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Purpose: Diseases affecting the cornea are a major cause of corneal blindness globally. The pressing issue we are facing today is the lack of diagnostic devices in rural areas to diagnose these conditions. The aim of the study is to establish sensitivity and accuracy of smartphone photography using a smart eye camera (SEC) in ophthalmologic community outreach programs. Methods: In this pilot study, a prospective non?randomized comparative analysis of inter?observer variability of anterior segment imaging recorded using an SEC was performed. Consecutive 100 patients with corneal pathologies, who visited the cornea specialty outpatient clinic, were enrolled. They were examined with a conventional non?portable slit lamp by a cornea consultant, and the diagnoses were recorded. This was compared with the diagnoses made by two other consultants based on SEC videos of the anterior segment of the same 100 patients. The accuracy of SEC was accessed using sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV. Kappa statistics was used to find the agreement between two consultants by using STATA 17.0 (Texas, USA). Results: There was agreement between the two consultants to diagnosing by using SEC. Above 90% agreements were found in all the diagnoses, which were statistically significant (P?value < 0.001). More than 90% sensitivity and a negative predictive value were found. Conclusion: SEC can be used successfully in the community outreach programs like field visits, eye camps, teleophthalmology, and community centers, where either a clinical setup is lacking or ophthalmologists are not available.
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Purpose: There is a clinical need for a cost?effective, reliable, easy?to?use, and portable retinal photography. The use of smartphone fundus photography for documentation of retinal changes in resource?limited settings, where retinal imaging was not previously possible, is studied here. The introduction of smartphone?based retinal imaging has resulted in the increase in available technologies for fundus photography. On account of the cost, fundus cameras are not readily available in ophthalmic practice in developing countries. Because smartphones are readily available, easy to use, and also portable, they present a low?cost alternative method in resource?limited settings. The aim is to explore the use of smartphones (iphones) for retinal imaging in resource?limited settings. Methods: A smartphone (iphone) was used to acquire retinal images with the use of +20 D lens in patients with dilated pupils by activating the video mode of the camera. Results: Clear retinal images were obtained in different clinical conditions in adults and children, including branch retinal vein occlusion with fibro?vascular proliferation, choroidal neo?vascular membranes, presumed ocular toxoplasmosis, diabetic retinopathy, retinoblastoma, ocular albinism, and hypertensive retinopathy. Conclusion: New inexpensive, portable, easy?to?operate cameras have revolutionized retinal imaging and screening programs and play an innovative role in research, education, and information sharing
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Este trabajo documenta el primer registro de anomalías cromáticas en el pecarí de collar (Pecari tajacu) y el tercero en el mapache (Procyon lotor) para México. Los hallazgos se realizaron durante el monitoreo realizado entre el 2009 y el 2021, utilizando cámaras-trampa, principalmente en la ecorregión de la Sierra Madre del Sur del estado de Guerrero, México. Procyon lotor fue registrado entre el 5 de noviembre y el 1 de diciembre de 2019, en vegetación riparia de bosque tropical caducifolio (17°47'35"N, 98°39'59"W, 1134 m de altitud). Mientras que Pecari tajacu se registró el 7 de junio y el 22 de julio del 2021 en una brecha saca cosecha abandonada (17°38'12"N, 100°40'50"W; 1532 m de altitud).
This paper documents the first record of chromatic anomalies in Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu) and the third in the Raccoon (Procyon lotor) for Mexico. The findings were made during monitoring conducted between 2009 and 2021, using camera traps, primarily in the Sierra Madre del Sur ecoregion of the state of Guerrero, Mexico. Procyon lotor was recorded between November 5th and December 1st, 2019, in riparian vegetation of a deciduous tropical forest (17°47'35"N, 98°39'59"W, 1134 m altitude). Meanwhile, Pecari tajacu was recorded on June 7th and July 22nd, 2021, in an abandoned crop clearing (17°38'12"N, 100°40'50"W; 1532 m altitude).
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Background: Cigarette smoking is a major public health challenge globally. It not only affects the general health but also impacts the oral health. It causes an array of oral health lesions including dental caries which causes pain and infection and can result in the requirement of the tooth to be extracted. The aim of the study is to investigate theAim: relationship of cigarette smoking and dental caries in the adult population in the city of Hyderabad. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted by OroGlee Solutions Private Limited, Hyderabad. A total of 1019 subjects aged 18 to 60 years were examined. Oral examination was done using intraoral camera, mouth mirror and torch. Results: Percentage of smokers having dental caries was 89.4% and percentage of non smokers having dental caries was 81.8%. Chi square test was used to determine the significance of difference between the prevalence of caries in smokers and prevalence of caries in non smokers. It showed a statistically significant correlation between dental caries and smoking cigarette. Smoking leads to multiple oral health problems including high incidence of dental caries. TheConclusion: incidence of dental caries further increases in presence of coexisting factors such as poor oral hygiene, food habits, limited preventive dental visits and old age.
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Abstract Protected areas play a fundamental role in the preservation of species, environmental education, and ecosystem services maintenance. Most of the world population live in urban areas, which highlight the importance of preserved areas in urban centers. However, many urban protected areas in Brazil lack species surveys, which limits biodiversity conservation and implementation of management plans. In this study, we surveyed the species of medium and large mammals of Chico Mendes Municipal Natural Park (MNP) and Canal das Taxas corridor through camera traps, thus providing the first comprehensive in situ survey of terrestrial mammals for the area. We also verified whether there was mammalian fauna exchange between the Chico Mendes and Marapendi MNPs through the vegetation corridor formed by the Canal das Taxas. Between November 2020 and July 2021, with a sampling effort of 1,334 trap-days, we recorded five native and five exotic species in the studied areas, including one Vulnerable species in the Municipality and State of Rio de Janeiro (Cuniculus paca). We also confirmed that Canal das Taxas works as a wildlife corridor for native species. Finally, we highlight that species checklists based on secondary information for the region are of limited usefulness and recommend in situ surveys even in small, urban protected areas of Rio de Janeiro city.
