Macro- and microscopic brain anatomy of the amazon lava lizard (Tropidurus torquatus) (WIED, 1820) / Anatomia macro- e microscópica do encéfalo do calango (Tropidurus torquatus) (WIED, 1820)

Reptiles have a key role in understanding amniotes' reproductive independence of water. Many adaptations arose, including in locomotor patterns and behaviours, and the nervous system adapted to those new habits.We have described the macroscopic anatomy and cytoarchitecture of the Amazon Lava Lizard brain (Tropidurus torquatus), an abundant lizard in South America. Fifteen specimens were captured, euthanized and their brains were dissected, eight of these were processed and stained in haematoxylineosin. Their main areas of the brain are the telencephalon and diencephalon, in the forebrain, tectum and tegmentum, in the midbrain and bulbota and cerebellum, in the hindbrain. The main and accessory olfactory bulbs are the most rostral structure of the brain and are composed of six layers. Brain hemispheres compose the telencephalon and are divided in pallium and subpallium. Medial, dorsomedial, lateral and dorsal cortices are part of the pallium. Striatum, pallidum and septum compose the subpallium. The diencephalon is composed of thalamus, epithalamus and hypothalamus. The midbrain has a ventral tegmentum, composed of torus semicircularis and a dorsal 14 layered optic tectum. Most part of the hindbrain is composed of the bulbo, and the cerebellum arises from it, forming a three-layered plate like structure. In general, the brain of Tropidurus torquatusresembles those of other lizards, with its own adaptations

Os répteis têm um papel fundamental para a compreensão da independência reprodutiva da água que surgiu nos amniotas. Várias adaptações ocorreram, inclusive em padrões e comportamentos locomotores, e o sistema nervoso se adaptou a esses novos hábitos. Descrevemos a anatomia macroscópica e a citoarquitetura do encéfalo do calango (Tropidurus torquatus), um lagarto abundante na América do Sul. Quinze espécimes foram capturados, eutanasiados e seus encéfalos dissecados, oito destes foram processados e corados em hematoxilina-eosina. As principais áreas do cérebro são o telencéfalo e o diencéfalo, na parte anterior do encéfalo, teto e tegmento, no mesencéfalo e bulbo e cerebelo, na parte posterior do encéfalo. Os bulbos olfatórios principais e acessórios são as estruturas mais rostrais do cérebro e são compostos por seis camadas. Os hemisférios cerebrais compõem o telencéfalo e são divididos em pálio e subpálio. Os córtices medial, dorsomedial, lateral e dorsal fazem parte do pálio. Estriado, pálido e septo compõem o subpálio. O diencéfalo é composto pelo tálamo, epitálamo e hipotálamo. O mesencéfalo possui um tegmento ventral, composto de torus semicircularis e um tecto óptico dorsal com 14 camadas. A maior parte da parte posterior do encéfalo é composta pelo bulbo, e o cerebelo surge como uma projeção dessa estrutura, em formato plano, com três camadas. Em geral, o encéfalo de Tropidurus torquatusse assemelha ao de outros lagartos, com suas próprias adaptações.

Characterization of the species of genus Physa on the basis of typological species concept from Central Punjab / Caracterização das espécies do gênero Physa com base no conceito tipológico de espécie do Punjab Central

Physids belong to Class Gastropoda; Phylum Mollusca have important position in food web and act as bio indicators, pests and intermediate host. Being resistant these are called cockroaches of malacology. Physid snails were collected from different water bodies of Faisalabad (Punjab) and were identified up to species using morphological markers. The morphometry of the specimens was carried out with the help of a digital Vernier caliper in millimeters (mm) using linear measurement of shell characters. Linear regression analysis of the AL/SW ratio vs AL and SL/SW ratiovs AL indicated that allometric growth exists only in Physa acuta when compared with P.gyrina and P. fontinalis. This study will lead to assess the status of the Physid species in Central Punjab. The Principal component analysis shows that the Component 1 (Shell Length) and component 2 (Shell Width) are the most prolific components and nearly 80 percent of the identification. The distance between P. acuta and P. fontinalis is 5.4699, P. acuta and P. gyrina is 7.6411, P. fontinalis and P. gyrina is 16.6080 showing that P. acuta resembles with P. fontinalis, and both these specimens donot resemble with P. gyrina. P.acuta is an invasive species and shows bioactivity making it a potent candidate for bioactive substances.

Os físidos pertencem à classe Gastropoda; o filo Mollusca possui importante posição na teia alimentar e atua como bioindicador, praga e hospedeiro intermediário. Por serem resistentes, são chamadas baratas de malacologia. Os caramujos físidos foram coletados em diferentes corpos d’água de Faisalabad (Punjab) e identificados até as espécies por meio de marcadores morfológicos. A morfometria dos corpos de prova foi realizada com auxílio de paquímetro digital Vernier em milímetros (mm) por meio de medida linear dos caracteres da casca. A análise de regressão linear da razão AL / SW vs. AL e razão SL / SW vs. AL indicou que o crescimento alométrico existe apenas em Physa acuta quando comparado com P. gyrina e P. fontinalis. Este estudo levará a avaliar a situação das espécies de físido no Punjab Central. A análise do componente principal mostra que o componente 1 (comprimento da casca) e o componente 2 (largura da casca) são os componentes mais prolíficos e quase 80% da identificação. A distância entre P. acuta e P. fontinalis é 5,4699, P. acuta e P. gyrina é 7,6411, P. fontinalis e P. gyrina é 16,6080, mostrando que P. acuta se assemelha a P. fontinalis, e ambos os espécimes não se parecem com P. gyrina. P. acuta é uma espécie invasora e apresenta bioatividade, tornando-se uma candidata potente para substâncias bioativas.

