Taxonomic re-evaluation of New World Eptesicus and Histiotus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae), with the description of a new genus

Eptesicus Rafinesque, 1820 is widely distributed in the Old and New World (26 species), and Histiotus Gervais, 1856 is a South American endemic (11 species). Molecular phylogenies have recovered Eptesicus (sensu lato) as polyphyletic, with New World Eptesicus and the sister genus Histiotus in a paraphyletic American clade sister to Old World Eptesicus. Based on these phylogenetic reconstructions, authors have treated Histiotus as either a subgenus of Eptesicus or restricted Eptesicus to the New World species, treating Histiotus as a full genus, and using the name Cnephaeus Kaup, 1829 at the generic rank to comprise Old World Eptesicus. Based on recently published molecular studies, and on novel qualitative and quantitative morphological comparisons of representatives of Histiotus and New and Old World Eptesicus, we provide evidence for restricting the name Eptesicus to the species E. fuscus (Palisot de Beauvois, 1796) and E. guadeloupensis Genoways & Baker, 1975, allocating the remaining New World species under a new genus, keeping Histiotus as a full genus, and raising Cnephaeus to generic rank to comprise all Old World taxa currently under Eptesicus. This arrangement resolves the paraphyly of New World Eptesicus, and promotes taxonomic stability for Histiotus, which is a well-established genus of easily recognizable Neotropical bats and treated separate from Eptesicus by most authorities.

Testicular biometry and hierarchy of dominance of the white-lipped peccary (Mammalia, Tayassuidae) / Biometria testicular e hierarquia de dominância do queixada (Mammalia, Tayassuidae)

The objective of this study was to obtain data on the testicular biometry of the white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari) and to verify if there is a correlation between the individual's biometric data with their dominance rank. Data were collected from 16 adult males, aged between two and seven years, who made up the same group. By the agonistic interactions analyses we calculated the linearity indexes (h') of the dominance hierarchy and dominance rank. At the end of the behavioral observations, males were captured to collect biometric data from the testis. White-lipped peccaries showed testicles located in a perineal position, inclined cranio-ventrally with oval shape, flattened laterally and with tenso-elastic consistency (2.54±0.07). There was variance in the means (± standard deviation) of testis length (5.88±1.05cm), width (4.24 ± 0.98cm), height (4.44±0.86cm), and total scrotal width (8.78±17.05). The linear dominance hierarchy described the social structure of the males of this group (h'>0.9), with probability of linearity in the hierarchy greater than chance (P = 0.02). There was a correlation between dominance rank with the body mass, length and volume of the testicles. As in general the dimensions of the testicles are directly correlated with sperm production and also testosterone, this characteristic favors the reproductive performance of dominant white-lips males. Therefore, the characteristics of testicular biometry of white-lips should be considered for the selection of individuals more likely to reproduce in captivity favoring the conservation of this vulnerable species.(AU)

O objetivo neste estudo foi obter dados sobre a biometria testicular do queixada (Tayassu pecari) e verificar se há correlação entre os dados biométricos do indivíduo com seu posto de dominância. Os dados foram coletados de 16 queixadas adultos, com idades entre dois e sete anos, que compunham o mesmo grupo. Por meio de análises das interações agonísticas foram calculados os índices de linearidade (h') da hierarquia de dominância e determinado o rank dos indivíduos. Ao final das observações comportamentais, os machos foram capturados para coleta de dados biométricos do testículo. Os queixadas apresentaram testículos localizados em posição perineal, inclinados cranioventralmente com formato oval, achatados láterolateralmente e com consistência tensoelástica (2,54±0,07). Houve variação nas médias (± desvio padrão) do comprimento testicular (5,88±1,05cm), largura (4,24±0,98cm), altura (4,44±0,86cm) e largura escrotal total (8,78±17,05). A hierarquia de dominância linear descreveu a estrutura social dos machos desse grupo (h'>0,9), com probabilidade de linearidade na hierarquia maior que o acaso (P = 0,02). Houve correlação entre a classificação de dominância com a massa corporal, comprimento e volume dos testículos. Como em geral as dimensões dos testículos estão diretamente correlacionadas com a produção de esperma e também de testosterona, essa característica favorece o desempenho reprodutivo de machos de queixadas brancos dominantes. Portanto, as características da biometria testicular de queixadas devem ser consideradas para a seleção de indivíduos com maior probabilidade de reprodução em cativeiro favorecendo a conservação desta espécie vulnerável.(AU)

Study of resveratrol against bone loss by using in-silico and in-vitro methods / Estudo do resveratrol contra a perda óssea usando métodos in silico e in vitro

