cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14278038
title: The variation of microcrustaceans diversity downstream of small reservoirs is influenced by litoranean taxa

description: ABSTRACT The hypotheses tested were that, as well as in reservoirs of large surface areas, volumes and flow, in small reservoirs there is also a gradual and continuous dilution of the richness, diversity and abundance of microcrustaceans (Cladocera and Copepoda) downstream reservoirs, without the recomposition of richness downstream due to the lack of tributary rivers, marginal lagoons and even the small size of the stream, with no conditions for the development of its own potamoplankton. Two small reservoirs were studied and in their downstream stretches, with daily collections every six hours at eight sampling points, two lentic and six lotic downstream from each. Nineteen species were found (11 from Cladocera and eight from Copepoda), with emphasis on the greater number of coastal species than pelagic ones, and the greater abundance of coastal cladocerans at the points downstream of the reservoirs. There was no difference between the times, indicating that the spatial scale was more important than the temporal scale. There were higher values of ecological attributes in lentic environments, but there were significant increases in richness and diversity in the last points of the stretches of the stream, while the abundance decreased gradually downstream. No significant correlations were found for the abundance of taxa with any physical and chemical variable (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, total dissolved solids and transparency), indicating little or no effect of these variables. The cluster analysis with Euclidean distance separated two large groups, the first formed by the stretch downstream of the first reservoir and the second with the other points. In addition to the presence of litoranean taxa coming from reservoirs, there was an increase in litoranean taxa resident in streams. It can be concluded that there was a dilution of the abundance of species downstream of the streams, but the richness and diversity remained stable due to the contribution of litoranean taxa.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14278038.v1
title: The variation of microcrustaceans diversity downstream of small reservoirs is influenced by litoranean taxa

description: ABSTRACT The hypotheses tested were that, as well as in reservoirs of large surface areas, volumes and flow, in small reservoirs there is also a gradual and continuous dilution of the richness, diversity and abundance of microcrustaceans (Cladocera and Copepoda) downstream reservoirs, without the recomposition of richness downstream due to the lack of tributary rivers, marginal lagoons and even the small size of the stream, with no conditions for the development of its own potamoplankton. Two small reservoirs were studied and in their downstream stretches, with daily collections every six hours at eight sampling points, two lentic and six lotic downstream from each. Nineteen species were found (11 from Cladocera and eight from Copepoda), with emphasis on the greater number of coastal species than pelagic ones, and the greater abundance of coastal cladocerans at the points downstream of the reservoirs. There was no difference between the times, indicating that the spatial scale was more important than the temporal scale. There were higher values of ecological attributes in lentic environments, but there were significant increases in richness and diversity in the last points of the stretches of the stream, while the abundance decreased gradually downstream. No significant correlations were found for the abundance of taxa with any physical and chemical variable (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, total dissolved solids and transparency), indicating little or no effect of these variables. The cluster analysis with Euclidean distance separated two large groups, the first formed by the stretch downstream of the first reservoir and the second with the other points. In addition to the presence of litoranean taxa coming from reservoirs, there was an increase in litoranean taxa resident in streams. It can be concluded that there was a dilution of the abundance of species downstream of the streams, but the richness and diversity remained stable due to the contribution of litoranean taxa.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14278043
title: Distribution of the members of the Pipiens Assemblage in the sympatric area from Argentina: which is where and when?

