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Tropical aquatic ecosystems are among the most vulnerable environments on the planet and have been suffering increasing anthropogenic pressures, generating a marked loss of biodiversity. Especially when the ichthyofauna is approached, there is a loss of biomass consumed by the population, as well as a parasitic fauna that is still little studied, mainly in terms of taxonomic aspects, parasite biology, and the parasite/host relationship. The objective of this study was to record the parasitic fauna of Colomesus psittacus from Marajó Island, State of Pará, in the Brazilian Amazon. The fish were purchased from fishing pens belonging to family units within the Marine Extractive Reserve in the municipality of Soure, where the fish were discarded by fishermen. The fish (n=50) were necropsied, and their organs were individualized in a Petri dish to search for helminths. The helminths were then clarified and identified. Of the 50 specimens examined, 76% were parasitized by one or more species, and a total of 807 parasites were recovered. Among the helminths, it was possible to identify seven nematodes, Huffmanela psittacus (70%), Anisakis sp. (12%), Hysterothylacium sp. (8%), Philometra sp. 1 (28%), Philometra sp. 2 (2%), Cucullanus marajoara (28%), infective larva (L3) of Cucullanus sp. (34%). The trematodes recorded were a trematode Bianium sp. (2%) and type Paramonilicaecum, and two parasites belonging to the phylum Acanthocephala. The helminth community of C. psittacus was characterized by a high richness of nematodes and a small number of digenetics and acanthocephala. This is a new record of parasitic fauna in C. psittacus in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp. and Babesia spp. are obligate intracellular parasitic microorganisms found in the blood of domestic animals. Until then, there were no reports of these hemoparasites in dogs in the northeast of the State of Pará. The aim of this study was to record cases of natural infection by Ehrlichia sp., Anaplasma sp. and Babesia sp. in dogs from Ilha de Algodoal/Maiandeua, State of Pará, Brazil, through the detection of DNA from these agents. Whole blood samples were collected from 52 animals, without considering breed, sex or age. Include results for different species of animals and parasites. Molecular analysis data showed 50% coinfection for Ehrlichia sp. and Anaplasma sp. This study allowed the detection of Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys in domestic dogs on Algodoal Island, an important ecological tourism site in northern Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bradypus variegatus, popularly known as common sloth or brown‐throated sloth, is a species with wide geographical distribution in Brazil. Expand on the literature about the species, we aimed to describe the morphology of its eye and its main annexes. For this study, six frozen specimens donated to the Animal Morphological Research Laboratory of the Federal Rural University of Amazonia were used. The specimens were fixed in a 10% aqueous solution of formaldehyde. The structures that constitute the ocular apparatus were identified and described after dissection and histological analysis using light microscopy. The bulbar conjunctiva presented a stratified cuboidal epithelium, with a considerable number of serous glands. The stroma layer and the posterior limiting lamina were found well defined in the species. The corneoscleral meshwork possessed a large opening for drainage of aqueous humour, followed by a wide retinal region, in which a layer of photoreceptors was visualized. Cones and rods could not be discriminated from each other. Microscopy of the medial angle of the eye revealed the cartilage and glands of the third eyelid, and a well‐developed lacrimal gland structure. Bradypus variegatus distinguishing features and similarities in comparison with other domestic and wild mammal and bird species already described were investigated, which expounded the limited knowledge that is presently available on the morphology of wild fauna. The data extend the limited knowledge that are presently available on the ocular histology of B. variegatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coccidians of the family Calyptosporidae are parasites of the tissue and organs of fish and aquatic invertebrates, in particular in the tropical region. In contrast with other apicomplexans of the suborder Eimeriorina, the diversity and ecology of the species of the genus Calyptospora have been poorly investigated, resulting in a lacuna that restricts the understanding of the distribution and prevalence of this group of eukaryote microparasites in the Amazon region. In the present study, the integrated comparative analysis of morphological characteristics, histological and structural traits, and the sequences of a fragment of the 18S rRNA gene, provides support for the identification of a new species of Calyptospora, found parasitizing the hepatic tissue of the piscivorous blue peacock bass, Cichla piquiti, captured in the reservoir of the Estreito hydroelectric dam on the middle Tocantins River in northern Brazil. This new species was named Calyptospora paranaidji n. sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the