Prevalence and determinants of childhood obesity in Haikou, China: A cross-sectional study

Objective: To identify the prevalence and factors of rapidly increasing childhood obesity in Haikou, China. Methods: A total of 11 497 students from 227 classes in primary and secondary schools of Haikou were surveyed by questionnaires from October 2013 to December 2014 using the Stratified Random Cluster Sampling method. Height and weight of the students were measured. A total of 8 458 children aged 7-15 years old were selected for the prevalence analyzing of overweight/obesity and 7 836 for logistic stepwise regression analysis. Results: The rate of overweight and obesity were 10.5% and 7.4%, respectively. Out of the 33 investigated factors, 17 were associated with childhood obesity (P1) and 8 beneficial factors (OR<1). Birth weight (macrosomia), parent's obesity are the top three risk factors and children's breakfast hobby (soybean milk) and food taste (sweet), favorite diet style of the family (stewing) are beneficial factors. Conclusions: The overweight/obesity rate is already at a high level and early interventions are needed. The necessary tasks are to strengthen education on parents and children with prevention knowledge, appropriately reduce the learning burden, and control the average time of watching TV to less than 3 h a day.

Anaerobic microbiota: spatial-temporal changes in the sediment of a tropical coastal lagoon with ephemeral inlet in the Gulf of Mexico / Microbiota anaerobia: cambios espacio-temporales en el sedimento de una laguna costera tropical con boca efímera en el Golfo de México

Abstract:Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and methanogenic archaea (MA) share common niches in coastal sediments during the terminal phases of the anaerobic mineralization of organic matter. The purpose of this study was to analyze the spatial - temporal variation of SRB and MA in the sediments of a tropical coastal lagoon with ephemeral inlet (La Mancha, Veracruz, Gulf of Mexico) and its relationship with environmental changes. A total of 24 sediment samples were collected during the dry (April, May), rainy (July, September) and Northern (November, February) seasons in the period 2013-2014. Microbiological analyses included the quantification of the viable SRB and MA with different substrates, as well as mineralization experiments to determine the effect of sulfate on acetate oxidation. The analyzed environmental variables in the sediments included: temperature, pH, Eh, salinity, sulfates, H2S, volatile solids, carbohydrates, and granulometric characteristics. Major changes occurred between the dry and rainy seasons. During the dry season, sulfate-reducing abundance was significantly greater with lactate (8.3x105 - 1.2x107 cells / g) and propionate (1.8x105 - 6.6x106 cells / g) as substrates, while the MA that use methanol were dominant (4.2x105 - 9.1x106 cells / g). In contrast, during the rainy season, hydrogenophylic (2.6x105 - 8.3x106 cells/g) and acetoclastic (5.4x105-6.4x106 cells / g) MA increased significantly and SRB decreased in the analyzed substrates. An apparent competition for acetate was observed, with a greater oxidation in the media with sulfates in the dry season (0.06 mM acetate / g sediment / day), and a greater oxidation in the media without sulfates in the rainy season (0.02 mM acetate / g sediment / day). SRB and MA were present throughout the sediment column, however SRB dominated in the first centimeters of the sediment while MA were abundant in deeper layers. In conclusion, SRB and MA together played a role in the mineralization of organic matter in the sediments of La Mancha lagoon, with sulfate-reduction dominating in the dry season (closed inlet) and methanogenesis during the rainy season (open inlet). Changes in rainfall and river input in this lagoon significantly affect salinity and sulfate content, the main factors that regulate the dynamics of SRB and MA in the sediments. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (4): 1759-1770. Epub 2016 December 01.

