Stable fly outbreaks in Brazil: a 50-year (1971-2020) retrospective / Surtos da mosca-dos-estábulos no Brasil: Retrospectiva 50 anos (1971-2020)

Over the last decades, stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans) outbreaks associated with agricultural and/or livestock production systems have become a serious problem in some Brazilian locations. This article presents a survey on the history, evolution and mapping of such outbreaks in Brazil over five decades (1971-2020). Outbreaks (n= 579) were recorded in 285 municipalities from 14 states, mainly associated with by-products from the ethanol industry (82.7%), in natura organic fertilizers (12.6%) and integrated crop-livestock systems (3.1%). Few cases were reported until the mid-2000s, progressively increasing since then. Outbreaks associated with ethanol mills occurred in 224 municipalities, mainly in Southeast and Midwest states, while those associated with organic fertilizers (mainly poultry litter and coffee mulch) affected 39 municipalities, mostly in the Northeast and Southeast states. More recently, outbreaks in integrated crop-livestock systems during the rainy season have occurred in Midwest states. This survey highlights the magnitude of the problem of stable fly outbreaks in Brazil and its relationship with environmental public policies, agricultural production chains and regional trends. Specific public actions and policies are urgently needed to prevent their occurrence and impact in the affected regions.(AU)

Nas últimas décadas, surtos da mosca-dos-estábulos (Stomoxys calcitrans), associados a sistemas de produção agrícola e/ou pecuária, tornaram-se um grave problema em algumas localidades brasileiras. Este artigo apresenta um levantamento sobre a história, evolução e mapeamento desses surtos no Brasil ao longo de cinco décadas (1971-2020). Surtos (n= 579) foram registrados em 285 municípios de 14 estados, principalmente associados a subprodutos da indústria do etanol (82,7%), fertilizantes orgânicos in natura (12,6%) e sistemas de integração lavoura-pecuária (3,1%). Poucos casos foram registrados até meados dos anos 2000, aumentando progressivamente desde então. Surtos associados a usinas de etanol ocorreram em 224 municípios, principalmente no Sudeste e Centro-Oeste, enquanto surtos associados a fertilizantes orgânicos (principalmente esterco aviário e palha de café) afetaram 39 municípios, principalmente nos estados do Nordeste e Sudeste. Mais recentemente, surtos em sistemas de integração lavoura-pecuária, durante a estação chuvosa, têm ocorrido no Centro-Oeste. Este levantamento ressalta a magnitude do problema dos surtos da mosca-dos-estábulos no Brasil e sua relação com políticas públicas ambientais, cadeias produtivas agrícolas e tendências regionais. Ações e políticas públicas específicas são urgentemente necessárias para prevenir sua ocorrência e impacto nas regiões afetadas.(AU)

Lumbriculus variegatus (Müller, 1774) (Oligochaeta, Lumbriculidae) in Campos do Jordão State Park, São Paulo, Brazil / Lumbriculus variegatus (Müller, 1774) (Oligochaeta, Lumbriculidae) no Parque Estadual de Campos do Jordão, São Paulo, Brasil

Abstract The aim of this paper was recording the occurrence of the species Lumbriculus variegatus (Müller, 1774) (Oligochaeta, Lumbriculidae) in lotic systems of the State of São Paulo. Specimens were collected in Sapucaí River, located in Campos do Jordão State Park. The mapping of geographical distribution of this species is of interest to public health since L. variegatus may be an intermediate host of Dioctophyme renale (Goeze, 1782) (Nematoda, Dioctophymatidae), a parasite of recognized zoonotic potential. Distribution data serves as a basis for environmental monitoring and evaluation, being essential to map possible cases of the disease (Dioctophimosis) and provide information to health professionals.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi registrar a ocorrência de Lumbriculus variegatus (Müller, 1774) (Oligochaeta, Lumbriculidae) em um sistema lótico do Estado de São Paulo. Os espécimes foram coletados no rio Sapucaí, localizado no Parque Estadual de Campos do Jordão. O mapeamento da distribuição geográfica desta espécie é de interesse para saúde pública uma vez que L. variegatus pode ser um hospedeiro intermediário de Dioctophyme renale (Goeze, 1782) (Nematoda, Dioctophymatidae), parasito de reconhecido potencial zoonótico. Dados de distribuição servem de base para monitoramento e avaliação ambiental, sendo essenciais para mapear possíveis casos da doença (Dioctofimose) e fornecer informações para profissionais de saúde.

Applications of livestock monitoring devices and machine learning algorithms in animal production and reproduction: an overview

Some sectors of animal production and reproduction have shown great technological advances due to the development of research areas such as Precision Livestock Farming (PLF). PLF is an innovative approach that allows animals to be monitored, through the adoption of cutting-edge technologies that continuously collect real-time data by combining the use of sensors with advanced algorithms to provide decision tools for farmers. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a field that merges computer science and large datasets to create expert systems that are able to generate predictions and classifications similarly to human intelligence. In a simplified manner, Machine Learning (ML) is a branch of AI, and can be considered as a broader field that encompasses Deep Learning (DL, a Neural Network formed by at least three layers), generating a hierarchy of subsets formed by AI, ML and DL, respectively. Both ML and DL provide innovative methods for analyzing data, especially beneficial for large datasets commonly found in livestock-related activities. These approaches enable the extraction of valuable insights to address issues related to behavior, health, reproduction, production, and the environment, facilitating informed decision-making. In order to create the referred technologies, studies generally go through five steps involving data processing: acquisition, transferring, storage, analysis and delivery of results. Although the data collection and analysis steps are usually thoroughly reported by the scientific community, a good execution of each step is essential to achieve good and credible results, which impacts the degree of acceptance of the proposed technologies in real life practical circumstances. In this context, the present work aims to describe an overview of the current implementations of ML/DL in livestock reproduction and production, as well to identify potential challenges and critical points in each of the five steps mentioned, which can affect results and application of AI techniques by farmers in practical situations.(AU)

