Assemblage variation of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in different land use and activity periods within a lowland tropical forest matrix in Campeche, Mexico.

Most mosquito species are active during a certain part of the day, but climatic factors such as light intensity and relative humidity play an important role in the control of their activity. We selected three types of land use that were sampled in state of Campeche in 2018 (low semi-evergreen forest, secondary low semi-evergreen forest, and mango plantation), using ten CDC light traps baited with CO2 , that were active during nine hours of three activity periods (dawn, noon, and nightfall). A GLM was used to investigate changes in the assembly of mosquitoes between different types of land use and temporal variations. Rank abundance curves were used to detect changes in the spatial and activity period of the mosquitoes and we then calculated the Exponential Shannon Index. A total of 6,110 mosquitoes belonging to 23 species were captured. The greatest richness and abundance were found in the secondary low semi-evergreen forest, with greater richness and lower abundance than the mango plantation which showed more abundance. Of the activity periods, dusk had the greatest abundance and richness followed by dawn and finally noon.

Adult-Juvenile interactions and temporal niche partitioning between life-stages in a tropical amphibian.

Divergence in ecological niche offers organisms the opportunity of exploiting different food and habitat resources, scaling down competition and predation both among species, and within different age or size-classes of the same species. In harsh environments, where abiotic factors determine a clustering of resources during short timespans, competition and predation between organisms is likely to be enhanced. This is the case in tropical dry forests, where amphibians have limited opportunities to feed, their activity being restricted to the short rainy season. One way to maximize resource exploitation while avoiding predation risk is by adopting different diel activity patterns. We tested this hypothesis by comparing activity patterns in adults and recently metamorphosed juveniles of Pacific horned frogs (Ceratophrys stolzmanni) during field surveys and in an experimental study. Field surveys showed that the adults are strictly nocturnal, whereas freshly metamorphosed juveniles can be found active above ground at all hours, with a peak activity during daytime. The average body condition index of juveniles found active during the night was higher than that of juveniles found active during the day, suggesting that the weaker individuals may be constrained to being active during the day. On the other hand, in a laboratory experiment, juveniles that were visually exposed to adults moved less than those in the absence of adults. Both field and experimental observations indicate a temporal niche divergence between life stages. The results of the experiment offer support to the hypothesis that the juveniles in this species display an inverse activity pattern compared to adults, which can reduce competitive interactions and predation pressure from the larger conspecifics.

Nocturnal Activity Rhythm of Nyssomyia intermedia (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) in Campus Fiocruz Mata Atlântica, an American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Transmission Area, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Nyssomyia intermedia is an important vector of American cutaneous leishmaniasis. METHODS: Sand flies were captured in a Shannon trap and after landing on human collectors and retrieved monthly. Nocturnal activity was estimated using a log-linear model. RESULTS: Peak sand fly collection in the Shannon trap occurred in summer and winter, and peak fly collection on humans occurred in spring and summer. CONCLUSIONS: Ny. intermedia was captured in both the hottest and coldest months, indicating its adaptability to different seasons and the possibility of disease transmission at any time of the year in Campus Fiocruz Mata Atlântica, Brazil.

Time-related eating patterns and chronotype are associated with diet quality in pregnant women.

