Diet of crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) in two conservation units of the Amazon rainforest, Brazil / Dieta do cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous) em duas unidades de conservação da Floresta Amazônica, Brasil

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the diet of the free-living crab-eating fox by identifying the stomach contents of the 17 crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) roadkilled in two conservation units, both located in the Amazon rainforest. The food items were quantified by frequency of occurrence (FO) and percentage of occurrence (PO). The stomach contents were analysed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), ether extract (EE), and mineral matter (MM). Nitrogen-free extractives (NFE), metabolisable energy (ME) values, as well as the energy need for maintenance were estimated. The composition of the diet for the crab-eating fox presented 29 food items from the different taxonomic groups, with a greater diversity of items of animal origin (n=22), although the highest frequency of occurrence was gramineae (Poaceae) (41.18%). Among the items of animal origin, 21% were mammals, 18% reptiles, 10% amphibians, 9% invertebrates and 3% birds. A high content of CF (62.76%) were determined. Nitrogen-free extractive and dry matter averages were 5.91% and 141.82 kcal/100g, respectively. The average maintenance energy was 447.01 kcal/day. These findings suggesting that the crab-eating foxes have a generalist diet with an omnivorous diet in the Amazon basin, feeding on gramineae, fruits, insects, snakes, amphibians, birds and small mammals and have the same feeding habit that present in other Brazilian biomes.

Resumo Este estudo objetivou analisar a dieta do cachorro-do-mato, de vida livre, por meio da identificação do conteúdo estomacal de 17 Cerdocyon thous atropelados em duas unidades de conservação da Floresta Amazônica. O conteúdo estomacal foi analisado e os itens alimentares foram quantificados pela frequência de ocorrência (FO) e percentagem de ocorrência (PO). Também foram avaliados os teores de matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), fibra bruta (FB), extrato etéreo (EE) e, matéria mineral (MM). Foram estimados o extrativo não-nitrogenado (ENN), a energia metabolizável (EM) e a necessidade energética de manutenção. A composição da dieta do cachorro-do-mato apresentou 29 itens alimentares dos diferentes grupos taxonômicos, tendo uma maior diversidade de itens de origem animal (n=22), ainda que a maior FO tenha sido de gramíneas (Poaceae) (41.18%). Dentre os itens de origem animal, 21% eram mamíferos, 18% répteis, 10% anfíbios, 9% invertebrados e 3% aves. Determinou-se um alto teor de FB (62.76%). A média do ENN e da MS foi 5.91% e 141.82 kcal/100g, respectivamente. A média da energia de manutenção foi 447.01 kcal/dia. Estes achados sugerem que o cachorro-do-mato encontrado na Bacia Amazônica é um animal generalista com uma dieta onívora, se alimentando de gramíneas, frutos, insetos, serpentes, anfíbios, aves e pequenos mamíferos, portanto com o mesmo hábito alimentar relatado a esta espécie quando encontrada em outros biomas brasileiros.

Diet of crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) in two conservation units of the Amazon rainforest, Brazil

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the diet of the free-living crab-eating fox by identifying the stomach contents of the 17 crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) roadkilled in two conservation units, both located in the Amazon rainforest. The food items were quantified by frequency of occurrence (FO) and percentage of occurrence (PO). The stomach contents were analysed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), ether extract (EE), and mineral matter (MM). Nitrogen-free extractives (NFE), metabolisable energy (ME) values, as well as the energy need for maintenance were estimated. The composition of the diet for the crab-eating fox presented 29 food items from the different taxonomic groups, with a greater diversity of items of animal origin (n=22), although the highest frequency of occurrence was gramineae (Poaceae) (41.18%). Among the items of animal origin, 21% were mammals, 18% reptiles, 10% amphibians, 9% invertebrates and 3% birds. A high content of CF (62.76%) were determined. Nitrogen-free extractive and dry matter averages were 5.91% and 141.82 kcal/100g, respectively. The average maintenance energy was 447.01 kcal/day. These findings suggesting that the crab-eating foxes have a generalist diet with an omnivorous diet in the Amazon basin, feeding on gramineae, fruits, insects, snakes, amphibians, birds and small mammals and have the same feeding habit that present in other Brazilian biomes.