Resumo As áreas protegidas têm papel fundamental na preservação das espécies, na educação ambiental e na manutenção dos serviços ecossistêmicos. A maior parte da população mundial vive em áreas urbanas, o que evidencia a importância das áreas preservadas nos centros urbanos. No entanto, muitas áreas protegidas urbanas no Brasil carecem de levantamentos de espécies, o que limita a conservação da biodiversidade e a implementação de planos de manejo. Neste estudo, inventariamos as espécies de mamíferos de médio e grande porte do Parque Natural Municipal Chico Mendes e do corredor do Canal das Taxas por meio de armadilhas fotográficas, fornecendo assim o primeiro levantamento in situ abrangente de mamíferos terrestres para a área. Também verificamos se houve intercâmbio de fauna de mamíferos entre os parques Chico Mendes e Marapendi através do Canal das Taxas. Entre novembro de 2020 e julho de 2021, com um esforço amostral de 1.334 armadilhas-dia, registramos cinco espécies nativas e cinco espécies exóticas nas áreas de estudo, incluindo uma espécie Vulnerável no município e estado do Rio de Janeiro (Cuniculus paca). Confirmamos que o Canal das Taxas funciona como um corredor de fauna para espécies nativas. Por fim, ressaltamos que listas de espécies baseadas em informações secundárias para a região são de utilidade limitada e recomendamos levantamentos in situ, mesmo em pequenas Unidades de Conservação urbanas da cidade do Rio de Janeiro.
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OBJECTIVE@#To preliminarily explore the applicable scenarios of an intraoral camera to assist oral anatomical landmarks recognition, so as to improve the clinical diagnosis and treatment mode, cultivate the concept of caring for patients, strengthen doctor-patient communication, assist experts to teach, and improve the clinical diagnosis and efficacy rate.@*METHODS@#A new type of an intraoral camera was applied in the recognition of oral anatomy landmarks and four application scenarios were developed, namely: (1) clinical diagnosis and treatment scenarios, in which doctors used intraoral camera to conduct a comprehensive examination of patients in the mouth and take videos and photos; (2) doctor-patient communication scenarios, when the doctor told the patient about the treatment plan, the video or photo taken by the intraoral camera was displayed to the patient; (3) expert teaching scenarios, when the expert used an intraoral camera to teach in the patient's mouth, and the young doctor learned oral anatomical signs on the projection screen, with the study of theoretical lessons; (4) difficult case recording scenarios, in the process of clinical diagnosis and treatment, when encountering difficult cases, you could use intraoral camera to record and take photos for young doctors to discuss, and experts to comment and guide.@*RESULTS@#The application of intraoral camera could: (1) improve the clinical diagnosis and treatment mode and raise the clinical diagnosis and efficacy rate; (2) stimulate young doctors' interest in learning, use intraoral camera in assessments, and skillfully combine theoretical knowledge of anatomical landmarks with clinical practice, so as to improve the teaching effect; (3) cultivate, through self or mutual use, the concept of caring for patients and reinforce the importance of gentle operation; (4) strengthen doctor-patient communication. Doctors could communicate with patients more visually, so that the patients could better understand their own situation, and strengthen the patients' trust in the doctors.@*CONCLUSION@#Intraoral camera can assist oral clinical diagnosis and treatment, such as the recognition of oral anatomical landmarks. It plays a certain role in promoting the improvement of clinical diagnosis and treatment mode, stimulating learning interest, cultivating the concept of caring for patients, and enhancing doctor-patient communication.
Subject(s)
Humans , Physician-Patient Relations , Physicians , Communication , Mouth , LearningABSTRACT
With inherent sparse spike-based coding and asynchronous event-driven computation, spiking neural network (SNN) is naturally suitable for processing event stream data of event cameras. In order to improve the feature extraction and classification performance of bio-inspired hierarchical SNNs, in this paper an event camera object recognition system based on biological synaptic plasticity is proposed. In our system input event streams were firstly segmented adaptively using spiking neuron potential to improve computational efficiency of the system. Multi-layer feature learning and classification are implemented by our bio-inspired hierarchical SNN with synaptic plasticity. After Gabor filter-based event-driven convolution layer which extracted primary visual features of event streams, we used a feature learning layer with unsupervised spiking timing dependent plasticity (STDP) rule to help the network extract frequent salient features, and a feature learning layer with reward-modulated STDP rule to help the network learn diagnostic features. The classification accuracies of the network proposed in this paper on the four benchmark event stream datasets were better than the existing bio-inspired hierarchical SNNs. Moreover, our method showed good classification ability for short event stream input data, and was robust to input event stream noise. The results show that our method can improve the feature extraction and classification performance of this kind of SNNs for event camera object recognition.
Subject(s)
Visual Perception , Learning , Action Potentials , Neural Networks, Computer , Neuronal PlasticityABSTRACT
Accurate and efficient methods for identifying and tracking each animal in a group are needed to study complex behaviors and social interactions. Traditional tracking methods (e.g., marking each animal with dye or surgically implanting microchips) can be invasive and may have an impact on the social behavior being measured. To overcome these shortcomings, video-based methods for tracking unmarked animals, such as fruit flies and zebrafish, have been developed. However, tracking individual mice in a group remains a challenging problem because of their flexible body and complicated interaction patterns. In this study, we report the development of a multi-object tracker for mice that uses the Faster region-based convolutional neural network (R-CNN) deep learning algorithm with geometric transformations in combination with multi-camera/multi-image fusion technology. The system successfully tracked every individual in groups of unmarked mice and was applied to investigate chasing behavior. The proposed system constitutes a step forward in the noninvasive tracking of individual mice engaged in social behavior.
