ABSTRACT
Background The reintroduction of sylvatic yellow fever in the state of São Paulo after about six decades was confirmed in the Northwestern region in 2000, where in 2008 there also occurred an important epizootic. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feeding habits of culicids potentially involved in the sylvatic transmission of the virus in this region.Methods Specimens were collected in 24 forested localities at ground level with hand nets and mouth aspirators. Collections were made quarterly between October 2006 and July 2008 during daylight hours. Blood-meal identification was carried out in mosquitoes of the tribes Aedini, Mansoniini and Sabethini. The biotin/avidin sandwich ELISA was employed to determine six source types: bird, bovine, equine, rat, human and monkey.Results A total of 24,879 females of the three tribes were obtained, 245 (0.98%) of which were engorged. The presence of three different blood sources per engorged female was the predominant situation, and included 35.10% of the total of samples processed. Samples with two or four different sources were represented by 25.31% and 25.71%, of the specimens, respectively, while just 9.39% had only one type and 1.22%, five different sources. Aedes scapularis, Ae. serratus(Group),Psorophora albigenu and Ps. ferox were the most abundant species and accounted for about 95% of the engorged specimens. Of the principal vector species,Haemagogus janthinomys/capricorniiwas found with bird, bovine and primate blood. These sources were predominant and alternated top ranking as the most frequent source according to the mosquito species and collection site. In general, primate blood was the most prevalent source.Conclusions The human population of the region visits this ecotone frequently, which indicates the need for the periodical assessment of vaccination coverage against yellow fever. The frequency of non-human primate blood source in mosquito species that show minor vector importance in yellow fever virus transmission deserves attention. The eclectic feeding habits and some aspects of the interactions between potential vectors and reservoirs of yellow fever may be associated with the habitat fragmentation characteristic of the region. We recommend that further studies on the capacity and vector competence be performed on secondary vectors in extra-Amazonian region.(AU)
Subject(s)
Animals , Yellow Fever , Yellow fever virus , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Ecosystem , DipteraABSTRACT
AbstractBackground The reintroduction of sylvatic yellow fever in the state of São Paulo after about six decades was confirmed in the Northwestern region in 2000, where in 2008 there also occurred an important epizootic. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feeding habits of culicids potentially involved in the sylvatic transmission of the virus in this region.Methods Specimens were collected in 24 forested localities at ground level with hand nets and mouth aspirators. Collections were made quarterly between October 2006 and July 2008 during daylight hours. Blood-meal identification was carried out in mosquitoes of the tribes Aedini, Mansoniini and Sabethini. The biotin/avidin sandwich ELISA was employed to determine six source types: bird, bovine, equine, rat, human and monkey.Results A total of 24,879 females of the three tribes were obtained, 245 (0.98%) of which were engorged. The presence of three different blood sources per engorged female was the predominant situation, and included 35.10% of the total of samples processed. Samples with two or four different sources were represented by 25.31% and 25.71%, of the specimens, respectively, while just 9.39% had only one type and 1.22%, five different sources. Aedes scapularis, Ae. serratus(Group),Psorophora albigenu and Ps. ferox were the most abundant species and accounted for about 95% of the engorged specimens. Of the principal vector species,Haemagogus janthinomys/capricorniiwas found with bird, bovine and primate blood. These sources were predominant and alternated top ranking as the most frequent source according to the mosquito species and collection site. In general, primate blood was the most prevalent source.Conclusions The human population of the region visits this ecotone frequently, which indicates the need for the periodical assessment of vaccination coverage against yellow fever. The frequency of non-human primate blood source in mosquito species that show minor vector importance in yellow fever virus transmission deserves attention. The eclectic feeding habits and some aspects of the interactions between potential vectors and reservoirs of yellow fever may be associated with the habitat fragmentation characteristic of the region. We recommend that further studies on the capacity and vector competence be performed on secondary vectors in extra-Amazonian region.
