Eviction-driven infanticide and sexually selected adoption and infanticide in a neotropical parrot.

Infanticide and adoption have been attributed to sexual selection, where an individual later reproduces with the parent whose offspring it killed or adopted. While sexually selected infanticide is well known, evidence for sexually selected adoption is anecdotal. We report on both behaviors at 346 nests over 27 y in green-rumped parrotlets (Forpus passerinus) in Venezuela. Parrotlets are monogamous with long-term pair bonds, exhibit a strongly male-biased adult sex ratio, and nest in cavities that are in short supply, creating intense competition for nest sites and mates. Infanticide attacks occurred at 256 nests in two distinct contexts: 1) Attacks were primarily committed by nonbreeding pairs (69%) attempting to evict parents from the cavity. Infanticide attacks per nest were positively correlated with population size and evicting pairs never adopted abandoned offspring. Competition for limited nest sites was a primary cause of eviction-driven infanticide, and 2) attacks occurred less frequently at nests where one mate died (31%), was perpetrated primarily by stepparents of both sexes, and was independent of population size. Thus, within a single species and mating system, infanticide occurred in multiple contexts due to multiple drivers. Nevertheless, 48% of stepparents of both sexes adopted offspring, and another 23% of stepfathers exhibited both infanticide and long-term care. Stepfathers were often young males who subsequently nested with widows, reaching earlier ages of first breeding than competitors and demonstrating sexually selected adoption. Adoption and infanticide conferred similar fitness benefits to stepfathers and appeared to be equivalent strategies driven by limited breeding opportunities, male-biased sex ratios, and long-term monogamy.

Intergroup encounters in pair-living primates: Comparative analysis and a case study of pair-living and monogamous owl monkeys (Aotus azarae) of Argentina.

The function of intergroup encounters (IGEs) may differ substantially among species of different group sizes and social organizations. Research in group-living primates has shown that the behavioral responses during IGEs can vary widely from affiliative to neutral or aggressive interactions; still, little is known about IGEs in pair-living taxa. We conducted a systematic literature review to find relevant studies on the functions of IGEs in pair-living nonhuman primates that could inform analyses of IGE data (n = 242 IGEs, 21 groups and 10 solitary individuals, 1997-2020) from wild owl monkeys, a pair-living, monogamous primate with extensive biparental care. We identified 1315 studies published between 1965 and 2021; only 13 of them (n = 10 species) contained raw data on the number of IGEs. Our review of those studies showed that IGEs are common, but highly variable in their nature and characteristics in pair-living primates. To examine the non-mutually exclusive hypotheses of resource-, and mate defense, and infanticide avoidance we analyzed data from the Owl Monkey Project 27-year long database to build first an a priori model set. To incorporate prior knowledge from the literature review, we conducted our analyses as a consecutive series of binomial logistic regressions. All IGEs including all biologically relevant parameters (N = 156) were codified into three different behavioral categories (Reaction, Agonism, and Physical Aggression). The analysis showed that owl monkeys regularly engaged in IGEs, most of which were agonistic. They showed more reaction when infants were present, but reactions were less physically aggressive when infants and pregnant females were involved. Overall, our results lend more support for the infant and mate defense hypotheses than they do for the resource defense one.

Unveiling demographic and mating strategies of Panthera onca in the Pantanal, Brazil.

We conducted the first long-term and large-scale study of demographic characteristics and reproductive behavior in a wild jaguar (Panthera onca) population. Data were collected through a combination of direct observations and camera trapping on a study area that operates both as a cattle ranch and ecotourism destination. Jaguars exhibited two birth peaks: April/May and October/November, that are the end and the beginning of the wet season in the Pantanal, respectively. The average litter size was 1.43 ± 0.65. Single cubs made up a total of 65.7% of the births, and we found a slight predominance of females (1.15:1 ratio) in litters. The mean age at independence was 17.6 ± 0.98 months, with sex-biased dispersal, with all males (n = 27) leaving the natal home range and 63.6% of females exhibiting philopatry. The interbirth intervals were 21.8 ± 3.2 months and the mean age at first parturition was 31.8 ± 4.2 months. Our results estimated a lifetime reproductive success for female jaguars of 8.13 cubs. Our observations also indicate that female jaguars can display mating behavior during cub rearing or pregnancy, representing 41.4% of the consorts and copulations recorded. We speculate that this behavior has evolved as a defense against infanticide and physical harm to the female. To our knowledge, this is the first time that such behavior is described for this species. All aggressive interactions between females involved the presence of cubs, following the offspring-defense hypothesis, that lead to territoriality among females in mammals, regardless of food availability. In the face of growing threats to this apex predator, this work unveils several aspects of its natural history, representing a baseline for comparison with future research and providing critical information for population viability analysis and conservation planning in the long term.

