Variación espacio-temporal de la diversidad de escarabajos Geadephaga (Coleoptera: Carabidae, Cicindelidae) en el bosque seco tropical del Caribe colombiano / Spatio-temporal variation in the diversity of Geadephaga beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae, Cicindelidae), in the tropical dry forest of the Colombian Caribbean

Resumen Introducción: El uso de artrópodos en estudios ecológicos en el bosque seco tropical (Bs-T) de Colombia se centra mayormente en arañas, mariposas, hormigas y escarabajos coprófagos; por lo tanto, es necesario comprender como es la dinámica estacional de otros grupos como Geadephaga en este ecosistema. Objetivo: Evaluar la variación espacio-temporal y el efecto de las condiciones ambientales sobre la diversidad de las comunidades de Geadephaga en dos fragmentos de Bs-T en el Caribe colombiano. Métodos: El estudio se llevó a cabo en cuatro eventos de muestreo entre febrero y junio de 2018; cada uno con una duración de cuatro días y cuatro noches. En cada localidad (Reserva Campesina La Montaña = RCM y Reserva La Flecha = RLF), se marcaron cuatro estaciones distanciadas 350 m, con parcelas de 50×50 m. En el centro de cada parcela se instaló una trampa de luz, mientras que en los cuatro vértices se instalaron trampas de caída, y se realizó captura manual, cernido de hojarasca y perturbación de follaje. Resultados: Se capturó un total de 348 ejemplares de Carabidae y 114 de Cicindelidae. La riqueza y la abundancia presentaron los valores más bajos durante el período seco, mientras que los mayores valores se observaron durante el período de lluvias, en ambos fragmentos. Tetracha affinis (Dejean, 1825) fue la especie más abundante en la RCM durante el período lluvioso. Conclusiones: La variación de la riqueza y abundancia de Geadephaga responde a un patrón estacional en ambos fragmentos. Se encontró una amplia disimilitud entre las comunidades de Geadephaga de ambos fragmentos, pese a tener condiciones ambientales parecidas.

Abstract Introduction: The use of arthropods in ecological studies in the tropical dry forest (TDF) of Colombia focused mainly on spiders, butterflies, ants, and dung beetles; therefore, it is necessary to understand the seasonal dynamics of the other groups such as Geadephaga in this ecosystem. Objective: To evaluate the spatio-temporal variations and the effect of environmental conditions on the diversity of the Geadephaga communities in two TDF fragments in the Colombian Caribbean. Methods: This study was conducted during four sampling events between February and June 2018, each lasting four days, and four nights. Four sampling stations were selected in each locality (Reserva Campesina La Montaña = RCM and Reserva La Flecha = RLF), separated 350 m one from another, with square plots of 50 × 50 m. A light trap was installed in the center of each square, while pitfall traps were installed in the four vertices, and manual capture, beating sheets and leaf litter sieve were carried out. Results: A total of 348 Carabidae and 114 of Cicindelidae were captured. In both fragments, the richness and abundance presented the lowest values in dry season, while the highest values were observed during the rainy season. Tetracha affinis (Dejean, 1825) was the most abundant species in RCM during rainy season. Conclusions: The richness variation and abundance of Geadephaga corresponds to a seasonal pattern at both locations. A high dissimilarity between the communities of Geadephaga from the two fragments was found, despite having similar environmental conditions.

Evaluation of Seasonal and Climatic Variations Associated With Femoral Fracture Incidence Among the Elderly Population in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Femur fractures represent a significant public health concern for individuals over 60 years of age. In Brazil, the incidence of these fractures has shown a rising trend in line with population aging. Besides intrinsic risk factors like osteoporosis, seasonal and climatic variables have been suggested to significantly influence the occurrence of these fractures. METHODS: Epidemiological data were sourced from the Hospital Information System of the Unified Health System (SIH-SUS) using the TABNET tool provided by the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS). Information on hospital admissions for femur fractures in individuals over 60 years, categorized by diagnosis, region, and month, was collected from 2008 to 2023. Climatic data were obtained from the Brazilian National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) for the period from 1991 to 2020. Monthly average temperatures were compared with epidemiological data and analyzed to uncover correlations using ANOVA and Tukey's honestly significant difference (HSD) test. RESULTS: During Brazil's winter months (June to August: 22.8 to 23.5º Celsius), average temperatures are at their lowest. This period also coincides with the peak incidence of femur fractures among the elderly. ANOVA revealed significant differences in fracture rates across various temperature ranges. Subsequent analysis using Tukey's HSD test identified significant differences between temperature ranges of 22-23°C and 25-26°C, as well as 23-24°C and 25-26°C. These results indicate that lower temperatures are associated with a higher incidence of femur fractures among the elderly. CONCLUSION: The analysis reveals a seasonal pattern in fracture incidence among older adults, with a notable increase during the colder months. To mitigate this risk, it is recommended to implement strategies such as heightened surveillance during colder months, targeted fall prevention measures, and effective osteoporosis management. These interventions aim to reduce the incidence of fractures in this vulnerable population.

