Signatures of adaptive evolution in platyrrhine primate genomes.

The platyrrhine family Cebidae (capuchin and squirrel monkeys) exhibit among the largest primate encephalization quotients. Each cebid lineage is also characterized by notable lineage-specific traits, with capuchins showing striking similarities to Hominidae such as high sensorimotor intelligence with tool use, advanced cognitive abilities, and behavioral flexibility. Here, we take a comparative genomics approach, performing genome-wide tests for positive selection across five cebid branches, to gain insight into major periods of cebid adaptive evolution. We uncover candidate targets of selection across cebid evolutionary history that may underlie the emergence of lineage-specific traits. Our analyses highlight shifting and sustained selective pressures on genes related to brain development, longevity, reproduction, and morphology, including evidence for cumulative and diversifying neurobiological adaptations across cebid evolution. In addition to generating a high-quality reference genome assembly for robust capuchins, our results lend to a better understanding of the adaptive diversification of this distinctive primate clade.

Recently Integrated Alu Elements in Capuchin Monkeys: A Resource for Cebus/Sapajus Genomics.

Capuchins are platyrrhines (monkeys found in the Americas) within the Cebidae family. For most of their taxonomic history, the two main morphological types of capuchins, gracile (untufted) and robust (tufted), were assigned to a single genus, Cebus. Further, all tufted capuchins were assigned to a single species, Cebus apella, despite broad geographic ranges spanning Central and northern South America. In 2012, tufted capuchins were assigned to their genus, Sapajus, with eight currently recognized species and five Cebus species, although these numbers are still under debate. Alu retrotransposons are a class of mobile element insertion (MEI) widely used to study primate phylogenetics. However, Alu elements have rarely been used to study capuchins. Recent genome-level assemblies for capuchins (Cebus imitator; [Cebus_imitator_1.0] and Sapajus apella [GSC_monkey_1.0]) facilitated large scale ascertainment of young lineage-specific Alu insertions. Reported here are 1607 capuchin specific and 678 Sapajus specific Alu insertions along with candidate oligonucleotides for locus-specific PCR assays for many elements. PCR analyses identified 104 genus level and 51 species level Alu insertion polymorphisms. The Alu datasets reported in this study provide a valuable resource that will assist in the classification of archival samples lacking phenotypic data and for the study of capuchin phylogenetic relationships.

Skeletopy of the medullary cone in Sapajus apella: Clinical implications in epidural anesthesia / Esqueletopia do cone medular em Sapajus apella: Implicações clínicas na anestesia epidural

This work aimed to describe the skeletopy of the medullary cone of the capuchin monkey (Sapajus apella) and to lay morphological foundations to propose a route of administration for epidural anesthesia. We used five females adults S.apella, and dissected them to study their medullary cone. The fixated animals were dissected, a skin incision was made from the dorsal median line, epaxial musculature and vertebral arcs was removed to expose the spinal cord, individualizing the medullary cone and the lumbar intumescence. The base of S. apella medullary cone was located near the L5 vertebra and the apex near S3, the structure was 4.5 cm in average. The evaluated specimens presented five lumbar and four sacral vertebrae. We concluded that the positioning of S. apella medullary cone is caudally than in other species, suggesting that the most appropriate location for epidural anesthetic procedures is the sacrocaudal region.

Este estudo visa descrever a esqueletopia do cone medular em macaco prego (Sapajus apella), com a intenção de estabelecer bases morfológicas para prestar o apoio à implementação de procedimentos anestésicos e outros procedimentos de rotina clínica-cirúrgica veterinária, dada a crescente importância do papel do veterinário na saúde dos animais selvagens. Cinco S. apella adultos fêmeas foram utilizadas neste trabalho e dissecados para o estudo do cone medular. Os animais fixados foram dissecados, foi feita uma incisão na pele na linha média dorsal, a musculatura epaxial e os arcos vertebrais foram removidos para exposição da medula espinhal, individualizando o cone medular e a intumescência lombar. A base do cone medular do S. apella foi observada na altura da vértebra L5 com o ápice em S3, com comprimento médio de 4,5 cm. Os espécimes avaliados apresentaram cinco vértebras lombares e quatro sacrais. Conclui-se que o posicionamento do cone medular do S. apella é mais caudal em relação às outras espécies. Por conseguinte, é sugerido que o local mais apropriado para o procedimento anestésico peridural é a sacrocaudal região.