Three decades of Chondrichthyan research in Brazil assessed from conferences' abstracts: patterns, gaps, and expectations

Of the almost 1,300 currently known Chondrichthyan species, 13.4% occur in Brazilian marine and freshwater environments and more than a half are under extinction threat. There are three main scientific events in Brazil committed to present and discuss research on fishes (including Chondrichthyes): EBI, SBEEL, and ISPCNF. We analyzed 1,584 submitted abstracts to these events over the last 30 years and noticed that, within Chondrichthyes, studies regarding Systematics were less representative (17%). However, the most shocking result concerned the proportion of women in authorship: almost 30% of abstracts were co-authored only by men, and only 25% of those in Chondrichthyan Evolution had women as last authors, demonstrating that a few women are acting as principal investigators in this area of research in Brazil since they might be leaving academia due to lack of support. Besides, the orders Carcharhiniformes and Myliobatiformes represented 66.9% of all studied taxa throughout the years, revealing a research bias on studied taxa which in turn has impacted directly on our knowledge of Chondrichthyan biodiversity and conservation planning. Most importantly, the neglected area of taxonomy needs to be enhanced to allow for appropriate species identification and threatening status evaluation.(AU)

De quase 1300 espécies de Chondrichthyes atualmente conhecidas, 13,4% ocorrem no Brasil em ambientes marinhos e de água doce, sendo que mais da metade está ameaçada de extinção. Há três grandes eventos científicos no Brasil dedicados à apresentação de pesquisas sobre peixes (incluindo Chondrichthyes): EBI, SBEEL, ISPCNF. Analisamos 1584 resumos enviados a esses eventos nos últimos 30 anos e percebemos que, dentro de Chondrichthyes, estudos relacionados à Sistemática foram raros (17%). Porém, o resultado mais impactante diz respeito à proporção de mulheres na coautoria: quase 30% dos resumos foram co-autorados exclusivamente por homens e somente 25% daqueles em Evolução de Chondrichthyes tiveram mulheres como últimas autoras, demonstrando que poucas mulheres estão atuando como pesquisadoras principais nessa área de pesquisa no Brasil já que elas podem deixar o ambiente acadêmico devido à falta de suporte. Além disso, as ordens Carcharhiniformes e Myliobatiformes representaram 66,9% de todos os táxons estudados ao longo dos anos, revelando um viés com relação aos táxons estudados, o que por sua vez tem impactado diretamente no nosso conhecimento da biodiversidade de Chondrichthyes e planejamento da conservação. Mais importante, a negligenciada área da taxonomia necessita ser aprimorada para permitir identificação adequada das espécies e a avaliação dos seus estados de ameaça.(AU)

Characterization of the species of genus Physa on the basis of typological species concept from Central Punjab / Caracterização das espécies do gênero Physa com base no conceito tipológico de espécie do Punjab Central

Physids belong to Class Gastropoda; Phylum Mollusca have important position in food web and act as bio indicators, pests and intermediate host. Being resistant these are called cockroaches of malacology. Physid snails were collected from different water bodies of Faisalabad (Punjab) and were identified up to species using morphological markers. The morphometry of the specimens was carried out with the help of a digital Vernier caliper in millimeters (mm) using linear measurement of shell characters. Linear regression analysis of the AL/SW ratio vs AL and SL/SW ratiovs AL indicated that allometric growth exists only in Physa acuta when compared with P.gyrina and P. fontinalis. This study will lead to assess the status of the Physid species in Central Punjab. The Principal component analysis shows that the Component 1 (Shell Length) and component 2 (Shell Width) are the most prolific components and nearly 80 percent of the identification. The distance between P. acuta and P. fontinalis is 5.4699, P. acuta and P. gyrina is 7.6411, P. fontinalis and P. gyrina is 16.6080 showing that P. acuta resembles with P. fontinalis, and both these specimens donot resemble with P. gyrina. P.acuta is an invasive species and shows bioactivity making it a potent candidate for bioactive substances.(AU)

Os físidos pertencem à classe Gastropoda; o filo Mollusca possui importante posição na teia alimentar e atua como bioindicador, praga e hospedeiro intermediário. Por serem resistentes, são chamadas baratas de malacologia. Os caramujos físidos foram coletados em diferentes corpos dágua de Faisalabad (Punjab) e identificados até as espécies por meio de marcadores morfológicos. A morfometria dos corpos de prova foi realizada com auxílio de paquímetro digital Vernier em milímetros (mm) por meio de medida linear dos caracteres da casca. A análise de regressão linear da razão AL / SW vs. AL e razão SL / SW vs. AL indicou que o crescimento alométrico existe apenas em Physa acuta quando comparado com P. gyrina e P. fontinalis. Este estudo levará a avaliar a situação das espécies de físido no Punjab Central. A análise do componente principal mostra que o componente 1 (comprimento da casca) e o componente 2 (largura da casca) são os componentes mais prolíficos e quase 80% da identificação. A distância entre P. acuta e P. fontinalis é 5,4699, P. acuta e P. gyrina é 7,6411, P. fontinalis e P. gyrina é 16,6080, mostrando que P. acuta se assemelha a P. fontinalis, e ambos os espécimes não se parecem com P. gyrina. P. acuta é uma espécie invasora e apresenta bioatividade, tornando-se uma candidata potente para substâncias bioativas.(AU)

Correlation and contrasts between agronomic and physical traits of grain in transgenic and conventional corn hybrids for the food industry / Correlação e contrastes entre características agronômicas e físicas dos grãos em híbridos de milho transgênicos e convencionais para a indústria alimentícia