Subject(s)
Animals , Mice , Deep Learning , Zebrafish , Algorithms , Neural Networks, Computer , Social BehaviorABSTRACT
Objective:To develop the real-time radiotherapy monitoring system of three-dimensional (3D) point cloud by using depth camera and verify its feasibility.Methods:Taking the depth camera coordinate system as the world coordinate system, the conversion relationship between the simulation CT coordinate system and the world coordinate system was obtained from the calibration module. The patient's simulation CT point cloud was transformed into the world coordinate system through the above relationship, and registered with the patient's surface point cloud obtained in real-time manner by the depth camera to calculate the six-dimensional (6D) error, and complete the positioning verification and fractional internal position error monitoring in radiotherapy. Mean and standard deviation of 6D calculation error, Hausdorff distance of point cloud after registration and the running time of each part of the program were calculated to verify the feasibility of the system. Fifteen real patients were selected to calculate the 6D error between the system and cone beam CT (CBCT).Results:In the phantom experiment, the errors of the system in the x, y and z axes were (1.292±0.880)mm, (1.963±1.115)mm, (1.496±1.045)mm, respectively, and the errors in the rotation, pitch and roll directions were 0.201°±0.181°, 0.286°±0.326°, 0.181°±0.192°, respectively. For real patients, the translational error of the system was within 2.6 mm, the rotational error was approximately 1°, and the program run at 1-2 frames/s. The precision and speed met the radiotherapy requirement. Conclusion:The 3D point cloud radiotherapy real-time monitoring system based on depth camera can automatically complete the positioning verification before radiotherapy, real-time monitoring of body position during radiotherapy, and provide error visual feedback, which has potential clinical application value.
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Brazil is the worlds richest country in biodiversity, including mammal species. In the Brazilian Cerrado biome, mammalian diversity is vast, with about 251 species, 32 of them are endemic and 22 listed as threatened species. In this work, we investigated species diversity of medium- and large-sized mammals in the private protected area RPPN Pontal do Jaburu (RPPN-PJ) and its surroundings, which is a flooded area located in an important biological corridor in the Cerrado-Amazon ecotone zone, a priority area for biodiversity conservation in Brazil. We used camera-trapping, active search (night and day), and track survey during dry season (Apr Aug 2016). We recorded 29 mammal species, being the Carnivora order the most representative with 11 species. Regarding threat status, 35.7% of the recorded species were listed as threatened in Brazil and 32.1% worldwide. We highlight the high relative frequency of threatened species records such as Tapirus terrestris, Panthera onca, Blastocerus dichotomus, Pteronura brasiliensis, Priodontes maximus, and other, as well as the presence of the newly described aquatic mammal species Inia araguaiaensis. We stress the importance of RPPN-PJ and its surroundings for mammal conservation, which include complex habitats (wetlands) located in an important ecotone zone.
O Brasil é o país mais rico em biodiversidade no mundo, incluindo espécies de mamíferos. No bioma Cerrado, a diversidade de mamíferos é enorme, com cerca de 251 espécies, sendo 32 delas endêmicas e 22 listadas como ameaçadas de extinção. Neste estudo, investigamos a diversidade de espécies de mamíferos de médio e grande porte da RPPN Pontal do Jaburu (RPPN-PJ) e seu entorno, que é uma floresta de inundação localizada em um importante corredor biológico na zona de ecótono Cerrado-Amazonia, uma área prioritária para conservação da biodiversidade no Brasil. Os dados foram coletados por armadilhas fotográficas, busca ativa (noturna e diurna) e identificação de pegadas durante a estação seca (abril - agosto de 2016). Registramos um grande número de espécies de mamíferos (n = 29), sendo a ordem carnívora a mais representativa com 11 espécies. Com relação ao status de ameaça, 34,5% das espécies registradas foram listadas como ameaçadas na lista vermelha do Brasil e 20,7% na lista vermelha da IUCN. Destacamos a alta frequência relativa de registros de espécies ameaçadas como Tapirus terrestris, Panthera onca, Blastocerus dichotomus, Pteronura brasiliensis, Priodontes maximus, bem como a presença da recém descrita espécie de mamífero aquático Inia araguaiaensis. Nós discutimos a importância da RPPN-PJ e seus arredores para a conservação de espécies de mamíferos, onde inclui habitats complexos (áreas de inundação) localizados em uma importante zona de ecótono. Os resultados reforçam a relevância desta área para a conservação de mamíferos.
Subject(s)
Animals , Biodiversity , Otters , Mammals/classification , PantheraABSTRACT
Abstract Brazil is the world's richest country in biodiversity, including mammal species. In the Brazilian Cerrado biome, mammalian diversity is vast, with about 251 species, 32 of them are endemic and 22 listed as threatened species. In this work, we investigated species diversity of medium- and large-sized mammals in the private protected area RPPN Pontal do Jaburu (RPPN-PJ) and its surroundings, which is a flooded area located in an important biological corridor in the Cerrado-Amazon ecotone zone, a priority area for biodiversity conservation in Brazil. We used camera-trapping, active search (night and day), and track survey during dry season (Apr Aug 2016). We recorded 29 mammal species, being the Carnivora order the most representative with 11 species. Regarding threat status, 35.7% of the recorded species were listed as threatened in Brazil and 32.1% worldwide. We highlight the high relative frequency of threatened species records such as Tapirus terrestris, Panthera onca, Blastocerus dichotomus, Pteronura brasiliensis, Priodontes maximus, and other, as well as the presence of the newly described aquatic mammal species Inia araguaiaensis. We stress the importance of RPPN-PJ and its surroundings for mammal conservation, which include complex habitats (wetlands) located in an important ecotone zone.