Animal studies strongly suggest that timed feeding can have beneficial physiological effects, including protection against the obesogenic and metabolic consequences of a high-fat diet. However, the relationship between variables related to the timing of eating and diet quality in pregnancy women, which is considered as a period of nutritional vulnerability, is still poorly described in the literature. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the associations between time-related eating patterns and chronotype with diet quality of pregnant women. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 100 pregnant women in the first gestational trimester (≤12 weeks of gestation). The information regarding food intake was obtained by three 24-Hour Dietary Recall (24HR). Time-related eating patterns, i.e., the interval between the first and the last meal (eating duration), nightly fasting, time of the first and last meals, and number of meals eating on a day were determined. Chronotype was derived using the mid-sleep time on free days on weekends, with a further correction for calculated sleep debt. Diet quality was evaluated using the Brazilian Healthy Eating Index-Revised (BHEI-R), validated for the Brazilian population. Linear regression modeling analyses adjusted for confounders were used to investigate the association between time-related eating patterns and chronotype with diet quality. The BHEI-R total score was negatively associated with time of the first meal (ß =  -0.355; p = 0.002; r2 adjusted = 0.141), and positively associated with eating duration (ß = 0.262; p = 0.024; r2 adjusted = 0.086) and number of meals (ß = 0.273; p = 0.019; r2 adjusted = 0.091). In addition, the score of total fruit component was negatively associated with chronotype (ß = -0.236; p = 0.033; r2 adjusted = 0.078), time of the first meal (ß = -0.393; p = 0.001; r2 adjusted = 0.171), and positively associated with eating duration (ß = 0.259; p = 0.022; r2 adjusted = 0.087) and number of meals (ß = 0.376; p = 0.001; r2 adjusted = 0.159). The score for whole fruit component was negatively associated with time of the first meal (ß = -0.388; p = 0.001; r2 adjusted = 0.152), and positively associated with number of meals (ß = 0.403; p = 0.001; r2 adjusted = 0.164). A longer eating duration, earlier time of the first meal, higher number of meals and morningness tendency are associated with a better diet quality in the first gestational trimester - higher scores of the total BHEI-R and/or fruit components. We suggest that nutritional guidelines should consider time-related eating patterns and chronotype to ensure good diet quality of pregnant women since the beginning of gestation, contributing on prevention of metabolic-nutritional complications.

Night work effects on salivary cytokines TNF, IL-1ß and IL-6.

Shift work is unavoidable in modern societies, but at the same time disrupts biological rhythms and contributes to social distress and disturbance of sleep, health and well-being of shift workers. Shift work has been associated with some chronic diseases in which a chronic inflammatory condition may play a role. However, few studies investigating the association of cytokine and other inflammation markers with shift workers have been published in recent years. In this study we evaluated the effects of permanent night work on the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-6 and melatonin in saliva. Another aim was to demonstrate the benefit of the use of salivary cytokines for studies in chronobiology, since it is an easy and non-invasive method that allows for sampling at several times. Thirty-eight healthy male workers, being 21 day workers and 17 night workers, agreed to participate in this study. Sleep was evaluated by actigraphy and activity protocols. Saliva was collected during three workdays approximately at the middle of the work shift and at bed and wake times of the main sleep episode. Saliva samples were then analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to measure TNF, IL-1ß, IL-6 and melatonin levels, and the results were submitted to non-parametric statistical analysis. The use of saliva instead of blood allowed for a greater number of samples from the same subjects, allowing identifying alterations in the daily production patterns of salivary cytokines TNF, IL-1ß and IL-6 that probably are linked to night work. Salivary TNF and IL-1ß levels were similar for day and night workers, with higher daily production after awakening, in the morning hours for day workers and in the afternoon for night workers. Both groups presented a significant daily variation pattern of these two cytokines. Day and night workers produced similar amounts of salivary IL-6. Nevertheless, the daily variation pattern observed among day workers, with a peak after awakening, was absent among night workers. Thus, in our study, night workers showed partially adjusted daily variation patterns for salivary TNF and IL-1ß, not seen for salivary IL-6. Results for salivary IL-6 could be better explained as a consequence of circadian disruption due to permanent night work. Our results suggest that the whole circadian system, including clocks and pineal gland, is involved in regulating cytokine profile in shift workers and that a coordinated production of these cytokines, important for an adequate inflammatory response, could be disturbed by shift work. The distinct effects that shift work may have on different cytokines could give some cues about the mechanisms involved in this association.

Nocturnal activity rhythm of nyssomyia intermedia (diptera: psychodidae: phlebotominae) in campus fiocruz mata atlântica, an american cutaneous leishmaniasis transmission area, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Nyssomyia intermedia is an important vector of American cutaneous leishmaniasis. METHODS: Sand flies were captured in a Shannon trap and after landing on human collectors and retrieved monthly. Nocturnal activity was estimated using a log-linear model. RESULTS: Peak sand fly collection in the Shannon trap occurred in summer and winter, and peak fly collection on humans occurred in spring and summer. CONCLUSIONS: Ny. intermedia was captured in both the hottest and coldest months, indicating its adaptability to different seasons and the possibility of disease transmission at any time of the year in Campus Fiocruz Mata Atlântica, Brazil.

Impairment of sleep quality and quality of life in bimodal chronotype individuals.