Este é o primeiro estudo de longo prazo e em grande escala de características demográficas e de comportamento reprodutivo em uma população selvagem de onças-pintadas (Panthera onca). Os dados foram coletados por meio de uma combinação de observações diretas e armadilhamentos fotográficos em uma área de estudo que atua tanto como fazenda de pecuária quanto como destino ecoturístico. As onças-pintadas apresentaram dois picos de nascimento: abril/maio e outubro/novembro, que são o final e o início da estação chuvosa no Pantanal, respectivamente. O tamanho médio da ninhada foi 1.43 ± 0.65. Filhotes únicos representaram um total de 65.7% dos nascimentos, e encontramos uma ligeira predominância de fêmeas (proporção 1.15:1) nas ninhadas. A idade média de independência foi de 17.6 ± 0.98 meses, com uma dispersão sexo-assimétrica, com todos os machos (n = 27) deixando a área natal e 63.6% das fêmeas apresentando filopatria. O intervalo entre ninhadas foi de 21.8 ± 3.2 meses e a idade média da primeira cria foi de 31.8 ± 4.2 meses. Nossos resultados estimaram um sucesso reprodutivo médio ao longo da vida para onças-pintadas fêmeas de 8.13 filhotes. Nossas observações também indicam que as onças-pintadas fêmeas podem apresentar comportamento de acasalamento durante a criação dos filhotes ou da gestação, representando 41.4% das cortes e cópulas registradas. Especulamos que esse comportamento tenha evoluído como uma defesa contra infanticídio e danos físicos à fêmea. Segundo nosso conhecimento, está é a primeira vez que tal comportamento é descrito para esta espécie. Todas as interações agressivas entre fêmeas envolveram a presença de filhotes, seguindo a hipótese de defesa da prole, que levam à territorialidade entre fêmeas em mamíferos, independentemente da disponibilidade de alimento. Diante das crescentes ameaças a este predador de topo, este trabalho revela vários aspectos de sua história natural, representando uma base de comparação com pesquisas futuras e fornecendo informações críticas para a análise de viabilidade populacional e planejamento de conservação em longo prazo.

Are demographic correlates of white-faced capuchin monkey (Cebus capucinus) "Gargle and Twargle" vocalization rates consistent with the infanticide risk assessment hypothesis?

Zahavi's "Bond Testing Hypothesis" states that irritating stimuli are used to elicit honest information from social partners regarding their attitudes towards the relationship. Two elements of the Cebus capucinus vocal repertoire, the "gargle" and "twargle," have been hypothesized to serve such a bond-testing function. The greatest threat to C. capucinus infant survival, and to adult female reproductive success, is infanticide perpetrated by alpha males. Thus, we predicted that infants (<8 months), pregnant females and females with infants would gargle/twargle at higher rates than the rest of the population, directing these vocalizations primarily to the alpha male. Over 16 years, researchers collected data via focal follows in 11 habituated groups of wild capuchins in Lomas Barbudal, Costa Rica. We found some support for our hypothesis. Infants and females with infants (<8 months) vocalized at higher rates than the rest of the population. Pregnant females did not vocalize at relatively high rates. Infants (age 8-23 months) were the only target group that vocalized more when the alpha male was not their father. Monkeys gargled and twargled most frequently towards the alpha male, who is both the perpetrator of infanticide and the most effective protector against potentially infanticidal males.

Factors influencing the survival of wild cotton-top tamarin (Saguinus oedipus) infants.

Studies of cooperative breeding species have suggested that helpers are needed for infant survival and that helpers gain skills to successfully raise their own offspring. Studies of callitrichids in managed care and early field studies suggested that group size correlated with infant survival and that helpers needed to learn parental skills to be successful breeders. We present infant survival data from a 20-year field study of cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus) in Colombia involving 126 litters born to 41 females. There was no difference in the survival of male and female offspring to 6 months of age. However, litter size impacted survival, with triplet litters having lower survival and male triplets having lower survival than females. Loss of infants was highest in the first week of life and, of the animals remaining in the group at 6 months of age, 90% of them survived to 1 year. The mean length of time in the natal group was 2.3 years but some young migrated to other groups after 4 months of age. Group size and number of male helpers (>1 year) was not related to infant survival. However, groups with only one male had fewer surviving infants. Primiparous females had lower infant survival, but previous infant care experience by mothers as helpers had no effect on survival. A major cause of infant loss was group disruption due to deaths/evictions/loss of the reproductively active animals, or immigration of pregnant females. Thus, factors that cause a change in the stability of the reproductively active animals can disrupt group cohesion. Capture of individuals for the illegal pet trade, as well as habitat fragmentation, may increase competition between groups for access to territories and breeding opportunities. This may have long-term impacts to infant survival in this critically endangered species.

Callitrichid responses to dead and dying infants: the effects of paternal bonding and cause of death.