The food industry is very interested in high-yield ingredients to enrich and develop new products that have an affordable value for the population. This work aimed to determine the correlations and contrasts between grain physical and agronomic traits of conventional and transgenic corn hybrids cultivated in the first crop season. The experiments were installed in the 2017/18, 2018/19, and 2019/20 crop seasons in Guarapuava - PR. The experimental design was a randomized block design with eight hybrids (SUPREMO VIP, SUPREMO, P30F53VYH, P30F53, P3456H, P3456, DKB290PRO3, and DKB290) and three replications. The agronomic traits, such as the percentage of rot grains, 1000-grain mass, and grain yield, also the physical traits of grains for industrial purposes, such as grits, germ, vitreousness, flotation, and hectoliter weight, were evaluated. There is a positive correlation between grits and flotation. The choice of hybrids for the food industry based on vitreousness positively favors flotation. The grits showed a positive correlation with hectoliter weight and a negative correlation with the incidence of rot grains. Vitreousness was influenced by the choice of conventional or transgenic hybrid and crop season. The environments of the crop seasons influence the grain yield, 1000-grain mass, and rot grain incidence of conventional and transgenic corn hybrids.(AU)

A indústria de alimentos tem grande interesse por ingredientes de elevado rendimento industrial para enriquecer e desenvolver novos produtos, e que tenha um valor acessível para a população. Os objetivos desse trabalho foram determinar as correlações e contrastes entre caracteres físicos de grãos e agronômicos de híbridos de milho convencionais e transgênicos cultivados na primeira safra. Os experimentos foram instalados nas safras agrícolas (2017/18, 2018/19 e 2019/20), no município de Guarapuava ­ PR. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos casualizados com 8 híbridos: (SUPREMO VIP, SUPREMO, P30F53VYH, P30F53, P3456H, P3456, DKB290PRO3, DKB290) e três repetições. Foram avaliadas as características agronômicas como a porcentagem de grãos ardidos, peso de mil grãos e produtividade de grãos e também as características físicas dos grãos para fins industriais, como a canjica, gérmen, vitreosidade, flutuação e peso hectolítrico. Há correlação positiva entre a canjica e a flutuação. A escolha de híbridos para a indústria alimentícia com base na vitreosidade favorece positivamente a característica de flutuação. A canjica apresentou correlação positiva com peso hectolitro e negativa com incidência de grãos ardidos. A vitreosidade foi influenciada pela escolha do híbrido convencional ou transgênico e pela safra agrícola. Os ambientes das safras agrícolas influenciam as características produtividade de grãos, peso de mil grãos e incidência de grãos ardidos dos híbridos de milho convencional e transgênico.(AU)

The equine endometrium and its multiple connections, interrelationships and clinical effects in aged mares

Mares, which make up 90% of animals requiring reproductive assistance in commercial equine production systems, are subjected to strong breeding and reproductive efficiency pressure throughout their lives, but the effects of aging on overall and reproductive systems in particular; it often means that we are forcing the natural homeostasis mechanisms under pressure over time. The objective of this brief communication is to summarize some concepts related to the role and importance of equine endometrium, particularly in old mares, the most challenged category to achieve productive and efficiency goals established by humans. Endometritis is one of the most frequent and recurrent pathologies in equine gynecology and is responsible for enormous economic losses in the industry. Alterations of the microbiota, molecular signals and uterine endocrine microenvironment can lead to infertility, but degenerative phenomena associated with age and parity can lead to endometriosis altering maternal recognition of pregnancy and pregnancy maintenance. Maintaining horses in an adequate nutrition status and environment is essential to achieve pregnancy but also to obtain healthy offspring.(AU)

Macroanatomy of Cecum in German Mast Geese (Anser Anser) and Investigation with Scanning Electron Microscope (Sem)

Our study aimed to compare the cecum of German mast geese with other poultry species through macroanatomy and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Adult German geese were used as research material, which were obtained from its breeders and died of various causes. In the study, after determining the macroanatomical features of the German mast goose cecum, it was examined with a scanning electron microscope (JEOL JSM-5600LV) and the general structures were photographed. The craniodorsal of the rectum of German mast geese was shaped with two ceca, giving right and left arms to the cranial symmetrical to each other near the end of the ileum. The macroanatomy of the apex, corpus, and basis cecum parts was examined in the cecum divided into two. In the study, it was determined that villus extensions were sparse in the right and left apex ceci parts in the cecum SEM images of the German mast geese, while the number of the corpus and basis ceci parts was higher. As a result, the macroanatomy and scanning electron microscopic findings of German mast geese cecum were examined in detail and its differences from other poultry species were revealed.(AU)

Scorpions trapped in amber: a remarkable window on their evolution over time from the Mesozoic period to present days

This synoptic review aims to bring some general information on fossil scorpions, namely those trapped in amber - fossilized resin - ranging from Lower Cretaceous through the Palaeocene and up to the Miocene. The question to be addressed is how the study of these fossils can be connected with possible present scorpionism problems. A precise knowledge of these ancient lineages provides information about the evolution of extant lineages, including the buthoids, which contain most known noxious species. Among the Arthropods found trapped in amber, scorpions are considered rare. A limited number of elements have been described from the Late Tertiary Dominican and Mexican amber, while the most ancient Tertiary amber from the Baltic region produced more consistent results in the last 30 years, primarily focusing on a single limited lineage. Contrarily, the Cretaceous amber from Myanmar, also called Burmite, has yielded and continues to yield a significant number of results represented by several distinct lineages, which attest to the considerable degree of diversity that existed in the Burmese amber-producing forests. As in my previous similar contributions to this journal, the content of this note is primarily addressed to non-specialists whose research embraces scorpions in various fields such as venom toxins and public health. An overview knowledge of at least some fossil lineages can eventually help to clarify why some extant elements associated with the buthoids represent dangerous species while others are not noxious.(AU)