helminth composition and parameters of infection by several species of nematodes in teiid lizards, Ameiva ameiva ameiva (Linnaeus, 1758), Cnemidophorus cryptus Cole and Dessauer, 1993, and Kentropyx calcarata Spix, 1825 from the Brazilian Amazonian Rainforest. The population of lizards studied were parasitized by 6 species of Phylum Nemata including: Spinicauda spinicauda (Olfers, 1919), Parapharyngodon alvarengai Freitas, 1957, Physaloptera sp. (adults), Physaloptera sp. (larvae), Piratuba digiticauda Lent and Freitas, 1941, and Anisakidae (larvae). The overall prevalence was 66.17% and the mean intensity of infection was 19.40 ± 25.48. The association between the body-length of lizards and the abundance and richness of parasitic nematodes was statistically significant only in Ameiva a. ameiva. A new host record is reported here with 1 specimen of the family Anasakidae in Ameiva a. ameiva. Both S. spinicauda and Physaloptera sp. represent new records from C. cryptus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work performs statistical evaluations of the HEC-HMS hydrological model for the six sub-basins that form the Tibagi River watershed, located in the central-eastern region of the state of Paraná, Brazil. The physical characterization of the study area is developed by techniques of geographic information systems. The effective rainfall is estimated using the SCS curve number method, the baseflow is determined by a recession curve method, and hydrographs are simulated using the SCS unity hydrograph method. The simulated hydrographs are compared with measured outflow data of the six sub-basins for a selected period of 2017. The performance of the models is assessed using a validation criterion based on RSR, NSE e PBIAS statistical indexes. After input parameters calibration, the comparisons of the hydrographs show excellent agreement with measure data according to the classification adopted in the work. The simulated peak flows range from 3.3 to 8.6% when compared to the observed peak flows, indicating that the model can assist in the prediction of maximum discharges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a case of human bertielliasis in the Amazon region of Brazil. The patient, a 4-year-old girl, experienced abdominal pain, weight loss, and the presence of "white worms" in her stool. After receiving treatment with albendazole and praziquantel, fragments of the worm were expelled from the patient. The taxonomic analysis confirmed the infection as Bertiella, a genus of cestodes that can infect humans. The article highlights the challenges in diagnosing and identifying Bertiella species and emphasizes the importance of molecular biology in complementing morphological analysis. The case is significant as it is the first report of bertielliasis in the Amazon region and underscores the potential for emerging parasitic diseases in areas where human populations interact closely with forests. [Extracted from the article]

Satanoperca jurupari (Osteichthyes: Cichlidae) is reported for the first time to be parasitized by the nematodes Procamallanus ( Spirocamallanus) rarus Travassos, Artigas and Pereira, 1928, Procamallanus ( Spirocamallanus) sp., larvae of Raphidascaroides sp. and Anisakidae gen. sp., and by the acanthocephalan Neoechinorhynchus ( Neoechinorhynchus) paraguayensis Machado Filho (Rev Bras Biol 19:379-381, ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Infective third-stage larvae of the cystidicolid nematode Pseudoproleptus sp. were found encapsulated in the mesentery of the freshwater fish Satanoperca jurupari Heckel (Cichlidae) from the Guamá River, close to the Amazon River Delta, Pará State, Brazil. The prevalence in fish (total body length 9–24cm) examined from March 2009 to June 2010 (n =53) was 37%, with an intensity of 4–45 (mean 14±11) larvae per fish. The nematode larvae (body length 16.2–21.6mm), characterized by the cephalic end provided with a helmet-like cuticular structure having a thickened free posterior margin, were studied based on light and scanning electron microscopy. Fish play a role of paratenic hosts for this nematode species. This is the first record of a larval nematode of the genus Pseudoproleptus from fish, and the second record of a larval nematode belonging to Cystidicolidae in the Amazon and in the Neotropics. Additional larval specimens were found free in the stomach of only 0.9% Ageneiosus ucayalensis Castelnau (Auchenipteridae) examined (n =205). This finding can be considered as occasional parasitism. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cucullanus ageneiosus n. sp. (Nematoda: Cucullanidae) is described from the intestine of the Ageneiosus ucayalensis, from the Guajará Bay, Belém, Pará, Brazil. The new species is characterized mainly by arrangement of male caudal papillae, and the position of lateral phasmids immediately posterior of 10th papillae, markedly short and unequal spicules, a precloacal sucker, and the presence of an unpaired median papilla just of the anterior cloacal lip. