Hematological and biochemical changes in a Phrynops geoffroanus (Schweigger, 1812) population in response to environmental stressors

Turtles are among the most endangered vertebrate groups, and the main threats to populations are environmental pollution and habitat degradation. The species Phrynops geoffroanus, popularly known as “Geoffroy’s side-necked turtle”, has proliferated in polluted environments, where adverse conditions could influence their living habits and physiological condition. Studies that monitor the effects of environmental pollution are key to understanding the species’ biology and designing effective conservation strategies. Thus, the analysis of hematological and biochemical parameters has been shown to be important in assessing the health of wild animals and risks for the animal and ecosystem. This study aimed to assess the environmental influence on the physiology of a P. geoffroanus population through the evaluation of antioxidant status and responses to environmental stressors, compared to specimens from a place under controlled conditions. Blood samples of 60 specimens were collected, 30 from the Felicidade Stream, polluted environment, within the city of São José do Rio Preto, and 30 from the “Reginaldo Uvo Leone” breeding farm, Tabapuã, SP, a place under controlled conditions, whose samples constituted the control group. They were evaluated by hemogram and by determining thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH). There was a wide variation in hematological parameters of P. geoffroanus from the urban environment. The red blood cell count and hemoglobin values were significantly less than those observed in animals from the breeding farm (P = 0.0004; P = 0.0371, respectively). There was a significant increase in the number of thrombocytes (P < 0.0001) and leukocytes (P < 0.0001) in the animals from Felicidade Stream. The stress indices were similar between the two groups (P = 0.4077). TBARS levels showed the cytotoxic potential of compounds in the urban environment, whose animals had elevated levels of lipid peroxidation (P < 0.0001), despite showing a response to environmental damages with increase in antioxidant capacity, as demonstrated by the TEAC assay (P = 0.0207). The lower catalase enzyme activity noted in individuals from the urban environment (P = 0.000184) could be due to the presence of inhibitory compounds. On the other hand, G6PDH activity was higher (P = 0.002962), where this enzyme acts in the generation of NADPH, which is used in several detoxification pathways. We conclude that environmental contamination can increase oxidative damages and generate physiological changes in this species. These data are very useful for the conservation of P. geoffroanus and turtles in general, and confirm that these techniques are effective in monitoring natural regions and that P. geoffroanus can serve as an environmental contamination bioindicator.

Can the pattern of juvenile recruitment and population structure of the speckled swimming crab Arenaeus cribrarius (Decapoda: Brachyura) be determined by geographical variations?

This study evaluated the effect of environmental stimuli and selective pressures in different geographical areas along a latitudinal gradient, on the juvenile recruitment, population structure, and sex ratio of the speckled swimming crab Arenaeus cribrarius. Samples were collected monthly during 1 year in three locations along the Brazilian coast: Macaé, state of Rio de Janeiro (MAC, 22°47′ S, 41°45′ W); Ubatuba, São Paulo (UBA, 23°27′ S, 44°58′ W); and São Francisco do Sul, Santa Catarina (SFS, 26°08′ S, 48°34′ W). The specimens of A. cribrarius were identified, counted, sexed, and measured for maximum carapace width (CW). The largest juvenile found was in UBA (47.7 ± 1.36 mm); and the largest adult females and males in MAC (74.26 ± 0.93 and 77.04 ± 0.79 mm, respectively). Recruitment in MAC was continuous, whereas in UBA and SFS, recruitment showed seasonal characteristics. The sex ratio was skewed toward females only in UBA; in MAC and SFS, males and females were present in equal proportions. These results indicate that geographical variations can cause differences in the recruitment and population structure of A. cribrarius. These regional differences call attention to the necessity for improved management plans and control of shrimp fishing, which can affect population patterns such as juvenile recruitment, population structure and life history of the target species and species that are caught in bycatch from shrimping, such as the swimming crab A. cribrarius.

Formulations of Melia azedarach to control diabrotica speciosa (germar) (coleoptera: chrysomelidae) larvae in corn and plant enhancement

We evaluated oil and powder formulations of Melia azedarach for controlling larvae of Diabrotica speciosa (Germar) in corn and plant enhancement. Five concentrations of each formulation were evaluated and compared to fipronil (negative control) and distilled water (positive control). After treatment, the number of surviving insects (larvae, pupae, and adults), the adult body weight, the sex ratio, and the longevity were recorded, while the height, dry weight of aerial part and roots, and number of leaves of plants were measured. The oil formulation at 4.0 mL reduced the larvae population of D. speciosa similarly to the insecticide fipronil, which resulted in greater height, dry weight of the root system, and number of leaves. Powder formulation at concentrations of 40, 80, and 160 mg caused larval mortality above 80%; however, these concentrations did not prevent reduction of plant height and dry weight of aerial part. Further studies assessing the residual period of M. azedarach control against D. speciosa larvae and its phytotoxicity, which are common traits associated with azadirachtin application, are necessary to subsidize the next steps of this alternative control strategy.