There is still insufficient data about the characteristics and clinical significance of the bimodal chronotype. We evaluated more than 1000 students with Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire, Munich Chronotype Questionnaire (MCTQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and 36-item Short Form Health Survey. Twelve percent of the sample was bimodal and they showed similar results to intermediate chronotype in MCTQ-chronotype and social jetlag, both different from morning and evening chronotypes. However, their quality of life and sleep quality were similar to evening types, both different from morning and intermediate types. We discuss if being bimodal would be a maladaptive aspect of circadian preference.

Effect of bright light therapy on delayed sleep/wake cycle and reaction time of athletes participating in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

This study investigated the effect of using an artificial bright light on the entrainment of the sleep/wake cycle as well as the reaction times of athletes before the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. A total of 22 athletes from the Brazilian Olympic Swimming Team were evaluated, with the aim of preparing them to compete at a time when they would normally be about to go to bed for the night. During the 8-day acclimatization period, their sleep/wake cycles were assessed by actigraphy, with all the athletes being treated with artificial light therapy for between 30 and 45 min (starting at day 3). In addition, other recommendations to improve sleep hygiene were made to the athletes. In order to assess reaction times, the Psychomotor Vigilance Test was performed before (day 1) and after (day 8) the bright light therapy. As a result of the intervention, the athletes slept later on the third (p = 0.01), seventh (p = 0.01) and eighth (p = 0.01) days after starting bright light therapy. Regarding reaction times, when tested in the morning the athletes showed improved average (p = 0.01) and minimum reaction time (p = 0.03) when comparing day 8 to day 1. When tested in the evening, they showed improved average (p = 0.04), minimum (p = 0.03) and maximum reaction time (p = 0.02) when comparing day 8 to day 1. Light therapy treatment delayed the sleep/wake cycles and improved reaction times of members of the swimming team. The use of bright light therapy was shown to be effective in modulating the sleep/wake cycles of athletes who had to perform in competitions that took place late at night.

Association of possible sleep bruxism in children with different chronotype profiles and sleep characteristics.

Sleep bruxism (SB) in children has been associated with several sleep characteristics, which may alter their sleep pattern. This change affects the internal biological clock and consequently the chronotype profile. The aim of this study was to evaluate the existence of an association between possible SB in children with specific chronotype profiles and sleep characteristics. The study included 207 parents/guardians of children aged between 3 and 12 years who were waiting for their children's dental treatment at the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A questionnaire on the socio-demographic characteristics of parents and children as well as on the features of the children's sleep was applied. In addition, the CIRENS scale (Circadian Energy Scale) was completed by the parents to identify the children's chronotype. A chi-squared test was used to determine the association between possible SB, the chronotype, and sleep characteristics. A multiple logistic regression model was implemented to observe the influence of chronotype, age, and other independent variables on the possible SB. The logistic regression model demonstrated that nocturnal agitation (p = 0.009; OR = 3.42) and nightmares (p = 0.045; OR = 3.24) were associated with possible SB in children. Although no significant association (p = 0 .089) between the chronotype profile and possible SB was observed in the 3 to 5 years age group, a proportional difference was observed between the chronotype categories in this age group-12.5% of children with SB had a morning type, while 26.4% had an intermediate type and 47.8% an evening type compared to those without possible SB. Nocturnal agitation and nightmares were associated with possible SB. In addition, young children with an evening chronotype had a tendency toward possible SB.

Mechanisms of social synchrony between circadian activity rhythms in cohabiting marmosets.