Resumo Este estudo objetivou analisar a dieta do cachorro-do-mato, de vida livre, por meio da identificação do conteúdo estomacal de 17 Cerdocyon thous atropelados em duas unidades de conservação da Floresta Amazônica. O conteúdo estomacal foi analisado e os itens alimentares foram quantificados pela frequência de ocorrência (FO) e percentagem de ocorrência (PO). Também foram avaliados os teores de matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), fibra bruta (FB), extrato etéreo (EE) e, matéria mineral (MM). Foram estimados o extrativo não-nitrogenado (ENN), a energia metabolizável (EM) e a necessidade energética de manutenção. A composição da dieta do cachorro-do-mato apresentou 29 itens alimentares dos diferentes grupos taxonômicos, tendo uma maior diversidade de itens de origem animal (n=22), ainda que a maior FO tenha sido de gramíneas (Poaceae) (41.18%). Dentre os itens de origem animal, 21% eram mamíferos, 18% répteis, 10% anfíbios, 9% invertebrados e 3% aves. Determinou-se um alto teor de FB (62.76%). A média do ENN e da MS foi 5.91% e 141.82 kcal/100g, respectivamente. A média da energia de manutenção foi 447.01 kcal/dia. Estes achados sugerem que o cachorro-do-mato encontrado na Bacia Amazônica é um animal generalista com uma dieta onívora, se alimentando de gramíneas, frutos, insetos, serpentes, anfíbios, aves e pequenos mamíferos, portanto com o mesmo hábito alimentar relatado a esta espécie quando encontrada em outros biomas brasileiros.

A study on dietary pattern of patients with type-2 diabetes

Background:Diabetes prevalence is increasing rapidly in middle and low income countries. According to the World Health Organization, diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death in 2016. The study aimed to assess dietary pattern of rural patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in Bangladesh. Methods:A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted on 149 patients with T2DM from Nagorpur, Tangail district in Bangladesh. The daily intake of foods was assessed by a prepared seven days food frequency questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were computed and chi square test was employed to signify association between variables.Results:Total 149 patients with T2DM were included in the study. The patient’s mean age and BMI was 46.68(±10.05) years and 22.51(±2.28) respectively. The average intake of calorie, carbohydrate, protein and fat of the patients was 1572(±268) Kcal/day, 241(±33) g/day, 85(±15) g/day and 57(±11) g/day respectively. Gender was associated with calorie(χ2=16.68, p<0.05), carbohydrate(χ2=10.63, p<0.05) and protein(χ2=9.42, p<0.05) intake. Age was also associated with calorie(χ2=13.54, p<0.05) and fat(χ2=13.16, p<0.05) intake. However, the study revealed that majority of the diabetic patients follows recommended dietary guidelines.Conclusions:To prevent diabetes and manage its complications, dietary guideline should be followed appropriately. We found quite satisfactory results regarding dietary intake of patients with T2DM. Yet, continual interventions need to be provided.

Feeding activity of the cayenne pompano Trachinotus cayennensis (Cuvier 1832) (Perciformes, Carangidae) in estuaries on the western coast of the state of Maranhão, Brazil / Atividade alimentar do pampo Trachinotus cayennensis (Cuvier 1832) (Perciformes, Carangidae) em estuários do litoral ocidental do Estado do Maranhão, Brasil

Abstract The present paper addresses the feeding activity of Trachinotus cayennensis, collected in Lençóis Bay (1°18'S - 1°19'S; 44°51'W - 44°53'W) on the western coast of the state of Maranhão, Brazil. Sampling was conducted between June 2012 and June 2013 using driftnets with stretch mesh sizes from 95 to 100 mm. A total of 205 individuals (114 females and 91 males) were analyzed. Statistically significant differences in the sex ratio were found in June, September and December 2012. Food items were analyzed based on frequency of occurrence and volumetric method, with the subsequent calculation of the alimentary importance index. Three size groups were defined to determine possible ontogenetic changes in eating habits based on the size range of the individuals collected: I (˂ 29 cm), II (29.1 to 37.0) and III (≥ 37.1). Eleven food item categories were identified: mollusks, polychaetes, crustaceans, nematodes, insects, algae, bryozoans, ophiuroids, fishes, vegetal matter and sediments. The variety of items in the diet of T. cayennensis indicates considerable feeding plasticity and opportunistic behavior. Seasonal variations influenced the feeding pattern of the species, with greater feeding activity in the dry season. The considerable availability of resources in estuarine habitats of the western coast of Maranhão constitutes another factor that influences the feeding behavior of this species.