Resumen:Las bacterias sulfatorreductoras (BSR) y las arqueas metanogénicas (AM) comparten nichos comunes en los sedimentos costeros durante las fases terminales de la mineralización anaerobia de la materia orgánica. El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar la variación espacio-temporal de las BSR y AM en los sedimentos de una laguna costera tropical con una boca efímera (La Mancha, Veracruz, Golfo de México) y su relación con los cambios ambientales. Un total de 24 muestras de sedimentos fueron recolectadas en las temporadas de secas (abril, mayo), lluvias (julio, septiembre) y nortes (noviembre, febrero) en el periodo 2013 - 2014. Los análisis microbiológicos incluyeron la cuantificación de las BSR y AM viables con diferentes sustratos, así como experimentos de mineralización para determinar el efecto de los sulfatos en la oxidación del acetato. Las variables ambientales analizadas en los sedimentos incluyeron la temperatura, pH, Eh, salinidad, sulfatos, H2S, sólidos volátiles, carbohidratos y las características granulométricas. Los principales cambios se presentaron entre las estaciones de secas y lluvias. En la temporada de secas la abundancia sulfatorreductora fue significativamente superior con lactato (8.3x105 - 1.2x107 células / g) y propionato (1.8x105 - 6.6x106 células / g) como sustratos, mientras que las AM que emplean metanol dominaron (4.2x105 - 9.1x106 células / g). Por el contrario, en la época de lluvias aumentaron significativamente las AM hidrogenofílicas (2.6x105-8.3x106 células / g) y acetoclásticas (5.4x105-6.4x106 células / g), disminuyendo las BSR con los sustratos analizados. Se determinó una competencia aparente por el acetato. Su oxidación fue mayor en los medios con presencia de sulfatos en las temporadas de secas (0.06 mM acetato / g sedimento / día), mientras que aumentó en los medios sin sulfatos en la época de lluvias (0.02 mM acetato / g sedimento / día). Las BSR y las AM estuvieron presentes a lo largo de la columna sedimentaria; sin embargo, las BSR dominaron en los primeros centímetros del sedimento y las AM abundaron a mayor profundidad. En conclusión las BSR y AM participaron de manera conjunta en la mineralización de la materia orgánica en los sedimentos de la laguna de La Mancha, dominando la sulfatorreducción en la temporada de secas (boca cerrada) y la metanogénesis en la época de lluvias (boca abierta). Los cambios en el aporte fluvial y la precipitación en esta laguna afectaron significativamente la salinidad y el contenido de sulfatos, siendo los principales factores que regularon la dinámica de las BSR y AM en los sedimentos.

Colonization by Chironomidae larvae in decomposition of Eichhornia azurea (Swartz) Kunth in an Amazonian lake in Brazil / Colonização por larvas de Chironomidae em decomposição de Eichhornia azurea (Swartz) Kunth na lagoa Paraíso, sul do Amazonas

Few studies have investigated the colonization of macroinvertebrates during macrophyte decomposition. The goal of this work was to study the colonization process of Chironomidae larvae during the decomposition of Eichhornia azurea in a lake in the southern state of Amazonas, Brazil from August to October 2012. Multiple regression analysis identified a significant loss of macrophyte biomass during the 72 days of the experiment. Six genera were identified: Ablabesmyia, Chironomus, Goeldichironomus, Labrundinia, Polypedilum, and Tanytarsus. The Canonical Correspondence Analysis conducted between the densities of Chironomidae larvae and biotic and environmental factors showed that Chironomus and Goeldichironomus larvae tolerated the temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration, and macrophyte biomass of the lake. Chironomus and Goeldichironomus were the densest genera, especially in the last days of the experiment. We conclude that the tolerance of some Chironomidae genera, such as Chironomus, may have contributed to their success in colonization because macrophyte decomposition significantly changes the chemical composition of water. In addition, we identified a significant increase in the E. azurea decomposition rate in Lake Paraíso compared to other lakes at greater latitudes, suggesting a direct effect between the temperature and the macrophyte decomposition rate.

Poucos trabalhos investigaram a colonização de macroinvertebrados durante a decomposição de macrófitas. O objetivo desse trabalho foi estudar no período de agosto a outubro de 2012 o processo de colonização de larvas de Chironomidae durante a decomposição de Eichhornia azurea em uma lagoa no sul do Estado do Amazonas. A análise de regressão múltipla identificou uma perda significativa na biomassa da macrófita durante os 72 dias do experimento. Seis gêneros foram identificados: Ablabesmyia, Chironomus, Goeldichironomus, Labrundinia, Polypedilum e Tanytarsus. A Análise de Correspondência Canônica, realizada entre as densidades das larvas de Chironomidae e fatores bióticos e ambientais, mostrou uma tolerância das larvas de Chironomus e Goeldichironomus à temperatura, ao oxigênio dissolvido e à biomassa da macrófita. Chironomus e Goeldichironomus também foram os gêneros com as maiores densidades, principalmente nos últimos dias do experimento. Concluímos que a tolerância de alguns gêneros de Chironomidade como Chironomus pode ter contribuído para o seu sucesso na colonização, pois a decomposição da macrófita altera significativamente a composição química da água. Além disso, identificamos aumento significativo na velocidade de decomposição de E. azurea na lagoa Paraíso em comparação a outra lagoa com latitude maior, sugerindo efeito direto entre a temperatura e a velocidade de decomposição da macrófita.