Many primates show responses to dead infants, yet testing explanations for these behaviors has been difficult. Callitrichids present a unique opportunity to delineate between hypotheses, since unlike most species, male caretakers form closer social bonds with infants than mothers. Callitrichids are also known to commit infanticide, leaving obvious wounds that may enable them to more readily recognize death. We present: (1) a case study of a wild common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) group responding to an infant's natural death, and (2) a review of published infant deaths across callitrichids (N = 16), testing for trends in the sex of reacting individuals and cause of death. In our case study, several group members frequently interacted with the dead infant, attempting to carry it. However, the strongest response was from a male that remained with the corpse for ~ 3 h, despite his group leaving the area. Across callitrichid species, corpse interactions were significantly sex-biased: 100% (N = 6) of accidental deaths involved corpse interaction by males (p = 0.007), compared to 60% (N = 3 of 5) by females (p = 0.095). Cause of death also played a significant role, with individuals attempting to carry dead infants in 100% (N = 6) of accidental deaths, but only 11.1% (N = 1 of 9) of infanticides (p = 0.001). Although the available literature is small and potentially subject to publication biases, these data support the idea that visually obvious wounds may influence callitrichids' perception of dead conspecifics. Additionally, male-biased patterns of corpse interaction in callitrichids indicate that social bonds likely shape reactions to the dead, in addition to kinship. While published data on primate thanatology are limited, this study demonstrates quantitative approaches that can provide empirical insights into primates' responses to dead conspecifics.

Muerte de un producto de la concepción. ¿Aborto ilícito o asesinato? / Death of a product of conception. Illegal abortion or murder?

Introducción: Cuando ocurre la muerte del resultado de la concepción, con la realización de la necropsia médico-legal se deben precisar aspectos importantes que definirán las conductas a seguir con los presuntos responsables de un delito. Para ello es necesario precisar si existió vida extrauterina o no, que le dará a este resultado, la definición de persona, según lo establecido en la legislación civil. Objetivo: Establecer el posible tipo de delito y enmarcar la posibilidad de que se trate de un aborto ilícito o un asesinato, además de precisar las causas y circunstancias en que la muerte se produjo. Presentación del caso: Se trata de un cadáver resultado de la concepción que fue hallado en una vivienda, dentro de un envoltorio, junto a la placenta y el cordón umbilical, cuya madre había mantenido su embarazo oculto. Durante el acto de la necropsia se demostró que era un producto viable que había presentado vida extrauterina. Conclusiones: Se presenta un caso poco frecuente en la práctica forense. Se determinó que se trataba de una recién nacida, por haber presentado vida extrauterina, cuyas causas de muerte estuvieron en relación con un traumatismo craneoencefálico(AU)

Introduction: When the death of a product of conception occurs, important aspects resulting from the completion of the medico-legal necropsy that define the behaviors to be followed with those presumed responsible for a crime must be specified. To achieve this, it is necessary to establish whether extrauterine life existed or not, which will give the definition of person to the mentioned product, as it is established in the civil legislation. Objective: To establish the possible type of crime and consider the possibility of an illegal abortion or a murder, as well as to specify the causes and circumstances in which the death occurred. Case Presentation: A corpse that was considered a product of conception was found in a dwelling house, wrapped up next to the placenta and the umbilical cord. The mother had kept a hidden pregnancy. During the act of performing a necropsy, it was demonstrated that it was a viable product that had had extrauterine life. Conclusions: A rare and unusual case is presented in forensic practice. It was determined that she was a newborn baby girl because she had had extrauterine life, whose causes of death were related to a traumatic brain injury(AU)

"Mulher joga filho na lixeira": mulher-mãe infanticida na mídia / "Women throws son away in the trash can": infanticide mother-woman on media

RESUMO Este trabalho parte de uma inquietação acerca dos dizeres que vêm se constituindo na mídia sobre a mulher em seu papel de mãe em nossa sociedade. Trabalhando na articulação entre a Análise do Discurso e a psicanálise lacaniana, nosso corpus de pesquisa constituiu-se de manchetes de notícias sobre abandono e infanticídio, divulgadas em portais eletrônicos. Tivemos como objetivo central analisar a discursivização da mulher-mãe, a partir do conceito de genérico discursivo e também observar se as manchetes analisadas produzem efeitos que podem ser compreendidos como elementos indiciários de que A mulher, enquanto conjunto, não existe. A análise indicou que as notícias constituem-se como acontecimentos que fogem ao discurso vigente e colocam-se como indícios a serem observados, por apontarem para um deslocamento na contemporaneidade. Esse processo ratifica a existência do grupo das mulheres-mães, mas ao mesmo tempo indica um furo nesse grupo pretensamente homogêneo.(AU)

ABSTRACT This article arises from a concern about the sayings about woman as regards her societal role of mother. Based on the articulation of Discourse Analysis and lacanian psychoanalysis, our research corpus was composed of headlines about abandonment and infanticide conveyed on news online homepages. Our main objective was to analyze the discoursivization about mother-woman, based on the concept of discoursive generics, and to observe if the analyzed headlines produce effects that may be understood as index elements that The woman, as a group, does not exist. Analysis highlighted that news are events that are beyond the current discourses and are index to be observed, since they point to a shift in contemporaneity. This process confirms the existence of the group mothers-women, at the same time as it marks a puncture in this allegedly homogenous group.(AU)

Infant mortality in white-faced capuchins: The impact of alpha male replacements.