Assessment of the relationship between entomologic indicators of Aedes aegypti and the epidemic occurrence of dengue virus 3 in a susceptible population, São José do Rio Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Multiobjective Genetic Algorithm applied to dengue control

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Population trends of the red palm mite, raoiella indica hirst (acari: tenuipalpidae) and associated entomopathogenic fungi in trinidad, antigua, st kitts and nevis and dominica

A survey to determine population trends and entomopathogenic fungi associated with the red palm mite (RPM), Raoiella indica, was conducted in Trinidad, Antigua, St. Kitts and Nevis and Dominica. RPM population density was evaluated by sampling a total of ten coconut palms per site in Antigua, St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, and Trinidad (Manzanilla and Icacos). Mites from the four islands were either surface sterilized or left unsterilized before being cultured on Tap Water Agar (TWA). A total of 318 fungal colonies were retrieved. A further 96 mites from Dominica were kept on sterile moist filter paper in a humidity chamber and a further 85 colonies were isolated. Based on morphological observations of all 403 isolates, a sample consisting of 32 colonies (8 %) was sent for identification at CABI-UK. Of the 27 fungi positively identified, 15 isolates belonged to the genera Cladosporium, three to Simplicillium spp., and one to Penicillium. Other fungi genera with limited or no entomopathogenic potential included: Aspergillus, Cochliobolus, Fusarium, Pestalotiopsis and Pithomyces. The results show a potential use of entomopathogenic fungi for population management of the red palm mite in the Caribbean region.

Gastric cancer is associated with NOS2-954G/C polymorphism and environmental factors in a Brazilian population

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Effect of salinity on the metabolism and osmoregulation of selected ontogenetic stages of an Amazon population of Macrobrachium amazonicum shrimp (Decapoda, Palaemonidae)

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Immunomodulatory activity and control of Salmonella Enteritidis colonization in the intestinal tract of chickens by Lactobacillus based probiotic

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Quality control of cosmetics containing Calendula officinalis, Melampodium divaricatum, Matricaria chamomila linné and Acchilea millefolium extracts

The use of medicinal plants occurs since the Antiquity, but has become more popular in the present time. In the United States, 50% of the population uses the phytotherapy. Calendula officinalis and Melampodium divaricatum have components called flavonoids. Matricaria chamomila Linn and Acchilea millefolium, popularly known as camomila and mil folhas, respectively, have sesquiterpenic components called azulens. These substances present many effects; some of them offer benefits to the human health. Thus, these plants had their extract incorporated in cosmetic-dermatological formulations. This study aimed to prove the presence of the active substances, sesquiterpenes and flavonoids, in cosmetic creams with Matricaria chamomila Linn, Acchilea millefolium, Calendula officinalis and Melampodium divaricatum extracts. Also, aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of the products. Flavonoids and sesquiterpernes were detected in the emulsions and the microbiological quality was verified. Thus, the products are safe to the users in relation to the microbiological aspects and should present beneficial effects due to the presence of flavonoids and sesquiterpenes.

Evaluation of a New Strategy for Control of Bovine Tuberculosis in Michigan White-Tailed Deer: Year 1 Progress Report

The State of Michigan is striving to eliminate bovine tuberculosis (Tb) infection among free-ranging white-tailed deer in the northeastern Lower Peninsula of the state. Aggressive reduction in the overall deer population abundance may help to further reduce TB prevalence, but this course of action is unacceptable to many hunters and landowners. Targeted culling of sick deer would likely be far more acceptable to these stakeholders, so in the winter of 2003 the Michigan Department of Natural Resources pilot-trialed a new strategy based on live-trapping and Tb-testing of wild deer. The field study was conducted in a township with relatively high TB prevalence within Deer Management Unit 452 in the northeastern Lower Peninsula. Over a 2-month trapping period, 119 individual deer were live-trapped, blood sampled, fitted with a radio-collar, and released. A total of 31 of these deer were subsequently classified as Tb-suspect by at least one of five blood tests employed (however there was a low level of agreement among tests). A delay in testing meant that only six of these suspect deer were culled by sharpshooters before pre-programmed release of their radio-collars, after which they could no longer be located. Mycobacterium bovis was cultured from one of these six suspect deer; the other five were negative on culture. All target deer were located to within shooting range with 1 – 2 days of effort, and all the radio-collars on the apparently-healthy deer dropped off after the intended 90-day interval, and were thereafter recovered for re-use. There was considerable support for this pilot project among hunters, farmers, state and federal agriculture agencies, the media and the general public, and so we recommend that further field trials be undertaken using this technique. The initial focus of these trials should be on improving the efficacy and reliability of the blood testing procedure.