Resumo Atividade alimentar do pampo Trachinotus cayennensis (Cuvier 1832) (Perciformes, Carangidae) em estuários na costa ocidental do Maranhão, Brasil. O presente trabalho descreve a atividade alimentar do Trachinotus cayennensis , coletado na Baía de Lençóis (1°18'S - 1°19'S; 44°51'W - 44°53'W) na costa oeste do Maranhão. Amostragens foram realizadas entre junho de 2012 e junho de 2013, utilizando redes de emalhar à deriva com tamanho de malha de 95 a 100 mm. Foram analisados ​​205 indivíduos (114 fêmeas e 91 machos). Encontraram-se diferenças estatisticamente significativas na proporção sexual nos meses de junho, setembro e dezembro de 2012. Os itens alimentares foram analisados ​​com base na frequência de ocorrência e utilizando o método volumétrico, com o subsequente cálculo do índice de importância alimentar. Três grupos de tamanho foram definidos para determinar possíveis mudanças ontogenéticas nos hábitos alimentares com base na faixa de tamanho dos indivíduos coletados: I (˂ 29 cm), II (29,1 a 37,0) e III (≥ 37,1). Foram identificadas 11 categorias de alimentos: moluscos, poliquetas, crustáceos, nematoides, insetos, algas, briozoários, ophiuro, peixes, matéria vegetal e sedimentos. A variedade de itens na dieta de T. cayennensis indica uma plasticidade alimentar considerável e um comportamento oportunista. As variações sazonais influenciaram o padrão alimentar da espécie, com maior atividade de alimentação na estação seca. A considerável disponibilidade de recursos nos habitats estuarinos da costa oeste do Maranhão constitui outro fator que exerce influência sobre o comportamento alimentar desta espécie.

Feeding activity of the cayenne pompano Trachinotus cayennensis (Cuvier 1832) (Perciformes, Carangidae) in estuaries on the western coast of the state of Maranhão, Brazil

Abstract The present paper addresses the feeding activity of Trachinotus cayennensis, collected in Lençóis Bay (1°18S 1°19S; 44°51W 44°53W) on the western coast of the state of Maranhão, Brazil. Sampling was conducted between June 2012 and June 2013 using driftnets with stretch mesh sizes from 95 to 100 mm. A total of 205 individuals (114 females and 91 males) were analyzed. Statistically significant differences in the sex ratio were found in June, September and December 2012. Food items were analyzed based on frequency of occurrence and volumetric method, with the subsequent calculation of the alimentary importance index. Three size groups were defined to determine possible ontogenetic changes in eating habits based on the size range of the individuals collected: I ( 29 cm), II (29.1 to 37.0) and III ( 37.1). Eleven food item categories were identified: mollusks, polychaetes, crustaceans, nematodes, insects, algae, bryozoans, ophiuroids, fishes, vegetal matter and sediments. The variety of items in the diet of T. cayennensis indicates considerable feeding plasticity and opportunistic behavior. Seasonal variations influenced the feeding pattern of the species, with greater feeding activity in the dry season. The considerable availability of resources in estuarine habitats of the western coast of Maranhão constitutes another factor that influences the feeding behavior of this species.

Resumo Atividade alimentar do pampo Trachinotus cayennensis (Cuvier 1832) (Perciformes, Carangidae) em estuários na costa ocidental do Maranhão, Brasil. O presente trabalho descreve a atividade alimentar do Trachinotus cayennensis , coletado na Baía de Lençóis (1°18S 1°19S; 44°51W 44°53W) na costa oeste do Maranhão. Amostragens foram realizadas entre junho de 2012 e junho de 2013, utilizando redes de emalhar à deriva com tamanho de malha de 95 a 100 mm. Foram analisados 205 indivíduos (114 fêmeas e 91 machos). Encontraram-se diferenças estatisticamente significativas na proporção sexual nos meses de junho, setembro e dezembro de 2012. Os itens alimentares foram analisados com base na frequência de ocorrência e utilizando o método volumétrico, com o subsequente cálculo do índice de importância alimentar. Três grupos de tamanho foram definidos para determinar possíveis mudanças ontogenéticas nos hábitos alimentares com base na faixa de tamanho dos indivíduos coletados: I ( 29 cm), II (29,1 a 37,0) e III ( 37,1). Foram identificadas 11 categorias de alimentos: moluscos, poliquetas, crustáceos, nematoides, insetos, algas, briozoários, ophiuro, peixes, matéria vegetal e sedimentos. A variedade de itens na dieta de T. cayennensis indica uma plasticidade alimentar considerável e um comportamento oportunista. As variações sazonais influenciaram o padrão alimentar da espécie, com maior atividade de alimentação na estação seca. A considerável disponibilidade de recursos nos habitats estuarinos da costa oeste do Maranhão constitui outro fator que exerce influência sobre o comportamento alimentar desta espécie.

