Space use by giant otter groups in the Brazilian Pantanal

Giant otters (Pteronura brasiliensis) live in groups that seem to abandon their territories during the flooding season. We studied the spatial ecology of giant otter groups during dry and wet seasons in the Vermelho and Miranda rivers in the Brazilian Pantanal. We monitored visually or by radiotelemetry 10 giant otter groups monthly from June 2009 to June 2011.We estimated home-range size for all groups with the following methods: linear river length, considering the extreme locations of each group, and fixed kernel. For the radiotracked groups, we also used the k-LoCoh method. Spatial fidelity and habitat selection of giant otter groups were analyzed seasonally. On the basis of k-LoCoh (98%) method, home-range sizes during the wet season (3.6-7.9 km2) were 4 to 59 times larger than during the dry season (0.1-2.3 km2). Home-range fidelity between seasons varied among giant otter groups from 0% to 87%, and 2 radiotagged groups shifted to flooded areas during the wet seasons. Giant otter groups were selective in relation to the composition of the landscape available during the dry seasons, when the river was used more intensively than other landscape features. However, they seemed to be less selective in positioning activity ranges during the wet season. During this season, giant otters were frequently observed fishing in the areas adjacent to the river, such as flooded forest, grassland, and swamps. © 2013 American Society of Mammalogists

Allometric models for estimating the aboveground biomass of the mangrove Rhizophora mangle

The development of species-specific allometric models is critical to the improvement of aboveground biomass estimates, as well as to the estimation of carbon stock and sequestration in mangrove forests. This study developed allometric equations for estimating aboveground biomass of Rhizophora mangle in the mangroves of the estuary of the São Francisco River, in northeastern Brazil. Using a sample of 74 trees, simple linear regression analysis was used to test the dependence of biomass (total and per plant part) on size, considering both transformed (ln) and not-transformed data. Best equations were considered as those with the lowest standard error of estimation (SEE) and highest adjusted coefficient of determination (R2a). The ln-transformed equations showed better results, with R2a near 0.99 in most cases. The equations for reproductive parts presented low R2a values, probably attributed to the seasonal nature of this compartment. "Basal Area2 × Height" showed to be the best predictor, present in most of the best-fitted equations. The models presented here can be considered reliable predictors of the aboveground biomass of R. mangle in the NE-Brazilian mangroves as well as in any site were this widely distributed species present similar architecture to the trees used in the present study.O desenvolvimento de modelos alométricos espécie-específicos é fundamental para a melhoria das estimativas de biomassa aérea, bem como para a estimativa do estoque e sequestro de carbono em florestas de mangue. Este estudo desenvolveu equações alométricas para estimar a biomassa aérea de Rhizophora mangle nos manguezais do estuário do rio São Francisco, nordeste do Brasil. Usando uma amostra de 74 árvores, análises de regressão linear simples foram usadas para testar a dependência da biomassa (total e por parte da planta) do tamanho, considerando dados transformados (Ln) e não transformados. As melhores equações foram aquelas com menor erro padrão da estimativa (SEE) e maior coeficiente de determinação ajustado (R2a). As equações ln-transformadas apresentaram melhores resultados, com R2a próximo a 0,99 na maioria dos casos. As equações para partes reprodutivas apresentaram valores baixos de R2a, o que pode ser atribuído ao caráter sazonal deste compartimento. "Área basal2×Altura" demonstrou ser o melhor preditor, presente na maioria das equações melhor ajustadas. Os modelos aqui apresentados podem ser considerados preditores confiáveis da biomassa aérea de R. mangle no manguezal do Nordeste brasileiro, bem como em qualquer local onde esta espécie de ampla distribuição assemelhe-se à arquitetura das árvores utilizadas no presente estudo

Long-term concentration of tropical forest nutrient hotspots is generated by a central-place apex predator

