Exposure to progesterone before an ovulation synchronization protocol increases the follicular diameter and fertility of multiparous suckled Bos taurus cows.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of administering injectable progesterone (P4i) before a timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocol on the follicular growth, ovulation, and pregnancy rate of Bos taurus suckled cows. The effect of P4i administration before the TAI on the pregnancy rate (P/AI) was evaluated in 576 suckled Bos taurus cows at 30-90 days postpartum. In addition, the effect of P4i administration before TAI on follicular dynamics was evaluated in subgroup of 401 suckled Bos taurus cows. On Day -10 (D-10), cows were divided into two experimental groups (Control and P4i). In this moment, P4i cows received i.m. 150 mg of injectable long-action progesterone. After that, both experimental groups received a synchronization protocol (Day 0; D0) that consisted of administration i.m. of 2 mg of estradiol benzoate and a progesterone intravaginal insert on D0. On Day 8 (D8), the progesterone insert was removed, and the cows received 500 µg of cloprostenol, 400 IU of eCG, and 1 mg of estradiol cypionate. TAI was performed 48 h after the removal of the progesterone insert. The ultrasound exams were performed in a subgroup of cows on Days 0, 8, 10 and 12 to evaluate the diameter of the largest follicle, rate of follicular growth and risks of single and double ovulation. The pregnancy diagnosis was performed 30 days after TAI in all cows to determine the pregnancy rate. The diameter of the largest follicle, on D10 (P = 0.84), rate of follicular growth (P = 0.14), ovulation rate (P = 0.40) and double ovulation rates (P = 0.23) did not differ between experimental groups. The pregnancy rate was greater in the P4i group [Control 46.2 % (133/288) vs. P4i 55.6 % (160/288); P = 0.03]. The diameter of the largest follicles (LF) on D0 (Control 11.6 ± 0.2 vs. P4i 13.3 ± 0.3) was greater (P = 0.01) in the P4i group. In conclusion, injectable progesterone before the ovulation synchronization protocol increased the diameter of the largest follicle on the D0 and the pregnancy rate in multiparous Bos taurus suckled beef cows.

Neck circumference and the burden of metabolic syndrome disease: a population-based sample.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to verify the association between neck circumference (NC) and metabolic syndrome and establish NC cut-off points to predict metabolic syndrome. METHODS: Weight, height, NC, waist circumference, body mass index, fasting plasma glucose, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure were measured in a cross-sectional and population-based study with 966 adults. The association between NC and the burden of metabolic syndrome disease was evaluated by multinomial logistic regression. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to acquire gender-specific cut-off values and predict metabolic syndrome. The NC is a simple anthropometric measurement, has low evaluation costs, can estimate the subcutaneous fat in the upper body and is related to cardiometabolic risks. RESULTS: NC is an independent predictor of metabolic syndrome burden with high association to women. The syndrome components stratification indicated that the NC of individuals with one component was lower than those with three or more (P = 0.001). Metabolic syndrome prediction cut-off point was a NC of 39.5 cm for men and 33.3 cm for women. CONCLUSIONS: Increased NC was associated with higher metabolic syndrome risks. This anthropometric parameter can be used as an additional marker for screening cardiovascular risk diseases.

Seed-dispersing bird assemblages in riparian environments of a partially urbanized river basin, Southeastern Brazil / Assembleias de aves dispersoras de sementes em ambientes ripários de uma bacia hidrográfica parcialmente urbanizada, no sudoeste brasileiro

Abstract Birds play a key role in ecosystem dynamics, including urban and rural areas, bringing environmental quality improvements and ecological stability. Species contribute directly to natural regeneration of vegetation and succession processes, by offering ecosystem services as seed dispersal, an important role in human-modified areas. We studied the assemblages of fruit-eating birds in riparian environments of Monjolinho basin, central São Paulo state, southeastern Brazil. Birds were recorded in 41 points distributed in riparian ecosystems alongside waterbodies, in landscapes with five types of surrounding matrices: urban, periurban, farmland, and native vegetation. We described how assemblages are structured aiming to evaluate the possible influence of seasonality and landscape type. We recorded 39 bird species that can play a role as seed-dispersers, 32 in wet season and 32 in dry season. There were no significant differences in the diversity and dominance of species between seasons considering the entire area, indicating stability of basic assemblage structure. However, total number of individuals of all species recorded in different landscapes were influenced by seasonality. Also, the composition and abundance of species significantly changed between seasons, leading to a high dissimilarity with almost 50% of the species contributing with almost 90% of the observed variation. A higher taxonomic diversity and distinctness pointed to a wider array of possible seed dispersal services in natural areas, while the lowest values of indexes were found in human-modified areas. The higher number of non-related bird species during dry season contrasted with the higher number of individuals during wet season, indicating that there is more possible ecosystem services offered by frugivorous birds in driest period of the year, while in the rainy period the carrying capacity of the riparian environments was increased.

