Abstract The identification of putative prognostic factors in canine mammary neoplasms (CMNs) has been focused on tissue-specific biomarkers, but the serum biomarkers, including cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3), c-reactive protein (CRP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) have been demonstrated to display clinical application in cases of CMNs. The aim of the study was to evaluate the levels of these serum biomarkers and their association with well-established prognostic factors in CMNs. Samples from 15 female canines with CMNs and 15 clinically healthy ones were collected. The results were evaluated using the Tukey’s, Pearson, or Spearman tests. The cut-off point, sensitivity, specificity, and area under curve (AUC) were evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis in a logistic regression model (P<0.05). The levels of CA 15-3, CRP and LDH were significantly higher in the serum of female dogs with CMNs compared to the healthy ones. Moreover, these factors were positively correlated with ulceration, tumor size, histopathological grade, metastatic lymph node, and clinical staging. Female dogs with CMNs were found to exhibit highest serum levels of CA 15-3, CRP, and LDH. Therefore, they can be applied to improve the efficacy of the diagnosis and prognostic evaluation in casas of CMNs.

ABSTRACT Although enrichment planting is recommended to increase biodiversity in restoration, environmental filters can prevent the establishment of sowed/planted species. Euterpe edulis is a keystone palm in the Brazilian Atlantic forest, whose fruits are consumed by many animals. We assessed the viability of direct seeding of this palm in an Atlantic forest restored site in Southeast Brazil, guided by these questions: 1) Does germinability vary among seeds covered and uncovered by litterfall and according to litterfall depth? 2) Can direct seeding be impaired by seed predation? 3) Does seed size affect seed predation and seedling vigor? We found litterfall favored germination by reducing soil evaporation, but litterfall depth did not affect germination. Seed predation was low, as seed location was probably unpredictable to rodents. Smaller seeds were more removed, possibly because the larger ones impose transportation costs on small rodents. By removing the smaller seeds, predators may favor the production of larger and more vigorous seedlings. Direct seeding of E. edulis can be successful if implemented in medium regeneration stages of Atlantic forest sites, where shade and moisture provided by litterfall, and absence of mid- to large-sized seed predators, allow seeds to overcome the constraints on germination and predation.

RESUMO Objetivou-se estimar os índices de crescimento do capim-elefante cv. Roxo manejado sob sequeiro em diferentes épocas de cultivo. Analisaram-se sete idades de crescimento (9; 18; 27; 36; 45; 54 e 63 dias) em três épocas de cultivo (chuvosa, transição e seca). Adotou-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado em arranjo de parcelas subdivididas no tempo, com as idades sendo alocadas nas parcelas e as épocas de cultivo nas subparcelas. Constatou-se interação idade x época de cultivo. A área foliar específica revelou média de 0,0286 ± 0,0039 na época chuvosa. Na época de transição ajustou-se ao modelo polinomial de terceiro grau e na época seca reduziu linearmente (0,0003 m2 g-1). A razão de peso foliar ajustou-se ao modelo polinomial de terceiro grau nas épocas chuvosa e seca e na época de transição foi maximizada aos 28 DAC (0,694 g g-1). A razão de área foliar reduziu continuamente na época chuvosa. Já nas épocas de transição e seca ajustou-se ao modelo polinomial de terceiro grau. A taxa de assimilação líquida apresentou médias de 3,73 ± 2,50 e 3,63 ± 1,48 g m-2 dia-1 para as épocas chuvosa e de transição, respectivamente. Na época seca, foi minimizada aos 48,4 dias. A taxa de crescimento relativo apresentou média de 0,0075 ± 0,0037 na época chuvosa. Nas épocas de transição e seca ajustou-se ao modelo polinomial de terceiro grau. Os índices de crescimento do capim-elefante cv. Roxo são modificados pelas épocas de cultivo e o padrão e a magnitude da resposta variam ao longo do ciclo de crescimento.

