Search

Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and Palmistichus elaeisis (Delvare & LaSalle) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) are commercially used in the biological control of defoliating lepidopterans in Brazil. The combination of these natural enemies in integrated pest management systems and the risks of intraguild interactions in simultaneous releases were evaluated in the laboratory. The objective was to verify the possible biological effects of intraguild interaction between P. nigrispinus and P. elaeisis. Pupae of natural host Thyrinteina arnobia (Stoll) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) and of the alternative host Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), aged 24 hours, were individualized and exposed to parasitism by females of P. elaeisis for 24 hours. The selectivity of P. nigrispinus to parasitized prey was tested with T. arnobia, T. molitor and with volatile compounds extracted from pupae parasitized or healthy. The biomass of T. molitor pupae, healthy or parasitized by P. elaeisis (at one, nine or 18 days), consumed by P. nigrispinus was calculated. The selectivity of each P. nigrispinus female for healthy or parasitized pupae was observed and the effect on the biology of the predator was analysed. Podisus nigrispinus preferred healthy prey to those with more than one day of parasitism and was attracted to pupae washed with hexane extract from healthy hosts. The body mass of this predator was higher when feeding on healthy pupae. The intraguild interaction between P. nigrispinus and P. elaeisis is symmetrical, indicating that these natural enemies can be used, simultaneously, in the integrated management of defoliating caterpillars without reducing their efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of species that connect the different types of interactions is becoming increasingly recognized, and this role may be related to specific attributes of these species. Multilayer networks have two or more layers, which represent different types of interactions, for example, between different parasites and hosts that are nonetheless connected. The understanding of the ecological relationship between bats, ectoparasites, and vector-borne bacteria could shed some light on the complex transmission cycles of these pathogens. In this study, we investigated a multilayer network in Brazil formed by interactions between bat-bacteria, bat-ectoparasite, and ectoparasite-bacteria, and asked how these interactions overlap considering different groups and transmission modes. The multilayer network was composed of 31 nodes (12 bat species, 14 ectoparasite species, and five bacteria genera) and 334 links, distributed over three layers. The multilayer network has low modularity and shows a core-periphery organization, that is, composed of a few generalist species with many interactions and many specialist species participating in few interactions in the multilayer network. The three layers were needed to accurately describe the multilayer structure, while aggregation leads to loss of information. Our findings also demonstrated that the multilayer network is influenced by a specific set of species that can easily be connected to the behavior, life cycle, and type of existing interactions of these species. Four bat species (Artibeus lituratus, A. planirostris, Phyllostomus discolor, and Platyrrhinus lineatus), one ectoparasite species (Steatonyssus) and three bacteria genera (Ehrlichia, hemotropic Mycoplasma and Neorickettsia) are the most important species for the multilayer network structure. Finally, our study brings an ecological perspective under a multilayer network approach on the interactions between bats, ectoparasites, and pathogens. By using a multilayer approach (different types of interactions), it was possible to better understand these different ecological interactions and how they affect each other, advancing our knowledge on the role of bats and ectoparasites as potential pathogen vectors and reservoirs, as well as the modes of transmission of these pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth retardants have been used as an anti-lodging to reduce shoot growth by blocking the gibberellins biosynthesis without decreasing yield. We hypothesized that the type and dosage of growth retardants vary in effectiveness on reducing vegetative growth and increasing seed yield, as well as that prohexadione calcium (Pro-Ca) may also be an effective growth retardant for common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The goal of this study was to assess the effects of increasing rates of paclobutrazol (PBZ), mepiquat chloride (MC), and Pro-Ca on common bean morphophysiological and yield traits, based on a field experiment carried out in Vitória da Conquista, northeastern Brazil. Morphophysiological traits were assessed 14 and 38 days after application (DAA) of regulators, and yield traits were assessed at the end of the crop cycle. There was a positive relationship between increasing rates of regulators and decrease in stem length mainly up to 14 DAA, and Pro-Ca was more effective than the other regulators. At 38 DAA, increase in shoot dry mass was recorded when PBZ and MC were sprayed at rates from 100 to 400 g a.i. ha−1. Pro-Ca application increased the height of first pod insertion. Low rates of PBZ (25–50 g a.i. ha−1) increased, whereas high rates of Pro-Ca (200 and 400 g a.i. ha−1) tended to decrease the number of pods per plant. MC reduced the number of empty pods and increased the number of seeds per pod. The 100-seed