description: Given their medical and veterinary relevance, the members of the Pipiens Assemblage are a worldwide target of ecological research. The distribution of Culex pipiens s.s. and Cx. quinquefasciatus converge in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where hybrids have been detected. Each member of the assemblage exhibits a distinct eco-physiological behaviour that can affect its efficiency in pathogen transmission. Our aim was to identify the environmental drivers for the spatio-temporal distribution of each member, focusing on latitudinal and urbanisation gradients. Immatures of mosquitoes were surveyed in artificial containers found within 11 public cemeteries, raised up to the adult stage and identified by their male genitalia. The distribution of each member was associated with the environment in a Generalized Linear Model. The variable accounting for most of the heterogeneity was latitude; Cx. quinquefasciatus was collected more frequently at northern cemeteries, whereas Cx. pipiens and hybrids were more likely at the southern extreme. The urbanisation gradient was also associated with the occurrence of Cx. quinquefasciatus and hybrids at the high and low end, respectively. Other relevant variables were cemetery total area, the proportion with graves and the presence of plastic flowers in the containers. The spatial distribution of the members of the Pipiens Assemblage within the sympatric region in South America is driven by environmental features. The information presented herein provides essential baseline data for surveillance programs and control activities.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14278045
title: Hepatitis E virus infection in patients with acute non-A, non-B, non-C hepatitis in Central Brazil

description: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection has a worldwide distribution and represents an important cause of acute hepatitis. This study aims to investigate the occurrence of HEV infection and factors associated with this infection in patients with acute non-A, non-B, non-C hepatitis in Central Brazil. From April 2012 to October 2014, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 379 patients with acute non-A, non-B, non-C hepatitis in the City of Goiania, Central Brazil. Serum samples of all patients were tested for serological markers of HEV infection (anti-HEV IgM and IgG) by ELISA. Positive samples were confirmed using immunoblot test. Anti-HEV IgM and IgG positive samples were tested for HEV RNA. Of the 379 serum samples, one (0.3%) and 20 (5.3%) were positive for anti-HEV IgM and IgG, respectively. HEV RNA was not found in any sample positive for IgM and/or IgG anti-HEV. After multivariate analysis, low education level was independently associated with HEV seropositivity (p = 0.005), as well as living in rural area, with a borderline p-value (p = 0.056). In conclusion, HEV may be responsible for sporadic self-limited cases of acute hepatitis in Central Brazil.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14278045.v1
title: Hepatitis E virus infection in patients with acute non-A, non-B, non-C hepatitis in Central Brazil

description: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection has a worldwide distribution and represents an important cause of acute hepatitis. This study aims to investigate the occurrence of HEV infection and factors associated with this infection in patients with acute non-A, non-B, non-C hepatitis in Central Brazil. From April 2012 to October 2014, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 379 patients with acute non-A, non-B, non-C hepatitis in the City of Goiania, Central Brazil. Serum samples of all patients were tested for serological markers of HEV infection (anti-HEV IgM and IgG) by ELISA. Positive samples were confirmed using immunoblot test. Anti-HEV IgM and IgG positive samples were tested for HEV RNA. Of the 379 serum samples, one (0.3%) and 20 (5.3%) were positive for anti-HEV IgM and IgG, respectively. HEV RNA was not found in any sample positive for IgM and/or IgG anti-HEV. After multivariate analysis, low education level was independently associated with HEV seropositivity (p = 0.005), as well as living in rural area, with a borderline p-value (p = 0.056). In conclusion, HEV may be responsible for sporadic self-limited cases of acute hepatitis in Central Brazil.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14278043.v1
title: Distribution of the members of the Pipiens Assemblage in the sympatric area from Argentina: which is where and when?

description: Given their medical and veterinary relevance, the members of the Pipiens Assemblage are a worldwide target of ecological research. The distribution of Culex pipiens s.s. and Cx. quinquefasciatus converge in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where hybrids have been detected. Each member of the assemblage exhibits a distinct eco-physiological behaviour that can affect its efficiency in pathogen transmission. Our aim was to identify the environmental drivers for the spatio-temporal distribution of each member, focusing on latitudinal and urbanisation gradients. Immatures of mosquitoes were surveyed in artificial containers found within 11 public cemeteries, raised up to the adult stage and identified by their male genitalia. The distribution of each member was associated with the environment in a Generalized Linear Model. The variable accounting for most of the heterogeneity was latitude; Cx. quinquefasciatus was collected more frequently at northern cemeteries, whereas Cx. pipiens and hybrids were more likely at the southern extreme. The urbanisation gradient was also associated with the occurrence of Cx. quinquefasciatus and hybrids at the high and low end, respectively. Other relevant variables were cemetery total area, the proportion with graves and the presence of plastic flowers in the containers. The spatial distribution of the members of the Pipiens Assemblage within the sympatric region in South America is driven by environmental features. The information presented herein provides essential baseline data for surveillance programs and control activities.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14278044
title: Seasonal variation of birds in Trumao wetland, south-central Chile