ABSTRACT The objective was to estimate the growth indexes of elephant grass cv. Roxo managed under rainfed conditions in different growing seasons. Seven growth ages (9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, and 63 days) were evaluated in three growing seasons (rainy, transition and dry). A completely randomised design was adopted, with split-plot arrangement with time repeated measures, with the ages being the plots and the seasons the subplots. Interaction of age x season was observed. The specific leaf area mean was 0.0286 ± 0.0039 during the rainy season. In the transition season, it adjusted to a third-degree polynomial model; in the dry season it declined linearly (0.0003 m2 g-1). The leaf weight ratio adjusted to the third-degree polynomial model in the rainy and dry seasons, and in the transition season it was maximised at 28 DAC (0.694 g g-1). The leaf area ratio continuously declined in the rainy season. In the transition and dry seasons, it adjusted to the third-degree polynomial model. The net assimilation rate presented averages of 3.73 ± 2.50 and 3.63 ± 1.48 g m-2 day-1 in the rainy and transition seasons, respectively. In the dry season, it was minimised at 48.4 days. The relative growth rate mean was 0.0075 ± 0.0037 during the rainy season. In the transition and dry seasons, it adjusted to the third-degree polynomial model. The growth index rates of elephant grass cv. Roxo are modified by growing seasons, and the pattern and magnitude of the response varies throughout the growth cycle.

Resumo Este estudo objetivou determinar a soroprevalência, fatores associados com a soropositividade da infecção por Leishmania em cães e análise espacial em seis municípios do semiárido de Pernambuco. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas de 462 cães, 77 em cada município, e utilizadas para análise sorológica [teste rápido imunocromatográfico (DPP®) e ensaio de imunoabsorção enzimática (ELISA)]. Os sinais clínicos dos cães foram avaliados, e os fatores associados à infecção por Leishmania foram analisados, usando-se modelo robusto de regressão de Poisson. Foi detectada uma soroprevalência de 42,8% (198/462, IC: 95% = 38,6%-47,6%) em cães com resultados positivos em ambos os testes, variando de 29,8% a 55,8%, com maior prevalência no município de Cabrobó (55,8%; P = 0,006). Cerca de 67% (132/198) dos cães apresentaram um ou mais sinais clínicos sugestivos de CanL, como linfadenomegalia, lesões de pele e conjuntivite, os quais foram associados à soropositividade. Altos níveis de soroprevalência foram identificados nas áreas urbanas e rurais de todos os municípios, e os buffers da área de vôo do flebotomíneo em torno dos casos cobriam quase todas as áreas dos municípios. A análise espacial revelou um cluster significativo, mostrando um risco relativo de 1,88 na área urbana de Cabrobó. A maior densidade de casos em áreas urbanas indica a necessidade de medidas efetivas de controle contra o CanL, para evitar o surgimento da doença canina e humana.

Abstract This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence, factors associated with seropositivity to Leishmania infection in dogs and spatial analysis in six municipalities in the semiarid region of Pernambuco, Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 462 dogs, 77 in each municipality, and used for serological analysis [dual path platform (DPP®) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)]. Clinical signs of dogs were evaluated and associated factors for Leishmania infection were analyzed using robust Poisson regression model. A seroprevalence of 42.8% (198/462, IC: 95% = 38.6%-47.6%) was detected in dogs that tested positive in both tests, ranging from 29.8% to 55.8%, with higher prevalence in the municipality of Cabrobó (55.8%; P = 0.006). About 67% (132/198) of the seropositive dogs showed one or more clinical signs suggestive of canine leishmaniasis (CanL), such as lymphadenomegaly, skin lesions and conjunctivitis, which were associated with seropositivity. High seroprevalence levels were identified in urban and rural areas in all the municipalities, and the buffer for sand flies around cases covered almost these entire areas. Spatial analysis revealed a significant cluster, showing a relative risk of 1.88 in the urban area of Cabrobó. The higher density of seropositive dogs in urban areas indicates the need effective control measures against CanL to prevent the emergence of canine and human diseases.

Objective to describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with the human immunodeficiency virus. Methods this is a descriptive and documentary study, developed from the sociodemographic and clinical information registered in the identification sheets of 33 patients diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 18, with calculation of statistical measures and association between variables. Results regarding the characteristics of the patients, the average age was 42 years, ranging from 20 to 64 years, 54.5% were women, married and with low level of education, 84.8% were heterosexual and exposed to the virus through of sexual intercourse (p=0.495). Conclusion the patients with the infection were women, young, with low education and exposure to the virus due to sexual contact and unprotected sex with multiple partners.

