Population structure of nurse sharks, Ginglymostoma cirratum (Orectolobiformes), caught off Ceará State, Brazil, south-western Equatorial Atlantic

2010 ◽  
Vol 91 (6) ◽  
pp. 1193-1196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jones Santander-Neto ◽  
Renata A. Shinozaki-Mendes ◽  
Leonardo M. Silveira ◽  
Bruno Jucá-Queiroz ◽  
Manuel A.A. Furtado-Neto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
Seasonal Pattern ◽  
Equatorial Atlantic ◽  
Nurse Shark ◽  
Female Ratio ◽  
Eastern Brazil ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Ginglymostoma Cirratum ◽  
Male Female Ratio ◽  
Nurse Sharks

The nurse shark, Ginglymostoma cirratum, is considered an endangered species in Brazil and its capture by fisheries forbidden. Despite such legislation, nurse sharks continue to be caught as these laws are unenforced and fisheries are not monitored. The goal of the present study was to describe the population structure of nurse sharks caught off Ceará State, north-eastern Brazil, based on the following aspects: abundance and size, sex-ratio, fisheries incidence and seasonality of captures. Landings were monitored weekly during a two-year period. A total of 189 specimens were recorded. Total length (TL) varied between 73 and 274 cm. The male–female ratio did not differ significantly (1.19♀:1♂). TL of individuals landed as carcasses was estimated based on interdorsal length. The following equation was obtained for males and females: TL = 12.606ID + 14.24 (R2 = 0.9505). Most of the landed sharks were juveniles (86.2%). No seasonal pattern of abundance and TL variation was observed. Management of this fishery is required in order to prevent localized over-fishing of nurse sharks.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of the molluscan community associated with seagrass on the western equatorial Atlantic

2019 ◽  
Vol 99 (06) ◽  
pp. 1285-1294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorraine Lopes Cavalcante ◽  
Cristiane Xerez Barroso ◽  
Pedro Bastos de Macêdo Carneiro ◽  
Helena Matthews-Cascon
Keyword(s):  
Seagrass Meadow ◽  
Shoot Density ◽  
Halodule Wrightii ◽  
Conservation Unit ◽  
Equatorial Atlantic ◽  
Eastern Brazil ◽  
Spatial Changes ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Temporal And Spatial ◽  
Epifaunal Assemblages

AbstractThis study aimed to qualitatively and quantitatively analyse the molluscan assemblages associated with a Halodule wrightii seagrass bed in a rarely studied area within a conservation unit in north-eastern Brazil. Seasonal and spatial changes in several seagrass meadow characteristics, including sediment, were evaluated to explain temporal and spatial variations in the molluscs found there. The molluscan community differed in its structure among periods and meadows, as well as in the composition of its infaunal and epifaunal assemblages. The results of this study indicated that molluscs are affected by the particular characteristics of a seagrass meadow, especially by its location in the intertidal zone, more than by the area of the meadow. Molluscs were also affected by other characteristics of the seagrass meadow, such as above-ground biomass and shoot density. Changes in all molluscan assemblages were also mediated by differences among months and seasons in this region of the western equatorial Atlantic, but not by seasonal changes of the meadow. The studied meadow was found to be one of the densest in Brazil, which has considerable importance to its associated fauna.

scholarly journals Population status and fishery potential of the mangrove crab,Ucides cordatus(Linnaeus, 1763) in North-eastern Brazil

2016 ◽  
Vol 98 (2) ◽  
pp. 299-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luciana Cavalcanti Maia Santos ◽  
Marcelo Antonio Amaro Pinheiro ◽  
Farid Dahdouh-Guebas ◽  
Marisa Dantas Bitencourt
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Population Status ◽  
Ucides Cordatus ◽  
Crab Population ◽  
Eastern Brazil ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Crab Density ◽  
Commercial Size