weight increased up to a peak with an estimated rate of 162.5 g a.i. ha−1 for PBZ, 151.0 g a.i. ha−1 for MC, and 211.8 g a.i. ha−1 for Pro-Ca. PBZ and MC marginally increased seed yield with peaks at the estimated rates of 190.8 and 212.4 g a.i. ha−1, respectively, whereas rates of Pro-Ca greater than 50 g a.i. ha−1 decreased seed yield. The regulators were effective in reducing the plant size, thus mitigating lodging risks in common bean crop with highlight on Pro-Ca, but this regulator at high rates tended to reduce common bean yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of temperament traits on bipolar disorder (BD) has been investigated. Both temperament traits and BD are partially genetically determined and seem to be influenced by variations in the CACNA1C gene. These variations presented a significant interactive effect with biological sex, although studies that evaluate this relationship are scarce. Here, we assessed the mediation effect of temperament traits on the relationship between two polymorphisms in the CACNA1C gene (rs1006737 and rs4765913) and BD according to sex. This is a cross-sectional study consisting of 878 Caucasian individuals (508 women and 370 men), aged 18–35, enrolled in a population-based study in the city of Pelotas, Southern Brazil. BD diagnosis was evaluated using the clinical interview MINI 5.0, and temperament traits were assessed via the application of the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament Scale (AFECTS). Mediation models were tested using the modeling tool PROCESS (version 3.3) for SPSS. Bootstrapping-enhanced mediation analyses in women indicated that traits anger (39%) and caution (27%) mediated the association between the rs4765913 SNP and BD, while traits volition (29%), anger (35%), and caution (29%) mediated the association between the AA haplotype (rs1006737–rs4765913) and the BD. No effect was encountered for cisgender men. Our model revealed that paths from CACNA1C SNPs to BD are mediated by specific temperament traits in women, reinforcing the definition of temperament traits as endophenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schizotetranychus hindustanicus Hirst (Acari: Tetranychidae) known as the Hindustan citrus mite, is a quarantine pest present in Roraima, Brazil. In 1924 this pest was described in India. It was reported in 2002 in Venezuela and in Roraima in 2008. In 2010, the Hindustan citrus mite was reported in Colombia. It is possible that it will be introduced in other areas of Brazil, resulting in a threat to Brazilian citrus industry. Our objective was to determine the most suitable regions of Brazil for S. hindustanicus using a maximum entropy (Maxent) algorithm, based on native and invasive updated occurrence records from published research, field surveys and online databases. To avoid overfitting and improving transferability, we chose parameter settings of Maxent to construct and validate models by searching for the best combination of feature classes and regularization multipliers. The model obtained showed excellent performance according to all evaluation metrics used. A high potential for the establishment of S. hindustanicus was identified in large areas of Roraima, the extreme west of Amazonas, the entire north of the State of Pará, also in northeast, south, east, and north of the State of Amapá, and in a small portion northwest of the State of Maranhão (all states belonging to the northern region of Brazil). Our results provide information for policy making and quarantine measures, especially where S. hindustanicus is still absent in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ornithonyssus bursa, known as the "tropical fowl mite," is a hematophagous mite of domestic and wild birds, which occasionally bites humans. Accidental bites on humans occur mainly when abandoned bird nests are close to homes or when people are handling parasitized birds. In the present study, we describe five case reports of bites on humans and new records of localities for this species. Based on the material examined, we provide morphological and molecular characterizations for this species herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean is one of the most cultivated and important legumes in the world. Given its importance, understanding the shifts of climate suitability for this crop under climate change is essential. One way to map these potential changes in soybean distribution is through species distribution models (SDMs). In this study, we conducted a SDM for soybeans, using data from non-irrigated soybean fields. We used CLIMEX and CliMond climatic data in 10' resolution data to model the current and future climatic potential distribution of soybeans, applying the general circulation model CSIRO-Mk3.0 and assuming an A2 emissions scenario for 2030, 2050, and 2070. We analyzed changes in the climatic suitability areas under these different climatic projections and highlighted the major soybean-growing countries (USA, Brazil, Argentina, China, and India). In the future, the consequences of climate change on soybean will probably depend on its locality on the globe. Climate suitability for soybean cultivation is likely to increase in countries and regions located at northern latitudes, such as Canada and Western Europe. On the other hand, countries located in tropical areas, for example Brazil and India, may suffer significant losses in suitable areas by 2070. Our model provides a more in-depth view of areas that can be incorporated into soybean cultivation and which stressors decrease the climatic