Abstract By applying the in-silico method, resveratrol was docked on those proteins which are responsible for bone loss. The Molecular docking data between the resveratrol and Receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa-Β ligand [RANKL] receptors proved that resveratrol binds tightly to the receptors, showed the highest binding affinities of −6.9, −7.6, −7.1, −6.9, −6.7, and −7.1 kcal/mol. According to in-vitro data, Resveratrol reduced the osteoclasts after treating Marrow-Derived Macrophages [BMM] with Macrophage colony-stimulating factor [MCSF] 20ng / ml and RANKL 50ng / ml, with different concentrations of resveratrol (2.5, 10 μg / ml) For 7 days, the cells were treated with MCSF (20 ng / ml) and RANKL (40 ng / ml) together with concentrated trimethyl ether and resveratrol (2.5, 10 μg / ml) within 12 hours. Which, not affect cell survival. After fixing osteoclast cells with formaldehyde fixative on glass coverslip followed by incubation with 0.1% Triton X-100 in PBS for 5 min and after that stain with rhodamine phalloidin staining for actin and Hoechst for nuclei. Fluorescence microscopy was performed to see the distribution of filaments actin [F.actin]. Finally, resveratrol reduced the actin ring formation. Resveratrol is the best bioactive compound for drug preparation against bone loss.

Resumo Com a aplicação do método in-silico, o resveratrol foi ancorado nas proteínas responsáveis ​​pela perda óssea. Os dados de docking molecular entre o resveratrol e o ligante do receptor ativador do fator nuclear kappa-Β [Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor kappa-B Ligant (RANKL)] provaram que o resveratrol se liga fortemente aos receptores, mostraram as afinidades de ligação mais altas de −6,9, −7,6, −7,1, −6,9, - 6,7 e -7,1 kcal / mol. De acordo com dados in-vitro, o resveratrol reduziu os osteoclastos após o tratamento de macrófagos derivados da medula óssea [Bone Marrow-derived Macrophage (BMM)] com fator estimulador de colônias de macrófagos [Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor (MCSF)] 20ng / ml e RANKL 50ng / ml, com diferentes concentrações de resveratrol (2,5, 10 μg / ml). Durante sete dias, as células foram tratadas com MCSF (20 ng / ml) e RANKL (40 ng / ml) juntamente com éter trimetílico concentrado e resveratrol (2,5, 10 μg / ml) em 12 horas, processo que não afeta a sobrevivência celular. Após a fixação de células de osteoclastos com fixador de formaldeído em lamela de vidro seguido de incubação com 0,1% Triton X-100 em PBS por 5 min, foi realizado posteriormente o procedimento para corar com rodamina faloidina a actina e Hoechst os núcleos. A microscopia de fluorescência foi realizada para ver a distribuição dos filamentos de actina [F.actina]. Finalmente, o resveratrol reduziu a formação do anel de actina. O resveratrol é o melhor composto bioativo para o preparo de medicamentos contra a perda óssea.

Nutritional assessment of servicemen in relation to area of duty and feeding habits: a Pakistani prospective

Abstract The present study was carried out to determine incidence of overweight and obesity in Pakistani servicemen with reference to their area of duty, feeding habits and also to identify risk factors. Accordingly, 2,501 servicemen selected from all over Pakistan using multiple stage stratified sampling protocol. Nutrition assessment performed using body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR) and dietary assessment using food frequency questionnaire. Collected data was analyzed using the SPSS version 25. Regression was used to find risk factors of obesity and WHR. Results indicated that about 1/4th of servicemen were smokers. Approximately, 1/5th of them were overweight and about one quarter were eating fruits and vegetables for 3 days/ week and 4 days/week, respectively. Only 1/3rd of them were physically active for at least 40 minutes per day. Age and fruits intake were significantly predicting BMI with a direct relation and vegetable intake was negatively correlated to BMI of the servicemen. Age and rank were significant predictors of WHR while, physical activity was negatively correlated to WHR. It is concluded and suggested from our study that there is a need to modify eating patterns and habits as well as improving physical activity on daily basis for healthy and long life of the servicemen.

Resumo

Familywise type I error of ANOVA and ANOVA on ranks in factorial experiments / Erro tipo I familiar da ANOVA e da ANOVA on ranks em experimentos fatoriais

ABSTRACT: This research evaluated the importance of a preliminary general analysis of variance (ANOVA) in the interpretation of data from factorial experiments under total nullity. For this, we evaluated the familywise type I error rate (accumulated FWER) of the F test for the unfolding of factorial ANOVA and factorial ANOVA on ranks, which were compared with the FWER for the global effect of treatments. In addition, we evaluated the FWER of the Tukey's test under total nullity for factorial experiments in the presence or absence of preliminary ANOVA protection (omnibus F test). The study was conducted by simulating data from 2,000 experiments, which were separated into four representative agricultural research scenarios. For both the parametric factorial ANOVA and the non-parametric factorial ANOVA, the FWER significantly exceeded the nominal level of 5%, even under total nullity. While the tests that control the total FWER in the factorials are not being used, the factorial ANOVA should not be performed without the preliminary ANOVA F test showing a significant effect. This, of course, does not apply to tests that are not multiple comparisons, such as Bonferroni, Dunn-Sidak and others, which do not need ANOVA protection. The same recommendation applies to the factorial ANOVA on ranks.

