Search

Falls are the fifth leading cause of death and are one of the main causes of hospitalization. The literature about falls prevalence among older adults living in rural/remote communities in South America is scarce. To compare falls prevalence among the elderly in the Andes, Peru, and in the rural area of the municipality of Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Two separate cross-sectional studies were conducted in Peru, Andes (N = 413), and Brazil, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul state (N = 1029). We stratified all data analysis according to location (Andes/Rio Grande). Characteristics of the samples were compared and the chi square test for proportions was used. Falls prevalence was then calculated for each independent variable and crude and adjusted prevalence ratios were estimated using Poisson Regression with robust variance. Falls prevalence in the last year was much higher in the Andes (64.1%) than in Rio Grande (25.3%). For most characteristics assessed, falls prevalence in Peru was at least double that found in Rio Grande. According to the adjusted analysis for the Andes, age (80 or more), being married, divorced and alcohol intake were significantly associated with falls. In Rio Grande, female gender and being in the 70–79 and 80 or more age ranges were associated with falls as well as those who self-rated their health as poor. This paper contributes to knowledge about falls prevalence among the elderly from rural and remote communities in two South American countries. Longitudinal multicentre studies with standardized methodologies are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Diplostomidae include a large group of flatworms with complex life cycles and are frequently found parasitizing the eyes and central nervous system of freshwater fishes. The morphological identification of the metacercariae at species level is not always possible. Thus, molecular tools have become essential to assist in the parasite species determination. This study was aimed at describing two diplostomid metacercariae found in freshwater fish in São Paulo, Brazil, based on morphological characters and in the genetic characterization of COI sequences. Our results showed that the two recognized taxa (Tylodelphys sp. and Diplostomidae gen. sp.) appear to be different from the species already described in South America. Tylodelphys sp. differs morphologically from Tylodelphys xenopi, T. mashonense, T. jenynsiae, and T. scheuringi. The metacercariae of T. clavata and T. conifera are smaller than Tylodelphys sp., while T. podicipina is larger than the metacercariae described here. The phylogenetic analysis of COI sequences yielded Tylodelphys sp. as the sister species of Tylodelphys sp. 4, a species reported from the brain of the eleotrid Gobiomorus maculatus in Oaxaca, Mexico. The metacercariae identified as Diplostomidae gen. sp. are morphologically different from the known diplostomid metacercariae and did not match with other diplostomid sequences available. Diplostomidae gen. sp. is recovered as the sister species of Diplostomum ardeae. Although the morphological evidence and the COI sequences differentiate the metacercariae found, the absence of adult specimens of both species precludes the specific designation. This is one of the first papers that use an integrative taxonomy approach to describe the species diversity of diplostomid trematodes in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of non-native species (NNS) and the resulting biological invasions are conspicuous features of the Anthropocene Epoch. Parallel to these phenomena, some initiatives (political, social and scientific) have sought to value and protect invasive populations, recognizing some benefits that NNS may deliver to people and nature. Given this growing trend of valuing NNS, we considered opportune to address this issue in the context of megadiverse tropical countries. We investigated an emerging trend that has advocated the protection of highly invasive fishes by legal instruments, i.e., the protection of invasive peacock basses (genus Cichla) in Brazil. We recorded 16 bills or laws proposed between 2017 and 2022 that determine fishing restrictions to protect invasive Cichla spp. from overfishing and other impacts, in order to favor population recruitment, growth, colonization and spread. Specifically, they establish restrictions on fishing, capture, transport, trade, and processing, including quotas, compulsory catch and release, length limits, use of gears, and temporal interdictions. They also determine the naturalization of peacock basses in some main basins of South America, which include different watersheds and ecoregions, with risk of intercountry invasions. This particular case is instructive to unveil the risks of positions that emphasize positive contributions of NNS to society and nature, as these misguided conservation actions favor invasive organisms with high potential to cause environmental degradation, biodiversity losses, and social conflicts. These positions find fertile ground in some contexts, especially in tropical developing countries, where economic constraints, poor access to information, opportunism, and bad political behavior have been the norm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lowland South America has long been a battle-ground between European colonization and indigenous survival. Initial waves of European colonization brought disease epidemics, slavery, and violence that had catastrophic impacts on indigenous cultures. In this paper we focus on the demography of 238 surviving populations in Brazil. We use longitudinal censuses from all known indigenous Brazilian societies to quantify three demographic metrics: 1) effects of European contact on indigenous populations; 2) empirical estimates of minimum viable population sizes; and 3) estimates of post-contact population growth rates. We use this information to conduct population viability analysis (PVA). Our results show that all surviving populations suffered extensive mortality during, and shortly