Ucides cordatusis a semi-terrestrial crab and key species endemic to mangrove areas of eastern Americas. In North-eastern Brazil this crab holds a major socio-economic function for artisanal fisheries, as in the São Francisco River Estuary (10°30′27″S 36°23′45″W). Nevertheless, decreases in this species’ stock have been reported since 2000, requiring assessments of the crab population for conservation and management purposes. This study aims at assessing the population status and the fishery potential of this species in the mangroves of this estuary and suggests strategies for its fishery and conservation, according to the guidelines of the National Management Plan forU. cordatusSustainable Use. Six different sites established in 30 km2of mangroves were sampled, with the density ofU. cordatusburrows estimated to evaluate the population structure using the measure of burrow diameters. Results show that the crab mean burrow size was 56.82 (±12.2) mm and that the medium-size crabs (40–70 mm) are the most abundant. The total mean crab density was 1.2 crabs m−2, from which the density of crabs in commercial size (0.85 ± 0.55 crabs m−2) was significantly higher than those in non-commercial size (0.35 ± 0.21 burrow m−2). These mangroves showed a high potential for the crab fishery, with an immediate extractive potential (IEP) of 71.2% and future extractive potential (FEP) of 28.8%. Nevertheless, a lower crab density, probably due to high crab mortality, mangrove deforestation for shrimp farming and high fishery pressure, is a limiting factor for local fishery. We conclude that mangrove areas more appropriate forU. cordatusfishery (extractive areas) show higher mean crab size, IEP and density of commercial crabs, wherein a fixed exploitation rate or/and a fixed escapement rule should be considered. Exclusion areas, intended for the conservation, show lower values of these population parameters and higher FEP, wherein the fishery should be prohibited. These management strategies should also be considered in other Brazilian mangrove areas showing similar crab population structure, thus contributing to the National Management Plan forU. cordatusSustainable Use.

scholarly journals Evasive mating behaviour by female nurse sharks, Ginglymostoma cirratum (Bonnaterre, 1788), in an equatorial insular breeding ground

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
André S. Afonso ◽  
◽  
Carlos V. Cantareli ◽  
Rafael P. Levy ◽  
Leonardo B. Veras ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mating Behaviour ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Ventral Side ◽  
Human Pressure ◽  
Nurse Shark ◽  
Ginglymostoma Cirratum ◽  
Fernando De Noronha ◽  
Body Rolling ◽  
Female Nurse ◽  
Nurse Sharks

ABSTRACT Mating events and aggregations of vulnerable nurse sharks Ginglymostoma cirratum were recorded in the insular protected area of Fernando de Noronha (FEN), Brazil, between April and August 2015. Female sharks were observed clustering in groups of up to 14 individuals in shallow water adjacent to the shore. Several evasive mating behaviours in the presence of males were noticed, including shoreward movement, positioning ventral side up at the sea surface with emerged pectoral and pelvic fins, body rolling and caudal fin thrashing. Fresh bite marks indicative of male courtship and coupling attempts were visible in female's pectoral and caudal fins. Altogether, the observed behaviours match previous reports of non-cooperative female nurse sharks during mating opportunities. An extended mating season coupled with a persistent use of inshore habitats result in nurse sharks being particularly vulnerable to human pressure during a most sensitive stage of their life cycle. The effective conservation of nurse shark populations from the western South Atlantic may thus depend on the protection of critical habitats where this species aggregates to reproduce. Explicitly addressing environmental requirements by vulnerable species in local management strategies is indispensable to ensure that human pressure, including ecotourism development, does not collide with stipulated conservation aims.

scholarly journals Risks and seasonal pattern for mortality among hospitalized infants in a conflict-affected area of Pakistan, 2013-2016. A retrospective chart review.

F1000Research ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 954
Author(s):  
Babette van Deursen ◽  
Annick Lenglet ◽  
Cono Ariti ◽  
Barkat Hussain ◽  
Jaap Karsten ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Seasonal Pattern ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Primary Diagnosis ◽  
Female Ratio ◽  
Annual Peak ◽  
Risk Of Mortality ◽  
Male Female Ratio ◽  
Ischemic Encephalopathy

Background: In recent years, Médecins Sans Frontières has observed high mortality rates among hospitalized infants in Pakistan. We describe the clinical characteristics of the infants admitted between 2013 and 2016 in order to acquire a better understanding on the risk factors for mortality.  Methods: We analyzed routinely collected medical data from infants (<7 months) admitted in Chaman and Dera Murad Jamali (DMJ) hospitals. The association between clinical characteristics and mortality was estimated using Poisson regression. Results: Between 2013 and 2016, 5,214 children were admitted (male/female ratio: 1.60) and 1,178 (23%) died. Days since admission was associated with a higher risk of mortality and decreased with each extra day of admission after seven days. The first 48 hours of admission was strongly associated with a higher risk of mortality. A primary diagnosis of tetanus, necrotizing enterocolitis, prematurity, sepsis and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy were strongly associated with higher rates of mortality. We observed an annual peak in the mortality rate in September. Conclusions: The first days of admission are critical for infant survival. Furthermore, the found male/female ratio was exceedingly higher than the national ratio of Pakistan. The observed seasonality in mortality rate by week has not been previously reported. It is fully recommended to do further in-depth research on male/female ratio differences and the reasons behind the annual peaks in mortality rate by week.

