No matter where you are, ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) get attention when it is warm

Google Trends® (GT) can show us how social trends vary in time and space through real-time data. In this study, we aimed to investigate spatial and temporal patterns of variation observed in interest in the search term “ants” and their related variables across the globe. We collected GT data from 20 countries within a 13-year time frame, with 156 monthly values corresponding to search-relative interest (values related to the search interest concerning the highest peak of popularity for a certain term within a certain period). After that, we correlated the average of relative interest per country (constancy of interest) with demographic data and ant diversity and the relative interest in “ants” among countries. The inter- and intra-annual variations in the relative interest in the search term “ants” were also evaluated. After that, we listed related queries and made clusters with related topics collected from each country. We observed that: (I) the constancy of interest in the term “ants” is correlated with higher internet access and higher ant-genera diversity; (II) countries with a closer location, and in the same hemisphere, have similar trends in relative interest independently of their languages; (III) the relative interest in “ants” increased over the years and during warmer months (signaling seasonality). Besides, it is noticed that (IV) there is a high demand for information about ant control. Finally, we found that (V) historic, cultural, and linguistic similarities among countries also influence the search patterns for “ants”. These results can help researchers to gain insight into the psychology of the ordinary Google searcher and reveal the typical perception of ants. They also direct, among others, grant writing, framing research, and choosing research directions and guide eventual public outreach activities. We know myrmecologists need no convincing why ants are interesting and ecologically important, but most people only think about ants when they are annoying them and how to get rid of these animals. Thus, the early months of the warmer seasons would be the best time frame for promotional activities on the benefits of ants. Based on these findings, we suggest: 1) publishing information related to ants during warmer months, highlighting positive aspects of ants; 2) stimulating science education for children and teenagers in myrmecological holiday camps; 3) developing apps focused on providing information about ants, among other actions

Potential financial loss and risk factors for hamstring muscle injuries in elite male Brazilian soccer players: a season-long prospective cohort pilot study

PurposeThe aim of this pilot study was to analyze the potential financial loss and a range of potential risk factors for hamstring muscle injuries in elite Brazilian soccer.MethodsThirty-four male players (age: 25 ± 6 years; stature: 180 ± 8 cm; body mass: 78 ± 9 kg; minutes played in matches: 2243 ± 1423 min) from an elite professional soccer club were monitored during a 12-month season. Muscle injury was identified by magnetic resonance imaging and the severity was defined according to the number of days away: minimal (1–3 days), mild (4–7 days), moderate (8–28 days), severe (>28 days). Potential financial loss due to the team's under achievements was determined. Dorsiflexion range of motion, eccentric knee flexor strength and isokinetic tests were performed during the pre-season. Association between dependent variables and the occurrence of injury was evaluated.ResultsNine hamstring muscle injuries with moderate severity were found in 8 athletes. Recovery time was 22 days off the field on average. Potential financial loss was $-43.2 million USD and earnings on merit money was 21%. Previous injury, increased flexor deficit 60° /sec and increased flexor fatigue index 300°/sec were all associated with a greater chance of hamstring muscle injury. Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion was significantly lower in the injured group (35.6 ± 3° vs. 39.1 ± 4.9°; p = 0.017, effect size = −0.74).ConclusionHigh financial burden was found in elite Brazilian soccer during one full season. Injured athletes had high hamstring fatigue index, knee flexor strength deficit, ankle range of motion restriction and previous hamstring muscle injury when compared to non-injured athletes. Therefore, preventive approaches in professional soccer players with previous hamstring injuries should be a priority

The preference for energetic resources is positively associated with predatory activity in ants

Land use changes can alter resource availability and microclimate variables in tropical ecosystems, generally altering community structure by decreasing species richness and changing its composition. These changes affect foraging activity, nutrient preferences and consequently ecosystem functions. Our aim was to assess how foraging activity and nutrient preference are influenced by changes in land use and microclimate. We sampled ants (Formicidae) at 32 sites undergoing conversion from natural habitats to coffee systems in two Neotropical biomes: the Atlantic rainforest and the Cerrado. We assessed nutrient preference (amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids and sodium) and predation using mealworm larvae, while also measuring temperature and humidity. We found the same ants foraged for different resources, likely because generalist species can perform these activities on the ground. Furthermore, foraging for energetic resources (carbohydrates and lipids) positively correlated with foraging for larvae. This indicates that the limitation of energetic resources can contribute to an increase in foraging and predatory activity. Moreover, ant preference for amino acids decreases with increasing temperature, indicating that ants prefer to consume energetic resources to support metabolic processes. In conclusion, foraging is primarily carried out by generalist species. In addition, the preference for energetic nutrients, driven by energetic limitations, is linked to predatory activity. Moreover, ant species richness increases foraging for larvae, while rising temperatures decrease the preference for amino acids. Thus, conserving species richness and mitigating temperature increases may enhance larval foraging and support the insect predation function in Neotropical habitats

Potencial evocado auditivo para diagnóstico de surdez bilateral em dois cães

O potencial auditivo evocado de tronco encefálico é um método eletrodiagnóstico não invasivo que permite avaliação objetiva do estado auditivo, da orelha média ao tronco encefálico, captando a atividade elétrica do sistema auditivo, gerada a partir de um estímulo sonoro específico. O uso desse teste não é difundido em animais no Brasil. Sendo assim, o objetivo do presente trabalho é relatar o diagnóstico de surdez bilateral em dois cães sem raça definida, com a utilização do potencial evocado auditivo de tronco encefálico.The brainstem auditory evoked potential is a noninvasive electrodiagnostic test allowing an objective assessment of the hearing status, by capturing the electrical activity of the auditory system, from the middle ear to the brainstem, generated after a specific sound stimulus is performed. The use of this test is not common in animals in Brazil. Therefore, the objective of this study is to report the diagnosis of bilateral deafness in two mongrel dogs, using the brainstem auditory evoked potential