Natural history museums and zoological collections of São Paulo State / Museus de história natural e coleções zoológicas do Estado de São Paulo

Abstract Scientific collections constitute a valuable source for contributions to scientific research and the training of human resources in systematics, but also other areas of biological knowledge. In this contribution, we intend to discuss these advancements in collections and the role played by FAPESP in sponsoring them, as well as a general overview of the zoological collections in São Paulo state. We also aim to stress the importance of zoological collections and the need for continuous logistic and financial support from institutions and research agencies to maintain and develop these unique repositories of biodiversity. From 1980 to the present, FAPESP supported 118 research projects focused on several areas of zoology that are directly or indirectly associated with collections. There is a constant growth in the number of projects, and the financial support provided by FAPESP through the Biota Program was paramount for the advancement of our knowledge of biodiversity in Brazil. Parallel to the scientific advances, but not less important, this support allowed curators to increase the number of specimens, and to organize, maintain and digitize them in these valuable and irreplaceable collections. Regarding the lack of new taxonomists, it is essential that FAPESP and universities in São Paulo encourage the formation of new academics in zoological groups where specialists are rare. Considering the investment provided by FAPESP, it is quite important that the institutions that benefited from these resources took greater responsibility to safeguard these collections, and they should consider including resources on their budgets to obtain safety certificates, ensuring their permanence for many generations to come. Zoological collections are a heritage of humanity and are essential not only for the improvement of our knowledge of biodiversity but also with direct applications, among other services provided by these biological resources. It is important that research and teaching institutions in São Paulo that house specimens under their care start to value more this important patrimony and this heritage, as these collections represent the most valuable testimony of our impressive biodiversity, records of our past, and windows to our future, essential to our academic, scientific, cultural and social sovereignty.

Resumo As coleções científicas constituem uma fonte valiosa para contribuições à pesquisa científica e para a formação de recursos humanos em sistemática, mas também em outras áreas do conhecimento biológico. Nesta contribuição, pretendemos discutir esses avanços nas coleções e o papel desempenhado pela FAPESP no seu patrocínio, bem como um panorama geral das coleções zoológicas do estado de São Paulo. Também pretendemos enfatizar a importância das coleções zoológicas e a necessidade de apoio logístico e financeiro contínuo de instituições e agências de pesquisa para manter e desenvolver esses repositórios únicos de biodiversidade. Ao longo de 1980 até os dias atuais, a FAPESP apoiou 118 projetos de pesquisa focados em diversas áreas da zoologia, direta ou indiretamente associados a coleções. Há um crescimento constante no número de projetos, e o apoio financeiro da FAPESP por meio do Programa Biota foi fundamental para o avanço do nosso conhecimento sobre a biodiversidade no Brasil. Paralelamente aos avanços científicos, mas não menos importante, este apoio permitiu aos curadores aumentar o número de exemplares, e organizá-los, mantê-los e digitalizá-los nestas valiosas e insubstituíveis coleções. Em relação à falta de novos taxonomistas, é fundamental que a FAPESP e as universidades paulistas estimulem a formação de novos acadêmicos em grupos zoológicos onde os especialistas são raros. Considerando o investimento realizado pela FAPESP, é de suma importância que as instituições beneficiadas com esses recursos tenham maior responsabilidade na salvaguarda desses acervos, devendo considerar a inclusão de recursos em seus orçamentos para obtenção de certificados de segurança, garantindo sua permanência por muitas gerações. As coleções zoológicas são patrimônio da humanidade, e são essenciais não apenas para o aprimoramento do nosso conhecimento sobre a biodiversidade, mas também com aplicações diretas, entre outros serviços prestados por esses recursos biológicos. É importante que as instituições de pesquisa e ensino paulistas que abrigam exemplares sob seus cuidados passem a valorizar mais esse importante patrimônio e essa herança, pois essas coleções representam o testemunho mais valioso de nossa impressionante biodiversidade, registros do nosso passado e janelas para o nosso futuro, essenciais à nossa soberania acadêmica, científica, cultural e social.

Diafanización dental de cuatro especies de seláceos (Carcharhinus leucas, Galeocerdo cuvier, Rhizoprionodon longurio y Sphyrna sp) / Dental diaphonization of four salaceos species (Carcharhinus leucas, Galeocerdo Cuvier, Rhizoprionodon longurio and Sphyrna sp)

El estudio morfológico de la dentadura de chondrichthyes representa un carácter taxonómico importante empleado para la clasificación e identificación de diferentes especies. Se diafanizaron dientes de cuatro especies distintas de selacimorfos (Carcharhinus leucas, Galeocerdo cuvier, Rhizoprionodon longurio y Sphyrna sp.) con la finalidad de estandarizar una técnica dental para su transparentación. Estandarizando la técnica de Okumura-Aprile aplicada para la diafanización dental de humanos, se obtuvo una diafanización óptima en las cuatro especies en tratamiento con HCl al 7 % donde se podía observar con claridad la cámara pulpar, por lo que podemos concluir que la técnica de Okumura-Aprile es eficiente en la diafanización dental de tiburones.

