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Ecological theories linking community characteristics to the level of crime have rarely been tested outside the context of the United States and Western Europe. In this study we examine the effects of social cohesion and neighborhood disorder on crime using data from a survey of neighborhoods in Brazil. We find that lower-income neighborhoods, including irregular settlements known as favelas, have higher levels of social cohesion. Contrary to the results of research in U.S. urban areas, we find that greater cohesion among neighborhood residents is not significantly associated with lower levels of crime, and is in fact associated with a higher perceived risk of victimization. By contrast, neighborhood social and physical disorder increases violent victimization, but does not affect residents' perceived risk of being victimized. We argue that the effect of social cohesion on risk perception is explained by the greater spread of information regarding crimes occurring in more cohesive neighborhoods where residents interact more frequently with each other.

Copyright of Revista Ciência & Saúde Coletiva is the property of Associacao Brasileira de Pos-Graduacao em Saude Coletiva 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.)

A molecular genetic approach was used to elucidate the phylogeographic relationships of the clover grass (Halophila baillonii Asch.) from three key regions within its current distributional range. Halophila baillonii is a small seagrass that has historically been only found in a few locations in the Caribbean and Atlantic coast of Brazil. In the past few decades H. baillonii has also been observed in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP). Very little is known about the relationship between the ETP populations and the Caribbean and Atlantic ones. To study their relationship, we used a hybrid capture approach targeting chloroplast loci on samples from Belize, Brazil, and the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Phylogenetic analyses resolved H. baillonii as monophyletic and placed the samples from Belize and Costa Rica in a clade sister to the Brazilian ones. The results clearly indicate that the ETP samples are very closely related to Belize and that the most likely explanation of its occurrence in the ETP is a recent introduction, possibly as a consequence of the opening of the Panama Canal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mandevilla Lindl. is an important genus of the Apocynaceae family, not only as ornamental plants but also for its medicinal uses. In Brazil, Mandevilla species are indicated to treat asthma and skin infections, their anti-inflammatory potential and wound healing properties are also reported in the literature. Concerning their chemical composition, this group of plants is a conspicuous producer of pregnane glycosides. Mandevilla dardanoi is an endemic species from the Brazilian semiarid region not studied by any phytochemical methods. In view of the medicinal potential of Mandevilla species, this study aimed to isolate new pregnane glycosides from M. dardanoi. To achieve this main goal, modern chromatography techniques were employed. Five new pregnane glycosides, dardanols A-E, were isolated from the roots of M. dardanoi by HPLC. Their structures were determined using extensive 1D and 2D-NMR and mass spectrometry (MSn and HRESIMS) data. The cytotoxicity and the anti-inflammatory potential of these compounds were evaluated. The first was evaluated by measuring proinflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide production by stimulated macrophages. Dardanols were able to inhibit the production of nitric oxide and reduce IL-1β and TNF-α. The current work demonstrates the chemodiversity of Brazilian semiarid species and contributes to amplifying knowledge about the biological potential of the Mandevilla genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plumes from the rivers of the South Brazilian Bight (SBB) and South Brazil (SB) were studied using a realistic model configuration. River plume variability on continental shelves is driven by the input of river runoff into the shelf, by wind variability, and also by ambient currents and its seasonal variability, especially the Brazil Current, which are realistically modelled in this study. It is presented a simulation of 4 years using a nested configuration, which allows resolving the region around Florianópolis with very high resolution (∼150 m). The dispersion of river plumes was assessed not only with the hydrodynamical model results but also by using passive tracers whose dynamics was analyzed seasonally. Several dyes were released together with the river discharges. This approach allowed calculating the depths of the riverine freshwater, and the resulting regions affected by the plumes. Northward intrusions of waters from the southern region, under the potential influence of the distant La Plata river plume, were evaluated with a Lagrangian approach. The local river plumes are confined to the inner shelf, except south of 30°S where discharges from Lagoa dos Patos disperse over the shelf in the spring and summer. The Brazil Current flowing southward over the slope prevents the river plumes from interaction with oceanic mesoscale dynamics. The river plumes are, thus, mainly controlled by the wind forcing. The plumes from SBB are able to disperse until SB following the southward wind regime typical of the summer. And both the SB and La Plata river plumes are also able to reach SBB, forced by the northward wind typical of the winter season, until the latitude of 25.5°S. A low salinity belt (below 35) is present along the coastal region of SB and SBB year-round, supported by contributions from both the large and small rivers. The interaction between the different plumes influences the dispersion patterns, shielding the Florianṕolis coastal region from plumes of distant rivers, and dispersing the plume of SBB rivers away from Santa Catarina Island as it disperses southward during the summer months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia 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.)