after, contact. However, most surviving populations exhibit positive growth rates within the first decade post-contact. Our findings paint a positive demographic outlook for these indigenous populations, though long-term survival remains subject to powerful externalities, including politics, economics, and the pervasive illegal exploitation of indigenous lands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the proposition for the adoption of Geocentric Reference System for the Americas (SIRGAS) as a terrestrial reference frame for South America, the need for temporal monitoring of station coordinates used in its materialization has become apparent. This would provide a dynamic characterization of the frame. The Brazilian Network for Continuous Monitoring of GPS (RBMC) has collected high accuracy GPS measurements since 1996. The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) maintains this network in collaboration with several universities and organizations. Most of the stations are also part of the SIRGAS network. The RBMC also contributes data to the International Terrestrial Reference System (ITRS) to densify the global frame. Two of the RBMC stations are also part of the International GPS Service (IGS). This paper reports initial results from these stations. To estimate the velocity field defined by these stations, ten IGS stations located on the border of the South American plate and in adjacent plates, along with nine RBMC stations, were used. Observations covering five groups of 15 days each were used. These groups of observations were at epochs 1997.3, 1997.9, 1998.3, 1998.9 and 1999.2. Seven IGS stations were chosen to have their coordinates constrained to those epochs. IGS products (precise ephemeris and clocks) were used to process the daily solutions, which were carried out with Bernese software. Carrier phase double differences were formed using the ionospheric-delay free observable. The troposphere was modeled using a combination of the Saastamoinen model and the Niell mapping function. A tropospheric parameter was estimated every two hours. The results of the daily baseline solutions were combined using the summation of normal equations technique, in which the final coordinates and velocities were estimated. The results were compared with various models, such as the NNR-NUVEL1 and the APKIM8.80. Velocity vectors estimated for the RBMC stations show good agreement with those two models, with rates approximately equal to 2 cm/year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the austral winter (June–August) of 2021, the meteorological services of Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Chile all issued forecasts for unusually cold conditions. Record-low minimum temperatures and cold spells were documented, including one strong cold wave episode that affected 5 countries. In this study, we define a cold wave as a period in which daily maximum and minimum air temperatures are below the corresponding climatological 10th percentile for three or more consecutive days. The intense cold wave event in the last week of June, 2021, resulted in record-breaking minimum daily temperatures in several places in central South America and Chile. Several locations had temperatures about 10 °C below average, central South America had freezing conditions, and southern Brazil even saw snow. The cold air surge was characterized by an intense upper-air trough located close to 35° S and 70° W. The southerly flow to the west of this trough brought very cold air northward into subtropical and tropical South America. A northward flow between the lower-level cyclonic and anticyclonic perturbations caused the intense southerly flow between the upper-level ridge and trough. This condition facilitated the inflow of near-surface cold air from southern Argentina into southeastern Brazil and tropical South America east of the Andes. In the city of São Paulo, the cold wave caused the death of 13 homeless people from hypothermia. Frost and snow across southern and southeastern Brazil caused significant damage to coffee, sugarcane, oranges, grapes, and other fruit and vegetable crops. Wine and coffee production fell, the latter by 30%, and prices of food and commodities in the region rose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our findings suggest that risk-sharing is 24.6% higher within Brazilian federal states than between a sample of South American countries. This "border effect" occurs irrespective of the geographical distance between regions which, in turn, decreases risk-sharing (by 2.3% per thousand kilometers). We report that the variance of state disposable income is between 73.1 and 78.5% lower than the variance of gross state product in Brazil. Our results show that fiscal federalism promotes risk-sharing by reducing the volatility of disposable income. The tax-transfers system is progressive as income persistently flows from rich to poorer Brazilian states. We conclude that the benefits from increasing international integration within South America will be higher than in the intranational case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated two inter-related questions: How is the fruit consumption rate affected by fish assembly and how does an increase in fruit production alter fish composition and richness? To answer these questions, we carried out two complementary experiments in a karst tropical stream, Brazil, South America. First, we measured the fish assemblage composition before, during and after the addition of fruit under fruit producing trees. Added fruit increased differentiation of fish between up-stream and down-stream sites over time. Fish composition under fruit-producing trees was distinct from adjacent sites. Second, we set Inga laurina (Fabaceae) fruits on the stream bottom and measured the consumption time. We also analyzed if the fishes that consumed the fruits differed among 41 sites. Fish assemblage structure partially explained the observed consumption rate for the fish assemblages. Our study provides new information on how fruit input and the location of fruiting trees can induce