Resumo O Brasil é o país mais rico em biodiversidade no mundo, incluindo espécies de mamíferos. No bioma Cerrado, a diversidade de mamíferos é enorme, com cerca de 251 espécies, sendo 32 delas endêmicas e 22 listadas como ameaçadas de extinção. Neste estudo, investigamos a diversidade de espécies de mamíferos de médio e grande porte da RPPN Pontal do Jaburu (RPPN-PJ) e seu entorno, que é uma floresta de inundação localizada em um importante corredor biológico na zona de ecótono Cerrado-Amazonia, uma área prioritária para conservação da biodiversidade no Brasil. Os dados foram coletados por armadilhas fotográficas, busca ativa (noturna e diurna) e identificação de pegadas durante a estação seca (abril - agosto de 2016). Registramos um grande número de espécies de mamíferos (n = 29), sendo a ordem carnívora a mais representativa com 11 espécies. Com relação ao status de ameaça, 34,5% das espécies registradas foram listadas como ameaçadas na lista vermelha do Brasil e 20,7% na lista vermelha da IUCN. Destacamos a alta frequência relativa de registros de espécies ameaçadas como Tapirus terrestris, Panthera onca, Blastocerus dichotomus, Pteronura brasiliensis, Priodontes maximus, bem como a presença da recém descrita espécie de mamífero aquático Inia araguaiaensis. Nós discutimos a importância da RPPN-PJ e seus arredores para a conservação de espécies de mamíferos, onde inclui habitats complexos (áreas de inundação) localizados em uma importante zona de ecótono.. Os resultados reforçam a relevância desta área para a conservação de mamíferos.
ABSTRACT
Abstract Brazil is the world's richest country in biodiversity, including mammal species. In the Brazilian Cerrado biome, mammalian diversity is vast, with about 251 species, 32 of them are endemic and 22 listed as threatened species. In this work, we investigated species diversity of medium- and large-sized mammals in the private protected area RPPN Pontal do Jaburu (RPPN-PJ) and its surroundings, which is a flooded area located in an important biological corridor in the Cerrado-Amazon ecotone zone, a priority area for biodiversity conservation in Brazil. We used camera-trapping, active search (night and day), and track survey during dry season (Apr - Aug 2016). We recorded 29 mammal species, being the Carnivora order the most representative with 11 species. Regarding threat status, 35.7% of the recorded species were listed as threatened in Brazil and 32.1% worldwide. We highlight the high relative frequency of threatened species records such as Tapirus terrestris, Panthera onca, Blastocerus dichotomus, Pteronura brasiliensis, Priodontes maximus, and other, as well as the presence of the newly described aquatic mammal species Inia araguaiaensis. We stress the importance of RPPN-PJ and its surroundings for mammal conservation, which include complex habitats (wetlands) located in an important ecotone zone.
Resumo O Brasil é o país mais rico em biodiversidade no mundo, incluindo espécies de mamíferos. No bioma Cerrado, a diversidade de mamíferos é enorme, com cerca de 251 espécies, sendo 32 delas endêmicas e 22 listadas como ameaçadas de extinção. Neste estudo, investigamos a diversidade de espécies de mamíferos de médio e grande porte da RPPN Pontal do Jaburu (RPPN-PJ) e seu entorno, que é uma floresta de inundação localizada em um importante corredor biológico na zona de ecótono Cerrado-Amazonia, uma área prioritária para conservação da biodiversidade no Brasil. Os dados foram coletados por armadilhas fotográficas, busca ativa (noturna e diurna) e identificação de pegadas durante a estação seca (abril - agosto de 2016). Registramos um grande número de espécies de mamíferos (n = 29), sendo a ordem carnívora a mais representativa com 11 espécies. Com relação ao status de ameaça, 34,5% das espécies registradas foram listadas como ameaçadas na lista vermelha do Brasil e 20,7% na lista vermelha da IUCN. Destacamos a alta frequência relativa de registros de espécies ameaçadas como Tapirus terrestris, Panthera onca, Blastocerus dichotomus, Pteronura brasiliensis, Priodontes maximus, bem como a presença da recém descrita espécie de mamífero aquático Inia araguaiaensis. Nós discutimos a importância da RPPN-PJ e seus arredores para a conservação de espécies de mamíferos, onde inclui habitats complexos (áreas de inundação) localizados em uma importante zona de ecótono.. Os resultados reforçam a relevância desta área para a conservação de mamíferos.
Subject(s)
Animals , Wetlands , Mammals , Brazil , Endangered Species , Conservation of Natural Resources , BiodiversityABSTRACT
Introduction: Tropical dry forests and mangroves, two of the world's most endangered ecosystems, each host a different set of environmental conditions which may support unique assemblages of species. However, few studies have looked at the unique vertebrate biodiversity in regions where both habitats occur side-by-side. Objective: To assess the vertebrate diversity and patterns of habitat usage in a mangrove and tropical dry forest matrix in an unprotected region of Northwestern Costa Rica. Methods: The study was conducted in a 7 km2 matrix of mangrove and tropical dry forests between Cabuyal and Zapotillal bays in Northwestern Costa Rica, south of Santa Rosa National Park. From September 2017 to March 2018, we used 13 automatic camera traps over 1 498 trap days to capture species utilizing the region and assess their patterns of habitat usage both spatially and temporally. Results: Seventy vertebrate species from 42 families in 27 orders were detected, including several globally threatened species. Over half of all species were detected in only one habitat, particularly amongst avian (78 %) and mammalian (42 %) species. Tropical dry forests hosted the greatest number of unique species and supported a greater percentage of herbivores than mangrove or edge habitats, which were dominated by carnivorous and omnivorous species. Mean detections per camera trap of all species increased significantly from the coldest and wettest month (Oct) to the hottest and driest months (Jan & Feb) in tropical dry forests. Sample-based rarefaction analysis revealed that survey length was sufficient to sample the tropical dry forest and edge habitats, though mangroves require further sampling. Conclusions: Taxa found to utilize different forest types may utilize each for different stages of their life cycle, moving between areas as environmental conditions change throughout the year. General patterns of global biodiversity favoring carnivore and omnivore usage of mangrove forests was confirmed in our study.