Marine litter along the Peruvian coast: spatiotemporal composition, sources, hazard, and human modification relations.

Marine litter (ML) represents an escalating environmental issue, particularly in Latin America, where comprehensive studies are scarce despite critical solid waste management challenges and continuous human modification occurring on the coasts. To contribute to the knowledge of ML in the southeast Pacific, this study examined contamination across 10 beaches on Peru's extensive coast. Overall, ML contamination was categorized as moderate (with an ML concentration of 0.49 ± 0.64 items∙m-2), while significantly differing between summer (dirty with an ML concentration of 0.56 ± 0.66 items∙m-2) and winter (moderate with an ML concentration of 0.47 ± 0.60 items∙m-2). Three beaches were extremely dirty (concentrations of ML exceeded 1.0 items∙m-2). Predominant materials, items, and sources were plastic, cigarette butts (CBs), and mixed packaging. The Peruvian coast faced CB leachate impact (CBPI = 3.5 ± 3.5), reaching severe levels on two beaches, with considerable hazardous litter (HALI = 3.0 ± 2.9). Additionally, a higher degree of human modification was associated with higher ML levels along the coast.

Is it possible to replace eCG by GnRH in the hormonal protocol for timed artificial insemination in ewes during the breeding season?

Hormonal protocols based on progestogens and equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) are efficient for estrus and ovulation synchronization in ewes. Although eCG is indispensable during seasonal anestrus, it may not be necessary during the breeding season. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that GnRH is effective in replacing eCG during the breeding season allowing satisfactory ovulation rate, luteal function and conception rates after timed artificial insemination (TAI). Ewes (n = 134) with a minimum body condition score of 2.5 (0-5 scale) were treated with intravaginal devices (IVD) containing 60 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) for seven days and received 0.26 mg of sodium cloprostenol at the time of IVD removal. In Exp. 1, at IVD removal, ewes (n = 29) were allocated to three groups: eCG (200 IU at IVD removal; n = 10); eCG+GnRH (200 IU eCG at IVD removal and 4 µg of buserelin 36 h later; n = 10); or GnRH (buserelin 36 h after IVD removal; n = 9). Blood samples were collected 2, 6 and 12 days after TAI moment (54 h after IVD removal), for progesterone (P4) analysis. In Exp 2, the ewes were allocated to eCG (n = 10) or GnRH (n = 10) groups, as above described, and ovulation moment was evaluated 54, 66 and 78 h after IVD removal. In Exp 3, TAI was performed in ewes from eCG (n = 45) and GnRH (n = 40) groups using 100 × 106 motile spermatozoa from a pool of semen collected from four rams. In Exp. 1, based on P4 levels, we confirmed that all the ewes ovulated (29/29) and there was no significant effect of group (P = 0.89) or group x day (P = 0.18) on P4 concentration, being observed a significant effect of day (P = 0.0001). In Exp. 2, the maximum DF diameter (P = 0.26) and ovulation moment (P = 0.69) did not differ between groups. In Exp. 3, pregnancy rate was significantly lower (P = 0.02) in GnRH (22.5 %; 9/40) compared to eCG (46.7 %; 21/45). The results indicate that, although ovulation and luteal function were not altered after eCG, eCG+GnRH or GnRH treatment, GnRH alone before TAI cannot be used to replace eCG treatment during the breeding season.

Morphological traits explain the individual position within resource-consumer networks of a Neotropical marsupial.

