Understanding deforestation lock-in: Insights from Land Reform settlements in the Brazilian Amazon

Cropland and pasture expansion continues to erase natural ecosystems at a staggering speed globally, notably in the tropics. Conventional policy approaches, usually focused on a particular land-use change driver (e.g., specific commodities) or individual regulations (e.g., the Amazon Soy Moratorium), have consistently failed to achieve sufficient or sustained results. The swift reversal of Brazil’s earlier success in reducing Amazon deforestation – now again accelerated – offers perhaps the most sobering illustration of that. Therefore, this article draws from scholarship on sustainability transitions to propose a more comprehensive systems view of unsustainable land-use patterns. We examine persistent tropical deforestation as a case of “lock-in,” using a transitions lens, and explore its constitutive elements. As a case study, we analyze the situation of Land Reform settlements in the Brazilian Amazon, where as much as one-third of that biome’s deforestation takes place. While subject to some specific factors, those places are also enmeshed in a broader setting that is common across the Brazilian Amazon’s deforestation frontier (e.g., infrastructure conditions, market demands, and sociocultural norms). Drawing from document analysis of Brazilian policies and fieldwork in three Land Reform settlements in Pará State, we expose multiple forms of techno-economic, institutional, and socio-cognitive lock-in that together drive deforestation systemically in those settlements. These drivers form a strongly consolidated socio-technical regime around large-scale agriculture that includes material and immaterial factors (e.g., cultural ones), a regime that not only resists change but also – like a vortex – pulls others into it. Escaping deforestation lock-in may thus require outside forces to help local actors destabilize and eventually replace this unsustainable land-use regime. International zero-deforestation efforts offer a starting point, but a transition requires moving beyond piecemeal, incremental change or end-of-pipe approaches and toward concerted, strategic action that addresses multiple of those regime elements in a coordinated way to replace it as a system. We argue that understanding deforestation lock-in is vital for tackling its worrisome persistence and that sustainability transitions theory offers an illuminating, but still underutilized, framework to analyze and eventually overcome unsustainable land use

THE ROLE OF CALCIUM ANTAGONIST ISRADIPINE ON THE PREGNANCY AND OFFSPRING OF RATS

Os bloqueadores de cálcio são utilizados em doenças cardiovasculares, usualmente em tratamentos de longa duração e ocasionalmente em mulheres grávidas. A isradipina é uma importante droga antihipertensiva, considerada segura na gravidez e sem efeitos teratogênicos. Neste estudo foram estudados, em ratos Wistar, os efeitos da isradipina sobre a implantação uterina, reabsorção fetal e sobre os níveis plasmáticos de cálcio, fosfato e proteínas totais. Foram utilizados 32 fêmeas e 12 machos com qualidade controlada. A droga foi administrada na água de beber durante 56 dias, sendo 35 antes do acasalamento e 21 durante a prenhêz. Em um grupo, foi realizada operação cesareana ao 20º / dia de gestação e em outro, os ratos nasceram de parto natural e foram observados durante 30 dias, com manutenção da administração de isradipina. Por ocasião da cesareana foram obtidas amostras de sangue de mães e filhotes, para determinação de cálcio, fosfato e proteínas totais plasmáticas. Para observar a influência da droga no / tratamento prolongado sobre os ossos, a mineralização do fêmur das mães foi avaliada. Os resultados mostraram que a isradipina estimulou a implantação uterina porém aumentou a reabsorção fetal. Nenhum efeito teratogênico foi observado, entretanto ocorreu diminuição significativa do peso dos filhotes. Os níveis plasmãticos de cálcio, fosfato e proteínas totais não foram alterados pela droga. O período da erupção dental não foi alterado nos filhotes nascidos de mães tratadas. Abstract Calcium blockers are used in cardiovascular diseases, usually in long term treatments and sometimes in pregnant women. Isradipine is an important antihypertensive drug, considered to be safe in pregnancy. In this study, the effects of isradipine were evaluated regarding to the uterine implantation, fetal reabsorption, plasmatic levels of calcium, phosphate and total protein of mother and offspring. Thirty-two female and 12 male quality-controlled Wistar rats were used. The drug was administered in drinking water for 56 days: 35 days before mating and 21 days along the pregnancy. In one group, caesarean surgery was performed on the 20th//day and in the other, isradipine treatment continued for the naturally born rats, which were observed along 30 days. During the caesarean, blood samples of mothers and newborns were taken and plasmatic / levels of calcium, phosphate and total proteins determined. To observe the drug influence on the bones, femur mineralization of mothers was evaluated. Results showed that isradipine stimulated uterine implantation; however, it increased the fetal reabsorption. No teratogenic effect was observed but newborns displayed a lower body weight. Plasmatic levels of calcium, phosphate and total proteins were not influenced by the drug. Dental eruption was not disturbed in the offspring born from the treated mothers

