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

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.

2011 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
pp. 247-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reuven Yosef ◽  
Piotr Zduniak

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.


2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 217-222
Author(s):  
Premwadee Chueachat ◽  
Woraporn Tarangkoon ◽  
Suwat Tanyaros

Abstract A comparative study on the nursery culture of the spat of the tropical oyster, Crassostrea iredalei, in an earthen pond and a mangrove canal was conducted over two months. The results revealed no differences in the absolute growth rate determined by shell width between the two culture sites (P < 0.05). Sub-adult oysters cultured in the mangrove canal showed a higher absolute growth rate in shell length and a higher daily growth rate than the oysters cultured in the earthen pond (P < 0.05). The mean survival rate of sub-adult oysters cultured in the earthen pond (99.8 ± 0.2%) was significantly higher than for those cultured in the mangrove canal (66.7 ± 31.4%). Decreased density from the loss of sub-adult oyster nursery culture in the mangrove canal led to higher growth performance than in the earthen pond. However, no difference was found for the fraction of oysters larger or smaller than 5 cm for the two culture sites (P < 0.05). A significant difference was noted in the Condition Index (CI) between the two culture sites (P < 0.05). The high primary productivity in mangroves is a major supporter of higher CI in sub-adult oysters cultured in mangrove canals versus in earthen ponds. Water exchange in the earthen pond to maintain calcium and magnesium concentrations resulted in no differences in the shell compressibility of sub-adult oysters compared with those cultured in the mangrove canal.


Parasitology ◽  
1941 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. J. Haddow

1. Isolated unmated female body-lice were worn in pillboxes between the skin and the clothes. They were kept constantly on the body but, by a simple device, groups of ten were permitted feeding periods of different length. These groups were fed for 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 hr. per day respectively. Another group of ten were never allowed to feed after the last moult.2. Some of the figures for egg yield were high. Lice in the 24 hr. group were able to maintain a rate of ten eggs per day for 4−5 days at a time.3. No significant difference in longevity or rate of egg-laying was found to exist between the 12, 16, 20 and 24 hr. groups nor between the 4 and 8 hr. groups but a pronounced and significant difference exists between the 8 and 12 hr. groups. Below 12 hr. there is a sharp fall in longevity and rate of egg production. The unfed group all died, without laying, on the third day.4. The rate of laying as shown by the mode increases progressively with increase in time allowed daily for feeding.5. With regard to the mean eggs per louse the position is less clear. It is felt that the 24 hr. group may differ significantly from the 12, 16 and 20 hr. groups but this is uncertain.


Author(s):  
Danise Benatti ◽  
Luis Felipe Andrietti ◽  
José Flávio Cândido Júnior ◽  
Alexandre Vogliotti ◽  
Marcela Figueirêdo Duarte Moraes ◽  
...  

Abstract Rodents are small mammals that can be parasitized by various helminths. This study aimed to identify and describe the ecological indicators of infection in rodents captured in fragments of the Atlantic Forest in the western region of Paraná State, Brazil. Sixty-eight specimens of five rodent species were collected, necropsied, and inspected in search of helminths. The parasites were stored in 70% ethanol, morphologically identified, and counted for calculation of infection indicators. Fourteen species of helminths and one species of Crustacea were recorded: ten in Akodon montensis, four in Mus musculus, two in Thaptomys nigrita, two in Oligoryzomys nigripes, and one in Euryoryzomys russatus. The registered species of parasites were: Rodentolepis akodontis, Angiostrongylus sp., Protospirura numidica criceticola, Trichuris navonae, Syphacia alata, Syphacia criceti, Syphacia evaginata, Trichofreitasia lenti, Stilestrongylus aculeata, Stilestrongylus eta, Stilestrongylus gracielae, Stilestrongylus franciscanus, Stilestrongylus moreli, Stilestrongylus sp., and Pentastomida gen. sp. A positive correlation between the intensity of infection of T. navonae and T. lenti was observed with the body condition index of the host A. montensis. For all species, this study represents a new register of locality, and for eight of them a new host.