Chemical elements in sediments and in bivalve mollusks from estuarine regions in the south of Bahia State, northeast Brazil / Elementos químicos em sedimentos e em moluscos bivalves de regiões estuarinas do sul do Estado da Bahia, Nordeste do Brasil

Abstract Estuaries receive daily inputs of chemical elements which can impact the quality of water and sediment, as well as the health of biota. In addition to the sediment, bivalve mollusks have been used in the chemical monitoring of these systems. This study investigated the presence and contents of As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in superficial sediment and in bivalves (Crassostrea gasar, C. rhizophorae and Mytella guyanensis) from estuaries in the south / extreme south of Bahia State, northeast Brazil. The samples were evaluated with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES, Varian 710). Except for Cd, all other elements were found in the samples, being that Co was exclusive in the sediment. The estuaries equivalent to sampling stations #1 - Valença, #2 - Taperoá, #3 - Ilhéus and #4 - Belmonte showed levels of metals compatibles with those established by the Brazilian legislation, however, the #5 - Santa Cruz Cabrália, in addition to the presence of As, presented a high level of Pb and Cu in C. gasar, which was attributed to the impacts of nautical activities in that locality.

Resumo Estuários recebem entradas diárias de elementos químicos, que podem impactar a qualidade de água e do sedimento, assim como a saúde da biota. Além do sedimento, moluscos bivalves têm sido utilizados no monitoramento químico desses sistemas. Neste estudo investigou-se a presença e os teores de As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb e Zn no sedimento superficial e em bivalves (Crassostrea gasar, C. rhizophorae e Mytella guyanensis) de estuários do sul / extremo sul do estado da Bahia, Nordeste do Brasil. As amostras foram avaliadas por espectrometria de emissão óptica de plasma indutivamente acoplado (ICP-OES, Varian 710). Exceto Cd, todos os demais elementos foram encontrados nas amostras, sendo que Co foi exclusivo no sedimento. Os estuários equivalentes às estações amostrais #1 - Valença, #2 - Taperoá, #3 - Ilhéus e #4 - Belmonte mostraram níveis de metais compatíveis com os estabelecidos pela legislação brasileira, porém, a #5 - Santa Cruz Cabrália, além da presença de As, apresentou alto nível de Pb e de Cu em C. gasar, o que foi atribuído aos impactos por atividades náuticas nesse local.

One health approach for the surveillance of novel swine viral diseases / Uma abordagem de saúde única para a vigilância de novas doenças virais de suínos

The novel coronavirus pandemic highlighted the importance of discussing and monitoring emerging diseases to scientific society, particularly in the case of zoonotic diseases. Diseases emerge in nature and infect living beings current on all continents, even in the current scenario of biomedical research evolution. Among the most studied emerging animal diseases are the swine viral diseases, due to their high occurrence and severity. Added to this, is the economic impact on the health of pigs and in some cases on human health. The challenges of swine health include endemic diseases, foodborne and transboundary diseases. Idiopathic vesicular diseases and subclinical diseases have also been identified, either alone or in combination with other infections. Several factors have contributed to these phenomena, but failures in biosecurity, biocontainment, and herd immunity imbalances are critical and must be addressed. Viruses evolve naturally, through mutation, rearrangement, or recombination, either to become more virulent or more transmissible, or not. This review will discuss the broad field of emerging swine viral infections, how monitoring the evolution of these viral agents is of supreme importance. Also, when should a new disease or emerging agent is considered a risk to swine production? Although the evolution of pork production systems is admirable, animal diseases continue to account for 20% of the losses. Therefore, international organizations work with member countries to prevent animal diseases, ensure food supply, maintain household income, health, and preserve the future. One Health is not just a concept, but an action of surveillance and control that all countries must implement.

A pandemia do novo coronavírus enfatizou a importância que a discussão e a vigilância de doenças emergentes representam para a sociedade científica, especialmente no caso de doenças zoonóticas. Mesmo no atual cenário de evolução da pesquisa biomédica, as doenças surgem na natureza e infectam os seres vivos em todos os continentes. Entre as doenças animais emergentes mais estudadas estão as doenças virais suínas, devido à sua alta ocorrência e gravidade. Soma-se a isso o impacto econômico na saúde dos suínos e, em alguns casos, na saúde humana. Os desafios da saúde suína incluem doenças endêmicas, doenças transmitidas por alimentos e doenças transfronteiriças. Além disso, doenças vesiculares idiopáticas e doenças subclínicas foram identificadas isoladamente ou em co-infecções. Vários fatores desencadearam esses fenômenos, mas falhas na biossegurança, biocontenção e desequilíbrio na imunidade do rebanho são fundamentais e devem ser corrigidos. Os vírus evoluem naturalmente, por mutação, rearranjo ou recombinação, para se tornarem mais virulentos ou mais transmissíveis, ou não. Esta revisão discutirá o amplo campo de infecções virais suínas emergentes e como o monitoramento da evolução desses agentes virais é de suma importância. Além disso, quando considerar uma nova doença ou agente emergente um risco para a suinocultura. A evolução dos sistemas de produção de suínos é admirável, mas as doenças dos animais ainda respondem por 20% das perdas. Portanto, as organizações internacionais trabalham com os países membros para prevenir doenças animais, garantir o abastecimento de alimentos, manter a renda familiar, a saúde e preservar o futuro. Saúde Única não é apenas um conceito, mas uma ação de vigilância e controle que todos os países devem implementar.