Knowledge regarding the influence of individual traits on interaction patterns in nature can help understand the topological role of individuals within a network of intrapopulation interactions. We tested hypotheses on the relationships between individuals' positions within networks (specialization and centrality) of 4 populations of the mouse opossum Gracilinanus agilis and their traits (i.e., body length, body condition, tail length relative to body length, sex, reproductive condition, and botfly parasitism) and also seasonal effects in the Brazilian savanna. Individuals with lower body length, better body condition, and relatively shorter tail were more specialized (i.e., less connected within the network). Individuals were also more specialized and less connected during the warm-wet season. The relationship between individuals' position in the network and body traits, however, was independent of season. We propose that specialization may arise not only as a result of preferred feeding strategies by more capable individuals (i.e., those with better body condition and potentially prone to defend and access high-quality food resources) but also because of morphological constraints. Smaller/younger individuals (consequently with less experience in foraging) and short-tailed individuals (less skilled to explore the vertical strata of the vegetation) would feed only on a subset of the available food resources and consequently become more specialized. Moreover, individuals are more specialized during the warm-wet season because of high competition (population-dense period) and higher ecological opportunities (resource-rich period). Therefore, our study reveals the relevance of individual traits in shaping interaction patterns and specialization in populations.

Disentangling the seasonality effects of malaria transmission in the Brazilian Amazon basin.

The evidence of seasonal patterns in malaria epidemiology in the Brazilian Amazon basin indicates the need for a thorough investigation of seasonality in this last and heterogeneous region. Additionally, since these patterns are linked to climate variables, malaria models should also incorporate them. This study applies wavelet analysis to incidence data from 2003 to 2020 in the Epidemiological Surveillance System for Malaria (SIVEP-Malaria) database. A mathematical model with climate-dependent parametrization is proposed to study counts of malaria cases over time based on notification data, temperature and rainfall. The wavelet analysis reveals marked seasonality in states Amazonas and Amapá throughout the study period, and from 2003 to 2012 in Pará. However, these patterns are not as marked in other states such as Acre and Pará in more recent years. The wavelet coherency analysis indicates a strong association between incidence and temperature, especially for the municipalities of Macapá and Manaus, and a similar association for rainfall. The mathematical model fits well with the observed temporal trends in both municipalities. Studies on climate-dependent mathematical models provide a good assessment of the baseline epidemiology of malaria. Additionally, the understanding of seasonality effects and the application of models have great potential as tools for studying interventions for malaria control.

Prospective cohort study of patient demographics, viral agents, seasonality, and outcomes of influenza-like illness in Mexico in the late H1N1-pandemic and post-pandemic years (2010-2014).

Objectives: Influenza-like illness (ILI) caused by respiratory viruses results in various respiratory clinical manifestations. The ILI002 prospective observational cohort study aimed to describe viral agents, seasonality, and outcomes of patients with ILI during four seasons in the influenza H1N1-pandemic and post-pandemic years (2010-2014). Methods: Patients from six Mexican hospitals were enrolled from April 2010 to March 2014. Clinical data and nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained and tested for viral respiratory pathogens by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: Of the 5662 enrolled participants, 64.9% were adults and 35.1% were children. Among the 5629 participants with single-pathogen detection, rhinovirus (20.2%), influenza virus (11.2%), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (7.2%), and coronavirus (6.8%) were the most frequent pathogens. Co-infection occurred in 14.5% of cases; 49.3% of participants required hospitalization, particularly in RSV cases (42.9% adults, 89.6% children). The mortality rate was 2.8% higher among older adult participants and those with comorbidities. Influenza H1N1 had the highest mortality rate, yet almost half of the deceased had no pathogen. Rhinovirus persisted year-round, while influenza, coronavirus, and RSV peaked during cooler months. Conclusions: Analyses showed that some viruses causing ILI may lead to severe disease and hospitalization irrespective of comorbidities. These findings may help in decision-making about public health policies on prevention measures, vaccination, treatment, and administration of health care.

Seasonal influence on the essential oil chemical composition of Hyptis crenata Pohl ex Benth.: a valuable plant from Marajó, Brazil.

Introduction: Essential oils (EOs) from the Hyptis genus have been reported as bactericides and fungicides. However, the properties of these oils can be affected by climatic factors, as well as the collection period, which promotes changes in the chemical composition of the oil. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the climatological influences on the chemical composition of the essential oil from the leaves of Hyptis crenata. Methods: The leaves were collected in Marajó island (Brazil) monthly for a year. The EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Pearson's correlation was used to evaluate the relationship between climatic parameters, content, and chemical composition of essential oil; multivariate analysis was used to evaluate the interrelationship between samples and their chemical constituents. Results and Discussion: The constituents with the highest contents (>2.0%) in essential oils during the studied period were 1,8-cineole (28.48% ± 4.32%), α-pinene (19.58% ± 2.29%), camphor (11.98% ± 2.54%), ß-pinene (9.19% ± 1.47%), limonene (6.12% ± 3.15%), α-terpineol (2.42% ± 0.25%) and borneol (2.34% ± 0.48%). ß-Pinene significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with precipitation and humidity. According to the chemometric tools, two groups were formed: chemical profile I, marked by 1,8 cineole, α-pinene, ß-pinene, borneol, α-terpineol, and limonene, while group II (July) presented a chemical type characterized by camphor. It is understood that the species in question can be a reliable source of biologically active components during different climatic periods in the Amazon. The chemical variability could have significant implications for the pharmaceutical industry and traditional medicine.