Infanticide is common in the context of alpha male replacements (AMR), particularly in groups where alpha males experience high reproductive skew and the infants are unlikely to be related to a new alpha male. We examined the relationship between the rate of infant mortality, infant age, and the occurrence and type of AMR in white-faced capuchin monkeys (Cebus capucinus imitator) of the Santa Rosa population in Sector Santa Rosa, Área de Conservación Guanacaste. Specifically, we investigated how the source of the new alpha male (coresident or extragroup) and relative aggression level during AMRs influenced infant mortality in this species. Between 1986 and 2015, we recorded 221 births in five study groups. Infants present at the time of an AMR, or born within 5.5 months following an AMR (i.e., conceived prior to AMR), experienced significantly higher mortality than those born during periods of group stability. Infant age was a significant predictor of infant survival, with the probability of surviving increasing by 0.4% for each additional day older an infant was at the time of the AMR. Infant mortality rates did not differ between AMRs by coresident males and extragroup males, possibly because the degree of relatedness between infants and new alphas did not significantly differ between coresident and extragroup AMRs. Infant mortality rates did not differ significantly between aggressive AMRs and more peaceful AMRs. Our results are consistent with predictions derived from the sexual selection hypothesis (SSH) of infanticide and suggest that future studies examine the role of testosterone as an underlying proximate mechanism for the aggression leading to this behavior. We argue that the sexual selection and generalized aggression hypotheses (GAH) of infanticide are best considered as different levels of analysis rather than competing hypotheses.

Fatores de risco ao crime de infanticídio: análise de julgamentos do tribunal de justiça do estado do Rio Grande do Sul / Risk factors for infanticide: analysis of judgments in the court of Rio Grande do Sul state

Este estudo objetivou descrever os fatores de risco ao infanticídio, configurado quando a mãe mata o próprio filho sob a influência do estado puerperal, durante ou imediatamente após o parto. Foram examinados, por meio de análise temática, acórdãos proferidos entre 2003 e 2013 disponíveis no site do Tribunal de Justiça do Rio Grande do Sul. Observou-se um padrão nos fatores de risco para esse delito nos casos analisados. As mães, em sua maioria, eram jovens, solteiras, com baixa escolaridade e não tinham empregos formais. Gravidez indesejada e ocultada, ausência de acompanhamento pré-natal, parto desassistido e a presença eventual de transtornos psiquiátricos também foram identificados como fatores de risco. Tais achados indicam a necessidade de adequada assistência às gestantes com essas características psicossociais para a prevenção dessa fatalidade.

This study aimed to describe risk factors associated with infanticide, configured when a mother kills her own child under the influence of puerperal state, during or immediately after childbirth. Judgments rendered in the period 2003-2013, available on the website of the Justice Court of Rio Grande do Sul, were examined through thematic analysis. A pattern of risk factors for this crime was observed in the cases analyzed. Most of the mothers were young and single, with low educational level and no formal jobs. Unwanted and concealed pregnancy, lack of antenatal care, unassisted delivery and, eventually, presence of psychiatric disorders were also identified as risk factors. These findings indicate the need for adequate assistance to pregnant women with these psychosocial characteristics, for the prevention of this kind of fatality.

Ese estudio tuvo como objectivo describir los factores de riesgo asociados al infanticidio, configurado cuando una madre mata a su propio hijo bajo la influencia del estado puerperal, durante o inmediatamente después del parto. Fueron examinadas, a través de análisis temático, sentencias pronunciadas durante el período 2003-2013, disponibles en el sitio del Tribunal de Justicia de Rio Grande do Sul. Se ha constatado un patrón de riesgo para ese delito en los casos analizados. La mayoría de las madres era joven, soltera, de bajo nivel educativo y sin empleo formal. Embarazo no deseado y ocultado, carencia de acompañamiento prenatal, parto sin asistencia y por veces la presencia de trastornos psiquiátricos se han evidenciado como factores de riesgo. Estos resultados indican la necesidad de una adecuada atención a las mujeres embarazadas con estas características psicosociales, para la prevención de esa fatalidad.

Female sociality and sexual conflict shape offspring survival in a Neotropical primate.