The morphological study of the chondrichthyes teeth represents an important taxonomic characteristic used for the classification and identification of different species. The teeth of four different species of selacimorphs (Carcharhinus leucas, Galeocerdo cuvier, Rhizoprionodon longurio and Sphyrna sp.) were diaphonized in order to standardize a dental technique for their transparency. By standardizing the Okumura-Aprile technique applied for the dental diaphonization of humans, an optimal diaphonization was obtained in the four species treated with 7 % HCl where the pulp chamber was clearly observed. Therefore, we may conclude that the OkumuraAprile technique is efficient in shark dental diaphonization.

Effect of Plumeriarubra(Apocynaceae) leaf extracts, a repellent of rice-field rats (Rattusargentiventer), on its metabolism and daily activity

Introduction: Rice-field rats are one of the most important pests because it can give large losses in all planting seasons including the storehouse. Synthetic rodenticide is the most commonly used of chemical technique for controlling rice-field rats. The application of these materials indirectly causes negative impacts; one of them is for the environment. As an alternative for controlling rice-field rats, natural materials can be used as a repellent. Objective: To examine the effects of methanol extract of Plumeriarubra leaves on metabolism, daily activity patterns, and its potency as a repellent of the rice-field rat. Methods: The experiments were conducted at the Laboratory of Pests, UniversitasPadjadjaran involves choice test (T-maze arena), and the Laboratory of Rats, Indonesian Center for Rice Research involves no-choice test (metabolic cage) from February until May 2019. The observations including food (g), water consumption (ml), feces production (g), urine production (ml), body weight (g), and its changes (%), also the daily activities (time spent for locomotion, foraging, and resting).The treatment was done with three replications for twelve mature male and twelve mature non-pregnant females. Data experiments analysis followed by a T-test. Results: Rice-field rats on the T-Maze arena avoided consuming food and beverage that close to methanol extract of Plumeriarubra leaves treatment. The treatment of methanol extract of Plumeria leaves in metabolic cage caused metabolic disorder of rice-field rat, which was significantly indicated by the decrease of the average consumption of food by 2.28 g and excretion of feces by 0.34 g, and also the increase of average consumption of beverage by 3.89 ml, excretion of urine by 3.15 ml, and body weight by 6.67 g. The treatment also caused daily activity patterns disorder of rice-field rats, which was significantly indicated by the increase of the average percentage of time for movement activities (locomotion) by 7.64 % and the decrease of time for eating and drinking activities (foraging) by 16.46 %. Conclusion: Methanol extract of Plumeria leaves affects a repellent for the rice-field rat.

Introducción: Las ratas arroceras son una de las plagas más importantes porque pueden producir grandes pérdidas en todas las temporadas de siembra, incluso en el almacenaje. La técnica química más utilizada para controlar las ratas de los arrozales es el raticida sintético. Sin embargo, la aplicación de estos químicos provoca indirectamente impactos negativos, por ejemplo, en el ambiente. Una alternativa para controlar la rata arrocera es la utilización de compuestos naturales como repelentes. Objetivo: Examinar los efectos del extracto metanólico de hojas de Plumeria rubra sobre el metabolismo, los patrones de actividad diaria en las ratas arroceras y su potencial como repelente. Métodos: Los experimentos se llevaron a cabo en Laboratory of Pests, UniversitasPadjadjaran usando la prueba T-maze arena, y en Laboratory of Rats, Indonesian Center for Rice Research usando la prueba metaboliccage, desde febrero hasta mayo 2019. Las observaciones incluyeron consumo de alimentos (g), consumo de agua (ml), producción de heces (g), producción de orina (ml), peso corporal (g) y cambios (%), además actividades diarias (tiempo dedicado a la locomoción, búsqueda de alimento, y reposo). El tratamiento se realizó con tres repeticiones para 12 machos maduros y 12 hembras maduras no gestantes. Los análisis de experimentos de datos se realizaron con la prueba T. Resultados: Las ratas arroceras en la T-maze arena evitaron consumir alimentos y bebidas cercanos al extracto de metanol de hojas de Plumeria rubra. El tratamiento del extracto metanólico de hojas de Plumeria rubra en la prueba metaboliccage provocó un trastorno metabólico en estas ratas, lo cual se demostró significativamente en la disminución del consumo promedio de alimento en 2.28 g y la excreción de heces en 0.34 g, además en el aumento del consumo promedio de bebida en 3.89 ml, excreción de orina en 3.15 ml y peso corporal en 6.67 g. El tratamiento también provocó un trastorno en los patrones de actividad diaria de las ratas, lo cual fue demostrado por el aumento significativo en el porcentaje promedio de tiempo para actividades de movimiento (locomoción) en un 7.64 % y la disminución del tiempo para comer y beber (búsqueda de alimento) en un 16.46 %. Conclusión: El extracto metanólico de hojas de Plumeria rubra tiene un efecto repelente en las ratas arroceras.