Introducción: Los bosques secos tropicales y los manglares, dos de los ecosistemas más amenazados del mundo, albergan cada uno un grupo de condiciones ambientales que pueden albergar conjuntos únicos de especies. Sin embargo, pocos estudios han analizado la biodiversidad única de vertebrados en regiones donde ambos hábitats se encuentran uno al lado del otro. Objetivo: Evaluar la diversidad de vertebrados y los patrones de uso del hábitat en una matriz de manglar y bosque seco tropical en una región no protegida del noroeste de Costa Rica. Métodos: El estudio se realizó en una matriz de 7 km2 de manglares y bosques secos tropicales en las bahías de Cabuyal y Zapotillal en el noroeste de Costa Rica, al sur del Parque Nacional Santa Rosa. De septiembre 2017 a marzo 2018, utilizamos 13 cámaras trampa automáticas durante 1 498 días trampa para capturar especies que utilizan la región y evaluar sus patrones de uso espacial y temporal del hábitat. Resultados: Se detectaron 70 especies de vertebrados de 42 familias y 27 órdenes, incluidas varias especies amenazadas a nivel mundial. Más de la mitad de todas las especies se encontraron en un solo hábitat, particularmente aves (78 %) y mamíferos (42 %). Los bosques secos tropicales albergan el mayor número de especies únicas y sustentan un mayor porcentaje de herbívoros que los hábitats de borde de manglares, que estaban dominados u hospedados por especies carnívoras y omnívoras. Las detecciones promedio por cámara trampa de todas las especies aumentaron significativamente desde el mes más frío y húmedo (octubre) hasta los meses más cálidos y secos (enero y febrero) en los bosques secos tropicales. El análisis de rarefacción basado en muestras reveló que la duración del estudio fue suficiente para muestrear los hábitats de bosque seco tropical y de borde, aunque los manglares requieren más muestreo. Conclusiones: Se encontró que los taxones pueden usar varios tipos de bosque en las diferentes etapas de su ciclo de vida, moviéndose entre áreas a medida que las condiciones ambientales cambian a lo largo del año. En nuestro estudio se confirmaron patrones generales de la biodiversidad global que favorecen el uso de los bosques de manglar por parte de carnívoros y omnívoros.
Subject(s)
Animals , Vertebrates/anatomy & histology , Wetlands , Tropical Ecosystem , Costa RicaABSTRACT
Abstract: Among the ecoregions that comprise the high-Andean zone of the Tropical Andes, the Puna and the Yungas stand out for covering a large part of the Peruvian Eastern Andes. Located in the ecotone of these two ecoregions, the Pampa Hermosa National Sanctuary (PHNS) houses one of the priority areas for conservation in Peru. However, the biodiversity of the high-Andean zone of the sanctuary and its surroundings remains poorly studied. Thus, through camera traps and transects, we sought to inventory for the first time the medium and large mammals from the high-Andean region of the PHNS and its buffer zone. We recorded 11 native and three domestic species of medium and large mammals. The richness of native mammals sampled reached 91.7% of the estimated richness (S est.= 11.99 ± 1.85). Among the native species Odocoileus virginianus had the highest relative frequency (56%). We recorded three endemic mammals from the Tropical Andes, Cuniculus taczanowskii, Tremarctos ornatus, and Pudu mephistopheles. The observed richness was higher than most surveys of medium and large mammals carried out in the Puna-forest ecotone in Peru, where the reported richness ranged from 4 to 13 species. In addition, our records of Leopardus pardalis and Eira barbara are the highest for all distribution of these two carnivores. Our results showed that more than 90% of the species recorded were found in it, demonstrating that the entire high-Andean region of the PHNS and its surroundings has an important value for the local mammal community.
Resumo: Dentre as ecorregiões que compreendem a zona alto-andina dos Andes Tropicais, a Puna e as Yungas se destacam por abranger grande parte dos Andes Orientais peruanos. Localizado no ecótono entre estas duas ecorregiões, o Santuário Nacional Pampa Hermosa (SNPH) abriga uma das áreas prioritárias para conservação no Peru. No entanto, a biodiversidade da zona alto-andina do santuário e seu entorno permanece pouco estudada. Dessa forma, através de armadilhas fotográficas e transectos, buscamos inventariar pela primeira vez os mamíferos de médio e grande porte da região alto-andina do SNPH e de sua zona de amortecimento. Nós registramos 11 espécies nativas e três espécies domésticas de mamíferos de médio e grande porte. A riqueza observada dos mamíferos nativos atingiu 91,7% da riqueza estimada (S est.= 11,99 ± 1,85). Dentre as espécies nativas, Odocoileus virginianus foi a que apresentou a maior frequência relativa (56%). Registramos três mamíferos endêmicoss dos Andes Tropicais, Cuniculus taczanowskii, Tremarctos ornatus, e Pudu mephistopheles. A riqueza observada foi superior que a maioria dos levantamentos de mamíferos de médio e grande porte feitos em ecótono Puna-bosque no Peru, onde a riqueza reportada variou de 4 a 13 espécies. Além disso, os registros de Leopardus pardalis e Eira barbara são os mais elevados para toda distribuição destes dois carnívoros. Nossos resultados demonstraram que mais de 90% das espécies registradas foram encontradas nela, demonstrando que toda região alto-andina do SNPH e seu entorno tem um importante valor para a fauna de mamíferos local.
