The social and defensive function of olfactory behaviors in a pair-living sexually monogamous primate.

Olfactory behaviors serve a wide variety of social functions in mammals. Odor may signal information about attributes of individuals important for mating and reproduction. Olfactory behaviors, such as scent-marking, may also function as part of home range or resource defense strategies. We assessed the potential social and home range defense functions of olfactory behavior in a pair-living and sexually monogamous primate, Azara's owl monkey (Aotus azarae), in the Argentinian Chaco. This is the most extensive investigation of owl monkey olfactory behaviors in the wild. Individuals regularly performed olfactory behaviors (group mean + SD = 1.3 + 0.5 per hour). The patterns were generally comparable to those observed in studies of captive owl monkeys, except that urine washing was the most common behavior in the wild, as opposed to scent-marking and genital inspections. Most olfactory behaviors were performed by adults, and there were striking sex differences in genital inspections: almost all consisted of an adult male inspecting the paired adult female. These findings suggest that olfactory behaviors play an important role in signaling and coordinating reproduction among owl monkeys, particularly during periods of female conception and pregnancy. Additionally, our research indicates that these behaviors may also serve as a defense strategy for maintaining the core area of their home ranges. This study offers the first assessment of the role of olfactory behaviors in reproductive contexts and home range defense in pair-living, monogamous platyrrhine primates.

Platynosomum (Trematoda: Dicrocoeliidae) infection in barn owls (Tyto alba) in Northeastern Brazil.

Platynosomum spp. are parasites that inhabit the gallbladder and bile ducts of various mammals and birds worldwide. Most studies of Platynosomum spp. in birds focus on the observation and morphological characterization of the parasite through parasitological or molecular examinations, with scarce literature describing anatomopathological alterations, mainly histopathological. We report the case of a male barn owl infected with Platynosomum spp.. At necropsy, the barn owl showed dilation with parasites and fibrosis of the intrahepatic bile ducts and gallbladder. Microscopically, it was possible to identify trematodes in the bile ducts associated with a lymphoplasmacytic inflammatory infiltrate. The morphological structures of the worms were described on histopathology and direct examination. The presence of parasitism that is usually cosmopolitan in wild animals represents a risk to the biodiversity of fauna in the region, as well as a warning about the spread and maintenance of the biological cycle of the worm in humans and domestic animals.

Could an event of extreme drought (2019-2020) affect the feeding ecology of Bubo magellanicus (Gmelin 1788) (Strigiformes: Strigidae) in a Mediterranean region of Chile?

Global warming generates changes in environmental conditions, affecting the spatial-temporal dynamics of precipitation and temperature. Droughts, events of low rainfall, are becoming more frequent and severe. In central Chile, from 2010 to date, an unprecedented drought event has developed, affecting the ecosystem and creating pressure on the dynamics of food webs. The present study analysed the trophic ecology of Bubo magellanicus, a top predator in the Mediterranean region of Chile, between 2019 and 2020 a period with a rainfall deficit of 72.6%. Our results established a diet mainly described by invertebrates (97.75%), in particular by the Gramnostola rosea spider (87.86%), and a low contribution of small vertebrates (2.24%). The trophic niche breadth (B = 0.37) and the standardised Levin's index (BSTA = 0.01) are the lowest recorded in the species B. magellanicus. A comparative analysis of trophic ecology with other studies developed in the same region established significant differences in the composition of the diet (frequency of occurrence of prey unit). This work provides evidence that droughts and other extreme environmental scenarios restructure the food webs of an ecosystem, with direct consequences on the trophic niche of the species, specifically top predators.

Muscle architecture of the hindlimb of Tyto furcata (Aves Strigiformes): Highlights in owl morphology.