Biological survey of a cloud forest in southwestern Mexico: plants, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals / Estudio biológico del bosque mesófilo de montaña en el suroeste de México: plantas, anfibios, reptiles, aves y mamíferos

Abstract: Cloud forest ecosystems contain unique flora and fauna characterized by high levels of richness and endemism. However, this ecosystem is one of the most threatened because of land-use changes stemming from anthropogenic activities. Therefore, biological inventories are necessary to adequately assess the effects of land-use changes on species now and in the future. In this study, we conducted an inventory of plants and terrestrial vertebrates (amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals) in three fragments of cloud forest in southwestern Mexico. Field work was carried out for 15 days per biological group during distinct time periods (2005-2008). Conventional methods of species capture and observation were employed to record species. Recorded species were then categorized based on their endemism and risk category. A total of 67 species of plants, 17 species of amphibians, 25 species of reptiles, 93 species of birds, and 46 species of mammals were recorded. The species accumulation curves for most taxa, except for birds and mammals, showed an asymptotic trend. A total of 56 species endemic to Mexico and four quasi-endemic species were recorded. Plants, amphibians, and reptiles presented the greatest number of species exclusive to Mexico (13 species). Six species of herpetofauna endemic to Guerrero were recorded. According to Mexican laws, 24 of the encountered species are under special protection, while 16 are categorized as threatened and seven as endangered. Reptiles and birds presented the greatest number of at-risk species (14 species). Bird and mammal richness in this study is high in comparison to that recorded in the cloud forests of the entire Mexican state of Guerrero (157 and 75 species, respectively). This data highlights the importance of cloud forests in the study area for local and regional biodiversity. Effective conservation strategies should be prioritized in cloud forests, as this ecosystem is poorly represented in natural protected areas.

Resumen: Los bosques mesófilos de montaña son ecosistemas que contienen flora y fauna única, y son caracterizados por sus altos niveles de riqueza y endemismo. Este ecosistema es uno de los más amenazados debido a los cambios en el uso del suelo por actividades antropogénicas. Por tanto, los inventarios bióticos en este ecosistema son necesarios para evaluar adecuadamente los cambios en el uso del suelo sobre las especies en la actualidad y en el futuro. En este estudio se desarrollaron inventarios de plantas y vertebrados terrestres (anfibios, reptiles, aves y mamíferos) en tres fragmentos de bosque mesófilo de montaña en el suroeste de México. El trabajo de campo se realizó durante 15 días por cada grupo biológico durante distintos períodos de tiempo (2005 al 2008). Los registros de las especies se obtuvieron mediante métodos convencionales de captura y observación. Se categorizaron a las especies por su endemismo y categoría de riesgo. Se registró un total de 67 especies de plantas, 17 especies de anfibios, 25 especies de reptiles, 93 especies de aves y 46 especies de mamíferos. Las curvas de acumulación mostraron un comportamiento asintótico para la mayoría de los taxa, excepto aves y mamíferos. Se obtuvo un total de 56 especies endémicas a México y cuatro cuasiendémicas. Los grupos de plantas, anfibios y reptiles presentaron el mayor número de especies exclusivas al país (13 especies), y se obtuvo un total de seis especies de herpetofauna endémicas a Guerrero. De acuerdo con las leyes mexicanas, se registró un total 24 especies en protección especial, 16 amenazadas y siete en peligro de extinción, de los cuales los grupos de los reptiles y aves presentaron el mayor número de especies en categoría de riesgo (14 especies). La riqueza de especies de aves y mamíferos en este estudio representa un número importante comparado con el total de especies registradas en los bosques mesófilos del estado de Guerrero (157 y 75 especies, respectivamente). Estos datos resaltan la importancia de los bosques mesófilos de montaña del área de estudio para la biodiversidad local y regional, por lo que deben priorizarse estrategias de conservación efectivas para este ecosistema poco representado en áreas naturales protegidas.

Human regeneration: An achievable goal or a dream.

The main objective of regenerative medicine is to replenish cells or tissues or even to restore different body parts that are lost or damaged due to disease, injury and aging. Several avenues have been explored over many decades to address the fascinating problem of regeneration at the cell, tissue and organ levels. Here we discuss some of the primary approaches adopted by researchers in the context of enhancing the regenerating ability of mammals. Natural regeneration can occur in different animal species, and the underlying mechanism is highly relevant to regenerative medicine-based intervention. Significant progress has been achieved in understanding the endogenous regeneration in urodeles and fishes with the hope that they could help to reach our goal of designing future strategies for human regeneration.

Occurrence and distribution patterns of several marine vertebrates in Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica / Patrones de presencia y distribución de vertebrados marinos en el Golfo Dulce

Abstract Within the months of January-February 2010 and July-August 2011, 55 daily sighting surveys were conducted in Golfo Dulce, a tropical fiord-like embayment in the South Pacific region of Costa Rica. The research objective was to collect baseline data on several marine vertebrates that enter or reside in the Gulf and determine spatial distribution during the study periods. Sighting surveys mainly focused on whales, dolphins, sea turtles and sea snakes. A total of 458 recorded sightings, representing at least 30 marine species, were acquired during 423.7 observation hours across all areas of the embayment. These data, along with information garnered from 82 interviews with local fishermen and tour boat guides, confirmed a wide array of marine species utilizing the inlet for the purposes of foraging, mating, resting and socializing. GIS analyses allowed comparisons of spatial distribution and revealed high-density areas for marine fauna within Golfo Dulce. Rev. Biol. Trop. 63 (Suppl. 1): 261-272. Epub 2015 April 01.