ABSTRACT
Abstract Mammals are charismatic organisms that play a fundamental role in ecological functions and ecosystem services, such as pollination, seed dispersal, nutrient cycling, and pest control. The state of São Paulo represents only 3% of the Brazilian territory but holds 33% of its mammalian diversity. Most of its territory is dominated by agriculture, pastures, and urban areas which directly affect the diversity and persistence of mammals in the landscape. In addition, São Paulo has the largest port in Latin America and the largest offshore oil reservoir in Brazil, with a 600 km stretch of coastline with several marine mammal species. These human-made infrastructures affect the diversity, distribution, ecology, and the future of mammals in the state. Here, we answer five main questions: 1) What is the diversity of wild mammals in São Paulo state? 2) Where are they? 3) What is their positive and negative impact on human well-being? 4) How do mammals thrive in human-modified landscapes? 5) What is the future of mammals in the state? The state of São Paulo holds 255 species of native mammals, with four endemic species, two of them globally endangered. At least six species (two marsupials, Giant otter, Pampas deer, Brazilian dwarf brocket deer, and Giant armadillo) were extirpated from the state due to hunting and habitat loss. The intense human land use in the state forced many mammalian species to change their diet to cope with the intense fragmentation and agriculture. Large-scale monoculture has facilitated the invasion of exotic species such as wild boars (javali) and the European hare. Several "savanna-dwelling" species are expanding their ranges (Maned wolf, Brocket deer) over deforested areas and probably reflect changes towards a drier climate. Because the state has the largest road system, about 40,000 mammals from 33 species are killed per year in collisions causing an economic loss of 12 million dollars/year. The diversity of mammals is concentrated in the largest forest remnants of Serra do Mar and in the interior of the State, mainly in the regions of Ribeirão Preto and Jundiaí. Sampling gaps are concentrated throughout the interior of the state, particularly in the northwest region. Wild mammals play a fundamental role in many ecosystem services, but they can also be a concern in bringing new emergent diseases to humans. Although the taxonomy of mammals seems to be well known, we show that new species are continuously being discovered in the state. Therefore, continuous surveys using traditional and new technologies (eDNA, iDNA, drones), long-term population monitoring, investigation of the interface of human-wildlife conflict, and understanding of the unique ecosystem role played by mammals are future avenues for promoting sustainable green landscapes allied to human well-being in the state. The planting of forest or savanna corridors, particularly along with major river systems, in the plateau, controlling illegal hunting in the coastal areas, managing fire regimes in the Cerrado, and mitigating roadkill must be prioritized to protect this outstanding mammal diversity.
Resumo Os mamíferos são organismos carismáticos que desempenham um papel fundamental na função ecológica e nos serviços ecossistêmicos, como polinização, dispersão de sementes, ciclagem de nutrientes e controle de pragas. O Estado de São Paulo representa apenas 3% do território brasileiro, mas detém 33% da diversidade de mamíferos. A maior parte de seu território é dominado pela agricultura, pastagens e áreas urbanas que afetam diretamente a diversidade e a persistência dos mamíferos na paisagem. Além disso, São Paulo possui o maior porto da América Latina e o maior reservatório de petróleo costeiro do Brasil, com 600 km de extensão de litoral com diversas espécies de mamíferos marinhos. Essas infraestruturas afetam a diversidade, distribuição, ecologia e o futuro dos mamíferos no estado. Aqui, respondemos cinco perguntas principais: 1) Qual é a diversidade de mamíferos silvestres no Estado de São Paulo? 2) Onde eles ocorrem? 3) Qual é o seu impacto positivo e negativo no bem-estar humano? 4) Como os mamíferos persistem em paisagens modificadas pelo homem? 5) Qual é o futuro dos mamíferos no estado? O estado de São Paulo possui 255 espécies de mamíferos nativos, com quatro espécies endêmicas, duas delas globalmente ameaçadas de extinção. Pelo menos seis espécies (dois marsupiais, ariranha, veado-campeiro, veado-cambuta e tatu-canastra) foram extirpadas do estado devido à caça e perda de habitat. O intenso uso humano da terra no estado forçou muitas espécies de mamíferos a mudar sua dieta para lidar com a intensa fragmentação e agricultura. A monocultura em larga escala facilitou a invasão de espécies exóticas, como porcos selvagens (javaporco) e a lebre europeia. Várias espécies de áreas abertas estão expandindo suas áreas de distribuição (lobo-guará, veado-catingueiro) sobre áreas desmatadas e provavelmente refletem mudanças em direção a um clima mais seco. Como o estado possui o maior sistema rodoviário do Brasil, cerca de 40 mil mamíferos de 33 espécies são mortos por ano em colisões, causando um prejuízo econômico de 12 milhões de dólares/ano. A diversidade de mamíferos está concentrada nos maiores remanescentes florestais da Serra do Mar e no interior do Estado, principalmente nas regiões de Ribeirão Preto e Jundiaí. As lacunas amostrais estão concentradas em todo o interior do estado, principalmente na região noroeste. Os mamíferos silvestres desempenham um papel fundamental em muitos serviços ecossistêmicos, mas também podem ser uma preocupação em trazer novas doenças emergentes para as populações humanas. Embora a taxonomia de mamíferos pareça ser bem conhecida, mostramos que novas espécies estão sendo continuamente descobertas no estado. Portanto, pesquisas usando tecnologias tradicionais e novas (eDNA, iDNA, drones), monitoramento populacional de longo prazo, a investigação da interface do conflito homem-vida selvagem e a compreensão do papel único no ecossistema desempenhado pelos mamíferos são um caminho futuro para promover uma paisagem verde sustentável aliada ao bem-estar humano no estado. O plantio de corredores florestais ou de cerrado, principalmente junto aos principais sistemas fluviais, no planalto, o controle da caça ilegal nas áreas costeiras, o manejo dos regimes de fogo no Cerrado e a mitigação dos atropelamentos devem ser uma prioridade para proteger essa notável diversidade de mamíferos.