spatial segregation within freshwater fish communities. Our results can help improving management plans for conservation and restoration of headwater streams, including the locations of riparian fruit trees that provide resources and promote hotspots of ecological interactions for freshwater communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on crime and parking facilities also appear to have a strong focus on car theft with small emphasis on psychological and cognitive variables to investigate potential crimes in this environment. Furthermore, there is limited literature on such crimes in South America, particularly in Brazil. This study has the objective of offering an instrument to assess risk perception in public and private parking lots of free circulation, as well as to understand and describe how individual values influence this variable regarding civilians' and police officers' perception of hazards present in free circulation public and private parking lots. A psychometrically valid risk perception and security attitude scale is presented. The scores of the two groups were predicted by human values. It was observed a mapping of risk situations in parking lots, as well as attitudes that can prevent crimes. Implications for the development of social public safety policies are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pollution of the surface waters by pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) has attracted worldwide attention, but data regarding their occurrence and potential risks for the aquatic biota on tropical coastal rivers of South America are still scarce. In this context, the occurrence and the preliminary ecological risk assessment of eleven pharmaceuticals of various therapeutic classes (including cocaine and its primary metabolite, benzoylecgonine) were investigated, for the first time, in five rivers of São Paulo, southeast Brazil, covering a coastline of about 140 km, namely Perequê River, Itinga River, Mongaguá River, Itanhaém River and Guaraú River. Although these five rivers are born in well-preserved areas of the Atlantic rainforest biome, on its way to sea and when they cross the urban perimeter, they receive untreated sewage discharges containing a complex mixture of contaminants. In addition, a "persistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity" (PBT) approach allowed to pre-select the priority PPCPs to be monitored in this coastline. Identification of several PPCPs in the samples was done using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Ten PPCPs were successfully quantified in all five rivers, namely caffeine (9.00–560.00 ng/L), acetaminophen (

A critical taxonomic and nomenclatural review of the Brazilian species of Acalypha (Euphorbiaceae, Acalyphoideae) is presented. As a result, 40 species (44 taxa including six subspecies) are accepted, 37 of them native (17 endemic) and three introduced; also, 132 names are considered synonyms, 28 of them for the first time. Two new combinations are proposed: Acalypha brasiliensis subsp. asterotricha and A. brasiliensis subsp. psilophylla, previously considered varieties of A. brasiliensis. Information about types is provided for all the valid names, and 54 lectotypes and one neotype are designated. Identification keys and detailed distribution maps of all the native taxa are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mosquito blood feeding plays a key role in epidemiology. Despite its importance and large number of studies worldwide, less attention has been paid in South America. We summarized some general concepts and methodological issues related to the study of mosquito blood feeding habits, and compiled and analyzed all published information regarding the subject in the continent until 2020. Available literature comprised 152 scientific studies, that pursued different approaches: human landing catches (102 studies), baited trap (19), and blood meal analyses of collected specimens (38). Among the latter, 23 used serological and 15 molecular techniques. Species most frequently studied were those incriminated in malaria transmission, whereas relevant vectors such as Aedes aegypti, Ae. albopictus, and Haemagogus janthinomys were surprisingly neglected. Brazil was the leading country both in number of works and species studied. For over 70% of the species and three out of 13 South American countries there is no single information on mosquito blood feeding habits. Data from baited traps included 143 mosquito species, 83.9% of which were attracted to humans, either exclusively (10.5%) or in combination with other vertebrates (73.4%). Host blood identification of field collected specimens provided data on 102 mosquito species, and 60.8% of these fed on humans (55.9% combined with other vertebrates). Only 17 of the 73 species assessed by both methods yielded similar feeding patterns. Finally, supplementary tables are provided in a comprehensive summary of all information available and information gaps are highlighted for future research in the continent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myriopus eulinae (Heliotropiaceae), a new species from northeastern Brazil and associated with the Caatinga, Atlantic Forest, and Caatinga-Cerrado transition phytogeographic domain, is described and illustrated. The species can be morphologically recognized by its discolored leaf blade, lax inflorescences, and strigose to hirsute fruits. We discuss its habitat, flowering and fruiting, taxonomic affinities, distribution, and conservation status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Speleothems can provide high-quality continuous records of the direction and relative paleointensity of the geomagnetic field, combining high precision dating (with U-Th method) and rapid lock-in of their detrital magnetic particles during calcite precipitation. Paleomagnetic results for a mid-to-late Holocene stalagmite from Dona Benedita Cave in central Brazil encompass ~1900 years (3410 BP to 5310 BP, constrained by 12 U-Th ages) of paleomagnetic record from 58 samples (resolution of ~33 years). This