Morphometric analysis and roosting ecology of bat species Pteropus Medius in Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan / Análise morfométrica e ecologia de poleiro de espécies de morcegos Pteropus Medius em Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão

Morphometric measurement and roosting ecology of Pteropus medius were aimed to find out in Mansehra district of KP, Pakistan. Total 3149 numbers of bats were found in eight biological spots visited; Baffa Doraha, Darband, Dadar, Jallu, Hazara University, Garhi Habibullah Chattar Plain and Jabori, in total 299 numbers of different species of trees including; Morus alba, Pinus raxburghi, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Morus nigra, Grevillea robusta, Brousonetia papyrifera,Platanus orientalis, Ailanthus altissima, Hevea brasiliensis and Populus nigra. Morphometric features were measured and found vary according to sex of the bats. The average wing span, wing`s length from tip of wing to neck, from thumb to tip of wing and the body`s length from head and claws were recorded to be 102.98 cm, 49.07cm, 28.7 cm and 22.78 cm respectively in males while 93.67 cm, 44.83cm, 24.78cm and 22.78 cm respectively in female bats. Mean circumference of the body including wings and without wing were measured as 22.78 cm and 17.29 cm in males and that of female were 20.07 cm and 16.9 cm. Average length of thumb 3.64 cm, ear`s length 3.1 cm, snout 5.62cm, eye length were 1.07 cm for both sexes and length between the feet in extended position were16.3 cm. Generally different measurement of males bodies were found to be greater than female such as mean body surface area, mass, volume and pressure were found to be 2691.79 cm2, 855.7gm,1236.4 ml and 295.77 dyne/ c m 3for male and 2576.46 cm2, 852.71gm,1207 ml and 290.2 dyne/ c m 3 respectively for female. While weight and density for both males and females bats were same with mean of 8.59 newton and 0.701 g/m3. Findings of current reports can add valued information in literature about bats, which can be used for species identification and conservation.

A medição morfométrica e a ecologia de poleiro de Pteropus medius foram realizadas no distrito de Mansehra de KP, Paquistão. Foram encontrados 3.149 morcegos em 8 pontos biológicos visitados; Baffa Doraha, Darband, Dadar, Jallu, Universidade Hazara, Garhi Habibullah Chattar Plain e Jabori, no total 299 números de diferentes espécies de árvores, incluindo: Morus alba, Pinus raxburghi, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Morus nigra, Grevillea robusta, Brousonetia papyrifera, Platanus orientalis, Ailanthus altissima, Hevea brasiliensis e Populus nigra. As características morfométricas foram medidas e variam de acordo com o sexo dos morcegos. A envergadura média da asa, o comprimento da asa da ponta da asa ao pescoço, do polegar à ponta da asa e o comprimento do corpo da cabeça e garras foram registrados em 102,98 cm, 49,07 cm, 28,7 cm e 22,78 cm, respectivamente, nos machos. Enquanto 93,67 cm, 44,83 cm, 24,78 cm e 22,78 cm respectivamente, nas fêmeas. As circunferências médias do corpo incluindo asas e sem asas foram medidas de 22,78 cm e 17,29 cm nos machos e as das fêmeas foram 20,07 cm e 16,9 cm. O comprimento médio do polegar 3,64 cm, comprimento da orelha 3,1 cm, focinho 5,62 cm, comprimento dos olhos 1,07 cm para ambos os sexos e comprimento entre os pés em posição estendida foi de 16,3 cm. Geralmente, as medidas diferentes dos corpos masculinos foram maiores que as femininas, como a área de superfície corporal média, massa, volume e pressão foram encontrados em 2691,79 cm2, 855,7 gm,1236,4 ml e 295,77 dines para masculino e 2576,46 cm2, 852,71 gm, 1207 ml e 290,2 dines respectivamente para fêmeas. Enquanto o peso e a densidade para machos e fêmeas de morcegos foram os mesmos com média de 8,59 N e 0,701 g/m3. Os achados de relatórios atuais podem agregar informações valiosas na literatura sobre morcegos, que podem ser utilizadas para identificação e conservação de espécies.

Rendimento de polpa emorfometria de frutos esementes em progêniesde camucamuzeiro (Myrciaria dubia) / Pulp yield and fruit and seed morphometry in camucamuzeiro (Myrciaria dubia) progenies

O camucamuzeiro (Myrciaria dubia), planta da família Myrtaceae, é uma frutífera nativa da região amazônica, ocorrendo espontaneamente nas várzeas e margens dos rios e lagos. O objetivo do trabalho foi quantificar o rendimento de polpa e avaliar os caracteres morfométricos de frutos e sementes em acessos decamucamuzeiro estabelecidos na forma de progênie na Coleção de Germoplasma da Embrapa Amazônia Oriental em Belém, PA. A caracterização física dos frutos foi efetuada com base naamostra de 1600 frutos colhidos de 32 progênies. Os frutos foram caracterizados individualmente quanto aos seguintes aspectos: peso, comprimento, diâmetro, espessura de casca e número de sementes por fruto. Sementes de 10 frutos por tratamento foram avaliadas quanto ao peso, comprimento, largura e espessura. Utilizou-se um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com 32 progênies, e posteriormente os dados. Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram que os frutos de camucamuzeiro apresentam peso médio de 8,15g. As progênies CPATU-83 e CPATU-61 foram as que se destacaram em relação ao peso, com frutos apresentando peso médio acima de 11 gramas. O comprimento e diâmetro médio dos frutos foram de 2,22 cm, e 2,39 cm, respectivamente. O número de sementes teve média 1,92 sementes por fruto. Em relação ao °Brix, ocorreu amplitude de 10,70° e 6,93° nas progênies CPATU-27 e CPATU-28. A porcentagem de polpa das progênies teve média de 68,70%, sendo CPATU-54, 62, 23, 24 e 17 superiores estatisticamente das demais. Naporcentagem de sementes por frutos foram verificadas diferenças significativas com a maior porcentagem de sementes nos CPATU-27, 31 e 30, e o menor valor em frutos da planta CPATU-23. A coleção de germoplasma da Embrapa Amazônia Oriental permite a identificação de ampla variabilidade genética entre progênies de M. dubia. As progênies de camucamuzeiro CPATU-17, 23, 24, 54 e 62 apresentaram maior rendimento de polpa.(AU)