Distribution of oligochaetes in a stream in the Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil / Distribuição de oligoquetas em um riacho da Mata Atlântica, Sudeste do Brasil

The oligochaetes are considered good indicators of ecological conditions and specific types of habitats. Among the factors that influence the distribution of these invertebrates are the water flow and the nature of the substrate. The aim of this study is to describe the composition and distribution of oligochaete species in a first-order stream in Atlantic Forest and try to identify if some species are associated with characteristics of particular types of habitats. In the dry season and in the rainy season, sand and litter samples in two riffle areas and two pool areas were collected in different parts along the stream using a hand net. The greatest observed richness and abundance occurred in sand in the pool, however the greatest estimated richness was obtained for litter in the pool. The Kruskal-Wallis analysis showed effect of the different types of habitat on the abundance and richness of oligochaetes. The Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) and Multiresponse Permutation Procedure analysis (MRPP) indicated that the variation in the fauna composition had relation with different types of substrates. The indicator species analysis showed that Limnodrilus. hoffmeisteri was an indicator species in both the riffle sand and pool sand and Pristina americana was only an indicator in the pool sand. The high organic matter content in both sandy habitats probably favored the greater abundance of oligochaetes. The results showed that the substrate constitutes an important factor for the local distribution of these invertebrates in streams. The variation of the community structure among mesohabitats and the presence of indicator species of specific types of habitats in the stream demonstrate the importance of environmental heterogeneity for the oligochaetes fauna in forested streams.

Os oligoquetos são considerados bons indicadores de condições ecológicas e de tipos específicos de habitats. Entre os principais fatores que influenciam a distribuição desses invertebrados estão o fluxo da água e a natureza do substrato. O objetivo principal desse estudo foi descrever a composição e distribuição de espécies de oligoquetas de um riacho de primeira ordem da Mata Atlântica e identificar espécies que são características de tipos específicos de habitats. Na estação seca e na estação chuvosa, amostras de areia e folhiço de duas corredeiras e dois remansos foram coletadas em diferentes manchas ao longo de um trecho do riacho usando rede de mão. A maior abundância e riqueza observada ocorreram em areia de remanso. Entretanto, a análise de rarefação mostrou que a maior riqueza estimada foi obtida em folhiço de remanso. A análise de Kruskal-Wallis mostrou o efeito dos diferentes tipos de mesohabitats sobre a abundância e riqueza de oligoquetas. A análise de Escalonamento Multidimensional não- Métrico (NMDS) e a análise de Procedimento de permutação mulitirespostas (MRPP) indicaram que a variação na composição da fauna teve relação com os diferentes tipos de substratos. A análise de espécies indicadoras mostrou que L. hoffmeisteri foi indicadora tanto de areia de corredeira como de remanso e P. americana foi indicadora somente de areia de remanso. O alto conteúdo de material orgânico em ambos habitats arenosos provavelmente favoreceu a maior abundância de oligoquetos. Os resultados mostraram que o substrato constitui um importante fator para a distribuição local desses invertebrados em riachos. A variação da estrutura da comunidade entre os mesohabitats e a presença de espécies indicadoras de tipos específicos de habitats demonstrou a importância da heterogeneidade ambiental para a riqueza e distribuição de oligoquetos em riachos florestados.

Vertical and temporal variation in phytoplankton assemblages correlated with environmental conditions in the Mundaú reservoir, semi-arid northeastern Brazil