Socioeconomic and investment profile of environment control in a swine integration system

The objective of this study was to characterize and understand the investment profile towards technologies for control and automation of climate control on swine farms, focused on integrated producers on the same integration system. A structured questionnaire including open, dichotomic, or multiple-choice questions was responded by 190 integrated producers classified as nursery (28,300 swines), wean-to-finish (WTF; 144,388 swines), or finishing unit (FU; 164,185 swines) farms. Data were described and categorized according to the type of integrated producer (nursery, WTF, and FU) and income history during a 24-month interval. The most predominant farmer profile was of a 44.5-year-old man, with incomplete secondary education. Furthermore, the majority of the farms had family-based labor with an average area of 43.6±65.5 ha and ~2.4 economic activities developed. Overall, a reduced labor availability was observed, although the integrated producers declared to be satisfied with the activities. Interestingly, integrated producers with a better income history declared a longer working (high = 37; average = 31; regular = 31; low = 28 min). The investment profile in automation technologies is conservative; however, potential improvements in pig performance were the most popular justification for potential investments. Furthermore, high costs, knowledge in technologies, interest rates, and quality of the available material are the limiting factors for investing in environment control. A total of 74% of the integrated producers considered the activity as economically profitable. Lastly, the uptake of environmental control technologies is strongly associated with the average income received by farmers.(AU)

Short-term heart rate variability analysis in healthy dogs of different ages

Background: The modulation of heart rate by autonomic nervous system may be evaluated by the heart rate variability(HRV), which illustrates the fluctuations between RR intervals. To evaluate this analysis, the intervals between 2 QRScomplexes are measured. In general, high HRV values are expected in healthy individuals; otherwise, low values are indicative of organism dysfunction. Studies conducted in healthy humans show that HRV suffers reduction with ageing andthat there is autonomic immaturity in neonates. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristic pattern of cardiacautonomic behavior in healthy dogs in different age groups through short-term HRV analysis.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 87 healthy dogs were studied. HRV was analyzed in time and frequency domain,using Holter and heart rate monitor. It was observed that puppies (below one year old) presented a lower parasympatheticpredominance and, consequently, lower HRV values on time domain (SDNN, PNN50% e RMSSD) compared to the other2 groups and on frequency domain (LF, HF and LF/HF) compared to the adult animals group (between 1 and 7-year-old),which presented higher HRV values when compared to the other groups. Elderly dogs (over 8-year-old) exhibited a naturaltendency to decrease cardiac parasympathetic HRV indexes.Discussion: The use of the HRV method as a prognostic index and as an arrhythmogenic marker for various canine heartdiseases presents interesting perspectives. However, before it may be employed for these purposes, a better understandingshould be established regarding the physiological behavior of autonomic cardiac modulation in different age groups toserve as a basis for future analyses. This study observed that puppies presented higher values for HR and, therefore, shorter...

Short-term heart rate variability analysis in healthy dogs of different ages

Background: The modulation of heart rate by autonomic nervous system may be evaluated by the heart rate variability(HRV), which illustrates the fluctuations between RR intervals. To evaluate this analysis, the intervals between 2 QRScomplexes are measured. In general, high HRV values are expected in healthy individuals; otherwise, low values are indicative of organism dysfunction. Studies conducted in healthy humans show that HRV suffers reduction with ageing andthat there is autonomic immaturity in neonates. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristic pattern of cardiacautonomic behavior in healthy dogs in different age groups through short-term HRV analysis.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 87 healthy dogs were studied. HRV was analyzed in time and frequency domain,using Holter and heart rate monitor. It was observed that puppies (below one year old) presented a lower parasympatheticpredominance and, consequently, lower HRV values on time domain (SDNN, PNN50% e RMSSD) compared to the other2 groups and on frequency domain (LF, HF and LF/HF) compared to the adult animals group (between 1 and 7-year-old),which presented higher HRV values when compared to the other groups. Elderly dogs (over 8-year-old) exhibited a naturaltendency to decrease cardiac parasympathetic HRV indexes.Discussion: The use of the HRV method as a prognostic index and as an arrhythmogenic marker for various canine heartdiseases presents interesting perspectives. However, before it may be employed for these purposes, a better understandingshould be established regarding the physiological behavior of autonomic cardiac modulation in different age groups toserve as a basis for future analyses. This study observed that puppies presented higher values for HR and, therefore, shorter...(AU)

Community structure of benthic invertebrates in the Allipén River basin, North Patagonia, Araucania region (38º S, Chile) / Estrutura da comunidade de invertebrados bentônicos na bacia do rio Allipén, Patagônia Norte, Região da Araucanía (38º S, Chile)

One of the biological indicators most used to determine the health of a fluvial ecosystem are the benthic macroinvertebrates. The presence of recurrent species in a wide gradient of latitudes, dominates the biogeographic pattern of the benthic macroinvertebrates in Chilean fresh waters, nevertheless the knowledge on the communitarian ecology of these in the Chilean rivers continues to be scarce. Null models became a powerful statistical tool for describing the ecological mechanisms that drive the structure of an ecological community and the underlying patterns of diversity. The objective of this study was to determine the community structure of benthic invertebrates in the Allipén River by describing their composition, richness and abundance of species through richness models and null models based on presence/absence. The results reveal a high family richness and low diversity, three phyla, five classes, 11 orders and 28 families were identified in the study area during the four seasons of the year. The Arthropoda phylum was the most representative in abundance and richness. Regarding to richness, Trichoptera (7 families) and Diptera (6 families) followed by Ephemeroptera (3 families) were the orders that showed the greatest diversity of families, however, a low diversity with a H'≤ 1.5 nit was registered in the study area. We demonstrated through the null models, the randomization in the species associations corresponding to the three analyzed sites. The information provided here contributes to the understanding of the ecological patterns of the invertebrate communities in the Allipén River, establishing the basis for more complex ecological studies.

