Hunting pressure modulates the composition and size structure of terrestrial and arboreal vertebrates in Amazonian forests

Overhunting is a leading contemporary driver of tropical forest wildlife loss. The absence or extremely low densities of large-bodied vertebrates disrupts plant-animal mutualisms and consequently degrades key ecosystem services. Understanding patterns of defaunation is therefore crucial given that most tropical forests worldwide are now “half-empty”. Here we investigate changes in vertebrate community composition and size structure along a gradient of marked anthropogenic hunting pressure in the Médio Juruá region of western Brazilian Amazonia. Using a novel camera trapping grid design deployed both in the understorey and the forest canopy, we estimated the aggregate biomass of several functional groups of terrestrial and arboreal species at 28 sites along the hunting gradient. Generalized linear models (GLMs) identified hunting pressure as the most important driver of aggregate biomass for game, terrestrial, and arboreal species, as well as nocturnal rodents, frugivores, and granivores. Local hunting pressure affected vertebrate community structure as shown by both GLM and ordination analyses. The size structure of vertebrate fauna changed in heavily hunted areas due to population declines in large-bodied species and apparent compensatory increases in nocturnal rodents. Our study shows markedly altered vertebrate community structure even in remote but heavily settled areas of continuous primary forest. Depletion of frugivore and granivore populations, and concomitant density-compensation by seed predators, likely affect forest regeneration in persistently overhunted tropical forests. These findings contribute to a better understanding of how cascading effects induced by historical defaunation operate, informing wildlife management policy in tropical peri-urban, rural and wilderness areas

Fatores que influenciam os pacientes na adesão ao tratamento da hipertensão arterial sistêmica

The aim was to investigate factors that influence patients' adherence or non-adherence to SAH treatment. This is an integrative review, in which the following databases were used to search for articles: SciELO, LILACS, and the PubMed platform over 5 years (2018 - 2022). The main factors that contribute to adherence to systemic arterial hypertension treatment are socioeconomic and clinical issues, family support, education, and social issues. Factors for non-adherence include low education, inadequate diet, high quantities of medications, and difficulty accessing medications. Nurses have the fundamental role of promoting continuous education, in addition to providing both physical and psychological assistance. It is concluded that the appropriate factors must be taken into consideration during periodic consultations, in addition to the fact that education is essential for awareness work and thus improves the quality of life of these patients.Objetivou-se investigar fatores que influenciam os pacientes na adesão ou não ao tratamento da HAS. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa, aos quais, para a busca dos artigos foram utilizadas as bases de dados: SciELO, LILACS e a plataforma PubMed em um período de 5 anos (2018 - 2022). Os principais fatores que contribui para adesão ao tratamento da hipertensão arterial sistêmica são: questões socioeconômicas e clínicas, o apoio familiar, escolaridade e questões sociais. Já sobre os fatores para a não adesão incluem: baixa escolaridade, dieta inadequada, altas quantidades de medicamentos e dificuldade de acesso aos medicamentos. O enfermeiro tem o papel fundamental de promover a educação contínua, além de prestar a assistência tanto física, quanto psicológica. Conclui-se que os devidos fatores devem ser levados em consideração nas consultas periódicas além de ser fundamental a educação para o trabalho de conscientização e assim melhorar a qualidade de vida desses pacientes

Above- and below-ground biodiversity responses to the prolonged flood pulse in central-western Amazonia, Brazil

publishedVersio

Evidence of clinical, criterion, and convergent validity of the brazilian version of the Picture Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test with Immediate Recall (pFCSRT-IR)

The picture Free and Cued Selective Reminding with Immediate Recall (pFCSRT-IR) has been widely useful for episodic memory assessment in patients with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study presents adaptation and evidence of criterion and concurrent validity of the pFCSRT-IR for use in Brazil. The study was conducted in two complementary steps. Step A: authorization, translation,back-translation, and selection of a set of the 16 most nameable pictures in Brazil. Step B:n= 50 elderly individuals, 61–86 years of age (M = 73.26, SD= 6.70) and 3–25 years of education (M= 10.80,SD= 5.76), were evaluated with the pFCSRT-IR. Participants were categorized into two paired groups (25 AD/25 controls) for comparison in the pFCSRT-IR. In addition, a correlational analysis was conducted among pFCSRT-IR and Re Auditory-Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) scores. Performance on the pFCSRT-IR was lower for the AD group. Moreover, considering all sample scores in the pFCSRT-IR and the RAVLT showed a significantly positive correlation with moderate to strong size (ρ > .40). The analysis showed evidence of convergent validity with external variables for the pFCSRT-IR. In conclusion, the Brazilian version of pFCSRT-IR has been shown to be a valid measure of episodic memory in the continuum of memory loss in aging