dataset reveals angular variations of less than 0.06° yr−1 and a relatively steady paleointensity record (after calibration with geomagnetic field model) contrasting with the fast variations observed in younger speleothems from the same region under influence of the South Atlantic Anomaly. These results point to a quiescent period of the geomagnetic field during the mid-to-late Holocene in the area now comprised by the South Atlantic Anomaly, suggesting an intermittent or an absent behavior at the multi-millennial timescale. The South Atlantic Anomaly has the lowest intensity of the geomagnetic field. A stalagmite, from Brazil shows through its magnetic remanence that in mid-to-late Holocene this anomaly, was not being expressed or recurrent at surface in millennial scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies that evaluate climate change projections over the whole of South America (SA) and including different seasons and models are scarce. In this context, the objective of this work is to assess climate projections for SA through the use of climatic indices, considering the entire continent, distinct seasons, and ensembles of models. Projections performed with the Eta regional climate model and its driving global climate models (GCMs) are analysed. From these projections, 19 climate indices based on daily precipitation and maximum and minimum temperature are computed. The results focus on two ensembles (GCMs and Eta), time slices (1980–2005 and 2050–2080), and scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). In the validation of the present climate, it is shown that Eta adds value to GCMs. Future projections indicate, for both austral summer (DJF) and winter (JJA), an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme events of daily rainfall over southeastern and extreme north of SA. Over the Amazon, during DJF, there is a statistically significant increase in the number of consecutive dry days and a decrease in the consecutive wet days. For northeastern Brazil, these features are more intense in JJA. The frequency of cold (warm) nights and days is projected to decrease (increase) over the whole continent and seasons. The climate change signal for the 19 climate indices is more intense under RCP8.5, and the regions more vulnerable to climate change are the Amazon, northeastern Brazil, and southeastern SA. Considering Brazil, the projections of precipitation and air temperature are also shown by biomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of plant-based economies have dominated evolutionary models of Middle and Late Holocene pre-Columbian societies in South America. Comparatively, the use of aquatic resources and the circumstances for intensifying their exploitation have received little attention. Here we reviewed the stable carbon and nitrogen isotope composition of 390 human individuals from Middle and Late Holocene coastal sambaquis, a long-lasting shell mound culture that flourished for nearly 7000 years along the Atlantic Forest coast of Brazil. Using a newly generated faunal isotopic baseline and Bayesian Isotope Mixing Models we quantified the relative contribution of marine resources to the diet of some of these groups. Through the analysis of more than 400 radiocarbon dates we show that fishing sustained large and resilient populations during most of the Late Holocene. A sharp decline was observed in the frequency of sambaqui sites and radiocarbon dates from ca. 2200 years ago, possibly reflecting the dissolution of several nucleated groups into smaller social units, coinciding with substantial changes in coastal environments. The spread of ceramics from ca. 1200 years ago is marked by innovation and intensification of fishing practices, in a context of increasing social and ecological instability in the Late Holocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bat ectoparasitic flies are hematophagous insects highly specialized to parasitize only bats. Knowledge about how biotic and abiotic factors can influence ecological relationships between parasites and hosts is in general incipient. Large information gaps are even worst in biodiversity-rich, but poorly sampled areas like Brazil's Caatinga, the largest tropical dry forest in South America. We used bats and their highly specialized ectoparasitic flies as a study model to clarify some aspects of this host-parasite system in this semiarid environment. We conducted fieldwork at 55 sites in the Caatinga, between April 2017 and March 2020 and collected 1300 flies (19 species) on 333 bats (15 species). Bat ectoparasitic flies were highly host-specific, had an aggregated distribution, frequently formed infracommunities with only one species, and had a male-biased sex ratio. Except for the prevalence of the streblid fly Strebla guajiro on Carollia perspicillata, which was significantly higher in the rainy season, bat flies showed no preference — expressed by frequency and intensity of infestation — for host sex, and their interspecific relationships were not mediated by rainfall. Other variables that could potentially be interfering in this host-parasite relationship deserve further attention, especially in environments such as the Caatinga where there is great seasonal variation. Furthermore, the existence of species-specific responses must be taken into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil is the country with the highest social inequality in South America. This socioeconomic disparity reflects not only on the families' income but also on their spatial localization in the city, as well as on the urban design. These urban environments can alter the urban microclimate, and consequently, interfere in dwellers' thermal comfort. This research investigated the relationship between socio-spatial inequalities and thermal comfort in two different Local Climate Zones (LCZ) using a combination of measurement and modeling. Air temperature (Tair) was obtained by on-site measurements in compact high-rise (LCZ1) and compact low-rise buildings (LCZ3) and Mean radiant temperature (Tmrt) was simulated using SOlar and LongWave