Apex predators typically affect the distribution of key soil and vegetation nutrients through the heterogeneous deposition of prey carcasses and excreta, leading to a nutrient concentration in a hotspot. The exact role of central-place foragers, such as tropical raptors, in nutrient deposition and cycling, is not yet known. We investigated whether harpy eagles (Harpia harpyja) in Amazonian Forests—a typically low soil fertility ecosystem—affect soil nutrient profiles and the phytochemistry around their nest-trees through cumulative deposition of prey carcasses and excreta. Nest-trees occurred at densities of 1.5–5.0/100 km2, and each nest received ~ 102.3 kg of undressed carcasses each year. Effects of nests were surprisingly negative over local soil nutrient profiles, with soils underneath nest-trees showing reductions in nutrients compared with controls. Conversely, canopy tree leaves around nests showed significant 99%, 154% and 50% increases in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, respectively. Harpy eagles have experienced a 41% decline in their range, and many raptor species are becoming locally extirpated. These are general examples of disruption in biogeochemical cycles and nutrient heterogeneity caused by population declines in a central-place apex predator. This form of carrion deposition is by no means an exception since several large raptors have similar habits

Integrating economic costs and biological traits into global conservation priorities for carnivores

Background: Prioritization schemes usually highlight species-rich areas, where many species are at imminent risk of extinction. To be ecologically relevant these schemes should also include species biological traits into area-setting methods. Furthermore, in a world of limited funds for conservation, conservation action is constrained by land acquisition costs. Hence, including economic costs into conservation priorities can substantially improve their conservation cost-effectiveness. Methodology/Principal Findings: We examined four global conservation scenarios for carnivores based on the joint mapping of economic costs and species biological traits. These scenarios identify the most cost effective priority sets of ecoregions, indicating best investment opportunities for safeguarding every carnivore species, and also establish priority sets that can maximize species representation in areas harboring highly vulnerable species. We compared these results with a scenario that minimizes the total number of ecoregions required for conserving all species, irrespective of other factors. We found that cost-effective conservation investments should focus on 41 ecoregions highlighted in the scenario that consider simultaneously both ecoregion vulnerability and economic costs of land acquisition. Ecoregions included in priority sets under these criteria should yield best returns of investments since they harbor species with high extinction risk and have lower mean land cost. Conclusions/Significance: Our study highlights ecoregions of particular importance for the conservation of the world’s carnivores defining global conservation priorities in analyses that encompass socioeconomic and life-history factors. We consider the identification of a comprehensive priority-set of areas as a first step towards an in-situ biodiversity maintenance strategy

Qualidade das silagens de seis cultivares de sorgo para ovinos

The objective of this work was to evaluate the silage quality, fermentation profile, intake, and digestibility of six sorghum cultivars for sheep feeding. 'SF 15', 'IPA 2502', 'BRS 655', 'BR 601', 'BRS 506', and 'Sudão' were cultivated in randomized complete block designs with five replicates, harvested, and ensiled when plants reached the soft-dough grain stage. Silage quality was determined in laboratory silos. Intake and apparent digestibility were determined during 22 days, using 24 Santa Inês lambs (35.5±2.21 kg) randomly distributed in the treatments. Silage from 'IPA 2502' had the lowest contents of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber; the highest nonfibrous carbohydrate and total digestible nutrient contents; and the greatest dry matter degradability. Silages from 'BR 601' and 'BRS 506' showed the highest values of crude protein, whereas those of 'SF 15' and 'Sudão' had the highest levels of fibrous fractions. Lambs fed silage from 'IPA 2502' consumed more dry matter and nonfibrous carbohydrates, and their crude protein digestibility was also greater than that from the consumption of other cultivar silages. 'IPA 2502' stands out for its nutritional characteristics, which resulted in better animal performance.O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade da silagem, o perfil de fermentação, o consumo e a digestibilidade de seis cultivares de sorgo para alimentação de ovinos. 'SF 15', 'IPA 2502', 'BRS 655', 'BR 601', 'BRS 506' e 'Sudão' foram cultivadas em delineamento de blocos ao acaso com cinco repetições, colhidos e ensilados quando as plantas atingiram o estádio pastoso da maturidade dos grãos. A qualidade da silagem foi determinada em silos de laboratório. O consumo e a digestibilidade aparente foram determinados durante 22 dias, tendo-se utilizado 24 cordeiros da raça Santa Inês (35,5±2,21 kg) distribuídos aleatoriamente entre os tratamentos. A silagem de 'IPA 2502' apresentou os menores teores de matéria seca, fibra em detergente neutro e fibra em detergente ácido; os maiores teores de carboidratos não fibrosos e nutrientes digestíveis totais; e a maior degradabilidade da matéria seca. As silagens oriundas de 'BR 601' e 'BRS 506' apresentaram os maiores valores de proteína bruta, enquanto aquelas de 'SF 15' e 'Sudão', os maiores teores das frações fibrosas. Os cordeiros alimentados com a silagem de 'IPA 2502' consumiram mais matéria seca e carboidratos não fibrosos, e a sua digestibilidade de proteína bruta também foi maior do que a oriunda do consumo da silagem de outras cultivares. 'IPA 2502' destaca-se por suas características nutricionais, as quais resultaram em melhor desempenho animal

