scholarly journals Nesting and neonates of the yellow-spotted river turtle (Podocnemis unifilis, Podocnemididae) in the Araguari River basin, eastern Amazon, Brazil

2014 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 387-392 ◽  
Author(s):  
Débora Regina dos Santos Arraes ◽  
Marcos Tavares-Dias
Keyword(s):  
Urban Area ◽  
River Basin ◽  
Condition Index ◽  
The Body ◽  
Turtle Species ◽  
Strategic Actions ◽  
Podocnemis Unifilis ◽  
Nesting Site ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Body Parameters

Predation and alteration of microhabitats may represent high risk for nesting of Amazonian turtles. This study aimed at investigating the nesting and body parameters of neonates of Podocnemis unifilis in the Araguari River basin, State of Amapá, Brazil. The spawning sites of this turtle were monitored along the Falsino River (a region with two reserves) and in the urban area of the Porto Grande city along the Araguari River, from August to December 2011. A total of 180 nests were found and the nesting occurred from September to November, with prevalence in October. Eggs hatching occurred in December. The mean incubation period was 63.5 ± 5.2 days and the eggs hatching success was 25%. However, approximately 80% of the nests had suffered predation mainly by humans, which occurred in both the protected areas of the reserves and the urban area. The pattern of nesting site choice was discussed. Egg size was larger than that previously described for the same turtle species in the other regions. The body condition index of neonates indicated a good use of vitelline reserves. The results indicate the urgent need for strategic actions to conserve and maintain the natural stocks of this relatively vulnerable turtle in the region.

scholarly journals Geochemical assessment of heavy metal pollution of river basin in Nigeria using stream sediment

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 198
Author(s):  
Oluwafunso Oladipo Awosusi ◽  
Adeshina Luqman Adisa
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Enrichment Factor ◽  
River Basin ◽  
Metal Pollution ◽  
Heavy Metal Pollution ◽  
Stream Sediment ◽  
The Body ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mean Concentration

Heavy metal pollution has been a source of health problems in humans. These metals are persistent, toxic, non-degradable and often take a long time to be eliminated from the body. This study is, therefore, designed to assess heavy metal pollution of River Basin in Nigeria. Seventy stream sediment samples were systematically collected from an area, approximately 400km2, latitude 7O 00’ and 7O 15’N and longitude 5O 11’ and 5O 19’E. The pollution status of the sediments by heavy metals were assessed by Enrichment Factor (EF), Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo). The concentrations of the heavy metals were also compared with United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Sediment quality guidelines (SQG). The samples were dried in the laboratory, disaggregated, sieved to minus 80 (<177 microns) mesh size using nylon sieve. The sieved samples were, then, digested and the concentrations of As, Co, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn were determined by Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (WD-XRFS). Results revealed that the mean concentrations of the heavy metals are in the order V>Zn>Pb>As>Ni>Co>Fe>Mn. Furthermore, the mean concentration of lead exceeded both the average world shale and the USEPA SQG values. However, the mean concentration of cobalt, nickel, manganese and zinc were lower than the average world shale values for these elements. The Enrichment Factor (EF) revealed that cobalt was moderately enriched while arsenic and lead were significantly enriched in the sediments. On the basis of the geoaccumulation index, the stream sediments were largely uncontaminated except at some sites that were moderately to strongly contaminated by As and Pb.  

Migration and Staging Patterns of the Wryneck (Jynx Torquilla) at Eilat, Israel

2011 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
pp. 247-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reuven Yosef ◽  
Piotr Zduniak
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Condition Index ◽  
Migratory Bird ◽  
The Body ◽  
Body Condition Index ◽  
Migration Routes ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Stopover Site ◽  
The Mean