Camucamuzeiro (Myrciaria dubia), a plant of the Myrtaceaefamily, is a fruit tree native to the Amazon region, occurring spontaneously in floodplains and on the banks of rivers and lakes. The objective of this work was to quantify the pulp yield and evaluate the morphometric characters of fruits and seeds in camucamuzeiro accessions established as progeny in the GermplasmCollection of Embrapa Amazônia Oriental in Belém, Pará. The physical characterization of the fruits was carried out based on a sample of 1600 fruits harvested from 32 progenies. The fruits were individually characterized according to the following aspects: weight, length, diameter, peel thickness and number of seeds per fruit. Seeds of 10 fruits per treatment were evaluated for weight, length, width and thickness. A completely randomized experimental design was used, with 32 progenies, and then the data. The results showed that the camucamuzeiro fruits have an average weight of 8.15g. The progenies CPATU-83 and CPATU-61 were the ones that stood out in terms of weight, with fruits presenting an average weight of over 11 grams. The average fruit length and diameter were 2.22 cm and 2.39 cm, respectively. The number of seeds averaged 1.92 seeds per fruit. Regarding °Brix, amplitudes of 10.70° and 6.93° occurred in the progenies CPATU-27 and CPATU-28. The pulp percentage of the progenies had an average of 68.70%, being CPATU-54, 62, 23, 24 and 17 statistically higher than the others. The percentage of seeds per fruit showed significant differences with the highest percentage of seeds in CPATU-27, 31 and 30, and the lowest value in fruitsof the CPATU-23 plant. The germplasm collection of Embrapa Amazônia Oriental allows the identification of wide genetic variability among progenies of M. dubia. The camucamuzeiro progenies CPATU-17, 23, 24, 54 and 62 showed higher pulp yield.(AU)

Scorpions trapped in amber: a remarkable window on their evolution over time from the Mesozoic period to present days

This synoptic review aims to bring some general information on fossil scorpions, namely those trapped in amber - fossilized resin - ranging from Lower Cretaceous through the Palaeocene and up to the Miocene. The question to be addressed is how the study of these fossils can be connected with possible present scorpionism problems. A precise knowledge of these ancient lineages provides information about the evolution of extant lineages, including the buthoids, which contain most known noxious species. Among the Arthropods found trapped in amber, scorpions are considered rare. A limited number of elements have been described from the Late Tertiary Dominican and Mexican amber, while the most ancient Tertiary amber from the Baltic region produced more consistent results in the last 30 years, primarily focusing on a single limited lineage. Contrarily, the Cretaceous amber from Myanmar, also called Burmite, has yielded and continues to yield a significant number of results represented by several distinct lineages, which attest to the considerable degree of diversity that existed in the Burmese amber-producing forests. As in my previous similar contributions to this journal, the content of this note is primarily addressed to non-specialists whose research embraces scorpions in various fields such as venom toxins and public health. An overview knowledge of at least some fossil lineages can eventually help to clarify why some extant elements associated with the buthoids represent dangerous species while others are not noxious.(AU)

Length-weight relationship, sex ratio, and diet of three fish species (Actinopterygii: Teleostei) in streams of the Pomba River basin, Paraíba do Sul river drainage, Southeastern Brazil

This study aimed to estimate the parameters of length-weight relationship, sex ratio, and diet of three freshwater fish species that inhabit streams in the Pomba River basin (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). Fishes were sampled with seine nets (2.0 × 1.20 m, 2 mm mesh size) and dip nets (0.46 × 0.33 m, 2 mm mesh size) from October to December 2018. Measurements were taken for total length (TL - 0.1 cm precision) and total weight (TW - 0.01 g precision). Growth model parameters were estimated. This study provides new length-weight relationship data for Deuterodon intermedius (Eigenmann, 1908), Australoheros paraibae Ottoni & Costa, 2008, and Hypostomus punctatus Valenciennes, 1840. All of them ingested a wide variety of food items, including plant material like algae, animal material such as terrestrial and aquatic insects, and undefined matter such as detritus or mud. The three species showed a higher number of females. Our study provides basic information for functional diversity studies, as well as for future investigations associated with the evaluation of anthropic impacts, either occasional or chronic, on the fish assemblage structure of the Pomba River basin.(AU)

Morpho-physiological and anatomical characteristics of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu in silvopastoral and monoculture systems

To gain insights into the forage morphological and anatomical characteristics in a silvopastoral system (SPS) with Bolsa de Pastor (Zeyheria tuberculosa) and palisadegrass 'Marandu' (Urochloa brizantha) monoculture (MONO). The SPS was established through natural regeneration of the tree species. Treatments were a SPS and MONO distributed in a completely randomized design with six replicates and repeated measures were the harvest periods. Response variables were morpho-physiological and anatomical characteristicss: green: dead material ratio, leaf blade: stem+sheath ratio, leaf area index, chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations, proportions of non-lignified and achlorophyllous areas, lignified areas in stems, proportions of non-lignified and achlorophyllous areas, lignified and chlorophyllous areas in leaves, as well as cell length in longitudinal section of stem. Morpho-physiological patterns were altered (p < 0.05) under natural shading conditions due to higher photosynthetic efficiency in the SPS. There was no effect (p > 0.05) of the systems on anatomical patterns, proportions of non-lignified and achlorophyllous, lignified and chlorophyllous tissues, these proportions were influenced only by the periods of the year, both for stems and leaves. Cells of the internodes of the grasses of the studied systems had the same length. The SPS alters morpho-physiological characteristics of palisadegrass and increases the concentration of chlorophyll a and b.(AU)