Ecologia da jaguatirica (Leopardus pardalis) na Floresta Atlântica do sul do Brasil

The ocelot Leopardus pardalis is a medium-sized Neotropical spotted cat with a wide geographic range. The present study was conducted in a reserve in an Atlantic Forest area in southern Brazil, and provided information on ocelot ecology through photographic records. Density estimated by the half of the mean maximum distance moved method resulted in 0.04 ocelots per km2. The minimum home range sizes were obtained by the minimum convex polygon method and were in agreement with other studies for the males recorded. Our female’s home range size was smaller than ranges reported elsewhere. The nocturnal pattern recorded is probably related with prey activity, since it is suggested that ocelots adjust their movements to the probabilities of encountering local prey, or with an evolutionary factor, aiming to avoid competition/predation with larger cats. The low density observed could be a consequence of the conditions of the study area, small and isolated, which indicates the necessity for larger reserves and mechanisms to connect isolated populations. Key words: camera trap, Felidae, individual recognition, spot pattern, activity pattern.A jaguatirica Leopardus pardalis é um gato pintado neotropical de porte médio e com ampla distribuição geográfica. O presente estudo foi conduzido em uma reserva em área de Floresta Atlântica no sul do Brasil e forneceu informações a respeito da ecologia da espécie, por meio de registros fotográficos. A densidade estimada pelo método do HMMDM (metade da média das máximas distâncias percorridas) resultou em 0,04 jaguatiricas por km2. As áreas de vida mínimas foram obtidas pelo método do mínimo polígono convexo e corroboraram com outros estudos quando se analisaram os registros dos indivíduos machos. Os registros para as áreas de vida das fêmeas foram menores do que as previamente reportadas. O padrão de atividade noturno está provavelmente relacionado com a atividade das presas, já que as jaguatiricas tendem a ajustar os padrões de movimento com a probabilidade de encontro com as mesmas, ou até mesmo com um fator evolutivo, objetivando evitar a competição/predação com felinos de maior porte. A baixa densidade observada pode ser consequência das condições da área de estudo, pequena e isolada, o que indica a necessidade por reservas maiores e por mecanismos visando conectar populações isoladas. Palavras-chave: armadilhas fotográficas, Felidae, individualização, padrões de manchas, padrões de atividade

Dynamic, Not Isometric Resistance Training Improves Muscle Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Hypertrophy in Rats