Resumo As aves desempenham um papel chave na dinâmica dos ecossistemas, incluindo áreas urbanas e rurais, e trazem melhorias na qualidade ambiental e estabilidade ecológica. As espécies contribuem diretamente com a regeneração natural da vegetação e processos de sucessão por oferecerem serviços ecossistêmicos como a dispersão de sementes, um papel fundamental em áreas alteradas. Nós estudamos a assembleia de espécies de aves que se alimentam de frutos em ambientes ripários da bacia do rio Monjolinho, região central do estado de São Paulo, sudeste do Brasil. As aves foram registradas em 41 pontos distribuídos em ecossistemas ripários ao longo dos corpos d'água, em paisagens com quatro tipos de matrizes em seu entorno: urbana, periurbana, rural e vegetação nativa. Nós descrevemos como as assembleias estão estruturadas, objetivando avaliar a possível influência da sazonalidade e do tipo de paisagem do entorno. Foram registradas 39 espécies de aves que podem desempenhar o papel de dispersoras de sementes, sendo 32 espécies no período chuvoso e 32 no período seco. Não foi detectada diferença significativa na diversidade e dominância de espécies entre estações em toda área de estudo, indicando estabilidade da estrutura básica das assembleias. Entretanto, o número total de indivíduos de todas as espécies registrados nas diferentes paisagens foi influenciado pela sazonalidade. Além disso, a composição e abundância de espécies mudou significativamente entre as estações, levando a uma alta dissimilaridade com quase 50% das espécies contribuindo com quase 90% da variação observada. A diversidade e distinção taxonômicas mais altas apontam para maior variedade de serviços ecossistêmicos possíveis relacionados à dispersão de sementes em áreas naturais, enquanto os menores valores desses índices foram encontrados em áreas antropizadas. Um maior número de espécies distintas com menor proximidade taxonômica durante a estação seca, em contraste com um alto número de indivíduos observados na estação chuvosa, indica que existe uma maior gama de possíveis serviços ecossistêmicos oferecidos pelas aves frugívoras no período mais seco do ano, enquanto no período de maior pluviosidade os ecossistemas apresentaram maior capacidade suporte.

Hummingbird (Aves: Trochilidae) assemblage using resources from the exotic African tuliptree, Spathodea campanulata (Bignoniaceae) in a Neotropical altered environment, southeastern Brazil / Assembleia de beija-flores (Aves: Trochilidae) utilizando recursos da árvore exótica tulipa africana, Spathodea campanulata (Bignoniaceae) em um ambiente Neotropical alterado, sudeste do Brasil

Abstract The non-native African tuliptree, Spathodea campanulata (P. Beauv), is widely distributed in altered Neotropical environments, where hummingbirds are important pollinators. We investigated the assemblage of hummingbirds which fed on its nectar and described their behavior, to understand possible influences of the exotic tree on the territorial behavior in an altered environment in southeastern Brazil. Seven species fed on flower resources, mainly Eupetomena macroura (Gmelin, 1788), Amazilia lactea (Lesson, 1832), and Florisuga fusca (Vieillot, 1817). Visiting time was positive correlated with number of flowers accessed, but in most visits, hummingbirds get the nectar by pillage, instead of frontal access. Flower availability varied throughout months; however, we found no evidence of significative correlation between available flowers and number of agonistic encounters. Despite a high number of animal-plant interactions and a strong territorialism of some species observed in African tuliptree foraging site, there may be other plants at local scale influencing the behavioral patterns observed.

Resumo A tulipa africana, Spathodea campanulata (P. Beauv), é uma árvore não nativa amplamente distribuída em ambientes Neotropicais alterados, onde os beija-flores são importantes polinizadores. Investigamos a assembleia de beija-flores que se alimentam do néctar e descrevemos seus comportamentos para compreender possíveis influências da árvore exótica sobre o comportamento territorial em um ambiente alterado no sudeste do Brasil. Sete espécies se alimentaram de recursos florais, principalmente Eupetomena macroura (Gmelin, 1788), Amazilia lactea (Lesson, 1832) e Florisuga fusca (Vieillot, 1817). O tempo de visita foi correlacionado positivamente com o número de flores acessadas, mas na maioria das visitas os beija-flores obtiveram o néctar pela pilhagem, em vez do acesso frontal. A disponibilidade de flores variou ao longo dos meses; no entanto, não encontramos evidências de correlação significativa entre flores disponíveis e número de encontros agonísticos. Apesar do grande número de interações entre plantas e animais e um forte territorialismo de algumas espécies observadas no local de forrageamento, pode haver outras plantas em escala local influenciando os padrões comportamentais observados.