suitability of soybean in current and future scenarios. Our results allow directing strategies in plant breeding for this crop, and policies to mitigate possible impacts on soybean production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suicide associated with severe psychiatric illnesses is considered the leading cause of maternal deaths. We aimed to assess the suicide risk in women who experienced depressive or mixed episodes of mood change during the postpartum period and to determine which disorder is more related to suicide risk in the same period. We conducted a longitudinal study with 706 women whose children were born from April 2007 to May 2008 in a southern city in Brazil, and received prenatal care by the Brazilian National System of Public Health. The first assessment occurred during the prenatal period and the second within 30 to 60 days postpartum. The incidence of suicide risk was 10.9%. The odds of postpartum suicide risk were 6.50 (95% CI: 2.73; 15.48) higher in mothers with postpartum depression and 41.50 (95% CI: 12.11; 142.16) higher in those with mixed episodes than those who did not suffer from any mood disorder. Women with chronic episodes (who had depressive or mixed episodes during pregnancy and postpartum) were at increased odds of 4.94 (95% CI: 1.46; 16.69) of a postpartum suicide risk. The postpartum seems to be a critical period in the women's mental health. The impact of mental disorders in this period, especially mixed episodes, can increase the odds of a suicide risk onset. A good psychiatric evaluation and support during the prenatal and postpartum care may prevent the subsequent risk of suicide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research we investigate how mathematics teachers, as graduate students, estimate the value of π by exploring the problem of squaring the circle using digital technology. Initially, we mention some aspects of teaching and learning of calculus in the literature, emphasizing studies that use the notion of humans-with-media to highlight the role of technology in mathematical thinking and knowledge production. Insights on the history of mathematics in calculus are also discussed. We developed a qualitative study based on three different solutions created by groups of teachers using the software GeoGebra and Microsoft Excel. All the teachers' solutions improved the approximation (8/9)2 ≈ π/4, by determining p and q for (p/q)2 ≈ π/4. The first two solutions with GeoGebra emphasized experimentation and visualization, improving the approximation from one to three decimal places. The third solution with Excel pointed out the elaboration of a formula and improved it up to six decimal places. We emphasize how media shaped the strategies and solutions of the groups. Based on these solutions, we explore an approach for cubing the sphere, discussing approximations for π, highlighting the role of media in enhancing conceptual complexity in the solution of mathematical problems. The nature of the strategies for solving a problem is discussed, especially regarding different ways of thinking-with-technology developed by collectives of teachers-with-media. Although we acknowledge an alternative design for the proposed task, the exploration of problems using aspects of the history of mathematics contributes to the state of the art concerning the studies in calculus developed by the Research Group on Technology, other Media, and Mathematics Education in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 is spreading rapidly in Brazil, a country of continental dimensions, but the incidence of the disease is showing to be very heterogeneous, affecting cities and regions differently. Thus, there is a gap regarding what factors would contribute to accentuate the differences in the incidence of COVID-19 among Brazilian cities. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of altitude on the incidence of COVID-19 in Brazilian cities. We analyzed the relative incidence (RI), the relative death rate (RDR) of COVID-19, and air relative humidity (RH) in all 154 cities in Brazil with a population above 200 thousand inhabitants, located between 5 and 1135 m in altitude. Pearson's correlation analysis was performed to compare a relationship between altitude with RI and RDR, and between RH with RI and RDR. Altitudes were classified into three classes [low (altitude ≤ 97 m a. s. l), middle (97 < altitude ≤ 795 m a. s. l), high (795 < altitude ≤ 1135 m a. s. l)] for the RI, RDR, and RH variables. To compare the three classes of altitude, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey test were used to compare averages (p < 0.05). Our epidemiological analysis found that the RI, RDR, and RH were lower in cities located in high altitudes (795 < altitude ≤ 1135 m a. s. l) when compared to the middle (97 < altitude ≤ 795 m a. s. l) and low (altitude ≤ 97 m a. s. l) cities altitudes. Furthermore, our study shows that there is a negative correlation between the incidence of COVID-19 with altitude and a positive correlation with RH in the cities analyzed. Brazilian cities with high altitude and low RH have lower RI and RDR from COVID-19. Thus, high altitude cities may be favorable to shelter people at risk. This study may be useful for understanding the behavior of SARS-CoV2, and start point for future studies to establish causality of environmental conditions with SARS-CoV2 contributing to the implementation of measures to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural expansions have major negative impacts on terrestrial biodiversity, directly affecting