Um dos indicadores biológicos mais utilizados para determinar a saúde de um ecossistema fluvial são os macroinvertebrados bentônicos. A presença de espécies recorrentes em um amplo gradiente de latitudes domina o padrão biogeográfico dos macroinvertebrados bentônicos nas águas doces do Chile; no entanto, o conhecimento sobre a ecologia comunitária destes nos rios chilenos continua escasso. Os modelos nulos se tornaram uma poderosa ferramenta estatística para descrever os mecanismos ecológicos que orientam a estrutura de uma comunidade ecológica e os padrões subjacentes da diversidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a estrutura da comunidade de invertebrados bentônicos no rio Allipén, descrevendo sua composição, riqueza e abundância de espécies através de modelos de riqueza e modelos nulos baseados na presença / ausência. Os resultados revelam alta riqueza de espécies e baixa diversidade, sendo identificados três filos, cinco classes, 11 ordens e 28 famílias na área de estudo durante as quatro estações do ano. O filo de Arthropoda foi o mais representativo em abundância e riqueza. Em relação à riqueza, Trichoptera (7) e Diptera (6) seguidos por Ephemeroptera (3) foram as ordens que mostraram a maior diversidade de famílias, no entanto, uma baixa diversidade com H'≤ 1,5 nit foi registrada na área de estudo. Demonstramos através dos modelos nulos, a randomização nas associações de espécies correspondentes aos três locais analisados. As informações aqui fornecidas contribuem para a compreensão dos padrões ecológicos das comunidades de invertebrados no rio Allipén, estabelecendo a base para estudos ecológicos mais complexos.

Macrozoobenthos in an altitudinal gradient in North Patagonian Cautín River (Araucanía Region, Chile) / Macrozoobentos em gradiente altitudinal no norte da Patagônia, Rio Cautín (38° S, região da Araucanía, Chile)

The Cautín River is closely related with the economic development of Temuco city, (38°S; Chile). Existing knowledge of the Cautín River is limited to information about its biological characteristics as a reference for the evaluation and assessment of water quality. The object of this study was to develop taxonomic characterisation of the benthic macroinvertebrates along the main course of the Cautín River, and to study the community structure using correlation analysis between community parameters. To carry out this research, the macroinvertebrate community was studied in 10 sampling sites distributed along the main course of the river. The samples were taken in summer (1997 and 2000), when optimal hydrological conditions existed. Analysis of the samples showed that the benthic fauna was composed of 56 taxa, the dominant group being insects with 48 taxa. Three main sectors were recognized in the course of the Cautín River: high, middle and low. Each sector has restricted-distribution species, while other species are widely distributed along the river. These distribution patterns seem to be influenced by dissolved oxygen concentration, temperature, altitudinal distribution and anthropo-cultural activity, present at every sampling site. Finally, this research provides a first approach to the biology of the Cautín River. Further studies could be planned on the basis of this knowledge to investigate water quality indicators based on macroinvertebrate communities.

O rio Cautín está intimamente relacionado ao desenvolvimento econômico da cidade de Temuco (38°S; Chile). Quanto ao conhecimento total do rio Cautín, existem informações limitadas sobre as características biológicas que podem servir de referência para a avaliação da qualidade da água. Este estudo tem o objetivo de caracterizar os macroinvertebrados bentônicos taxonomicamente ao longo do curso principal do rio Cautín e estudar a estrutura da comunidade usando análise de correlação entre os parâmetros dela. Para realizar esta pesquisa, a comunidade de macroinvertebrados foi estudada em dez locais de estudo distribuídos ao longo do rio principal. As amostras foram coletadas no verão (1997 e 2000), em razão das condições hidrológicas ideais. A análise das amostras mostrou que a fauna bentônica é composta de 56 táxons, sendo o grupo dominante o de insetos com 48 táxons. Na distribuição do principal no curso do rio, três setores são reconhecidos: alto, médio e baixo no rio Cautín. Cada setor possui espécies de distribuição restrita e outro com ampla distribuição ao longo do rio. Esses padrões de distribuição parecem influenciar a concentração de oxigênio dissolvido, a temperatura, a distribuição altitudinal e a atividade antropocultural desenvolvida em todos os locais de amostragem. Finalmente, esta pesquisa fornece uma primeira abordagem biológica do rio Cautín e, de acordo com esses conhecimentos, um estudo posterior pode ser planejado em relação aos indicadores de qualidade da água e com base nas comunidades de macroinvertebrados.

Evaluation of automated monitoring calving prediction in dairy buffaloes a new tool for calving management / Avaliação do monitoramento automatizado da previsão de parto em búfalos leiteiros: uma nova ferramenta para o gerenciamento de parto

Buffalo is one of the leading milk-producing dairy animals. Its production and reproduction are affected due to some factors including inadequate monitoring around parturition, which cause economic losses like delayed birth process, increased risk of stillbirth, etc. The appropriate calving monitoring is essential for dairy herd management. Therefore, we designed a study its aim was, to predict the calving based on automated machine measured prepartum behaviors in buffaloes. The data were collected from n=40 pregnant buffaloes of 2nd to 5th parity, which was synchronized. The NEDAP neck and leg logger tag was attached to each buffalo at 30 days before calving and automatically collected feeding, rumination, lying, standing, no. of steps, no. of switches from standing to lying (lying bouts) and total motion activity. All behavioral data were reduced to -10 days before the calving date for statistical analysis to use mixed model procedure and ANOVA. Results showed that feeding and rumination time significantly (P<0.05) decreased from -10 to -1 days before calving indicating calving prediction. Moreover, Rumination time was at lowest (P<0.001) value at 2h before the calving such behavioral changes may be useful to predict calving in buffaloes. Similarly, lying bouts and standing time abruptly decreased (P<0.05) from -3 to -1 days before calving, while lying time abruptly increased (P<0.01) from -3 to -1 days before calving (531.57±23.65 to 665.62±18.14, respectively). No. of steps taken and total motion significantly (P<0.05) increased from -10 to -1 days before calving. Feeding time was significantly (P<0.02) lowered in 3rd parity buffaloes compared with 2nd, 4th and 5th parity buffaloes, while standing time of 5th parity buffaloes were lowered (P<0.05) as compared to 2nd to 4th parity buffalos at -1 day of prepartum. However, rumination, lying, no. of steps taken and total motion activity at -1 day of prepartum was independent (P>0.05) of parity in buffaloes. Neural network analysis for combined variables from NEDAP technology at the daily level yielded 100.0% sensitivity and 98% specificity. In conclusion NEDAP technology can be used to measured behavioral changes -10 day before calving as it can serve as a useful guide in the prediction calving date in the buffaloes.(AU)