Hummingbird (Aves: Trochilidae) assemblage using resources from the exotic African tuliptree, Spathodea campanulata (Bignoniaceae) in a Neotropical altered environment, southeastern Brazil.

The non-native African tuliptree, Spathodea campanulata (P. Beauv), is widely distributed in altered Neotropical environments, where hummingbirds are important pollinators. We investigated the assemblage of hummingbirds which fed on its nectar and described their behavior, to understand possible influences of the exotic tree on the territorial behavior in an altered environment in southeastern Brazil. Seven species fed on flower resources, mainly Eupetomena macroura (Gmelin, 1788), Amazilia lactea (Lesson, 1832), and Florisuga fusca (Vieillot, 1817). Visiting time was positive correlated with number of flowers accessed, but in most visits, hummingbirds get the nectar by pillage, instead of frontal access. Flower availability varied throughout months; however, we found no evidence of significative correlation between available flowers and number of agonistic encounters. Despite a high number of animal-plant interactions and a strong territorialism of some species observed in African tuliptree foraging site, there may be other plants at local scale influencing the behavioral patterns observed.

Seed-dispersing bird assemblages in riparian environments of a partially urbanized river basin, Southeastern Brazil.

Birds play a key role in ecosystem dynamics, including urban and rural areas, bringing environmental quality improvements and ecological stability. Species contribute directly to natural regeneration of vegetation and succession processes, by offering ecosystem services as seed dispersal, an important role in human-modified areas. We studied the assemblages of fruit-eating birds in riparian environments of Monjolinho basin, central São Paulo state, southeastern Brazil. Birds were recorded in 41 points distributed in riparian ecosystems alongside waterbodies, in landscapes with five types of surrounding matrices: urban, periurban, farmland, and native vegetation. We described how assemblages are structured aiming to evaluate the possible influence of seasonality and landscape type. We recorded 39 bird species that can play a role as seed-dispersers, 32 in wet season and 32 in dry season. There were no significant differences in the diversity and dominance of species between seasons considering the entire area, indicating stability of basic assemblage structure. However, total number of individuals of all species recorded in different landscapes were influenced by seasonality. Also, the composition and abundance of species significantly changed between seasons, leading to a high dissimilarity with almost 50% of the species contributing with almost 90% of the observed variation. A higher taxonomic diversity and distinctness pointed to a wider array of possible seed dispersal services in natural areas, while the lowest values of indexes were found in human-modified areas. The higher number of non-related bird species during dry season contrasted with the higher number of individuals during wet season, indicating that there is more possible ecosystem services offered by frugivorous birds in driest period of the year, while in the rainy period the carrying capacity of the riparian environments was increased.

Brasilia tapaculo (Scytalopus novacapitalis) seasonality and site occupancy in altitudinal riparian environments after non-natural burnings and feral pig invasion in Serra da Canastra National Park, Brazil.

The Brasilia Tapaculo, Scytalopus novacapitalis Sick, 1958, is a rare, geographically restricted, and endangered bird species that inhabits riparian vegetation of Cerrado, mainly Gallery Forests. In Serra da Canastra National Park, southeastern Brazil, wetlands are under threat due to frequent non-natural burnings and invasion by feral pigs, Sus scrofa, Linnaeus, 1758. We aimed to evaluate the possible effects of seasonal variations on S. novacapitalis records in undisturbed habitats and answer questions about how fire and feral pigs may affect site occupancy of the species. Transects alongside riparian environments were used to survey n=21 sites, totalizing 7.5 Km, from 2014 to 2019. Results indicated the season influenced both, spontaneous records and induced encounters by playback method, which were more abundant in breeding period, from early spring to summer. The use of playback significantly increased the amount of records in all seasons. The probability of site occupancy in all studied area was higher in late spring (ψ=0.91) and lower in autumn (ψ=0.73). In burned sites (n=8), the first post-fire month showed the lowest probability of occupancy, but there was a rapid recovery in 2nd month and stabilization similar to control area from the 3rd month ahead. After sites (n=11) were invaded by feral pigs, the estimation of site occupancy indicated a slight drop in first two months, but after the 3rd month of invasion the decreasing pattern enhanced the discrepancy with undisturbed areas. It is important to keep monitoring S. novacapitalis population and their threats, to subsidize management actions, especially to avoid frequently unusual burnings in riparian forests, and to block the access of feral pigs to wetlands.