RESUMO: Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a importância da análise de variância (ANOVA) geral preliminar na interpretação dos dados de experimentos fatoriais sob nulidade total. Para isso, avaliou-se as taxas de erro tipo I familiar (FWER acumulada) do teste F para os componentes do desdobramento da ANOVA fatorial e da ANOVA fatorial on ranks, em comparação à FWER para o efeito global de tratamentos. Além disso, avaliou-se a FWER do teste de Tukey sob nulidade total para experimentos fatoriais na presença ou ausência da proteção da ANOVA preliminar (teste F global). O estudo foi conduzido a partir da simulação de dados de 2000 experimentos, separados em quatro cenários representativos da pesquisa agrícola. Tanto para a ANOVA fatorial paramétrica, quanto para a ANOVA fatorial não-paramétrica, as FWER ultrapassaram significativamente o nível nominal de 5%, mesmo sob nulidade total. Enquanto os testes que controlam a FWER total nos fatoriais não estiverem sendo utilizados, a ANOVA fatorial não deve ser realizada sem que o teste F da ANOVA preliminar acuse um efeito significativo. O mesmo, evidentemente, não se aplica aos testes que não são de comparações múltiplas, como Bonferroni, Dunn-Sidak e outros, que não precisam proteção da ANOVA. A mesma recomendação se aplica à ANOVA fatorial on ranks.

Identification of key genes in bovine mammary epithelial cells challenged with Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus by integrated bioinformatics analysis

This study integrated four microarray datasets by Robust Rank Aggregation (RRA) method to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEG) in bovine mammary epithelial (BME) cells in response to Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus infection. Furthermore, the GO function and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of the integrated DEG were performed. Finally, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. A total of 72 integrated DEG were identified from the four datasets. The most significantly enriched terms within the integrated DEG were mainly involved in the immune response. The PPI network of DEG was constructed with 53 nodes. Seventeen genes, which constitute a significant module, were identified as hub genes. Among them, CD40, CXCL6, and NFKBIZ were further screened as the key genes and have the potential to become biomarkers of E. coli and S. aureus mastitis, considering the specificity of biomarkers for diseases. The identified key genes and pathways in this study can assist in the search for biomarkers for mastitis diagnosis and disease resistance breeding.

Nutritional assessment of servicemen in relation to area of duty and feeding habits: a Pakistani prospective / Avaliação nutricional de militares em relação à área de dever e hábitos alimentares: uma perspectiva paquistanesa

The present study was carried out to determine incidence of overweight and obesity in Pakistani servicemen with reference to their area of duty, feeding habits and also to identify risk factors. Accordingly, 2,501 servicemen selected from all over Pakistan using multiple stage stratified sampling protocol. Nutrition assessment performed using body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR) and dietary assessment using food frequency questionnaire. Collected data was analyzed using the SPSS version 25. Regression was used to find risk factors of obesity and WHR. Results indicated that about 1/4th of servicemen were smokers. Approximately, 1/5th of them were overweight and about one quarter were eating fruits and vegetables for <3 days/ week and <4 days/week, respectively. Only 1/3rd of them were physically active for at least <40 minutes per day. Age and fruits intake were significantly predicting BMI with a direct relation and vegetable intake was negatively correlated to BMI of the servicemen. Age and rank were significant predictors of WHR while, physical activity was negatively correlated to WHR. It is concluded and suggested from our study that there is a need to modify eating patterns and habits as well as improving physical activity on daily basis for healthy and long life of the servicemen.

O presente estudo foi realizado para determinar a incidência de sobrepeso e obesidade em militares paquistaneses com referência à sua área de serviço, hábitos alimentares e também para identificar fatores de risco. Assim, 2.501 militares selecionados de todo o Paquistão usando protocolo de amostragem estratificada de múltiplos estágios. Avaliação nutricional realizada por meio do índice de massa corporal (IMC), relação cintura-quadril (RCQ) e avaliação alimentar por meio de questionário de frequência alimentar. Os dados coletados foram analisados por meio do SPSS versão 25. A regressão foi usada para encontrar fatores de risco para obesidade e RCQ. Os resultados indicaram que cerca de 1/4 dos militares eram fumantes. Aproximadamente, 1/5 deles estava com sobrepeso e cerca de um quarto comia frutas e vegetais por <3 dias / semana e <4 dias / semana, respectivamente. Apenas 1/3 deles era fisicamente ativo por pelo menos <40 minutos por dia. Idade e ingestão de frutas foram preditores significativos do IMC com uma relação direta e ingestão de vegetais foi negativamente correlacionada com o IMC dos militares. Idade e posição foram preditores significativos de RCQ, enquanto a atividade física foi negativamente correlacionada com RCQ. Conclui-se e sugere-se a partir de nosso estudo que há necessidade de modificar os padrões e hábitos alimentares, bem como melhorar a atividade física no dia a dia para uma vida longa e saudável dos militares.

