whole-genome linkage scan on 6 pedigrees segregating severe BP from the well-characterised population isolate of Antioquia, Colombia. We recently collected genotypes for the same set of 382 autosomal microsatellite markers in 9 additional Antioquian BP pedigrees. Here, we report the analysis of the combined pedigree set

Hacia una metodología estandarizada para el muestreo de escarabajos peloteros (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) en el Neotrópico: Una revisión crítica

Introducción: La estandarización de los protocolos de muestreo es imprescindible para el estudio robusto de cualquier grupo taxonómico. Los métodos replicables permiten la comparación de datos entre diferentes estudios espaciales y temporales. En el caso de los escarabajos coprófagos, uno de los grupos indicadores mejor estudiados en los análisis de perturbaciones ambientales, se utiliza una amplia gama de metodologías de recolección, desde trampas de caída básicas hasta métodos más complejos o complementarios, como el extractor mini-Winkler. Además, en los estudios de escarabajos coprófagos se utilizan diferentes tipos de cebos atractivos, esfuerzos de muestreo, duraciones y diseños. Las variaciones en los enfoques metodológicos se notan particularmente en el Neotrópico, lo que puede estar relacionado con la gran cantidad de estrategias biológicas y el comportamiento de los escarabajos coprófagos que habitan esta región. La falta de unificación metodológica para la región Neotropical imposibilita un análisis transversal de la información. Métodos: Realizamos una recopilación y revisión analítica de la literatura existente para el muestreo de escarabajos coprófagos en el Neotrópico, discutiendo las metodologías más utilizadas, sus ventajas y desventajas, y casos específicos en los que modelos particulares son más eficientes. Resultados: Las trampas Pitfall cebadas con excremento humano son el método de muestreo más común, pero existe una amplia gama de modelos y variaciones en la estructura de esta trampa. El efecto complementario generado por las trampas de interceptación de vuelos, las trampas de luz y las colecciones directas, particularmente dentro de los microhábitats, es emocionante por el potencial de encontrar nuevas especies. Algunas metodologías, como mini-Winkler extractor, fogging, o cebos muy específicos, se utilizan con poca frecuencia. Discusión: Hubo una falta de inclusión de la variación espacial y temporal entre los estudios. Por lo tanto, es necesario considerar ventanas de muestreo más amplias, que incluyan diferentes escalas espaciales, estaciones y años. Finalmente, proponemos un protocolo estándar para el muestreo de escarabajos coprófagos en el Neotrópico, dependiendo de cada objetivo, e incluyendo una metodología básica para la obtención de inventarios locales completos. Copyright © 2023 Mora-Aguilar, Arriaga-Jiménez, Correa, da Silva, Korasaki, López-Bedoya, Hernández, Pablo-Cea, Salomão, Valencia, Vulinec, Edwards, Edwards, Halffter y Noriega. Proponemos un protocolo estándar para el muestreo de escarabajos coprófagos en el Neotrópico, dependiendo de cada objetivo, e incluyendo una metodología básica para la obtención de inventarios locales completos. Copyright © 2023 Mora-Aguilar, Arriaga-Jiménez, Correa, da Silva, Korasaki, López-Bedoya, Hernández, Pablo-Cea, Salomão, Valencia, Vulinec, Edwards, Edwards, Halffter y Noriega. Proponemos un protocolo estándar para el muestreo de escarabajos coprófagos en el Neotrópico, dependiendo de cada objetivo, e incluyendo una metodología básica para la obtención de inventarios locales completos.Introduction: The standardization of sampling protocols is imperative for robustly studying any taxonomic group. Replicable methods allow the comparison of data between different spatial and temporal studies. In the case of dung beetles, one of the best-studied indicator groups in analyses of environmental disturbance, a wide range of collection methodologies are used, from basic pitfall traps to more complex or complementary methods such as mini-Winkler extractor. Also, different types of attractive baits, sampling effort, durations, and designs are used in dung beetle studies. Variations in methodological approaches are particularly noted in the Neotropics, which may be related to the vast number of biological strategies and behavior of dung beetles that inhabit this region. A lack of methodological unification for the Neotropical region makes a cross-sectional analysis of the information impossible. Methods: We performed a compilation and analytical review of the existing literature for dung beetle sampling in the Neotropics, discussing the most used methodologies, their advantages and disadvantages, and specific cases in which particular models are more efficient. Results: Pitfall traps baited with human excrement are the most common sampling method, but there is a wide range of models and variations in the structure of this trap. The complementary effect generated by flight interception traps, light traps, and direct collections, particularly within microhabitats, is exciting for the potential of finding new species. Some methodologies, such as mini-Winkler extractor, fogging, or very specific baits, are infrequently used. Discussion: There was a lack of inclusion of spatial and temporal variation among studies. Therefore, it is necessary to consider broader sampling windows, which include different spatial scales, seasons, and years. Finally, we propose a standard protocol for sampling dung beetles in the Neotropics, depending on each objective, and including a basic methodology for obtaining complete local inventories

Toward a standardized methodology for sampling dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) in the Neotropics: a critical review

Introduction: The standardization of sampling protocols is imperative for robustly studying any taxonomic group. Replicable methods allow the comparison of data between different spatial and temporal studies. In the case of dung beetles, one of the best-studied indicator groups in analyses of environmental disturbance, a wide range of collection methodologies are used, from basic pitfall traps to more complex or complementary methods such as mini-Winkler extractor. Also, different types of attractive baits, sampling effort, durations, and designs are used in dung beetle studies. Variations in methodological approaches are particularly noted in the Neotropics, which may be related to the vast number of biological strategies and behavior of dung beetles that inhabit this region. A lack of methodological unification for the Neotropical region makes a cross-sectional analysis of the information impossible. Methods: We performed a compilation and analytical review of the existing literature for dung beetle sampling in the Neotropics, discussing the most used methodologies, their advantages and disadvantages, and specific cases in which particular models are more efficient. Results: Pitfall traps baited with human excrement are the most common sampling method, but there is a wide range of models and variations in the structure of this trap. The complementary effect generated by flight interception traps, light traps, and direct collections, particularly within microhabitats, is exciting for the potential of finding new species. Some methodologies, such as mini-Winkler extractor, fogging, or very specific baits, are infrequently used. Discussion: There was a lack of inclusion of spatial and temporal variation among studies. Therefore, it is necessary to consider broader sampling windows, which include different spatial scales, seasons, and years. Finally, we propose a standard protocol for sampling dung beetles in the Neotropics, depending on each objective, and including a basic methodology for obtaining complete local inventories