Brasilia tapaculo (Scytalopus novacapitalis) seasonality and site occupancy in altitudinal riparian environments after non-natural burnings and feral pig invasion in Serra da Canastra National Park, Brazil / Sazonalidade do Tapaculo-de-Brasília (Scytalopus novacapitalis) e ocupação de área em ambientes ripários de altitude após queimadas não naturais e invasão por javaporco no Parque Nacional da Serra da Canastra, Brasil

The Brasilia Tapaculo, Scytalopus novacapitalis Sick, 1958, is a rare, geographically restricted, and endangered bird species that inhabits riparian vegetation of Cerrado, mainly Gallery Forests. In Serra da Canastra National Park, southeastern Brazil, wetlands are under threat due to frequent non-natural burnings and invasion by feral pigs, Sus scrofa, Linnaeus, 1758. We aimed to evaluate the possible effects of seasonal variations on S. novacapitalis records in undisturbed habitats and answer questions about how fire and feral pigs may affect site occupancy of the species. Transects alongside riparian environments were used to survey n=21 sites, totalizing 7.5 Km, from 2014 to 2019. Results indicated the season influenced both, spontaneous records and induced encounters by playback method, which were more abundant in breeding period, from early spring to summer. The use of playback significantly increased the amount of records in all seasons. The probability of site occupancy in all studied area was higher in late spring (ψ=0.91) and lower in autumn (ψ=0.73). In burned sites (n=8), the first post-fire month showed the lowest probability of occupancy, but there was a rapid recovery in 2nd month and stabilization similar to control area from the 3rd month ahead. After sites (n=11) were invaded by feral pigs, the estimation of site occupancy indicated a slight drop in first two months, but after the 3rd month of invasion the decreasing pattern enhanced the discrepancy with undisturbed areas. It is important to keep monitoring S. novacapitalis population and their threats, to subsidize management actions, especially to avoid frequently unusual burnings in riparian forests, and to block the access of feral pigs to wetlands.

O tapaculo-de-Brasília, Scytalopus novacapitalis, Sick 1958, é uma espécie de ave rara, geograficamente restrita e ameaçada de extinção que habita vegetação ripária do Cerrado, principalmente matas de galeria. No Parque Nacional da Serra da Canastra, sudeste do Brasil, áreas úmidas estão ameaçadas devido a frequentes queimadas não naturais e a invasão por javaporco, Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758. Avaliamos os possíveis efeitos da sazonalidade na quantidade de registros de S. novacapitalis em habitats sem perturbação e buscamos responder questões sobre como o fogo e a invasão por javaporco pode afetar a ocupação de área pela ave. Transecções paralelas aos ambientes ripários foram usadas para amostrar n=21 áreas, totalizando 7,5 km, de 2014 a 2019. Os resultados indicaram que a estação do ano influenciou na quantidade de registros espontâneos e de registros induzidos por playback, os quais foram mais abundantes durante o período reprodutivo. O uso de playback aumentou significativamente a quantidade de registros em todas as estações. A probabilidade de ocupação considerando toda área de estudo foi maior no fim da primavera (ψ=0,91) e menor no outono (ψ=0,73). Em áreas queimadas (n=8 trechos), o primeiro mês após o fogo apresentou a menor probabilidade de ocupação, mas houve uma rápida recuperação no 2º mês, e estabilização similar na área controle a partir do 3º mês. Após n=11 trechos terem sido invadidos por javaporcos, a estimativa de ocupação de área indicou pequena queda nos dois primeiros meses, mas a partir do 3º mês, o padrão de decréscimo ampliou a discrepância com áreas não perturbadas. É importante continuar monitorando a população de S. novacapitalis e suas ameaças, para subsidiar ações de manejo, principalmente para evitar queimadas não naturais frequentes nas florestas ripárias e bloquear o acesso de javaporcos às áreas úmidas.

Preparation of nano-hydroxyapatite/chitosan aqueous dispersions: From lab scale to continuous production using an innovative static mixer.

Chitosan is widely used in the preparation of organic-inorganic composite materials, such as n-HAp/CS composites, which find application for bone regeneration. The methods for their preparation are various, and usually based on the preparation of intermediate n-HAp/CS dispersions, which can greatly influence the final properties of the resulting composites since it is expected that homogenous and stable dispersions lead to composite materials with improved final properties. This work hypothesizes that, additionally to process parameters such as pH, n-HAp/CS weight ratio, mixing conditions and the presence of salts, chitosan itself has a high impact on dispersions stability. Thus, the importance of properly control the preparation of the n-HAp/CS intermediate dispersions is highlighted by doing a systematic study where relevant processing parameters were studied at lab scale using ultrasonication, alone or in the presence of chitosan, namely on particle size and zeta potential. Furthermore, and based on the best laboratorial conditions, the production of n-HAp/CS nanocomposite dispersions in continuous mode was attempted through NETmix® technology, an innovative static mixer and reactor developed at the Associate Laboratory LSRE-LCM of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP).

Supercritical CO2 assisted process for the production of high-purity and sterile nano-hydroxyapatite/chitosan hybrid scaffolds.