Nutritional assessment of servicemen in relation to area of duty and feeding habits: a Pakistani prospective / Avaliação nutricional de militares em relação à área de dever e hábitos alimentares: uma perspectiva paquistanesa

The present study was carried out to determine incidence of overweight and obesity in Pakistani servicemen with reference to their area of duty, feeding habits and also to identify risk factors. Accordingly, 2,501 servicemen selected from all over Pakistan using multiple stage stratified sampling protocol. Nutrition assessment performed using body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR) and dietary assessment using food frequency questionnaire. Collected data was analyzed using the SPSS version 25. Regression was used to find risk factors of obesity and WHR. Results indicated that about 1/4th of servicemen were smokers. Approximately, 1/5th of them were overweight and about one quarter were eating fruits and vegetables for <3 days/ week and <4 days/week, respectively. Only 1/3rd of them were physically active for at least <40 minutes per day. Age and fruits intake were significantly predicting BMI with a direct relation and vegetable intake was negatively correlated to BMI of the servicemen. Age and rank were significant predictors of WHR while, physical activity was negatively correlated to WHR. It is concluded and suggested from our study that there is a need to modify eating patterns and habits as well as improving physical activity on daily basis for healthy and long life of the servicemen.(AU)

O presente estudo foi realizado para determinar a incidência de sobrepeso e obesidade em militares paquistaneses com referência à sua área de serviço, hábitos alimentares e também para identificar fatores de risco. Assim, 2.501 militares selecionados de todo o Paquistão usando protocolo de amostragem estratificada de múltiplos estágios. Avaliação nutricional realizada por meio do índice de massa corporal (IMC), relação cintura-quadril (RCQ) e avaliação alimentar por meio de questionário de frequência alimentar. Os dados coletados foram analisados por meio do SPSS versão 25. A regressão foi usada para encontrar fatores de risco para obesidade e RCQ. Os resultados indicaram que cerca de 1/4 dos militares eram fumantes. Aproximadamente, 1/5 deles estava com sobrepeso e cerca de um quarto comia frutas e vegetais por <3 dias / semana e <4 dias / semana, respectivamente. Apenas 1/3 deles era fisicamente ativo por pelo menos <40 minutos por dia. Idade e ingestão de frutas foram preditores significativos do IMC com uma relação direta e ingestão de vegetais foi negativamente correlacionada com o IMC dos militares. Idade e posição foram preditores significativos de RCQ, enquanto a atividade física foi negativamente correlacionada com RCQ. Conclui-se e sugere-se a partir de nosso estudo que há necessidade de modificar os padrões e hábitos alimentares, bem como melhorar a atividade física no dia a dia para uma vida longa e saudável dos militares.(AU)

Testicular morphometry as a tool to evaluate the efficiency of immunocastration in lambs

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of immunocastration in lambs using testicular morphometry. Thirty lambs were randomly divided into two treatments (subcutaneous administration of 1.0 mL and 0.5 mL of an anti-GnRH vaccine) and a control group (1.0 mL saline solution). The animals were vaccinated at four months of age, received a second dose 30 days later, and were slaughtered 90 days after the first vaccine dose. After slaughter, testicles were collected, and samples were removed for histological processing and evaluation of testicular morphometric parameters. Analysis of variance, Tukey's test, and Kruskal-Wallis test were performed, with a 5% level of significance. There was a reduction in testicular weight, gonadosomatic index, seminiferous tubule diameter, germinal epithelium height, leydigosomatic index, and total tubule length. The total length per testicular gram increased in the immunocastrated group. Intrinsic spermatogenesis yield, Sertoli cell indices, and estimates of sperm and Sertoli cell production were reduced in the immunized groups (P < 0.05). The anti-GnRH vaccine in lambs at doses of 1.0 mL and 0.5 mL is sufficient to promote immunocastration, verified through severe changes in testicular morphometry from animals.(AU)

Effect of OPG-supplemented diet on immune and stress responses and attenuation of LPS-induced damage in the liver of carp (Cyprinus carpio haematopterus)