Most mammals live in social groups in which members form differentiated social relationships. Individuals may vary in their degree of sociality, and this variation can be associated with differential fitness. In some species, for example, female sociality has a positive effect on infant survival. However, investigations of such cases are still rare, and no previous study has considered how male infanticide might constrain effects of female sociality on infant survival. Infanticide is part of the male reproductive strategy in many mammals, and it has the potential to override, or even reverse, effects of female reproductive strategies, including sociality. Therefore, we investigated the relationships between female sociality, offspring survival, and infanticide risk in wild white-faced capuchin monkeys using long-term data from Santa Rosa, Costa Rica. Female capuchins formed differentiated bonds, and bond strength was predicted by kin relationship, rank difference, and the presence of female infants. Most females formed stable bonds with their top social partners, although bond stability varied considerably. Offspring of highly social females, who were often high-ranking females, exhibited higher survivorship during stable periods compared with offspring of less social females. However, offspring of highly social females were more likely to die or disappear during periods of alpha male replacements, probably because new alpha males are central to the group, and therefore more likely to target the infants of highly social, central females. This study shows that female sociality in mammals can have negative fitness consequences that are imposed by male behavior.

The worldwide incidence of neonaticide: a systematic review.

Neonaticide is the killing of a neonate on the day of its birth by his/her own mother. Neonaticidal women were reported to be predominantly young, unmarried, and primiparous. The motive for murdering the newborn relates to the shame, the fear of rejection, and abandonment by significant others, and the social stigmas associated with an illegitimate birth. The goal of the present study was to conduct a systematic review of the scientific literature and identify population-based studies reporting the incidence of neonaticide in different countries. A total of 485 abstracts were screened. After applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 10 studies were selected. Additional searches identified two more articles. Most of these studies were from Europe, where incidence varied from 0.07 (Finland, 1980-2000 period) to 8.5 neonaticides per 100000 births (Austria, 1975-2001 period). More recent studies have indicated that a growing proportion of neonaticidal women are married, multiparous, and suffers from mental disorders. Preventive measures, such as anonymous free delivery, were shown to reduce the incidence of neonaticide, although this effect may be short-lived. Despite social and institutional changes, neonaticide persists even in the most socially advanced, liberal, and prosperous societies in the world.

Filicidio, infanticidio y neonaticidio: estudio descriptivo de la situaciónen España entre los años 2000-2010 / Filicide, infanticide, and neonaticide: a descriptive study of the circumstances y Spain between years 2000-2010 / Filicídio, infanticídio e neonaticídio: estudo descritivo da situação na Espanha entre os anos 2000 e 2010

Aunque en los últimos años algunas investigaciones han centrado su atención en estudiar el neonaticidio, el infanticidio y el filicidio, estos están todavía lejos de ser conocidos con precisión. En España existe una ausencia de estudios sobre ellos, por lo que el principal objetivo de la presente investigación es proporcionar las características principales de estos delitos en el contexto español. Los resultados muestran que la mayoría de agresores son mujeres. Las conductas criminales más empleadas son la asfixia, la contusión y el envenenamiento en el neonaticidio, la asfixia y el apuñalamiento en el infanticidio, y de nuevo las puñaladas en el filicidio. En la mayoría de los casos el agresor eligió el arma empleada. Aunque no se aprecia conciencia forense, en la mayoría de los casos el cuerpo de la víctima fue movido. Los resultados concuerdan con otras investigaciones, respecto al sexo del agresor y a la conducta criminal. Sin embargo, difieren en aspectos poscriminales.

Although some researches in the past few years have been focused on diving into neonaticide, infanticide and filicide, these acts are still far from being well known and accurately clarified. There is a lack of studies about them in Spain; therefore, the main objective of this investigation is to provide the main features of these hideous crimes in the Spanish context. The results show that most aggressors are women. The most common injuries and criminal actions known in neonaticide are asphyxiation, contusions, and poisoning, while suffocation and stabbing are more usual in infanticide, and also stabs in filicide. In most cases, the killer chose the weapon to be used. Although no forensic awareness is perceived in the aggressor, the victim's body seems to have been moved. The results coincide with those of other investigations in what concerns the gender and the criminal conduct of the perpetrator. However, they differ in post-crime aspects.

Mesmo que nos últimos anos algumas investigações focalizassem sua atenção em estudar o neonaticídio, o infanticídio e o filicídio, estão ainda longe de ser conhecidos exatamente. Em Espanha existe uma ausência dos estudos relacionados. é por isso que o objetivo principal da investigação atual é fornecer as características básicas destes crimes no contexto espanhol. Os resultados revelam que a maioria dos agressores são mulheres. As condutas criminais utilizadas principalmente são a asfixia, a contusão e a intoxicação no neonaticídio, a asfixia e o esfaqueamento no infanticídio, e, de novo, as facadas no filicídio. Na maioria dos casos o agressor escolheu a arma usada. Mesmo que a consciência forense não é evidente, na maioria dos casos o corpo da vítima foi movido. Os resultados concordam com outras investigações, a respeito do sexo do agressor e da conduta criminal. Não obstante, diferem em aspectos após o crime.