ABSTRACT
Abstract The helminth Echinococcus vogeliRausch & Bernstein, 1972 is a causative agent of Neotropical Echinococcosis, a chronic zoonotic disease which is endemic to the Neotropical region. This parasite is transmitted from bush dogs (Speothos venaticus) to their prey, which include lowland pacas (Cuniculus paca) and agoutis (Dasyprocta spp.). In Brazil, most human cases of Neotropical Echinococcosis have been recorded in the Amazonian states of Acre and Pará, although few data are available on the occurrence of the potential definitive or intermediate hosts of E. vogeli in the Amazon region. In the present study, we surveyed the forests surrounding 46 human communities located within and around of outside six sustainable-use protected areas in the southwestern Amazon basin of Brazil. The forests were surveyed using camera traps to determine the local presence of potential wild hosts of E. vogeli, and the exploitation of these hosts for game meat was evaluated through interviews with 136 subsistence hunters resident in the local communities. We recorded pacas, agoutis, and bush dogs, as well as domestic dogs (Canis familiaris), all potential reservoirs of Neotropical Echinococcosis, using the same habitats. We also confirmed the frequent consumption of paca and agouti meat by subsistence hunters and their families in the study communities. Our data contribute to the understanding of the occurrence of E. vogeli in Brazilian ecosystems.
Resumo O helminto Echinococcus vogeliRausch & Bernstein, 1972 é o agente causador da Equinococose Neotropical, uma doença zoonótica crônica e endêmica da região Neotropical. Este parasito é transmitido entre o cachorro-vinagre (Speothos venaticus) e suas presas, como pacas (Cuniculus paca) e cutias (Dasyprocta spp.). No Brasil, a maioria dos casos humanos de Equinococose Neotropical é registrada nos estados do Acre e Pará, embora existam poucos dados disponíveis sobre a ocorrência de potenciais hospedeiros definitivos e intermediários de E. vogeli na Amazônia. No presente estudo, foram investigadas áreas de floresta ao redor de 46 comunidades humanas localizadas no interior e entorno de seis unidades de conservação de uso sustentável no sudoeste da bacia amazônica brasileira e, por meio de armadilhas fotográficas, foram avaliadas as presenças de potenciais hospedeiros silvestres de E. vogeli. Adicionalmente, foram avaliados o padrão de consumo da carne dos hospedeiros silvestres por meio de entrevistas com 136 moradores dessas comunidades. Foram registradas pacas, cutias e cachorros-vinagre, bem como cães domésticos (Canis familiaris) utilizando os mesmos habitats, todos potenciais reservatórios da Equinococose Neotropical. Além disto, confirmamos a alto consumo de paca e cutia nas comunidades. Os dados do presente trabalho contribuem para pesquisas em andamento sobre a presença dos potenciais reservatórios de E. vogeli em ambientes brasileiros.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To study a deep learning-based dual-modality fundus camera which was used to study retinal blood oxygen saturation and vascular morphology changes in eyes with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).Methods:A prospective study. From May to October 2020, 31 patients (31 eyes) of BRVO (BRVO group) and 20 healthy volunteers (20 eyes) with matched gender and age (control group) were included in the study. Among 31 patients (31 eyes) in BRVO group, 20 patients (20 eyes) received one intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs before, and 11 patients (11 eyes) did not receive any treatment. They were divided into treatment group and untreated group accordingly. Retinal images were collected with a dual-modality fundus camera; arterial and vein segments were segmented in the macular region of interest (MROI) using deep learning; the optical density ratio was used to calculate retinal blood oxygen saturation (SO 2) on the affected and non-involved sides of the eyes in the control group and patients in the BRVO group, and calculated the diameter, curvature, fractal dimension and density of arteriovenous in MROI. Quantitative data were compared between groups using one-way analysis of variance. Results:There was a statistically significant difference in arterial SO 2 (SO 2 -A) in the MROI between the affected eyes, the fellow eyes in the BRVO group and the control group ( F=4.925, P<0.001), but there was no difference in the venous SO 2 (SO 2-V) ( F=0.607, P=0.178). Compared with the control group, the SO 2-A in the MROI of the affected side and the non-involved side of the untreated group was increased, and the difference was statistically significant ( F=4.925, P=0.012); there was no significant difference in SO 2-V ( F=0.607, P=0.550). There was no significant difference in SO 2-A and SO 2-V in the MROI between the affected side, the non-involved side in the treatment group and the control group ( F=0.159, 1.701; P=0.854, 0.197). There was no significant difference in SO 2-A and SO 2-V in MROI between the affected side of the treatment group, the untreated group and the control group ( F=2.553, 0.265; P=0.088, 0.546). The ophthalmic artery diameter, arterial curvature, arterial fractal dimension, vein fractal dimension, arterial density, and vein density were compared in the untreated group, the treatment group, and the control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( F=3.527, 3.322, 7.251, 26.128, 4.782, 5.612; P=0.047, 0.044, 0.002, <0.001, 0.013, 0.006); there was no significant difference in vein diameter and vein curvature ( F=2.132, 1.199; P=0.143, 0.321). Conclusion:Arterial SO 2 in BRVO patients is higher than that in healthy eyes, it decreases after anti-anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs treatment, SO 2-V is unchanged.