Effects of oxidized peptidoglycan (OPG) on immune and stress responses and lipopolysacchari-de (LPS)-induced damage in the liver of carp were investigated in this study. Four hundred carps (Cyprinus carpio haematopterus) were fed with five experimental diets supplemented with 0, 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg kg-1 OPG for 28 days. Each group had four replicates and 20 fish per replication. LPS challenge (injection of 40 mg kg-1 saline or LPS) occurred at day 29. The supplementation with OPG linearly increased (p<0.05) plasma total protein, immunoglobulin M (IgM), complement 4 (C4), cortisol, and lactate on day 14. Dietary supplementation with OPG linearly increased (p<0.05) plasma and complement 3 (C3); quadratically improved (p<0.05) alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lysozyme (LYS) activities; linearly increased hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities; increased malondialdehyde (MDA) contents; and improved (p<0.05) hepatic anti-superoxide anion (ASA) and anti-hydroxy radical (AHR) contents on days 14 and 28. Dietary OPG significantly preven-ted the increase of interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) by inhibiting the excessive activation of TLR2-Myd88 signaling pathway; downregulating TLR2, Myd88, and NF-κB p65; and upregulating nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Keap1 mRNA expression (p<0.05). Therefore, this study indicated that dietary OPG improves the plasma immune response, regulates the hepatic antioxidant status, and attenuates LPS-induced negative effects in the carp at the optimal dose of 400 mg kg-1(AU)

Selection strategies for identifying fast cooking, mineral-biofortified bean cultivars with high agronomic performance

Simultaneous selection for various agronomic traits, cooking time and mineral concentration are major challenges for common-bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) breeding programs. The authors of this study proposed to analyze genetic gain estimates obtained by direct and indirect selection using selection indices and economic weights for 13 traits, and to determine the most efficient selection strategy for the simultaneous selection of fast cooking, mineral-biofortified common bean cultivars with high agronomic performance. For this purpose, three experiments were carried out in different growing seasons to evaluate 49 common bean cultivars of different grain types. Agronomic performance was evaluated based on six traits; cooking time was determined using a Mattson cooker; and the concentration of six minerals was analyzed in samples of raw grains. Significant genotype × environment interaction or genotype effects were observed for all traits, indicating the existence of genetic variability. Direct selection resulted in high genetic gain estimates for individual traits, but caused undesirable changes in one or more of the traits under selection. The classic, base, desired-gains and rank-sum selection indices tested with six economic weights do not provide genetic gain estimates favorable to the selection of all traits. The multiplicative index is the best selection strategy for use in the breeding program when aiming at the simultaneous selection of fast cooking, mineral-biofortified common bean cultivars with high agronomic performance.

Genotypic superiority of Psidium Guajava S1 families using mixed modeling for truncated and simultaneous selection

The purpose of this study was to conduct selection, genetic parameter estimation, and prediction of genetic values for 18 S1 families of guava trees using mixed model methodology and simultaneous selection of traits by means of the additive selection index, multiplicative selection index, and mean rank adapted from Mulamba. All families analyzed were obtained by means of self-fertilization of superior genotypes (full siblings) from the genetic breeding program of guava trees at the Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense. An experimental randomized block design with 18 S1 families, three replicates, and ten plants per plot was used. A total of 540 genotypes (individual plants) of guava tree were evaluated. Genetic parameter estimation and selection of the best genotypes based on the genetic value were performed using the statistical procedure, from the Selegen-REML/BLUP program. The analyses of the additive selection index, multiplicative selection index, and the sum of rank adapted from Mulamba were also performed under the Selegen program. During the evaluation by the individual BLUPs, families 1, 12, 4, 6, and 8 contributed to most of the genotypes selected for the traits under evaluation, suggesting their significant potential to generate high quality and high yield genotypes. In the selection indexes via mixed models, the multiplicative index showed higher values for genetic gains (74 %), followed by the mean rank index adapted from Mulamba (19 %), and the additive index (2%).

Genotypic superiority of Psidium Guajava S1 families using mixed modeling for truncated and simultaneous selection

The purpose of this study was to conduct selection, genetic parameter estimation, and prediction of genetic values for 18 S1 families of guava trees using mixed model methodology and simultaneous selection of traits by means of the additive selection index, multiplicative selection index, and mean rank adapted from Mulamba. All families analyzed were obtained by means of self-fertilization of superior genotypes (full siblings) from the genetic breeding program of guava trees at the Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense. An experimental randomized block design with 18 S1 families, three replicates, and ten plants per plot was used. A total of 540 genotypes (individual plants) of guava tree were evaluated. Genetic parameter estimation and selection of the best genotypes based on the genetic value were performed using the statistical procedure, from the Selegen-REML/BLUP program. The analyses of the additive selection index, multiplicative selection index, and the sum of rank adapted from Mulamba were also performed under the Selegen program. During the evaluation by the individual BLUPs, families 1, 12, 4, 6, and 8 contributed to most of the genotypes selected for the traits under evaluation, suggesting their significant potential to generate high quality and high yield genotypes. In the selection indexes via mixed models, the multiplicative index showed higher values for genetic gains (74 %), followed by the mean rank index adapted from Mulamba (19 %), and the additive index (2%).(AU)