The goal of this study was to analyse the vertical structure of the phytoplankton community at the Mundaú reservoir, located in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil, and to correlate it to environmental conditions over two distinct seasons, dry and rainy. Samples were collected bimonthly at eight depths in the dry and rainy season for analyses of the physical and chemical variables of the water, as well as density, abundance, dominance, species diversity index and equitability of the community. Analysis of variance (ANOVA-two way) was used to analyse the vertical and seasonal differences, and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was used to assess associations between phytoplankton and environmental variables Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii (Woloszynska) Seenaya and Subba Raju was the only dominant species and Geitlerinema amphibium (C. Agardh) Anagnostidis, Merismopedia punctata Meyen and Synedra rumpens Kützing. Others six taxa were abundant in at least one of the samples. Distinct vertical distribution patterns were observed for the abundant taxa between depths and seasons. The cyanobacteria, with the exception of C. raciborskii, showed similar seasonal patterns, with higher densities in the dry season. The CCA showed a strong correlation between the density of the phytoplanktonic species and abiotic variables. The vertical changes in abundant taxa revealed distinct patterns regulated by the variation in the environmental factors that were directly linked to seasonality, with the success of one or more species being dependent on their life strategies and ecological needs. The present study restates the importance of environmental and seasonal factors for phytoplankton composition and distribution in a freshwater tropical reservoir through a vertical gradient.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a estrutura vertical da comunidade fitoplanctônica no reservatório Mundaú localizado na região semiárida do nordeste do Brasil e correlacioná-la com as condições ambientais durante dois períodos sazonais distintos, seca e chuva. Amostras foram coletadas bimensalmente em oito profundidades em duas estações climáticas, seca e chuvosa para análises de variáveis físicas e químicas da água, bem como, da densidade, abundância, dominância, índice de diversidade especifica e equitabilidade da comunidade. Análise de variância (ANOVA - dois critérios) foi usada para avaliar as diferenças vertical e sazonal e Análise de Correspondência Canônica (CCA) as associações entre o fitoplâncton e variáveis ambientais. Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii(Woloszynska) Seenaya and Subba Raju foi a única espécie dominante e Geitlerinema amphibium (C. Agardh) Anagnostidis, Merismopedia punctata Meyen e Synedra rumpens Kützing, foram abundantes em ambas as estações. Outros seis táxons foram abundantes em, pelo menos, uma das amostras. Distintos padrões de distribuição vertical foram observados para os táxons abundantes entre as profundidades e estações. As cianobactérias, com exceção de C. raciborskii, apresentaram padrão sazonal similar com maiores densidades no período seco. A CCA mostrou uma correlação entre a densidade das espécies fitoplanctônicas e as variáveis ambientais. As mudanças verticais nos táxons abundantes revelaram distintos padrões regulados pela variação nos fatores ambientais que estiveram diretamente ligados à sazonalidade, sendo assim, o sucesso de uma ou mais espécie está ligado à sazonalidade, às suas estratégias de vida e às suas necessidades ecológicas. O presente estudo corrobora a importância de fatores ambientais e sazonal na composição e distribuição do fitoplâncton ao longo de um gradiente vertical em um reservatório de água doce de região tropical.

Vertical and temporal variation in phytoplankton assemblages correlated with environmental conditions in the Mundaú reservoir, semi-arid northeastern Brazil / Variações vertical e temporal nas assembleias fitoplanctônicas correlacionadas com condições ambientais no reservatório Mundaú, semiárido do nordeste do Brasil

The goal of this study was to analyse the vertical structure of the phytoplankton community at the Mundaú reservoir, located in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil, and to correlate it to environmental conditions over two distinct seasons, dry and rainy. Samples were collected bimonthly at eight depths in the dry and rainy season for analyses of the physical and chemical variables of the water, as well as density, abundance, dominance, species diversity index and equitability of the community. Analysis of variance (ANOVA-two way) was used to analyse the vertical and seasonal differences, and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was used to assess associations between phytoplankton and environmental variables Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii (Woloszynska) Seenaya and Subba Raju was the only dominant species and Geitlerinema amphibium (C. Agardh) Anagnostidis, Merismopedia punctata Meyen and Synedra rumpens Kützing. Others six taxa were abundant in at least one of the samples. Distinct vertical distribution patterns were observed for the abundant taxa between depths and seasons. The cyanobacteria, with the exception of C. raciborskii, showed similar seasonal patterns, with higher densities in the dry season. The CCA showed a strong correlation between the density of the phytoplanktonic species and abiotic variables. The vertical changes in abundant taxa revealed distinct patterns regulated by the variation in the environmental factors that were directly linked to seasonality, with the success of one or more species being dependent on their life strategies and ecological needs. The present study restates the importance of environmental and seasonal factors for phytoplankton composition and distribution in a freshwater tropical reservoir through a vertical gradient.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a estrutura vertical da comunidade fitoplanctônica no reservatório Mundaú localizado na região semiárida do nordeste do Brasil e correlacioná-la com as condições ambientais durante dois períodos sazonais distintos, seca e chuva. Amostras foram coletadas bimensalmente em oito profundidades em duas estações climáticas, seca e chuvosa para análises de variáveis físicas e químicas da água, bem como, da densidade, abundância, dominância, índice de diversidade especifica e equitabilidade da comunidade. Análise de variância (ANOVA - dois critérios) foi usada para avaliar as diferenças vertical e sazonal e Análise de Correspondência Canônica (CCA) as associações entre o fitoplâncton e variáveis ambientais. Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii (Woloszynska) Seenaya and Subba Raju foi a única espécie dominante e Geitlerinema amphibium (C. Agardh) Anagnostidis, Merismopedia punctata Meyen e Synedra rumpens Kützing, foram abundantes em ambas as estações. Outros seis táxons foram abundantes em, pelo menos, uma das amostras. Distintos padrões de distribuição vertical foram observados para os táxons abundantes entre as profundidades e estações. As cianobactérias, com exceção de C. raciborskii, apresentaram padrão sazonal similar com maiores densidades no período seco. A CCA mostrou uma correlação entre a densidade das espécies fitoplanctônicas e as variáveis ambientais. As mudanças verticais nos táxons abundantes revelaram distintos padrões regulados pela variação nos fatores ambientais que estiveram diretamente ligados à sazonalidade, sendo assim, o sucesso de uma ou mais espécie está ligado à sazonalidade, às suas estratégias de vida e às suas necessidades ecológicas. O presente estudo corrobora a importância de fatores ambientais e sazonal na composição e distribuição do fitoplâncton ao longo de um gradiente vertical em um reservatório de água doce de região tropical.