Interactome Analysis Of The Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Rna Polymerase Complex Identifies Protein Chaperones As Important Cofactors That Promote L-protein Stability And Rna Synthesis

The human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) core viral RNA polymerase comprises the large polymerase protein (L) and its cofactor, the phosphoprotein (P), which associate with the viral ribonucleoprotein complex to replicate the genome and, together with the M2-1 protein, transcribe viral mRNAs. While cellular proteins have long been proposed to be involved in the synthesis of HRSV RNA by associating with the polymerase complex, their characterization has been hindered by the difficulty of purifying the viral polymerase from mammalian cell culture. In this study, enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-tagged L-and P-protein expression was coupled with high-affinity anti-GFP antibody-based immunoprecipitation and quantitative proteomics to identify cellular proteins that interacted with either the L-or the P-proteins when expressed as part of a biologically active viral RNP. Several core groups of cellular proteins were identified that interacted with each viral protein including, in both cases, protein chaperones. Ablation of chaperone activity by using small-molecule inhibitors confirmed previously reported studies which suggested that this class of proteins acted as positive viral factors. Inhibition of HSP90 chaperone function in the current study showed that HSP90 is critical for L-protein function and stability, whether in the presence or absence of the P-protein. Inhibition studies suggested that HSP70 also disrupts virus biology and might help the polymerase remodel the nucleocapsid to allow RNA synthesis to occur efficiently. This indicated a proviral role for protein chaperones in HRSV replication and demonstrates that the function of cellular proteins can be targeted as potential therapeutics to disrupt virus replication. IMPORTANCE Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) represents a major health care and economic burden, being the main cause of severe respiratory infections in infants worldwide. No vaccine or effective therapy is available. This study focused on identifying those cellular proteins that potentially interact specifically with the viral proteins that are central to virus replication and transcription, with a view to providing potential targets for the development of a specific, transient therapeutic which disrupts virus biology but prevents the emergence of resistance, while maintaining cell viability. In particular, protein chaperones (heat shock proteins 70 and 90), which aid protein folding and function, were identified. The mechanism by which these chaperones contribute to virus biology was tested, and this study demonstrates to the field that cellular protein chaperones may be required for maintaining the correct folding and therefore functionality of specific proteins within the virus replication complex.892917930Medical Research Council (MRC) [MR/K000276/1]MRC studentshipNIHRNIH [R01AI074903

A new species of Isocopris Pereira and Martínez, 1960 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) from the Southwest Brazilian Amazon

A new species from the southwest Brazilian Amazon, Isocopris rossinii Arias-Buriticá, Bach, and Vaz-de-Mello, new species, is described along with a diagnosis, illustrations, and discussion of its taxonomic position in the genus. This new species is readily distinguished by a deep depression in the frons, a large and trapezoidal ventral clypeal process in lateral view, a glabrous metaventral anterior lobe, the morphology of the aedeagus with triangular and symmetrical parameres, the presence of a subgenital plate, and large and asymmetrical lamellae copulatrix. Females show secondary sexual dimorphism, with the elytral striae widened from the first to the fourth in the central area. Here we present an updated key for the species of the genus Isocopris Pereira and Martínez, 1960