O búfalo é um dos principais animais produtores de leite. Sua produção e sua reprodução são afetadas por causa de alguns fatores, incluindo o monitoramento inadequado ao redor do parto, que causam perdas econômicas, como atraso no processo de parto, aumento do risco de natimorto, etc. O monitoramento adequado do parto é essencial para o manejo do rebanho leiteiro. Portanto, projetamos um estudo cujo objetivo foi prever o parto com base em comportamentos pré-parto medidos por máquina automatizada em búfalas. Os dados foram coletados de 40 búfalas prenhes de 2ª a 5ª paridade, que foi sincronizada. A etiqueta NEDAP de pescoço e perna foi fixada em cada búfala 30 dias antes do parto e coletava dados, automaticamente, durante a alimentação e a ruminação, em posição deitada e em pé, além do número de passos, número de mudanças de pé para deitado (período deitado) e atividade de movimento total. Todos os dados comportamentais foram reduzidos para -10 dias antes da data do parto para análise estatística usando o procedimento de modelo misto e ANOVA. Os resultados mostraram que o tempo de alimentação e de ruminação diminuiu significativamente (P<0,05) de -10 dias para -1 dia antes do parto, indicando a previsão de parto. Além disso, o tempo de ruminação apresentou seu menor valor (P<0,001) 2 horas antes do parto, e tais mudanças comportamentais podem ser úteis para predizer o parto em búfalas. Da mesma forma, o período deitado e o tempo em pé diminuíram abruptamente (P<0,05) de -3 dias para -1 dia antes do parto, enquanto o tempo deitado aumentou abruptamente (P<0,01) de -3 dias para -1 dia antes do parto (531,57 ± 23,65 para 665,62± 18,14, respectivamente). O número de passos dados e o movimento total aumentaram significativamente (P<0,05) de -10 para -1 dias antes do parto. O tempo de alimentação foi significativamente (P<0,02) reduzido em búfalas de 3ª paridade em comparação com búfalas de 2ª, 4ª e 5ª paridade, enquanto o tempo de espera de búfalas de 5ª paridade foi reduzido (P<0,05) em comparação com búfalas de 2ª a 4ª paridade em -1 dia antes do parto. No entanto, ruminação, posição deitada, número de passos dados e atividade de movimento total em -1 dia antes do parto foram independentes (P>0,05) da paridade em búfalas. A análise de rede neural para variáveis ​​combinadas da tecnologia NEDAP no nível diário produziu 100% de sensibilidade e 98% de especificidade. Em conclusão, a tecnologia NEDAP pode ser usada para medir mudanças comportamentais -10 dias antes do parto, pois pode servir como um guia útil para prever a data do parto em búfalas.(AU)

Mammal diversity among vertical strata and the evaluation of a survey technique in a central Amazonian forest

Mammal groups have a vast variety of habitats, which include aquatic, aerial, arboreal, and terrestrial. For terrestrial habitats, camera traps are used as a common technique to record mammals and other vertebrates and have been recently utilized to observe arboreal animals as well. Here, we compare the difference in mammal diversity between floor and canopy strata and evaluate the use of camera trapping in a lowland forest in central Amazon. We installed nine paired camera traps, one in the canopy stratum and other in the floor stratum, in the Alto Cuieiras Biological Reserve (Brazilian Amazon). With a sampling effort of 720 camera-days, we recorded 30 mammal species: nine in canopy strata, 14 in floor strata, and seven in scansorial strata (sharing both strata). On the forest floor, the species with the greatest abundance was Myoprocta acouchy;in the canopy, Isothrix paguros had the greatest abundance; and among the scansorial species, Proechymis sp. was the most abundant. Our results show the differences in mammal diversity between floor and canopy strata; canopy strata contained more small and frugivorous mammals. Although we obtained a relatively low sampling effort with the camera-trap method compared with other studies utilizing different techniques, our results were especially similar to those of previous studies that worked with canopy and floor strata. Thus, camera trap can be very effective for recording short periods of time, and this method is less physically exhaustive and expensive for researchers to study vertical strata.(AU)

Aggregation of hepatic melanomacrophage centers in S. herzbergii (Pisces, Ariidae) as indicators of environmental change and well-being / [Agregação de centros de melanomacrófagos hepáticos em S. herzbergii (Pisces, Ariidae) como indicadores de mudança ambiental e de bem-estar]

The melanomacrophage centers (MMCs) in the liver of fish are indicators of environmental conditions, as they are involved in xenobiotic biotransformation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the number of MMC in the liver of juveniles and adults of Sciades herzbergii from areas with different levels of contamination. The fish were caught at three points (reference - A1, potentially impacted - A2 and contaminated - A3), in São José bay (Maranhão, Brazil), in four samples. The livers were subjected to the standard histological procedure and 5µm sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin. In livers of A2 adult individuals (260.50±161.50 MMCs / mm²) they presented a greater number of MMCs when compared to A3 adults (60.00 ± 30.10 MMCs / mm²). Juveniles showed considerable values in A1 (100.00 ± 0.00 MMCs/mm²) and A2 (95.33 ± 33.00 MMCs / mm²) compared to juveniles in A3 (49.00±0.00 MMCs/mm²). These high values are unexpected for young people. The average number of MMC correlated with the rainy season in the region. The use of hepatic MMCs as a biomarker of exposure to pollutants, in particular substances from fisheries systems, such as ammonia and nitrite, proved to be adequate to differentiate areas with different levels of impacts.(AU)