Ecomorphology and functional diversity of generalist and specialist bird assemblages in Amazonian whitesand ecosystem habitat patches / Ecomorfologia e diversidade funcional de assembleias de aves generalistas e especialistas em manchas de habitat de ecossistema de areia branca na Amazônia

Birds that inhabit white-sand ecosystems (WSE) in the Amazon are adapted to habitats distributed as isolated patches. These environments occur in sandy soils that are extremely poor in nutrients, have low floristic diversity and support bird assemblages restricted to WSE. We investigated whether bird species specialized in WSE have morphological or ecological traits that distinguish them from generalist birds that share the same habitat but are not restricted to WSE. We collected morphological and ecological data from 22 specialist and 102 generalist bird species from WSE and described their ecomorphological diversity using multivariate analyses and measures of functional diversity. Understory insectivorous species that move alone or in pairs, were the group with the most species among specialist birds from WSE. In contrast, canopy frugivorous species that form mono- or heterospecific groups were more frequent among generalist species. Specialist and generalist birds overlapped extensively in ecomorphological space, with specialists occupying a narrower space compared to generalists. Functional diversity, however, was not different between specialist and generalist species when controlling for the number of species within the communities. Further studies comparing the ecomorphological diversity of bird assemblages of other environments in the Amazon may highlight the ecological pressures leading to the functional diversity of specialist species in WSE observed in this study.(AU)

As aves que habitam os ecossistemas de areia branca (EAB) na Amazônia estão adaptadas a habitats distribuídos em manchas isoladas. Esses ambientes ocorrem em solos arenosos extremamente pobres em nutrientes, possuem baixa diversidade florística e suportam assembleias de aves restritas a EAB. Investigamos se espécies de aves especializadas em EAB possuem características morfológicas ou ecológicas que as distinguem de aves generalistas que compartilham o mesmo habitat, mas não estão restritas a EAB. Coletamos dados morfológicos e ecológicos de 22 espécies de aves especialistas e 102 generalistas de EAB, e descrevemos sua diversidade ecomorfológica usando análises multivariadas e medidas de diversidade funcional. Espécies insetívoras do sub-bosque que se movem solitárias ou em pares foram o grupo com maior número de espécies dentro das aves especialistas da EAB. Em contraste, espécies frugívoras de dossel que formam grupos mono ou heteroespecíficos foram mais frequentes entre as espécies generalistas. Aves especialistas e generalistas sobrepuseram-se extensivamente no espaço ecomorfológico, com especialistas ocupando um espaço mais estreito em comparação com generalistas. A diversidade funcional, no entanto, não foi diferente entre espécies especialistas e generalistas ao controlar o número de espécies dentro das comunidades. Estudos futuros comparando a diversidade ecomorfológica de assembleias de aves de outros ambientes na Amazônia podem destacar as pressões ecológicas que levam à diversidade funcional de espécies especialistas em EAB observadas neste estudo.(AU)

On Eryphus Perty, 1832 (Dichophyiini), Eriphus Audinet-Serville, 1834 (Trachyderini, Trachyderina), and Eryphus Klug, 1829, with description of a new genus, and corrections on publication dates (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae)

The validity of two forgotten names, EryphusKlug, 1829 and E. rubricollisKlug, 1829, is discussed. The former is considered a nomen oblitum and synonymized with EriphusAudinet-Serville, 1834, a nomen protectum; the latter is revalidated and Eriphus purpuratus Chevrolat, 1862 is considered a junior synonym of Eriphus rubricollis (Klug, 1829). A lectotype is designated to Eryphus rubricollisKlug, 1829. The date of the work where EriphusAudinet-Serville, 1834 was described is corrected. A new genus is described in Dichophyiini Gistel, 1848 to include the species currently allocated in Eryphus sensuNapp & Martins (2002). The dates of publication of genera and species described by Fairmaire & Germain (Révision des Coléoptères du Chili (suite)) are corrected.(AU)

Fauna de flebotomíneos (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) em área de terra firme na Amazônia central / Sand fly fauna (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) in a upland area of central Amazonia / Fauna de moscas de la arena (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) en una zona alta de la Amazonia central

As leishmanioses são doenças infecto-parasitárias endêmicas e estão entre as antropozoonoses de maior prevalência em todo mundo. São causadas por protozoários do gênero Leishmania, e os responsáveis pela transmissão são dípteros da (família Psychodidae, subfamília Phlebotominae), conhecidos como flebotomíneos. O presente estudo teve como objetivo identificar a fauna de flebotomíneos no ambiente florestal no interior do estado do Amazonas. Os insetos foram capturados com armadilhas luminosas tipo Center for Disease Control (CDC), instaladas em seis pontos amostrais compreendendo três diferentes ecótopos: borda da floresta, interior da floresta e peridomicílio, em uma floresta ombrófila densa de planície de terra firme. As armadilhas foram alojadas nesses ecótopos das 19h às 5h, totalizando um esforço de captura de 60 horas. Foram coletados um total de 637 espécimes pertencentes a 10 gêneros e 25 espécies. Os gêneros mais abundantes foram Trichophoromyia (51,96%), Psychodopygus (20,37%) e Nyssomyia (8.97%). Considerando apenas os flebotomíneos devidamente identificados, as espécies mais abundantes foram Th. ubiquitalis (42,43%), Ps. davisi (11,21%) e Lu. sherlocki (5.98%). Quando analisada a média horária (MH) por ecótopo, o interior da floresta apresentou a maior média com MH=15. O ambiente estudado apresentou uma fauna diversificada de flebotomíneos, incluindo espécies de interesse na saúde única. O fato do ambiente apresentar espécies já incriminadas como vetores de leishmanioses, bem como a circulação de pessoas e a proximidade de moradias, pode, no futuro, indicar a alta transmissão de Leishmania nesta comunidade.(AU)