The wryneck is an unusual representative of PalearcticPicidaein that it is a long-distance migrant, whose populations have declined across Europe in the last century. Israel is at the eastern extremes of the known wryneck migration routes in the spring, which are little studied. Hence, we studied the species migration patterns and staging at Eilat, the southern tip of Israel being a very important stopover site for many migratory bird species. During 28 springs and 25 autumn migration seasons in the years 1983-2010, a total of 588 wrynecks were trapped.The mean number of birds recorded per spring season was 18.32 (SE = 2.12) and only 3.00 ± 0.71 per autumn season. The analysis performed for spring passage showed that the mean proportion of juveniles to all birds to which ages were assigned was 48.9 ± 5.2%. Furthermore, we did not find any differences in the dates of ringing, wing length, body mass or body condition index of juvenile and adults. We retrapped 97 (18.9%) wrynecks during the spring. The average proportion retrapped per season was 18.3 ± 2.9% and the average stopover was 4.8 ± 0.4 days. Recaptured birds were in better body condition than at first capture, and the body condition index gained significantly during their stay at the stopover site. The low conservation priority accorded to these habitats — and ignored in spite of many studies from the reagion — highlights the importance of the preservation of priority areas such that avian and other migrations can continue with minimal human impact.

scholarly journals Simple Formulae for Estimating the Depth and Dimension of Some Geological Bodies From Gravity Anomalies

2001 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 71
Author(s):  
Sayyadul Arafin
Keyword(s):  
Gravity Anomalies ◽  
Horizontal Cylinder ◽  
Radial Symmetry ◽  
The Body ◽  
Simple Method ◽  
Depth Estimate ◽  
Data Points ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The One ◽  
Body Parameters

A simple method  for determining the depth and radius of some simple geological bodies such as a sphere and a horizontal cylinder  is presented. The method utilizes all of the data points to calculate the  body parameters.  The depth is estimated  from the mean of the depths determined from various fractions of the maximum anomaly and their corresponding widths. The radii of the two bodies are  calculated from the areas under the respective gravity profiles. Additionally , the radial symmetry of the gravity anomaly due to a sphere has been utilized to calculate the excess mass from a single profile. The radius determined from the excess mass is independent of depth estimate. This method of determining the radius is more robust than the one based on calculating the area.  An error analysis showing the effects of truncation and zero-level errors on the estimated radius  is  also discussed.  

scholarly journals Diet and reproductive aspects of the exotic gecko gehyra mutilata (Wiegmann, 1834) (Sauria: Gekkonidae) in the urban area of Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
José Luis Barragán-Ramírez ◽  
Omar Eduardo Reyes-Luis ◽  
José De Jesús Ascencio-Arrayga ◽  
José Luis Navarrete-Heredia ◽  
Miguel Vásquez-Bolaños
Keyword(s):  
Urban Area ◽  
Clutch Size ◽  
Niche Overlap ◽  
Trophic Niche ◽  
Food Category ◽  
Diet Diversity ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Mean Width ◽  
Nesting Site ◽  
The Mean

We studied the diet and described some reproductiveaspects (body size, clutch size, size and egg volume, and nesting site) of the exotic gecko Gehyra mutilata in the urban area from Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico, during a period of nine months (April-December, 2013). A total of 113 adult individuals were captured, where 101 revealed to have stomach contents. We found a total of 1,563 food items, which were identified and grouped into 13 prey categories: Araneae, Blattodea, Coleoptera, Dermaptera, Diptera, Gastropoda, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera: Formicidae and Non-Formicidae, Isopoda, Lepidoptera, Orthoptera, Squamata (Gekkonidae) and Trichoptera. Diptera (Nematocera) was the most important food category in abundance (91.6%), relative frequency (34.2%), volume (68.8%), and relative importance (94.8%). Other uncountable food items as plant material and eggshell remains were present in the diet. The number of prey per stomach were between 1 to 140, with a mean of 15.5 ± 25.56, the prey volume mean was 0.29 ± 0.76 ml, with a range of <0.01 – 2.90 ml. Males had fewerprey items in their stomachs than females, but no significant differences were found between sexes. Diet diversity (1D) between males and females was evaluated, which was similar with almost two effective food categories for both sexes. The trophic niche overlap between sexes showed a high numeric and volumetric similarity in their diet. Snout-vent length did not significantly differ between males and adult females. The mean clutch size was 2 eggs, even though the nesting site can be composed of larger egg clusters. The nesting sites consisted on holes, crevices and inside electric installations on building walls. The mean egg length was 10.47 ± 0.541, with a mean width of 8.40 ± 0.256, while the mean volume was 387.92 ± 43.297 mm3. The present study suggests that the opportunist habits of G. mutilata are a determinant factor on its diet composition within the urban area of Chapala. 

scholarly journals Prevalence and parasitemia of Haemogregarina sp. in Podocnemis expansa (Testudines: Podocnemididae) from the Brazilian Amazon