Objetivo descrever as características sociodemográficas e clínicas de pacientes diagnosticados com o vírus da imunodeficiência humana. Métodos estudo descritivo e documental, desenvolvido a partir das informações sociodemográficas e clínicas contidas nas fichas de identificação de 33 pacientes diagnosticados com o vírus da imunodeficiência humana. Os dados foram analisados por meio do programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 18 para o cálculo das medidas estatísticas e associação entre variáveis. Resultados em relação às características dos pacientes, a média de idade foi de 42 anos, variando entre 20 e 64 anos, 54,5% mulheres, casados e com baixa escolaridade, 84,8% heterossexuais e que se expuseram ao vírus por meio de relação sexual (p=0,495). Conclusão percebeu-se que os pacientes com a infecção foram mulheres, jovens, com baixo nível de instrução e com exposição ao vírus pelo contato sexual e multiparcerias desprotegidas.

ABSTRACT This paper presents a detailed analysis about the implementation of a washout filter on the SIVOR (Simulador de Voo Robótico - Robotic Flight Simulator) project. The main objective of this project is to develop, on an anthropomorphic robot, a flight simulator which can be used as an Engineering Development System (EDS) and a pilot training platform, capable of providing feelings the pilot would only have in more intensive maneuvers, such as losses/gains of G in aircraft flight tests. The SIVOR project also has the objective of providing a cost-efficient and flexible tool that can be used during the design phases of aircrafts. One of the demanded features of such simulator is a representative behavior of its motion system, which is achieved by an adequate implementation of the washout filter. To the best knowledge of the authors, there are no works in the literature that present a detailed discussion about the implementation of a classical washout filter in such flight simulator, especially when the translational channel is used to its limits. Experimental results to support the proposed solutions are presented herein.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar a marcha de acúmulo de macronutrientes na folha, colmo e na parte aérea do capim-elefante cv. Roxo. Os tratamentos consistiram em sete idades de crescimento (9; 18; 27; 36; 45; 54 e 63 dias) em três períodos de cultivo (chuvoso, de transição e seco). Adotou-se um delineamento inteiramente casualizado e um arranjo de parcelas subdivididas no tempo, onde as idades foram alocadas nas parcelas e os períodos de cultivo nas subparcelas, com três repetições. Constatou-se interação entre os fatores idade e período de cultivo para os teores e para as taxas de acúmulo diário de N, P, K, Ca, Mg e S nas frações folha, colmo e parte aérea. As marchas de acúmulo diário dos nutrientes N, P, K, Mg e S apresentaram comportamento linear positivo para todos os períodos estudados, todavia com variação na magnitude da resposta entre estes. A taxa de acúmulo diário de Ca na parte aérea do dossel ajustou-se ao modelo linear para os períodos chuvoso e seco e ao modelo quadrático para o período de transição, atingindo máximo de 4,60 kg ha-1 aos 59,76 dias de crescimento. O acúmulo dos nutrientes no capim-elefante cv. Roxo apresentou a seguinte ordem decrescente: K > N > P > Mg > Ca > S no período chuvoso e de transição enquanto no período seco observou-se a seguinte ordem decrescente: K > P > N > Ca > Mg> S.

SUMMARY The objective of this study was to evaluate the macronutrient accumulations in leaf, stem, and shoot of elephant grass cv. Roxo. The treatments consisted of seven growth ages (9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, and 63 days) and three growing seasons (rainy, transition, and dry). A completely randomized design and a split-plot time arrangement were used, where the ages were the plots and the seasons the subplots, with three replications. Interaction between the factors age and season of cultivation for the contents and the daily accumulation rates of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S in leaf, stem, and shoot fractions were calculated. The margins of daily accumulation of nutrients N, P, K, Mg, and S presented positive linear behavior in all seasons studied; however, with variation in the magnitude of the response between them. The daily accumulation rate of Ca in the canopy was adjusted to a linear model for the rainy and dry seasons and to a quadratic model for the transition season, reaching a maximum of 4.60 kg ha-1 at 59.76 days of growth. The accumulation of nutrients in elephant grass cv. Roxo showed the following decreasing order: K > N > P > Mg > Ca > S in the rainy and transition seasons, while in the dry season the following decreasing order was observed: K > P > N > Ca > Mg > S.