In marmosets, social synchrony between circadian profiles of activity is stronger in animals that cohabit in a family. The activity of three breeding pairs was recorded by actiwatches to investigate the mechanisms involved in the synchrony between the circadian activity profiles during cohabitation in marmoset reproductive pairs. The dyads were submitted to LD 12:12 (21 days) and LL: 1) cohabitation (24 days), 2) removal of the cage mate (20 days), 3) reintroduction of the mate into the cage of the 1st situation (30 days) and 4) removal of the cage mate (7 days). Next, they were rejoined and maintained in LD 12:12 (11 days). In conditions involving cohabitation of pair, the general and maximum correlation indexes between circadian profiles were higher in cage mates compared to animals of the same or different sex with which they maintain only acoustic and olfactive contact. This strong synchrony between rhythms was accompanied by a stable phase relationship at the activity onset and offset, with identical circadian periods between mates. When the pairs were separated, there was a break in stability in the phase relationships between activity profiles with different circadian periods and a greater phase angle difference between rhythms of cage mates. During separation, two females and one male progressively anticipated the activity onset and offset in a phase similar to that in previous conditions, expressing entrainment to the mate. During the first reintroduction, two pairs exhibited signs of masking in rhythm. Although modulation in the rhythm of some animals has been observed through acoustic cues from animals outside the colony, we suggest that cohabitation favors strong synchrony between the circadian activity profiles of marmoset reproductive pairs involving synchronization by entrainment and masking. Further studies in the absence of external social cues are necessary to clarify the role of these mechanisms on social synchronization in marmosets.

Characterization and comparison of activity profiles exhibited by the cave and surface morphotypes of the blind Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus.

Departure from normal circadian rhythmicity and exposure to atypical lighting cues has been shown to adversely affect human health and wellness in a variety of ways. In contrast, adaptation to extreme environments has led many species to alter or even entirely abandon their reliance upon cyclic environmental inputs, principally daily cycles of light and darkness. The extreme darkness, stability and isolation of cave ecosystems has made cave-adapted species particularly attractive systems in which to study the consequences of life without light and the strategies that allow species to survive and even thrive in such environments. In order to further explore these questions, we have assessed the rhythmicity of locomotion in the blind Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus, under controlled laboratory conditions. Using high-resolution video tracking assays, we characterized patterns in locomotor activity and spatial tank usage for members of the surface and Pachón cave populations. Here we demonstrate that cavefish have a higher overall level of activity and use the space within the trial tank differently than surface fish. Further, Pachón cavefish show circadian rhythmicity in both activity and spatial tank usage under a 12:12 light/dark cycle. We provide further evidence that these cavefish retain a weakly light-entrainable, endogenous circadian oscillator with limited capability to sustain rhythms in activity, but not spatial tank usage, in the absence of photic cues. Finally, we demonstrate a putative behavioral "masking effect" contributing to behavioral rhythms and provide evidence that exposure to constant darkness during development may alter behavioral patterns later in life.

Body orientation for thermoregulation and daily activity cycle of Mabuya macrorhyncha (Squamata: Scincidae)

We investigated the daily activity and thermoregulatory body orientation of Mabuya macrorhyncha (Hoge, 1947), a lizard species that occurs in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We conducted this investigation in a sandy coastal dune remnant (restinga ecosystem) in Grussaí, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during the summer. The daily activity cycle of the lizards started around 6:00 am and ended before 7:00 pm. This is longer than observed in other populations of M. macrorhyncha (approximately 7:00 am to 5:00 pm). The activity cycle of the lizards was bimodal, with the first peak between 6:00 and 11:00 am and the second from 2:00 to 7:00 pm. This contrasts with observations on other populations of this species, which revealed an unimodal pattern. The mean body temperature of M. macrorhyncha in Grussaí was 34.2 ± 1.5 °C, which was comparatively higher than observed in other populations of the species. The differences in the daily activity and of body temperature of these lizards between our study and previous studies on this species may reflect environmental thermal conditions. The mean air and mean substrate temperatures when individuals were active were 27.8 and 30.5 °C respectively. Lizard orientation was significantly correlated with the direction of the solar incidence, suggesting that solar radiation, and particularly behavioral adjustments that maximize exposure to the sun, are important for the thermoregulation of M. macrorhyncha. Circular structures at the site, such as bromeliads, offer microhabitats with different orientations to the sunlight, favoring lizard thermoregulatory behaviors.