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) belenensis n. sp. is described using light and scanning electron microcopy, based on specimens taken from Ageneiosus ucayalensis, Castelnau, 1855 (Pisces: Siluriforme), a freshwater fish commonly called mandubé, in Pará State, Brazil; Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) rarus is recorded from the same host. To our knowledge there are no previous reports of nematodes from this fish species. Procamallanus (S.) belenensis is characterized by the presence of 8-13 cuticular spiral thickenings coating 2/3 of posterior region of the buccal capsule of males and females (the anterior third is smooth); small sub-equal spicules; 3 and 4-5 pairs of pre- and post-cloacal papillae, respectively; the proportion of muscular and glandular esophagus is 1:1.5-2; males present 2 spike-like projections at the tail tip, which are absent in females by light microscopy. The most closely related species are Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus and Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) pintoi. The new species differs from the most closely related species by the presence of 8-10 cuticular spiral thickenings in the buccal capsule of males and 9-13 in the females, 8 pairs of male clocal papillae (3 pre- and 5 post-cloacal, respectively), and only males bearing 2 minute, spike-like projections at the posterior end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated-crop-livestock-forestry (ICLF) systems are currently promoted as a measure for sustainable intensification of agricultural production. However, due to complex interactions among ICLF components, we are still lacking evidence about the system's resilience regarding water availability, especially for regions characterized by pronounced wet and dry seasons and frequent droughts. For a mature ICLF system in the Cerrado biome of central-west Brazil comprising rows of eucalyptus trees (Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla, H13 clone) at a spacing of 22 m in combination with Brachiaria brizantha cv. BRS Piatã pasture we continuously measured soil moisture (SM) until 1 m depth and supported this data with measurements of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and aboveground green grass biomass (AGBM) across transects between the tree rows for almost two years. Across the seasons a distinct gradient was observed with SM being lower close to the tree rows than in the space between them. During winter SM decreased to critical values near the tree lines in the topsoil. During spring and summer, incident PAR was 72% and 86% lower close to the trees than at the center point. For autumn and winter PAR was more evenly distributed between the tree rows due to inclination with notably up to four times more radiation input near the tree lines compared to spring and summer. AGBM showed a clear distribution with maximum values in the center and about half of the biomass close to the tree rows. Our data suggest that, restrictions in AGBM accumulation shifted among seasons between water limitations in winter and light limitations during summer. Interestingly, SM changes during wetting and drying events were most pronounced in subsoils near the tree rows, while the topsoil showed much less fluctuations. The subsoil in central position showed the lowest SM dynamics in response to drought maintaining a relative high and constant SM content, therefore functioning as important water reservoirs likely improving the resilience of the system to drought stress. Results of this study could help to improve management and the design of ICLF systems in view of sustainability and resistance to (water) crises but should be further supported by in depth analysis of soil water dynamics as affected by climate gradients, soil types and different management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Adsorption of Nd species onto palygorskite is a favourable and endothermic process. • Q max was 18 mg/g; Nd removal higher than 99% was attained at pH 5. • Temkin isotherm model best fitted the experimental adsorption data. • Sorption of Nd3+ ions on PAL surface is complex, comprising more than one mechanism. • The sorption phenomena consider both monolayer adsorption and heterogeneous surface. Run-of-mine (ROM) palygorskite (PAL) from Guadalupes (Piauí/Brazil) was prepared, beneficiated and then properly characterized by physical–chemical analyses. Then, the removal of Nd3+ ions by PAL was evaluated as a function of solution pH, adsorbent concentration, and initial metal concentration. The results showed that the maximum sorption capacity was 18 mg/g, and more than 99 % of Nd was remove from the solution at pH 5. The sorption data were analysed by several isotherm models, but the better good of fitness (R2 ≥ 0.97; RMSE ≤ 0.98) was attributed to the Temkin model. It́s suggested that the adsorption process proceeds firstly by the introduction of the Nd ions into the interior and exterior pore of PAL, then the PAL surface acquires a negative charge by deprotonation of PAL actives sites (Me-OH), and then the capture of the Nd3+ ions on its inside and outside surface may take place through electrostatic interaction. Thermodynamic parameters indicated that the sorption process was favourable and endothermic. Thus, the present results pointed out that palygorskite has potential for removing Nd ions, and probable another rare earth elements from aqueous solutions, being a promisor adsorbent to the treatment of effluents containing neodymium, e.g. industry of permanent magnets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