Abiotic processes control carbon dioxide dynamics in temperate karst lakes.

Inland waters are crucial in the carbon cycle, contributing significantly to the global CO2 fluxes. Carbonate lakes may act as both sources and sinks of CO2 depending on the interactions between the amount of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) inputs, lake metabolisms, and geochemical processes. It is often difficult to distinguish the dominant mechanisms driving CO2 dynamics and their effects on CO2 emissions. This study was undertaken in three groundwater-fed carbonate-rich lakes in central Spain (Ruidera Lakes), severely polluted with nitrates from agricultural overfertilization. Diel and seasonal (summer and winter) changes in CO2 concentration (CCO2) DIC, and CO2 emissions-(FCO2)-, as well as physical and chemical variables, including primary production and phytoplanktonic chlorophyll-a were measured. In addition, δ13C-DIC, δ13C-CO2 in lake waters, and δ13C of the sedimentary organic matter were measured seasonally to identify the primary CO2 sources and processes. While the lakes were consistently CCO2 supersaturated and FCO2 was released to the atmosphere during both seasons, the highest CCO2 and DIC were in summer (0.36-2.26 µmol L-1). Our results support a strong phosphorus limitation for primary production in these lakes, which impinges on CO2 dynamics. External DIC inputs to the lake waters primarily drive the CCO2 and, therefore, the FCO2. The δ13C-DIC signatures below -12‰  confirmed the primary geogenic influence on DIC. As also suggested by the high values on the calcite saturation index, the Miller-Tans plot revealed that the CO2 source in the lakes was close to the signature provided by the fractionation of δ13C-CO2 from calcite precipitation. Therefore, the main contribution behind the CCO2 values found in these karst lakes should be attributed to the calcite precipitation process, which is temperature-dependent according to the seasonal change observed in δ13C-DIC values. Finally, co-precipitation of phosphate with calcite could partly explain the observed low phytoplankton production in these lakes and the impact on the contribution to increasing greenhouse gas emissions. However, as eutrophication increases and the soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) content increases, the co-precipitation of phosphate is expected to be progressively inhibited. These thresholds must be assessed to understand how the CO32- ions drive lake co-precipitation dynamics. Carbonate regions extend over 15% of the Earth's surface but seem essential in the CO2 dynamics at a global scale.

Physical separation and reduction of contact duration with sexually hyperactive bucks decrease testosterone concentrations and sexual behaviour in bucks in sexual rest.

Sexually hyperactive bucks are more efficient than sexually hypoactive bucks in stimulating testosterone secretion and sexual behaviour in other bucks in seasonal sexual rest by the phenomenon that we called the "buck-to-buck effect". Here, we determined whether physical separation and reduction of the duration of contact with the sexually hyperactive bucks would modify those parameters in sexually hypoactive bucks exposed to the "buck-to-buck effect". Bucks were subjected to natural day length throughout the study; this was the sexually hypoactive group. Other bucks were subjected to artificial long days (16 h of light per day) from 15 November to 15 January followed by exposure to natural day length to stimulate their sexual activity during the rest season; this was the sexually hyperactive group. In Experiment 1, we determined testosterone concentrations and sexual behaviour of six sexually hypoactive bucks separated 1.5 m from six sexually hyperactive bucks for 60 days by a metal open work fence, while a control group of six sexually hypoactive bucks was in permanent contact with six sexually hyperactive bucks. In Experiment 2, the duration of contact with sexually hyperactive males was reduced from 31 days (contact group, six bucks) to 10 days (withdraw group, seven bucks). In experiments 1 and 2, there was an effect of time (P < 0.01) and an interaction between time and groups (P < 0.05). In Experiment 1, testosterone plasma concentrations were greater in bucks in contact with sexually hyperactive bucks than in those separated from bucks at 20 and 30 days after the introduction of sexually hyperactive bucks (P < 0.01). The bucks from the contact group also displayed more nudging than bucks from the separated group from 0 to 30 days (P < 0.001). In Experiment 2, testosterone concentrations were greater in the contact group than in those from the withdraw group from 19 to 31 days after the introduction of sexually hyperactive bucks (P < 0.05). Bucks from the withdraw group displayed more nudging than the contact group 7 days after the introduction of the sexually hyperactive bucks (P < 0.05). Afterwards, bucks from the contact group displayed more nudging than the withdraw group 14, 21 and 28 days after the introduction of the sexually hyperactive bucks. We concluded that physical separation and reduction of the duration of contact with the sexually hyperactive bucks decrease testosterone concentrations and sexual behaviour of bucks in sexual rest exposed to the "buck-to-buck effect".