Resumen Durante los meses de enero-febrero del 2010 y julio-agosto del 2011, se realizaron 55 muestreos de avistamientos diarios en el Golfo Dulce, una ensenada considerada un fiordo tropical en la región del Pacífico Sur de Costa Rica. El objetivo de la investigación fue recolectar datos de línea base en relación con las especies marinas que entran o residen en el Golfo, incluida la distribución espacial durante los períodos de estudio. El enfoque principal del estudio fue en especies de ballenas, delfines, tortugas marinas y serpientes marinas; sin embargo, se registraron observaciones de otras especies. Se documentaron un total de 458 avistamientos, que representan por lo menos 30 especies marinas, durante 423.7h de observación en todas las áreas del Golfo. Estos datos, junto con la información obtenida a partir de 82 entrevistas a pescadores locales y guías de barcos turísticos, sugieren que una gran variedad de vertebrados marinos utilizan el Golfo con el propósito de buscar alimento, aparearse, descansar y socializar. El análisis de los datos mediante SIG permite la comparación de la distribución espacial, la cual reveló áreas de alta densidad de fauna marina en el Golfo Dulce.

A Biodiversity Hub: Sandi Bird Sanctuary, Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Diversity refers variety in nature i.e. the variety of life on Earth and its biological diversity is commonly referred to as biodiversity. Sandi Bird sanctuary was developed and conserved in the year 1990 as natural biodiversity hub for aquatic vegetation as well as local residents and migratory birds. This Sanctuary has an area of 309 hectares. A study of faunal diversity in Sandi Bird Sanctuary was done during January 2013 to March 2014. Sandi Bird Sanctuary is well known as popular tourist destination because of the diverse assemblage of avifauna especially migratory water birds that congregate at the Sandi Bird Sanctuary in winter. The result includes 3 species of annelids belonging to 3 orders, 10 orders of insects with 61 species, 4 species of mollusks belonging to 3 orders, 11 species of fishes belonging to 5 families, 3 species of amphibians and 15 species of reptiles belonging to 13 families, 157 species of birds, and 12 species of mammals belonging to 09 families from Sandi Bird Sanctuary. The sanctuary is an envoy area of the Indo-gangetic eco-system. Wetland vegetation is also found in the sanctuary.

Signatures of positive selection in LY96 gene in vertebrates.

As a secreted glycoprotein that binds to the extracellular domain of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), Lymphocyte Antigen 96 (LY96), also called myeloid differentiation 2 (MD2), is required for the activation of TLR4 by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and plays an important role in innate immunity, which is the first line of defence against microbial infections. Previous studies have proposed that mammalian toll-like receptors (TLRs) have evolved under diversifying selection due to their role in pathogen detection. Given the fact that LY96 is highly functionally linked to TLR4, it would be interesting to test whether LY96 is under the intense pressure of natural selection. To investigate the natural selection hypothesis, we compared the coding sequences from 13 vertebrates and evaluated the molecular evolution of LY96 gene in these species. Result shows that natural selection at exon 4 has indeed played a role in shaping the function of LY96 in the course of evolution. In addition to the study of Nakajima, we found the two branch nodes with Ka/Ks ratios greater than 1: the one leading to cow and pig and the other to rabbit and the primates.

Trophic niche comparison between two predators in northern Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil: a stable isotopes approach / Comparacao do nicho trofico entre dois predadores no norte do estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: uma abordagem de isotopos estaveis

The trophic niche of the sympatric predators Pontoporia blainvillei (franciscana dolphin) and Trichiurus lepturus (ribbonfish) was compared by stable isotope (δ15N and δ13C) ratios in hepatic and muscular tissues to understand how they co-exist in the northern Rio de Janeiro State (21°30′S-22°15′S), south-eastern Brazil. Dolphin specimens were incidentally captured through commercial gillnet fisheries, while fish specimens were the target of these fisheries. The predators had similar δ15N values in the liver (P. blainvillei: 14.6 ± 1.0‰; T. lepturus: 14.4 ± 0.6‰), which indicates similar trophic position in the recent food intake. However, P. blainvillei showed lighter δ15N values in muscle (13.8 ± 1.0‰) than T. lepturus (15.0 ± 0.4‰), revealing differences in the long term diet that could be related with the prey size ingested. The δ13C signatures showed a preferential inshore and benthic food chain for P. blainvillei (liver: −15.2 ± 0.6‰; muscle: −16.0 ± 0.5‰) and a more offshore and pelagic food chain for T. lepturus (liver: −17.2 ± 0.6‰; muscle: −16.8 ± 0.3‰). The isotopic variances of liver and muscle revealed a broader niche width to P. blainvillei in relation to T. lepturus, with a greater use of available food resources in coastal waters. In the area of study, the differences in habitat use and exploitation of food resources are favoring the predators' coexistence.