Os centros melanomacrófagos (MMCs) no fígado de peixes são indicadores das condições ambientais, pois estão envolvidos na biotransformação xenobiótica. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o número de MMC no fígado de juvenis e adultos de Sciades herzbergii de áreas com diferentes níveis de contaminação. Os peixes foram capturados em três pontos (referência - A1; potencialmente impactado - A2; e contaminado - A3), na baía de São José (Maranhão, Brasil), em quatro amostras. Os fígados foram submetidos ao procedimento histológico padrão e cortes de 5µm foram corados com hematoxilina-eosina. Em fígados de indivíduos adultos A2 (260,50±161,50 MMCs/mm²), eles apresentaram maior número de MMCs quando comparados aos adultos A3 (60,00±30,10 MMCs/mm²). Os juvenis apresentaram valores elevados em A1 (100,00 ± 0,00 MMCs/mm²) e A2 (95,33±33,00 MMCs/mm²) quando comparados aos juvenis em A3 (49,00±0,00 MMCs/mm²). Esses altos valores são inesperados para os jovens. O número médio de MMC correlacionou-se com a época chuvosa na região. A utilização de MMCs hepáticos como biomarcador de exposição a poluentes, em particular substâncias provenientes de sistemas pesqueiros, como amônia e nitrito, mostrou-se adequada para diferenciar áreas com diferentes níveis de impactos.(AU)

Minimum dose of levothyroxine restored the autonomic balance on a Dalmatian female dog with primary hypothyroidism

Background: Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disease that leads to a reduction in the hormones thyroxine (T3) and triiodothyronine (T4), which therapy with levothyroxine restores the clinical signs related to the metabolic rate. Due to the influence of thyroid hormones on the heart, which is under the constant influence of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), dogs with hypothyroidism can develop bradycardia, arrhythmia, and dysautonomia. Heart rate variability (HRV) assesses autonomic modulation by the Holter method, which is scarce in dogs. We aimed to report the cardiac and autonomic effects of the primary hypothyroidism untreated and treated with levothyroxine in a canine case by Holter monitoring. Case: A 7-year-old female Dalmatian, weighing 36 kg, was referred for clinical evaluation due to apathy, weight gain, low hair quality, and lethargy. On physical examination, alopecic lesions on the hind limbs and tail, as well as bradycardia with a heart rate (HR) of 40-50 beats per minute (bpm) were observed, in addition to a 3/6 mitral murmur and 2/6 tricuspid murmur. Given the suspicion of thyroid gland disorder, the blood hormonal measurement revealed an increase in thyroidstimulating hormone (TSH; 0.65 ng/mL) and a decrease in free T4 (0.11 ng/mL) and total T4 (0.44 ng/mL), confirming primary hypothyroidism. Therapy was started with a minimum dose of levothyroxine (0.913 mg, every 12 h), which clinical signs were restored in 5 months of treatment, with weight loss, hair growth, and active behavior. To assess the impact of untreated and treated hypothyroidism on the patient’s ANS, a Holter monitoring exam was performed for 24 h before and after therapy. Before treatment, the average HR was 75 bpm, and the HR2.0s), 1st-degree atrioventricular blocks (AVB), six...

Minimum dose of levothyroxine restored the autonomic balance on a Dalmatian female dog with primary hypothyroidism

Background: Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disease that leads to a reduction in the hormones thyroxine (T3) and triiodothyronine (T4), which therapy with levothyroxine restores the clinical signs related to the metabolic rate. Due to the influence of thyroid hormones on the heart, which is under the constant influence of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), dogs with hypothyroidism can develop bradycardia, arrhythmia, and dysautonomia. Heart rate variability (HRV) assesses autonomic modulation by the Holter method, which is scarce in dogs. We aimed to report the cardiac and autonomic effects of the primary hypothyroidism untreated and treated with levothyroxine in a canine case by Holter monitoring. Case: A 7-year-old female Dalmatian, weighing 36 kg, was referred for clinical evaluation due to apathy, weight gain, low hair quality, and lethargy. On physical examination, alopecic lesions on the hind limbs and tail, as well as bradycardia with a heart rate (HR) of 40-50 beats per minute (bpm) were observed, in addition to a 3/6 mitral murmur and 2/6 tricuspid murmur. Given the suspicion of thyroid gland disorder, the blood hormonal measurement revealed an increase in thyroidstimulating hormone (TSH; 0.65 ng/mL) and a decrease in free T4 (0.11 ng/mL) and total T4 (0.44 ng/mL), confirming primary hypothyroidism. Therapy was started with a minimum dose of levothyroxine (0.913 mg, every 12 h), which clinical signs were restored in 5 months of treatment, with weight loss, hair growth, and active behavior. To assess the impact of untreated and treated hypothyroidism on the patients ANS, a Holter monitoring exam was performed for 24 h before and after therapy. Before treatment, the average HR was 75 bpm, and the HR<50 bpm occurred during 05 h 20 min 36 s. Still, 320 pause events (>2.0s), 1st-degree atrioventricular blocks (AVB), six...(AU)

First report of inventory and role of macroinvertebrates and fish in Cautín river (38° S, Araucania region Chile) / Primeiro relato do inventário e papel dos macroinvertebrados e peixes no rio Cautín (39° S, região de Araucania Chile)

The Cautin river is located in the 137 years old Araucania region, Chile (38°S), and is characterized by alterations through human interference due agriculture and towns in its surrounding basin, the presence of salmonids, and by its mixed regime, originated from snow melting in summer and rains in winter. The aim of the present study was to make a review of the inventory and ecological role of the benthic inland water macroinvertebrates of the River Cautin, in order to understand their importance in the ecosystem of the river. The fauna of this river includes a fauna composed of endemic and introduced fish, which has, however, been only poorly studied until now. The literature revealed the presence of abundant populations of Diptera, Trichoptera and Ephemeroptera larval stages, and few crustaceans specifically amphipods and freshwater crabs along the river's course. Many of these macroinvertebrates are prey for both introduced salmonids and native fishes. Similar results have been reported for other southern Argentinean and Chilean Patagonian rivers.(AU)