This study aimed to compare the effects of dynamic (DRT) and isometric (IRT) resistance training on blood glucose, muscle redox capacity, inflammatory state, and muscle strength and hypertrophy. Fifteen 12-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into three groups: control group (CTL), DRT, and IRT, n = 5 animals per group. The animals were submitted to a maximal weight carried (MWC; every 15 days) and maximum isometric resistance (MIR; pre- and post-training) tests. Both training protocols were performed five times a week during 12 weeks, consisting of one set of eight uninterrupted climbs for 1 min with a 30% overload of MWC. The animals in the IRT group remained under isometry for 1 min. The DRT group experienced greater MWC from pre- to post-training compared to the CTL and IRT groups (p < 0.0001). The DRT and IRT groups displayed similar gains in MIR (p = 0.3658). The DRT group exhibited improved glycemic homeostasis (p = 0.0111), redox (p < 0.0001), and inflammatory (p < 0.0001) balance as compared with CTL and IRT groups. In addition, the improved glycemic profile was associated with an increase in muscle strength and hypertrophy, improvement in redox balance and inflammation status. We conclude that DRT was more effective than IRT on increasing cross-sectional area, but not muscle strength, in parallel to improved blood glucose, inflammatory status, and redox balance

Antimicrobial high-density polyethylene (HDPE)/ZnO nanocomposites obtained by in situ polymerization

Nanostructured zinc oxide (ZnO) prepared by combustion in solution was used to obtain nanocomposites. The ZnO particles were characterized by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), showing crystallite size of 32 nm and a superficial area of 32.6 m2 g–1. Nanocomposites with 1, 3, and 5 wt.% of ZnO in the polymeric matrix were obtained using the in situ polymerization of ethylene with catalytic activities between 1500-1700 kg (molZr h PE)–1. The high-density polyethylene nanocomposites (PEZnO) were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), SEM, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The nanocomposites with 1 wt.% ZnO gave excellent mechanical properties, and all were active against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria

ABORDAGENS CIRÚRGICAS NA GESTÃO DA GRAVIDEZ ECTÓPICA: COMPARAÇÃO ENTRE SALPINGECTOMIA, SALPINGOSTOMIA E MÉTODOS CONSERVADORES

Ectopic pregnancy is a condition in which the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tubes. Therefore, treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the patient's preferences, but generally involves the administration of medications such as methotrexate to stop the development of the embryo in the early stages, or surgery to remove the ectopic embryo, often involving partial or total removal. of the affected tube. Objective: To compare the surgical approaches of salpingectomy and salpingostomy with conservative methods in the treatment of ectopic pregnancy. Methodology: The Cochrane, Scielo and Pubmed databases were used, searching for articles published between 2015 and 2023, in Portuguese or English. Final Considerations: Salpingectomy, although effective and definitive, reduces future fertility. Salpingostomy, which preserves the tube, offers a better chance for fertility but comes with risks of additional complications. Conservative methods, such as the use of methotrexate, are less invasive and maintain tubal function, but require close monitoring. The choice of treatment must be individualized, taking into account the patient's health status and her desire to preserve fertility, to achieve the best possible clinical and reproductive results.A gravidez ectópica é uma condição na qual o óvulo fertilizado se implanta fora do útero, mais comumente nas trompas de falópio. Portanto, o tratamento depende da gravidade da condição e das preferências da paciente, mas geralmente envolve a administração de medicamentos como metotrexato para interromper o desenvolvimento do embrião nas primeiras fases, ou cirurgia para remover o embrião ectópico, muitas vezes envolvendo a remoção parcial ou total da trompa afetada. Objetivo: Comparar as abordagens cirúrgicas da salpingectomia e salpingostomia com os métodos conservadores no tratamento da gravidez ectópica. Metodologia:  Foram utilizadas as bases de dados Cochrane, Scielo e Pubmed, buscando artigos publicados entre os anos de 2015 e 2023, nos idiomas Português ou Inglês. Considerações Finais: A salpingectomia, embora eficaz e definitiva, reduz a fertilidade futura. A salpingostomia, que preserva a trompa, oferece uma chance melhor para a fertilidade, mas vem com riscos de complicações adicionais. Os métodos conservadores, como o uso de metotrexato, são menos invasivos e mantêm a função tubária, mas exigem um monitoramento rigoroso. A escolha do tratamento deve ser individualizada, levando em consideração o estado de saúde da paciente e seu desejo de preservar a fertilidade, para alcançar os melhores resultados clínicos e reprodutivos possíveis