Desigualdades de renda na saúde bucal e no acesso aos serviços odontológicos na população Brasileira : pesquisa nacional de saúde, 2013

Despite the improvement in oral health conditions observed in the Brazilian population, there are still high social inequalities that must be monitored. To evaluate income inequality in oral hygiene practices, oral health status and the use of dental services in the adult and senior Brazilian population. Data from the National Health Survey conducted in 2013 (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde – PNS 2013) were used for the population aged 18 years old or older. Inequalities were found among the income strata in most of the oral health indicators evaluated. The greatest inequalities were observed in the use of dental floss, in hygiene practices (PR = 2.85 in adults and PR = 2.45 in seniors), and in total tooth loss (PR = 6.74 in adults and PR = 2.24 in seniors) and difficulty in chewing (PR = 4.49 in adults and PR = 2.67 in seniors) among oral condition indicators. The magnitude of inequalities was high in both groups in most oral condition indicators. Income was a factor that persisted in limiting access to dental services, and even the lower income segments had high percentages that paid for dental consultations. Based on data from the first PNS, the findings of this study enabled the identification of oral health and dental care aspects more compromised by income differentials, thus, contributing to the planning of dental care in Brazil and to stimulate the monitoring of these disparities with data from future surveys222CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQ817122/2015Apesar da melhora das condições de saúde bucal constatada na população brasileira, persistem elevadas desigualdades sociais que precisam ser monitoradas. Avaliar a desigualdade de renda nas práticas de higiene bucal, nas condições bucais e no uso de serviços odontológicos na população brasileira de adultos e idosos. Foram utilizados dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde realizada em 2013 (PNS 2013) referentes à população de 18 anos ou mais. Detectaram-se desigualdades entre os estratos de renda na maioria dos indicadores de saúde bucal avaliados. As desigualdades de maior magnitude foram verificadas no uso de fio dental, nas práticas de higiene (RP = 2,85 nos adultos e RP = 2,45 nos idosos), e na perda de todos os dentes (RP = 6,74 nos adultos e RP = 2,24 nos idosos) e dificuldade de mastigar (RP = 4,49 nos adultos e RP = 2,67 nos idosos) entre os indicadores de condições bucais. Na maioria dos indicadores de condições bucais a magnitude das desigualdades foi elevada em ambos os grupos. A renda mostrou-se um fator que persiste limitando o acesso aos serviços odontológicos e, mesmo os segmentos de menor renda apresentaram elevados percentuais que pagam por consulta odontológica. Por meio dos dados da primeira PNS, os achados do estudo permitiram identificar aspectos de saúde e de atenção bucais mais comprometidos pelos diferenciais de renda, podendo, nesse sentido, contribuir para o planejamento da assistência odontológica no país e para estimular o monitoramento destas disparidades com dados das próximas pesquisa

Social inequalities in the food consumption profile of the brazilian population : national health survey, 2013