ABSTRACT Although impacts generated by gaps can affect vegetation, few studies have addressed these impacts in the Atlantic Forest. Our aim was to investigate the effects of pathways of varying widths on vegetation structure and composition, considering dispersal syndromes, diversity, life forms, successional categories and threatened and exotic species occurrence in the Atlantic Forest. We studied three pathways with widths of 2, 10 and 20 m, intersecting a protected area in southeastern Brazil. To assess edge effects, plots were established adjacent to paths (edge) and 35 m from the edge (neighborhood), and in a control area without pathways. Wider pathways (10 and 20 m) exhibited reduced tree height and diameter, high liana density, exotic species, and a high proportion of pioneer and anemochorous species. In conclusion, our results indicate that the vegetation structure of narrow pathways (2 m) is similar to the control area, and that wide linear gaps cause negative effects on vegetation and extend to a distance of at least 35 m into the forest interior. Considering that linear gaps generate permanent effects to vegetation and may affect other organisms, we suggest that these effects must be considered for successful management of protected areas, including planning and impact mitigation.

Este estudo objetivou investigar alguns aspectos do perfil profissional e a inserção no mercado de trabalho dos egressos médicos da Residência em Medicina de Família e Comunidade (RMFC) no norte de Minas Gerais. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, desenvolvido com aplicação de questionários enviados por meio de correio eletrônico a todos os egressos da RMFC na região nos últimos dez anos. Esses dados foram processados por meio de planilha eletrônica. A validação do questionário on-line foi realizada pelo teste de Kappa. Responderam ao instrumento 42 dos 51 médicos localizados. Verificou-se predominância do sexo masculino, a maioria está na faixa etária entre 30 e 34 anos, residindo e trabalhando na área de formação, na mesma região. O principal vínculo trabalhista é de contrato para prestação de serviço. Os entrevistados que informaram dificuldades no desempenho profissional relataram problemas relacionados à estrutura organizacional da instituição/empresa e necessidade de educação permanente. No mercado de trabalho do egresso da residência em Saúde da Família um dos grandes desafios encontrados é a precarização das relações de trabalho, algumas vezes, dependentes de oscilações políticas locais.

This study aimed to investigate some aspects of the professional profile and insertion into the labor market for graduates of Medical Residency in Family and Community Medicine (MRFMC) in the north of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This is a cross-sectional study developed with questionnaires that were sent via email to all graduates of MRFMC in the area over the last 10 years. These data were processed using a spreadsheet. The validation of the online questionnaire was conducted by the Kappa test. The questionnaire was answered by 42 of the 51 physicians located. There was a predominance of males, mostly aged between 30 and 34 years, living and working in the area of training, in the same region. Service agreements represent the main form of employment of these professionals. Respondents who reported difficulties in job performance cited problems related to the organizational structure of the institution/company and the need for continuous education. One of the major challenges faced in the labor market by Family Health Medical Residency graduates is the instability in their employment relations, sometimes dependent on local political movements.

O objetivo desse estudo foi elaborar uma lista das espécies de pequenos mamíferos não-voadores que ocorrem em uma região de Mata Atlântica localizada nas proximidades de uma área de mineração de calcário (Mina Limeira), situada no município de Ribeirão Grande (SP), sudeste do Brasil. Para tal, foram montadas estações de captura contendo linhas de balde e armadilhas do tipo Sherman em oito transectos de 60 m, agrupados em pares e localizados a diferentes distâncias da cava da mina (60, 220, 740 e 1300 m de distância), partindo da área antropizada em direção à área de proteção ambiental da Serra do Mar. Entre outubro de 2005 e janeiro de 2008, com um esforço de 4080 baldes-noite e 2040 armadilhas-noite, foram capturadas 20 espécies de pequenos mamíferos, sendo 11 roedores e nove marsupiais. A alta riqueza, diversidade (H' = 2,65) e equabilidade (J = 0,88) estimada na área de estudo, além da presença de espécies endêmicas e ameaçadas, indicam o grau de preservação da área de estudo e da assembléia de pequenos mamíferos. As espécies mais comuns foram Marmosops incanus, Monodelphis americana e Oligoryzomys nigripes. Os transectos localizados mais próximos da cava (60 e 220 m de distância) foram dominados por espécies indicadoras de habitats alterados, como O. nigripes, que tende a proliferar nessas situações. Por outro lado, os sítios mais distantes (740 e 1300 m de distância da cava) apresentaram maior riqueza e diversidade, e espécies mais sensíveis a perturbações. Esses resultados sugerem um possível impacto negativo dependente de distância em relação à mina de calcário. Dessa maneira, nossos resultados apontam para a importância de monitoramentos de longo prazo sobre os impactos da mineração sobre as populações e a comunidade de pequenos mamíferos não-voadores, além da elaboração de planos de conservação para assegurar a persistência das espécies na região.