Intertidal benthic macrofauna of rare rocky fragments in the Amazon region / Macrofauna bentónica intermareal de los fragmentos rocosos raros en la región Amazónica

Rock fragment fields are important habitat for biodiversity maintenance in coastal regions, particularly when located in protected areas dominated by soft sediments. Researches in this habitat have received surprisingly little attention on the Amazon Coast, despite rock fragments provide refuges, nursery grounds and food sources for a variety of benthic species. The present survey describes the mobile macroinvertebrate species composition and richness of the intertidal rocky fragments in Areuá Island within the “Mãe Grande de Curuçá” Marine Extractive Reserve (RESEX) on the Brazilian Amazon Coast. Samples were collected during the dry (August and November 2009) and rainy seasons (March and May 2010) on the upper and lower intertidal zone, using a 625cm² quadrat. At each season and intertidal zone, macroinvertebrate samples were collected along four transects (20m each) parallel to the waterline, and within each transect two quadrats were randomly sampled. Macroinvertebrates were identified, density determined, and biomass values obtained to characterize benthic diversity from the rocky fragments. The Jackknife procedure was used to estimate species richness from different intertidal zones during the dry and rainy seasons. Macrofaunal community comprised 85 taxa, with 17 “unique” taxa, 40 taxa were common to both intertidal zones and seasons, and 23 taxa have been recorded for the first time on the Brazilian Amazon Coast. Species richness was estimated at 106±9.7 taxa and results suggest that sampling effort was representative. Polychaeta was the most dominant in species number, followed by Malacostraca and Gastropoda. Regarding frequency of occurrence, Crustacean species Dynamenella tropica, Parhyale sp. and Petrolisthes armatus were the most frequent representing >75% of frequency of occurrence and 39 taxa were least frequent representing <5% of frequency of occurrence. Occurrence of crustaceans and polychaetes were particularly noteworthy in all intertidal zones and seasons, represented by 15 and 13 taxa, respectively. The most representative class in abundance and biomass was Malacostraca that represented more than half of all individuals sampled, and was dominated by Petrolisthes armatus. The latter was one of the most frequent, numerous and higher biomass species in the samples. In general, results indicated greater richness and biomass in the lower zone. Additionally, richness and density increase during the rainy season. Rock fragment fields in Areuá Island are rich in microhabitats and include a diverse array of species in a limited area. Our results underline the importance of rock fragment fields in Areuá Island for the maintenance of biodiversity in the Amazon Coast.