Illustrated catalogue of type specimens of Megalopodidae (Coleoptera) deposited at the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo

Abstract The Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo (MZUSP) houses an important Megalopodidae collection representing 144 species, especially from Brazil and the Neotropical fauna. The type specimens of some species have never been accessed since their original descriptions, and are thus unknown to a major part of the Megalopodidae researchers. Presented here is an illustrated catalogue of the megalopodid type specimens of 32 species deposited at MZUSP, featuring photos of habitus and labels, and complete label data of all the specimens, which originally belonged to Jacintho Guérins personal collection. Conflicting and inconsistent data provided in the literature and in the specimens labels are addressed. Taxa originally proposed as species varieties are here reaffirmed as valid, with subspecific rank. Agathomerus variansMonrós, 1945 and Plesioagathomerus vittatusMonrós, 1945, originally described as junior synonyms, are considered unavailable names. The subspecific epithet ngriapex is emended into Agathomerus bifasciatus nigrapexGuérin, 1949. An overview of the MZUSP Megalopodidae collection is presented with a history of the arrival of Guérins specimens.

Estimation of genetic parameters for weaning and yearling weights in a composite population used to form the Purunã breed

We aimed to evaluate the effects of sex and the linear and quadratic components of age of dam at calving, as well as apply a mixed model including maternal effect for the genetic evaluation of weaning (WW) and yearling (YW) weights. The phenotypic database was composed by Charolais, Caracu, Aberdeen Angus, and Canchim purebred and crossbred animals. Single-trait analyses were performed using models that included the maternal effect for WW and YW traits, and a model ignoring this effect on YW (YWNM). The Deviance Information Criterion (DIC), model posterior probabilities (MPP), accuracy of breeding values (ACC), and Spearman's rank correlation were applied to compare the models including and ignoring the maternal effect on YW. Sex and age of dam at calving had significant effects on WW and YW. The direct heritability estimates were 0.21±0.03 and 0.05±0.02, and the maternal heritabilities were 0.11±0.02 and 0.02±0.01 for WW and YW, respectively. The heritabilities estimated for YW may have been influenced by the several genetic groups in the population and by used conventional animal model, which may not have been the better fit model to evaluate YW in this population. The DIC, MPP, and ACC values indicated that YW outperformed the YWNM model, but the rank correlation and percentages of individuals selected in common suggested that the best animals would be selected independently of the model chosen.

Illustrated catalogue of type specimens of Megalopodidae (Coleoptera) deposited at the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo

The Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo (MZUSP) houses an important Megalopodidae collection representing 144 species, especially from Brazil and the Neotropical fauna. The type specimens of some species have never been accessed since their original descriptions, and are thus unknown to a major part of the Megalopodidae researchers. Presented here is an illustrated catalogue of the megalopodid type specimens of 32 species deposited at MZUSP, featuring photos of habitus and labels, and complete label data of all the specimens, which originally belonged to Jacintho Guérin’s personal collection. Conflicting and inconsistent data provided in the literature and in the specimens’ labels are addressed. Taxa originally proposed as species varieties are here reaffirmed as valid, with subspecific rank. Agathomerus varians Monrós, 1945 and Plesioagathomerus vittatus Monrós, 1945, originally described as junior synonyms, are considered unavailable names. The subspecific epithet ngriapex is emended into Agathomerus bifasciatus nigrapex Guérin, 1949. An overview of the MZUSP Megalopodidae collection is presented with a history of the arrival of Guérin’s specimens.

Illustrated catalogue of type specimens of Megalopodidae (Coleoptera) deposited at the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo

The Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo (MZUSP) houses an important Megalopodidae collection representing 144 species, especially from Brazil and the Neotropical fauna. The type specimens of some species have never been accessed since their original descriptions, and are thus unknown to a major part of the Megalopodidae researchers. Presented here is an illustrated catalogue of the megalopodid type specimens of 32 species deposited at MZUSP, featuring photos of habitus and labels, and complete label data of all the specimens, which originally belonged to Jacintho Guérins personal collection. Conflicting and inconsistent data provided in the literature and in the specimens labels are addressed. Taxa originally proposed as species varieties are here reaffirmed as valid, with subspecific rank. Agathomerus varians Monrós, 1945 and Plesioagathomerus vittatus Monrós, 1945, originally described as junior synonyms, are considered unavailable names. The subspecific epithet ngriapex is emended into Agathomerus bifasciatus nigrapex Guérin, 1949. An overview of the MZUSP Megalopodidae collection is presented with a history of the arrival of Guérins specimens.(AU)

Genetic evaluation models for resistance to ticks in a crossbred Angus-Nellore population / Modelos de avaliação genética para resistência a carrapatos em uma população mestiça de Angus-Nelore