Survey results on laboratory analysis in food nutrients around secondary school food environment / Монголын Анагаах Ухаан

BackgroundSchoolchildren spent most of time in school and the school environment is one of several settings thatcan influence children’s food choices and eating habits. Schools can ensure that the available food andbeverage options are healthy and help young people eat food that meets dietary recommendations forfruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nonfat or low-fat dairy products.GoalTo assess quality of common foods and diet in school environmentsObjectives:1. Define food items and groups in school environment;2. laboratory analysis in sample foods on “School lunch” and around school environmentMaterial and MethodsThirty public and private schools from six districts of city of UB were randomly selected from a list of allschools. Laboratory tests were analyzed total 250 samples from school canteens and within 250 metersdistances around sampled schools.ResultSchoolchildren are exposed to a wide range of unhealthy food and beverages in the school environmentand healthier food and drink’s choices are very limited in these settings. The high availability of differentvarieties of unhealthy food and drinks at affordable prices makes these products the most preferablechoices for children. Overall, 46.5 percent of schoolchildren were served in school canteen and 33.9percent of schoolchildren were served outside of schools including shops and buffet. Main factors of foodchoice were first, like eating (30.2%), food price (27.8%), hungry (16.7%) and food advertisement was6.3% among schoolchildren. Most of common foods (92.5%) were analyzed with high in salt, sugar andlow content of vitamins and minerals around school environment. There was very high sugar content per100 gram products for instance, “Batos” ice-cream 22.75 gr, “Iberry” ice cream 14.05 gr and, “Granat”juice 1364 gr. In addition, fat content is also high in schoolchildren’s common food consumption. Fatcontent tested 31.4gr in chips and 30.6 gr in pie, cake and 26.9 gr in biscuits per 100 gr products.

Study on perception of food items as hot or cold in the rural area of Pondicherry.

Introduction: It has been observed in our society that the theory of hot and cold is believed in and practiced by almost all section of the society. It is necessaary to know the prevalence of such belief in the community from time to time. Objectives: To know the prevalence of perception of hot or cold food items and their impact on t health status of the community. Material and methods: It was a cross sectional study done between the time period of March and April 2015 among 317 families and their members at t their doorsteps. Pretested questionnaire was filled with the information given by the subjects after their verbal consent. Descriptive questions regarding the family’s perception of hot and cold foods were asked in the categories of cereals, pulses, oils, vegetables, dairy products, non-vegiterian, fruits, beverage, spice and water. Results: Sixty six percent of the families told Brinjal, 84% told chicken and 34.6% told curd are hot foods and produces Gastrointestinal tract (74%) and Genitourinary tract (73%) illnesses. Similarly 15.6% of the families told carrot, 26.33% told grapes, 20% told fish and 58.6% told buttermilk are cold foods leading to development of respiratory tract illnesses. Only one percent of the families did not have any idea about hot or cold food items. Conclusion: The prevalence of misconception of hot or cold foods exist among families and misunderstanding about the nutritive value of food items which are likely to cause deficiency in vitamins, minerals in their family diet.

Diet and feeding behavior of the White-naped Jay, Cyanocorax cyanopogon (Wied, 1821) (Aves, Passeriformes, Corvidae) in a disturbed environment in central Brazil / Dieta e comportamento alimentar de Cyanocorax cyanopogon (Wied, 1821) (Aves, Passeriformes, Corvidae) em um ambiente antropizado na região centro-oeste do Brasil

The White-naped Jay Cyanocorax cyanopogon (Wied, 1821) is an omnivorous and opportunistic species, with a multifarious diet. In view of the scarcity of available data in the literature, the aim was to investigate and describe the bird's diet, location of food items, foraging tactics, actual feeding behavior and intraspecific interactions, as a means of defining the items consumed. The study was carried out in a Cerrado area in the Araguaia Campus of the Federal University of Mato Grosso – UFMT, in Pontal do Araguaia, Mato Grosso State, Brazil, from August to December, 2006, and from April to October, 2010. All the feeding events were recorded through 136 hours of animal focal sampling, whereby it was shown that these birds predominantly consume animal nutrients, replenished by vegetable items and human food-waste. Arthropods were predominant in the diet, with ants as the most abundant and frequent item. The fruits, flowers and seeds of eleven plant species were also consumed. Food-waste, representing about 1/10 of the total, was constantly consumed even when other food sources were available. Although active among the various strata, foraging is mainly on the ground. In the event of food-scarcity, the strategy employed is the hierarchical deployment of the members of various-sized groups, with the avoidance of direct competition. This versatility during all seasons, confirms total adaptation to the anthropic environment surrounded by native habitats that characterized the study site.