Environmental Irradiance Geometry (SOLWEIG). The results indicated that in LCZ1 seafront-localized buildings, in which residents have a higher income, the temperature remains in a range classified as comfortable, mainly due to shading and sea breeze. On the other hand, LCZ3, located in the periphery of the city, in which the low-income population is concentrated and is marked by a precariousness urban environment, presented a higher air temperature and Tmrt values, exposing the dwellers to heat stress throughout the year, especially during the summer season. These observations suggested that public and private actions tend to promote better urban designs in areas with a higher concentration of income. Public reforms aimed at improving the urban environment and promoting thermal comfort should be a priority for the warmest LCZ, where the poorest residents live. Public agents should rethink the distribution of environmental resources to promote equitable urban spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, two potentially new species of turtle blood flukes (TBFs) (Digenea: Spirorchiidae) have been recorded from South Brazil. The spirorchiid parasites infect the vascular system of turtles, thereby compromising their health. The life cycle of these parasites is not well studied. The larval stage of cercaria is found in intermediate gastropod hosts, with some species presenting similar morphological characteristics, which can result in misinterpretations when using only morphological taxonomy for species identification. In this study, we recorded a single morphotype belonging to the family Spirorchiidae in Biomphalaria occidentalis in an urban aquatic ecosystem in Brazil. However, molecular data (28S rDNA and cytochrome oxidase subunit I) confirmed the presence of two species of Spirorchiidae in the sampled environment; both phylogenetically close to genera previously studied in freshwater turtles from the Peruvian Amazon. In this study, species characterization was possible because of molecular tools. We recommend using more than one molecular marker in future studies focusing on TBFs, which need attention about their evolutionary history and ecology to understand their distribution in South America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South Atlantic subtropical dipole (SASD) has an impact on South American rainfall particular during its negative phase when continental precipitation in the northern part of the continent is enhanced. Relying on a series of single forcing transient simulations since the last deglaciation, we differentiate the relative role of meltwater, orbital, ice-sheets and greenhouse gases on the variability of rainfall in South America and links to the SASD. Results indicate that the meltwater forcing is the predominant driver of SASD variability. Wavelet analysis shows that most of the energy for the SASD at lower frequencies (∼ 5 kyr) comes from the meltwater discharge at cold events such as the Heinrich-1 cooling ∼ 17 ka and the Younger-Dryas ∼ 12.9 ka. Large rainfall changes in Northeastern Brazil can be attributed to changes in the South Atlantic sea surface temperature latitudinal gradient and South Atlantic Northward heat transport driven by the meltwater discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Managed entry agreements (MEAs) consist of a set of instruments to reduce the uncertainty and the budget impact of new high-priced medicines; however, there are concerns. There is a need to critically appraise MEAs with their planned introduction in Brazil. Accordingly, the objective of this article is to identify and appraise key attributes and concerns with MEAs among payers and their advisers, with the findings providing critical considerations for Brazil and other high- and middle-income countries. Methods: An integrative review approach was adopted. This involved a review of MEAs across countries. The review question was 'What are the health technology MEAs that have been applied around the world?' This review was supplemented with studies not retrieved in the search known to the senior-level co-authors including key South American markets. It also involved senior-level decision makers and advisers providing guidance on the potential advantages and disadvantages of MEAs and ways forward. Results: Twenty-five studies were included in the review. Most MEAs included medicines (96.8%), focused on financial arrangements (43%) and included mostly antineoplastic medicines. Most countries kept key information confidential including discounts or had not published such data. Few details were found in the literature regarding South America. Our findings and inputs resulted in both advantages including reimbursement and disadvantages including concerns with data collection for outcome-based schemes. Conclusions: We are likely to see a growth in MEAs with the continual launch of new high-priced and often complex treatments, coupled with increasing demands on resources. Whilst outcome-based MEAs could be an important tool to improve access to new innovative medicines, there are critical issues to address. Comparing knowledge, experiences, and practices across countries is crucial to guide high- and middle-income countries when designing their future MEAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ascomycete Neodeightonia phoenicum CMIB-151 was isolated from bracts of a palm tree (Syagrus romanzoffiana) in Brazil, and identified by molecular techniques. This is the first report of the isolation of this fungus in South America, and for the first time this fungus has been described as producing an exopolysaccharide (EPS). Different carbon (glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, lactose, starch) and nitrogen (yeast extract, peptone, urea, ammonium sulfate) sources were evaluated for the production of EPS. Sucrose and peptone resulted in high production and yield of EPS. High production of EPS occurred at pH 6.0 and 8.0, and acidic conditions (initial pH 5.0) promoted higher mycelial growth. The EPS produced showed a high degree of purity, emulsifying activity and