The American barn owl is a nocturnal bird of prey in which hind limb movements are a key factor in obtaining food; however, the architectural properties of its hind limb muscles have not been studied. This study sought to identify functional trends in the Tyto furcata hindlimb muscles by studying muscular architecture. The architectural parameters of the selected hip, knee, ankle, and digit muscles were studied in three specimens of the Tyto furcata and joint muscular proportions with an additional dataset were calculated. Previously published information on Asio otus was used for comparison. The flexor muscles of the digits had the highest muscle mass. Regarding architectural parameters, the main flexor of the digits (flexor digitorum longus) and the muscles that extend the knee and ankle joints (femorotibialis and gastrocnemius) showed a high physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA) and short fibers, allowing powerful digit flexion and knee and ankle extension. These mentioned features are in accordance with hunting behavior, in which prey capture is not only closely linked to the flexion of the digits but also to the movements of the ankle. During hunting, the distal hind limb is flexed and then fully extended at the moment of contact with the prey, whereas the digits are close to grasping the prey. The hip muscles showed a predominance of extensors over flexors, which were more massive, with parallel fibers and without tendons or short fibers. These features lead to a higher capacity to generate velocity to the detriment of forces, as indicated by the high values of the architectural index, their relatively low PCSA, and short or intermediate fiber length, which enhance the control of the joint positions and muscle length. Compared to Asio otus, Tyto furcata showed longer fibers; however, the relationship between fiber length and PCSA was similar for both species.

Follicular Atresia, Cell Proliferation, and Anti-Mullerian Hormone in Two Neotropical Primates (Aotus nancymae and Sapajus macrocephalus).

This study evaluated the follicular atresia, cell proliferation, and anti-Mullerian hormone action in Aotus nancymae and Sapajus macrocephalus during three sexual phases (follicular, luteal, and gestational). Follicular quantification and immunolocalization of Caspase-3 protein, B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) were performed. A significant difference in the quantification between preantral and antral follicles, with a progressive decrease in the antrals, was identified. Protein and hormonal markers varied significantly between follicle cell types (A. nancymae p = 0.001; S. macrocephalus, p = 0.002). Immunostaining in the preantral and antral follicles was present in all sexual phases; for Caspase-3, in granulosa cells, oocytes, and stroma; for BCL-2, in granulosa cells, oocytes, and theca; and for PCNA and AMH, in oocytes and granulosa cells. The immunostaining for Caspase-3 was more expressive in the preantral follicles (follicular phase, p < 0.05), while that for BCL-2 and PCNA was more expressive in the antral follicles of the follicular phase. The AMH was more expressive in the primary and antral follicles of nonpregnant females, in both the follicular and luteal phases. Our results contribute to understanding the ovarian follicular selection, recruitment, and degeneration of these species.

Modelling relative abundance of Oligoryzomys flavescens, an Orthohantavirus reservoir, in an endemic hantavirus pulmonary syndrome zone.

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a zoonotic emerging infectious disease caused by New World orthohantaviruses (family Hantaviridae) hosted by rodents of the family Cricetidae. In Argentina, one of its main hosts is the sigmodontine rodent Oligoryzomys flavescens, a widely distributed mouse of the Pampas, Delta and Espinal ecoregions of central-east Argentina. Because the abundance of the reservoir and its proportion in the rodent community affects both virus prevalence and human exposure risk, its estimation throughout its known geographical distribution is of key importance for the design of public health strategies to prevent HPS. The aim of this study was therefore to model the relative abundance of O. flavescens in most of the Pampas ecoregion within Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, where hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is endemic. To do this we used owl-pellet samples collected between 2006 and 2008 from 51 sites distributed throughout most of Buenos Aires province. Mammalian prey in each pellet was identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level by examination of the skulls, dentaries and molars. We modelled the frequency of O. flavescens found in each sample as a function of climatic, environmental, and topographic data of each site. The two best models were applied to a Geo referential Information System to build maps of estimated frequency (as a proxy of relative abundance) within Buenos Aires province. Estimated relative abundance of O. flavescens in Buenos Aires province was significantly associated with annual mean temperature, annual precipitation and presence of freshwater bodies, and varied among sub-regions, with the Inland and Rolling Pampas being the regions with highest frequencies. Knowing in which areas O. flavescens abundance is expected to be higher can be used to concentrate limited sanitary efforts in those areas that are most needed in order to reduce transmission and increase detection.

Winter diet of Burrowing Owls in the Llano La Soledad, Galeana, Nuevo León, México.