About 20 valid species of the genus Rhabdias are known in the Neotropical region. The present study aimed to describe two new species of Rhabdias parasitizing the lungs of Leptodactylus macrosternum and Leptodactylus podicipinus from Brazil. Distinctive characteristics between these species are numerous and based on body size, size of the buccal capsule, shape and size of the oesophagus, and position of the vulva. Molecular data based on ribosomal genes 28S and ITS region and mitochondrial COI of the two species are presented. Molecular analysis and comparison of the partial mitochondrial COI sequence of Rhabdias matogrossensis n. sp. and Rhabdias guaianensis n. sp. revealed a genetic divergence between these new species and the sequences of Rhabdias spp. previously deposited in GenBank. In the phylogenetic analysis, R. matogrossensis n. sp. was grouped with R. breviensis species complex, and R. guaianensis n. sp. was grouped as a sister group of R. cf. stenochepala. This study contributes to improving the diversity of known species of Rhabdias described in Brazilian anurans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of nematode, Squamasnema amazonica n. gen. n. sp., is described based on specimens found parasitizing the small intestine of Proechimys roberti (Rodentia: Echimyidae) collected during a survey of the fauna of Tapirapé-Aquirí National Forest (Brazil, Eastern Brazilian Amazon). The nematodes were fixed and processed for light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). These nematodes were classified under the family Heligmonellidae and the subfamily Heligmonellinae. Although several species in the family Heligmonellidae exhibit discontinuous ridges, Squamasnema n. gen. and Trichotravassosia are the only genera with columns of scales along their entire body, as an apomorphy of the synlophe. Squamasnema n. gen. has columns of cuticular cells along its body, except for on the left flank, and exhibits a synlophe with no size gradient or inclination and does not present chitinized structures supporting the synlophe. Therefore, due to these morphological differences of Squamasnema n. gen., the creation of a new genus was necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Quantitative mineralogical analysis based on different methods of four laterite samples from the same ore deposit revealed large differences in their mineralogical composition. • Bioleaching with pure Acidithiobacillus (At.) cultures and chemical leaching congruently showed differences in Ni and Co extraction depending on the mineralogy. • Goethite as the main mineral was hardly bioleached going along with a limited Ni extraction of 17–56 %, while 68–88 % Co bioleaching was achieved. • Most of the bioleached Ni and Co came from Mn and Mg-bearing minerals partly efficiently dissolved by reduction with bacterially generated ferrous iron. • Aerobic bioleaching of laterites with At. thiooxidans and At. caldus allowed for a lower pH and thus a higher Ni and Co extraction than anaerobic bioleaching with At. ferrooxidans. Iron-rich, limonitic laterites may contain economic grades of nickel and cobalt, but efficient extraction of these metals from such ores is still a challenge. In this study, four samples of limonitic laterites originating from the Barro Alto mine in Brazil were subjected to detailed quantitative mineralogical examination followed by bioleaching and chemical leaching tests including mineralogical leaching residue analyses. Bioleaching experiments with pure cultures and addition of elemental sulfur were conducted in 2L bioreactors under aerobic conditions with the sulfur-oxidizing acidophilic bacteria Acidithiobacillus (At.) thiooxidans and At. caldus , and under anaerobic conditions with At. ferrooxidans. Aerobic bioleaching of laterites with At. thiooxidans and At. caldus allowed for a lower pH of 1.0 and 1.1 respectively, and thus a higher Ni and Co extraction than anaerobic bioleaching with At. ferrooxidans at pH 1.5. Extraction of cobalt via bioleaching was in the range of 68–88 %, while extraction of nickel was between 17 % and 56 %. Mineralogical and geochemical analysis (XRD, SEM- MLA, DSC, LA-ICP-TOFMS, XRF) was conducted to (i) identify mineral phases, which are attacked by bioleaching and (ii) estimate the portions of Co and Ni, which are released by bioleaching of different mineral phases. Cobalt was mostly hosted by Mn-rich mineral phases, which were dissolved after reduction with ferrous iron generated by bacterial metabolism during oxidation of sulfur. Nickel was mostly hosted by goethite, the most abundant mineral phase, but nickel was also present in Mn-rich minerals (e.g. asbolane) and magnesium silicates (e.g. serpentine). Mineralogical and geochemical data revealed that goethite was almost unleached in all samples and nickel was mostly released from Mn-rich mineral phases and magnesium silicates. Results of this research were able to confirm reductive bioleaching of Mn-rich phases. Chemical leaching tests performed with different concentrations of sulfuric acid and with hydrochloric acid, and with sulfuric acid