Hybrid scaffolds composed of hydroxyapatite (HAp), in particular in its nanometric form (n-HAp), and chitosan (CS) are promising materials for non-load-bearing bone graft applications. The main constraints of their production concern the successful implementation of the final purification/neutralization and sterilization steps. Often, the used purification strategies can compromise scaffold structural features, and conventional sterilization techniques can result in material's thermal degradation and/or contamination with toxic residues. In this context, this work presents a process to produce n-HAp/CS scaffolds mimicking bone composition and structure, where an innovative single step based on supercritical CO2 extraction was used for both purification and sterilization. A removal of 80% of the residual acetic acid was obtained (T = 75°C, p = 8.0 MPa, 2 extraction cycles of 2 h) giving rise to scaffolds exhibiting adequate interconnected porous structure, fast swelling and storage modulus compatible with non-load-bearing applications. Moreover, the obtained scaffolds showed cytocompatibility and osteoconductivity without further need of disinfection/sterilization procedures. Among the main advantages, the proposed process comprises only three steps (n-HAp/CS dispersion preparation; freeze-drying; and supercritical CO2 extraction), and the supercritical CO2 extraction show clear advantages over currently used procedures based on neutralization steps. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 965-975, 2018.

SNP detection using RNA-sequences of candidate genes associated with puberty in cattle.

Fertility traits, such as heifer pregnancy, are economically important in cattle production systems, and are therefore, used in genetic selection programs. The aim of this study was to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) data from ovary, uterus, endometrium, pituitary gland, hypothalamus, liver, longissimus dorsi muscle, and adipose tissue in 62 candidate genes associated with heifer puberty in cattle. RNA-Seq reads were assembled to the bovine reference genome (UMD 3.1.1) and analyzed in five cattle breeds; Brangus, Brahman, Nellore, Angus, and Holstein. Two approaches used the Brangus data for SNP discovery 1) pooling all samples, and 2) within each individual sample. These approaches revealed 1157 SNPs. These were compared with those identified in the pooled samples of the other breeds. Overall, 172 SNPs within 13 genes (CPNE5, FAM19A4, FOXN4, KLF1, LOC777593, MGC157266, NEBL, NRXN3, PEPT-1, PPP3CA, SCG5, TSG101, and TSHR) were concordant in the five breeds. Using Ensembl's Variant Effector Predictor, we determined that 12% of SNPs were in exons (71% synonymous, 29% nonsynonymous), 1% were in untranslated regions (UTRs), 86% were in introns, and 1% were in intergenic regions. Since these SNPs were discovered in RNA, the variants were predicted to be within exons or UTRs. Overall, 160 novel transcripts in 42 candidate genes and five novel genes overlapping five candidate genes were observed. In conclusion, 1157 SNPs were identified in 62 candidate genes associated with puberty in Brangus cattle, of which, 172 were concordant in the five cattle breeds. Novel transcripts and genes were also identified.

Hummingbird (Aves: Trochilidae) assemblage using resources from the exotic African tuliptree, Spathodea campanulata (Bignoniaceae) in a Neotropical altered environment, southeastern Brazil

Abstract The non-native African tuliptree, Spathodea campanulata (P. Beauv), is widely distributed in altered Neotropical environments, where hummingbirds are important pollinators. We investigated the assemblage of hummingbirds which fed on its nectar and described their behavior, to understand possible influences of the exotic tree on the territorial behavior in an altered environment in southeastern Brazil. Seven species fed on flower resources, mainly Eupetomena macroura (Gmelin, 1788), Amazilia lactea (Lesson, 1832), and Florisuga fusca (Vieillot, 1817). Visiting time was positive correlated with number of flowers accessed, but in most visits, hummingbirds get the nectar by pillage, instead of frontal access. Flower availability varied throughout months; however, we found no evidence of significative correlation between available flowers and number of agonistic encounters. Despite a high number of animal-plant interactions and a strong territorialism of some species observed in African tuliptree foraging site, there may be other plants at local scale influencing the behavioral patterns observed.

Resumo A tulipa africana, Spathodea campanulata (P. Beauv), é uma árvore não nativa amplamente distribuída em ambientes Neotropicais alterados, onde os beija-flores são importantes polinizadores. Investigamos a assembleia de beija-flores que se alimentam do néctar e descrevemos seus comportamentos para compreender possíveis influências da árvore exótica sobre o comportamento territorial em um ambiente alterado no sudeste do Brasil. Sete espécies se alimentaram de recursos florais, principalmente Eupetomena macroura (Gmelin, 1788), Amazilia lactea (Lesson, 1832) e Florisuga fusca (Vieillot, 1817). O tempo de visita foi correlacionado positivamente com o número de flores acessadas, mas na maioria das visitas os beija-flores obtiveram o néctar pela pilhagem, em vez do acesso frontal. A disponibilidade de flores variou ao longo dos meses; no entanto, não encontramos evidências de correlação significativa entre flores disponíveis e número de encontros agonísticos. Apesar do grande número de interações entre plantas e animais e um forte territorialismo de algumas espécies observadas no local de forrageamento, pode haver outras plantas em escala local influenciando os padrões comportamentais observados.