É amplamente reconhecido que elevada concentração de renda prevalece no Brasil e que a posição socioeconômica dos segmentos sociais exerce influência nas condições de vida e saúde, incluindo a qualidade da alimentação. Medir a magnitude das desigualdades sociais no perfil da qualidade alimentar da população brasileira. Analisaram-se dados da amostra de 60.202 adultos da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde de 2013. Foram estimadas as prevalências de indicadores de qualidade alimentar segundo sexo, raça/cor, renda, escolaridade e posse de plano de saúde. Razões de prevalência foram estimadas por meio de regressão múltipla de Poisson. Maior prevalência de consumo de alimentos saudáveis foi verificada no sexo feminino, entre os brancos e no grupo de melhor nível socioeconômico. Entretanto,para alguns alimentos considerados não saudáveis, como doces, sanduíches, salgados e pizzas, também foi observada maior prevalência nos segmentos sociais mais favorecidos, nas mulheres e nos brancos, expressando a concomitância de escolhas alimentares saudáveis e não saudáveis. Desigualdade de maior magnitude foi observada quanto à comparação do consumo de leite desnatado e semidesnatado segundo renda (razão de prevalência - RP=4,48). Além de expressiva desigualdade social no perfil alimentar dos brasileiros, foram detectados perfis mistos, incluindo alimentos saudáveis e não saudáveis, sinalizando a necessidade de monitoramento e de intervenções de promoção de alimentação saudável que levem em conta as desigualdades sociais e as contradições no consumo alimentar222CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQnão tem817122/2015High income concentration prevails in Brazil and socioeconomic status influences living and health conditions, including dietary quality. Objective: To measure the magnitude of social inequalities in the food quality profile of the Brazilian population. We analyzed data from 60,202 adults who participated in the 2013 National Health Survey. The prevalence of indicators of food quality was estimated according to gender, ethnicity, income, schooling, and health insurance. We calculated prevalence ratios using multiple Poisson regression. Healthy food consumption was more prevalent among females, white people, and individuals with higher socioeconomic status. However, we also found a higher prevalence of some foods considered unhealthy, such as sweets, sandwiches, snacks, and pizzas, among the most favored social segments, in women, and white people, expressing the concomitance of healthy and unhealthy eating habits. The comparison between the consumption of skim and low-fat milk according to income (prevalence ratio – PR = 4.48) presented the most significant difference. In addition to the expressive social inequality identified in the Brazilian food profile, mixed patterns were detected, including healthy and unhealthy foods. These results point out the need for monitoring and promoting healthy eating habits, taking into account the social inequalities and contradictions concerning food intakeMinistério da Saúd

Social inequalities in the prevalence of indicators of active aging in the brazilian population : national health survey, 2013

Analisar desigualdades sociais na prevalência de indicadores de envelhecimento ativo na população idosa brasileira. Estudo transversal com amostra de 11.177 idosos que participaram da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Brasil em 2013. Estimaram-se as prevalências de cinco domínios do envelhecimento ativo (atividades sociais, participação cívica, atividade física de lazer, trabalho remunerado e trabalho voluntário) segundo sexo, raça/cor, escolaridade, renda e posse de plano privado de saúde. As razões de prevalência e os intervalos de confiança foram calculados pela regressão de Poisson. O percentual de envolvimento em atividades sociais organizadas, participação cívica e atividade física foi de 25,1; 12,4 e 13,1%, respectivamente. Em relação ao trabalho, 20,7% exerciam trabalho remunerado e 9,7% participavam de trabalho voluntário. As mulheres apresentaram maiores prevalências de participação em atividades sociais organizadas e em trabalho voluntário; e entre os homens prevaleceu a participação cívica e o trabalho remunerado. Entre os brancos, foram observadas maiores frequências de participação em atividades sociais, trabalho voluntário e atividade física de lazer, explicadas pela escolaridade. E os estratos com maior nível de escolaridade, renda e com posse de plano privado de saúde apresentaram maiores prevalências de participação em todas as atividades consideradas. As cinco atividades analisadas se apresentam como desafiadoras à proposta política de envelhecimento ativo por serem marcadas por considerável desigualdade social.222não temTo analyze social inequalities in the prevalence of indicators of active aging in the Brazilian older adult population. This is a cross-sectional study with a sample of 11,177 older adults who participated in the Brazilian National Health Survey in 2013. We estimated the prevalence of five domains of active aging (social activities, civic engagement, leisure-time physical activity, paid work, and volunteer work) according to gender, ethnicity, schooling, income, and private health insurance. Prevalence ratios and confidence intervals were calculated using Poisson regression. The percentage of involvement in organized social activities, civic engagement, and physical activity was 25.1, 12.4, and 13.1%, respectively. Regarding work, 20.7% of the sample had a paid job, and 9.7% participated in volunteer work. Women had a higher prevalence of participation in organized social activities and volunteer work; while civic engagement and paid work were more frequent among men. White people were more likely to participate in social activities, volunteer work, and leisure-time physical activity, explained by their schooling. The strata with a higher level of schooling, income, and who had private health insurance showed a greater incidence of participation in all activities studied. The five activities analyzed are challenging for the proposed policy of active aging, as they are marked by considerable social inequalityMinistério da Saúd