The penial and tarsal morphology of Protimesius is studied and morphological data support the revalidation of Obidosus with the subsequent new combinations (20 species) and restored combinations (two species). Emended diagnoses are proposed for both genera, and two cave-dwelling new species of Protimesius are described and illustrated: P. lucifer sp. nov. (Pará state) and P. orcus sp. nov. (Ceará state). An identification key to the species of Protimesius and distributional maps of Obidosus and Protimesius are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia 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.)

The Rowlandius dumitrescoae species group is reviewed and rediagnosed, and its composition is revised. The group now includes R. cousinensis, R. decui, R. dumitrescoae, R. insignis, R. linsduarte, R. monensis, R. peckorum, R. potiguar, R. sul, R. ubajara, and R. pedrosoi sp. n. A new species is described from a cave in northeast Brazil (Santa Quitéria, Ceará). Identification keys and distributional maps are provided for the species of the group. Sixteen species of Schizomida, including five of Rowlandius, are currently recognized from Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainability of the goat production systems (GPS) must consider the quantification not only of the ecological footprint (ECOLF) but the carbon (CF), the blue water (BWF) footprints, their economic & social interactions, weighed by their economic value (EV). Our working hypothesis states that the GPS-ECOLF in Latin America & the Caribbean (LAC) (i.e., EVCF + EVBWF) is lower than their economic footprint (ECONF) across years (1998–2018). Although LAC made a frugal contribution (3%; 36.2 M head) to the world goat census, three LAC countries highlight because of their goat inventory; Brazil (31%), Mexico (24%) & Argentina (13%). In 2020, the LAC-GPS-EV was € 592.4 M (USD 766.4 M), generating 761.7 Kt of milk, 125.8 Kt of meat, 4866.5 total emissions of CO 2eq, consuming 102.4 Mm3 blue water. The total annualized LAC-goat production (i.e., meat + milk) during 1998–2018 averaged 820.2 Kt y−1, with a global increase of 24%, highlighting Brazil & Mexico (≈ 50%). The leading goat milk producers were Brazil (36%; 254 Kt y−1), Jamaica (25%; 172 Kt y−1) & Mexico (22%; 155 Kt y−1), for goat meat production stood out Mexico (33%; 41 Kt y−1), Brazil (24%; 30 Kt y−1); far beyond Argentina (7 Kt y−1), Haiti (6 Kt y−1), and Peru (6 Kt y−1). Regarding the LAC-GPS Environmental Impact (EI), the higher the goat inventory, the greater the EI; the main contributors to the CF were Brazil (28%; 1276 Gg y−1) & Argentina (12%; 556 Gg y−1). As the BWF of LAC-GPS in 1998 was 86.92 Mm3, it increased to 102.37 Mm3 in 2018, a general increase of 18%, with annualized increases of 97.05 Mm3. The highest BWF occurred in Mexico (35%), Brazil (20%), and Jamaica (14%); they accounted for 69% of the BWF generated by the LAC-GPS. Regarding the ECONF/ECOLF of the GPS-LAC, the ECOLF represented 93.6% of the ECONF-GPS. Moreover, whereas the EVCF implied 16.3%, the EVWFP constituted 77.3% of the ECOLF-LAC-GPS. Lastly, LAC-GPS generated an annualized average of 116,795 minimum wages, led by Mexico (83,804) and far beyond Brazil (33,227) & the Caribbean (24,428). Remarkably, during the analyzed 20-yr period, the LAC-GPS generated a total of 2335,900 minimum wages across the LAC regions. Our results highlight that as multidimensional and resilient species, goats can perform under marginal production systems successfully. They display a refined physiological and behavioral plasticity, generating essential commodities (i.e., milk, meat, leathers, & fibers) mainly based on eco-friendly well as social-responsible production