The leishmaniases are endemic infectious and parasitic diseases and are among the most prevalent anthropozoonoses worldwide. They are caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania, and those responsible for their transmission are diptera of the family Psychodidae, subfamily Phlebotominae, known as sand flies. The present study aimed to identify the sand fly fauna in the forest environment in the interior of the state of Amazonas. Insects were captured with light traps of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) type, installed in six sampling sites comprising three different ecotopes: forest edge, forest interior, and peridomestic, in a dense ombrophilous lowland forest. The traps were set in these ecotopes from 7 pm to 5 am, for a total capture effort of 60 hours. A total of 637 specimens belonging to 10 genera and 25 species were collected. The most abundant genera were Trichophoromyia (51.96%), Psychodopygus (20.37%), and Nyssomyia (8.97%). Considering only properly identified sand flies, the most abundant species were Th. ubiquitalis (42.43%), Ps. davisi (11.21%), and Lu. sherlocki (5.98%). When analyzed the hourly mean (MH) per ecotope, the forest interior presented the highest mean with MH=15. The studied environment presented a diversified sand fly fauna, including species of interest in the unique health. The fact that the environment presents species already incriminated as vectors of leishmaniases, as well as the movement of people and the proximity of dwellings, may in the future indicate the high transmission of Leishmania in this community.(AU)

Las leishmaniasis son enfermedades infecto-parasitarias endémicas y se encuentran entre las antropozoonosis más prevalentes en todo el mundo. Son causadas por protozoos del género Leishmania, y los responsables de su transmisión son dípteros de la familia Psychodidae, subfamilia Phlebotominae, conocidos como moscas de la arena. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar la fauna de moscas de arena en el ambiente forestal del estado de Amazonas. Los insectos fueron capturados con trampas de luz del tipo Center for Disease Control (CDC), instaladas en seis puntos de muestreo que comprendían tres ecotopos diferentes: borde del bosque, interior del bosque y peridoméstico, en un denso bosque ombrofilo de tierras bajas. Las trampas se colocaron en estos ecotopos de 19h a 5h, con un esfuerzo total de captura de 60 horas. Se recolectó un total de 637 especímenes pertenecientes a 10 géneros y 25 especies. Los géneros más abundantes fueron Trichophoromyia (51,96%), Psychodopygus (20,37%) y Nyssomyia (8,97%). Considerando sólo los flebótomos correctamente identificados, las especies más abundantes fueron Th. ubiquitalis (42,43%), Ps. davisi (11,21%) y Lu. sherlocki (5,98%). Al analizar la media horaria (MH) por ecotopo, el interior del bosque presentó la media más alta con MH=15. O ambiente estudado apresentou uma fauna de moscas de arenas diversificada, incluindo espécies de interesse mono-sanitário. El hecho de que el ambiente presente especies ya incriminadas como vectores de leishmaniasis, así como el movimiento de personas y la proximidad de viviendas, pueden indicar en el futuro la elevada transmisión de Leishmania en esta comunidad.(AU)

Size and sex composition of three carcharhiniform sharks landed by a coastal artisanal fleet from the northeastern coast of Brazil

Sharks are among the marine organisms most impacted by intense fisheries, a worrying fact since they are key components in the trophic structure of ecosystems. In this context, fish landing data can help managers in shark conservation. This study characterized the landings of Carcharhinus acronotus, Mustelus cf. canis, and Sphyrna mokarran in the Mucuripe Embayment, Ceará, Brazil, along three study periods (1998-1999, 2006-2008, and 2015-2016). A total of 223 specimens were recorded from 227 site visits. Carcharhinus acronotus specimens measured from 50 to 139 cm in total length (TL), with a 1.3:1 sex ratio in favor of males. Most of the specimens recorded were adults (55.1% of males and 62.9% of females). Mustelus cf. canis varied from 64 to 133 cm in TL, with a sex ratio in favor of females (3.1:1). Most of the specimens recorded were adults (50% of males and 68% of females). Sphyrna mokarran specimens varied from 116 to 380 cm in TL, with a sex ratio of 7:1 in favor of males. Most of the specimens recorded were juveniles. This is the first fishery-dependent study to provide information on size and sex composition of these species for most of the southwestern equatorial Atlantic.(AU)

Os tubarões estão entre os organismos marinhos mais impactados pela pesca intensa, fato preocupante uma vez que são componentes fundamentais na estrutura trófica dos ecossistemas. Nesse contexto, dados de desembarques pesqueiros podem auxiliar gestores na conservação dos tubarões. Este estudo caracterizou os desembarques de Carcharhinus acronotus, Mustelus cf. canis e Sphyrna mokarran na enseada do Mucuripe, Ceará, Brasil, ao longo de três períodos de estudo (1998-1999, 2006-2008 e 2015-2016). Um total de 223 espécimes foi registrado em 227 visitas ao local. Espécimes de Carcharhinus acronotus mediram de 50 a 139 cm de comprimento total (CT), com razão sexual de 1,3:1 a favor dos machos. A maioria dos espécimes registrados era adulta (55,1% dos machos e 62,9% das fêmeas). Mustelus cf. canis variou de 64 a 133 cm em CT, com razão sexual a favor das fêmeas (3,1:1). A maioria dos espécimes registrados era adulta (50% dos machos e 68% das fêmeas). Espécimes de Sphyrna mokarran variaram de 116 a 380 cm em CT, com razão sexual de 7:1 a favor dos machos. A maioria dos espécimes registrados era juvenil. Este é o primeiro estudo dependente da pesca a fornecer informações sobre tamanho e composição sexual dessas espécies para a maior parte do sudoeste do Atlântico Equatorial.(AU)

