Natural diet and feeding habits of a freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium carcinus: Crustacea, Decapoda) in the estuary of the Amazon River

Macrobrachium carcinus is a Brazilian native prawn with recognized potential for use in aquaculture activities. However, there is little information about the natural diet and feeding habits of this species. The aim of this study was the identification of the diet items of M. carcinus based on the analysis of the stomach contents. Specimens were collected in the Amazon River estuary between January 2009 and January 2010. The stomach analysis was carried out by using the frequency of occurrence (FO), methods of points (MP) and feeding index (FI). It was observed that prawns fed on detritus, animals and plant fragments as the most important food items. Sediment accounted for the main stomach content, accounting for 43.2% by the MP, 44.9% by FI and 100% by the FO. Sexual differences in feeding preferences were not found in this study, and seasonal differences in the frequency of items ingested by M. carcinus were not observed. The results indicated that M. carcinus can be considered omnivorous species, but with an important carnivorous component, similar to that found in other Macrobrachium species.

Reproductive aspects of Macrobrachium amazonicum (Decapoda: Palaemonidae) in the State of Amapá, Amazon River mouth

Macrobrachium amazonicum is an indigenous prawn vastly distributed in basins of South America, widely exploited by artisanal fisheries in northern and northeastern Brazil and, with great potential for aquaculture. This study aimed to investigate general aspects of population structure and reproductive characteristics (size at first maturity, fecundity and reproductive output) of M. amazonicum from two important areas to artisanal prawn fishing located at the mouth of the Amazon River, State of Amapá. The specimens were captured using 20 handcrafted traps called "matapi". A number of 5,179 prawns were captured, 2,975 females and 2,195 males resulting in 1.35:1 female to male ratio. Santana Island and Mazagão Velho showed females predominated in the population. A reproductive peak period was observed from January to April/2009 and in December/2010, coinciding with the period of higher rainfall. The recruitment peak occurred in June and July/2009. Egg-bearing females ranged in size (carapace length) from 11.10 to 29.6 mm. Fecundity increased with female size and reached up to 7,417 eggs. This amount of eggs is considered low if compared with other Macrobrachium estuarine species. Mean egg volume increased gradually from 0.121 to 0.24 mm³ during embryogenesis, representing 68.5% of overall increase from Stage I to Stage III. Eggs of M. amazonicum are small; this is typical for Macrobrachium species, which depends on brackish water to complete the larval development. Irrespective of female size, reproductive output of M. amazonicum varied between 4.8 and 21.85% of their body weight into eggs production.

Nicolas Sanson and his Map: The Course of the Amazon River

One of the first scientific maps of the Amazon region, The Course of the Amazon River (Le Cours de La Rivière des Amazones), was constructed by Nicolas Sanson, a French cartographer of the seventeenth century, and served as the prototype for many others. The evaluation of this chart, until now, has been that it is a very defective map, a sketch based on a historical account, according to the opinion of La Condamine. Thus, the aim of the present work was to prove that the map of the Amazon River traced by Nicolas Sanson is a scientific work, a map that presents precise geographic coordinates considering its time, shows a well-determined prime meridian, and also employs a creative methodology to deduce longitudes from latitudes and distances that had been covered. To show such characteristics, an analysis of the accuracy of the map was made by comparing its latitudes and longitudes with those of a current map. We determined the prime meridian of this map and analyzed the methodology used for the calculation of longitudes. The conclusion is that it is actually a good map for the time, particularly considering the technology and the limited information that Sanson had at his disposal. This proves that the negative assertion of La Condamine is unfounded.