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Maria Picelli ◽  
Aluísio Vasconcelos de Carvalho ◽  
Lúcio André Viana ◽  
Adriana Malvasio
Keyword(s):  
Wild Population ◽  
Brazilian Amazon ◽  
Condition Index ◽  
The Body ◽  
Body Condition Index ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Podocnemis Expansa ◽  
Commercial Breeding ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Population Scale

Seventy-five turtles Podocnemis expansa in the Brazilian Amazon were examined for the presence of ectoparasites and hemoparasites. Samplings were performed in three study areas in the state of Tocantins, Brazil. Twenty-five specimens were sampled per study area (a commercial breeding facility, an indigenous subsistence breeding facility and a wild population of the Javaés River). Hemoparasites of the genus Haemogregarina were found in 66% (50/75) of the turtle specimens, and the infections were restricted to the commercial breeding facility and to the wild population of the Javaés River. The mean level of parasitemia was 54/2,000 erythrocytes (2%). There was no correlation between the body condition index of the chelonians and the level of parasitemia, with no significant difference between genders. No leeches were observed during the physical exams in any of the study areas, but the specimens from the commercial breeding facility were in poor physical condition with shell deformities and the presence of a relatively high amount of skin ulcerations, most likely caused by fungi and bacteria. This was the first study to record the occurrence of hemogregarines on a population scale in P. expansa and helps to increase knowledge about hemoparasites in chelonians in Brazil.

The use of Body Surface Index as a Better Clinical Health indicators Compare to Body Mass Index and Body Surface Area for Clinical Application

2018 ◽  
pp. 131-136
Author(s):  
Shirazu I. ◽  
Theophilus. A. Sackey ◽  
Elvis K. Tiburu ◽  
Mensah Y. B. ◽  
Forson A.
Keyword(s):  
Surface Area ◽  
Body Surface Area ◽  
Clinical Application ◽  
Body Surface ◽  
Body Height ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
The Body ◽  
Body Parameters ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Individual Body

The relationship between body height and body weight has been described by using various terms. Notable among them is the body mass index, body surface area, body shape index and body surface index. In clinical setting the first descriptive parameter is the BMI scale, which provides information about whether an individual body weight is proportionate to the body height. Since the development of BMI, two other body parameters have been developed in an attempt to determine the relationship between body height and weight. These are the body surface area (BSA) and body surface index (BSI). Generally, these body parameters are described as clinical health indicators that described how healthy an individual body response to the other internal organs. The aim of the study is to discuss the use of BSI as a better clinical health indicator for preclinical assessment of body-organ/tissue relationship. Hence organ health condition as against other body composition. In addition the study is `also to determine the best body parameter the best predict other parameters for clinical application. The model parameters are presented as; modeled height and weight; modelled BSI and BSA, BSI and BMI and modeled BSA and BMI. The models are presented as clinical application software for comfortable working process and designed as GUI and CAD for use in clinical application.

Evaluation of Salivary Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress Markers in Male Smokers

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. 496-501
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Ahmadi-Motamayel ◽  
Parisa Falsafi ◽  
Hamidreza Abolsamadi ◽  
Mohammad T. Goodarzi ◽  
Jalal Poorolajal
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Uric Acid ◽  
Free Radicals ◽  
Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
Cigarette Smoke ◽  
Total Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
The Body ◽  
Total Antioxidant ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Oxidative Stress

Background: Cigarette smoke free radicals can cause cellular damage and different diseases. All the body fluids have antioxidants which protect against free radicals. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate salivary total antioxidant capacity and peroxidase, uric acid and malondialdehyde levels in smokers and a nonsmoking control group. Methods: Unstimulated saliva was collected from 510 males. A total of 259 subjects were current smokers and 251 were non-smokers. The levels of salivary total antioxidant capacity, uric acid, peroxidase and malondialdehyde were measured using standard procedures. Data were analyzed with t test and ANOVA. Results: The smokers were younger and dental hygiene index was higher than healthy nonsmoking controls. The mean total antioxidant capacity in smokers and nonsmokers was 0.13±0.07 and 0.21±011, respectively (P=0.001). Smokers had significantly lower peroxidase and uric acid levels than healthy controls. In addition, the mean malondialdehyde levels in the smokers and nonsmokers were 4.55 ±2.61 and 2.79 ±2.21, respectively (P=0.001). Conclusion: Cigarette smoke produces free radical and oxidative stress, causing many side effects. Salivary antioxidant levels decreased and malondialdehyde levels increased in smokers, indicating the high oxidative stress among smokers compared to nonsmokers. Cigarette smoke had deleterious effects on main salivary antioxidants levels.