Subject(s)
Animals , Feeding Behavior , Culicidae , Yellow Fever , Insect VectorsABSTRACT
Prácticas de alimentación inadecuadas que impidan al niño obtener la calidad y cantidad de alimentos requeridos, pueden propiciar la aparición de desnutrición en los mismos. Este estudio relacionó las conductas y hábitos alimentarios con el apetito en 97 niños menores de dos años con desnutrición primaria que recibieron atención nutricional ambulatoria en el Centro de Atención Nutricional Infantil Antímano durante el período 2000 - 2010. Para ello, se describió la variable apetito y las correspondientes a las categorías conductas alimentarias y hábitos alimentarios, reportadas en historias dietéticas al ingreso y a 3±2 meses de iniciado el tratamiento nutricional de los niños, aplicándose pruebas estadísticas para determinar cambio y asociación entre dichas variables (test de McNemar, Chi-cuadrado y Fisher). Inicialmente, más de la mitad de los niños tenían conductas y hábitos alimentarios inadecuados, algunos asociados significativamente (p-valor <0,050) con el apetito malo o regular (presencia de elementos distractores; horario, lugar y duración de la comida incorrectos; respuesta del cuidador inapropiada; adecuaciones de proteínas, carbohidratos y folato inadecuadas e introducción incorrecta de alimentos complementarios). Luego de 3±2 meses de iniciado el tratamiento nutricional, se observaron cambios significativos (p-valor <0,050) en las conductas alimentarias, el apetito y algunos hábitos alimentarios (adecuación de calcio; frecuencia de consumo de hortalizas, frutas, grasas y misceláneos; tipo de preparaciones; dilución y cantidad de leche completa o fórmula infantil y número de comidas principales diarias). En conclusión, el tratamiento nutricional en niños con desnutrición primaria, modifica conductas y hábitos alimentarios inadecuados asociados con su apetito regular o malo(AU)
TInadequate feeding practices that restrict the child to obtain the required quality and quantity of food, can promote the occurrence of malnutrition in them. This study related behaviors and eating habits with appetite in 97 children under two years with primary malnutrition receiving outpatient nutritional care in the Centro de Atención Nutricional Infantil Antímano during the period 2000 - 2010. In order to achieve this, the following variables were described: appetite and those into the categories of eating behaviors and eating habits, which were reported in the dietary histories at baseline and at 3±2 months after starting the nutritional treatment of the children. Statistical tests were applied to assess changes and the relationship between such variables (McNemar´s, Chi-squared, and Fisher tests). Initially, more than half of the children had inadequate dietary behaviors and habits, some of them had significant association (p-value <0.050) with the poor or fair appetite (presence of distracting elements; incorrect meal schedule, place and duration; improper caregiver response; inadequate protein, carbohydrate, and folate adequacies and the incorrect introduction of complementary foods). After 3±2 months, significant changes (p-value <0.050) were observed in eating behavior, appetite and some eating habits (calcium adequacy; vegetables, fruit, fat, and miscellaneous consumption frequency; types of preparations; dilution and amount of whole milk or formula and number of main meals per day). In conclusion, the nutritional treatment in children with primary malnutrition changes inadequate eating behaviors and habits associated with their poor or fair appetite(AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Infant , Appetite , Infant Nutrition Disorders , Body Mass Index , Malnutrition , Feeding Behavior , Proteins , Caregivers , Psychosocial Impact , Diet, Food, and Nutrition , GrowthABSTRACT
The Ribeirão Grande system is located in the slope of the Serra da Mantiqueira and is surrounded by Atlantic forest. Eight sites were surveyed in the Ribeirão Grande system, during the winter (July 2001), spring (October 2001), summer (February 2002) and fall (April 2002). Samples were made with an electrofishing device. Gonad maturation, levels of stomach fullness and fat content were analyzed and their distributions reported in an annual cycle. Neoplecostomus microps has a spawning in the spring through to summer. The size at sexual maturity is about 5.9 cm total length for males and 6.9 cm for females. The high values in October and February by the gonadosomatic index and the relative condition factor coincided with the spawning period. In the diet of N. microps were found Diptera larvae (Simulium, Chironomus), Plecoptera nymphs and Coleoptera aquatic larvae (Psephenus). The increased feeding from summer to fall provided fat accumulation. During subsequent seasons, fish may utilize visceral fat reserves for maintenance and reproduction. The reproductive pattern and feeding are interpreted as being an adaptation with respect to temporal and spatial variation and food availability.
A microbacia do Ribeirão Grande situa-se nas vertentes da serra da Mantiqueira e está circundada pela floresta Atlântica. Foram amostrados oito locais na microbacia do Ribeirão Grande, no inverno (julho de 2001), primavera (outubro de 2001), verão (fevereiro de 2002) e outono (abril de 2002). As amostras foram coletadas com um aparelho elétrico de pesca. A maturação das gônadas, os graus de repleção do estômago e de gordura visceral foram distribuídas em um ciclo anual. Neoplecostomus micropstem período de desova que vai da primavera ao verão. O tamanho da primeira maturação gonadal para machos foi de 5,9 cm de comprimento total e de 6,9 cm para as fêmeas. O alto valor em outubro e fevereiro para a relação gonadossomática e para o fator de condição relativo coincidiram com o período de desova. Foram encontradas, na dieta de N. microps, larvas de Diptera (Simulium, Chironomus), ninfas de Plecoptera e larvas de Coleoptera aquáticas (Psephenus). O aumento da alimentação, do verão ao outono, proporcionou acúmulo de gordura visceral. Durante as estações seguintes, o peixe pode utilizar as reservas de gordura para a manutenção e reprodução. O padrão reprodutivo e o de alimentação foram interpretados como sendo adaptações em relação às variações temporais e espaciais no ambiente e na disponibilidade de alimento.