Evaluation of the use of Ancistrus brevipinnis (Loricariidae) as a bioindicator of water quality in the Ilha river, RS, Brazil

The use of fish as bioindicators of the effect of contaminants in the aquatic environment is usual. However, detritivorous species are less used for environmental monitoring. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the use of Ancistrus brevipinnis as a potential bioindicator of water quality of the Ilha River, RS (southern Brazil) and compared to the result obtained for a routine species (Bryconamericus iheringii). For this purpose, the condition factor (CF), the presence of morphological changes in the gills and the quantification of metals in different tissues of the specimens collected in three sites of the Ilha River were evaluated. A homogeneity in the distribution of data was observed in the CF for the species B. iheringii, whereas the specimens of A. brevipinnis showed an oscillation in the distribution of data of the CF. Histological analysis showed greater sensitivity of B. iheringii in reproducing characteristics of the environment in its gill lamellae, which was not observed in A. brevipinnis. Conversely, Cr quantification was higher in the intestine samples of A. brevipinnis at all sites and in all collections due to its feeding behavior. The data reinforce the use of water column species as Bryconamericus iheringii for environmental monitoring, even if they do not reflect the whole aquatic ecosystem. Further studies evaluating other tissues and biomarkers, such as the gastrointestinal tract, may assist in describing the use of species more related to sediment.(AU)

Evaluation of Pelleting Mealworm (Tenebrio Molitor) Powder with Chokeberry By-product Meal To improve Duck Production and Meat Quality Traits

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation pelleted Tenebrio molitor (TM) powder with chokeberry by-product (CBP) meal on duck production and meat quality traits. A total of 180 0-day-old Pekin ducks were allocated randomly between three dietary groups viz., control, Treatment 1, and Treatment 2, with three pens per group and twenty birds per pen, characterized by increasing levels of pelleted TM powder with CBP meal in concentration of 0%, 1.5%, and 3%, respectively, and reared until 42 days of age in a completely randomized design. On day 42, the ducks were sacrificed, and breast and thigh muscles were used for meat quality evaluations. Feeding pelleted TM powder with CBP meal resulted in a significant difference in final body weight, weight gain and feed conversion ratio (p<0.05). Additionally, a significant difference was observed in the pH of the breast meat samples (p<0.05). As the only significant difference between the breast and thigh meat, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryhydrazyl radical scavenging was influenced significantly by the dietary inclusion of pelleted TM powder with CBP meal (p<0.05). However, the values of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and meat color in both breast and thigh meat were insignificant (p>0.05) different among all groups. To conclude, the inclusion of up to 3 % of pelleted TM powder with CBP meal in the diets of ducks did improve the growth production and antioxidant characteristics effects, which could decrease TBARS and reflected by changes in 1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl free DPPH radical scavenging values.(AU)

A new species of Loricaria (Loricariidae: Loricariinae) from the upper Amazon River basin, Colombia

A new species of Loricaria is described from the upper Amazon River basin, Colombia. The new species is distinguished from its congeners primarily by having the dorsal portion of head with uniform black or dark brown coloration extending to three or four plates posterior to dorsal fin base, or with two longitudinal bands from tip of the snout to origin of dorsal fin; abdominal plates tightly joined and completely covering the median abdominal space and pectoral girdle; and pectoral and dorsal fins totally black or dark brown, without bands, spots, or blotches. The new species is further distinguished by plate counts, and body measurements. An analysis of genetic distances using the cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 marker of the mitochondrial genome showed a clear differentiation between the new species and Loricaria cataphracta (5.8-7.6%), L. nickeriensis (5.7-6.1%), and L. simillima (2.7-7.0%). Species delimitation analyses were carried out, which further supported the new species as a divergent lineage within the genus. Fish species diversity of the upper Amazon River basin and taxonomic issues related to L. simillima are included as part of the discussion.(AU)

Se describe una nueva especie de Loricaria de la cuenca alta del río Amazonas, Colombia. La nueva especie se distingue de sus congéneres principalmente por presentar la parte dorsal de la cabeza con un color uniforme negro o marrón oscuro que se extiende a tres o cuatro placas posteriores a la base de la aleta dorsal, o con dos franjas longitudinales desde la punta del hocico hasta el origen de la aleta dorsal; placas abdominales unidas y cubriendo completamente la porción central del abdomen y la cintura pectoral; y aletas pectorales y dorsal completamente negras o marrón oscuro, sin bandas ni manchas. La nueva especie se distingue además por conteos de placas y medidas corporales. Un análisis de distancias genéticas utilizando el marcador de la subunidad 1 del citocromo oxidasa c del genoma mitocondrial mostró una clara diferenciación entre la nueva especie y Loricariacataphracta (5,8-7,6%), L. nickeriensis (5,7-6,1%) y L. simillima (2,7-7,0%). Adicionalmente se realizaron análisis de delimitación de especies, lo que mostró información adicional para reconocer la nueva especie como un linaje divergente dentro del género. La diversidad de especies de peces en la parte superior del río Amazonas y cuestiones taxonómicas relacionadas con L. simillima se incluyen como parte de la discusión.(AU)