Nesting and neonates of the yellow-spotted river turtle (Podocnemis unifilis, Podocnemididae) in the Araguari River basin, eastern Amazon, Brazil

Predation and alteration of microhabitats may represent high risk for nesting of Amazonian turtles. This study aimed at investigating the nesting and body parameters of neonates of Podocnemis unifilis in the Araguari River basin, State of Amapá, Brazil. The spawning sites of this turtle were monitored along the Falsino River (a region with two reserves) and in the urban area of the Porto Grande city along the Araguari River, from August to December 2011. A total of 180 nests were found and the nesting occurred from September to November, with prevalence in October. Eggs hatching occurred in December. The mean incubation period was 63.5 ± 5.2 days and the eggs hatching success was 25%. However, approximately 80% of the nests had suffered predation mainly by humans, which occurred in both the protected areas of the reserves and the urban area. The pattern of nesting site choice was discussed. Egg size was larger than that previously described for the same turtle species in the other regions. The body condition index of neonates indicated a good use of vitelline reserves. The results indicate the urgent need for strategic actions to conserve and maintain the natural stocks of this relatively vulnerable turtle in the region.

Peacock bass mortality associated with catch-and-release sport fishing in the Negro River, Amazonas State, Brazil

Sport fishing for peacock bass Cichla spp. in the Brazilian Amazon has increased in popularity and attracts anglers who generate significant economic benefits in rural regions. The sustainability of this fishery is partly dependent on the survival of fish caught through catch-and-release fishing. The objective of this work was to investigate, hooking mortality of Cichla spp., including speckled peacock bass (C. temensis Humbolt), butterfly peacock bass (C. orinocensis Humbolt), and popoca peacock bass (C. monoculus Agassiz) in the basin of the Negro River, the largest tributary of the Amazon River. Fish were caught at two different sites using artificial lures, transported to pens anchored in the river and monitored for 72 hours. A total of 162 individual peacock bass were captured and hooking mortality (mean % ± 95% confidence intervals) was calculated. Mean mortality was 3.5% (± 5.0), 2.3% (± 3.5) and 5.2% (± 10.2) for speckled peacock bass, butterfly peacock bass, and popoca peacock bass, respectively. Lengths of captured fish ranged from 26 to 79 cm (standard length), however, only fish under 42 cm died. This research suggests that catch-and-release sport fishing of peacock bass does not result in substantial mortality in the Negro River basin.

Reproductive biology of Macrobrachium surinamicum (Decapoda: Palaemonidae) in the Amazon River mouth

Macrobrachium surinamicum is an indigenous prawn distributed from the lower Amazon and Tocantins river basins to Venezuela in the Orinoco Delta region. It is common bycatch fauna of Macrobrachium amazonicum artisan fishing in the states of Pará and Amapá. The aim of this study was to investigate aspects on reproductive biology (reproductive period, size of sexual maturity population, fecundity, reproductive output and recruitment) of M. surinamicum from four important areas to artisanal prawn fishing located at the Amazon River mouth (Amapá and Pará). The specimens were captured using 20 handcrafted traps called "matapi". A number of 675 prawns were captured, 258 males, 409 females and eight juveniles, resulting in 1:1.6 (Male: Female) sex ratio. The reproductive peak period occurred from March to July, coinciding with the higher rainfall period. The juvenile prawn occurred only in May and July. Total length of egg-bearing females ranged from 12.12 to 38.30 mm, with mean female length at first maturity (L50) of 23.7 mm. Fecundity increased with prawn size and varied between 174 and 1780 eggs per female. Mean egg volume increased gradually from 0.031 (Stage I) to 0.060 mm³ (Stage III) during embryogenesis. Macrobrachium surinamicum depends on brackish water to complete the larval development. Irrespective of female size, reproductive output of M. surinamicum varied between 4.3 % and 35.5 % of their body weight for egg production. The knowledge of the reproductive biology reported in the present study is an important tool to define strategies to preserve M. surinamicum in Amazon River mouth.