Body orientation for thermoregulation and daily activity cycle of Mabuya macrorhyncha (Squamata: Scincidae)

We investigated the daily activity and thermoregulatory body orientation of Mabuya macrorhyncha (Hoge, 1947), a lizard species that occurs in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We conducted this investigation in a sandy coastal dune remnant (restinga ecosystem) in Grussaí, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during the summer. The daily activity cycle of the lizards started around 6:00 am and ended before 7:00 pm. This is longer than observed in other populations of M. macrorhyncha (approximately 7:00 am to 5:00 pm). The activity cycle of the lizards was bimodal, with the first peak between 6:00 and 11:00 am and the second from 2:00 to 7:00 pm. This contrasts with observations on other populations of this species, which revealed an unimodal pattern. The mean body temperature of M. macrorhyncha in Grussaí was 34.2 ± 1.5 °C, which was comparatively higher than observed in other populations of the species. The differences in the daily activity and of body temperature of these lizards between our study and previous studies on this species may reflect environmental thermal conditions. The mean air and mean substrate temperatures when individuals were active were 27.8 and 30.5 °C respectively. Lizard orientation was significantly correlated with the direction of the solar incidence, suggesting that solar radiation, and particularly behavioral adjustments that maximize exposure to the sun, are important for the thermoregulation of M. macrorhyncha. Circular structures at the site, such as bromeliads, offer microhabitats with different orientations to the sunlight, favoring lizard thermoregulatory behaviors.(AU)

The suprachiasmatic nucleus drives day-night variations in postprandial triglyceride uptake into skeletal muscle and brown adipose tissue.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? What are the factors influencing day-night variations in postprandial triglycerides? What is the main finding and its importance? Rats show low postprandial plasma triglyceride concentrations early in the active period that are attributable to a higher uptake by skeletal muscle and brown adipose tissue. We show that these day-night variations in uptake are driven by the suprachiasmatic nucleus, probably via a Rev-erbα-mediated mechanism and independent of locomotor activity. These findings highlight that the suprachiasmatic nucleus has a major role in day-night variations in plasma triglycerides and that disturbances in our biological clock might be an important risk factor contributing to development of postprandial hyperlipidaemia. Energy metabolism follows a diurnal pattern, mainly driven by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), and disruption of circadian regulation has been linked to metabolic abnormalities. Indeed, epidemiological evidence shows that night work is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and postprandial hyperlipidaemia is an important contributor. Therefore, the aim of this work was to investigate the factors that drive day-night variations in postprandial triglycerides (TGs). Intact and SCN-lesioned male Wistar rats were subjected to an oral fat challenge during the beginning of the rest phase (day) or the beginning of the active phase (night). The plasma TG profile was evaluated and tissue TG uptake assayed. After the fat challenge, intact rats showed lower postprandial plasma TG concentrations early in the night when compared with the day. However, no differences were observed in the rate of intestinal TG secretion between day and night. Instead, there was a higher uptake of TG by skeletal muscle and brown adipose tissue early in the active phase (night) when compared with the rest phase (day), and these variations were abolished in rats bearing bilateral SCN lesions. Rev-erbα gene expression suggests this as a possible mediator of the mechanism linking the SCN and day-night variations in TG uptake. These findings show that the SCN has a major role in day-night variations in plasma TGs by promoting TG uptake into skeletal muscle and brown adipose tissue. Consequently, disturbance of the biological clock might be an important risk factor contributing to the development of hyperlipidaemia.

Foraging behavior, environmental parameters and nests development of Melipona colimana Ayala (Hymenoptera: Meliponini) in temperate climate of Jalisco, México / Comportamento de forragem, parâmetros ambientais e desenvolvimento de ninhos de Melipona colimana (Hymenoptera: Meliponini) em clima temperado de Jalisco, México

Melipona colimana Ayala is an endemic species inhabiting temperate forests of pine and oak of south of Jalisco in Mexico. During a year, it was recorded every 15 days foraging activity, environmental parameters and the development of colonies of M. colimana in its wild habitat. For five minutes every hour from 7:00 to 21:00, the bees that entered and left the hive and bringing pollen and resin were registered. Every hour the relative humidity, temperature, wind speed and light intensity was recorded and related to foraging activity. Additionally, the weight of the colonies recently transferred to wooden boxes, the number of brood combs, honey pots and pollen were registered. The time of beginning and ending of the foraging activity differs from the reports of stingless bees of tropical weather and the same happens with the pollen collection. The environmental parameters that affect other tropical stingless bees in the foraging activity also affect M. colimana in temperate climate. It was determined that the major activity season and the presence of more pollen pots in the colony is from November through February, for what it could be the best time of the year for the division and obtainance of new colonies, while the critical period of minor activity and pollen flow was during rainy season. These data may be useful for the future sustainable use of this species in temperate climate.(AU)

