Vision in the peafowl (Aves : Pavo cristatus)

The visual sense of the Indian blue-shouldered peafowl Pavo cristatus was investigated with respect to the spectral absorption characteristics of the retinal photoreceptors, the spectral transmittance of the ocular media and the topographic distribution of cells in the retinal ganglion cell layer. Microspectrophotometry revealed a single class of rod, four spectrally distinct types of single cone and a single class of double cone. In the case of the single cone types, which contained visual pigments with wavelengths of maximum absorbance (lambda(max)) at 424, 458, 505 and 567 nm, spectral filtering by the ocular media and the different cone oil droplets with which each visual pigment is associated gives predicted peak spectral sensitivities of 432, 477, 537 and 605 nm, respectively. Topographic analysis of retinal ganglion cell distribution revealed a large central area of increased cell density (at peak, 35,609 cells mm(-2)) with a poorly defined visual streak extending nasally. The peafowl has a calculated maximum spatial resolution (visual acuity) in the lateral visual field of 20.6 cycles degrees(-1). These properties of the peafowl eye are discussed with respect to its visual ecology and are compared with those of other closely related species.

Eimeria pavoaegyptica sp. nov. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in faeces of Indian peacocks, Pavo cristatus Linnaeus, 1758 (Galliformes: Phasianidae) from Egypt

Coprological examination of 15 Indian peacocks, Pavo cristatus, revealed the presence of a coccidium species of the genus Eimeria, which apparently represents a previously undescribed species. Sporulation is exogenous and fully developed oocysts of Eimeria pavoaegyptica sp. nov. are ellipsoidal, with a dimension of 15 (13-16) × 12 (10-12.9) μm and with a shape index of 1.25 (1-1.3). The sporulated oocysts have no micropyle but enclose one large rectangular-shaped polar granule and an oocyst residuum. The oocysts have a distinct two-layered wall, which is ~1.7 μm thick. The outer layer has a smooth texture; it fills ~¾ of the total thickness and appears bicolored. The sporocysts are boat-shaped, of about 10 (9-11) × 4 (4-4.7) μm; their average shape-index is 2.5 μm with a small pointed Stieda body and a smooth, thin single-layered wall. No substieda body is detected. The sporocysts contain numerous, nearly uniform granular residua. The sporozoites are banana-shaped, 6 × 3 μm and each has two different-sized refractile bodies.

Pathological and parasitological aspects of the peacock (Pavo cristatus) infection by Tanaisia(Paratanaisia)bragai

Abstract:Trematodes belonging to the family Eucotylidae, including Tanaisia(Paratanaisia)bragaiSantos, 1934are parasites of the kidney and ureter that affect several species of domestic and wild birds. Tanaisia bragaiis considered a low pathogenic parasite, but high worm burdens may determine clinical complications, including signs of apathy, weight loss, diarrhea and death. This paper describes the first report of infection by T. bragai in peacocks (Pavo cristatus), which constitutes a new host record and offers data on the lesions associated to this parasitism, although the degree of pathogenicity and parasite load may be considered mild. These birds did not exhibit clinical signs of parasitism. The macroscopic exam revealed discreet yellow spots on the liver. In the histological sections of the kidney, specimens of T. bragai were found in the collecting ducts, which were markedly dilated, with a thickened wall. Other findings included a mild inflammatory reaction in the wall of the ducts (but sometimes absent), flattening of lining epithelial cells and small, multifocal points of calcification around the collecting ducts. The microscopic examination of the parasites revealed trematodes with an elongated body, well-developed sub terminal oral sucker, pharynx present, short esophagus, cecum somewhat undulating or not, with blind end, testes symmetrical, equatorial, irregular in shape or slightly lobed, vitelline fields extending in both pre-ovarian and post ovarian fields, uterus very long, intercecal or sometimes overlapping the cecum and containing large quantities of eggs. The present findings suggest the need for further diagnostic studies on the prevalence of this trematode in peacocks as well as pathologic studies for the determination of the potential pathogenicity of this parasite in this species of bird. Moreover, infected peacocks could serve as carriers of T. bragai to be transferred to other bird species, thereby contributing to the dispersion of the parasite.

Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. from fecal samples of birds kept in captivity in Brazil

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium species and genotypes in birds kept in captivity in Brazil. A total of 966 samples from 18 families of birds was collected and stored in 5% potassium dichromate solution at 4 degrees C until processing. Oocysts were purified in Sheather sugar solution following extraction of genomic DNA. Molecular analyses were performed using nested-PCR for amplification of fragments of the 18S subunit of rRNA gene and of the actin gene. Amplification of Cryptosporidium DNA fragments was obtained in 47 (4.86%) samples. Sequencing of amplified fragments and phylogenetic analyses allowed the identification of Cryptosporidium baileyi in a black vulture (Coragyps atratus), a domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) and a saffron finch (Sicalis flaveola); Cryptosporidium galli in canaries (Serinus canaria), a cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) and lesser seed-finches (Oryzoborus angolensis); Cryptosporidium meleagridis in a domestic chicken (G. g. domesticus); Cryptosporidium parvum in a cockatiel (N. hollandicus); Cryptosporidium avian genotype I in a canary (S. canaria) and an Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus); Cryptosporidium avian genotype II in ostriches (Struthio camelus) and Cryptosporidium avian genotype III in a cockatiel (N. hollandicurs) and a peach-faced lovebird (Agapornis roseicolis). (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Malófagos (Phthiraptera, Amblycera, Ischnocera) em aves cativas no sudeste do Brasil

Foram identificadas 12 espécies de malófagos no Parque Zoológico Municipal Quinzinho de Barros, Sorocaba e Fundação Jardim Zoológico, Rio de Janeiro. Ciconiphilus pectiniventris em Cygnus atratus (Anseriformes, Anatidae); Kurodaia sp. em Buteo albicaudatus (Falconiformes, Accipitridae); Degeeriella sp. em Falco sparverius (Falconiformes, Falconidae); Colpocephalum sp. e Goniocotes parviceps em Pavo cristatus (Galliformes, Phasianidae); Goniodes pavonis em Rhea americana (Rheiformes, Rheidae); Colpocephalum cristatae e Heptapsogaster sp. em Cariama cristata (Gruiformes, Cariamidae); Austrophilopterus cancellosus em Ramphastos dicolorus (Piciformes, Ramphastidae); Strigiphilus crucigerus em Otus choliba (Strigiformes, Strigidae); Kurodaia sp. em Rhinoptynx clamator (Strigiformes, Strigidae) e Colpocephalum pectinatum em Speotyto cunicularia (Strigiformes, Strigidae). As relações parasito hospedeiros em Strigiformes são novas no Brasil.

Intestinal protozoan parasites with zoonotic potential in birds

The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of potentially zoonotic intestinal protozoan infections in exotic and wildlife Brazilian birds. Fecal samples from 207 birds of 45 species were examined. Infections by Balantidium sp., Entamoeba sp., and Blastocystis sp. were observed in 17 individuals (8.2%) of Gnorimopsar chopi, Oryzoborus angolensis, Sporophila caerulescens, Ramphastos toco, Aratinga leucophtalmus, and Pavo cristatus.

Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. from fecal samples of birds kept in captivity in Brazil

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

Behavior of the lizard Corythophanes cristatus / D. Dwight Davis.

v.35:no.1(1953)

El estudio en la edad del pavo.

Los factores de personalidad influyen decisivamente en el rendimiento académico de los estudiantes de secundaria. Entre estos factores hay tres que interactúan de manera dinámica, la motivación, la autoestima y el autocontrol. A través del diálogo los docentes pueden ayudar a los estudiantes a definir objetivos que mejoren la motivación al estudio, posibilitando que se marquen metas realistas a corto, medio y largo plazo y que aprendan a administrarse sus propios autorrefuerzos. La autoestima o confianza en uno mismo se desarrolla en función de las atribuciones que se hacen sobre los propios éxitos o fracasos, se debe instruir a los alumnos a que aprendan a hacer atribuciones de manera correcta. Por último, se puede mejorar la capacidad de autocontrol enseñando a demorar satisfacciones inmediatas para conseguir objetivos a largo plazo, aumentando el control sobre sus propias conductas.