a high water- and oil-holding capacity; important technological properties for industrial applications. FT-IR and 13C-NMR (CP/MAS) analyzes showed typical spectra of carbohydrates containing six-carbon sugar in its structure, and the presence of β-glycosidic configuration with 3-O-substitution. The isolated EPS exhibited remarkable thermal stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zika virus has acquired worldwide concern after a recent outbreak in Latin America that started in Brazil, with associated neurological conditions such as microcephaly in newborns from infected mothers. The virus is transmitted mainly by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, but direct (sexual) transmission has been documented. We formulate a reaction diffusion model that considers spatial movement of humans and vectors, with local contact transmission of Zika virus. Vaccination is introduced as a control variable, giving immunity to susceptible humans, in order to characterize an optimal vaccination strategy that minimizes the costs associated with infections and vaccines. The optimal control characterization is obtained in terms of state and adjoint equations. Parameter estimation and numerical simulations are carried out using data for the initial 2015 Zika outbreak in the state of Rio Grande do Norte in Brazil. Several scenarios are considered and analyzed in terms of number of new infections and costs, showing that the optimal control application is successful, significantly reducing these quantities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Future changes of the aridity of South America (SA) are investigated. The projected changes of the Budyko and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) indices in the mid- and end of the twenty-first century from the ensemble mean RegCM4 simulations using the scenario RCP 8.5 are presented. The RegCM4 model driven by the global models of HadGEM2, MPI, and GFDL for the period 1970–2100 carries out the simulations. For both Budyko and UNEP indices, an aridity increase over SA is projected. Over Brazil, the higher changes were found in the Amazon, North Brazil, and Northeast Brazil (NEB). In the Amazon and North Brazil, an increase of the aridity of 33.8% and 36.9% (for the UNEP index) and 4.6% and 13.9% (for the Budyko index), respectively, are noted at the end of the twenty-first century suggesting an increase of the process of savannization in future climate. In NEB, a rise of 37.3% and 14.1%, respectively, for the UNEP and the Budyko indices, is found, indicating an expansion of areas of the dry land regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green mate, Ilex paraguariensis (Aquifoliaceae), is native to South America and its range includes the south of Brazil. Hedypathes betulinus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is considered the most important insect pest of green mate, causing severe damage to plants and significant economic losses. In previous work, laboratory assays were performed to document the mating sequence of this species and the male long-range sex pheromone was identified. Previous reports of the mating sequence suggested that males recognize females only after antennal contact and consequently the existence of a contact sex pheromone. To test the hypothesis that mate-recognition in H. betulinus is mediated by a contact sex pheromone, this study analyzed male and female body extracts by GC-MS. Extracts were fractionated to separate the compounds by polarity, producing hexane, cyclohexene and ether fractions. Active fractions were identified with laboratory bioassays. Bioassays were performed by introducing female cadavers to live males and male copulation response scored (±). In assays using solvent washed female cadavers, males did not recognize female cadavers, but attempted copulation with female cadavers with the extract re-applied. Cumulatively, these results suggest that a contact sex pheromone on the cuticle of females mediates mate recognition. Laboratory bioassays and analysis of the female solvent extracts produced by fractionation, individually and in binary and ternary combinations, suggests that the more polar compounds present in the ether fraction are crucial to mate recognition in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) for primary immunodeficiency diseases (PID) have been improving over time. Unfortunately, developing countries do not experience the same results. This first report of Brazilian experience of HSCT for PID describes the development and results in the field. We included data from transplants in 221 patients, performed at 11 centers which participated in the Brazilian collaborative group, from July 1990 to December 2015. The majority of transplants were concentrated in one center (n = 123). The median age at HSCT was 22 months, and the most common diseases were severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) (n = 67) and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) (n = 67). Only 15 patients received unconditioned transplants. Cumulative incidence of GVHD grades II to IV was 23%, and GVHD grades III to IV was 10%. The 5-year overall survival was 71.6%. WAS patients had better survival compared to other diseases. Most deaths (n = 53) occurred in the first year after transplantation mainly due to infection (55%) and GVHD (13%). Although transplant for PID patients in Brazil has evolved since its beginning, we still face some challenges like delayed diagnosis and referral, severe infections before transplant, a limited number of transplant centers with expertise, and resources for more advanced techniques. Measures like newborn screening for SCID may hasten the diagnosis and ameliorate patients' conditions at the moment of transplant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several charts are presented related to the research and development (R&D) in South America as of June 12, 2014 including Argentina and Brazil's spending for R&D, collaborations of less-developed countries with South America for R&D and patents granted for R&D in Brazil.