Our aim was to survey the non-flying small mammals inhabiting an Atlantic forest area situated nearby a limestone quarry (Limeira quarry), located at Ribeirão Grande municipality (SP), southeastern Brazil. Species were captured with pitfall and Sherman traps along eight pairs of 60 m transects distributed at four different distances from the quarry (60, 220, 740 and 1300 m). Between October 2005 and January 2008, 20 small mammal species (11 rodents and nine marsupials) were captured through 4080 pitfall trap-nights and 2040 Sherman trap-nights. The high values of richness, diversity (H' = 2.65) and equability (J = 0.88), and the presence of endemic and threatened species indicates a preserved study site and small mammal assemblage. Marmosops incanus, Monodelphis americana and Oligoryzomys nigripes were the commonest species at the study site. Trapping sites located closer to the quarry (60 and 220 m away from the quarry) presented lower richness and were dominated by disturbance-tolerant species, such as O. nigripes, that usually benefit from habitat alterations. On the other hand, sites located away from the quarry and closer to Serra do Mar Protected Area (740 and 1300 m away from the quarry) presented higher richness and diversity, and a higher abundance of disturbance-intolerant species. These results suggest a negative distance-dependent impact of quarrying on small mammal communities. In this way, our results point out to the importance of long-term monitoring of quarrying impacts on small non-flying mammal communities and populations, and the need of conservation strategies in order to ensure species persistence in these areas.

Estudamos a contribuição de aves frugívoras de subosque para a entrada de sementes em uma mancha de Floresta Atlântica secundária em estado avançado de regeneração no sudeste do Brasil. Foram estabelecidas cinco unidades amostrais, cada uma composta por uma linha de seis redes de neblina e duas parcelas adjacentes contendo seis coletores de sementes. Espécies de sementes imigrantes foram encontradas mais frequentemente nos coletores durante a estação chuvosa, quando houve maior produção de frutos. Por outro lado, a frequência de ocorrência de espécies imigrantes nas amostras fecais de aves de subosque foi maior durante a estação seca. Embora aves frugívoras de subosque não tenham sido determinantes para o padrão temporal da chuva de sementes, podem desempenhar um papel importante ao trazerem espécies de plantas de borda que poderão colonizar clareiras, contribuindo assim para a dinâmica de manchas florestais.

We studied the contribution of understory frugivorous birds to the seed inflow into a late successional Atlantic forest patch in southeastern Brazil. Five sampling units were established in the study site, each composed of a line of six mist nets and two adjacent plots containing six seed traps. Immigrant seed species were more frequent in seed traps during the rainy season, when fruit production was higher. On the other hand, the frequency of occurrence of immigrant seed species found in fecal samples of the understory frugivores was higher during the dry season. Although understory frugivorous birds were not responsible for the temporal pattern of the seed rain, they can play an important role in bringing edge plant species that will eventually colonize forest gaps, contributing to forest patch dynamics.

Florestas urbanas são geralmente isoladas e altamente degradadas; contudo são importantes abrigos para espécies de animais tolerantes. Os hábitos alimentares destes animais explicitam os diferentes papéis ecológicos que eles desempenham no hábitat. Nós analisamos a contribuição de Didelphis albiventris Lund (1840) como dispersor de sementes para a regeneração da vegetação de um fragmento florestal urbano. Para isso, descrevemos sua dieta frugívora e testamos a viabilidade das sementes por ele ingeridas. Tanto machos quanto fêmeas de gambá-de-orelha-branca incluiram uma grande variedade de itens alimentares na dieta, principalmente invertebrados e frutos. Frutos foram consumidos durante todo o ano e a sazonalidade não foi observada. A maioria das sementes defecadas era proveniente de plantas pioneiras, comuns em ambientes perturbados, o que concorda com seu hábito oportunista. A viabilidade das sementes ingeridas, verificada mediante modelos de regressão logística linear aplicada a dados de testes de germinação, foi diferente das sementes obtidas de frutos maduros e variou entre espécies, talvez devido a características intrínsecas da planta. Enquanto uma espécie generalista, D. albiventris é capaz de habitar ambientes perturbados, e dispersar as sementes de plantas de estágio inicial de sucessão, onde a vegetação necessita ser restaurada. É essencial que este processo não dependa exclusivamente de frugívoros especialistas, que na maioria das vezes estão ausentes nos fragmentos florestais urbanos. Consequentemente, a presença de espécies generalistas de ambientes secundários tem sua importância enfatizada.