ABSTRACT
The relationship between ontogenetic variation of intestine length and feeding habits of five stream-dwelling fish species from the Ubatiba River were investigated. Analysed data were based on two size categories (juveniles and adults) and two food categories (animal and vegetal). Diet composition of each size category revealed that Astyanax janeiroensis and Geophagus brasiliensis changed food preference throughout ontogeny and switched from omnivorous/carnivorous to omnivorous/herbivorous and from omnivorous/carnivorous to omnivorous, respectively. These changes were followed by ontogenetic changes in the Intestinal Coefficient (IC). No ontogenetic differences were registered for IC and food categories consumed by Hoplias malabaricus but significant differences in the size of consumed preys as well as positive correlation between fish size (predator) and prey size was observed. Food items (within animal category) consumed by the adult Pimelodella lateristriga were mainly based on allochthonous arthropods whereas juvenile individuals fed with the same intensity on allochthonous and autochthonous arthropods; both juveniles and adult individuals of Mimagoniates microlepis were mainly allochthonous feeders. Mean IC values of Pimelodella lateristriga and Mimagoniates microlepis did not change along body growth. Although changes in food category consumption were not common among all the studied species, changes in the resource exploitation strategy was a rule among them, except for Mimagoniates microlepis.
Foi investigada a relação entre as variações ontogenéticas do comprimento do intestino e os hábitos alimentares de cinco espécies de peixes do rio Ubatiba, RJ. Os dados analisados foram baseados em duas categorias de tamanho (jovens e adultos) de cada espécie e duas categorias de alimento (animal e vegetal). A composição da dieta de cada categoria de tamanho revelou que Astyanax janeiroensis e Geophagus brasiliensis mudaram a preferência alimentar ao longo do desenvolvimento ontogenético e alternaram entre onívoros / carnívoros para onívoros / herbívoros e entre onívoros / carnívoros para onívoros, respectivamente; essas alterações foram acompanhadas por alterações ontogenéticas do Coeficiente Intestinal (CI). Não foram registradas diferenças relacionadas à ontogenia tanto para o CI como para as categorias de alimento consumidas por Hoplias malabaricus mas, dentro da categoria animal, foram observadas diferenças significativas para o tamanho das presas consumidas, bem como correlação positiva entre o tamanho do peixe (predador) e o tamanho da presa. Foi ainda observado que os itens alimentares (dentro da categoria animal) consumidos pelos adultos de Pimelodella lateristriga foram principalmente baseados em artrópodes alóctones, enquanto os jovens consumiram na mesma intensidade artrópodes alóctones e autóctones; tanto os jovens como os adultos de Mimagoniates microlepis se alimentaram principalmente de artrópodes alóctones. Os valores médios do CI de P. lateristriga e M. microlepis não variaram ao longo do crescimento do corpo. Apesar do consumo das diferentes categorias tróficas não ter sido registrado para todas as espécies estudadas, as alterações da estratégia de exploração dos recursos foi a regra entre essas espécies, exceto para M. microlepis. Dessa forma, sugerimos que M. microlepis é uma espécie conservadora, no que se refere a estratégia de forrageamento e que as alterações nas estratégias tróficas das outras quatro espécies...
Subject(s)
Fishes , Feeding Behavior , IntestinesABSTRACT
The spatial distribution, abundance, and feeding habits of termites in a sugar cane plantation in Northeast Brazil were studied, and based on these ecological parameters, the pest status of the species was evaluated. Four species were found: Amitermes nordestinus Mélo & Fontes, Cylindrotermes nordenskioeldi Holmgren, Nasutitermes coxipoensis (Holmgren) and Syntermes nanus Constantino, which we reported by the first time in association to sugar cane. The abundance and spatial distribution (vertical and horizontal) of the termites were influenced mainly by the plant root biomass and soil organic matter. C. nordenskioeldi is harmful to sugar cane, A. nordestinus is a potential pest, while N. coxipoensis and S. nanus are not potential pests. The importance of termites for maintaining the fertility, aeration and porosity of tropical soils is an evidence that basic investigations on reproduction biology and population dynamics of C. nordenskioeldi and A. nordestinus must be encouraged aiming to develop pest control agents and species-specific management techniques
A distribuição espacial, a abundância e os hábitos alimentares dos cupins foram estudados em uma plantação de cana-de-açúcar do Nordeste brasileiro e, com base nesses parâmetros ecológicos, o potencial praga das espécies foi discutido. Quatro espécies foram encontradas: Amitermes nordestinus Mélo & Fontes, Cylindrotermes nordenskioeldi Holmgren, Nasutitermes coxipoensis (Holmgren) e Syntermes nanus Constantino, todas registradas pela primeira vez em associação com cana-de-açúcar. A abundância e a distribuição espacial (vertical e horizontal) dos cupins foram influenciadas principalmente pela biomassa de raízes da cultura e pela quantidade de matéria orgânica no solo. Constatou-se que C. nordenskioeldi causa danos à cultura da cana-de-açúcar, A. nordestinus tem potencial como praga, enquanto N. coxipoensis e S. nanus não apresentam potencial como praga. A importância dos cupins para manutenção da fertilidade, aeração e porosidade dos solos tropicais deixa evidente que estudos básicos sobre a biologia reprodutiva e dinâmica populacional de C. nordenskioeldi e A. nordestinus devem ser estimulados, na perspectiva do desenvolvimento de agentes de controle e técnicas de manejo espécie-específicos