2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 435-441
Author(s):  
Amanda Oliva Gobato ◽  
Ana Carolina Junqueira Vasques ◽  
Antonio Fernando Ribeiro ◽  
Roberto Massao Yamada ◽  
Gabriel Hessel

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the prevalence of hepatic steatosis (HS) in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF) and associate it with nutritional status. Methods: Cross-sectional study with children and adolescents with CF diagnosis. Weight and height were used to calculate the body mass index (BMI) and subsequent classification of the nutritional status. The midarm circumference (MAC), triceps skinfold thickness (TSF) and midarm muscle circumference (MAMC) were used to evaluate body composition. Abdominal ultrasonography was performed for diagnosis of HS. The statistical tests used were Student’s t test, Mann-Whitney test and chi-square test with significance level of 5%. Results: 50 patients with CF were evaluated, 18 (36%) were diagnosed with HS (Group A) and 32 (64%) without HS (Group B). The mean age of Group A was 13,2±4,9 years old and Group B 11,7±4,9; for BMI, the value for Group A was 18,0±4,1 and Group B was 15,7±3,8; the TSF of Group A was 8,4±3,5 mm and Group B was 7,0±2,5 mm. For these variables, there was no significant difference between the groups. The mean of MAC and MAMC differed significantly between the groups, being higher in the HS group, with p values of 0,047 and 0,043. Conclusions: The frequency of HS in patients with CF is high and it is not related to malnutrition, according to the parameters of BMI, TSF and MAMC. The values of MAC and MAMC indicated a greater reserve of muscle mass in patients with HS.


1999 ◽  
Vol 73 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. MERILÄ ◽  
R. PRZYBYLO ◽  
B. C. SHELDON

An increasing amount of evidence indicates that different forms of environmental stress influence the expression of genetic variance in quantitative traits and, consequently, their evolvability. We investigated the causal components of phenotypic variance and natural selection on the body condition index (a trait often related to fitness in wild bird populations) of blue tit (Parus caeruleus) nestlings under contrasting environmental conditions. In three different study years, nestlings grown under a poor feeding regime attained lower body condition than their full-sibs grown under a good feeding regime. Genetic influences on condition were large and significant in both feeding regimes, and in all three study years. However, although estimates of additive genetic variance were consistently higher in the poor than in the good environment, heritability estimates for body condition index were very similar in both environments due to higher levels of environmental variance in the poor environment. Evidence for weak genotype×environment interactions was obtained, but these contributed little to variance in nestling condition. Directional natural selection on fledging condition of nestlings was detected, and there were no indications of year or environmental effects on the form and intensity of selection observed, in a sample of 3659 nestlings over four years. However, selection on fledging condition was very weak (standardized selection gradient, β=0·027±0·016 SE), suggesting that, in the current population, the large additive genetic component to fledging condition is not particularly surprising. The results of these analyses are contrasted with those obtained for other populations and species with similar life-histories.


2014 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 387-392 ◽  
Author(s):  
Débora Regina dos Santos Arraes ◽  
Marcos Tavares-Dias

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.


Author(s):  
Yusuf Nasirudin ◽  
Dewa Putu Gde Purwa Samatra ◽  
Wahyuddin ◽  
Susy Purnawati ◽  
Ni Made Linawati ◽  
...  