Brasilia tapaculo (Scytalopus novacapitalis) seasonality and site occupancy in altitudinal riparian environments after non-natural burnings and feral pig invasion in Serra da Canastra National Park, Brazil

Abstract The Brasilia Tapaculo, Scytalopus novacapitalis Sick, 1958, is a rare, geographically restricted, and endangered bird species that inhabits riparian vegetation of Cerrado, mainly Gallery Forests. In Serra da Canastra National Park, southeastern Brazil, wetlands are under threat due to frequent non-natural burnings and invasion by feral pigs, Sus scrofa, Linnaeus, 1758. We aimed to evaluate the possible effects of seasonal variations on S. novacapitalis records in undisturbed habitats and answer questions about how fire and feral pigs may affect site occupancy of the species. Transects alongside riparian environments were used to survey n=21 sites, totalizing 7.5 Km, from 2014 to 2019. Results indicated the season influenced both, spontaneous records and induced encounters by playback method, which were more abundant in breeding period, from early spring to summer. The use of playback significantly increased the amount of records in all seasons. The probability of site occupancy in all studied area was higher in late spring (=0.91) and lower in autumn (=0.73). In burned sites (n=8), the first post-fire month showed the lowest probability of occupancy, but there was a rapid recovery in 2nd month and stabilization similar to control area from the 3rd month ahead. After sites (n=11) were invaded by feral pigs, the estimation of site occupancy indicated a slight drop in first two months, but after the 3rd month of invasion the decreasing pattern enhanced the discrepancy with undisturbed areas. It is important to keep monitoring S. novacapitalis population and their threats, to subsidize management actions, especially to avoid frequently unusual burnings in riparian forests, and to block the access of feral pigs to wetlands.

Resumo O tapaculo-de-Brasília, Scytalopus novacapitalis, Sick 1958, é uma espécie de ave rara, geograficamente restrita e ameaçada de extinção que habita vegetação ripária do Cerrado, principalmente matas de galeria. No Parque Nacional da Serra da Canastra, sudeste do Brasil, áreas úmidas estão ameaçadas devido a frequentes queimadas não naturais e a invasão por javaporco, Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758. Avaliamos os possíveis efeitos da sazonalidade na quantidade de registros de S. novacapitalis em habitats sem perturbação e buscamos responder questões sobre como o fogo e a invasão por javaporco pode afetar a ocupação de área pela ave. Transecções paralelas aos ambientes ripários foram usadas para amostrar n=21 áreas, totalizando 7,5 km, de 2014 a 2019. Os resultados indicaram que a estação do ano influenciou na quantidade de registros espontâneos e de registros induzidos por playback, os quais foram mais abundantes durante o período reprodutivo. O uso de playback aumentou significativamente a quantidade de registros em todas as estações. A probabilidade de ocupação considerando toda área de estudo foi maior no fim da primavera (=0,91) e menor no outono (=0,73). Em áreas queimadas (n=8 trechos), o primeiro mês após o fogo apresentou a menor probabilidade de ocupação, mas houve uma rápida recuperação no 2º mês, e estabilização similar na área controle a partir do 3º mês. Após n=11 trechos terem sido invadidos por javaporcos, a estimativa de ocupação de área indicou pequena queda nos dois primeiros meses, mas a partir do 3º mês, o padrão de decréscimo ampliou a discrepância com áreas não perturbadas. É importante continuar monitorando a população de S. novacapitalis e suas ameaças, para subsidiar ações de manejo, principalmente para evitar queimadas não naturais frequentes nas florestas ripárias e bloquear o acesso de javaporcos às áreas úmidas.