The dietary niche breadth of the Burrowing Owl was determined (Athene cunicularia Molina, 1782) in Llano La Soledad, Galeana, Nuevo Leon in northern Mexico, by considering prey type, numerical percentage, weight, weight percentage, frequency of occurrence percentage, and IRI percentage. The study compared data from three winters (2002-2003, 2003-2004, 2004-2005) by analyzing 358 pellets, identifying 850 prey items. Invertebrates constituted 90% of prey items, which mostly included insects (85%); beetles were the most common insects found in pellets (70%). Vertebrates made up 84% of consumed weight, of which 83% were mammals. Most of the mammals were cricetid rodents (41%). Niche breadth based on the numerical and weight percentage confirmed the Burrowing Owl as a generalist species with mean values per year ranging between 0.65 and 0.82. Additionally, there was a strong association between the weight of rodent species in winter. This association was mainly driven by changes in composition and frequency of these prey species during the second winter, probably caused by high annual rainfall. The second season also showed a statistically significant narrower niche (Ro = 0.96) and the smallest overlap (0.45 vs. 0.76) among the three winters.

Trypanosoma cruzi, beyond the dogma of non-infection in birds.

Trypanosoma cruzi is a protozoan parasite responsible for Chagas disease affecting seven million people. The disease cycle is maintained between Triatominae insects and Mammalia hosts; a refractory effect against infection was noted in birds, but only verified in poultry. This paper presents a new host record for T. cruzi, the American barn-owl (Tyto furcata). Trypanosoma cruzi DTU II molecular evidence was found in heart, intestine, liver, and breast suggesting an established chronic infection based on the parasite DNA presence in multiple organs but absent in spleen, as in the murine model and chronically infected raccoons (Procyon lotor). For birds, the parasite rejection was explained based on the complement and high body temperature, but these mechanisms vary greatly among the members of the avian class. Therefore, there is a need to investigate whether more bird species can become infected, and if T. furcata has a role in disseminating, transmitting and/or maintaining the parasite.

Out of the shadows: Multilocus systematics and biogeography of night monkeys suggest a Central Amazonian origin and a very recent widespread southeastward expansion in South America.

Night monkeys (Aotus, Cebidae) are a widely distributed genus of Neotropical primates with a poorly understood taxonomy and biogeography. The number of species in the genus varies from one to nine, depending on the author, and there are at least 18 known karyotypes, varying from 2n = 46 to 2n = 58. Historically, night monkeys are divided into two species groups: red- and grey-necked groups from south and north of the Amazon-Solimões River, respectively. Here, we used 10 nuclear and 10 mitochondrial molecular markers from a wide taxonomic and geographic sample to infer phylogeny, divergence times, and biogeography of the genus. For phylogenetic reconstruction we used Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian Inferences (BI). Biogeographic models were generated using the 'BioGeoBEARS' software. We found support for nine taxa of Aotus and rejected the existence of monophyletic "red necked" and "grey necked" species groups. We suggest a taxonomic reclassification of the genus, which is better represented by two clades named northern group, which contains Aotus miconax, A. nancymae, A. trivirgatus, A. vociferans, A. lemurinus, A. griseimembra, A. zonalis, and A. brumbacki, and southern group, which contains A. nigriceps, A. boliviensis, A. infulatus, and A. azarae. The results suggest that the most recent common ancestor of all species of Aotus arose in the central Amazon basin in the Early Pliocene. The evolutionary history of night monkeys was guided by dispersal, vicariance and founder events. The end of the Andean uplift and the subsequent changes in the Amazon landscape, as well as the Amazon-Solimões and Tapajós rivers may have played an important role in the origin and diversification of Aotus, respectively. However, most of the Amazonian rivers seem not to have been geographical barriers to dispersal of night monkeys. The herein named southern group is fruit of a very recent diversification guided by dispersal, crossing the Tapajós, Xingú, Tocantins, and Guapore rivers and reaching the Cerrado in the last 1.6 My.

Associations between fecal cortisol and biparental care in a pair-living primate.