TELEATENDIMENTO EM PLATAFORMA DIGITAL COMO FERRAMENTA EDUCACIONAL: PERCEPÇÕES DE ACADÊMICOS DA ÁREA DA SAÚDE

Devido a pandemia do Coronavírus, países estão adotando medidas preventivas quanto a sua disseminação, sendo uma destas medidas o distanciamento social para evitar exposição desnecessária a ambientes que podem ter o vírus circulante. Neste sentido, uma das alternativas que está sendo desenvolvida é a telemedicina. O estado do Paraná desenvolveu uma plataforma digital para teleconsulta e telemonitoramento, sendo os atendimentos realizados por bolsistas e profissionais. Considerando que o atendimento remoto é uma tecnologia a pouco inserida no contexto do cuidado e da educação, este presente relato tem por objetivo apresentar a plataforma digital como ferramenta educacional para os bolsistas e para a população atendida, sob a ótica dos acadêmicos participantes. De acordo com as experiências vivenciadas, a plataforma contribui para a educação em saúde da população ao se realizar orientações de medidas preventivas, bem como contribui para a formação acadêmica dos participantes, ao estimular o desenvolvimento de conhecimentos, habilidades e atitudes para realizar atendimento adequado. Assim, conclui-se que a telemedicina contribui para a promoção de saúde entre a população e para a formação de profissionais de saúde mais críticos-reflexivos

Brazilian adaptation of pictoric Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test with Immediate Recall (pFCSRT-IR)

A versão pictórica do Teste de Recordação Seletiva Livre e Guiada com Evocação Imediata, (pTRSLG-EI) tem sido indicada para avaliação da memória episódica em pacientes com demência devido doença de Alzheimer (DA). O objetivo desta pesquisa foi adaptar esse instrumento para uso no Brasil, bem como, discutir métodos possíveis para a adaptação instrumentos de estímulos pictóricos. Inicialmente foi apresentado processo de adaptação da parte linguística do teste (tradução e traduçãoreversa). Posteriormente, foi o apresentado o processo de seleção dos estímulos pictóricos mais adequados para o instrumento a partir de sua nomeação. Para isso foram avaliados 38 participantes idosos entre 64 a 84 anos de idade (M=70,28; DP=4,91) e entre 2 e 25 anos de escolaridade (M=12,78; DP=5,91). Como resultados foram selecionadas as 16 figuras com maior concordância conceitual (100%) e de menor estatística H (M=0,60; DP=0,60), indicando a presença de um conjunto de estímulos reconhecido e com poucos nomes concorrentes. Por fim, discute-se a importância da obtenção de dados sobre a nomeação dos estímulos pictóricos para a adaptação de instrumentos neuropsicológicos.La versión pictórica del Test de Recuerdo Selectivo Libre y Guiado con Evocación Inmediata (pTRSLG-EI) es utilizado para la evaluación de la memoria episódica en pacientes con demencia tipo Alzheimer (DTA). El objetivo de este trabajo fue adaptar dicho instrumento para su uso en Brasil, así como también discutir cuáles son los métodos posibles para la adaptación de instrumentos con estímulos pictóricos del pTRSLG-EI. Inicialmente, se presenta el proceso de adaptación lingüística del test (traducción directa e inversa). Luego, se presenta el proceso de selección de los estímulos pictóricos más adecuados para el instrumento a partir de su denominación. Para ello se evaluó a 38 participantes adultos de 64 a 84 años de edad (M = 70.28; DE = 4.91) y con 2 a 25 años de escolaridad (M = 12.78; DE = 5.91). Como resultado se seleccionaron 16 figuras con la mayor concordancia conceptual (100%) y con menor estadística H (M = 0.60; DE = 0.60) que indica la presencia de un conjunto de estímulos reconocibles y con pocos nombres en competencia. Por último, se discute la importancia de la obtención de datos sobre la denominación de los estímulos pictóricos para la adaptación de pruebas neuropsicológicas.Le pFCSRT-IR (pictorique Rappel Libre / Rappel Indicé – avec Rappel immédiat) a été indiqué pour l'évaluation de la mémoire épisodique chez les patients atteints de démence causée par la maladie d'Alzheimer (MA). Cette étude vise à présenter le processus d'adaptation interculturelle et à discuter des processus d'adaptation d'instruments utilisant des stimuli picturaux. Initialement, on a présenté le processus d'adaptation des éléments verbaux du test (traduction et traduction inverse). Après cela a été décrit la sélection du meilleur ensemble de stimuli picturaux pour l'instrument. À cette fin, 38 participants âgés de 64 à 84 ans (M = 70,28, SD = 4,91) ont répondu au nom des stimuli picturaux. À la suite de ce processus, des stimuli picturaux ont été sélectionnés 16 images avec l'accord de dénomination conceptuel le plus élevé (100%) et la statistique H la plus basse (M = 0,60, SD = 0,60), indiquant la présence d'un ensemble reconnu de stimuli avec peu de noms concurrents. Cette étude fournit des solutions pour le processus d'adaptation interculturelle des instruments avec des stimuli picturaux ont été discutés.The pFCSRT-IR (picture Free and Cued Selective Reminding with Immediate Recall) has been indicated for episodic memory assessment in patients with dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study aims to present the process of cross-cultural adaptation of pFCSRT-IR and to discuss the adaptation processes of instruments that use pictorial stimuli. Initially was presented the process of adapting the verbal elements of the test (translation and back translation). After that was described the selection of the best set of pictorial stimuli for the instrument. For this purpose, 38 elderly participants between the ages of 64 and 84 (M = 70.28, SD = 4.91) answered the name of pictorial stimuli. As result of this process pictorial stimuli 16 pictures were selected with the highest conceptual naming agreement (100%) and the lowest H statistic (M = 0.60, SD = 0.60), indicating the presence of a recognized set of stimuli with few competing names. This study provides solutions for the process of cross cultural-adaptation of instruments with pictorial stimuli were discussed