Environmental and dam effects on cannibalism in Wistar rat litters / Efeito do ambiente e da matriz sobre o canibalismo em filhotes de ratos Wistar

The factors related to cannibalistic behavior of dams in a Wistar rat colony are identified and analyzed. The maternal genetic effects were tested as a random effect by the method of generalized linear models. The season at parturition, the dam´s age at parturition and the density of the room at parturition were tested as fixed effects, whereas the litter size at birth was tested as a co-variable. The genetic effect of the dam was significant for the number of cannibalized pups. Although the season at parturition, the dam´s age and room density on the day of parturition were not individually significant (p > 0.05), most of the interactions between the variation sources were significant (p < 0.05). Cannibalism occurred mostly in dams aged over 241 days, with parturition during spring. So that occurrences of cannibalism could be avoided, dams with the smallest number of cannibalized pups should be selected, coupled to dams younger than 241 days, breeding during spring. The above strategies may reduce the number of couples in the vivarium and increase their production efficiency.

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar os fatores relacionados ao comportamento de canibalismo das fêmeas em uma colônia de ratos Wistar. Os efeitos genéticos maternos foram testados como efeito aleatório usando o método dos modelos lineares generalizados. A estação do parto, a idade da fêmea ao parto e a densidade da sala ao parto foram testados como efeitos fixos e o tamanho da ninhada ao nascimento foi testado como covariável. O efeito genético da matriz foi significativo para o número de filhotes canibalizados. A estação do ano ao parto, a idade da matriz e a densidade da sala no dia do parto quando testados separadamente não foram significativos (p > 0,05), porém, a maioria das interações entre estas fontes de variação foram significativas (p < 0,05). O canibalismo ocorreu em maior frequência em fêmeas com idade superior a 241 dias durante a primavera. Para evitar o canibalismo na população estudada, recomenda-se a seleção de fêmeas com menor número de filhotes canibalizados e a maior utilização de matrizes com idade inferior a 241 dias durante a primavera. Estas estratégias podem promover a redução do número de casais necessários no biotério e aumentar sua eficiência reprodutiva.

Environmental and dam effects on cannibalism in Wistar rat litters / Efeito do ambiente e da matriz sobre o canibalismo em filhotes de ratos Wistar

The factors related to cannibalistic behavior of dams in a Wistar rat colony are identified and analyzed. The maternal genetic effects were tested as a random effect by the method of generalized linear models. The season at parturition, the dam´s age at parturition and the density of the room at parturition were tested as fixed effects, whereas the litter size at birth was tested as a co-variable. The genetic effect of the dam was significant for the number of cannibalized pups. Although the season at parturition, the dam´s age and room density on the day of parturition were not individually significant (p > 0.05), most of the interactions between the variation sources were significant (p 0.05). Cannibalism occurred mostly in dams aged over 241 days, with parturition during spring. So that occurrences of cannibalism could be avoided, dams with the smallest number of cannibalized pups should be selected, coupled to dams younger than 241 days, breeding during spring. The above strategies may reduce the number of couples in the vivarium and increase their production efficiency.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar os fatores relacionados ao comportamento de canibalismo das fêmeas em uma colônia de ratos Wistar. Os efeitos genéticos maternos foram testados como efeito aleatório usando o método dos modelos lineares generalizados. A estação do parto, a idade da fêmea ao parto e a densidade da sala ao parto foram testados como efeitos fixos e o tamanho da ninhada ao nascimento foi testado como covariável. O efeito genético da matriz foi significativo para o número de filhotes canibalizados. A estação do ano ao parto, a idade da matriz e a densidade da sala no dia do parto quando testados separadamente não foram significativos (p > 0,05), porém, a maioria das interações entre estas fontes de variação foram significativas (p 0,05). O canibalismo ocorreu em maior frequência em fêmeas com idade superior a 241 dias durante a primavera. Para evitar o canibalismo na população estudada, recomenda-se a seleção de fêmeas com menor número de filhotes canibalizados e a maior utilização de matrizes com idade inferior a 241 dias durante a primavera. Estas estratégias podem promover a redução do número de casais necessários no biotério e aumentar sua eficiência reprodutiva.(AU)

Docimasia hepática y ausencia de cuidados mínimos: serie de casos / Docimasia liver and lack of minimal care: case series

Para definir si un lactante nació vivo o muerto, se ha practicado por algún tiempo la prueba de sumersión del pulmón en agua, pero diversas condiciones la alteran y además ella no tiene en cuenta los otros criterios de nacido vivo definidos por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) como los latidos del corazón, los movimientos espontáneos o las pulsaciones del cordón umbilical; por lo tanto, se requiere de pruebas adicionales. Presentamos tres casos de fetos abandonados con hallazgo histológico de hepatocitos claros. Este hallazgo en hígados de recién nacidos puede contribuir a establecer la vitalidad en el momento del nacimiento...