OBJECTIVES: We quantified variation in fecal cortisol across reproductive periods in Azara's owl monkeys (Aotus azarae) to examine physiological mechanisms that may facilitate biparental care. Specifically, we evaluated evidence for the explanation that owl monkeys have hormonal mechanisms to mobilize energy during periods when each sex is investing heavily in reproduction, that is, the gestation period for females and the infant care period for males. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2011 and 2015, we monitored 10 groups of Azara's owl monkeys from a wild population in Formosa, Argentina and collected fecal samples from 26 adults (13 males, 13 females). Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, we quantified fecal cortisol as a proxy for evaluating stress responses, including energetic demands, on both sexes during periods of reproduction and parental care. RESULTS: Male cortisol was lowest during periods when they were caring for young infants (<3 months) compared with periods with older infants or no infant. Female cortisol was elevated during gestation compared with other periods. Mean fecal cortisol in both males and females was lower when an infant was present compared with when females were gestating. DISCUSSION: Our results do not support the hypothesis that owl monkey males have elevated fecal cortisol during periods when they need to mobilize energy to provide intensive infant care. Our findings are also inconsistent with the Maternal Relief hypothesis. However, results from studies measuring fecal cortisol must be interpreted with care and alternative explanations, such as seasonal fluctuations in diet and thermoenergic demands, should be considered when drawing conclusions.

Lunar periodic modulation of the circadian activity rhythm in a wild North Colombian night monkey (Aotus griseimembra).

South American night monkeys (genus Aotus) are the only nocturnal simian primates. Early activity recordings in North Colombian A. griseimembra monkeys kept under semi-natural conditions and extensive chronobiological studies carried out in laboratory settings revealed a strictly nocturnal behavior and strong activity enhancing (disinhibiting) effects of moonlight or corresponding luminosities during the dark time. To check whether the results from captive individuals correspond to the behavior of wild monkeys, we carried out long-term activity recordings of a wild female A. griseimembra in a tropical rainforest near San Juan de Carare, Northern Colombia. Our data from about 150 days of continuous activity records with an "Actiwatch Mini" (CamNtech, UK) accelerometer-data logger device, confirmed: (1) strictly nocturnal behavior, (2) a pronounced bimodal activity pattern with prominent peaks during dusk and dawn, and (3) a lunar periodic modulation (masking) of the night monkey's circadian activity rhythm due to distinct activity inhibiting effects of the absence of moonlight throughout the night. The results from this wild-living tropical night monkey are consistent with those from captive conspecifics studied decades earlier.

Habitat use, fruit consumption, and population density of the black-headed night monkey, Aotus nigriceps, in southeastern Peru

The black-headed night monkey, Aotus nigriceps, has one of the largest distribution ranges of the 11 night monkey species found across Central and South America. Yet, only three studies have focused on their ecology, describing considerable variation in habitat, group composition, and population density. Therefore, we analyzed habitat use, group composition, population density, and diet of 14 groups at two field sites in southeastern Peru. All sampled groups were found in secondary tropical rainforest, often dominated by native bamboo species. Half of the observed sleeping sites were in bamboo stands, though groups also emerged from cane thickets and lianas. This contrasts with other Aotus studies which have found groups living in tree cavities and lianas. Population density estimates for both sites were 19 and 50 individuals per km2, outside the range previously reported for A. nigriceps (31−34 individuals per km2). We recovered seeds of 12 species from fecal samples over the course of two field seasons, belonging mainly to Cecropiaceae, Piperaceae and Moraceae. Our results suggest that the black-headed night monkey in Peru can survive and even thrive in secondary forest, feeding extensively on pioneer species, occupying a range of forest types, all while living near human settlements. (AU)

Wing and tail myology of Tyto furcata (Aves, Tytonidae).