Renal artery in tufted capuchin monkey: structure and morphometry / Artéria renal do macaco prego: estrutura e morfometria

The objective was to describe the structure of the renal artery in capuchin monkey at the level of the proximal and distal arterial segments. Morphometric analysis was performed referring to the thickness and quantification of tissue elements of the renal artery tunica media in both segments. Renal arteries of eight adult capuchin monkeys were collected for histological analysis of the two segments, being the proximal part branched from the abdominal aorta, and the distal part localized next to the renal hilus. The quantification of smooth muscle cells and connective elements was carried out in transversal sections of the two segments; for the tunica media, it was used the volume densities of smooth muscle cells, collagen and elastic fibers. Considering these volume densities obtained for each segment, it was verified that the proximal segment showed a marked myoconnective architecture, while the distal segment was characterized by a single muscular artery. Apparently, the mixed architecture of the proximal segment could be related to a blood flow control at the aortic emergence of the renal artery, which helped to guarantee a priority flow of enriched plasma into the kidney parenchyma.

O objetivo foi descrever a estrutura da artéria renal no macaco prego ao nível dos segmentos arteriais proximal e distal. Uma análise morfométrica foi realizada, tendo como parâmetros a espessura e a quantificação dos elementos constituintes da túnica média da parede vascular, nos dois segmentos. Foram coletadas as artérias renais de oito macacos pregos adultos para estudos histológicos dos dois segmentos, sendo o segmento proximal a parte originária da aorta abdominal e o segmento distal a parte arterial junto ao hilo renal. A quantificação de células musculares lisas e de elementos conjuntivos da matriz extracelular foi realizada em secções transversais dos dois segmentos, sendo empregadas para a túnica média as densidades de volumes (DV), dos componentes musculares e das fibras elásticas e colágenas. Tendo por base estas densidades de volumes obtidas para cada segmento arterial verificou-se que o segmento proximal apresentou estrutura mioconjuntiva marcante, enquanto que o segmento distal foi caracterizado como uma artéria muscular padrão. Aparentemente, a arquitetura mista do segmento proximal estaria relacionada com o controle de fluxo sanguíneo na emergência aórtica da artéria renal, garantindo um direcionamento prioritário de fluxo de plasma sanguíneo enriquecido para dentro do parênquima renal.

Evidence of a Conserved Molecular Response to Selection for Increased Brain Size in Primates.

The adaptive significance of human brain evolution has been frequently studied through comparisons with other primates. However, the evolution of increased brain size is not restricted to the human lineage but is a general characteristic of primate evolution. Whether or not these independent episodes of increased brain size share a common genetic basis is unclear. We sequenced and de novo assembled the transcriptome from the neocortical tissue of the most highly encephalized nonhuman primate, the tufted capuchin monkey (Cebus apella). Using this novel data set, we conducted a genome-wide analysis of orthologous brain-expressed protein coding genes to identify evidence of conserved gene-phenotype associations and species-specific adaptations during three independent episodes of brain size increase. We identify a greater number of genes associated with either total brain mass or relative brain size across these six species than show species-specific accelerated rates of evolution in individual large-brained lineages. We test the robustness of these associations in an expanded data set of 13 species, through permutation tests and by analyzing how genome-wide patterns of substitution co-vary with brain size. Many of the genes targeted by selection during brain expansion have glutamatergic functions or roles in cell cycle dynamics. We also identify accelerated evolution in a number of individual capuchin genes whose human orthologs are associated with human neuropsychiatric disorders. These findings demonstrate the value of phenotypically informed genome analyses, and suggest at least some aspects of human brain evolution have occurred through conserved gene-phenotype associations. Understanding these commonalities is essential for distinguishing human-specific selection events from general trends in brain evolution.