Profile of inorganic elements of seaweed from the Brazilian Northeast coast.

The contents of 24 elements were determined in seven species of macroalgae collected in Ceara-Brazil, in the rainy and dry seasons of 2022. The samples were digested, and the analytes were quantified by ICP-OES and Hg by direct analyzer. The CRM CD-200 was analyzed for accuracy and obtained recoveries were higher than 95 %. The seaweed species have different inorganic element profiles with predominant elements being: Ca, K, Na, Mg and P. The Sargassum vulgare species stood out for its Hg and As contents (1.479 ± 0.005 mg kg-1 and 172 ± 6 mg kg-1, both in the rainy seasons). Ulva lactuca attracted attention for its high concentration of V (46.4 ± 3.4 mg kg-1, rainy season). In general, the elemental content levels in the macroalgae samples were higher in the rainy season. Long-term studies to comprehend the effect of seasonality on the elemental composition of seaweed must be carried out.

Effect of spatiotemporal variables on abundance, biting activity and parity of Nyssorhynchus darlingi (Diptera: Culicidae) in peri-Iquitos, Peru.

BACKGROUND: In malaria endemic regions of the Peruvian Amazon, rainfall together with river level and breeding site availability drive fluctuating vector mosquito abundance and human malaria cases, leading to temporal heterogeneity. The main variables influencing spatial transmission include location of communities, mosquito behaviour, land use/land cover, and human ecology/behaviour. The main objective was to evaluate seasonal and microgeographic biting behaviour of the malaria vector Nyssorhynchus (or Anopheles) darlingi in Amazonian Peru and to investigate effects of seasonality on malaria transmission. METHODS: We captured mosquitoes from 18:00 to 06:00 h using Human Landing Catch in two riverine (Lupuna, Santa Emilia) and two highway (El Triunfo, Nuevo Horizonte) communities indoors and outdoors from 8 houses per community, during the dry and rainy seasons from February 2016 to January 2017. We then estimated parity rate, daily survival and age of a portion of each collection of Ny. darlingi. All collected specimens of Ny. darlingi were tested for the presence of Plasmodium vivax or Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites using real-time PCR targeting the small subunit of the 18S rRNA. RESULTS: Abundance of Ny. darlingi varied across village, season, and biting behaviour (indoor vs outdoor), and was highly significant between rainy and dry seasons (p < 0.0001). Biting patterns differed, although not significantly, and persisted regardless of season, with peaks in highway communities at ~ 20:00 h in contrast to biting throughout the night (i.e., 18:00-06:00) in riverine communities. Of 3721 Ny. darlingi tested for Plasmodium, 23 (0.62%) were infected. We detected Plasmodium-infected Ny. darlingi in both community types and most (20/23) were captured outdoors during the rainy season; 17/23 before midnight. Seventeen Ny. darlingi were infected with P. vivax, and 6 with P. falciparum. No infected Ny. darlingi were captured during the dry season. Significantly higher rates of parity were detected in Ny. darlingi during the rainy season (average 64.69%) versus the dry season (average 36.91%) and by community, Lupuna, a riverine village, had the highest proportion of parous to nulliparous females during the rainy season. CONCLUSIONS: These data add a seasonal dimension to malaria transmission in peri-Iquitos, providing more evidence that, at least locally, the greatest risk of malaria transmission is outdoors during the rainy season mainly before midnight, irrespective of whether the community was located adjacent to the highway or along the river.

Change in water quality in an Amazonian microbasin: ecological and human health implications.