Barn Owls (Tytonidae) are nocturnal raptors with the largest geographical distribution among Strigiformes. Several osteological, morphometrical, and biomechanical studies of this species were performed by previous authors. Nevertheless, the myology of forelimb and tail of the Barn Owls is virtually unknown. This study is the first detailed myological study performed on the wing and tail of the American Barn Owl (Tyto furcata). A total of 11 specimens were dissected and their morphology and muscle masses were described. Although T. furcata has the wing and tail myological pattern present in other species of Strigiformes, some peculiarities were observed including a difference in the attachment of m. pectoralis propatagialis due to the lack of the os prominence, and the presence of an osseous arch in the radius that seems to widen the anchorage area of the mm. pronator profundus, extensor longus alulae, and extensor longus digiti majoris. Furthermore, the m. biceps brachii has an unusual extra belly that flexes the forearm. The interosseous muscles have a small size and lacks ossified tendons. This feature may be indicative of a lower specialization in the elevation and flexion of the digiti majoris. Forelimb and tail muscle mass account for 10.66 and 0.24% of the total body mass, respectively. Forelimb muscle mass value is similar to the nocturnal (Strigiformes) and diurnal (Falconidae and Accipitridae) raptors, while the tail value is lower than in the diurnal raptors (Falconidae and Accipitridae). The myological differences with other birds of prey are here interpreted in association with their "parachuting" hunting style. This work complements our knowledge of the axial musculature of the American Barn owls, and provides important information for future studies related to functional morphology and ecomorphology.

Habitat use, fruit consumption, and population density of the black-headed night monkey, Aotus nigriceps, in southeastern Peru / Uso de habitat, consumo de frutos, y densidad poblacional del mono nocturno de cabeza negra, Aotus nigriceps, en el sureste de Perú

El mono nocturno de cabeza negra, Aotus nigriceps, tiene uno de los rangos de distribución más grandes de las 11 especies de monos nocturnos que se encuentran en América Central y del Sur. Sin embargo, solo tres estudios se han centrado en su ecología, describiendo una variación considerable en el hábitat, la composición del grupo y la densidad poblacional. Por lo tanto, analisamos el uso de hábitat, la composición del grupo, la densidad poblacional y la dieta de 14 grupos en dos sitios de campo en el sureste de Perú. Todos los grupos muestreados se encontraron en selva tropical secundaria, a menudo dominada por especies nativas de bambú. La mitad de los dormideros observados estaban en bambú, aunque también surgieron grupos de matorrales de caña y lianas. Esto contrasta con otros estudios, que encontraron grupos de Aotus viviendo en cavidades de árboles y lianas. Las estimaciones de densidad poblacional para los dos sitios fueron de 19 y 50 individuos por km2, fuera del rango previamente reportado para A. nigriceps (3134 individuos por km2). Recuperamos semillas de 12 especies de muestras fecales en el transcurso de dos temporadas de campo, pertenecientes principalmente a Cecropiaceae, Piperaceae y Moraceae. Nuestros resultados sugieren que el mono nocturno de cabeza negra puede sobrevivir, e incluso prosperar, en el bosque secundario, alimentándose ampliamente de especies pioneras, ocupando una variedad de tipos de bosque, todo mientras vive a menos de 1 km de asentamientos humanos.(AU)

The black-headed night monkey, Aotus nigriceps, has one of the largest distribution ranges of the 11 night monkey species found across Central and South America. Yet, only three studies have focused on their ecology, describing considerable variation in habitat, group composition, and population density. Therefore, we analyzed habitat use, group composition, population density, and diet of 14 groups at two field sites in southeastern Peru. All sampled groups were found in secondary tropical rainforest, often dominated by native bamboo species. Half of the observed sleeping sites were in bamboo stands, though groups also emerged from cane thickets and lianas. This contrasts with other Aotus studies which have found groups living in tree cavities and lianas. Population density estimates for both sites were 19 and 50 individuals per km2, outside the range previously reported for A. nigriceps (3134 individuals per km2). We recovered seeds of 12 species from fecal samples over the course of two field seasons, belonging mainly to Cecropiaceae, Piperaceae and Moraceae. Our results suggest that the black-headed night monkey in Peru can survive and even thrive in secondary forest, feeding extensively on pioneer species, occupying a range of forest types, all while living near human settlements.(AU)

LWS visual pigment in owls: Spectral tuning inferred by genetics.