The seasonal diet of Aequidens tetramerus (Cichlidae) in a small forest stream in the Machado River basin, Rondônia, Brazil

Trophic relationships in fish communities are affected by the availability of resources, which in turn is affected by spatial and temporal variations throughout the year. The aims of this study were to characterize the diet of A. tetramerus in a streamlet in the north of Brazil and compare its composition in different hydrological seasons (wet and dry seasons). Collections were performed every two months from October 2011 to September 2012 with the aid of seine nets, hand net and fishing traps in the streamlet located in the Machado River drainage basin in the Rondônia state. Most of the specimens collected were quite small (< 40 mm) and had empty stomachs. Our results showed that A. tetramerus feeds on a wide variety of items of plant origin, such as algae, seeds and leaves, as well as items of animal origin, including bryozoans, crustaceans, fish scales, terrestrial insects and detritus. The data also indicated higher consumption of aquatic insects than other food items, suggesting a primarily insect-based diet. Items of plant and allochthonous origin were consumed more in the wet season than in the dry season, but there were no seasonal differences in the consumption of animal and autochthonous items.

Bat survey of the lower Juruena River and five new records for the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil

ABSTRACT The northern Brazilian state of Mato Grosso is considered an important biogeographical region, but has many sampling gaps. Apart from the well-documented non volant mammal community in the region, the bat fauna still poorly recorded. The aim of this study was to record the bat species of Juruena National Park, northern Mato Grosso, Brazil. Nineteen sites were sampled using mist-nets placed at ground level and near potential bat roosts. We collected 115 individuals belonging to 35 species and five families, which increased the number of species known for Mato Grosso´s Amazon from 86 to 91. The five new records were: Peropteryx kappleri, Peropteryx leucoptera, Lonchorhina inusitata, Tonatia saurophila, and Artibeus concolor. Our results pointed out the necessity of more studies in order to better estimate the bat diversity in northern Mato Grosso.

Epidemiological characteristics of congenital heart diseases in Londrina, Paraná South Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and other epidemiological characteristics of congenital heart diseases. METHODS: A retrospective population based study of children who were born in Londrina, from January '89 to December '98 (80,262 live births). Diagnoses were confirmed through autopsy, surgery, catheterization, or echocardiography. RESULTS: A total of 441 patients was as certained what corresponds to a prevalence of 5.494:1,000 live births. Ventricular septal defect was the commonest lesion. A small number of transpositions of the great vessels and of left ventricular hypoplasia was observed. A high propation of ventricular septal defect (28.3%) and atrioventricular septal defects (8.1%) occurred. Fifty-one (11.35%) affected children had syndromic diseases and 52 (12.01%) children had nonsyndromic anomalies. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of congenital heart diseases in Londrina is in accordance with that of other regions of the globe. This prevalence also may reflect the reality in the southern region of Brazil, because population characteristics are very similar in the 3 southernmost Brazilian states.

Análise do perfil lipídico de mulheres idosas em Curitiba - Paraná

FUNDAMENTO: A dislipidemia é considerada um dos principais fatores de risco para a doença cardiovascular, que, por sua vez, é mais freqüente em indivíduos de idade avançada. Contudo, evidências sugerem que uma parcela da população idosa desconhece a característica de seu perfil lipídico, assim como muitos não possuem acesso a um tratamento adequado. OBJETIVO: Analisar o perfil lipídico e a freqüência da utilização da terapia hipolipemiante de mulheres idosas em Curitiba - Paraná. MÉTODOS: A amostra foi composta por 312 mulheres (idade média 68,8; desvio padrão 6,0 anos). O perfil lipídico foi determinado por meio das dosagens de colesterol total (CT), colesterol de lipoproteína de alta densidade (HDL-C), colesterol de lipoproteína de baixa densidade (LDL-C) e triglicerídeos (TG). A utilização da terapia hipolipemiante foi verificada por meio de auto-relato, em seguida os grupos foram divididos em dois subgrupos, satisfatório e insatisfatório. RESULTADOS: Foi encontrada uma grande prevalência de indivíduos com valores insatisfatórios nos componentes do perfil lipídico, no grupo que relatou não estar sob terapia hipolipemiante: 74,2% das mulheres portadoras de doenças cardiovasculares (DCV) apresentaram valores superiores à meta lipêmica para o LDL-C (<100,0 mg/dl). Por sua vez, 45,8% a 49,3% dos indivíduos do grupo que relatou utilizar medicamento hipolipemiante apresentaram valores insatisfatórios para CT, TG e LDL-C, e 25,4% obtiveram valores de HDL-C inferiores a 40,0 mg/dl. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados desta investigação indicam uma alta prevalência de mulheres idosas, independentemente do auto-relato de utilizar terapia hipolipemiante, com o perfil lipídico desfavorável, principalmente em relação à meta lipêmica para o LDL-C nas mulheres idosas portadoras de DCV.