Impacts of the main South American orographic structures (the Andes, the Brazilian Plateau and the Guiana shield) on the regional climate and associated global teleconnection are investigated through numerical experiments in which some of these features are suppressed. Simulations are performed with a ''two-way nesting'' system coupling interactively the regional and global versions of the LMDZ4 atmospheric general circulation model. At regional scale, the simulations confirm previous studies, showing that both the Andes and the Brazilian Plateau exert a control on the position and strength of the South Atlantic convergence zone (SACZ), mainly through their impact on the low-level jet and the coastal branch of the subtropical anticyclones. The northern topography of South America appears to be crucial to determine the leading mode of rainfall variability in eastern South America, which manifests itself as a dipole-like pattern between Southeastern South America and the SACZ region. The suppression of South America orography also shows global-scale effects, corresponding to an adjustment of the global circulation system. Changes in atmospheric circulation and precipitation are found in remote areas on the globe, being the consequences of various teleconnection mechanisms. When the Brazilian Plateau and the Andes are suppressed, there is a decrease of precipitation in the SACZ region, associated with a weakening of the large-scale ascendance. Changes are described in terms of anomalies in the Walker circulation, meridional displacements of the mid-latitude jet stream, Southern annular mode anomalies and modifications of Rossby wave train teleconnection processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of STR loci are not ideal for the analysis of forensic samples with degraded and/or low template DNA. One alternative to overcome these limitations is the use of bi-allelic markers, which have low mutation rates and shorter amplicons. Human identification (HID) InDel marker panels have been described in several countries, including Brazil. The commercial kit available is, however, mostly suitable for Europeans, with lower discrimination power for other population groups. Recently, a combination of 49 InDel markers used in four different ethnic groups in the USA has been shown to be more informative than another panel from Portugal, already tested in a Rio de Janeiro sample. However, these 49 InDels have yet to be applied to other admixed or isolated populations. We assessed the efficiency of this panel in two urban admixed populations (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Tripoli, Libya) and one isolated Native Brazilian community. All markers are in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) after the Bonferroni correction, and no Linkage disequilibrium was detected. Assuming loci independence and no substructure effect, cumulative RMP was 2.7×10, 1.5×10, and 4.5×10 for Native Brazilian, Rio de Janeiro, and Tripoli populations, respectively. The overall Fst value was 0.05512. Rio de Janeiro and Tripoli showed similar admixture levels, however for Native Brazilians one parental cluster represented over 60 % of the total parental population. We conclude that this panel is suitable for HID on these urban populations, but is less efficient for the isolated group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the effects of the partial conversion of native Amazon savanna into a eucalyptus plantation on the richness, composition, and abundance of medium and large mammals. Considering these plantations as an integral component of a patchwork savanna landscape, we verified how the negative effects of these plantations can be buffered by the conservation of remnants of native habitat within their area. We analyzed the contribution of each type of Amazonian savanna to the maintenance of the mammalian fauna and the potential of eucalyptus plantations to substitute these native habitats. A total of 23 mammal species were recorded in line-transect surveys conducted within the conserved savanna. By contrast, only eight species were recorded in the eucalyptus plantation and none of them were exclusive to this vegetation. However, the landscape patchwork formed by plantations and savanna was more diverse and contained 19 species of mammals, highlighting the potential importance of remnant savanna vegetation. The maintenance of remnants of savanna habitat may thus be essential for ensuring the conservation of mammals in the anthropogenic landscape of this region. It will also be important to include as many different subtypes of native savanna vegetation as possible and to consider the connectivity between habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Ornithology is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Tunga trimamillata is a species of sand flea occurring in Ecuador and Peru parasitizing cattle, goat, sheep, swine, and man. This is the first report of this species in Brazil, having been found on the hooves of cows in Barretos, São Paulo State, and Felixlândia, Minas Gerais State, and previously misidentified as Tunga penetrans. A previous report concerning Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris from Rio Novo, Minas Gerais State, may also be attributed to that species of sand flea, a possible the primary host. Given the large geographical distribution of T. trimamillata, the vast cattle population in Brazil, and the high number of individuals subject to the risk of tungiasis, the number of cases attributed to this sand flea will most likely increase over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regional climate change projections for the last half of the twenty-first century have been produced for South America, as part of the CREAS (Cenarios REgionalizados de Clima Futuro da America do Sul) regional project. Three regional climate models RCMs (Eta CCS, RegCM3 and HadRM3P) were nested within the HadAM3P global model. The simulations