Owls constitute a diverse group of raptors, active at different times of the day with distinct light conditions that might be associated with multiple visual adaptations. We investigated whether shifts in the spectral sensitivity of the L cone visual pigment, as inferred by analysis of gene structure, could be one such adaptive mechanism. Using Sanger sequencing approach, we characterized the long wavelength-sensitive (LWS) opsin gene expressed in the retina of five owl species, specifically chosen to represent distinct patterns of activity. Nocturnality was epitomized by the American barn owl (Tyto furcata), the striped owl (Asio clamator), and the tropical screech owl (Megascops choliba); diurnality, by the ferruginous pygmy owl (Glaucudium brasilianum); and cathemerality, by the burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia). We also analyzed the presence of the L cone in the retinas of four species of owl (T. furcata, A. cunicularia, G. brasilianum and M. choliba) using immnunohistochemistry. Five critical sites for the spectral tuning of the LWS opsin (164, 181, 261, 269, and 292) were analyzed and compared to the sequence of other birds. The sequence of A. cunicularia showed a substitution on residue 269, with the presence of an alanine instead threonine, which generates an estimated maximum absorption (λmax) around 537 nm. No other variation was found in the spectral tuning sites of the LWS opsin, among the other species, and the λmax was estimated at around 555 nm. The presence of L cones in the retinas of the four species of owls was revealed using immunohistochemistry and we observed a reduced number of L cones in T. furcata compared to A. cunicularia, G. brasilianum and M. choliba.

Owl Pellets, a Useful Method to Study Epigean Tenebrionid Beetles in Arid Lands.

Owl pellets, regurgitates formed by the undigested parts of owls' prey, have been used since the 1960s to estimate relative species abundances and community diversity of small mammals in the field. Although insects are important food sources for raptors, the usefulness of owl pellets as a collecting method for entomological studies remains practically unexplored. Many terrestrial arthropods have fragile bodies that degrade during the raptor's digestive process; however, darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) resist this process. These organisms are abundant and rich in species, and play significant roles in food and nutrient soil cycles in arid regions. Moreover, darkling beetles are well known and represent up to 52% of prey abundances in Bubo magellanicus (Lesson), one of the most common owls in arid Patagonia. The aim of this work is to evaluate the suitability of B. magellanicus pellets as a research tool for studies of tenebrionid beetle biodiversity assessments in arid Patagonia. Thus, we compare tenebrionid relative species abundances, species richness, and their species assemblage estimated from the diet of B. magellanicus with those identified simultaneously by conventional trapping (pitfall trapping and hand collecting) using multivariate techniques and the Fisher's exact test. Mitragenius araneiformis Curtis, Patagonogenius quadricollis Fairmaire, and Emmallodera crenaticostata crenaticostata Blanchard were the most abundant tenebrionid species. Relative abundances of almost all species, the estimation of species richness, and tenebrionid assemblage from both collecting methodologies were similar. Therefore, we propose the owl pellet analysis as a useful sampling tool for rapid estimations of the tenebrionid assemblage structure in arid Patagonia.

Morphological description and functions of feathers to support Otus angelinae activitiesˆien

Otus angelinae is an owl that known for their silent flight, capable of flying just inches from their prey without being detected. The quietness of their flight is owed to their special feathers. This study aimed to describe the morphology and function of feathers of Otus angelinae. Two Otus angelinae aged 4 months taken from the wild forest of East Java. Owl were sedated with chloroform, dissected, and then observed to know the morphological of feathers that coat its body. The results showed that each part of the body of an owl composed of different morphology and size of feathers to support the activity of flying.(AU)

Morphological description and functions of feathers to support Otus angelinae activitiesˆien

Otus angelinae is an owl that known for their silent flight, capable of flying just inches from their prey without being detected. The quietness of their flight is owed to their special feathers. This study aimed to describe the morphology and function of feathers of Otus angelinae. Two Otus angelinae aged 4 months taken from the wild forest of East Java. Owl were sedated with chloroform, dissected, and then observed to know the morphological of feathers that coat its body. The results showed that each part of the body of an owl composed of different morphology and size of feathers to support the activity of flying.