O nicho trófico dos predadores simpátricos Pontoporia blainvillei (golfinho franciscana) e Trichiurus lepturus (peixe-espada) foi comparado através de razões de isótopos estáveis (δ15N and δ13C) nos tecidos hepático e muscular para compreender como eles coexistem no norte do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (21°30′S-22°15′S), sudeste do Brasil. Os espécimes do golfinho foram capturados acidentalmente em pescarias comerciais com rede de espera, enquanto os espécimes do peixe foram alvo dessas pescarias. Os predadores apresentaram valores similares de δ15N no fígado (P. blainvillei: 14.6 ± 1.0; T. lepturus: 14.4 ± 0.6), o que indica posição trófica semelhante quanto à ingestão alimentar recente. No entanto, P. blainvillei apresentou valores mais leves de δ15N no músculo (13.8 ± 1.0) em relação a T. lepturus (15.0 ± 0.4), revelando diferenças na dieta de longo prazo que podem estar relacionadas ao tamanho das presas ingeridas. As assinaturas de δ13C indicaram uma cadeia alimentar preferencialmente costeira e bentônica para P. blainvillei (fígado: −15.2 ± 0.6; músculo: −16.0 ± 0.5) e uma cadeia alimentar mais oceânica e pelágica para T. lepturus (fígado: −17.2 ± 0.6; músculo: −16.8 ± 0.3). As variâncias isotópicas do fígado e do músculo revelaram uma maior amplitude de nicho para P. blainvillei em relação a T. lepturus, com maior aproveitamento dos recursos alimentares disponíveis em águas costeiras. Na área de estudo, as diferenças no uso do habitat e na exploração de recursos alimentares estão favorecendo a coexistência dos predadores.

Weddellian marine/coastal vertebrates diversity from a basal horizon (Ypresian, Eocene) of the Cucullaea I Allomember, La Meseta formation, Seymour (Marambio) Island, Antarctica

The La Meseta Formation crops out in Seymour/Marambio Island, Weddell Sea, northeast of the Antarctic Peninsula and contains one of the world's most diverse assemblages of Weddellian marine/coastal vertebrates of Early Eocene (Ypresian) age. The La Meseta Formation is composed of poorly consolidated, marine sandstones and siltstones which were deposited in a coastal, deltaic and/or estuarine environment. It includes marine invertebrates and vertebrates as well as terrestrial vertebrates and plants. The highly fossiliferous basal horizon (Cucullaea shell bed, Telm 4 of Sadler 1988) of the Cucullaea I Allomember is a laterally extensive shell bed with sandy matrix. The fish remains, including 35 species from 26 families, of the Ypresian Cucullaea bed represent one of the most abundant and diverse fossil vertebrate faunas yet recorded in southern latitudes. Stratigraphic distribution and phylogenetic relationships of the Weddellian sphenisciforms are consistent with a first radiation of this group in the Early Eocene. The first inquestionable archaeocete from Antarctica is recorded in this unit and is referred to a new taxon

La Formación La Meseta aflora en la Isla Seymour/Marambio, Mar de Weddell, noreste de la Península Antártica y contiene una de las asociaciones de vertebrados costeros/marinos de edad Eoceno temprano (Ypresiano) más diversa que se conoce a nivel mundial. Esta unidad está compuesta por areniscas marinas pobremente consolidadas las cuales fueron depositadas en ambientes costeros, deltaicos y/o estuarinos. Esta incluye invertebrados y vertebrados marinos así como plantas y vertebrados terrestres. El horizonte basal (el banco de Cucullaea, Telm 4) del Alomiembro Cucullaea I es lateralmente extensor y altamente fosilífero. Los restos de peces del banco de Cucullaea (Ypresiano) incluyen 35 especies con 26 familias y representa una de las más abundantes y diversas fauna de vertebrados fósiles registradas en latitudes altas. La distribución estratigráfica y las relaciones filogenéticas de los pingüinos fósiles (Sphenisciformes) son consistentes con la primera radiación de este grupo en el Eoceno temprano. El primer incuestionable Archaeoceti de Antártida es registrado en esta unidad y es referido un nuevo taxón

Biología comparada del sistema de complemento en peces / Comparative biology of the complement system in fish / Biologia comparativa do sistema complemento em peixes

Dentro de la respuesta inmune humoral se encuentran componentes que mantienen la homeostasis de los organismos a través del control de agentes patógenos por medio de la opsonización, quimiotaxis de células fagocíticas facilitando el proceso de eliminación de lo extraño o sin su acompañamiento, en el caso de la formación de poros en la membrana celular. A un grupo de este conjunto de componentes de origen molecular proteico se denominósistema del complemento, el cual posee tres vías de activación (Clásica, Alternativa y Lectinas), funciona comoanafilatoxinas, reguladores y receptores. La presente revisión tiene como objetivo discutir acerca de los diferentes componentes del sistema del complemento en la escala animal enfocándose principalmente en peces teleósteos y mamíferos, como organismos modelos en busca de elucidar sus diferencias, homologías y respuestas.

Within the humoral immune response can be found components that maintain an organism’s homeostasis viacontrol of pathogenic agents using opsonization, chemotaxis of phagocytic cells which facilitates the processof elimination of foreign bodies, or in its absence, the formation of pores in the cellular membrane. One of these groups of components, of protein origin, is referred to as the complement system, which has 3 means of activation (Classic, Alternative, and Lectins) and functions as anaphylactic toxins, regulators and receptors. The aim of this review is to discuss the different components of the complement system in the animal kingdom, focusing principally on teleost fish and mammals, as model organisms in the search to elucidate their differences, homologies, and answers.