Seed-dispersing bird assemblages in riparian environments of a partially urbanized river basin, Southeastern Brazil

Abstract Birds play a key role in ecosystem dynamics, including urban and rural areas, bringing environmental quality improvements and ecological stability. Species contribute directly to natural regeneration of vegetation and succession processes, by offering ecosystem services as seed dispersal, an important role in human-modified areas. We studied the assemblages of fruit-eating birds in riparian environments of Monjolinho basin, central São Paulo state, southeastern Brazil. Birds were recorded in 41 points distributed in riparian ecosystems alongside waterbodies, in landscapes with five types of surrounding matrices: urban, periurban, farmland, and native vegetation. We described how assemblages are structured aiming to evaluate the possible influence of seasonality and landscape type. We recorded 39 bird species that can play a role as seed-dispersers, 32 in wet season and 32 in dry season. There were no significant differences in the diversity and dominance of species between seasons considering the entire area, indicating stability of basic assemblage structure. However, total number of individuals of all species recorded in different landscapes were influenced by seasonality. Also, the composition and abundance of species significantly changed between seasons, leading to a high dissimilarity with almost 50% of the species contributing with almost 90% of the observed variation. A higher taxonomic diversity and distinctness pointed to a wider array of possible seed dispersal services in natural areas, while the lowest values of indexes were found in human-modified areas. The higher number of non-related bird species during dry season contrasted with the higher number of individuals during wet season, indicating that there is more possible ecosystem services offered by frugivorous birds in driest period of the year, while in the rainy period the carrying capacity of the riparian environments was increased.

Resumo As aves desempenham um papel chave na dinâmica dos ecossistemas, incluindo áreas urbanas e rurais, e trazem melhorias na qualidade ambiental e estabilidade ecológica. As espécies contribuem diretamente com a regeneração natural da vegetação e processos de sucessão por oferecerem serviços ecossistêmicos como a dispersão de sementes, um papel fundamental em áreas alteradas. Nós estudamos a assembleia de espécies de aves que se alimentam de frutos em ambientes ripários da bacia do rio Monjolinho, região central do estado de São Paulo, sudeste do Brasil. As aves foram registradas em 41 pontos distribuídos em ecossistemas ripários ao longo dos corpos dágua, em paisagens com quatro tipos de matrizes em seu entorno: urbana, periurbana, rural e vegetação nativa. Nós descrevemos como as assembleias estão estruturadas, objetivando avaliar a possível influência da sazonalidade e do tipo de paisagem do entorno. Foram registradas 39 espécies de aves que podem desempenhar o papel de dispersoras de sementes, sendo 32 espécies no período chuvoso e 32 no período seco. Não foi detectada diferença significativa na diversidade e dominância de espécies entre estações em toda área de estudo, indicando estabilidade da estrutura básica das assembleias. Entretanto, o número total de indivíduos de todas as espécies registrados nas diferentes paisagens foi influenciado pela sazonalidade. Além disso, a composição e abundância de espécies mudou significativamente entre as estações, levando a uma alta dissimilaridade com quase 50% das espécies contribuindo com quase 90% da variação observada. A diversidade e distinção taxonômicas mais altas apontam para maior variedade de serviços ecossistêmicos possíveis relacionados à dispersão de sementes em áreas naturais, enquanto os menores valores desses índices foram encontrados em áreas antropizadas. Um maior número de espécies distintas com menor proximidade taxonômica durante a estação seca, em contraste com um alto número de indivíduos observados na estação chuvosa, indica que existe uma maior gama de possíveis serviços ecossistêmicos oferecidos pelas aves frugívoras no período mais seco do ano, enquanto no período de maior pluviosidade os ecossistemas apresentaram maior capacidade suporte.

Use of perches and seed dispersal by birds in an abandoned pasture in the Porto Ferreira state park, southeastern Brazil.

We investigated the efficiency of different kinds of perches in attracting seed disperser-birds and increasing the seed rain in a degraded area located in the northeast region of São Paulo State. We installed seed traps under natural perches (NPs, living trees); simple artificial perches (SAPs) of 3m tall and a crossbar; elaborate artificial perches (EAPs) of 7m tall and three crossbars, and in a control area. Results showed the number of bird-dispersed seeds deposited was proportional to the number of structures for perching. The NPs also have provided other resources for birds such as food and shelter. Comparing visitation between artificial perches, there was greater use of EAPs also for having more perching structures and for being taller, providing better airspace visibility for predatory birds and tyrant-flycatchers, important seed dispersers. Thus, natural and artificial perches with similar characteristics to the EAPs are the most recommended as a base or complementary method for the restoration of degraded areas near to propagules source, also contributing to the maintenance of local fauna.

Use of perches and seed dispersal by birds in an abandoned pasture in the Porto Ferreira state park, southeastern Brazil / Uso de poleiros e dispersão de sementes por aves em um pasto abandonado no Parque Estadual de Porto Ferreira, sudeste do Brasil

Abstract We investigated the efficiency of different kinds of perches in attracting seed disperser-birds and increasing the seed rain in a degraded area located in the northeast region of São Paulo State. We installed seed traps under natural perches (NPs, living trees); simple artificial perches (SAPs) of 3m tall and a crossbar; elaborate artificial perches (EAPs) of 7m tall and three crossbars, and in a control area. Results showed the number of bird-dispersed seeds deposited was proportional to the number of structures for perching. The NPs also have provided other resources for birds such as food and shelter. Comparing visitation between artificial perches, there was greater use of EAPs also for having more perching structures and for being taller, providing better airspace visibility for predatory birds and tyrant-flycatchers, important seed dispersers. Thus, natural and artificial perches with similar characteristics to the EAPs are the most recommended as a base or complementary method for the restoration of degraded areas near to propagules source, also contributing to the maintenance of local fauna.