Comparative anatomy of the gluteal muscles of Sapajus libidinosus / Anatomia comparativa dos músculos da região glútea de Sapajus libidinosus

New World primates Sapajus sp. unexpectedly display cognitive aspects, tool use, social behavior, memory and anatomical aspects similar to Old World primates, such as chimpanzees and baboons. Convergent evolutionary aspects must have occurred between Sapajus and Old World primates and should be verified not only in terms of behavior analysis, but also of anatomical structure. The pelvic region can provide data for evolutionary verification trends, since taking standing position is one of the characteristics associated to the use of tools by early humans and pongids. We used eight specimens of Sapajus libidinosus to describe the deep muscular structure of the pelvis. Unlike humans, the gluteus medius muscle in S. libidinosus is completely covered by the gluteus maximus and elongated as compared to humans and chimpanzees, putatively by the elongated pelvis of S. libidinosus. Considering origin and insertion, the gluteus maximus muscle resembles more its counterpart in baboons than in humans and chimpanzees, since this muscle in baboons is associated to semibiped posture and to the tail. Gluteus minimum, piriformis, superior gemellus, internal shutter, gemellus and lower square muscles are positioned in this order in relation to the cranial-caudal axis, with all of its tendons converging for a common insertion in the greater trochanter. The muscles of the gluteal region of S. libidinosus are similar to the baboon, especially regarding the gluteus maximus, which points to the evolutionary kinship of these animals.(AU)

Os Sapajus sp apresentam aspectos cognitivos, uso de ferramentas, comportamento social e memória, além de aspectos anatômicos, similares à primatas do Velho Mundo, como chimpanzés e babuínos, fatos inesperados para estes animais, que são primatas do Novo Mundo. Aspectos evolutivos convergentes devem ter ocorrido entre Sapajus e primatas do Velho Mundo que devem ser verificados não somente em termos de análise do comportamento, mas da estrutura anatômica. A região pélvica pode fornecer dados para a verificação de tendências evolucionárias, pois assumir a posição bípede é uma das características associadas ao uso de ferramentas pelos humanos primitivos e pongídeos. Para descrever a estrutura muscular profunda da pelve, foram utilizados oito espécimes de Sapajus libidinosus. O músculo glúteo médio em S. libidinosus, diferente de humanos, é totalmente recoberto pelo glúteo máximo, é alongado em relação aos humanos e chimpanzés, putativamente pela pelve alongada dos S. libidinosus. O músculo glúteo máximo se assemelha, considerando origem e inserção mais aos babuínos do que em humanos e chimpanzés, uma vez que em babuínos esse músculo está associado à postura semibípede e à cauda. Os músculos glúteo mínimo, piriforme, gêmeo superior, obturador interno, gêmeo inferior e quadrado estão posicionados nesta ordem em relação ao eixo crânio-caudal com todos seus tendões convergindo para uma inserção comum no trocânter maior. Os músculos da região glútea de S. libidinosus são semelhantes ao babuíno principalmente no que se refere ao músculo glúteo máximo, o que reflete o parentesco evolutivo desses animais.(AU)

Biometric values, C-reactive protein, and proteinogram of healthy blonde capuchin (Sapajus flavius) kept in northeast of Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Sapajus flavius is a species of capuchin monkey classified as critically endangered. Studies related to their biometric values are scarce with incomplete external measurement reports available from only four specimens. Moreover, information regarding proteinogram is limited with no reference to C-reactive protein (CRP) and globulin fractions for this species. METHODS: Biometric values, CRP, and proteinogram were determined for 12 clinically healthy S. flavius, kept in captivity in João Pessoa, Brazil. RESULTS: The measured values in biometric parameters present a tendency to be higher in males. The CRP mean values from 12 S. flavius were 1.2±0.2 mg/dL. For albumin, alpha, beta, and gamma globulin fraction parameters, the reference interval was calculated. CONCLUSIONS: Authors believe that with certain limitations, results obtained can be helpful for the populations in the wild, which could be of great aid in detecting unhealthy individuals and therefore contributing to the conservation of this species.

Dental remains of cebid platyrrhines from the earliest late Miocene of Western Amazonia, Peru: Macroevolutionary implications on the extant capuchin and marmoset lineages.