Los fragmentos rocosos comprenden un hábitat importante para el mantenimiento de la biodiversidad en las regiones costeras, particularmente cuando estos se encuentran en áreas protegidas dominadas por sedimentos blandos. A pesar de que los fragmentos rocosos proporcionan refugio, zonas de crianza y fuentes de alimento para una gran variedad de especies bentónicas, las investigaciones sobre este hábitat en la costa de la Amazonia han recibido poca atención. El presente estudio describe la composición de macroinvertebrados vágiles y la riqueza de especies en los fragmentos rocosos del intermareal de la isla Areuá en la Reserva Marina Extractiva (RESEX) “Mãe Grande de Curuçá”, en la costa brasileña de la Amazonia. Las muestras fueron recolectadas durante la estación seca (agosto y noviembre 2009) y de lluvias (marzo y mayo 2010) en dos zonas del intermareal (superior e inferior), con un cuadrante de 625cm². En cada zona del intermareal y por temporada se tomaron muestras de macroinvertebrados a lo largo de cuatro transectos (20m cada uno) dispuestos paralelamente a la línea de costa. Dos cuadrantes se muestrearon al azar dentro de cada transecto. Los macroinvertebrados recolectados fueron identificados y se determinó la densidad y la biomasa de organismos para caracterizar la diversidad bentónica de los fragmentos rocosos. La riqueza de especies de las dos zonas del intermareal durante las estaciones seca y de lluvias se estimó por el método de Jackknife. La comunidad de macroinvertebrados estuvo compuesta por 85 taxones, con 17 taxones “único”, 40 taxones fueron comunes para ambas zonas del intermareal y temporadas, y 23 taxones se reportaron por primera vez para la costa brasileña de la Amazonia. La riqueza de especies se estimó en 106±9.7 taxones, por lo que los resultados sugieren que el esfuerzo de muestreo fue representativo. La Clase Polychaeta dominó en número de especies, seguida por Malacostraca y Gasteropoda. Los crustaceos Dynamenella tropica, Parhyale sp. y Petrolisthes armatus fueron las más frecuentes, con una frecuencia de presencia >75% mientras que 39 taxones fueron los menos comunes, con una frecuencia de presencia <5%. La presencia de crustáceos y poliquetos fue particularmente notable en las dos zonas y temporadas, incluyeron 15 y 13 taxones, respectivamente. La Clase Malacostraca fue la más conspicua en términos de abundancia y biomasa, representó más de la mitad de todos los individuos recolectados, con dominio de Petrolisthes armatus. Esta especie fue una de las más numerosas, frecuentes y de mayor biomasa en las muestras. En general, los resultados indican que hay una mayor riqueza y biomasa en el intermareal inferior mientras que la riqueza y la densidad aumentan en la estación lluviosa. Los sectores con fragmentos rocosos en la isla Areuá son ricos en microhábitats e incluyen una gran variedad de especies en un área limitada. Nuestros resultados enfatizan la importancia de los sectores con fragmentos rocosos en la isla Areuá para el mantenimiento de la biodiversidad en la costa de la Amazonia.

Cultivable bacterial diversity along the altitudinal zonation and vegetation range of tropical Eastern Himalaya

The Northeastern part of India sprawls over an area of 262 379km² in the Eastern Himalayan range. This constitutes a biodiversity hotspot with high levels of biodiversity and endemism; unfortunately, is also a poorly known area, especially on its microbial diversity. In this study, we assessed cultivable soil bacterial diversity and distribution from lowlands to highlands (34 to 3 990m.a.s.l.). Soil physico-chemical parameters and forest types across the different altitudes were characterized and correlated with bacterial distribution and diversity. Microbes from the soil samples were grown in Nutrient, Muller Hinton and Luria-Bertani agar plates and were initially characterized using biochemical methods. Parameters like dehydrogenase and urease activities, temperature, moisture content, pH, carbon content, bulk density of the sampled soil were measured for each site. Representative isolates were also subjected to 16S rDNA sequence analysis. A total of 155 cultivable bacterial isolates were characterized which were analyzed for richness, evenness and diversity indices. The tropical and sub-tropical forests supported higher bacterial diversity compared to temperate pine, temperate conifer, and sub-alpine rhododendron forests. The 16S rRNA phylogenetic analysis revealed that Firmicutes was the most common group followed by Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes. Species belonging to the genera Bacillus and Pseudomonas were the most abundant. Bacterial CFU showed positive but insignificant correlation with soil parameters like pH (r=0.208), soil temperature (r=0.303), ambient temperature (r=0.443), soil carbon content (r=0.525), soil bulk density (r=0.268), soil urease (r=0.549) and soil dehydrogenase (r=0.492). Altitude (r=0.561) and soil moisture content (r=-0.051) showed negative correlation. Altitudinal gradient along with the vegetation and soil physico-chemical parameters were found to influence bacterial diversity and distribution. This study points out that this is a biome with a vast reservoir of bacteria which decrease with increasing altitudes, and highlights the microbiological importance of the poorly studied Eastern Himalayan range, justifying efforts to explore the prevalence of novel species in the biome.