Resumo Investigamos a eficiência de diferentes modelos de poleiros na atração de aves dispersoras e no incremento da chuva de sementes em uma área degradada localizada na região nordeste do Estado de São Paulo. Instalamos coletores de sementes sob poleiros naturais (PNs, árvores vivas); poleiros artificiais simples (PASs), com 3m de altura e um ponto de pouso; poleiros artificiais elaborados (PAEs), com 7m de altura e três pontos de pouso e coletores em área aberta (testemunha). Verificamos que o número de sementes ornitocóricas depositadas nos coletores aumentou proporcionalmente à quantidade de estruturas de pouso dos poleiros. Os PNs também disponibilizaram outros recursos para a avifauna, como alimento e abrigo. Comparando-se a visitação entre os poleiros artificiais, houve maior utilização dos PAEs que, além de apresentarem mais pontos de pouso, são mais altos, fornecendo melhor visibilidade do espaço aéreo para aves predadoras e que apanham insetos em vôo, como os tiranídeos, importantes dispersores de sementes. Neste sentido, poleiros naturais e artificiais com características similares aos PAEs são os mais recomendados como método base ou complementar na restauração de áreas degradadas próximas a fontes de propágulos, contribuindo também para a manutenção da fauna local.

Genetic association of productive and reproductive traits with stayability in Nellore cattle: analysis using Bayesian models.

We evaluated the genetic association of growth traits [weight adjusted to 205 days of age (W205), 365 days of age (W365), and 550 days of age (W550); weight gain between 205 days of age and 365 days of age (WG1) and between 365 days of age and 550 days of age (WG2)] and reproductive traits [age at first calving (AFC); first calving interval (FCI)] with stayability in the herd (STAY), using Bayesian inference in linear and threshold models. We defined STAY as the probability of a cow calving three or more times before the age of 76 months, given that she had calved at least once. We assigned binary codes (0, failure; 1, success) to each female. We used a sire model for analysis and formed different contemporary groups for the investigated traits. We analyzed the results by applying a two-trait sire model that included STAY (threshold trait) and linear traits (W205, W365, W550, WG1, WG2, AFC, and FCI). We used Gibbs sampling to estimate variance components and heritabilities. In all the analyses, we found that the mean heritability estimates for STAY were of moderate magnitude (0.20-0.25). The mean heritabilities for W205, W365, W550, WG1, WG2, AFC, and FCI were 0.20, 0.23, 0.39, 0.08, 0.14, 0.12, and 0.11, respectively. We observed wide variation in the posterior distributions of genetic correlations; however, with the exception of those obtained for the reproductive traits, the mean estimates were of low magnitude. Selection for WG2 can results in favorable correlated response in STAY.

Study on the Hymenoptera parasitoid associated with Lepidoptera larvae in reforestation and agrosilvopastoral systems at Fazenda Canchim (Embrapa Pecuária Sudeste) São Carlos, SP, Brazil.

The aim of this study was to characterize the local fauna of Hymenoptera parasitoids associated with Lepidoptera larvae in areas of reforestation and agrosilvopastoral systems at Fazenda Canchim (Embrapa Pecuária Sudeste, São Carlos, SP, Brazil). Lepidoptera larvae collected with entomological umbrella were kept in the laboratory until emergence of adults or their parasitoids. From those collected in the agrosilvopastoral system, emerged 267 specimens of hymenopteran parasitoids belonging to 16 genera: Braconidae, Agathidinae (Alabagrus), Braconinae (Bracon), Microgastrinae (Cotesia, Diolcogaster, Glyptapanteles, Pholetesor and Protapanteles), Orgilinae (Orgilus); Ichneumonidae, Campopleginae (Casinaria, Charops and Microcharops); Chalcididae, Chalcidinae (Brachymeria and Conura); Eulophidae, Entedoninae (Horismenus), Eulophinae (Elachertus and Euplectrus). From the Lepidoptera larvae collected in the reforestation, emerged 68 specimens of hymenopteran parasitoids, belonging to 8 genera: Chalcididae, Chalcidinae (Conura); Ichneumonidae, Pimplinae (Neotheronia), Campopleginae (Charops and Microcharops) and Braconidae, Microgastrinae (Apanteles, Diolcogaster, Distatrix, Glyptapanteles and Protapanteles). The results of this study suggest the occurrence of a wide variety of Hymenoptera parasitoids in the studied environments.