Effect of High Plane of Nutrition on Blood Biochemical Profile and Onset of Puberty in Prepubertal HF X Kankrej Crossbred Heifers

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (02) ◽  
pp. 14-17
Author(s):  
K K Hadiya ◽  
A J Dhami ◽  
D V Chaudhari ◽  
P M Lunagariya
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Treatment Group ◽  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Age Of Onset ◽  
The Body ◽  
Monthly Interval ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Blood Biochemical ◽  
Lower Protein ◽  
The Mean

This study was initiated on 24 prepubertal Holstein x Kankrej crossbred heifers of nearly identical age (7-9 months) and body weight (130-140 kg) at University farm to evaluate the effect of high plane of nutrition on blood biochemical and minerals profile and the age at puberty. Twelve heifers were managed under routine farm feeding (control) and the rest 12 under ideal optimum feeding regime (treatment) that included extra 1 kg concentrate, 30 g min mix and ad-lib dry fodder. The body weight and ovarian ultrasonography together with blood sampling was carried out at monthly interval from 10 to 18 months of age to study the ovarian dynamics and blood biochemical changes. High plane of nutrition to growing heifers was beneficial in reducing the age of onset of puberty (by 2-3 months) compared to routine farm fed group. The mean plasma total protein and cholesterol concentrations showed a rising trend with significant variations from 10 to 16 months of age, where it got mostly stabilized indicating adult profile. The activity of enzymes GOT and GPT also rose gradually and significantly from 10 months till 14-15 months of age, and thereafter it remained more or less static till 18 months of age. The levels of both these enzymes were higher, with lower protein and cholesterol, in control than the treatment group from 15-16 months of age onwards. The mean plasma levels of both calcium and phosphorus increased gradually and significantly with advancing age till 16-17 months of age, with little higher values in supplemented than a control group. The plasma levels of zinc, iron, copper, and cobalt also showed rising trend with significant differences between 10th and 12th-14th months of age, and from 15th to 18th months of age the levels were statistically the same in all the groups with slightly higher values in the treatment group.

scholarly journals Comparative study between fascia lata and temporalis fascia in myringoplasty

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayman Ali Abdel Fattah ◽  
Abdel Hay Rashad Elasy ◽  
Ahmed Helmy Hoseini ◽  
Tarek Abdel Rahman Abdel Hafez
Keyword(s):  
Tympanic Membrane ◽  
Good Alternative ◽  
Fascia Lata ◽  
The Body ◽  
Temporalis Fascia ◽  
Fascia Graft ◽  
Fascia Lata Graft ◽  
Group A ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Group B

Abstract Background Repair of a perforated tympanic membrane (myringoplasty) can facilitate normal middle ear function, resist infection, and help re-establish normal hearing. Autogenous graft materials are the most popular graft materials used in myringoplasty because of their easy acceptability by the body. This study is conducted to compare between temporalis fascia graft and fascia lata graft in myringoplasty for patients with tubo-tympanic dry perforation. Results A total of 60 patients with persistent dry tympanic membrane perforation were included in our study during the period from January 2018 to May 2020. Patients underwent myringoplasty with temporalis fascia (30 patients as group A) or fascia lata (30 patients as group B). Patients were scheduled for follow-up visits concerning graft status, ear discharge, and audiograms. The mean postoperative air-bone gap in group A was 17.5 ± 4 after 1 month and 8.6 ± 6.9 after 3 months, while in group B, the mean postoperative air-bone gap was 17.6 ± 4.9 after 1 month and 9.4 ± 7.5 after 3 months. There was 90% success in graft uptake in group A, while there was 80% success in group B. Conclusion Using temporalis fascia is still the best and most trustworthy technique of myringoplasty compared to fascia lata graft. However, fascia lata can be a good alternative to temporalis fascia especially in cases of revision myringoplasty, ears having large perforation, or near-total perforation where the chances of residual perforation are high because of the limited margin of remnant tympanic membrane overlapping the graft.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document