Dentro da resposta imune humoral encontram-se componentes que mantém a homeostase do organismo através docontrole de patógenos, por opsonização, quimiotaxia de células fagocíticas que facilita o processo de eliminaçãode corpos estranhos, ou na sua ausência, a formação de poros na membrana celular. Este conjunto de componentes moleculares de origem protéica são chamados de sistema complemento, que tem três vias de ativação (clássica, alternativa e lectinas), funciona como anafilatoxinas, reguladores e receptores. Esta revisão tem como objetivo discutir os vários componentes do sistema complemento na escala animal focando principalmente em peixes teleósteos e mamíferos como organismos modelos na busca de elucidar suas diferenças, homologias e respostas.

Vertebrados da Estação Ecológica Serra Geral do Tocantins: faunística, biodiversidade e conservação no Cerrado brasileiro / Vertebrate fauna of Estação Ecológica Serra Geral do Tocantins: biodiversity and conservation in the Brazilian Cerrado hotspot

Inventários e estudos faunísticos detalhados sobre vertebrados são uma das fontes mais relevantes de dados para interpretações de padrões detalhados de diversidade biológica. Dados básicos e de boa qualidade sobre faunística são ainda mais urgentes em regiões pouco estudadas e sob intensa ameaça antrópica, tais como a região do Cerrado, um dos 34 hotspots globais para a conservação da biodiversidade. Apresentamos aqui uma síntese dos resultados dos inventários de vertebrados na Estação Ecológica Serra Geral do Tocantins (~716.000 ha), a segunda maior unidade de conservação em todo o Cerrado. Foram registradas 450 espécies de vertebrados na EESGT e entorno imediato, incluindo 17 espécies ameaçadas, 50 espécies endêmicas do Cerrado e 11 espécies com distribuição potencialmente restrita. Do total de espécies amostradas, 180 são novos registros para a região do Jalapão. Ao menos 12 espécies amostradas foram consideradas potenciais espécies novas, das quais quatro foram descritas recentemente, a partir do material obtido no inventário. Os resultados evidenciam que a EESGT é uma das mais importantes áreas protegidas no Brasil central, contribuindo para a persistência de espécies ameaçadas, dependentes dos últimos grandes blocos contínuos de vegetação nativa de Cerrado. Nossos resultados indicam ainda que a conservação da EESGT e suas principais subunidades é crucial para a representatividade do sistema de áreas protegidas do Cerrado, protegendo potenciais endemismos restritos que aliam alta vulnerabilidade intrínseca e valor como indicadores de padrões e processos biogeográficos formadores da rica e cada vez mais ameaçada fauna Neotropical.

Basic taxonomic and distributional data on vertebrates are one of the most useful and reliable sources of information for conservation planning. Biological data are even more relevant in rich and highly threatened regions such as the Brazilian Cerrado, one of the least studied global biodiversity hotspots. Herein we provide a summary of the results of a vertebrate survey at Estação Ecológica Serra Geral do Tocantins (~716.000 ha), the second largest protected area in the Cerrado region. We recorded 450 species in EESGT and surroundings, including 17 threatened species, 50 Cerrado endemics and 11 potential restricted-range species. Our results also added 180 new vertebrate records for the Jalapão region. At least 12 species were considered potential undescribed taxa; four of these were recently described based on specimens obtained in the present study. Our results indicate that EESGT is among the most biologically relevant protected areas in the Cerrado. Proper management will favor the persistence of threatened vertebrates dependent on the last remaining large blocks of pristine Cerrado savannas. Moreover, EESGT and its major biological subunits contribute decisively to the representativeness of the reserve system in the Cerrado, conserving presumed narrow endemics with high intrinsic vulnerability and high potential value as indicators of biogeographic processes of diversification in rich and complex Neotropical biotas.

Cleaner birds: an overview for the Neotropics / Aves limpadoras: uma visão geral para os Neotrópicos

Several bird species feed on a variety of external parasites and epibionts, organic debris, dead and wounded tissue, clots and blood, and secretions from the body of other vertebrates (hosts or clients). We present an overview of so called cleaner birds from the Neotropics based on field records, literature, and photo survey. We found that 33 bird species in 16 families practice cleaning even if some of them do so very occasionally. The birds range from the Galápagos ground finch Geospiza fuliginosa to the widespread black vulture Coragyps atratus. Clients mostly are large herbivores such as capybaras, deer, and livestock, but also include medium-sized herbivores such as iguanas and tortoises, and carnivores such as boobies and seals - a few bird species associate with these latter marine mammals. No carnivorous terrestrial mammal client is recorded to date except for a domestic dog, from whose hair black vultures picked organic debris. Some clients adopt particular inviting postures while being cleaned, whereas others are indifferent or even disturbed by the activity of cleaner birds. Capybaras, giant tortoises, and iguanas are among the inviting clients, whereas boobies try to dislodge the 'vampire' finch Geospiza difficilis. Most of the Neotropical cleaner birds may be lumped in one broad category (omnivores that dwell in open areas and associate with large to medium-sized herbivores). A second, restricted category accommodates some species from Patagonia and the Galápagos Islands (omnivores that dwell in open areas and associate with carnivorous marine mammals, or seabirds and marine reptiles). Two still more restricted categories accommodate the following: 1) forest-dwelling cleaner birds; and 2) marine coastal cleaners. Additional records of Neotropical cleaner birds will mostly fall in the broad category.