OBJECTIVES: Undoubted fossil Cebidae have so far been primarily documented from the late middle Miocene of Colombia, the late Miocene of Brazilian Amazonia, the early Miocene of Peruvian Amazonia, and very recently from the earliest Miocene of Panama. The evolutionary history of cebids is far from being well-documented, with notably a complete blank in the record of callitrichine stem lineages until and after the late middle Miocene (Laventan SALMA). Further documenting their evolutionary history is therefore of primary importance. MATERIAL: Recent field efforts in Peruvian Amazonia (Contamana area, Loreto Department) have allowed for the discovery of an early late Miocene (ca. 11 Ma; Mayoan SALMA) fossil primate-bearing locality (CTA-43; Pebas Formation). In this study, we analyze the primate material, which consists of five isolated teeth documenting two distinct Cebidae: Cebus sp., a medium-sized capuchin (Cebinae), and Cebuella sp., a tiny marmoset (Callitrichinae). RESULTS: Although limited, this new fossil material of platyrrhines contributes to documenting the post-Laventan evolutionary history of cebids, and besides testifies to the earliest occurrences of the modern Cebuella and Cebus/Sapajus lineages in the Neotropics. Regarding the evolutionary history of callitrichine marmosets, the discovery of an 11 Ma-old fossil representative of the modern Cebuella pushes back by at least 6 Ma the age of the Mico/Cebuella divergence currently proposed by molecular biologists (i.e., ca. 4.5 Ma). This also extends back to > 11 Ma BP the divergence between Callithrix and the common ancestor (CA) of Mico/Cebuella, as well as the divergence between the CA of marmosets and Callimico (Goeldi's callitrichine). DISCUSSION: This discovery from Peruvian Amazonia implies a deep evolutionary root of the Cebuella lineage in the northwestern part of South America (the modern western Amazon basin), slightly before the recession of the Pebas mega-wetland system (PMWS), ca. 10.5 Ma, and well-before the subsequent establishment of the Amazon drainage system (ca. 9-7 Ma). During the late middle/early late Miocene interval, the PMWS was seemingly not a limiting factor for dispersals and widespread distribution of terrestrial mammals, but it was also likely a source of diversification via a complex patchwork of submerged/emerged lands varying through time.

Grasping primate development: Ontogeny of intrinsic hand and foot proportions in capuchin monkeys (Cebus albifrons and Sapajus apella).

Young primates have relatively large hands and feet for their body size, perhaps enhancing grasping ability. We test the hypothesis that selection for improved grasping ability is responsible for these scaling trends by examining the ontogeny of intrinsic hand and foot proportions in capuchin monkeys (Cebus albifrons and Sapajus apella). If selection for improved grasping ability is responsible for the observed patterns of hand and foot growth in primates, we predicted that fingers and toes would be longer early in life and proportionally decline with age. We measured the lengths of manual and pedal metapodials and phalanges in a mixed-longitudinal radiographic sample. Bone lengths were (a) converted into phalangeal indices (summed non-distal phalangeal length/metapodial length) to test for age-related changes in intrinsic proportions and (b) fit to Gompertz models of growth to test for differences in the dynamics of phalangeal versus metapodial growth. Manual and pedal phalangeal indices nearly universally decreased with age in capuchin monkeys. Growth curve analyses revealed that metapodials generally grew at a faster rate, and for a longer duration, than corresponding phalanges. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that primates are under selection for increased grasping ability early in life. Relatively long digits may be functionally adaptive for growing capuchins, permitting a more secure grasp on both caregivers and arboreal supports, as well as facilitating early foraging. Additional studies of primates and other mammals, as well as tests of grasping performance, are required to fully evaluate the adaptive significance of primate hand and foot growth.

Descrição morfológica de duas espécies de Sapajus encontradas na Paraíba: S. libidinosus e o recém-redescoberto e já criticamente ameaçado S. flavius / Morphological description of two species of Sapajus found in Paraíba: S. libidinosus and the newly discovered and endangered S. flavius

Sapajus flavius e S. libidinosus são duas espécies de macacos-prego encontrados no Estado da Paraíba. S. flavius ou macaco-prego-galego foi recentemente redescoberto e está criticamente ameaçado de extinção, sendo encontrado em fragmentos remanescentes de mata Atlântica do litoral do RN, PB, PE e AL. S. libidinosus tem uma distribuição e população maior, coexistindo de S. flavius na PB, entretanto, ocupando o oeste da PB, na caatinga. Frente à lacuna no conhecimento sobre estas espécies foi realizada a descrição morfológica das mesmas, envolvendo biometria externa, dos órgãos do trato gastrointestinal, topografia visceral e a descrição anatômica. Apesar da literatura descrever S. flavius como o menor dos Sapajus, concluímos que não há diferenças morfológicas entre as espécies estudadas. Tais informações servem de subsídios para melhores manejos visando a conservação das espécies e ajudando na classificação taxonômica desse gênero recentemente modificado.