REDUCTION IN RODENT POPULATIONS THROUGH INTERMITTENT CONTROL OPERATIONS IN THE CROPPING ECOSYSTEM OF THE INDIAN DESERT

Control operations at 6-month intervals, continued for four years in crop fields, reduced the rodent population to 5.08 percent losses to agricultural production. After eight crop seasons, a significant reduction in rodent density was observed in treated areas when compared with that of the control areas (P < 0.01). Correlation between pre-treatment population index (y) and number of seasons (log of x) was found to be 0.91 (P < 0.01). A relationship was established between y and x : y = 0.804.0-0.9621 log x. From this equation, it can be inferred that rodent population will reach zero level after treating crop fields continuously for6.85 or say 7.0 (seven) seasons. After control, the numbers of predominant rodents, Tatera indica, Meriones hurrianae and Rattus meltada. were significantly reduced and the residual population was composed of Mus booduga. Gerbillus spp., Rattus gleadowi. Golunda ellioti and Funambulus pennanti.

BLACKBIRD AND STARLING ROOSTING DYNAMICS: MPLICATIONS FOR ANIMAL DAMAGE CONTROL

Each winter an estimated 350 million starlings, red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), common grackles (Quiscalus quiscula), and brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) congregate in roosts in the southeastern United States (Meanley 1971, Meanley and Royall 1976). These birds have been of increasing concern because of agricultural damage claims (Stickley et al. 1976, Dolbeer et al. 1978), reputed health hazards (Monroe and Cronholm 1977), and other nuisance problems associated with them. Historical population trends (Dolbeer and Stehn 1979) and the source of winter-roosting blackbirds (Meanley 1971, Meanley and Dolbeer 1978, and Dolbeer 1978) have been summarized, but little information on the number of consecutive nights a bird returns to the same roost (roost fidelity) or the dynamics of a winter roost is available. The purpose of this paper is to present information on roost fidelity and population dynamics needed to better understand and manage winter blackbird and starling roosts.

POPULATION ESTIMATES

In dealing with population estimates, we need to determine first the reason for estimating the population. If we are dealing with a local situation, are we concerned with a local estimate? If we are dealing with a regional problem, are we concerned with a regional estimate? The blackbird problem is chiefly a regional problem, but we need to look at broader horizons than just local or regional situations. Are we dealing with a national problem? Is this problem a year-round one or is it a seasonal problem? We may want to know just purely the number of birds we are dealing with. Another reason for doing population estimates might be to determine the effectiveness of some lethal control method that has been employed. Fortunately, those species with which we are most concerned are those not on the endangered species list at the present time. Many Ohio farmers would like to see the Red-winged Blackbird on the endangered species list, I think, but it is not there. My particular interest in population estimates is to determine if we can develop an early warning system for the agriculturists, so that they can better anticipate the time they can expect damage from birds. A lot of methods have been tried in the past.

FOREST ANIMAL DAMAGE CONTROL

As a nation we have gained world recognition for our ability to utilize our resources. In forestry our greatest accomplishments have been in the mechanization of harvest methods and in improvements in forest products. The renewal of this resource has been our greatest neglect. Though the end of the 19th Century marked the beginning of the conservation movement, it was not until a half century later that the force of economics through the demands of a growing population made forest re-establishment more than just a desire. Conservation in itself is a Utopian concept which requires other motivating forces to make it a reality. In the post-war years, and as late as the early 195O's, stocked land in the Pacific Northwest could be purchased for less than the cost of planting; the economic incentive was lacking. Only with sustained yield management and increased land values was there a balance in favor of true values. With greater effort placed on forest regeneration there was an increased need for methods of reducing losses to wildlife. The history of forest wildlife damage research, therefore, parallels that of forest land management; after rather austere beginnings, development became predominantly a response to economics. It was not until 1950 that the full time of one scientist was assigned to this important activity. The development of control methods for forest animal damage is a relatively new area of research. All animal life is dependent upon plants for its existence; forest wildlife is no exception. The removal of seed and foliage of undesirable plants often benefits the land managers; only when the losses or injuries are in conflict with man's interest is there damage involved. Unfortunately, the feeding activities of wildlife and the interests of the land managers are often in conflict. Few realize the breadth, scope, and subtilities associated with forest wildlife damage problems. There are not only numerous species of animals involved, but also a myriad of conditions, each combination possessing unique facets. It is a foregone conclusion that an understanding of the conditions is essential to facilitate a solution to any given problem. Though there are numerous methods of reducing animal damage, all of which have application under some situations, in this discussion emphasis will be placed on the role of chemicals and on western problems. Because of the broadness and complexity of the problem, generalizing is necessary and only brief coverage will be possible. However, an attempt will be made to discuss the use and limitations of various control methods.