Diversas espécies de aves alimentam-se de uma variedade de ectoparasitas e epibiontes, partículas orgânicas, tecido morto ou ferido, coágulos e sangue, além de secreções do corpo de outros vertebrados (hospedeiros ou clientes). Apresentamos uma visão geral sobre aves limpadoras dos Neotrópicos, baseada em registros de campo, literatura e levantamento de fotografias. Encontramos 33 espécies em 16 famílias que agem como limpadoras, ainda que algumas delas muito ocasionalmente. As aves abrangem desde o tentilhão Geospiza fuliginosa das Ilhas Galápagos até o disseminado urubu Coragyps atratus. Os clientes são principalmente herbívoros de grande porte como capivaras, veados e gado, mas também incluem herbívoros de médio porte como iguanas e tartarugas, e carnívoros como atobás e elefantes-marinhos (algumas poucas espécies de aves se associam a estes mamíferos marinhos). Não há registro de cliente carnívoro terrestre, com exceção de um cão doméstico de cuja pelagem urubus cataram partículas orgânicas. Algumas espécies de clientes adotam posturas particulares - à maneira de convite - enquanto são limpas, ao passo que outras ficam indiferentes ou até perturbadas pela atividade das aves limpadoras. Capivaras, tartarugas-gigantes e iguanas, estão entre os clientes que convidam, ao passo que atobás tentam se livrar do tentilhão 'vampiro' Geospiza difficilis. A maioria das aves limpadoras neotropicais pode ser agrupada em uma ampla categoria (onívoros que habitam áreas abertas e se associam a herbívoros de médio a grande porte). Uma segunda categoria, restrita, acomoda algumas poucas espécies das Ilhas Galápagos e da Patagônia (onívoros que vivem em áreas abertas e se associam a mamíferos marinhos, ou aves e répteis marinhos). Duas categorias, mais restritas ainda, acomodam: 1) aves limpadoras que vivem em florestas; e 2) limpadores marinhos costeiros. Registros adicionais de aves limpadoras neotropicais provavelmente serão acomodados na categoria ampla.

Control of respiration in fish, amphibians and reptiles

Fish and amphibians utilise a suction/force pump to ventilate gills or lungs, with the respiratory muscles innervated by cranial nerves, while reptiles have a thoracic, aspiratory pump innervated by spinal nerves. However, fish can recruit a hypobranchial pump for active jaw occlusion during hypoxia, using feeding muscles innervated by anterior spinal nerves. This same pump is used to ventilate the air-breathing organ in air-breathing fishes. Some reptiles retain a buccal force pump for use during hypoxia or exercise. All vertebrates have respiratory rhythm generators (RRG) located in the brainstem. In cyclostomes and possibly jawed fishes, this may comprise elements of the trigeminal nucleus, though in the latter group RRG neurons have been located in the reticular formation. In air-breathing fishes and amphibians, there may be separate RRG for gill and lung ventilation. There is some evidence for multiple RRG in reptiles. Both amphibians and reptiles show episodic breathing patterns that may be centrally generated, though they do respond to changes in oxygen supply. Fish and larval amphibians have chemoreceptors sensitive to oxygen partial pressure located on the gills. Hypoxia induces increased ventilation and a reflex bradycardia and may trigger aquatic surface respiration or air-breathing, though these latter activities also respond to behavioural cues. Adult amphibians and reptiles have peripheral chemoreceptors located on the carotid arteries and central chemoreceptors sensitive to blood carbon dioxide levels. Lung perfusion may be regulated by cardiac shunting and lung ventilation stimulates lung stretch receptors.

Notas sobre la avifauna del humedal santa maría del lago, cordillera oriental de los andes Colombianos / Notes on he birdd species of the santa maria del lago wetand, cordilleraa oriental of the Colombian andes mountains

Se presentan los resultados del inventario de la macrofauna observada (desde febrero 23 hasta mayo 31 del 2001) en Santa María del Lago, humedal netamente urbano, de los trece presentes en la ciudad de Bogotá durante su rehabilitación paisajística (recuperación del espejo de agua, revegetalización y reforestación). Los resultados incluyen una lista con las observaciones sobre el hábitat, actividad y frecuencia de tres especies de peces, una de anfibios, treinta y una de aves y tres de mamíferos, registradas en los diferentes muestreos mensuales con una intensidad de uno por semana. Dentro de la fauna del citado humedal, se resalta la presencia de los mamíferos Cavia porcellus (Caviidae), Oeomys speciosus (Muridae) y Olygoryzomys fulvescens (Muridae), la rana Hyla labialis (Hylidae) y los peces Eremophilus mutissii (Trichomycteridae) y Grundulus bogotensis (Characidae), que se consideraban desaparecidos del humedal. También se registran por primera vez para el humedal, nueve especies de aves (Anas platyrhynchos, Carduelis psaltria, Anser anser, Diglossa humeralis, Piranga olivacea, P. rubra, Rhamphocelus dimidiatus, Stelgidopteryx ruficollis, Vireo olivaceus), al igual que el pez exótico (C. auratus).