schemes. Thus, goats emerge as part of a sustainable future as they can reassess areas unsuitable for commercial agriculture and provide ecosystem services to society. Hence, it is crucial to reexamine the paybacks generated by goats based on the extensive use of pastures & rangelands, with non-direct human competition, especially under the complicated scenario of climate change and supporting the livelihoods of the goat-producers and their families. • The economic value (EV) of goat production systems (GPS) in Latin America-Caribbean (LAC) was quantified (1998 – 2018). • The carbon (CF), the blue water (BWF), & economic (ECONF), footprints were also calculated. • The EV of the ecologic footprint (ECOLF=CF+BWF) represented 93.66% of the ECONF in LAC. • While the CF implied 16.3%, the BWF constituted 77.3% of the ECOLF of the GPS-LAC. • The GPS generated a total amount of 2,335,900 minimum wages during the 20 yr evaluated period. • LAC-GPS produced milk-meat, under a clean, green and ethical context, supporting sustainability for the producer and his family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the molecular epidemiology of avian infectious bronchitis in breeders, broilers and layers in Brazil from 2007 to 2008. For the study, researchers collected organs samples from 20 IBV-positive chickens with different clinical symptoms. They found that 15 of the 20 sequenced strains removed from a Brazilian cluster subdivided in three subclusters. They found low level of identity of the sequenced portion of the S gene from 17 of 20 detected Brazilian field strains.

Seagrasses are found at limited locations in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP). Here, we provide the first characterization of seagrasses at Sámara Bay, on the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Sampling was carried out in August 2018 and March 2019. We measured seagrass biomass, shoot density, leaf area, stable isotope composition (δ13C, δ15N), carbon content, bulk density, and grain size. We also measured water clarity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and nutrient concentrations. Two seagrass species were found, Halophila baillonii and Halodule beaudettei , which are commonly found in the ETP. Sediment grain size at Sámara was mostly composed of fine and very fine sand. Total seagrass biomass was 31.9 ± 28.7 g DW m−2 and density was 2136 ± 1576 shoots m−2. Halophila bailloni leaf blade length (1.1 ± 0.3 cm) and width (0.5 ± 0.1 cm) were within ranges for the sizes reported for this species, and were similar to other locations. Halodule beaudettei leaf length (5.0 ± 3.8 cm) and width (0.09 ± 0.02 cm), were larger than at other seagrass meadows on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica yet smaller than in Brazil. Seagrass biomass and density at Sámara were higher in the sampling during the dry season, a pattern also found on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and in Brazil. We recommend further study of seagrasses at this site and the ETP, including temporal and spatial variability and associated environmental factors. Seagrass presence at Sámara should be considered in local management and conservation initiatives. • This is the first seagrass characterization at Sámara Bay, Costa Rica. • Two seagrass species were found, Halophila baillonii and Halodule beaudettei. • Seagrass diminished in the rainy season, as seen before in Costa Rica and Brazil. • Conservation and management initiatives need to consider protecting seagrasses at Sámara. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Avian Pathology is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd 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.)

Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) causes enteric and respiratory disorders in calves and dysentery in cows. In this study, 51 stool samples of calves from 10 Brazilian dairy farms were analysed by an RT-PCR that amplifies a 488-bp fragment of the hypervariable region of the spike glycoprotein gene. Maximum parsimony genealogy with a heuristic algorithm using sequences from 15 field strains studied here and 10 sequences from GenBank and bredavirus as an outgroup virus showed the existence of two major clusters (1 and 2) in this viral species, the Brazilian strains segregating in both of them. The mean nucleotide identity between the 15 Brazilian strains was 98.34%, with a mean amino acid similarity of 98%. Strains from cluster 2 showed a deletion of 6 amino acids inside domain II of the spike protein that was also found in human coronavirus strain OC43, supporting the recent proposal of a zoonotic spill- over of BCoV. These results contribute to the molecular characterization of BCoV, to the prediction of the efficiency of immunogens, and to the definition of molecular markers useful for epidemiologic surveys on coronavirus-caused diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Dengue and Zika diagnoses are prioritized in many arbovirus-endemic countries. • After a DENV/ZIKV seropositive result, no further serological screening is usually conducted. • Up to 14% concurrent CHIKV infections were detected in DENV or ZIKV diagnosed patients. • Diagnostic of DENV/ZIKV as priorities may be masking the concomitance of CHIKV infections. Abstract Background Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) causes a disease characterized by acute onset of fever accompanied by arthralgia. Clinical similarities and co-circulation of other arboviruses such as Dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV), have complicated their differentiation, making their diagnoses a challenge for the health authorities. Misdiagnosis is a serious issue to the management of patients and development of public health measures. Objectives We carried out further screening of CHIKV, DENV and ZIKV cases in Minas Gerais, Brazil, after diagnostics were already issued by a state laboratory and according to the Brazilian Ministry of Health (BMH) policy. Our aim was to look for possible co-infections or previous arboviruses' exposure. Study design Sera from 193 patients with symptoms of arboviral infections were tested for DEV, ZKV and/or CHIKV by the State laboratory, according to clinical suspicion and following standard BMH guidelines. After an official diagnosis was issued for each patient, we retested samples applying a broader panel of ELISA-based serological tests. Results We identified 13 patients with concurrent or consecutive infections (IgM positive for more than one arbovirus), including 11 individuals that were positive for CHIKV and other previously confirmed arbovirus infection. Discussion Guidelines established in many arbovirus-endemic countries prioritizes the diagnosis of Zika and Dengue and no further analyzes are done when samples are positive for those viruses. As a result, possible cases of co-infections with chikungunya are neglected, which affects the epidemiological assessments of virus circulation, patient management, and the development of public health policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim of study: Adiantum, one of the most widely distributed genera of the family Pteridaceae, is employed in folk medicine worldwide. Adiantum latifolium Lam. has been used in Latin American traditional medicine as anxiolytic, analgesic and antiinflammatory. The present study investigates the antinociceptive and antiinflammatory properties of the methanolic extract of Adiantum latifolium (MEA) in animal models of pain and inflammation to confirm its medicinal use. Material and methods: The antinociceptive and antiinflammatory activities of MEA were evaluated using the writhing, formalin, and tail-flick tests, carrageenan-induced paw edema and arachidonic acid-induced ear edema. Mice motor performance was evaluated in the rota rod test and the acute toxicity evaluated over 14 days. Results: Intraperitoneal (1–100mg/kg) or oral (100–400mg/kg) administration of MEA produced a dose-related inhibition of acetic acid-induced writhing in mouse. Furthermore, treatment with MEA (100mg/kg) inhibited both the early and late phases of formalin-induced hypernociception. In contrast, MEA (100mg/kg/IP) did not prevent the thermal nociception in the tail-flick test. In addition, MEA (100 and 200mg/kg/IP) inhibited important events related to the inflammatory response induced by carrageenan or arachidonic acid, namely local edema and increase in tissue interleukin-1β levels. MEA (300mg/kg/IP)-treated mice did not show any motor performance alterations. Over the study period of 14 days, there were no deaths or toxic signs recorded in the group of mice given 1000mg/kg of MEA. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that Adiantum latifolium has antinociceptive and antiinflammatory activities, acting through the inhibition of IL-1β production. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The adequate choice of Trypanosoma cruzi strains as antigen source for the diagnosis of Chagas disease is still controversial due to differences in terms of accuracy reported between different diagnostic tests. In this study was determined if the genetic variability between different genotypes of T. cruzi (TcI, TcII and TcIV) affect the final diagnosis of Chagas disease. The sensitivity and specificity index of in-house ELISA tests prepared with different T. cruzi strains were evaluated with chagasic and non-chagasic control sera and using the TESA-blot as a reference test. The results of this study revealed that the sensitivity index did not vary, with percentages of 100% for all strains in both tests. However, the specificity index for ELISA tests showed differences between 92% and 98%, but were reduced to 78%-89% when Leishmania-positive sera were included. All ELISAs and TESA-blot prepared with different antigens and the recombinant Wiener test were challenged in an endemic community for Chagas disease in Panama. Both ELISAs and TESA-blot recognized the same positive sera, corroborating the sensitivity indexes (100%) found with the control sera. The TESA-blot maintained the specificity index of 100% and did not display false positives. However, the recombinant Wiener test decreased its sensitivity to 81.25%., (© 2019 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)