plus ferrous iron as a reducing agent supported bioleaching results. The results are not supporting published data on substantial reductive dissolution of goethite via ferric iron reduction activity of acidophilic bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] New species of Strongyluris from Amazon region. [•] Reports of nematodes of T. oreadicus. [•] Scanning electron microscopy of nematodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Do functional traits explain plant community organization in a short edaphic gradient? • Four plant communities were influenced by organic matter, sodium and moisture. • Trees/shrubs showed a conservative strategy investing in permanent aerial organs. • Herbs invested in root reserves showing different ecological strategies along the gradient. • Anatomical traits were important to differentiate subtropical coastal plant communities. The relationship between plant functional traits and soil variables is useful for understanding plant community composition and circumscribing plant functional groups to highlight their adaptations to environmental conditions. The principal aim of this study was to explain assembly patterns of coastal vegetation using functional traits along a short edaphic gradient. The work was carried out on the pioneer zone in the coastal lowland vegetation (foredune) in southern Brazil. We selected 40 functional traits related to the morphology and anatomy of leaves, stems and roots for 60 species recorded in 25 vegetation plots positioned along three transects from the shoreline to slacks. In each plot, floristic and soil data were collected, and functional traits measured. We analysed the relationships between species functional traits and soil factors through RLQ and fourth-corner analyses. Salinity and organic matter content were the most significant edaphic factors in the differentiation of foredune vegetation, while the most significant traits to explain plant adaptations to coastal environments were plant height, sclerenchyma, spongy parenchyma and reserves of inulin in the root. Two functional groups of plants were circumscribed: a conservative group formed by trees and shrubs dominated the Woody Community, with low values of SLA (specific leaf area), thick cuticles, high frequencies of phenolic compounds and crystals, woody stems and great plant heights, which tended to invest in permanent aerial organs; and a more heterogeneous group of herbaceous plants (found in Beach Community, Non-floodable, and Wet Communities) with acquisitive characteristics (high SLA values) or conservative strategy (rhizome and xylopodium). Finally, our results suggested that root and stem functional traits, which are infrequently taken into consideration, were useful to differentiate subtropical coastal plants and, in general, to study plant adaptations to environmental conditions in depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mammomonogamus laryngeus nematodes recovered in buffaloes of the island of Marajó, Brazil. • M. laryngeus causes tissue lesions, inflammation and anemia in ruminants. • The presence of M. laryngeus spicules was shown by freeze-fracture/SEM. • Combining different microscopy methods, we showed specialized morphological adaptations. Mammomonogamus spp. are parasites with curious characteristics, such as the "Y" shape that results from male and female maintaining the permanent copulation position and the controversial presence or absence of spicules. These nematodes are hematophagous and cause damage to the upper respiratory tracts of cattle, sheep, goats, deer, wild yaks, and orangutans. Human infection is rare and most cases until now have been in the Caribbean Islands or in Brazil, and mainly in farmworkers but recently there have been reports affecting tourists. In the present work, the parasites were recovered from the laryngopharynx and larynx region of Bubalus bubalis on the island of Marajó, Pará, Brazil. Different microscopy methodologies were applied (bright field, fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy) to explore the ultrastructural details of the anterior end, genital structures and the host tissue damage caused by the nematodes. The well-developed mouth is an important structure in the identification of these nematodes and used by the parasite to adhere to the host's tissue. Different methodologies in microscopy and molecular biology contributed to a detailed morphological description and showed the phenotypic position of Mammomonogamus laryngeus. Light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed details of the papillae, amphids, festoons, ribs, and teeth. Fluorescence microscopy enabled a detailed characterization of different structures, such as the bursal rays and SEM enabled the visualization of the specialized features of the cuticle surface in the male and female. Histopathological analyses, cryofracture and environmental SEM experiments of the infected tissues were carried out in order to investigate the lesions resultant from the parasitism. In addition, the parasite couples were submitted to cryofracture and these results revealed details of the reproductive structures of both sexes, including the male spicule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]