scholarly journals Clinical profile of paediatric sickle cell disease at a reference hospital in North–eastern Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-81
Author(s):  
Imoudu A. Iragbogie ◽  
Yusuf O. Maimuna ◽  
Ahmad Hayatu ◽  
Afegbua S. Dalhat ◽  
Ismail K. Musa
Keyword(s):  
Sickle Cell ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Acute Chest Syndrome ◽  
Female Ratio ◽  
Economic Class ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Male Female Ratio ◽  
Reference Hospital ◽  
Sickle Cell Disorders ◽  
Clinical Profiles

Background: Sickle cell disorders (SCD) are the commonest inherited haemoglobin (Hb) disorders. Globally, about 300,000 babies are born annually with these conditions. The clinical profiles of SCD have been described in many parts of the world. These however have not been adequately investigated in some parts of Nigeria. This study evaluated the clinical features, Hb phenotype and complications of children with SCD being managed at a Paediatric haematology clinic in Northern Nigeria. Methods: A prospective observational study of steady state SCD patients aged 2 – 16 years, was conducted from January, 2019  -October, 2020. Historical and examination findings were documented. Analysis of data was done with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Results: One hundred children were studied. Mean age was 6.97 ± 3.63 years. Male: female ratio was 1.6:1.Mean weight and mean height were lower than reference standards (t= -1.20, p= 0.14), (t= - 0.66, p= 0.27) respectively. Mean age at diagnosis was 13.24 ±14.83 months, and at first presentation was 13.86 ±17.51 months, 58.5% of subjects were adequately vaccinated for age, while 92% had a Hb phenotype of SS. Acute chest syndrome occurred more frequently in children aged 9-12 years (χ2= 11.59, P ˂ 0.001), and in those with severe bacterial infections (χ2= 7.41, p= 0.006). Conclusion: The complications of Paediatric SCD in this part of North-Eastern Nigeria mirrors those in other parts of the country. Socio-economic class, Hb phenotype and vaccination status had no influence on the development of complications.

scholarly journals Nation-wide assessment of the distribution and population size of the data-deficient nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum)

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0256532
Author(s):  
Francesco Garzon ◽  
Rachel T. Graham ◽  
Ivy Baremore ◽  
Dan Castellanos ◽  
Hilmar Salazar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Positive Impact ◽  
Distance Sampling ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Nurse Shark ◽  
Western Atlantic ◽  
Ginglymostoma Cirratum ◽  
Data Deficient ◽  
Abundance And Distribution ◽  
Nurse Sharks

The study presents the first national assessment of a nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) population, conducted using a combination of transect surveys and baited remote underwater videos (BRUVs). Density of nurse sharks in Belize was found to be higher in reefs than in lagoons, and in the atolls furthest away from the mainland and human settlements. Only large and old protected areas were found to have a positive impact on nurse shark abundance. Absolute abundance of nurse sharks was estimated using distance sampling analysis, giving a total nurse shark population in the range of 3,858 to 14,375 sharks. Thanks to a vast area of suitable habitat for nurse sharks in the country and legislation already in place for the safeguard of the species, Belize could represent an important hotspot for nurse sharks in the Western Atlantic. The data presented here hence offers a baseline for the long-term monitoring of the Belizean nurse shark population and improves our understanding of nurse shark abundance and distribution in the wider Caribbean basin.

Reproductive biology and population structure ofAxianassa australis(Crustacea, Axianassidae) on a sand-mud flat in north-eastern Brazil

2015 ◽  
Vol 95 (4) ◽  
pp. 735-745 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.L. Botter-Carvalho ◽  
L.B. Costa ◽  
L.L. Gomes ◽  
C.C.C. Clemente ◽  
P.V.V. Da C. Carvalho
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
Reproductive Biology ◽  
Somatic Growth ◽  
Allometric Growth ◽  
Differential Growth ◽  
Left Handedness ◽  
Eastern Brazil ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Mud Flat ◽  
Major Cheliped

