RESUMEN
Seed predation is an antagonistic interaction that negatively affects the performance of individual plants and can limit plant population dynamics. In animal-dispersed plants, crop size is an important determinant of plant reproductive success through its effect on seed dispersers and predators. Seed traits, such as size or chemical composition, can also increase the tolerance to seed predators or reduce their performance. We investigated the interaction between Quercus faginea and two specialized pre-dispersal insect seed predators (weevils and moths) during two years of contrasting crop size to determine the consequences of oak reproductive investment on seed production and insect performance. Crop size was 44% lower and acorns were 32% smaller in the second year, although acorn predation by insects was proportionally similar between both years at the population level. Individual trees producing larger crops showed a lower incidence of insect predators during the year of abundant acorn production, whereas trees producing bigger acorns experienced higher seed predation rates by insects, and acorns held more insect larvae in the low crop year. Competition between insects increased when acorn production was low, and higher tannin content in acorns further constrained the number of weevil larvae developing together in the same acorn. However, the abundance and size of insect larvae produced per tree were similar between the two crop years, and this was due to larvae often depleting acorn reserves when resources were low. Oak reproductive output increased nearly two-fold during the large crop year. Crop size variation, acorn production in a given year and acorn size and chemical composition seem to be important traits for reducing damage by insect predators in Quercus faginea and improve oak reproductive success.
RESUMEN
O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar o conhecimento sobre HIV/aids dos participantes de grupos de convivência do Vale do Sinos, Rio Grande do Sul. O estudo caracterizou-se como transversal, obtendo-se uma amostra de 510 pessoas, sendo 17,5 por cento homens e 82,5 por cento mulheres, na faixa etária entre 60-90 anos. Utilizou-se o questionário sobre HIV para terceira idade, que abrange características gerais dos participantes e questões relativas à aids, organizadas nos domínios "conceito", "transmissão", "prevenção", "vulnerabilidade" e "tratamento". Quase metade (48,4 por cento) dos participantes relatou ter cursado de quatro a sete anos de estudo e a renda mensal de 52,2 por cento foi de um a três salários mínimos. Nos domínios "conceito" e "transmissão", 49,4 por cento desconheciam a fase assintomática da infecção pelo HIV e 41,4 por cento acreditavam que a aids poderia ser transmitida pelo mosquito. No âmbito dos domínios "prevenção" e "vulnerabilidade", 25,5 por cento não sabiam da existência da camisinha feminina e 36,9 por cento consideravam a aids uma síndrome somente de homens que fazem sexo com homens, profissionais do sexo e usuários de drogas. Quanto ao "tratamento", 12,2 por cento ignoravam a sua existência. Constataram-se lacunas no conhecimento sobre HIV/aids na amostra avaliada, demonstrando a necessidade de programas de saúde pública que visem à elucidação das principais dúvidas.
The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge about HIV/AIDS in participants of companionship groups in the Vale do Sinos, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It was a prospective cross-sectional study in a sample of 510 individuals, 17 percent males and 82.5 percent females aged between 60 and 90 years. We used the Questionnaire on HIV for the Old Aged, which comprises the general characteristics of the participants and questions concerning HIV/AIDS, organized into the elements 'concept', 'transmission', 'prevention', 'vulnerability', and 'treatment'. Nearly half of the participants (48.4 percent) reported having studied 4 to 7 years and the monthly income of 52.2 percent was of 1 to 3 minimum wages. In the dimensions concept and transmission, 49.4 percent had no idea about the asymptomatic phase of the infection, and 41.4 percent believed HIV could be transmitted by a mosquito bite. With regard to prevention and vulnerability, 25.5 percent did not know about the female condom and 36.9 percent considered AIDS a disease confined to men who have sex with men, sex workers, and injection-drug users. Regarding antiretroviral treatment, 12.2 percent ignored its existence. Elderly people in companionship groups have important misconceptions about HIV/AIDS, which can increase their risk of infection. There is a need for public health programs directed to this population in order to prevent or decrease the risk of HIV transmission.
Asunto(s)
Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Infecciones por VIH , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida , Brasil , Estudios Transversales , Estudios ProspectivosRESUMEN
The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge about HIV/AIDS in participants of companionship groups in the Vale do Sinos, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It was a prospective cross-sectional study in a sample of 510 individuals, 17% males and 82.5% females aged between 60 and 90 years. We used the Questionnaire on HIV for the Old Aged, which comprises the general characteristics of the participants and questions concerning HIV/AIDS, organized into the elements 'concept', 'transmission', 'prevention', 'vulnerability', and 'treatment'. Nearly half of the participants (48.4 %) reported having studied 4 to 7 years and the monthly income of 52.2% was of 1 to 3 minimum wages. In the dimensions concept and transmission, 49.4% had no idea about the asymptomatic phase of the infection, and 41.4% believed HIV could be transmitted by a mosquito bite. With regard to prevention and vulnerability, 25.5% did not know about the female condom and 36.9% considered AIDS a disease confined to men who have sex with men, sex workers, and injection-drug users. Regarding antiretroviral treatment, 12.2% ignored its existence. Elderly people in companionship groups have important misconceptions about HIV/AIDS, which can increase their risk of infection. There is a need for public health programs directed to this population in order to prevent or decrease the risk of HIV transmission.