In the case of infant death, a coroner routinely performs lung submersion in water to establish if a child had been liveborn or stillborn. However, this test fails to provide absolute proof because the lungs may have been affected by diverse conditions. Furthermore, it does not allow for liveborn criteria defined by WHO such as heartbeat, spontaneous movements, or umbilical cord pulse. Therefore, additional tests are needed. We present three cases of abandoned newborn with a histological finding of clear hepatocytes. This finding in fetal livers can help establish vitality at the time of birth...

Aspectos didácticos en bioética intercultural / Teaching issues in intercultural bioethics

Los dilemas éticos suscitados por etnias practicantes del infanticidio cultural ejemplifican situaciones interculturales conflictivas que la enseñanza de una bioética pragmática basada en casuística no capacita para enfrentar. Para entablar una comunicación interétnica, se propone que el profesional sanitario debiera habilitarse en cinco ejes de deliberación, tres de ellos sustantivos y dos formales: a) Rechazar prácticas globalmente inaceptables o, alternativamente, reconocerlas como válidas en una cultura local; b) Reconocer valores universales o aceptar el relativismo ético cultural; c) Defender una moral común vinculante dentro de un territorio nacional o aceptar la coexistencia de pluralismos discrepantes; d) Deliberar el infanticidio como una práctica comparable al aborto procurado o entender que se basa en visiones de mundo no interpretables como análogas a argumentos de la bioética tradicional; e) Esclarecer acaso las disidencias culturales son problemas a solucionar o prácticas foráneas a tolerar. Cada vez más los dilemas interculturales requieren una enseñanza de bioética ampliada para habilitar al educando a desarrollar competencias de reflexión, de acuerdo a estos ejes de deliberación, en fomento de la comunicación intercultural respetuosa y un pluralismo efectivo.

The ethical dilemmas raised by infanticide, as practiced by certain ethnic groups, exemplify conflicting intercultural situations for which the teaching of pragmatic bioethics based on case analysis fails to prepare students. To establish interethnic communication, health professionals should be skilled in five lines of decision-making, three of which are substantive and two formal: a) to either reject universally unacceptable practices or to recognize them as valid in a specific local culture; b) to recognize universal values or accept cultural ethical relativism; c) to defend binding common morals within a national territory or accept the coexistence of discrepant pluralisms; d) to deliberate on infanticide as a practice comparable to induced abortion or to understand that it is based on worldviews that are not interpretable as analogous to the arguments of traditional bioethics; and e) to clarify where cultural dissidences are problems to be solved or discrepant practices to be tolerated. Intercultural dilemmas increasingly require teaching an expanded bioethics in order to train students in the development of reflexive competencies according to these lines of decision-making, in favor of respectful intercultural communication and effective pluralism.

Os dilemas éticos suscitados pelas etnias praticantes do infanticídio cultural exemplificam situações interculturais conflitivas que o ensino de uma bioética pragmática baseada na casuística não capacita para lidar com elas. Para estabelecer uma comunicação interétnica, é proposto que o profissional sanitário deveria ser habilitado em cinco eixos de deliberação, três deles substantivos e dois formais: a) Rejeitar práticas globalmente inaceitáveis ou, alternativamente, reconhecê-las como válidas em uma cultura local; b) Reconhecer valores universais ou aceitar o relativismo ético cultural; c) Defender uma moral comum vinculante dentro de um território nacional ou aceitar a coexistência de pluralismos discrepantes; d) Deliberar o infanticídio como una prática comparável ao aborto procurado ou entender que ele é baseado em visões do mundo não interpretáveis como análogas aos argumentos da bioética tradicional; e) Esclarecer se as dissidências culturais são problemas a solucionar ou práticas discrepantes a tolerar. Os dilemas interculturais requerem, cada vez mais, de um ensino da bioética ampliada para capacitar o estudante no desenvolvimento de competências de reflexão, de acordo com esses eixos de deliberação, em prol da comunicação intercultural respeitosa e de um pluralismo efetivo.

Bioethics, culture and infanticide in Brazilian indigenous communities: the Zuruahá case / Bioética, cultura e infanticídio em comunidades indígenas brasileiras: o caso Zuruahá

This article analyzes the practice of infanticide in indigenous communities in Brazil. Taking as a reference point a specific case involving two children of the Zuruahá people, it takes a broader look at the issue and discusses how infanticide is understood among other indigenous peoples. A debate focusing specifically on this topic that took place during a public hearing held in the Brazilian National Congress in December 2005 has also been taken into consideration in this discussion. In view of the positions adopted as a result of the hearing, this paper seeks to identify the ethical problems and moral dilemmas relating to the subject, by putting them into context and analyzing them in the light of respect for cultural pluralism. Seeking to contribute to the debate, the authors analyze the possibilities for intervention in the traditional practices of infanticide, while rejecting those positions that are not anchored in an attitude of profound respect for other people's cultures or that do not create conditions for dialogue between individuals or groups with different moralities.