Cyanocorax cyanopogon (Wied, 1821) é uma espécie onívora e oportunista, que se alimenta de diferentes itens alimentares. Como há poucos relatos na literatura sobre sua alimentação, este estudo visou descrever os itens alimentares consumidos, o local de captura do alimento, as táticas de forrageamento, o comportamento alimentar e as interações intraespecíficas de C. cyanopogon. O estudo foi realizado em uma área de Cerrado do Campus Universitário do Araguaia, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, em Pontal do Araguaia/MT, de agosto a dezembro de 2006 e de abril a outubro de 2010. Por meio da amostragem animal focal foram registrados todos os eventos alimentares, num total de 136 h de observações. Os resultados demonstraram que C. cyanopogon consome predominantemente alimentos de origem animal, seguidos pelos de origem vegetal e por resíduos alimentares. Os artrópodes foram predominantes em sua dieta e as formigas foram os itens animais mais abundantes e frequentes. Frutos, flores e sementes de onze espécies de plantas também foram consumidos. Resíduos alimentares representaram cerca de um décimo dos itens consumidos, sendo ingeridos mesmo em períodos de disponibilidade de outras fontes alimentares. C. cyanopogon é forrageadora ativa e utiliza diferentes estratos para a captura do alimento, com maior utilização do solo. Forrageia sempre em grupos de tamanhos variados e apresenta um sistema hierárquico para o consumo de itens menos abundantes, sem haver competição direta pelo alimento. Por consumirem diferentes tipos de alimentos e em todas as estações do ano, conclui-se que C. cyanopogon está totalmente adaptada ao ambiente ocupado pelo ser humano, mas circundado por vegetação nativa, característica do local de estudo.

Seasonal variation in body size and diet of the sea star Astropecten marginatus (Paxillosida, Astropectinidae) off coast of Paraná, Southern Brazil / Variaciones estacionales en el tamaño corporal y dieta de la estrella de mar Astropecten marginatus (Paxillosida, Astropectinidae) frente a la costa de Paraná, sur de Brasil

The sea star Astropecten marginatus has a neotropical distribution and is a highly abundant and frequent species in shrimp trawling by-catchin many places along the Brazilian coast. This has caused its threat to extinction and in addition, its bio-ecological aspects are poorly known. Thus, the main objective of this study was to analyze the seasonal variations of population length structure and feeding habits of the sea stars A. marginatus inhabiting off state of Paraná, Southern Brazil. The analyzed specimens were collected in February (summer), April (fall), June (winter) and October (spring) of 2008 from shrimp by-catch trawling. In the laboratory, each individual had its length measured and then weighed on an analytical scale. Afterwards, the stomach contents of 10 individuals of each of two most frequent length classes were seasonally analyzed. The relative frequency and abundance for each prey category was determined and, then combined into an index of alimentary importance. A total of 994 individuals of A. marginatus were collected with length ranging from 7.0 to 56.2mm, but most individuals were in the 20.1-25mm length classes. Individuals larger than 40mm were only collected in the spring while a few recruits (<10mm) were found in fall and winter. The total weight of individuals ranged from 0.1 to 15.3g and the weight-length relationships showed a negative allometric growth (b<2.54). Regarding its food consumption, this sea star explored eleven food items, with cumaceans and mollusks as the most frequent items. High frequency of empty stomach was recorded at fall. Seasonal differences in the amount explored preys and ingested items as well as in the prey composition were also observed. Higher amount of explored prey categories and ingested items were recorded at winter-spring than summer-fall periods. Predominance in prey category changed from gastropods (summer and fall) to cumaceans (winter and spring). The importance of gastropods as main prey category at summer and fall should be carefully considered since it was coincidently observed with high frequency of empty stomach and low amount of ingested items. The observed seasonal differences in feeding behavior pattern were mainly associated to low prey availability and to changes in the sea star feeding rates, and probably reflected in some biological traits such as small body size of the population inhabiting waters off the Paraná coast, Southern Brazil.