Melipona colimana Ayala é uma espécie endémica de clima temperado que habita nas florestas de pinho e de azinheira do sul de Jalisco, no México. Registrou-se durante um ano, todos os quinze dias, a atividade de forragem, os parâmetros ambientais e o desenvolvimento de colônias de M. colimana no seu habitat silvestre. Registrou-se durante cinco minutos, cada hora das 7:00 às 21:00, as abelhas que entraram e saíram da colmeia e as que traziam pólen e resinas. Registrou-se toda hora, a humidade relativa, temperatura, velocidade do vento e intensidade da luz e relacionaram-se à atividade de forragem. Além do mais, registrou-se o peso de colônias recém transferidas a gavetas de madeira e contabilizou-se o número de panais, potes de mel e pólen. A hora de início e de fim da atividade de forragem difere com os reportes das abelhas sem ferrão de clima tropical e o mesmo acontece com a recolecção de pólen. Os parâmetros ambientais que afetam outros meliponinos de clima tropical na forragem também afetam a M. colimana em clima temperado. Determinou-se que a temporada de maior atividade e a presença de mais potes de pólen na colônia é de Novembro a Fevereiro, razão pela qual pode ser a melhor temporada do ano para a divisão e obtenção de novas colônias, enquanto que o período crítico de menor atividade e fluxo de pólen foi durante a temporada de chuvas. Esses dados podem ser úteis para o futuro aproveitamento sustentável de esta espécie em clima temperado.(AU)

Atividades diárias de Tropidurus hispidus (Squamata: Iguania: Tropiduridae) na Ilha do Monte Cristo, Baía de Todos-os-Santos, Bahia, Brasil / Daily activities of the Tropidurus hispidus (Squamata: Iguania: Tropiduridae) on the Ilha do MonteCristo, Baía de Todos-os-Santos, Bahia State, Brazil

Apresenta-se, neste trabalho, informações sobre as atividades diárias do Tropidurus hispidus. A espécie é classificada como um forrageador sedentário do tipo senta-e-espera, cujos principais itens alimentares são artrópodes, com destaque para formigas e cupins. Por não se conhecer diversos aspectos dos comportamentos relacionados à história de vida dos lagartos, consideramos a grande importância e relevância de estudos que abordem estes aspectos. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever e analisar as atividades diárias de indivíduos da espécie Tropidurus hispidus, da Ilha do Monte Cristo, Saubara, Bahia, Brasil, relacionando a influência da temperatura no seu comportamento e possível preferência de horário para realização das suas atividades. A coleta de dados do grupo foi feita através do método animal focal, sendo que cada indivíduo foi observado durante o período de dez minutos, e, a cada minuto, o comportamento do animal focal foi anotado. Os resultados apresentados são referentes a um total de 300 registros focais de T. hispidus, com esforço amostral de 11 horas, por dois observadores. Com esse trabalho podemos concluir que os indivíduos de Tropidurus hispidus observados na Ilha do Monte Cristo são ativos durante todo o dia, desde as primeiras horas da manhã (06:00 h) até o final da tarde (17:00 h), com picos de atividade relacionados aos horários do dia em que as temperaturas do ar estavam mais elevadas (34,9 ºC e 32,9 ºC). Sua principal atividade é a termoregulação, exposta ao sol, corroborando seu padrão heliófilo. Não foi observado durante o estudo preferência de horário para a realização das outras atividades, tais como deslocamento, forrageamento, territorialismo ou corte. O principal substrato em que os indivíduos estiveram associados foram troncos de árvores que provêm abrigo e possuem vasto recurso alimentar...

This paper about the Tropidurus hispidus daily activities. This species is classified as a sit-and-wait foraging and the main food items are arthropods, especially ants and termites. The lack of many aspects of behaviors related the life history of lizards, consider the great importance and relevance of studies that address these aspects. The aim of this study was to describe and analyze the daily activities of individuals of the species T. hispidus of the island of Monte Cristo, Saubara, Bahia, Brazil, relating the influence of temperature on their behavior and possible preference schedule for carrying out their activities. The data collect of group was performed using the focal animal method, each individual was observed during the period of ten minutes, and every minute, the focal animal’s behavior was noted. The results presented are for a total of 300 focal records, with sampling effort of 11 hours for two observers. We concluded that individuals T. hispidus observed in Monte Cristo Island are active throughout the day, since the early hours of the morning (06:00 h) until the end of the afternoon (17:00 h), with peaks of activity related to the times of the day in that air temperatures were highest (34.9° C and 32.9° C). Its main activity is the thermoregulation, exposed to the sun, confirming its heliothermic standard. The main substrates in which individuals are associated are trunk of trees that provide shelter and have vast food resource. The results shown on the daily activity of T. hispidus indicate the importance of thermoregulation process for lizards as much of their activity are associated with this aspect.