Sapajus flavius and S. libidinosus are two species of capuchin monkeys found in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. S. flavius or Macgrave's capuchin monkey was recently rediscovered and is now critically endangered, found only in remaining fragments of Atlantic forest in the coastal region of the Brazian Northeast. S. libidinosus has a larger population and distribution, coexisting with S. flavius in Paraíba, however living in the western part of the state, in the semi-arid. Since there is a lack of knowledge about these species, a morphologic description of them was made, involving external and gastrointestinal tract biometry, visceral topography and anatomic description. Although the literature describes S. flavius as the smaller monkey of the Sapajus genus, we conclude that there are no morphological differences between these species. Such information contributes to best management practices for conservation of the species and to the correct taxonomic classification of the genus recently modified.

Comparative anatomy of the pelvic nerves in bearded capuchins (Sapajus sp) / Anatomia comparativa dos nervos da pelve de macacos-prego (Sapajus sp)

Bearded capuchins (Sapajus sp), unexpectedly, share with chimpanzees behavioral features such as high cognitive ability, good memory, tool use with intermittent bipedalism, and social tolerance; although its anatomy is still little studied. To test the hypothesis that bearded capuchins might share similar anatomical features with chimpanzees, we investigated the pelvic nerves of the bearded capuchin and compared them with the data in the previous literature for modern humans, chimpanzee, and baboons in terms of origin, trajectory and innervated structures, when the data are available. Variation is very common in the primates because of, inter alia, 1) the problem of the anatomical position, i.e., some primatologists used the human anatomical position to describe those in non-human primates, while others used the non-human anatomical position, and the definition of anatomical position (human or non-human position) is not clear; 2) the lateralized and semi-bend pelvis limbs in non-humans primates compared with modern humans; 3) the absence of the some muscles (e.g., scansorius and ilioschiofemoralis) in modern humans in the thigh; and 4) the difference in the numbers of vertebrae among the authors, even in the same species, such as chimpanzees and bearded capuchins.(AU)

Macacos-prego (Sapajus sp), inesperadamente, compartilham com chimpanzés comportamentos como alta cognição e memória, uso de ferramentas com o bipedalismo intermitente, tolerância social. No entanto, sua anatomia ainda é pouco estudada. Para verificar a hipótese com qual espécie e/ou grupo de primatas os macacos-prego compartilham mais características, o objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar os nervos pélvicos do Sapajus e compará-los com dados da literatura anatômica sobre os seres humanos, chimpanzés e babuínos, considerando aspectos como origem, trajetória e estruturas inervadas. Foi observado que existem grandes variações nos nervos pélvicos entre os primatas estudados aqui, quais sejam, 1) o problema da posição anatômica, i.e., alguns primatologistas consideram a posição anatômica humana para os primatas, outros consideram a posição anatômica animal, e a opção por um ou outro não é clara nos textos; 2) o problema dos membros pélvicos em primatas não humanos serem lateralizados e semi-fletidos em relação aos seres humanos modernos; 3) o problema da ausência, nos seres humanos modernos, de alguns músculos da coxa em relação aos outros primatas como o escansório e o iliosquiofemoral; e 4) o problema da diferença do número de vértebras nos primatas estudados aqui, inclusive com diferenças para a mesma espécie citadas por diferentes autores tanto para chimpanzés como para macacos-prego.(AU)

Anatomical Study of Intrahemispheric Association Fibers in the Brains of Capuchin Monkeys (Sapajus sp.).