description: ABSTRACT This study describes the assemblage and habitat use of birds in the Trumao wetland and its seasonal variation according to the hydrological regime during spring 2017 and summer 2018 (not flooded) and winters 2017 and 2018 (flooded). Overall, 29 species of birds were recorded with a total abundance of 2,341 individuals. The total number of accumulated species observed for the flooded and non-flooded period corresponded to 16 and 22 species, respectively, with the Brown hooded Gull [Chroicocephalus maculipennis (Lichtenstein, 1823)] being the dominant species. The qualitative Sorensen similarity index between the flooding and non-flooding periods of the wetland was 73.2%, while the quantitative Bray-Curtis similarity was 32.65%. When comparing the flooded winter period (4 m depth) and the non-flooded summer period (1 m depth), the diversity presented statistically significant differences, but not the abundance. The SIMPER analysis showed that between the flooded winter period and the non-flooded summer period, the species that showed a greater percentage of dissimilarity in their abundance between these seasons were the Brown hooded Gull and the Slender-billed Parakeet [Enicognathus leptorhynchus (King,1831)]. The use of habitat was highly variable, both seasonally and spatially. Our results indicate that birds occupy wetlands according to seasonal fluctuations and according to the habitat that is available; however, abundance is not affected by hydrological changes. It is essential to continue carrying out more research in the wetland to determine the nesting, feeding and reproduction of the birds in the different habitats used to generate its protection and conservation measures in the Trumao wetland.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14278044.v1
title: Seasonal variation of birds in Trumao wetland, south-central Chile

description: ABSTRACT This study describes the assemblage and habitat use of birds in the Trumao wetland and its seasonal variation according to the hydrological regime during spring 2017 and summer 2018 (not flooded) and winters 2017 and 2018 (flooded). Overall, 29 species of birds were recorded with a total abundance of 2,341 individuals. The total number of accumulated species observed for the flooded and non-flooded period corresponded to 16 and 22 species, respectively, with the Brown hooded Gull [Chroicocephalus maculipennis (Lichtenstein, 1823)] being the dominant species. The qualitative Sorensen similarity index between the flooding and non-flooding periods of the wetland was 73.2%, while the quantitative Bray-Curtis similarity was 32.65%. When comparing the flooded winter period (4 m depth) and the non-flooded summer period (1 m depth), the diversity presented statistically significant differences, but not the abundance. The SIMPER analysis showed that between the flooded winter period and the non-flooded summer period, the species that showed a greater percentage of dissimilarity in their abundance between these seasons were the Brown hooded Gull and the Slender-billed Parakeet [Enicognathus leptorhynchus (King,1831)]. The use of habitat was highly variable, both seasonally and spatially. Our results indicate that birds occupy wetlands according to seasonal fluctuations and according to the habitat that is available; however, abundance is not affected by hydrological changes. It is essential to continue carrying out more research in the wetland to determine the nesting, feeding and reproduction of the birds in the different habitats used to generate its protection and conservation measures in the Trumao wetland.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14278047
title: Symbiont modulates expression of specific gene categories in Angomonas deanei