In the game of futsal, work of postural muscle balance needed to maintain the stability of the body for receiving the pass and put the ball into the other team's goal at the time of attack, changing the direction of movement quickly when returning to their respective positions and avoid of back disorder. This research is a form of experimental research that will test the effectiveness of the provision of trunk balance exercise is better than the strengthening of back exercises to improve muscle work balance of erector spine on futsal beginner players, in this study sample will be divided into two groups, the first group will be given trunk balance exercise to improve balance of erectorspine muscles work in futsal begginer players, the second group will be given back strengthening exercise to improve balance of erectorspine muscles work in futsal begginer players.This study was conducted for 6 weeks and the intervention performed 18 times during the study period. Samples measured by surface electromyography to measure work of right and left erector muscle by calculating the proportion of the work on the muscle, the measurement is performed at before the intervention and then intervention in accordance with the grouping which has been divided and then after completion of the intervention, the samples will be re-measured to obtain the value of the intervention.The results of the first group who has been given of trunk balance exercise shows the average value of the before treatment (83.82 ± 2.94) % and the mean value of the after treatment (96.74 ± 2.39) %, and in the second group who has been given strengthening back exercise shows the mean value of the before treatment (88.29 ± 1.89) % and the mean value after treatment (95.91 ± 1.75) %, with the probability value of both groups is 0.000 (p <0.05), and can be expressed there is a significant difference between both groups. In the fourth hypothesis test conducted comparative results of both groups, using independent samples t-test using mean value of the first and second groups, in the first group (12.92 ± 2.94) %, and the second group (7.61 ± 2.12) %, with a probability value 0.000 (p<0.05) and can be expressed in statistical analysis is no significant difference between both treatments were carried out and that means, giving trunk balance exercise is better than back strengthening exercise to improve balance of erector spine muscles work on futsal beginner players.


1970 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
MS Alam ◽  
N Ahmad ◽  
MA Miah ◽  
R Islam

The effect of different levels of supplemented dietary protein on body weight, certain haematological values and meat yield characteristics in 20 "Shaver Star Bro" broilers was studied during the period from 02 March to 12 April 2002. The broilers were randomly assigned to four equal groups (A to D) each consisting of 5 birds. Group A was considered as control, fed only with commercial ration and other three groups were treated with extra dietary protein supplement @ 5%, 10% and 15% as group B, C and D respectively. Increased body weight was recorded in group B and the body weight decreases as the level of protein increased from 5% to 10% and 15% and the decrease was linear. No differences in haematological values were observed among the groups but the TEC varied significantly (p < 0.05). The mean weight of breast meat, drum stick meat varied significantly (p < 0.01). The shank weight varied significantly (p < 0.05) but there was no significant difference among the mean weight of thigh meat and wing meat corresponding to the different levels of supplemented dietary protein. It can be concluded that 5% supplemented dietary protein with commercial ration gives better result in respect to body weight gain, haematological values and meat yield characteristics.Key words: dietary protein; haematological values; meat yield; broiler birdsdoi: 10.3329/bjvm.v2i2.2543Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2004). 2 (2): 121-123


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 561-569
Author(s):  
Filipe Martins Santos ◽  
David Risco ◽  
Nayara Yoshie Sano ◽  
Gabriel Carvalho de Macedo ◽  
Wanessa Teixeira Gomes Barreto ◽  
...  

Assessing and monitoring the welfare of free-living mammals is not a usual process due to the logistical complications associated with their capture and sedation, collection and storage of biological samples and their release. In this context, non-invasive methods for monitoring wildlife constitute a good alternative approach for in situ conservation. Body condition index, as a measurement of health status, has been used in free-living mammals; its low value may be associated with negative effects on reproduction and survival. The present study aimed to generate an alternative and reliable non-invasive method and then determine the body condition index, based on previously-collected biometric measurements, without the need to capture and immobilise the animals. A total of 178 free-living Nasua nasua Linnaeus, 1766 were trapped, weighed and measured. Statistical methods were used, based on Boosted Regression Trees (BRT) using body mass, biometric measurements (body length, height and chest girth) and gender as explanatory variables. To assess the agreement between the real Body Condition Indices (BCIs) and the predicted values of BCIs, we explored the correlation between each model using the Bland-Altman method. This method showed a strong agreement between the predictive BRT models proposed (standardised residuals from a linear regression between body length and chest girth) and standardised residuals (linear regression between body mass and body length). The results obtained herein showed that BRT modelling, based on biometrical features, is an alternative way to verify the body conditions of coatis without the need to capture and immobilise the animals.


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