ABSTRACT
Abstract: The Cerrado has been severely impacted by anthropogenic disturbances, with a tiny proportion of its original extent remaining in its southern portions. In the state of São Paulo, only 7% of this vegetation remains and relatively little is known about the biodiversity of these fragments. To fill this knowledge gap, we inventoried medium and large-sized terrestrial mammals of a neglected region, including a sustainable use protected area, Cajuru State Forest (CSF), adjacent native vegetation remnants protected by the Native Vegetation Protection Law and owned by a paper and cellulose company (Dois Córregos Farm; DCF), and their surroundings. We recorded 20 native mammal species, five of which are endangered with extinction, including the giant anteater, puma, and maned wolf. We found no significant differences in species richness between CSF and DCF but we found higher estimated species richness for the surrounding areas. Besides encompassing a larger and more heterogeneous area, the surrounding area still has a relatively high proportion (>30%) of native vegetation, providing habitat and resources for many species. The estimated mammal species richness for the entire study area was similar to that found in the largest protected area of the Cerrado in São Paulo State, the Jataí Ecological Station and its surroundings. We conclude that our study area still harbors a relatively rich community of large mammals and is important for the conservation of endangered species. This finding is particularly timing since the current State administration is considering to transfer the economic exploitation of CSF to the private sector. We therefore endorse an existing proposal to uplist this protected area, which still lacks a management plan, to a more restricted management category. Besides actions regarding this governmental PA, we argue that it is also important to involve the private sector in a conservation plan for the region.
Resumo: O Cerrado tem sido severamente impactado por distúrbios antrópicos e, especialmente na sua porção sul, poucos são os fragmentos remanescentes desse bioma. No estado de São Paulo, resta aproximadamente 7% da cobertura original de Cerrado e relativamente pouco se sabe sobre a biodiversidade desses remanescentes. Para preencher essa lacuna, inventariamos mamíferos terrestres de médio e grande porte de uma região pouco estudada que inclui uma Unidade de Conservação (UC) de uso sustentável (Floresta Estadual de Cajuru; CSF), áreas de vegetação nativa protegidos pela Lei de Proteção da Vegetação Nativa e pertencentes a uma empresa de papel e celulose (Fazenda Dois Córregos; DCF), e seus entornos. Registramos 20 espécies de mamíferos nativos, cinco dos quais ameaçados de extinção, incluindo o tamanduá-bandeira, a onça parda e o lobo-guará. Não encontramos diferenças significativas na riqueza de espécies entre CSF e DCF, mas encontramos maior riqueza estimada de espécies para o entorno. Além de abranger uma área maior e mais heterogênea, essa área ainda apresenta uma proporção relativamente grande (> 30%) de vegetação nativa, fornecendo habitat e recursos para muitas espécies. A estimativa da riqueza de espécies para toda a nossa área de estudo foi semelhante à encontrada na maior UC de Cerrado no Estado de São Paulo, a Estação Ecológica de Jataí e entorno. Concluímos que a área de estudo abriga uma comunidade rica de grandes mamíferos, sendo importante para a conservação de várias espécies ameaçadas de extinção. Essa descoberta é particularmente oportuna, uma vez que o governo estadual está considerando transferir a exploração econômica da CSF para o setor privado. Endossamos, desta forma, uma proposta existente para elevar esta UC, que ainda carece de um plano de manejo, para uma categoria de manejo mais restritiva. Além disso, argumentamos que também é importante envolver a iniciativa privada em um plano de conservação para a região.
ABSTRACT
Abstract: Florivory can alter plant reproductive success by damaging sexual reproductive structures and disrupting plant-pollinator interactions through decreased flower attractiveness. Here, we report new records of the cactus Tacinga inamoena flower consumption by the Tropidurus hispidus lizard in the Brazilian Caatinga. We monitored 53 flowers from 11 T. inamoena individuals with camera traps over a 1-year period, totalling 450 camera-days of sample effort. We detected four florivory events. In three of these events, flowers were entirely consumed or had their reproductive structures severely damaged, leading to no fruit formation. Florivory events occurred in the morning, right after anthesis, in flowers near the ground, and lizards did not climb the cactus. Our results suggest that T. hispidus florivory on T. inamoena could have a negative impact on fruit set, since the consumed flowers were entirely destroyed. However, the long-term effects of florivory by lizards on T. inamoena reproductive success in the Caatinga still needs to be elucidated.
Resumo: A florivoria pode alterar o sucesso reprodutivo da planta através de danos às estruturas reprodutivas sexuais e interrupção das interações planta-polinizador por meio da diminuição da atratividade das flores. Aqui, relatamos novos registros de consumo de flores da cactácea opuntióide Tacinga inamoena pelo lagarto Tropidurus hispidus na Caatinga brasileira. Nós monitoramos 53 flores de 11 indivíduos de T. inamoena com armadilhas fotográficas por um período de um ano, totalizando 450 dias-câmera de esforço amostral. Detectamos quatro eventos de florivoria. Em três desses eventos, as flores foram totalmente consumidas ou tiveram suas estruturas reprodutivas severamente danificadas, não levando à formação de frutos. Os eventos de florivoria ocorreram pela manhã, logo após a antese, em flores próximas ao solo, e os lagartos não escalaram o cacto. Nossos resultados sugerem que a florivoria de T. hispidus em T. inamoena pode ter um impacto negativo na frutificação, uma vez que as flores consumidas foram totalmente destruídas. No entanto, os efeitos a longo prazo da florivoria por lagartos sobre o sucesso reprodutivo de T. inamoena na Caatinga ainda precisam ser elucidados.
ABSTRACT
Objective@#To describe the use of commercially available, non-medical grade USB cameras in a non-contact examination of simple cases involving the ears, nose and oral cavity of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic @*Methods@#Design: Instrument innovation. Setting: Tertiary Government Training Hospital. Participants: Patients who consulted at the ENT-HNS outpatient department during the COVID-19 pandemic. @*Results@#Commercially available USB cameras were able to provide basic visualization of the ears, nose and oral cavity. The non-medical grade USB cameras captured lower quality images when compared to the medical grade endoscopes but provided enough visualization to aid in the examination and diagnosis of simple cases. There was a learning curve in using the set-up but patients were able to adjust well, taking an average time of 2.7 minutes to complete the examination. @*Conclusion@#Non-medical grade USB cameras may play a role in aiding otolaryngologists in examining simple cases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Integration of this system into current examination practices may offer an extra layer of protection for otolaryngologists and patients alike. However, the use of these instruments as part of regular ENT practice may be controversial and will need further study.