O artigo analisa a prática do infanticídio em comunidades indígenas brasileiras. Tomando como referência um caso específico envolvendo duas crianças do povo Zuruahá, focaliza o tema sob uma abordagem mais abrangente e discute como o infanticídio é interpretado em outros povos indígenas. Foram considerados, na discussão, os debates ocorridos durante a Audiência Pública realizada no Congresso Nacional Brasileiro, em dezembro de 2005, que analisou o tema, além de revisão bibliográfica. Diante dos posicionamentos assumidos naquela audiência, procurou-se identificar os problemas éticos e os dilemas morais, contextualizando-os e analisando-os à luz do respeito ao pluralismo cultural. A fim de contribuir com o debate, os autores analisam as possibilidades de intervenção nas práticas tradicionais de infanticídio, recusando qualquer opção que não esteja ancorada numa atitude de profundo respeito pela cultura de outros povos ou que não apresente condição de dialogar com indivíduos ou grupos com diferentes moralidades.

Caracterización psiquiátrica del delito de parricidio: [revisión] / Psychiatric characterization of parricide: [review]

In Chile, legally commits parricide the one that, knowing the relationships that binds them, kills his/her father, mother or child, or any other of his/her ascendants or descendants, or spouse or couple. It is a rare crime, being around 4 percent of the homicides. The objective of this review is to characterize parricide psychiatrically, which is done basically using international literature. There are different profiles of parricides depending on the characteristics of the situation in which the crime is committed. The most frequent profile is that of a young male adult, with acute psychotic pathology, associated to drug and alcohol abuse. A second type is represented by adolescents in three situations: the severely abused child, the severely mentally ill child, and the dangerously antisocial child. To kill own children is a form of parricide as well, and there are differences between the psychiatric profiles of neonaticide, infanticide and filicide committers. Femicide is the murder of women committed by men on grounds of gender, and legally constitutes parricide. The most frequent is the intimate femicide, and it is associated with prior violence and drug and alcohol abuse. Parricide, even though it is an infrequent event, it is an important fact between psychiatric patients, being, in consequence, very relevant for the psychiatrist and mental health workers, the knowledge of this issue.

En Chile, legalmente, comete parricidio el que, conociendo las relaciones que los ligan, mate a su padre, madre o hijo, a cualquier otro de sus ascendientes o descendientes o a su cónyuge o conviviente. Es un delito poco frecuente, siendo alrededor del 4 por ciento de los homicidios. El objetivo de esta revisión es caracterizar psiquiátricamente el parricidio, lo que se realiza principalmente en base a la literatura internacional. Se describen distintos perfiles parricidas según las características de la situación en que se comete el crimen. El perfil más frecuente sería el del adulto varón, joven, con patología psicótica descompensada asociada a consumo de drogas y alcohol. Un segundo perfil parricida estaría representado por adolescentes en tres situaciones: el joven gravemente maltratado, el joven gravemente enfermo mental, y el joven peligrosamente antisocial. Dar muerte a los hijos es también una forma de parricidio y existirían diferencias en los perfiles psiquiátricos de los hechores de neonaticidio, infanticidio, y filicidio. El femicidio es el homicidio cometido por hombres en contra de mujeres por razones de género, y legalmente constituye parricidio. El más frecuente es el femicidio íntimo, y estaría asociado a violencia previa y abuso de alcohol y drogas. El delito de parricidio, aunque sea de baja frecuencia en la población general, es un hecho relativamente mayor entre los pacientes psiquiátricos, siendo para el médico psiquiatra y los trabajadores de la salud mental de suma relevancia el conocimiento de este tema.

Cómo prevenir el filicidio materno / Mothers who kill: perspectives on the act and its prevention

El tema del filicidio materno siempre provoca una fuerte respuesta emocional. Ya sea que genere sentimientos de simpatía o de rechazo, en la mayoría queda el interrogante de por qué las madres se ven impulsadas a matar a sus propios hijos y qué se puede hacer para evitar estos crímenes. Este artículo se centrará en las características de las madres que cometen actos filicidas. Consideraremos el papel de la madre en la historia del filicidio. En un intento por aclarar los rasgos comunes entre las madres filicidas, se revisará la literatura reciente. Además, compararemos la investigación sobre las madres que matan a sus hijos con aquella de sus análogos masculinos. Por último, ofreceremos sugerencias que ayuden a la prevención de actos filicidas futuros.

The topic of maternal filicide inevitably provokes a strong emotional response. Whether it engenders feelings ofsympathy or disgust, most people are left wondering whymothers may be driven to kill their own children and whatcan be done to prevent these crimes. This article will focuson characteristics of mothers who commit filicidal acts.Women’s role in the history of filicide will be considered.In an attempt to clarify traits common among filicidal mothers, the recent literature will be reviewed. Inaddition, research on mothers who kill their children will be compared to that of their male counterparts. Finally, suggestions will be offered to assist in the prevention offuture filicidal acts.