The decline in the quality of water resources in the Amazon is very rapid in cities suffering from unplanned urban growth. The region has two defined seasons, winter (wet) and summer (dry), which directly affect the behavior of contaminants in aquatic ecosystems. The aim of this study was to assess the ecological and human health risks associated with the use of the watershed. In addition, an ecological index was proposed: the Quality Index for Aquatic Life, for the risk of contaminants to aquatic life. Sampling was carried out at six points in the Juá watershed. Physicochemical parameters, major anions, metals and total phosphorus were analyzed at both stations between 2020 and 2021. The highest concentrations of contaminants were found in the rainy season, due to the washing away of the banks. In this sense, Cl presented a concentration more than 307 times higher than that permitted by Brazilian legislation (wet). The ecological index showed that the watershed has a high risk of metals such as Cr III and Cr VI for the biota. The human health risk analysis showed a low risk; however, the lack of basic sanitation in the city indicates that monitoring of urban water resources is necessary.

Skin transcriptome analysis in Brangus cattle under heat stress.

Heat stress is a major factor that negatively affects animal welfare and production systems. Livestock should adapt to tropical and subtropical areas and to meet this, composite breeds have been developed. This work aimed to evaluate gene expression profiles in the skin of Brangus cattle under heat stress using a case-control design, and to correlate this with skin histological characteristics. Two groups of bulls were set using rectal temperature as a criterion to define stress conditions: stressed (N = 5) and non-stressed (N = 5) groups. Skin transcriptomics was performed and correlations between breed composition, phenotypic and skin histological traits were evaluated. Results showed 4309 differentially expressed genes (P < 0.01), 2113 downregulated and 2196 upregulated. Enrichment and ontology analyses revealed 132 GO terms and 67 pathways (P < 0.01), including thermogenesis, glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, mitochondrial activity, antioxidant and immune response, and apoptosis. The identity of the terms and pathways indicated the diversity of mechanisms directed to relieve the animals' suffering, acting from simple passive mechanisms (conduction, convection and radiation) to more complex active ones (behavioural changes, evaporation, vasodilation and wheezing). Furthermore, significant differences between phenotypic and skin histological traits and correlations between pairs of traits suggested a direction towards heat dissipation processes. In this sense, number of vessels was positively correlated with number of sweat glands (P < 0.001) and both were positively correlated with zebuine genetic content (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively), gland size was positively correlated with epidermal thickness and negatively with hair length (P < 0.05), and epidermal thickness was negatively correlated with gland-epidermis distance (P < 0.0005). These results support the notion that response to heat stress is physiologically complex, producing significant changes in the expression of genes involved in several biological pathways, while the animal's ability to face it depends greatly on their skin features.

Behavioural responses of beef cattle to different grazing systems and the influence of these responses on water productivity of livestock in a tropical savannah.

Environmental conditions and available forage on pastures greatly differ between different farming systems, which can affect the behaviour of grazing cattle. The interplay between environment-, forage-, and animal-related variables may affect the use of feed and water resources in grazing-based systems. Hence, our objectives were (i) to study the differences between grazing-based systems and seasons in environment- and pasture-related variables as well as the behaviour, feed intake, performance, and water productivity of Nellore heifers, and (ii) to understand the interrelationships between these variables. The measurements were performed in a conventional grazing system (CON), an integrated crop-livestock (ICL), and a crop-livestock-forestry (ICLF) systems in the Brazilian Cerrado during the rainy and dry seasons. Ambient temperature and relative air humidity were hourly measured in both seasons. Forage biomass and sward height were determined every month. Forage samples were taken to determine the proportions of alive leaves, alive stems, and dead plant material and to analyse their nutritive value. Forage intake, drinking water intake, and liveweight changes were quantified in 12 Nellore heifers per system and season. Feeding behaviour was recorded by chewing sensors on nine continuous days in each season. Drinking water intake was measured by water meters attached to drinking water troughs, whereby trial cameras at the troughs recorded the frequency of drinking events of individual animals. Feed conversion efficiency and water productivity were estimated. The ICLF reduced the exposure time to high ambient temperatures so that heifers even grazed during the hottest hours. Forage biomass in ICL and CON had greater proportions of stem and dead plant material than in ICLF. Forage intake rate was greater and grazing events were longer for animals in ICLF than those in CON, whereas the daily number of grazing events was greater in CON. Feed conversion efficiency and water productivity were greater in integrated systems than in CON. Amongst studied variables, thermal environment and forage canopy structure with its proportions of dead plant material are the main driving factors for animal behaviour, forage intake rate, and animal performance. These variables reduce feed conversion efficiency and water productivity in grazing cattle. Further research should analyse strategies for promoting thermal comfort for the animals, increasing the proportions of alive biomass, and enhancing the nutritional value of pastures for more efficient use of forage and water resources in grazing-based systems.