Impacto da consulta de enfermagem na frequência de internações em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca em Curitiba - Paraná

FUNDAMENTO: A insuficiência cardíaca (IC) tornou-se um problema de saúde pública com incidência e prevalência aumentadas na última década, consequência do envelhecimento da população e melhoria das terapias farmacológicas e intervencionistas. Esta promove altas taxas de mortalidade e morbidade, refletidas em altas taxas de internações e readmissões hospitalares mesmo em pacientes submetidos às novas terapias, sobretudo o uso de IECA e β - bloqueadores. OBJETIVO: Este estudo é uma análise do impacto que a consulta de enfermagem promove na frequência de internações de pacientes com IC, residentes em Curitiba e região metropolitana - Paraná. MÉTODOS: Diagnóstico de IC e classificação funcional pela NYHA, acesso telefônico, residência em Curitiba ou região metropolitana, expectativa de sobrevida maior que 3 meses de doenças não cardíacas, idade superior a 18 anos, não usuário de drogas ilícitas. Os grupos foram formados por meio de amostragem aleatória simples (sorteio), em que um grupo recebeu atendimento médico usual, consulta de enfermagem e monitoração telefônica quinzenal de caráter educativo, grupo intervenção (GI) e o outro, atendimento médico usual, monitoração telefônica mensal de caráter administrativo e epidemiológico, grupo controle (GC). O acompanhamento se deu durante o período de 6 meses. RESULTADOS: O GI necessitou de 0,25±0,79 internamentos e o GC 1,10 ±1,41; p = 0,037. CONCLUSÃO: A consulta de enfermagem promove redução da frequência de internações hospitalares dos pacientes com IC em tratamento, residentes em Curitiba e região metropolitana.

Doenças cardiovasculares antes e após o programa saúde da família, Londrina, Paraná

FUNDAMENTO: A redução da morbi-mortalidade pelas doenças do aparelho circulatório (DAC) é um dos maiores desafios da atenção básica, e a atuação da Saúde da Família possibilita o acesso às medidas multissetoriais e integrais que a abordagem dessas doenças exige. OBJETIVO: Analisar a mortalidade e a internação hospitalar, por DAC, antes e após a implantação da Saúde da Família em Londrina-PR. MÉTODOS: Estudo de agregados, comparando-se os coeficientes de mortalidade e de internação hospitalar pelo SUS, por DAC, doença cerebrovascular (DCbV) e doença isquêmica do coração (DIC), de residentes em Londrina, em dois quadriênios: 1997 a 2000 e 2002 a 2005. Os dados foram obtidos no Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade e no Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do SUS. Foram calculadas razões entre as taxas nos dois períodos e os respectivos intervalos de 95% de confiança. RESULTADOS: As DAC mantiveram-se como a primeira causa de morte no município nos dois quadriênios. As DCbV e as DIC responderam por mais de 63% das mortes por DAC. Na comparação dos dois quadriênios, observou-se a redução das taxas de mortalidade por DCbV, significativa apenas em maiores de 59 anos, em ambos os sexos, e o aumento da internação em 10%. Para as DIC não houve alteração significativa na mortalidade e ocorreu um aumento de 40% na taxa de internação. CONCLUSÃO: A redução significativa apenas na mortalidade por DCbV em idosos sugere a necessidade de ampliar a cobertura assistencial aos diferentes grupos populacionais e o desenvolvimento de ações de caráter preventivo e de promoção à saúde.