Das "belezas que emanam dos jardins suspensos de Ipanema e Copacabana": políticas governamentais, demandas por memória e produção do espaço no Museu de Favela do Pavão-Pavãozinho e Cantagalo.

O foco central desta tese é a análise sobre a sistematização e uso da memória nas favelas Pavão-Pavãozinho e Cantagalo, localizadas na Zona Sul da cidade do Rio de Janeiro, tanto quanto a institucionalização destas memórias no Museu de Favela (MUF). Neste trabalho, procuro investigar como se estruturam políticas governamentais em torno da categoria “museologia social” que possibilitam a realização de projetos mobilizando demandas por visibilidade e reconhecimento. Tais demandas são encampadas por sujeitos que compõem segmentos marginalizados da sociedade e têm como objeto principal a publicização de memórias das favelas. Problematizo as estratégias utilizadas pelos agentes para realizar ações que têm a memória como “legado” de projetos de intervenção urbana, além de analisar suas maneiras de produzir novos significados e práticas no espaço da favela.

Mitos hispânicos no romance histórico brasileiro: uma leitura de O Chalaça (1994) e de O feitiço da ilha do Pavão (1997)

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Mitos hispânicos no romance histórico brasileiro: uma leitura de O Chalaça (1994) e de O Feitiço da Ilha do Pavão (1997)

O trabalho busca analisar a apropriação que dois romances históricos brasileiros contemporâneos fazem dos mitos literários hispânicos do pícaro e de Dom Juan: O Chalaça (1994), de José Roberto Torero e O feitiço da ilha do Pavão (1997), de João Ubaldo Ribeiro. Segundo o autor, ambos privilegiam uma releitura crítica da história oficial, especialmente por meio de recursos como a carnavalização, a ironia, a intertextualidade e a metaficção. Na abordagem do romance de Torero, o autor discute as relações que o livro estabelece com a picaresca espanhola clássica, a partir de um jogo de máscaras e níveis narrativos, uma maneira engenhosa de fazer reemergir um personagem (o Chalaça) que teve grande importância política no Primeiro Reinado, mas foi soterrado pela história oficial como um mero alcoviteiro a serviço de Dom Pedro I. No romance de João Ubaldo Ribeiro, é posto em debate o processo pelo qual o texto, ao dialogar com as narrativas do realismo mágico, reitera o mito de Dom Juan em uma imaginária ilha do Pavão, localizada no Recôncavo Baiano e eivada de conflitos entre o grupo principal de personagens (e seus ideais de liberdade e igualdade) e as instituições oficiais no período colonial, como a Igreja e o Estado, que tentam impor as mais diversas formas de dominação. Para o autor, esses dois romances, além de se aproximarem pela via da apropriação mítica e da intertextualidade, ainda utilizam anti-heróis como referências de um espaço social excêntrico, contrário às normas instituídas, o que também iria ao encontro de aspectos mais tipicamente desconstrucionistas do romance histórico contemporâneo

The Global Plankton Database: an inventory and data from the Former Soviet Union expeditions

At present time, there is a lack of knowledge on the interannual climate-related variability of zooplankton communities of the tropical Atlantic, central Mediterranean Sea, Caspian Sea, and Aral Sea, due to the absence of appropriate databases. In the mid latitudes, the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is the dominant mode of atmospheric fluctuations over eastern North America, the northern Atlantic Ocean and Europe. Therefore, one of the issues that need to be addressed through data synthesis is the evaluation of interannual patterns in species abundance and species diversity over these regions in regard to the NAO. The database has been used to investigate the ecological role of the NAO in interannual variations of mesozooplankton abundance and biomass along the zonal array of the NAO influence. Basic approach to the proposed research involved: (1) development of co-operation between experts and data holders in Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, UK, and USA to rescue and compile the oceanographic data sets and release them on CD-ROM, (2) organization and compilation of a database based on FSU cruises to the above regions, (3) analysis of the basin-scale interannual variability of the zooplankton species abundance, biomass, and species diversity.