Clinical and molecular characterization of children and adults with respiratory bocavirus infection in Mexico: a cross-sectional nested study within the ILI002 prospective observational study.

Background: Human Bocaviruses (HBoV) can cause acute respiratory tract infections. High coinfection rates cloud its pathogenicity. This study sought to describe the clinical features of HBoV1 disease in children and adults with Influenza-like illness (ILI), exploring associations between viral load, clinical features, and seasonality. Methods: Patients who tested positive for HBoV1 by polymerase chain reaction, enrolled from April 2010 to March 2014 in the ILI002 prospective observational cohort study were included in this cross-sectional nested study. Participants were included in ILI002 if they presented with signs and/or symptoms suggestive of influenza-like illness. Samples were tested for viral load, and NP1 and VP1/VP2 phylogenetic analyses, except for the samples lacking suitable and viable clinical material for genotyping. Findings: We identified HBoV1 in 157 (2.8%) of participants. Prevalence was 4.5% in children and 1.8% in adults. Single HBoV1 detection occurred in 41.1% and 46.3% of children and adults, respectively. Children commonly experienced fever (83.3%), cough with sputum (74.4%), and shortness of breath (72.2%). In the multivariate analysis of children, significant positive associations were detected between viral loads and age (0.20 [95% CI: 0.07, 0.33]), and the presence of fever (2.64 [95% CI: 1.35, 3.94]), nasal congestion (1.03 [95% CI: 0.07, 1.99]), dry cough (1.32 [95% CI: 0.42, 2.22]), chest congestion (1.57 [95% CI: 0.33, 2.80]), red eyes (1.25 [95% CI: 0.35, 2.14]), cough with sputum (1.79 [95% CI: 0.80, 2.78]), and other signs and symptoms such as chills, dizziness, and diaphoresis (1.73 [95% CI: 0.19, 3.27]). In contrast, significant negative associations were found between viral loads and percent neutrophils on the blood count (-0.04 [95% CI: -0.06, -0.02]), fatigue (-1.60 [95% CI: -2.46, -0.74]) and the presence of other symptoms or signs, including adenopathy and rash (-1.26 [95% CI: -2.31, -0.21]). Adults commonly experienced sore throat (73.1%), fatigue (77.4%), and headache (73.1%). In the multivariate analysis of adults, significant positive associations were detected between viral load and body mass index (0.13 [95% CI: 0.04, 0.21]), and the presence of confusion (1.54 [95% CI: 0.55, 2.53]), and sore throat (1.03 [95% CI: 0.20, 1.85]), and significant negative associations were detected between viral load and chest congestion (-1.16 [95% CI: -2.07, -0.24]). HBoV1 was detected throughout the year irrespective of season, temperature, and humidity. Interpretation: This study demonstrated the importance of detecting HBoV1 in patients with influenza-like illness either as single infection or co-infection, in both adults and children, and improves the characterization of HBoV1 seasonality, clinical features, and viral load. Phylogenetic analyses show a high conservation. Funding: The Mexican Emerging Infectious Diseases Clinical Research Network (LaRed), CONACYT (Fondo Sectorial SSA/IMSS/ISSSTE, Projects No. 71260 and No. 127088), Fondos federales no. HIM/2015/006, NIAID, NIH through a contract with Westat, Inc. (HHSN2722009000031, HHSN27200002), NCI, NIH (75N91019D00024, 75N91019F00130). Additional information at the end of the manuscript.

Seasonal variation in the biological succession of marine diatoms over 316L stainless steel in a coastal environment of Chile.

Characterizing seasonal changes in diatom community profiles in coastal environments is scarce worldwide. Despite diatoms being prevalent in microfouling, their role in microbially influenced corrosion of metallic materials remains poorly understood. This study reports the effect of seasonal variations on the settlement of marine diatoms and corrosion of 316 L stainless steel surfaces exposed to Chilean coastal seawater. Electron microscopy imaging revealed a diverse assembly of diatoms, exhibiting pronounced differences at genus level between summer and winter seasons, with a significant delay in diatom settlement during winter. Electrochemical measurements indicated an active role of diatoms in increasing corrosion current during biofilm development. While the final diatom composition was similar irrespective of the season, the analyses of diatom assemblages over time differed, showing faster colonization when silicate and nitrate were available. This study lays the foundation for future research on the dominant season-specific genera of diatoms to unveil the microbial interactions that could contribute to corrosion and to evaluate their potential as bioindicators for alternative surveillance strategies.