Multi-locus sequence typing of African swine fever viruses from endemic regions of Kenya and Eastern Uganda (2011–2013) reveals rapid B602L central variable region evolution

The central variable region (CVR) within the B602L gene of the African swine fever virus (ASFV) is highly polymorphic within the 23 ASFV genotypes defined by sequencing of the C-terminal end of the p72 locus. Sequencing the p54 gene further discriminates ASFV genotypes that are conserved at the p72 locus. Variation in the thymidine kinase locus is a novel additional tool for ASFV genotyping whose application for this purpose is described for the first time herein. We evaluated genetic variation at these four polymorphic loci in 39 ASFV isolates obtained from outbreaks in Kenya and a region of Eastern Uganda between 2011 and 2013. Analysis of the p72 and p54 loci revealed high genetic conservation among these isolates; all clustered within p72 genotype IX and were similar to isolates associated with earlier outbreaks in East Africa. The thymidine kinase gene of the Kenyan isolates in this study were distinct relative to Southern African isolates and synonymous substitutions were observed among viruses from central Kenya. Analysis of the CVR within the B602L gene revealed two previously unknown polymorphisms that were restricted to Western Kenya and Eastern Uganda. A novel variant was revealed within CVR subgroup XXIV and a novel CVR subgroup XXIVa that contains tetrameric repeat F which has previously only been associated with p72 genotype I, was also identified for the first time in East Africa. Phylogeographic analysis of isolates based on CVR polymorphisms revealed rapid evolution and dissemination of variants present within ASFV genotype IX in East Africa.Supplementary Fig. 1 Phylogenetic tree based on the C-terminal end of the p72 protein comparing the Kenyan and Eastern Uganda ASFV isolates collected in this study (●) between 2011 and 2013 with other African swine fever virus isolates belonging to ASFV genotypes IX and X. A total of 91 distinct taxa were used to infer a Minimum Evolution tree and the percentage of replicate trees in which the associated taxa clustered together in a bootstrap analysis (1000 replicates) are shown adjacent to the branches. The tree is drawn to scale; with branch lengths represented using the same units as the evolutionary distances used to infer the phylogenetic tree.Supplementary Fig. 2 Phylogenetic tree highlighting genetic conservation within the E183L gene within the Kenyan and Eastern Uganda ASFV isolates in comparison to reference nucleotide sequences obtained from GenBank.Supplementary Fig. 3 Amino acid sequences translated using SeqPublish highlighting synonymous substitutions within the thymidine kinase gene in the ASFV isolates obtained from Central Kenya.Supplementary Table 1 Summary of the data obtained from ASFV isolates selected for genotyping in this study and the respective GenBank accession numbers.The Australian aid (AusAID) and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) under the Special Africa Program.http://link.springer.com/journal/11262hj2018Mammal Research InstituteZoology and Entomolog