ABSTRACT: This research identified the animal model that best describes the genetic and residual variations for tick counts in yearlings from a crossbred Angus-Nellore population of 6,951 animals that are progenies of 382 bulls and 6,198 cows. Genetic values were predicted by the Bayesian inference methodology. The models tested were: Traditional Animal, and Crossbred Animal with and without segregation, considering residual homoscedastic and heteroscedastic variances. The criteria of choice were the number of parameters, deviance information, and predictive order, which indicated the best fitfor the Traditional Animal model and Crossbred Animal model (with segregation), both with residual heteroscedastic Gaussian variance. The mean values of fixed genetic effects were positive and similar in the both models, indicating that animals with higher proportion of the Angus breed had greater infestation, and the Nellore breed was an important addition for resistance to ticks. The estimated genetic variation by the heteroscedastic Gaussian Animal model for the Nellore breed was 4.54-fold higher than that estimated for the Angus breed. The estimates of heritability of the different genetic groups ranged from 0.12 to 0.15 and from 0.01 to 0.35, respectively, for the Traditional Animal model and for the heteroscedastic Gaussian crossbred model. The Spearman's rank-order correlation for the predicted genetic values was 0.94, considering all sires. However, when considering the top 10%, 20%, and 30% sires, differences in ranking were more evident (0.28 to 0.67). The Crossbred Animal model with segregation and heterogeneous residual variances was the most appropriate for genetic evaluation of tick counts on animals from Angus-Nellore crossings.

RESUMO: O objetivo neste trabalho foi identificar o modelo animal que melhor descreve a variação genética e residual para a característica contagem de carrapatos ao sobreano, em uma população multirracial Angus-Nelore constituída por 6.951 animais, filhos de 382 touros e 6.198 vacas. Os valores genéticos foram preditos a partir da metodologia de inferência Bayesiana utilizando os seguintes modelos: Animal Tradicional, Animal Multirracial sem e com segregação, considerando as variâncias residuais homo ou heterocedástica. Os critérios de escolha foram o Número de Parâmetros, a Informação de Deviance e a Ordenada Preditiva, os quais apontaram os Modelos Animal Tradicional e o Multirracial com Segregação, ambos com variância residual Gaussiana heterocedástica, como os de melhor ajuste. Os valores médios dos efeitos genéticos fixos foram positivos e similares nos dois modelos, sugerindo que os animais com maior proporção da raça Angus sofreram maior infestação e atribuindo-se, portanto, a raça Nelore importante papel na resistência ao carrapato. Verificou-se que a variância genética estimada pelo Modelo Animal Gaussiano heterocedástico para a raça Nelore foi 4,54 vezes maior do que a estimada para a raça Angus. As estimativas de herdabilidade nos diferentes grupos genéticos variaram de 0,12 a 0,15 e de 0,01 a 0,35, respectivamente, no Modelo Animal Tradicional e no Multirracial Gaussiano heterocedástico. A correlação de ordenamento de Spearman entre os valores genéticos preditos, considerando todos os reprodutores da população, foi 0,94. Contudo, ao considerar os melhores touros, TOP 10%, 20% e 30%, as diferenças com relação ao ordenamento foram mais evidentes (0,28 a 0,67). O modelo Animal Multirracial com Segregação com variâncias residuais heterogêneas foi o mais apropriado para avaliação genética da característica Contagem de Carrapatos de animais produtos do cruzamento Angus-Nelore.

Residual feed intake of Nellore calves is not repeatable across pre and post weaning periods / Consumo alimentar residual de bezerros Nelore na pré e pós-desmama tem baixa repetibilidade

ABSTRACT: This study measured milk and solid feed intake in pre- weaning period and feed intake in postweaning period of Nellore calves, and to correlated them with performance traits and ingestive behavior of animals classified as most and least efficient. During pre weaning phase, feed efficiency was evaluated in 51 cow-calf pairs from 21±5 days after calving until weaning. During post-weaning phase, only male calves (n=23) were evaluated. Pre-weaning milk intake of calves was estimated based on cow's milk production. Pre-weaning daily metabolizable energy intake (MEI) of calves was estimated as the sum of MEI from milk and solid diet. There was no difference in ADG between calves with negative and positive pre RFI, with a consequent better feed conversion to more efficient calves. The most efficient calves spent less time at the feed bunk, with a shorter feeding duration and higher rate of intake, compared to the least efficient animals. Correlations between feed intake and metabolic body weight of the animals during pre- and postweaning phases were positive, of medium to high magnitude, and significant, while correlation between ADG values was close to zero. Results suggested that part of the animals ranked based on pre weaning feed intake won't maintain their rank during postweaning phase. In conclusion, calves classified as most efficient during pre-weaning phase have similar weight gain but lower milk intake and MEI than least efficient animals. The estimated pre RFI is weakly correlated with post RFI, showing that RFI is not consistent or repeatable across two periods.