La estrella de mar Astropecten marginatus presenta una distribución neotropical y debido a su abundancia es frecuente encontrarla como captura incidental durante actividades de pesca de arrastre; actividad por la cual se encuentra amenazada en muchos lugares a lo largo de la costa brasileña. En este estudio se analizaron las variaciones estacionales de la estructura de la población y se determinaron los principales componentes de la dieta de A. marginatus frente a la costa de Paraná, sur de Brasil. Las muestras analizadas provinieron de las capturas de la pesca de arrastre recogidas en febrero (verano), abril (otoño), junio (invierno) y octubre (primavera) 2008. De cada individuo se midió la longitud y se pesó, posteriormente se analizó el contenido estomacal de 10 organismos de cada una de las dos clases de talla más frecuentes por cada temporada. Se analizaron 994 ejemplares de A. marginatus, los cuales presentaron una longitud que varió entre 7.0-56.2mm, con mayor frecuencia de individuos entre 20.1-25mm. Los organismos mayores (>40mm) se encontraron solamente en la primavera, mientras aquellos con talla inferior a los 10mm se obtuvieron durante el otoño y el invierno. El peso de los individuos se mantuvo entre los 0.1-15.3g. La relación entre el peso y talla mostró un crecimiento alométrico negativo (b<2.54). En cuanto a la dieta, esta especie consumió un total de once presas, de las cuales los cumáceos y moluscos fueron los grupos más consumidos. Una mayor cantidad de presas exploradas se registró en el invierno-primavera de los períodos de verano-otoño. El predominio de la presa cambió de gasterópodos (verano y otoño) a cumáceos (invierno y primavera). Las diferencias estacionales en el patrón de alimentación podrían estar asociadas a una baja disponibilidad de presas y a los cambios en las tasas de alimentación, lo cual se ve reflejado en algunos rasgos biológicos, como el pequeño tamaño del cuerpo esta población.

Diet of Leptodactylus fuscus (Amphibia: Anura: Leptodactylidae) in the Pantanal of Miranda river, Brazil / Dieta de Leptodactylus fuscus (Amphibia: Anura: Leptodactylidae) no Pantanal do rio Miranda, Brasil

Amphibians are usually generalist predators, and their diet is influenced by extrinsic (e.g. food availability) and intrinsic factors (e.g. body size and skull shape). This study aims to describe the diet of adult males and females of Leptodactylus fuscus in the Pantanal of the Miranda river and to answer the following questions: i) Are prey's maximum size and number of food items explained by the anuran's body size? ii) Are richness of morphospecies and number of food items explained by frog sex? iii) Is there diet overlap between male and female? We recorded 62 food items, belonging to seven orders of Arthropoda, and one individual of Annelida. The diet of L. fuscus was dominated by Orthoptera, followed by Coleoptera, Araneae, Hymenoptera, Blattaria, Hemiptera and Diptera. Frog's body size did not influence prey size or number of food items consumed. The number of prey and richness of morphospecies did not differ between males and females. There was low diet overlap between the sexes. Our results provide evidence for the opportunistic and generalist feeding behavior of L. fuscus.

Anfíbios são, em geral, predadores generalistas cuja dieta é influenciada por fatores extrínsecos (e.g. disponibilidade de alimento) e intrínsecos (e.g. tamanho do corpo e formato do crânio). Este estudo tem como objetivo descrever a dieta de machos e fêmeas adultos de Leptodactylus fuscus no Pantanal do rio Miranda e responder as seguintes perguntas: i) O tamanho máximo da presa e o número de itens alimentares são explicados pelo tamanho corpóreo do anuro? ii) A riqueza de morfoespécies e número de itens alimentares são explicados pelo sexo do anuro? iii) Existe sobreposição de dieta entre macho e fêmea? Registramos 62 itens alimentares distribuídos por sete ordens de Arthropoda e um indivíduo de Annelida. A dieta de L. fuscus possui dominância de Orthoptera, seguida por Coleoptera, Araneae, Hymenoptera, Blattaria, Hemiptera e Diptera. O tamanho corpóreo do anuro não influenciou o tamanho da presa ou o número de itens alimentares consumidos. O número de presas e riqueza de morfotipos não diferiu entre machos e fêmeas. Houve baixa sobreposição alimentar entre os sexos. Os resultados mostram evidências de comportamento alimentar oportunístico e generalista para L. fuscus.

Diet analysis of Cricotopus sp. larvae (Diptera: Chironomidae), fourth stage, in different artificial substrates and hydrological phases, in the upper Paraná river - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v31i4.3522 / Análise da dieta das larvas de 4º estádio de Cricotopus sp. (Diptera: Chironomidae), em diferentes substratos artificiais e fases hídricas, no trecho superior do rio Paraná - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v31i4.3522

In Brazil, studies on the diet of Chironomidae larvae are still scarce and these data are important to understand the trophic structure and organization of aquatic ecosystems. In this study, we identified the main food items consumed by Cricotopus sp. and compared possible differences in the larval diet at different artificial substrates and hydrological phases. We used four types of artificial substrates: X-shaped wood (MADX); X-shaped nitacetal plates (NITX); tube-shaped PVC (PVCT) and tube-shaped galvanized metal (METT), each with three replicates. Samplings were undertaken fortnightly, between August 2004 and December 2005. Cricotopus sp. diet was composed by detritus, algae and fungal hyphae. Detritus was the main food item, with values above 50% of total intake. The results indicated that Cricotopus sp. is a collector species and, regardless of substrate, these larvae feed on available resources in the environment. However, the changes in hydrological regime of the Paraná river can influence the food resource availability, mainly some Diatoma genera such as Melosira sp., which were consumed in high quantity only during the low water phase