Previous studies suggest that the complexity of fiber connections in the brain plays a key role in the evolutionary process of the primate brain and behaviors. The patterns of brain fiber systems have been studied in detail in many nonhuman primates, but not in Sapajus sp. Behavioral studies indicated that Sapajus sp. (bearded capuchins) show highly cognitive behaviors such as tool use comparable to those in other nonhuman primates. To compare the brain fiber systems in capuchins with those in other nonhuman primates and humans, the intrahemispheric fibers systems in 24 cerebral hemispheres of Sapajus were dissected by a freezing-thawing procedure. Dissection of the hemispheres in lateral view indicated short arcuate fibers, uncinate fasciculus, and inferior longitudinal fasciculus, while that in a medial view indicated short arcuate fibers, the cingulum united with the superior longitudinal fasciculus, and inferior longitudinal fasciculus. The results showed that the fiber systems in Sapajus are comparable to those in rhesus and humans, except for a lack of independent superior longitudinal fasciculus and cingulum in Sapajus.

Percussive tool use by Taï Western chimpanzees and Fazenda Boa Vista bearded capuchin monkeys: a comparison.

Percussive tool use holds special interest for scientists concerned with human origins. We summarize the findings from two field sites, Taï and Fazenda Boa Vista, where percussive tool use by chimpanzees and bearded capuchins, respectively, has been extensively investigated. We describe the ecological settings in which nut-cracking occurs and focus on four aspects of nut-cracking that have important cognitive implications, namely selection of tools, tool transport, tool modification and modulation of actions to reach the goal of cracking the nut. We comment on similarities and differences in behaviour and consider whether the observed differences reflect ecological, morphological, social and/or cognitive factors. Both species are sensitive to physical properties of tools, adjust their selection of hammers conditionally to the resistance of the nuts and to transport distance, and modulate the energy of their strikes under some conditions. However, chimpanzees transport hammers more frequently and for longer distances, take into account a higher number of combinations of variables and occasionally intentionally modify tools. A parsimonious interpretation of our findings is that morphological, ecological and social factors account for the observed differences. Confirmation of plausible cognitive differences in nut-cracking requires data not yet available.

Cardiothoracic ratio and vertebral heart size (VHS) to standardize the heart size of the tufted capuchin (Cebus apella Linnaeus, 1758) in computerized radiographic images / Índice cardiotorácico e vertebral heart size (VHS) para a padronização do tamanho cardíaco do macaco-prego (Cebus apella Linnaeus, 1758) em imagens radiográficas computadorizadas

The VHS and CTR were assessed using computerized thoracic radiographs of ten clinically healthy tufted capuchin monkeys (five males and five females) from the Wild Animal Screening Center in São Luís (Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres de São Luís-MA-CETAS). Radiographs were taken in laterolateral and dorsoventral projections to calculate the cardiothoracic ratio (VHS) and vertebral heart size (CTR). The VHS showed mean values of 9.34±0.32v (males) and 9.16±0.34v (females) and there was no statistical difference between males and females (p>0.05). The CTR showed mean values of 0.55±0.04 (males) and 0.52±0.03 (females) and there was no statistical difference between the sexes (p>0.05). There was positive correlation between VHS and CTR (r=0.78). The thoracic and heart diameters showed mean values of 5.70±0.48cm and 2.16±0.40cm in the males, respectively. In the females they measured 5.32±0.39cm and 2.94±0.32cm. There was no statistical difference between the sexes. Our results show that the high correlation found between VHS and CTR permitted the verification with similar clinical precision between the two methods to estimate alterations in the heart silhouette by radiographic examination of tufted capuchin, making it an easy technique to apply that can be considered in the investigation of heart problems for this wild species...

Para a avaliação do VHS e ICT foram utilizadas radiografias torácicas computadorizadas de 10 macacos-prego (05 machos e 05 fêmeas) clinicamente saudáveis, oriundos do Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres de São Luís-MA-CETAS. Foram tomadas radiografias em projeções laterolaterais e dorsoventrais, para cálculo do Vertebral Heart Scale (VHS) e Índice Cardiotorácico (ICT). O VHS evidenciou valores médios de 9,34±0,32v (machos) e 9,16±0,34v (fêmeas), não ocorrendo diferença estatística entre machos e fêmeas (p>0,05). O ICT evidenciou valores médios de 0,55±0,04 (machos) e de 0,52±0,03 (fêmeas), não sendo verificada diferença estatística entre sexos (p>0,05). Verificou-se correlação positiva entre VHS e ICT (r=0,78). Os diâmetros torácico e cardíaco demonstraram valores médios de 5,70±0,48cm e 3,16±0,40cm nos machos, respectivamente. Nas fêmeas mediram 5,32±0,39cm e 2,94±0,32cm. Não houve diferença estatística entre os sexos (p>0,05). Os nossos resultados demonstraram que a alta correlação encontrada entre o VHS e o ICT permitiu verificar precisão clínica semelhante entre os dois métodos, para estimar alterações da silhueta cardíaca ao exame radiográfico de macacos-prego, constituindo-se como uma técnica de fácil aplicação, poddevendo ser considerada na investigação de problemas cardíacos para esta espécie silvestre...