Ácaros do pinheiro-do-Paraná em Lages, Santa Catarina

Coletas quinzenais de ácaros de ramos do Pinheiro-do-Paraná, Araucária angustifolia, em Lages, Santa Catarina, revelaram a presença, durante um ano (Setembro de 1983 a Agosto de 1984) das espécies fitófagas Oligonychus urunguis (Jacobi) e Tydeus formosus (Cooreman) e de ácaros predadores da família Phytoseiidae, dos gêneros Amblyseius e Proprioseiopsis. Também ácaros oribatídeos foram coletados durante todo o ano. De ocorrência mais restrita foram obtidos ácaros das famílias Ascidae, Bdellidae, Cheyletidae e Acaridae. O método de coleta batendo-se o material vegetal sobre tela e bandeja revelou-se pouco mais eficiente do que o emprego do funil de Tullgren.

Microhabitats de mosquitos (Diptera, Culicidae) em internódios de taquara na Mata Atlântica, Paraná, Brasil

During two consecutive years, from January 1985 to December 1986, a comparative study of mosquitoes preferences for breeding habitat was carried out in the Atlantic Forest of the Serra do Mar, Paraná State, Brazil. To achieve it, 1875 bamboo internodes aligned vertically in live green, bamboo plants Merostachys speciosa Munro and Merostachys sp. were used, in which metabolic water was exuded from the plant itself, and presenting different size/pattern holes at their lateral walls, bored by the local sylvan fauna. Another group of 1200 individual internode traps was used as comparative element, carved out with a transversal cut by a saw, filled with local stream water and held in branches at different heights in the vegetal strata nearby. At both microhabitat types, a total of 17 culicid species was registered. Culex (Microculex) neglectus Lutz, 1904, Cx. (Carrollia) soperi Antunes & Lane, 1937, Sabethes (Sabethes) batesi Lane & Cerqueira, 1942 and Sa. (Sabethinus) melanonymphe (Dyar, 1924)colonized exclusively live plant internodes, while Culex (Microculex) elongatus Rozeboom & Lane, 1950, Cx. (Carrollia) iridescens (Lutz, 1905), Cx. (Carrollia) kompi Valencia,1973and Trichoprosopon (Trichoprosopon) soaresi Dyar & Knab, 1907 bred only in internode traps. The remaining nine species colonized both habitats indistinctly. Quantitatively, was detected the abundance of 60.1% at live green internodes, against 39.9% for internode traps. Concerning the different patterns of bored live internode holes, 40.3% of the total computed specimens were collected in square or rectangular holes, 31.9% in two hole internodes, one minute circular, the other wider, and the remaining 28.8% of specimens distributed in other pattern type internodes. The mosquitoes breeding at these microhabitats fall in the culicid entomofauna specialized at locating and detecting peculiar and propitious mesogen conditions for breeding purposes.

Diversity and stability of fishes (Teleostei) in a temporary river of the Brazilian semiarid region

The effects of hydrological disturbances by flooding and drought on the diversity and stability in a temporary river fish community in the Brazilian semiarid region were analyzed over the 1996 hydrological cycle. Twelve collections of fishes were made during the wet and dry phases, and 789 individuals of 16 species were collected. Diversity was measured using Simpson's Index (S) and community stability was analyzed by the variation in abundance using Kendall's W concordance test. Fish diversity in the Taperoá river was subjected to hydrological disturbances by flooding and drought. During the wet phase the diversity was higher (S = 0.855) than during the dry phase (S = 0.771). The community was considered stable during the whole annual hydrological cycle (W = 0.418 p < 0.001), but a higher stability in the community was found during the dry phase. During the dry phase the number of dominant species was smaller than during the wet phase.