Urban forests are usually isolated and highly disturbed, however they are important shelters for tolerant animal species. Their food habits expose the different ecological roles these animals perform in the habitat. We analyzed the contribution of Didelphis albiventris Lund (1840), as a seed disperser, to the vegetation renewal of an urban forest fragment, describing its frugivorous diet and testing the viability of ingested seeds. Both male and female of white-eared opossum included a vast variety of items in their diet, mainly invertebrates and fruits. Fruits were consumed during all year round and seasonality was not observed. The majority of consumed fruits was from pioneer plant species, which is common in disturbed areas, in accordance to the opossum's opportunistic habits. The viability of ingested seeds, evaluated by linear logistic regression models applied to data from germination tests, was different of the seeds collected directly from ripe fruits; it varied among species, maybe due to the intrinsic characteristics of plant species. As a highly generalist species, D. albiventris can inhabit disturbed environments and then disperse seeds from pioneer plants, where the vegetation must be restored. It is crucial that this process does not depend only on the specialist frugivores, which are frequently absent in urban forest fragments. Therefore, the presence of generalist species of secondary environments has its importance emphasized.

O propósito deste estudo foi analisar a dispersão de sementes e o estabelecimento de Solanum thomasiifolium em uma área de vegetação de "nativo" no Estado do Espírito Santo, na costa do sudeste do Brasil. Dez espécies de aves, o cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous) e uma espécie de lagarto (Tropidurus torquatus) alimentaram-se de frutos de S. thomasiifolium e dispersaram sementes viáveis em suas fezes. A contribuição proporcional de cada um destes grupos na dispersão de sementes foi de 77% para aves, 19% para o cachorro-do-mato e 4% para o lagarto. Formigas também contribuíram com a dispersão de sementes. Mais sementes foram depositadas nas ilhas de vegetação do que nas áreas abertas vizinhas. As taxas de germinação de sementes oriundas de frutos (controle), fezes de aves, fezes do cachorro do mato e do lagarto foram, respectivamente, 64 %, 64 %, 53% e 80%. As diferenças entre estas taxas foram todas significativas, exceto entre o controle e fezes de aves. Lagartos foram importantes como transportadores de sementes entre ilhas de vegetação próximas e defecaram uma grande proporção de sementes viáveis. As aves e o cachorro-do-mato não aumentaram a germinação de sementes, mas promoveram a dispersão sobre uma área maior. A arquitetura da planta, a produtividade de frutos, as características do fruto e a diversidade de frugívoros são importante no sucesso de S. thomasiifolium para colonização do habitat.

The aim of this study was to analyse seed dispersal and establishment of Solanum thomasiifolium in an area of "nativo" vegetation in Espirito Santo state on the southeastern Brazilian coast. Ten species of birds, the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous), and one species of lizard (Tropidurus torquatus) fed on S. thomasiifolium fruits and dispersed viable seeds in their faeces. The proportional contribution of each of these groups to seed dispersal was 77% (birds), 19% (crab-eating fox) and 4% (lizards). Ants also contributed to seed dispersal. More seeds were deposited in vegetation islands than in the surrounding open areas. Germination rates of seeds collected directly from fruit (control), bird droppings, the faeces of crab-eating foxes and lizards were, respectively, 64, 64, 53, and 80 %. Differences among these rates were all significant, except between birds and control. Lizards were important as seed carriers between nearby islands and they expelled a higher proportion of viable seeds. Birds and the crab-eating foxes did not enhance seed germination, but promoted seed dispersal over a wider area. Plant architecture, fruit productivity, fruit characteristics and the diversity of frugivores are important for the success of S. thomasiifolium in habitat colonization.

Summary A general description of the feeding behavior of three species of tanagers on Cecropia concolor (Moraceae) in a disturbed area near Manaus is given here. The habitat and food preferences of these birds are related to the seed dispersal in this Cecropia species.