La parte noreste de la India se extiende sobre una superficie de 262 379km² en la cordillera oriental del Himalaya. Es un punto de acceso con altos niveles de biodiversidad y endemismo; desafortunadamente, también es una zona poco conocida, sobre todo su diversidad microbiana. En este estudio se evaluó la diversidad de bacterias cultivables del suelo, su diversidad y distribución de las tierras bajas a las altas (34 a 3 990m.s.n.m). Se caracterizaron los parámetros físico-químicos del suelo y tipos de bosques a lo largo del gradiente altitudinal y se correlacionaron con la distribución y diversidad bacteriana. Los microbios del suelo se cultivaron en placas de agar enriquecido Muller Hinton y Luria-Bertani, e inicialmente se caracterizaron mediante métodos bioquímicos. Parámetros tales como actividad de la deshidrogenasa y ureasa, temperatura, contenido de humedad y de carbono, pH y densidad aparente del suelo se midieron en cada sitio. Aislamientos representativos también se sometieron al análisis secuencial de 16S rADN. Un total de 155 aislamientos bacterianos cultivables se caracterizaron para estimar los índices de riqueza, equidad y diversidad. Los bosques tropicales y subtropicales albergan una mayor diversidad bacteriana en comparación con los bosques templados de pino y coníferas, y los bosques subalpinos de rododendro. El análisis filogenético de 16S rARN reveló que Firmicutes fue el grupo más común, seguido de Proteobacteria y Bacteroidetes. Especies pertenecientes a los géneros Bacillus y Pseudomonas fueron las más abundantes. Las UFC bacterianas mostraron una positiva pero insignificante correlación con los parámetros del suelo, tales como pH (r=0.208), temperatura (r=0.303), temperatura ambiente (r=0.443), contenido de carbón (r=0.525), densidad aparente (r=0.268), ureasa (r=0.549) y deshidrogenasa (r=0.492). La altitud (r=-0.561) y el contenido de humedad del suelo (r=-0.051) mostraron una correlación negativa. Se encontró que el gradiente altitudinal, junto con la vegetación y los parámetros físico-químicos influyeron en la diversidad bacteriana y la distribución. Este estudio señala que este es un bioma con un vasto reservorio de bacterias que disminuyen con la altitud y pone en relieve la importancia microbiológica de la pobremente estudiada zona del este del Himalaya, lo que justifica los esfuerzos para explorar la prevalencia de nuevas especies en el bioma.

Feeding and morphological analysis of the digestive tract of four species of fish (Astyanax altiparanae, Parauchenipterus galeatus, Serrasalmus marginatus and Hoplias aff. malabaricus) from the upper Paraná River floodplain, Brazil / Alimentação e análise morfológica do trato digestório de quatro espécies de peixes (Astyanax altiparanae, Parauchenipterus galeatus, Serrasalmus marginatus eHoplias aff. malabaricus) da planície de inundação do alto rio Paraná, Brasil

The present study is inspired by the great wealth of species exhibited by the ichthiofauna. Not only concepts and techniques of ecology deserve attention, but also knowledge in other biological areas, such as zoology and anatomy, are necessary. The intention of the present work is to discover the morphology of fish through the study of the digestive tract morphology, associating it to diet data, in order to better understand the biology of four fish species of the upper Paraná River floodplain. The samples were collected quarterly in the year 2000 with gillnets of different meshes. The stomach content was analyzed under a stereoscopic microscope and the frequencies of occurrence (FO) and volumetric (FV) and the alimentary index (IAi) were calculated. Various morphologic characteristics were analyzed and schematized using a light chamber. The species were grouped into two trophic guilds - insectivores (Astyanax altiparanae and Parauchenipterus galeatus) and piscivores (Serrasalmus marginatus and Hoplias aff. malabaricus). The first two, although consumers of insects, preyed on different alimentary groups, notably Hymenoptera in the case of A. altiparanae and Coleoptera in the case of P. galeatus. Serrasalmus marginatus and H. aff. malabaricus consumed mainly fishes. However, only pieces of prey were usually found in the stomach content of the first species, whereas whole fishes were found in the stomach content of the second. Astyanax altiparanae exhibited characteristics that allowed it to obtain food in several compartments of the water column. Similarly P. galeatus consumed food resources that were available in all aquatic compartments, although the abilities to capture, to manipulate and to absorb food differed, as shown by the importance of teeth plates and pharyngeal teeth. Serrasalmus marginatus and H. aff. malabaricus, although resembling each other in many aspects of the digestive tract morphology, differed in the strategies used ...