ecosystem services. Social wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Polistinae) actively participate in trophic balance in natural ecosystems and biological control of agricultural pests. In this work, we evaluated the richness and composition of social wasps in the interior of the native habitat, edge, and adjacent soybean cultivation area. We also evaluated the effect of the amount and complexity of habitat structure on the richness and composition of social wasps, considering two scales (buffer 5000 and 1000 m). We sampled 42 sites distributed in eight municipalities, in the Midwest region of Brazil, using Malaise trap. In total, we collected 288 individuals distributed in 43 species and 10 genera. The richness of social wasps did not differ among the points (interior, edge, and culture) in the three vegetation categories (Forest, Ecotone, and Cerrado). However, species composition differed between edge and crop, only in areas categorized as Forest. The amount of native habitat influenced social wasp richness and composition only in the Forest areas and social wasp richness was positively related to the complexity of the habitat structure at both scales (buffer 5000 and 1000 m), which had no significant effect on species composition. Social wasps are generalists regarding foraging sites but rely on structurally more complex habitats to nest. Thus, the maintenance of native habitats favors the richness of social wasps in adjacent soybean areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Participants’ rights and safety must be guaranteed not only while a clinical trial is being conducted but also when a clinical trial finishes. The criteria for post-trial access to experimental drugs, however, are unclear in various countries. The objectives of this study were (i) to ascertain if there were regulations or guidelines related to patients’ access to drugs after the end of clinical trials in the countries selected in the study and (ii) to analyze trends in post-trial access in countries classified by their level of economic development.Methods: This study is a retrospective review. The data are from the records of clinical trials from 2014 registered in the World Health Organization’s International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) database.Results: Among the countries selected, provision of drugs post-trial is mandatory only in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Finland, and Peru. The plans for post-trial access tend to be more present in low- and middle-income and upper middle-income countries, in comparison with high-income countries. Studies involving vulnerable populations are 2.53 times more likely to have plans for post-trial access than studies which do not.Conclusions: The guaranteeing of post-trial access remains mandatory in few countries. Considering that individuals seen as vulnerable have been included in clinical trials without plans for post-trial access, stakeholders must discuss the need to develop regulations mandating the guaranteeing of post-trial access in specified situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining is an important part of the economy of several countries including Brazil. Despite the major role played by large-scale mining (LSM) in the mineral sector, artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) also participates in the mining market and plays a crucial social role mainly in developing countries through assuring livelihoods for a great number of people. Both LSM and ASM can cause negative environmental and health impacts. Certification has been in focus for the LSM, following good practices and standards especially to improve health and safety performance. For ASM these issues still constitute a challenge. In some successful cases as corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports demonstrate, health, safety, and environment (HSE) impacts have been addressed through cooperation between LSM and ASM, which can benefit communities as a whole. A question guiding our research was whether there is potential for ASM gold mining certification to be a tool for achieving a win-win outcome within the gold mining sector, and for mercury emission reduction as proposed by the Minamata Convention. Brazilian ASM certification could become a market trend that would receive support from LSM towards the use of cleaner technologies and mining industry better practices? To answer that overarching question, our methodology included a review of CSR reports produced by LSM operating in Brazil and a comparison to their CSR initiatives worldwide. Field interviews with ASM miners were also undertaken. The results from LSM and ASM cooperation are classified with regard to types of initiatives to improve good practices guidance and promotion of sustainable development partnerships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Is important to evaluate suicidal potential and related factors during pregnancy among women who have attended public health services. To determine the suicidal potential, question 10 from Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used. In this sample (N = 1,334), 8.1% of pregnant women demonstrated suicidal potential. The potential risk factors for suicide in depressed pregnant women were being single, divorced or widowed, thinking about having an abortion, and having anxiety symptoms; in nondepressed pregnant women were lower age, low education level, low socioeconomic class, thoughts about having an abortion and anxiety symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]