RESUMO: Este estudo teve como objetivo mensurar o consumo de leite e sólidos no período pré-desmama e o consumo alimentar no período pós-desmama, e relacioná-los com características de desempenho e comportamento ingestivo de animais classificados como mais eficientes e menos eficientes. Na fase pré-desmama foram avaliados 51 pares vaca-bezerro da raça Nelore quanto à eficiência alimentar dos 21±5 dias após o parto até a desmama. Na fase pós-desmama, apenas os bezerros machos (n=23) foram avaliados. O consumo de leite dos bezerros na pré-desmama foi estimado pela produção de leite das vacas. O consumo diário de energia metabolizável do bezerro na pré-desmama (CEM), foi estimado pela soma do consumo de energia metabolizável do leite e do consumo diário de energia metabolizável da dieta. Bezerros CARpre negativo não diferiram dos bezerros CARpre positivo quanto ao GMD, resultando em melhor CA dos bezerros mais eficientes. Bezerros mais eficientes ficaram menos tempo no cocho, com menor duração da refeição e com maior taxa de alimentação comparativamente aos animais menos eficientes. As correlações entre o consumo alimentar e peso corporal metabólico dos animais na pré e pós-desmama foram positivas, de média a alta magnitudes e significativas, enquanto que a correlação entre ganho médio diário foi próxima de zero. Os resultados sugerem que parte dos animais classificados pelo consumo alimentar na pré-desmama manterão a classificação na pós-desmama. Na fase pré-desmama bezerros classificados como mais eficientes tem ganho de peso similar, porém com menor consumo de leite e consumo de energia metabolizável do que bezerros menos eficientes. A estimativa do consumo alimentar residual na fase pré-desmama é fracamente relacionada à estimativa do consumo alimentar residual na fase pós-desmama, mostrando que o consumo alimentar residual não é consistente e repetível nos dois períodos.

Genetic and environmental factors that affect tick infestation in Nelore x Angus crossbreed cattle / Fatores genéticos e ambientais que afetam a infestação de carrapatos em bovinos cruzados Nelore x Angus

This study evaluated the effects of seasons and latitude on tick counting and determined the best model to estimate genetic parameters for tick count and hair coat. Records of animals naturally exposed to ticks on farms in several Brazilian states and in Paraguay were used. The ANOVA was used to verify the effects of seasons and latitude on the tick count trait. Spring was the season with the highest average, followed by summer and autumn, which showed no differences between them. The winter presented the lowest average values. Latitude -11° had the highest mean value followed by latitude -18°. The Bayesian approach was used to evaluate tick count and hair coat and to identify a suitable model for estimating genetic parameters for use in genetic evaluations. The data were analyzed using an animal model with four different specifications for “fixed” purposes. The inference was based on a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC). The criteria for selection of the Bayesian model indicated that the M1 model, which considered the breed composition in the contemporary group, was superior to the other models, both for tick count and hair coat. Heritability estimates for tick count and hair coat obtained using the M1 model were 0.14 and 0.22, respectively. The rank correlations between the models for tick count and hair coat were estimated and reordering was verified for tick count. The estimated genetic correlation between tick count and hair coat traits was negative (-0.12). These findings suggest that different genes regulate tick count and hair coat.

Os objetivos foram avaliar os efeitos das estações e latitude na contagem de carrapatos e determinar o melhor modelo para estimar parâmetros genéticos para contagem de carrapatos e pelame. Foram utilizados registros de animais expostos naturalmente a carrapatos em fazendas em vários estados brasileiros e no Paraguai. A ANOVA foi utilizada para verificar os efeitos das estações e da latitude na característica de contagem de carrapatos. A primavera foi a estação com a maior média, seguida pelo verão e outono, que não mostraram diferenças entre eles. O inverno apresentou os menores valores médios. A latitude -11° teve o maior valor médio seguido pela latitude -18°. A abordagem bayesiana foi usada para avaliar a contagem de carrapatos e o pelame e identificar o modelo adequado para estimar parâmetros genéticos e para uso em avaliações genéticas. Os dados foram analisados usando um modelo animal com quatro especificações diferentes para efeitos “fixos”. A inferência foi baseada em uma cadeia de Markov Monte Carlo (MCMC). Os critérios de seleção do modelo bayesiano indicaram que o modelo M1, que considerou a composição racial no grupo contemporâneo, foi superior aos demais modelos, tanto na contagem de carrapatos e para pelame. As estimativas de herdabilidade para contagem de carrapatos e pelame obtidas usando o modelo M1 foram de 0,14 e 0,22, respectivamente. As correlações de ranking entre os modelos para a contagem de carrapatos e pelame foram estimadas e a reordenação foi verificada para a contagem de carrapatos. A correlação genética estimada entre a contagem de carrapatos e pelame foi negativa (-0,12). Esses achados sugerem que genes diferentes regulam a contagem de carrapatos e pelame.