O rio Cautin está localizado na região de Araucania, no Chile (38°S), é caracterizado por alterações através da interferência humana devido à agricultura e as cidades da bacia circundante, a presença de salmonídeos e pelo seu regime misto, originado pela queda de neve verão e chuvas no inverno. O objetivo do presente estudo foi fazer uma revisão do papel ecológico dos macroinvertebrados bentônicos das águas interiores do rio Cautin, para entender sua importância no ecossistema do rio. A fauna deste rio inclui uma fauna composta de espécies de peixes endêmicos e introduzidos, que, no entanto, tem sido mal estudada até agora. A literatura revelou a presença de abundantes populações de estádios de larvas Diptera, Trichoptera e Ephemeroptera, e poucos crustáceos especificamente anfípodes e caranguejos de água doce ao longo do curso do rio. Muitos desses macroinvertebrados são presas tanto para salmonídeos introduzidos quanto para peixes nativos. Resultados semelhantes foram relatados para outros rios sul da Patagônia Chilena e Argentina.(AU)

Monitoring of Newcastle disease in poultry at migratory birds landing sites: Mangue Seco and Cacha Pregos between 2013 and 2014 / Monitoramento da doença de Newcastle em aves domésticas nos sítios de pouso de aves migratórias: Mangue Seco e Cacha Pregos entre 2013 e 2014

The poultry industry has been considered one of the most efficient agricultural activities, placing Brazil in the ranking of the largest producers of chicken meat. However, a threat to the poultry production chain is the entrance of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in the country, which would bring huge economic and social losses. Monitoring of the virus was conducted in domestic poultry (Gallus gallus domesticus) farms on the migratory birds landing sites Mangue Seco and Cacha Pregos between 2013 and 2014 to control Newcastle disease (NCD) in these locations. Activities in health education, filling the questionnaire to define the sanitary profile of the farms, georeferenced registration and collection of blood samples, cloacal and tracheal swabs of the backyard birds were the epidemiological surveillance actions performed. A total of 133 serum samples were analyzed in Mangue Seco and 81 in Cacha Pregos. The results showed that both Mangue Seco (63.4%) and Cacha Pregos (88.9%) presented reactive animals for the NDV. The results of real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and viral isolation analyses were negative, proving that the domestic poultry were not eliminating the virus at the time of sample collection. The high percentage of reactive animals by indirect ELISA test in both epidemiological units studied suggests the presence of NDV circulating lentogenic strain, since there was no death registration and the birds did not have characteristic symptoms of the disease.(AU)

A avicultura tem sido considerada uma das atividades agrícolas mais eficientes, colocando o Brasil no ranking dos maiores produtores de carne de frango. No entanto, uma ameaça à cadeia produtiva da avicultura é a entrada do vírus da doença de Newcastle (NDV) no país, o que acarretaria enormes prejuízos econômicos e sociais. O monitoramento do vírus foi realizado em granjas de aves domésticas (Gallus gallus domesticus) nos locais de desembarque de aves migratórias de Mangue Seco e Cacha Pregos entre 2013 e 2014 para controlar a doença de Newcastle (DCNT) nesses locais. Atividades de educação em saúde, preenchimento de questionário para definição do perfil sanitário das fazendas, cadastro georreferenciado e coleta de amostras de sangue e swabs cloacal e traqueal de aves de quintal foram as ações de vigilância epidemiológica realizadas. Um total de 133 amostras de soro foram analisadas em Mangue Seco e 81 em Cacha Pregos. Os resultados mostraram que tanto Mangue Seco (63,4%) quanto Cacha Pregos (88,9%) apresentaram animais reativos para o NDV. Os resultados da reação em cadeia da polimerase em tempo real (RT-PCR) e das análises de isolamento viral foram negativos, comprovando que as aves domésticas não estavam eliminando o vírus no momento da coleta das amostras. O alto percentual de animais reativos pelo teste ELISA indireto em ambas as unidades epidemiológicas estudadas sugere a presença de cepa lentogênica circulante de NDV, uma vez que não houve registro de óbito e as aves não apresentavam sintomas característicos da doença.(AU)

Monitoring of Newcastle disease in poultry at migratory birds landing sites: Mangue Seco and Cacha Pregos between 2013 and 2014 / Monitoramento da doença de Newcastle em aves domésticas nos sítios de pouso de aves migratórias: Mangue Seco e Cacha Pregos entre 2013 e 2014

The poultry industry has been considered one of the most efficient agricultural activities, placing Brazil in the ranking of the largest producers of chicken meat. However, a threat to the poultry production chain is the entrance of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in the country, which would bring huge economic and social losses. Monitoring of the virus was conducted in domestic poultry (Gallus gallus domesticus) farms on the migratory birds landing sites Mangue Seco and Cacha Pregos between 2013 and 2014 to control Newcastle disease (NCD) in these locations. Activities in health education, filling the questionnaire to define the sanitary profile of the farms, georeferenced registration and collection of blood samples, cloacal and tracheal swabs of the backyard birds were the epidemiological surveillance actions performed. A total of 133 serum samples were analyzed in Mangue Seco and 81 in Cacha Pregos. The results showed that both Mangue Seco (63.4%) and Cacha Pregos (88.9%) presented reactive animals for the NDV. The results of real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and viral isolation analyses were negative, proving that the domestic poultry were not eliminating the virus at the time of sample collection. The high percentage of reactive animals by indirect ELISA test in both epidemiological units studied suggests the presence of NDV circulating lentogenic strain, since there was no death registration and the birds did not have characteristic symptoms of the disease.(AU)