Atividades diárias de Tropidurus hispidus (Squamata: Iguania: Tropiduridae) na Ilha do Monte Cristo, Baía de Todos-os-Santos, Bahia, Brasil / Daily activities of the Tropidurus hispidus (Squamata: Iguania: Tropiduridae) on the Ilha do MonteCristo, Baía de Todos-os-Santos, Bahia State, Brazil

Apresenta-se, neste trabalho, informações sobre as atividades diárias do Tropidurus hispidus. A espécie é classificada como um forrageador sedentário do tipo senta-e-espera, cujos principais itens alimentares são artrópodes, com destaque para formigas e cupins. Por não se conhecer diversos aspectos dos comportamentos relacionados à história de vida dos lagartos, consideramos a grande importância e relevância de estudos que abordem estes aspectos. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever e analisar as atividades diárias de indivíduos da espécie Tropidurus hispidus, da Ilha do Monte Cristo, Saubara, Bahia, Brasil, relacionando a influência da temperatura no seu comportamento e possível preferência de horário para realização das suas atividades. A coleta de dados do grupo foi feita através do método animal focal, sendo que cada indivíduo foi observado durante o período de dez minutos, e, a cada minuto, o comportamento do animal focal foi anotado. Os resultados apresentados são referentes a um total de 300 registros focais de T. hispidus, com esforço amostral de 11 horas, por dois observadores. Com esse trabalho podemos concluir que os indivíduos de Tropidurus hispidus observados na Ilha do Monte Cristo são ativos durante todo o dia, desde as primeiras horas da manhã (06:00 h) até o final da tarde (17:00 h), com picos de atividade relacionados aos horários do dia em que as temperaturas do ar estavam mais elevadas (34,9 ºC e 32,9 ºC). Sua principal atividade é a termoregulação, exposta ao sol, corroborando seu padrão heliófilo. Não foi observado durante o estudo preferência de horário para a realização das outras atividades, tais como deslocamento, forrageamento, territorialismo ou corte. O principal substrato em que os indivíduos estiveram associados foram troncos de árvores que provêm abrigo e possuem vasto recurso alimentar...(AU)

This paper about the Tropidurus hispidus daily activities. This species is classified as a sit-and-wait foraging and the main food items are arthropods, especially ants and termites. The lack of many aspects of behaviors related the life history of lizards, consider the great importance and relevance of studies that address these aspects. The aim of this study was to describe and analyze the daily activities of individuals of the species T. hispidus of the island of Monte Cristo, Saubara, Bahia, Brazil, relating the influence of temperature on their behavior and possible preference schedule for carrying out their activities. The data collect of group was performed using the focal animal method, each individual was observed during the period of ten minutes, and every minute, the focal animals behavior was noted. The results presented are for a total of 300 focal records, with sampling effort of 11 hours for two observers. We concluded that individuals T. hispidus observed in Monte Cristo Island are active throughout the day, since the early hours of the morning (06:00 h) until the end of the afternoon (17:00 h), with peaks of activity related to the times of the day in that air temperatures were highest (34.9° C and 32.9° C). Its main activity is the thermoregulation, exposed to the sun, confirming its heliothermic standard. The main substrates in which individuals are associated are trunk of trees that provide shelter and have vast food resource. The results shown on the daily activity of T. hispidus indicate the importance of thermoregulation process for lizards as much of their activity are associated with this aspect.(AU)

Feeding during the rest phase promotes circadian conflict in nuclei that control energy homeostasis and sleep-wake cycle in rats.