Environmental perturbations can be detected through microwear texture analysis in two platyrrhine species from Brazilian Amazonia.

Recent dental microwear studies have shown that fossil species differ from one another in texture attributes-both in terms of central tendency and dispersion. Most comparative studies used to interpret these results have relied on poorly provenienced museum samples that are not well-suited to consideration of within species variation in diet. Here we present a study of two species of platyrrhine monkeys, Alouatta belzebul (n = 60) and Sapajus apella (n = 28) from Pará State in the Brazilian Amazon in order to assess effects of habitat variation on microwear (each species was sampled from forests that differ in the degree of disturbance from highly disturbed to minimally disturbed). Results indicate that microwear texture values vary between habitats-more for the capuchins than the howler monkeys. This is consistent with the notion that diets of the more folivorous A. belzebul are less affected by habitat disturbance than those of the more frugivorous S. apella. It also suggests that microwear holds the potential to reflect comparatively subtle differences in within-species variation in fossil taxa if sample size and control over paleohabitat allow.

Morphological and Morphometric Description of Female Reproductive Tract of Sapajus apella (Capuchin monkey).

Forest destruction has progressively hampered the survival of many species, and this is why it is so important to study of the lives of primates in captivity. This study aimed to describe the morphological aspects of the female reproductive tract of Sapajus apella. We used five animals obtained from the National Primate Center, Ananindeua - PA. The ovaries were paired, compact and symmetrical and had a smooth surface. The uterine tubes were bilateral and convoluted in adult animals and straight in young individuals. The uterus was simple and located in the pelvic region. The vagina was a long structure due to the position of the uterus. The external genitalia were located in the urogenital perineum and consisted of dark pigmented labia majora and labia minora, a vaginal vestibule as long as the vagina and a well-developed clitoris. The results showed that the genitals of S. apella resemble those of other Neotropical primates.

Parvalbumin expression and distribution in the hippocampal formation of Cebus apella.

New World primates play an important role in biomedical research. However, the literature still lacks information on many structural features of the brain in these species, particularly structures of the hippocampal formation that are related to long-term memory storage. This study was designed to provide information, for the first time, about the distribution and number of neurons expressing parvalbumin-immunoreactivity (PV-I) in the subregions of the hippocampal formation in Cebus apella, a New World primate species commonly used in biomedical research. Our results revealed that for several morphometric variables, PV-I cells differ significantly among the subregions CA1, CA2, CA3, and the hilus. Based upon our findings and those of other studies, we hypothesize that the proportional increase from monkeys to humans in PV-I cell density within CA1 is a factor contributing to the evolution of increased memory formation and storage.

Comparative anatomy of the pelvic vessels in the bearded capuchin (Sapajus libidinosus) and baboons, apes and modern humans.

Cebus/Sapajus has shown high cognitive and manipulatory behaviour as well as intermittent bipedalism. Although the function of the muscles and bones of this genus has been widely investigated, the arterial system that supports these tissues has not been studied in much detail, and a full description of the blood vessels of the pelvis is still missing. Therefore, we studied the vessels of the pelvis of Sapajus libidinosus in terms of their origin, distribution and muscle irrigation and compared them with those of other primates available in the literature. In general, the distribution pattern and origin of arteries in the pelvis of the bearded capuchin are more similar to those of baboons compared to other primates. This similarity may be because both have a tail, a similar body shape and use, preferentially, quadrupedal movement.