A grande riqueza de espécies exibida pela ictiofauna estimula a investigação e não apenas conceitos e técnicas de ecologia merecem atenção, mas também o conhecimento em outras áreas da biologia, como zoologia e anatomia, se fazem necessárias. A intenção do presente trabalho foi conhecer a morfologia de peixes através do estudo da morfologia do trato digestório, associá-lo aos dados de dieta, contribuindo para conhecer a biologia de quatro espécies de peixes da planície de inundação do alto rio Paraná. As amostras foram obtidas trimestralmente no ano 2000 com redes de espera de diferentes malhas. O conteúdo estomacal foi investigado sob microscópio estereoscópico, e as freqüências de ocorrência (FO) e volumétrica (FV) e o índice alimentar (IAi) calculados. Foram avaliadas diversas características morfológicas e esquematizadas sob câmara clara. As espécies foram agrupadas em duas categorias tróficas - insetívoros (Astyanax altiparanae e Parauchenipterus galeatus) e piscívoros (Serrasalmus marginatus e Hoplias aff. malabaricus). As duas primeiras, embora consumidoras de insetos, exploraram grupos alimentares diferentes, destacando-se Hymenoptera para A. altiparanae e Coleoptera para P. galeatus. Serrasalmus marginatus e H. aff. malabaricus consumiram peixes, entretanto apenas pedaços de presas foram mais freqüentes para a primeira e peixes inteiros para a segunda. Astyanax altiparanae exibiu características para obter o alimento em vários compartimentos da coluna d'água. Da mesma forma, P. galeatus aproveita os recursos disponíveis em todo o ambiente aquático, porém as características para capturar, manipular e aproveitar o alimento diferiram e para essa espécie ressalta-se a importância das placas dentígeras e dentes faríngeos. Serrasalmus marginatus e H. aff. malabaricus, embora se assemelhando em muitos aspectos da morfologia do trato digestório, diferiram nas estratégias de captura das presas. As análises demonstraram que, de acordo ...

Comparative growth of the intertidal barnacle Tetraclita stalactifera (Thoracica: Tetraclitidae) in sites influenced by upwelling and tropical conditions at the Cabo Frio region, Brazil

El crecimiento del cirripedio intermareal Tetraclita stalactifera fue comparado en dos sitios influenciados por condiciones de resurgencia y tropicales en la región del Cabo Frio, Brasil. La hipótesis fue que el crecimiento es más grande en el sitio con más elevada producción. En esta región, cinco cuadrantes de 10 x 10 cm fueron raspados en el intermareal de las costas rocosas, en cada una de estas localidades, para estudiar el crecimiento de T. stalactifera desde el reclutamiento hasta finalizar el experimento o la muerte del individuo. El diámetro de la base de T. stalactifera fue medido para 18 individuos en el sitio tropical (Ponta da Fortaleza) y 22 en el sitio de resurgencia (Ponta da Cabeza) por medio de fotografías digitalizadas y el software ImageTool. Los resultados observados mostraron una mayor tasa de crecimiento en el área bajo la influencia tropical (0.07 mm/día) que en el área bajo influencia de resurgencia (0.06 mm/día). La localización del sitio, periodo de resurgencia o periodo del asentamiento no afectaron las tasas de crecimiento. Otros efectos o interacciones sinérgicas como la temperatura y la disponibilidad de alimento pueden afectar el crecimiento de esta especie en la región.

Growth of the intertidal barnacle Tetraclita stalactifera was compared in two sites under upwelling and tropical influence at Cabo Frio region, Brazil. The hypothesis was that growth is higher at sites with an enhanced productivity. Five quadrates of 10 x 10 cm were cleared in an intertidal zone of each site to follow growth from recruitment and onwards. Base diameters were measured for 18 individuals at the tropical site (Ponta da Fortaleza) and 22 at the upwelling site (Ponta da Cabeça) using digitalized photos and ImageTool software. Mean growth rates were 0.07 mm/day at the tropical site and 0.06 mm/day at the site under upwelling influence. No effect of location, upwelling season or settlement time was found on barnacle growth rates. Other factors or synergic interactions such as temperature and food availability could influence T. stalactifera growth.