Food intake during the rest phase promotes circadian desynchrony, which has been associated with metabolic diseases. However, the link between circadian rhythm and metabolic alterations is not well understood. To investigate this issue, we explored the circadian rhythm of c-Fos immunoreactivity (IR) in rats fed during the day, during the night or with free access to food for 3 weeks. The analysis was focused on the hypothalamic nuclei, which are interconnected and involved in the control of energy homeostasis and/or arousal: lateral hypothalamus (LH), perifornical area, arcuate, ventrolateral pre-optic (VLPO) and tuberomammillary nuclei. The results show that food intake during the rest phase flattened the circadian c-Fos expression in the LH and perifornical area, and induced a phase shift in the VLPO area. In addition, c-Fos expression was analyzed in the orexin and melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons of the LH, which are involved in the control of food intake and arousal, and in α-melanin-stimulating hormone and neuropeptide Y (NPY) cells in the arcuate nucleus, all of which are involved in feeding-fasting cycles, energy homeostasis and sending projections to the LH. The results indicate that feeding during the rest phase decreased orexin neuron activation in the light in comparison with the other groups. Feeding during this phase also flattened the activity rhythm of MCH and α-melanin-stimulating hormone neurons and increased NPY IR when the light was turned on. This evidence indicates that mealtime differentially affected the hypothalamic nuclei under investigation leading to a circadian conflict that might account for metabolic impairment.

Resource Partitioning between Two Piranhas (Serrasalmus gibbus and Serrasalmus rhombeus) in an Amazonian Reservoir.

The exploitation of resources by closely related species with similar niches may be mediated by differences in activity patterns, which may vary in nycthemeral scale and seasonal scale. Piranhas Serrasalmus gibbus and Serrasalmus rhombeus are Neotropical predators that occur sympatrically in many environments of the Amazon basin. To evaluate the strategies adopted by these two species in a restricted environment (a reservoir), nycthemeral and seasonal samples were made, identifying the composition of the diet and their activity patterns. A total of 402 specimens were collected: 341 S. gibbus and 61 S. rhombeus. Both species fed themselves primarily on fish, with some seasonal variation being found in S. gibbus during the flood season, when plant material was consumed. There was considerable temporal overlap in the foraging behavior of the two species, although S. rhombeus presented a bimodal pattern of abundance over the 24-hour cycle. S. rhombeus was more active during the nighttime, between dusk and early morning, whereas S. gibbus was active throughout the nycthemeral cycle. These findings indicate low levels of competition between the two species, which allowed for a considerable overlap in nighttime foraging, following distinct nycthemeral patterns of foraging activity and allowing their coexistence.

Ecological and reproductive aspects of Aparasphenodon brunoi (Anura: Hylidae) in an ombrophilous forest area of the Atlantic Rainforest Biome, Brazil

Presented is the first information on the ecological and reproductive aspects of the treefrog, Aparasphenodon brunoiMiranda-Ribeiro, 1920, living in ombrophilous forest areas of the Atlantic Rainforest, Brazil. We recorded the species’ daily activity and over the course of a year, population density during the year, microhabitat usage, diet, and some reproductive features (quantity, diameter and mean mass of oocytes, mean reproductive effort of female). Field sampling was conducted monthly from June 2015 to July 2016. Searches for treefrogs were systematic, using visual encounter surveys along 14 plots RAPELD long term research modules established in the forest. For each captured individual, we recorded the hour, microhabitat used, and perch height. The diet of the population was ascertained based on 15 individuals collected outside the study plot areas. Treefrogs used seven different types of microhabitats in the forest but the preferred microhabitats were tree-trunks and lianas. The amount of accumulated rainfall and air temperature interacted to explain the number of A. brunoi individuals active throughout the year. The reproductive strategy for females of this comparatively large arboreal frog in the ombrophilous forest is to produce clutches with a large number (900.8 ± 358.1) of relatively small-sized eggs. We conclude that in the ombrophious forest of the Vale Natural Reserve, A. brunoi is a nocturnal arboreal treefrog active throughout the year but activity increases during the wet season as a result of increased precipitation. In the forest, treefrogs tend to perch mainly on tree-trunks and lianas about 1 m above ground, where it feeds preferably on relatively large bodied arthropod prey. When living in the ombrophilous forest of the Atlantic rainforest, A. brunoi may change some features of its ecology (e.g. marked difference in the use of bromeliads) compared to when living in restinga habitats.