This article presents the results of the inventory of the observed macrofauna (from February 23rd to May 31st 2001) in Santa María del Lago, one of the thirteen present wetlands in Bogotá during its landscape rehabilitation (recovery of the water mirror, revegetation and reforestation). The results include a list with observations regarding the habitat, activity and frequency of 3 fish species, 1 amphibian, 31 bird and 3 mammal species, registered in the different monthly samplings with a weekly intensity. The fauna of the previously-mentioned wetland, includes mammals such as Cavia anolaimae (Caviidae), Oeomys speciosus (Muridae), and Olygoryzomys fulvescens (Muridae), the frog Hyla labialis (Hylidae) and the fish Eremophilus mutissii (Trichomycteridae) and rundulus bogotensis (Characidae) considered missing from the wetland. New species are also reported for first time in the wetland, 9 species of birds (Anas platyrhynchos, Carduelis psaltria, Anser anser, Diglossa humeralis, Piranga olivacea, P. rubra, Rhamphocelus dimidiatus, Stelgidopteryx ruficollis, Vireo olivaceus), and the exotic fish (C. auratus).

Addendum to the checklist of the helminth parasites of vertebrates in Costa Rica

In this work, we present an addendum to the "Checklist of the helminth parasites of vertebrates in Costa Rica" with a parasite-host list as well as a host-parasite list. This addendum updates the available information on this group of parasites in Costa Rica, since very recently a new input has been made to describe the helminth fauna of vertebrates, particularly at the Area de Conservación de Guanacaste. In this paper, we add 33 records, representing 23 species. This raises the number of helminth species described in vertebrates from Costa Rica to 325, represented by 89 species of digeneans, 23 of monogeneans. 63 of cestodes, 13 of acanthocephalans, and 137 of nematodes. In total, 133 species of vertebrates have been studied for helminths in Costa Rica (31 species of fishes. 7 amphibians, 18 reptiles, 40 birds, and 37 mammals). Currently, 67 species (20.6 %) have been recorded as new species from Costa Rica and most of them are endemic to particular regions. The Colecci6n de Helmintos de Costa Rica, housed at the Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR), San José, is the depositary of only 23% of the species recorded so far; however this situation is changing and people recognizes.

Checklist of the helminth parasites of vertebrates in Costa Rica

Helminth parasites of vertebrates have been studied in Costa Rica for more than 50 years. Survey work on this group of parasites is far from complete. We assembled a database with all the records of helminth parasites of wild and domestic vertebrates in Costa Rica. Information was obtained from different sources such as literature search (all published accounts) and parasite collections. Here we present a checklist with a parasite-host list as well as a host-parasite list. Up to now, 303 species have been recorded, including 81 species of digeneans, 23 monogeneans, 63 cestodes, 12 acanthocephalans, and 124 nematodes. In total, 108 species of vertebrates have been studied for helminths in Costa Rica (31 species of fishes, 7 amphibians, 14 reptiles, 20 birds, and 36 mammals). This represents only 3.8% of the vertebrate fauna of Costa Rica since about 2,855 species of vertebrates occur in the country. Interestingly, 58 species (19.1%) were recorded as new species from Costa Rica and most of them are endemic to particular regions. Considering the valuable information that parasites provide because it is synergistic with all the information about the natural history of the hosts, helminth parasites of vertebrates in Costa Rica should be considered within any initiatives to accomplish the national inventory of biological resources. Starting with this compilation work, the Colección de Helmintos de Costa Rica (CHCR), hosted at the Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, has re-emerged and it is our hope that it will have the standards of quality to assure that it will become the national depository of helminths in the country.

Halothane effect on formalin-induced paw edema and flinching in rat

The formalin test is a model of injury-produced inflammatory pain. Anesthetics, in clinically relevant concentrations, affect neutrophils and immune suppression. This study was to determine whether halothane reliably inhibits inflammatory reaction and formalin induced pain behavior or does not. Rats were exposed to 100% oxygen (control) or halothane, respectively for 30 min and then 24 hr later five percent formalin test was assessed. The base values of the paw's diameter were obtained earlier, and then formalin induced edema was assessed by measuring diameters of the injected paws at 5 min, 1 hr, 4 hr and 24 hr after the injection. Nociceptive behavior was quantified by counting the number of times with the paw flinched at 5 min intervals for 60 min. The diameters of edema in the halothane group lessened more than those in the oxygen group at 1 and 24 hr in each following of the injection (p<0.05). The rats pre-administered with oxygen or halothane were similar appearances in nociceptive behaviors. It suggests that halothane anesthesia might inhibit slightly the inflammatory reaction with the formalin-induced edema but might not inhibit the formalin-induced pain behavior in the event of pre-administration halothane 24 hr earlier before the formalin test of rat.