description: Trypanosomatids are parasites that cause disease in humans, animals, and plants. Most are non-pathogenic and some harbor a symbiotic bacterium. Endosymbiosis is part of the evolutionary process of vital cell functions such as respiration and photosynthesis. Angomonas deanei is an example of a symbiont-containing trypanosomatid. In this paper, we sought to investigate how symbionts influence host cells by characterising and comparing the transcriptomes of the symbiont-containing A. deanei (wild type) and the symbiont-free aposymbiotic strains. The comparison revealed that the presence of the symbiont modulates several differentially expressed genes. Empirical analysis of differential gene expression showed that 216 of the 7625 modulated genes were significantly changed. Finally, gene set enrichment analysis revealed that the largest categories of genes that downregulated in the absence of the symbiont were those involved in oxidation-reduction process, ATP hydrolysis coupled proton transport and glycolysis. In contrast, among the upregulated gene categories were those involved in proteolysis, microtubule-based movement, and cellular metabolic process. Our results provide valuable information for dissecting the mechanism of endosymbiosis in A. deanei.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14278047.v1
title: Symbiont modulates expression of specific gene categories in Angomonas deanei

description: Trypanosomatids are parasites that cause disease in humans, animals, and plants. Most are non-pathogenic and some harbor a symbiotic bacterium. Endosymbiosis is part of the evolutionary process of vital cell functions such as respiration and photosynthesis. Angomonas deanei is an example of a symbiont-containing trypanosomatid. In this paper, we sought to investigate how symbionts influence host cells by characterising and comparing the transcriptomes of the symbiont-containing A. deanei (wild type) and the symbiont-free aposymbiotic strains. The comparison revealed that the presence of the symbiont modulates several differentially expressed genes. Empirical analysis of differential gene expression showed that 216 of the 7625 modulated genes were significantly changed. Finally, gene set enrichment analysis revealed that the largest categories of genes that downregulated in the absence of the symbiont were those involved in oxidation-reduction process, ATP hydrolysis coupled proton transport and glycolysis. In contrast, among the upregulated gene categories were those involved in proteolysis, microtubule-based movement, and cellular metabolic process. Our results provide valuable information for dissecting the mechanism of endosymbiosis in A. deanei.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14278046
title: Taxonomic and functional diversity of mollusk assemblages in a tropical rocky intertidal zone

description: ABSTRACT We investigated the spatial variation of molluscan assemblages with different habitat-forming species and bare rock habitat in a rocky intertidal zone in northeastern Brazil. The high intertidal zone substrate was covered predominantly of barnacles [Chthamalus bisinuatus (Pilsbry, 1916)], the mid-intertidal of mussels [Brachidontes exustus (Linnaeus, 1758)] and the low intertidal of macroalgae chlorophytes [Gayralia oxysperma (Kützing) K. L. Vinogradova ex Scagel et al., 1989 and Ulva lactuca Linnaeus, 1753], phaeophytes [Sargassum vulgare C. Agardh] and rhodophytes [Palisada flagellifera (J.Agardh) K. W. Nam, 2007]. A total of 3,861 mollusks were recorded, belonging to the classes Gastropoda (9 species; 3,800 individuals), Bivalvia (3 spp.; 54 ind.), and Polyplacophora (1 sp.; 7 ind.). Functional diversity was accessed through the trophic structure, in which we identified food guilds: suspension feeders, grazers, herbivores, and carnivores. The analysis revealed significant differences in mollusk abundance, species richness, diversity indices, and trophic diversity among barnacle belts, mussel beds, algae habitat, and bare rock habitats. The highest species richness and trophic diversity were detected in algae habitat and mussel beds, which showed low abundance. In contrast, barnacle belts registered low species richness and trophic diversity and a high number of individuals. Bare rock recorded low values in all surveyed indices. This result points to the effect of environmental modification caused by habitat-forming species in this system. These species increase environmental complexity and enable the establishment of organisms through facilitation processes. The various food guilds found in this study reaffirm the role of habitat-forming species in providing niches that support different occupation patterns.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14278046.v1
title: Taxonomic and functional diversity of mollusk assemblages in a tropical rocky intertidal zone