The life history of the mud shrimpAxianassa australis, a common and widespread burrower inhabiting coastal mangroves and mud flats, is poorly known. This contribution presents the first information about the population structure, reproductive biology and fecundity ofA. australis, based on individuals collected from September 2011 to December 2012 on Casa Caiada Beach, located in a densely urbanized area in north-eastern Brazil, using a yabby pump. The sex ratio did not depart significantly from the expected 1:1 proportion. A significant trend of left-handedness of the major cheliped was observed in the population. Females reached a larger maximum cephalothorax length (CL) than males. The differential growth between CL and the propodus of the major cheliped showed negative allometric growth for females and positive allometric growth for males, suggesting a trade-off between somatic growth and reproductive effort. Females bearing uneyed orange embryos predominated during all months in which ovigerous females were collected. Mean fecundity was 2379 eggs, ranging from 5 (7.55 mm CL) to 8300 (14.19 mm CL) eggs per female. About 71% of the variation in the number of eggs carried per female was explained by CL. The mean egg size correlated negatively with fecundity, indicating that large females ofA. australisproduce more and larger eggs than smaller females.

Spatial-temporal patterns and trends of homicide in socioeconomically deprived settings: violence surveillance in Alagoas, Brazil, 2006‒2015

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevan Guilherme Nóbrega Barbosa ◽  
Blake Byron Walker ◽  
Alessandra Vieira da Silva ◽  
Géssyca Luise Procópio Gonzaga ◽  
Evanisa Helena Maio de Brum ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Temporal Analysis ◽  
Distinct Pattern ◽  
The State ◽  
Metropolitan Region ◽  
Homicide Rates ◽  
Female Ratio ◽  
Inner Cities ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Male Female Ratio ◽  
Long Time

Abstract Background Homicide rates in the state of Alagoas (Brazil) have been high for a long time over the last decade. In this study, we quantified the violence rates and mapping the cities in higher risk for homicide. Method: A surveillance of homicide rates over ten years in the state of Alagoas, located in North-Eastern of Brazil was carried out through spatial-temporal analysis. First, the male/female ratio was calculated later the top violent cities and the relative risk for males and females were mapped. Results A total of 19,560 homicides were investigated in two large regions of the state called Metro Region and Inner Cities. A pattern of violence by homicide involving mostly men throughout all state was observed and highest rates for the metropolitan region of the state capital. Homicide has been spreading from the capital to other inner cities, and distinct pattern was observed when mapping the risk according to sex. Conclusions Homicide has remained as a serious local problem in the state over ten years, and our results suggest that inner areas in the state have experienced an increase of homicide rates, requiring strong investment in combat and prevention.

scholarly journals Post-neonatal tetanus in University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, North-eastern Nigeria

2013 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 154-157
Author(s):  
MA Alhaji ◽  
RT Akuhwa ◽  
MG Mustapha ◽  
GM Ashir ◽  
Y Mava ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Teaching Hospital ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Close Monitoring ◽  
Female Ratio ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Male Female Ratio ◽  
Portal Of Entry ◽  
Primary And Secondary School

Background: Tetanus is a public health problem in Nigeria. This study examines the demographic and clinical profile of postneonatal tetanus (PNT) seen in University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), North- eastern Nigeria.Methods: This is a hospital-based prospective study of PNT. All childrenbeyond the neonatal period to 14 years of age admitted into the Paediatrics unit of UMTH, Maiduguri from June 2009 to July2011 with the diagnosis of PNT were studied.Results: A total of 39 cases of PNT were admitted over the period underreview. The male: female ratio was 2.3:1.0. Their ages at presentationranged between 16 months and 14 years, with mean +SD of 6.9+3.87 years. Over 90 percent of the children were either not immunizedagainst tetanus or their immunization status was unknown and onlytwo of the children were fully immunized. No booster immunizationwas received by any of the eligible children. The portal of entry of the infection was injury to the lower limbs and otogenic route in 53.9% and 33.3% respectively. Majority of patients were of low socioeconomicstatus. The duration of hospital stay ranged between 1-50 days with mean + SD (18.68+ 11.51).The mortality rate was (7)18 %.Conclusion: Tetanus still remains a major cause of childhood morbidityand mortality in Nigeria. Severe disease and the first one week of admission are the main variables identified to influence outcome.Therefore, there is need to strengthen routine immunization and booster doses of tetanus toxoid (TT) should be mandatory at primary and secondary school entry. Close monitoring of patients with severe tetanus during the critical period is imperative for successful management.

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