Efeito do Programa Mais Médicos sobre os óbitos infantis nos municípios assistidos pelo Programa Mãe Coruja Pernambucana / Effect of the More Doctors Program on child deaths in the municipalities assisted by the program Mother Owl Owl Pernambucana

O objetivo principal desse estudo é quantificar o efeito do Programa Mais Médicos do Brasil (PMMB) sobre a efetividade no atendimento prestado pelo Programa Mãe Coruja Pernambucana (PMCP) quanto a probabilidade de óbito infantil, através da análise dos microdados disponíveis no monitoramento mensal do SIS Mãe Coruja, no período de 2013 a 2016. Mais especificamente, pretende-se mensurar se a probabilidade de ocorrência do óbito infantil nas crianças também assistidas pelo PMCP se altera com a implantação do PMMB. Apesar da escolha da participação do município no PMMB ser endógena, a data exata de chegada do médico pode ser considerada exógena. O método utilizado foi a estimação de um modelo de Diferenças-em-Diferenças, ao nível de gestante e criança, com suas respectivas datas de nascimento, que compara a probabilidade condicional do óbito infantil meses antes e depois da chegada do médico, com o antes e depois de crianças atendidas em regiões ainda sem a implantação do PMMB. Trata-se de um estudo longitudinal contendo informações de mais de 60 mil gestantes e cerca de 65 mil crianças, geradas pelo SIS Mãe Coruja e disponibilizadas através da coordenação estadual do PMCP mediante aprovação prévia em comitê de ética e pesquisa por se tratar de dados primários. Os resultados sugerem que a implantação do PMMB nos municípios onde já existe o PMCP reduz a probabilidade de óbito infantil, com tudo o mais mantido constante.

The main objective of this study is to quantify the effect of the Program Mais Medicos in Brazil (PMMB) on the effectiveness in the service provided by the Program Mãe Coruja de Pernambuco (PMCP) on the probability of childlike death, through the analysis of the microdata available in the monthly monitoring of SIS Mãe Coruja, in the period from 2013 to 2016. More specifically, it intends to measure if the probability of infant death for those assisted by the PMCP changes with the introduction of the PMMB. In spite of the choice of the participation of the local authority in the PMMB to be endogenous, the exact date of arrival of the doctor can be considered exogenous. A Differences-in- Differences model is estimated, at the level of pregnant woman and child, which compares the conditional probability of the childlike death months before and after the arrival of the doctor, with it before and after for children attended in regions without the PMMB. It is a longitudinal study containing information of more than 60 thousand pregnant women and nearly 65 thousand children, produced by SIS Mãe Coruja and made available through the state coordination of the PMCP by means of prior approval in committee of ethics and inquiry. The results suggest that the introduction of the PMMB in the local authorities where it exists already the PMCP reduces the probability of childlike death, with all the rest maintained constant.

The role of intragroup agonism in parent-offspring relationships and natal dispersal in monogamous owl monkeys (Aotus azarae) of Argentina.

Agonistic behaviors are common in many group-living taxa and may serve a variety of functions, ranging from regulating conflicts over reproduction to defending food resources. However, high rates of agonism are not expected to occur among close relatives or individuals in established mating relationships, which are characteristics of monogamous groups. To contribute to our understanding of agonism within socially monogamous groups, we collected behavioral and demographic data from Azara's owl monkeys (Aotus azarae) in the Gran Chaco of Argentina over 14 years. We examined factors related to age, sex, kinship, and behavioral context to evaluate predictions of the hypotheses that agonism functions to regulate dispersal and that it mediates competition for food and/or mates. Intragroup agonism was relatively rare: the group rate was approximately one event every three and a half hours. Rates of agonism were generally similar for both sexes, but there were marked differences among age categories. Agonism performed by adults was more frequently directed at subadults than at younger offspring. In contrast, agonistic interactions involving infants were very rare. Among interactions between adults and subadults, adults were much more frequently the actors than the recipients, suggesting that agonism from adults may influence natal dispersal of subadults. Agonistic events were most frequent during foraging, but also occurred more frequently than expected during bouts of social behavior. Overall, our results suggest that agonism in owl monkeys serves as a mechanism for regulating dispersal, and also likely plays a role in mediating mating and feeding competition.