Bait attractiveness changes community metrics in dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae)

Species relative abundance (SRA) is an essential attribute of biotic communities, which can provide an accurate description of community structure. However, the sampling method used may have a direct influence on SRA quantification, since the use of attractants (e.g., baits, light, and pheromones) can introduce additional sources of variation in trap performance. We tested how sampling aided by baits affect community data and therefore alter derived metrics. We tested our hypothesis on dung beetles using data from flight interception traps (FITs) as a baseline to evaluate baited pitfall trap performance. Our objective was to assess the effect of bait attractiveness on estimates of SRA and assemblage metrics when sampled by pitfall traps baited with human feces.Dung beetles were sampled at three terra firme primary forest sites in the Brazilian Amazon. To achieve our objective, we (i) identified species with variable levels of attraction to pitfall baited with human feces; (ii) assessed differences in SRA; and (iii) assessed the effect of bait on the most commonly used diversity metrics derived from relative abundance (Shannon and Simpson indices). We identified species less and highly attracted to the baits used, because most attracted species showed greater relative abundances within baited pitfall traps samples compared with our baseline. Assemblages sampled by baited pitfall traps tend to show lower diversity and higher dominance than those sampled by unbaited FITs. Our findings suggest that for ecological questions focused on species relative abundance, baited pitfall traps may lead to inaccurate conclusions regarding assemblage structure. Although tested on dung beetles, we suggest that the same effect could be observed for other insect taxa that are also sampled with baited traps. We highlight a need for further studies on other groups to elucidate any potential effects of using baits

Canine visceral leishmaniasis in Londrina, Paraná - investigation and case report

Dogs are considered the main reservoirs of visceral leishmaniasis for humans, which also present a chronic and severe clinical picture when affected. The objective of the present report was to describe a canine visceral leishmaniasis case diagnosed in Londrina, an indene city, and its investigation. A street animal with extensive dermatological lesions, onychogryphosis, mild anemia and leukopenia was attended at a veterinary hospital in Londrina, where positivity was reported for Leishmania spp. in serological tests. Cytology was positive in bone marrow, PCR and parasite culture were positive in skin, spleen, liver, lymph node and bone marrow, and DNA sequencing confirmed the species of the parasite as L. (L.) infantum. The official diagnosis was made by the Central Laboratory of Paraná (LACEN), and through an official report, an investigation of the case was started for the confirmation of autochthony. An active search for the vector and other canine cases in the neighborhood was carried out along with a search for information on the origin of the animal in question. However, the species, Lutzomyia longipalpis, new canine cases, or origin of the sick animal were not identified. Although, the present case cannot be confirmed as autochthonous, we suggest that it is necessary to disseminate the present report to serve as a warning to veterinarians and other public health professionals in the northern region of Paraná to be attentive to suspicious cases and to not fail to investigate these cases to the end