cover a 30-year period representing present climate (1961-1990) and projections for the IPCC A2 high emission scenario for 2071-2100. The focus was on the changes in the mean circulation and surface variables, in particular, surface air temperature and precipitation. There is a consistent pattern of changes in circulation, rainfall and temperatures as depicted by the three models. The HadRM3P shows intensification and a more southward position of the subtropical Pacific high, while a pattern of intensification/weakening during summer/winter is projected by the Eta CCS/RegCM3. There is a tendency for a weakening of the subtropical westerly jet from the Eta CCS and HadRM3P, consistent with other studies. There are indications that regions such of Northeast Brazil and central-eastern and southern Amazonia may experience rainfall deficiency in the future, while the Northwest coast of Peru-Ecuador and northern Argentina may experience rainfall excesses in a warmer future, and these changes may vary with the seasons. The three models show warming in the A2 scenario stronger in the tropical region, especially in the 5°N-15°S band, both in summer and especially in winter, reaching up to 6-8°C warmer than in the present. In southern South America, the warming in summer varies between 2 and 4°C and in winter between 3 and 5°C in the same region from the 3 models. These changes are consistent with changes in low level circulation from the models, and they are comparable with changes in rainfall and temperature extremes reported elsewhere. In summary, some aspects of projected future climate change are quite robust across this set of model runs for some regions, as the Northwest coast of Peru-Ecuador, northern Argentina, Eastern Amazonia and Northeast Brazil, whereas for other regions they are less robust as in Pantanal region of West Central and southeastern Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genotype 5 of hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been rarely identified in South America. A female of African descent who never left Brazil was found to be infected by this genotype in Mato Grosso state, Central Brazil. The patient denied drug injections and revealed that she had received blood transfusions several years before. One of her blood donors was identified and tested negative for anti-HCV and HCV RNA, as were her husband and offspring. Phylogenetic analysis of the E1 and NS5B regions confirmed that this HCV strain belonged to genotype 5a. However, the E1 region analysis indicates that our strain is not closely related to any sequences of genotype 5a from other geographical areas, diverging from the African and European subclades known so far. These data suggest that genotype 5a HCV might have been circulating at a low level in Brazil longer than previously supposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract   Dracunculus brasiliensis sp. n. (Dracunculidae), is described based on a single female specimen found in the body cavity of the anaconda, Eunectes murinus (L.) (Ophidia: Boidae), from the Mexiana Island, Amazon River delta, Brazil and one female previously recorded from the subcutaneous tissue of this host species imported from South America into Europe (ZOO in the Czech Republic). The new species is characterised mainly by markedly large, anteriorly protruding dorsal and ventral double papillae of the internal circle and small lateral papillae of the same circle, a widely rounded caudal end, the excretory pore situated just posterior to the nerve ring, a distinctly transversely striated cuticle and by the length (396–429 μm) of larvae from uterus. This is the first species of Dracunculus described from reptiles in South America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents the results of a study of the relationships between circulation and convection over South America as related to strong cooling in southern and southeastern Brazil during austral wintertime.The large amplitude upper-level trough in middle latitudes, which extends into the tropics, has been pointed out as one of the major features of the cold situation. These waves embedded in westerly flow are an example of wintertime tropical-extratropical interactions leading to cooling in southeastern South America. This is suggested by the results from the observational and baroclinic-modeling studies presented here. However, in addition to the right synoptic situation associated with this intermediate modulation, local controls are important on determining the degree of cooling and the occurrence of freezes

Presents research which surveyed wood mills and forest burning across Brazilian Amazonia to study damage to forests. Measures of Amazonian deforestation rates; Impact of surface fires; Risk of drought; Present estimates of deforestation describing less than half of the forest actually damaged yearly; The forests' future vulnerability; How to control future impoverishment.

The article discusses the initiative taken by government for development of science research across various states of South America. It highlights the role of the São Paulo Research Foundation for the promotion of science research and education in Brazil. It also presents the views of molecular biologist Alberto Kornblihtt regarding the development of scientific research in Argentina.

A taxonomic revision of the Euglenophyta found exclusively in South America is presented. The taxonomy, geographical distribution and critical analysis of the synonyms are given. More than two hundred species and infraspecific entities from South America are described, many of them recorded several times in different regions. The genus Trachelomonas comprises the highest number of new taxa, reaching more than 100 entities. It is followed by Phacus (48 taxa), Strombomonas (33 taxa), Euglena (15 taxa) Lepocinclis (14 taxa), and Distigma, Entosiphon and Sphenomonas with one new taxon each. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]