No Brasil, estudos sobre hábitos alimentares das larvas de Chironomidae ainda são escassos e estas informações são importantes para entender a estrutura trófica e a organização dos ecossistemas aquáticos. Neste estudo, teve-se como objetivo identificar os principais itens alimentares ingeridos por Cricotopus sp. e comparar as possíveis diferenças na dieta das larvas em diferentes substratos artificiais e fases hídricas. Foram utilizados quatro tipos de substratos artificiais: madeira em forma de X (MADX), placas de nitacetal em forma de X (NITX), PVC em forma de tubo (PVCT) e metal galvanizado em forma de tubo (METT), cada um com três réplicas. As coletas foram realizadas quinzenalmente, entre os meses de agosto de 2004 e dezembro de 2005. A dieta de Cricotopus sp. foi constituída por detritos, algas e hifas de fungos. Detrito foi o principal item alimentar, com valores superiores a 50% do total consumido. Os resultados indicaram que Cricotopus sp. é uma espécie coletora e, independentemente do substrato, as larvas alimentam-se dos recursos disponíveis no ambiente. Entretanto, mudanças no regime hidrológico do rio Paraná podem influenciar a disponibilidade de alimento, principalmente algumas diatomaceas como Melosira sp., consumidas em maior quantidade apenas na fase de águas baixas

Ingestão de itens não alimentares (Pica) em pacientes em diálise peritoneal / Intake of non-food items (Pica) in peritoneal dialysis patients

Introdução: A palavra pica é definida como o desejo intenso e persistente da ingestão de itens não-alimentares com pouco ou nenhum valor nutricional.Pacientes em diálise podem estar propensos a tal distúrbio. Objetivo: Investigar a prevalência de pica em pacientes em diálise peritoneal. Métodos:Através de entrevista e aplicação de questionário, foram avaliados 106 pacientes maiores de 20 anos, submetidos à diálise peritoneal ambulatorial contínua(DPAC) ou à diálise peritoneal automatizada (DPA). Nos pacientes que apresentavam pica, foram coletados exames bioquímicos, incluindo: albumina,cálcio, creatinina, ferritina, ferro, fósforo, glicemia, hematócrito, hemoglobina, potássio, transferrina e uréia séricos, além do Kt/V para determinação da adequação dialítica. Os pacientes tiveram peso e estatura medidos, para cálculo do índice de massa corporal (IMC). Resultados: A idade dos pacientes foi de 57,1±14,3 anos (média±DP). Observou-se que 32% (n=34) dos indivíduos entrevistados apresentavam pica. Destes, a maioria dos praticantes(76,5%, n=26) era do sexo feminino. Os itens ingeridos em maior prevalência foram: gelo (25%), vinagre (20,8%) e suco de limão puros (12,5%). Não houvediferença significativa na presença de pica entre obesos e não obesos, assim como o problema não foi associado à anemia, sobrepeso ou à inadequacidade dialítica. Conclusão: A ingestão de itens não-alimentares não é um achado incomum na população em diálise peritoneal.

Introduction: The word pica is defined as an intensive and persistent desire for the intake of non-food items with little or no nutritional value. Dialysis patientsmay be susceptible to such disturbance. Objective: To investigate the prevalence of pica in a population of peritoneal dialysis patients. Methods: An openinterview and a questionnaire were applied to 106 patients in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and automated peritoneal dialysis (APD).Patients younger than 20 years were excluded from the study. For those patients who presented pica, biochemical analysis was performed, which included the serum measurements of albumin, calcium, creatinine, ferritin, iron, phosphorus, glucose, hematocrit, hemoglobin, potassium, transferrin and urea. Moreover, the delivery dose of dialysis was assessed by the calculation of Kt/V. Also, the body mass index (BMI) was calculated using measured weight and height. Results: The pica practice was observed in 32% (n=34) of the PD patients, whose age was 57.1±14.3 years (mean ±SD). From these patients, the majority of pica practitioners (76.5%, n=26) was female. The most reported consumed items were: ice (25%), pure vinegar (20.8%) and lemon juice(12.5%). There was no significant difference in the presence of pica between obese and non-obese patients, and the problem was not associated w i t h anemia, overweight or dialysis inadequacy. Conclusion: The intake of non-food items is not an uncommon finding in the peritoneal dialysis population.