Estudo descritivo comparativo da anatomia do músculo tensor da fáscia lata em macaco prego (Sapajus apella) e canídeos neotropicais / Comparative anatomy of the fascia lata tensor muscle in capuchin monkeys (Sapajus apella) and neotropical canides

A Anatomia comparativa vem se destacando nos tempos, como recurso que permite a avaliação da evolução de determinadas espécies, evidenciando suas adaptações ao meio em que vive. Com a intervenção humana, no bioma do cerrado diversas espécies entraram ou se encontram em vias de entrarem em risco de extinção sem nem ao menos terem a sua biologia estudada. Este trabalho visa descrever e comparar a anatomia do músculo tensor da fáscia lata de macaco-prego e canídeos neotropicais. Para tanto, foram utilizados dois espécimes de cada grupo taxonômico: macacoprego; raposa-do-campo; cachorro-do-mato e lobo-guará, comparando os resultados encontrados entre si, com a literatura humana e veterinária já bem estabelecidas. Os animais foram fixados em solução aquosa de formol a 10%, e dissecados sob técnicas usuais de dissecação utilizadas em Anatomia macroscópica, seguido de foto documentação. O músculo tensor da fáscia lata não apresenta divergências entre as espécies estudadas, possuindo formato aproximadamente triangular e localização na parte proximal da face lateral da coxa, constituído por uma parte cranial e outra caudal. As principais diferenças estão relacionadas, com o porte físico-postural de cada grupo, certamente atrelado ao modo de vida.

The comparative anatomy has been assuming an important role during the last decades as a tool that allows evaluatingthe evolution of certain species, showing their adaptations to the environment they live in. Due to human intervention in the cerrado biome, several species have been or are about to be endangered without even having their biology studied. This study aimed to describe and compare the anatomy of the Fascia Lata Tensor muscle in capuchin monkeys and neotropical canides. For such purpose, two specimens of each taxonomic group (capuchin monkey, field fox; forest dog and maned wolf) were used. The obtained results were compared among the studied species and discussed with the human and veterinary literature data, which are already well established. As the focus of this study was on the descriptive anatomy rather than on the statistical data, the dissection of a larger number of animals was not required. The pieces were fixed in 10% formalin aqueous solution, using dissection routine techniques in macroscopic anatomy. Next, the pieces were analyzed, described and photographed. Regarding the shape and location the fasciae latae tensor muscle presented no major differences, having an approximately triangular shape, locating in the proximal part of the thigh lateral side and comprising a cranial portion and another caudal one, both fleshy. The main differences were related to the postural-physical size of each group, certainly linked to the lifestyle.

Morfologia radicular da dentição permanente de Sapajus apella: morfometria, anatomia macroscópica, ultraestrutura e propriedades físicas / Root morphology of the permanent dentition Sapajus apella: morphometry, gross anatomy, ultrastructure and physical properties

O objetivo desse trabalho foi contribuir com o estudo anatômico, morfométrico, ultraestrutural e propriedades físicas dos dentes permanentes do primata Sapajus apella. Para tal, foram utilizados 10 animais adultos e machos. Os dentes foram avaliados quanto ao seu comprimento e quanto à anatomia radicular externa e interna considerando número de raízes e canais, forma e direção radicular e forma do canal, assim como análise da densidade e diâmetro tubular do canal radicular, composição e microdureza dentinária. A anatomia radicular desse primata apresentou especificidades, como o número de raízes do segundo pré-molar superior e a presença do terceiro pré-molar. Quanto à densidade e o diâmetro dos túbulos dentinários, observou-se uma diminuição do número e diâmetro de túbulos ao longo do canal radicular, havendo diferença estatisticamente significante ao se comparar o terço apical com as regiões cervical e média, padrão de densidade e tamanho semelhantes a dentes humanos. Semelhanças também foram encontradas com dentes humanos quando comparados os valores de microdureza e proporção de elementos químicos encontrados na dentina radicular...

This paper aimed the anatomical study including morphometric, ultrastructural and physical properties of permanent teeth of Sapajus apella primate. Ten adult male monkeys were studied. The teeth were evaluated for their length, root anatomy (external and internal considering the number of roots and canals), direction and shape of the root canal, density and diameter of the tubular root canal, dentin microhardness, and composition. The root anatomy showed specificity regarding the number of roots of the second premolar and the presence of the third premolar. We observed a decrease in the number and diameter of dentinal tubules along the root canal, a statistically significant difference when compared with the apical and cervical regions. Similarities with human teeth were found in regard to microhardness values and proportion of chemical elements in the root dentin...