Gene functions of the Ambystoma altamirani skin microbiome vary across space and time but potential antifungal genes are widespread and prevalent.

Amphibian skin microbiomes can play a critical role in host survival against emerging diseases by protecting their host against pathogens. While a plethora of biotic and abiotic factors have been shown to influence the taxonomic diversity of amphibian skin microbiomes it remains unclear whether functional genomic diversity varies in response to temporal and environmental factors. Here we applied a metagenomic approach to evaluate whether seasonality, distinct elevations/sites, and pathogen presence influenced the functional genomic diversity of the A. altamirani skin microbiome. We obtained a gene catalogue of 92 107 nonredundant annotated genes and a set of 50 unique metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs). Our analysis showed that genes linked to general and potential antifungal traits significantly differed across seasons and sampling locations at different elevations. Moreover, we found that the functional genomic diversity of A. altamirani skin microbiome differed between B. dendrobatidis infected and not infected axolotls only during winter, suggesting an interaction between seasonality and pathogen infection. In addition, we identified the presence of genes and biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) linked to potential antifungal functions such as biofilm formation, quorum sensing, secretion systems, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, and chitin degradation. Interestingly genes linked to these potential antifungal traits were mainly identified in Burkholderiales and Chitinophagales MAGs. Overall, our results identified functional traits linked to potential antifungal functions in the A. altamirani skin microbiome regardless of variation in the functional diversity across seasons, elevations/sites, and pathogen presence. Our findings suggest that potential antifungal traits found in Burkholderiales and Chitinophagales taxa could be related to the capacity of A. altamirani to survive in the presence of Bd, although further experimental analyses are required to test this hypothesis.

Direct links between resource availability and activity budget better reveal ecological patterns of endangered Coimbra-Filho's titi monkey.

Many primatological studies do not assess direct indexes of food availability to make inferences about behavioral strategies. We related the diet and behavior of a group of Callicebus coimbrai in northeastern Brazil to fruit availability indexes and compared this pattern between seasons (direct and indirect assessment of food availability) to assess whether direct and indirect approaches detect similar ecological patterns. We monitored the study group for 33 months (5 days/month) via scan sampling. The monthly availability of fruits and new leaves was recorded in phenological transects. Fruit availability varied across years based on fruit prevalence, and timing and duration of the abundant seasons. We did not find evidence of a time-minimizing strategy, since C. coimbrai did not change its activity levels according to food availability. However, the negative relationship between foraging and fruit availability indicates that C. coimbrai can compensate for the lower fruit availability by increasing the search for alternative food sources. Monthly fruit consumption was positively correlated to fruit availability and negatively related to the consumption of other food items. However, the behavioral and feeding profiles did not vary between seasons and were not related to rainfall levels. Primate studies should directly relate behavioral and feeding profiles to fruit availability indices, thus avoiding using seasons as proxies of food availability.

Using spatiotemporal ratio analyses to quantitatively estimate water quality recovery of the Rio Doce.

The Fundão Dam breached on 5 November 2015 (the "Event"), resulting in the release of tailings, water, scoured sediment and/or soil, and other debris to downstream watercourses. Statistical analyses using historical and recent water quality measurements were conducted to assess the extent to which water quality in the Rio Doce was recovering to baseline conditions. A review of station- and/or parameter-specific water quality time series in the Rio Doce revealed two challenges: pre-Event data imbalance and seasonality. Due to the combined effects of these two factors, data gathered from Rio Doce water quality stations before the Event likely underestimated concentration ranges and limited the usefulness of common recovery assessment techniques such as times series and water quality standard exceedance analyses. These challenges were addressed by calculating quarterly and watershed-specific river-to-tributary ratios. R code was used to produce spatiotemporal time series for 44 investigated parameters that were measured both before and after the Event. The water quality recovery durations shown by the parameter- and/or region-specific river-to-tributary ratio time series indicated that (a) turbidity provides the most conservative measure for water quality recovery; (b) chemical parameters associated with the tailings, like manganese and iron recovered faster than turbidity; and (c) other investigated parameters unrelated to the tailings showed either no discernable impact or rapid recovery after the Event. The resulting parameter- and/or region-specific river-to-tributary ratio time series provided reliable and quantifiable estimates of water quality recovery durations. The water quality in the region furthest from Fundão Dam, in Espírito Santo, recovered one year after the Event, while water quality in the closest region to Fundão Dam, upstream of Risoleta Neves (Candonga) Dam, recovered 4.2 years after the Event. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:74-86. © 2023 Newfields Companies, LLC. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).