A Comparative Study of Dietary Intake among Urban Japanese and Chinese Aged 50$\sim$79

This study examined the difference in dietary intake between middle−aged and elderly Japanese and Chinese. Volunteers aged 50∼79 living in two cities in both Japan and China were recruited in local community service centers and were asked to complete a 3−day diet recording. The final results were based on 356 subjects (166 Chinese and 190 Japanese). In men, the Japanese subjects significantly consumed more energy, with a large proportion of the energy coming from carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin B2, vitamin C and they consumed less iron, and a lower proportion of energy from protein and fat than in the Chinese subjects. In women, the Japanese subjects had significantly higher intakes of energy, the proportion of energy from carbohydrates, dietary fiber, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin C and they consumed less iron, with the proportion of energy from protein and from fat in comparison with the Chinese women. Fat intake provided more than 29% of the total dietary energy in Chinese subjects. Daily intake of food items was significantly greater in the Japanese participants, both men and women (18.54±2.85, 20.11±2.40, respectively), than in the Chinese subjects (14.11±3.62, 15.51±4.15, respectively) (p<0.01 by Mann Whitney U−test). The present study suggests that the middle−aged and elderly Chinese subjects should increase their variety of foods consumed while decreasing their consumption of high−fat foods. For the Japanese subjects, the higher intake of total calories among the woman should also be noted.

Relationship between the Number of Different Food Consumed and Nutrient Intakes / 대한지역사회영양학회지

In order to examine the relationship between the number of different foods consumed and nutrient intake, one-day food consumption were surveyed by 24-hour recall from a sample of 287 individuals(20-49 years) living in Daejon City. The number of consumed food items did not include seasonings except red pepper power, sugar, oil, and soybean paste when used in large amounts(DVS). The number, including all seasonings except salt and vinegar(DVSS), was also counted. Of the total subjects, 43.6%(DVS) or 39.0%(DVSS) consumed 18-23 daily different foods with an average of 20.2 or 22.9, respectively. As the DVS increased, daily intakes of total foods and most food groups were elevated. Cereals however were not changed and eggs were decreased with increasing DVS. Energy and nutrient intakes and their mean adequacy ratio(MAR) and index of nutritional quality(INQ) also show positive correlations with DVS. MAR equal to or greater than(> or =) 0.75 was taken as a cut-off point for nutritional adequacy. In that case, the mean INQ was shown to be > or =1. MRI(10) for energy and 9 nutrients and MAR(3) for Ca, vitamin A, and riboflavin were estimated. Form a regression analysis, when MAR(10) was 0.75, the DVS and DVSS were assumed to be 19.6 and 22.2, respectively. And when MAR(3) was 0.75, the DVS and DVSS were assumed to be 31.6 and 34.6, respectively. However the subjects whose MAR(3) was 0.75(0.7-0.8) 23.8(DVS) or 26.6(DVSS) different foods in average, and their mean intakes of energy and all nutrients, except vitamin A, were ranged at 85-100% of the RDA. Of the 74 subjects who consumed DVS> or =24, 24 to 42 numbers took or =32 took > or =125%RDA of protein, which showed concerns of overnutrition in case of DVS> or =32. Form the above results it could be suggested that a daily intake of 24-32(or 28) of DVS or 27-35(or 31) of DVSS was recommendable for an optimal nutritional of all nutrients if the variety of food groups and sufficient intake of vitamin A and calcium were emphasized together.

The Development and Evaluation of a Simple Semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire to Assess the Dietary Intake of Adults in Large Cities / 대한지역사회영양학회지

Using data obtained from 1,473 adults aged 18-68 yrs, residing in large cities and by use of a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, we assessed the relative importance of various foods as indicators of both the amount and the variability of selected nutrient intake to develop a simple food frequency questionnaire. Since Cronbach's alpha value of the questionnaire including 78 food items was 0.76, the reliability of this questionnaire was acceptable. A large fraction of the variability of nutrient intake in this population could be explained by the small number of food items. The estimation of dietary nutrient intake such as total calories or protein content, which are derived from almost all foods, will require more food items with nutrients such as calcium or vitamin A, which are concentrated in a few food items. A dietary history ascertaining the intake of as few as 5-19 food items mighted be all needed in order to determent the association between disease outcome and the intake of a single nutrient. There was certainly a high level of agreement with nutrient intake by the sbujects who were cross-classified by quartiles of nutrient indices based on all the food items(78) and by quartiles of nutrient indices based on food items selected by stepwise multiple regression for selected nutrients. The data provided further evidence that useful information on dietary intake over an extended period can be obtained by a simple and relatively inexpensive food frequency questionnaire.