A avicultura tem sido considerada uma das atividades agrícolas mais eficientes, colocando o Brasil no ranking dos maiores produtores de carne de frango. No entanto, uma ameaça à cadeia produtiva da avicultura é a entrada do vírus da doença de Newcastle (NDV) no país, o que acarretaria enormes prejuízos econômicos e sociais. O monitoramento do vírus foi realizado em granjas de aves domésticas (Gallus gallus domesticus) nos locais de desembarque de aves migratórias de Mangue Seco e Cacha Pregos entre 2013 e 2014 para controlar a doença de Newcastle (DCNT) nesses locais. Atividades de educação em saúde, preenchimento de questionário para definição do perfil sanitário das fazendas, cadastro georreferenciado e coleta de amostras de sangue e swabs cloacal e traqueal de aves de quintal foram as ações de vigilância epidemiológica realizadas. Um total de 133 amostras de soro foram analisadas em Mangue Seco e 81 em Cacha Pregos. Os resultados mostraram que tanto Mangue Seco (63,4%) quanto Cacha Pregos (88,9%) apresentaram animais reativos para o NDV. Os resultados da reação em cadeia da polimerase em tempo real (RT-PCR) e das análises de isolamento viral foram negativos, comprovando que as aves domésticas não estavam eliminando o vírus no momento da coleta das amostras. O alto percentual de animais reativos pelo teste ELISA indireto em ambas as unidades epidemiológicas estudadas sugere a presença de cepa lentogênica circulante de NDV, uma vez que não houve registro de óbito e as aves não apresentavam sintomas característicos da doença.(AU)

Determination of vegetation cover index under different soil management systems of cover plants by using an unmanned aerial vehicle with an onboard digital photographic camera / Determinação do índice de cobertura vegetal em sistemas de manejo do solo com plantas de cobertura, utilizando veículo aéreo não tripulado com câmera fotográfica digital embarcada

The permanent monitoring of vegetation cover is important to guarantee a sustainable management of agricultural activities, with a relevant role in the reduction of water erosion. This monitoring can be carried out through different indicators such as vegetation cover indices. In this study, the vegetation cover index was obtained using uncalibrated RGB images generated from a digital photographic camera on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). In addition, a comparative study with 11 vegetation indices was carried out. The vegetation indices CIVE and EXG presented a better performance and the index WI presented the worst performance in the vegetation classification during the cycles of jack bean and millet, according to the overall accuracy and Kappa coefficient. Vegetation indices were effective tools in obtaining soil cover index when compared to the standard Stocking method, except for the index WI. Architecture and cycle of millet and jack bean influenced the behavior of the studied vegetation indices. Vegetation indices generated from RGB images obtained by UAV were more practical and efficient, allowing a more frequent monitoring and in a wider area during the crop cycle.(AU)

O monitoramento permanente da cobertura vegetal é importante para garantir o manejo sustentável das atividades agrícolas, com relevante papel na redução da erosão hídrica. Este monitoramento pode ser realizado por meio de diferentes indicadores, como os índices de cobertura vegetal. Nesse artigo o índice de cobertura de vegetação foi obtido usando imagens RGB não-calibradas, geradas a partir de câmera fotográfica digital embarcada em um veículo aéreo não tripulado (VANT). Além disso, foi feito um estudo comparativo de 11 índices de vegetação. Os índices de vegetação CIVE e EXG apresentaram melhor desempenho e o índice WI apresentou o pior desempenho na classificação da vegetação durante o ciclo das culturas de feijão-de-porco e milheto, conforme a acurácia global e o coeficiente Kappa. Os índices de vegetação se apresentaram como uma ferramenta eficaz na obtenção dos índices de cobertura de solo, quando comparados ao método padrão de Stocking, exceto para o índice WI. A arquitetura e o ciclo das culturas milheto e o feijão-de-porco influenciaram no comportamento dos índices de vegetação estudados. Os índices de vegetação gerados à partir de imagens RGB obtidas por VANT mostraram ser mais práticos e eficientes, permitindo o monitoramento com maior frequência e abrangência de área durante o ciclo das culturas.(AU)

Concentrações de nitrato em águas de abastecimento público de 88 municípios da Rede Regional de Atenção à Saúde 13 do estado de São Paulo, Brasil / Concentrations of nitrate in the public water supply of 88 municipalities of the Regional Health Care Network 13 of the São Paulo State, Brazil

Este trabalho apresenta as concentrações de nitrato e suas correlações com as demais variáveis obtidas da análise de 21 parâmetros físico-químicos em 4.347 amostras de águas de abastecimento público de 88 municípios da região nordeste do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Os parâmetros analisados foram temperatura, pH, cloro residual livre, cor aparente, turbidez, condutividade e concentrações de lítio, sódio, amônio, potássio, cálcio, magnésio, fluoreto, clorito, bromato, cloreto, brometo, clorato, nitrato, fosfato e sulfato. Análises de componentes principais, incluindo-se as variáveis condutividade e concentrações de nitrato, cloreto, cálcio e magnésio na água, indicaram um grupo de 15 municípios com concentrações relevantes de nitrato. Foi realizada a análise univariada, e foi sugerido o estabelecimento de estratégias no gerenciamento inicial de contaminações de águas subterrâneas. No planejamento de ações entre os diversos atores envolvidos com a gestão da água subterrânea destinada ao consumo humano da região e no monitoramento de sua qualidade, devem ser considerados os níveis de nitrato, assim como os perfis físico-químicos das águas e a complexidade dos sistemas de abastecimento. Estas ações incluem procedimentos para investigar e mitigar contaminações, para garantir a potabilidade da água consumida pela população.

This paper presents the nitrate concentrations and their correlations with other variables obtained by analyzing 21 physical-chemical parameters in 4,347 samples from public water supply of 88 municipalities in the northeast region of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. The analyzed parameters were temperature, pH, free residual chlorine, apparent color, turbidity, conductivity, and concentrations of lithium, sodium, ammonium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, fluoride, chlorite, bromate, chloride, bromide, chlorate, nitrate, phosphate, and sulfate. The principal component analysis, involving the conductivity and the concentrations of nitrate, chloride, calcium, and magnesium, showed a group of 15 municipalities with relevant concentrations of nitrate. As for the univariate analysis it is suggested to apply strategies in the initial management of groundwater contaminations. It has been suggested to plan the actions among the various actors involved in the management of groundwater, which is intended for human consumption in the region, and for its quality monitoring. It has to consider not only the nitrate levels but also the water physical-chemical profiles and the complexity of the supply systems. These actions include the contaminants investigation and mitigation for ensuring the potability of the water consumed by the population.