description: ABSTRACT We investigated the spatial variation of molluscan assemblages with different habitat-forming species and bare rock habitat in a rocky intertidal zone in northeastern Brazil. The high intertidal zone substrate was covered predominantly of barnacles [Chthamalus bisinuatus (Pilsbry, 1916)], the mid-intertidal of mussels [Brachidontes exustus (Linnaeus, 1758)] and the low intertidal of macroalgae chlorophytes [Gayralia oxysperma (Kützing) K. L. Vinogradova ex Scagel et al., 1989 and Ulva lactuca Linnaeus, 1753], phaeophytes [Sargassum vulgare C. Agardh] and rhodophytes [Palisada flagellifera (J.Agardh) K. W. Nam, 2007]. A total of 3,861 mollusks were recorded, belonging to the classes Gastropoda (9 species; 3,800 individuals), Bivalvia (3 spp.; 54 ind.), and Polyplacophora (1 sp.; 7 ind.). Functional diversity was accessed through the trophic structure, in which we identified food guilds: suspension feeders, grazers, herbivores, and carnivores. The analysis revealed significant differences in mollusk abundance, species richness, diversity indices, and trophic diversity among barnacle belts, mussel beds, algae habitat, and bare rock habitats. The highest species richness and trophic diversity were detected in algae habitat and mussel beds, which showed low abundance. In contrast, barnacle belts registered low species richness and trophic diversity and a high number of individuals. Bare rock recorded low values in all surveyed indices. This result points to the effect of environmental modification caused by habitat-forming species in this system. These species increase environmental complexity and enable the establishment of organisms through facilitation processes. The various food guilds found in this study reaffirm the role of habitat-forming species in providing niches that support different occupation patterns.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14278052
title: Triatoma maculata colonises urban domicilies in Boa Vista, Roraima, Brazil

description: During a medical entomology course in Boa Vista, Roraima, colonies of Triatoma maculata closely associated with pigeon nests were observed in concrete air-conditioner box located on the external plastered and cemented walls of a modern brick-built apartment block. In only one eight-hole ceramic brick, located inside one air-conditioner box, 127 specimens of T. maculata were collected. T. maculata is a recognised vector of Trypanosoma cruzi in the surrounding area and its domiciliation increases the risk of Chagas disease transmission.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14278052.v1
title: Triatoma maculata colonises urban domicilies in Boa Vista, Roraima, Brazil

description: During a medical entomology course in Boa Vista, Roraima, colonies of Triatoma maculata closely associated with pigeon nests were observed in concrete air-conditioner box located on the external plastered and cemented walls of a modern brick-built apartment block. In only one eight-hole ceramic brick, located inside one air-conditioner box, 127 specimens of T. maculata were collected. T. maculata is a recognised vector of Trypanosoma cruzi in the surrounding area and its domiciliation increases the risk of Chagas disease transmission.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14278050.v1
title: Mapping of courses on vector biology and vector-borne diseases systems: time for a worldwide effort

description: Major emergency efforts are being mounted for each vector-borne disease epidemiological crisis anew, while knowledge about the biology of arthropods vectors is dwindling slowly but continuously, as is the number of field entomologists. The discrepancy between the rates of production of knowledge and its use and need for solving crises is widening, in particular due to the highly differing time spans of the two concurrent processes. A worldwide web based search using multiple key words and search engines of onsite and online courses in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian and German concerned with the biology of vectors identified over 140 courses. They are geographically and thematically scattered, the vast majority of them are on-site, with very few courses using the latest massive open online course (MOOC) powerfulness. Over two third of them is given in English and Western Africa is particularity poorly represented. The taxonomic groups covered are highly unbalanced towards mosquitoes. A worldwide unique portal to guide students of all grades and levels of expertise, in particular those in remote locations, is badly needed. This is the objective a new activity supported by the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR).