The program for biodiversity research in Brazil: The role of regional networks for biodiversity knowledge, dissemination, and conservation

The Program for Biodiversity Research (PPBio) is an innovative program designed to integrate all biodiversity research stakeholders. Operating since 2004, it has installed long-term ecological research sites throughout Brazil and its logic has been applied in some other southern-hemisphere countries. The program supports all aspects of research necessary to understand biodiversity and the processes that affect it. There are presently 161 sampling sites (see some of them at Supplementary Appendix), most of which use a standardized methodology that allows comparisons across biomes and through time. To date, there are about 1200 publications associated with PPBio that cover topics ranging from natural history to genetics and species distributions. Most of the field data and metadata are available through PPBio web sites or DataONE. Metadata is available for researchers that intend to explore the different faces of Brazilian biodiversity spatio-temporal variation, as well as for managers intending to improve conservation strategies. The Program also fostered, directly and indirectly, local technical capacity building, and supported the training of hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students. The main challenge is maintaining the long-term funding necessary to understand biodiversity patterns and processes under pressure from global environmental changes

Amazon tree dominance across forest strata

The forests of Amazonia are among the most biodiverse plant communities on Earth. Given the immediate threats posed by climate and land-use change, an improved understanding of how this extraordinary biodiversity is spatially organized is urgently required to develop effective conservation strategies. Most Amazonian tree species are extremely rare but a few are common across the region. Indeed, just 227 ‘hyperdominant’ species account for >50% of all individuals >10 cm diameter at 1.3 m in height. Yet, the degree to which the phenomenon of hyperdominance is sensitive to tree size, the extent to which the composition of dominant species changes with size class and how evolutionary history constrains tree hyperdominance, all remain unknown. Here, we use a large floristic dataset to show that, while hyperdominance is a universal phenomenon across forest strata, different species dominate the forest understory, midstory and canopy. We further find that, although species belonging to a range of phylogenetically dispersed lineages have become hyperdominant in small size classes, hyperdominants in large size classes are restricted to a few lineages. Our results demonstrate that it is essential to consider all forest strata to understand regional patterns of dominance and composition in Amazonia. More generally, through the lens of 654 hyperdominant species, we outline a tractable pathway for understanding the functioning of half of Amazonian forests across vertical strata and geographical locations

The epidemiology and management of postmenopausal osteoporosis: a viewpoint from Brazil

Luiz Francisco Baccaro,1 Délio Marques Conde,2 Lúcia Costa-Paiva,1 Aarão Mendes Pinto-Neto11Department of Gynecology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil; 2Breast Clinic, Hospital for Maternal and Child Healthcare, Goiânia, Goiás, BrazilAbstract: Brazil has an aging population, with an associated increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases. Postmenopausal osteoporosis is of particular concern because it leads to an increased risk of fractures, with subsequent negative impacts on health in older women. In recent years, efforts have been made to better understand the epidemiology of osteoporosis in Brazil, and to manage both direct and indirect costs to the Brazilian health care system. The reported prevalence of osteoporosis among postmenopausal women in Brazil varies from 15% to 33%, depending on the study methodology and the use of bone densitometry data or self-reporting by participants. A diagnosis of osteoporosis can be made on the basis of fractures occurring without significant trauma or on the basis of low bone mineral density measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. To reduce the risk of osteoporosis, all postmenopausal women should be encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes physical activity and a balanced diet. Smoking and alcohol use should also be addressed. Special attention should be given to interventions to reduce the risk of falls, especially among older women. Calcium intake should be encouraged, preferably through diet. The decision to recommend calcium supplementation should be made individually because there is concern about a possible increased risk of cardiovascular disease associated with this treatment. Brazilian women obtain a minimal amount of vitamin D from their diet, and supplementation is warranted in women with little exposure to solar ultraviolet-B radiation. For women diagnosed with osteoporosis, some form of pharmacologic therapy should be initiated. Compliance with treatment should be monitored, and the treatment period should be individualized for each patient. The Brazilian government provides medication for osteoporosis through the public health system free of charge, but without proper epidemiological knowledge, the implementation of public health programs is impaired.Keywords: menopause, public health, preventive medicine, risk factors, disease managemen

Decrease in Bone Mass in Women After Liver Transplantation: Associated Factors

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Background. In the future, an increasing number of female liver transplant recipients will reach the climacteric with osteoporosis as a common complication. We evaluated the factors associated with decreased bone mass among women after liver transplantation. Methods. A prospective, cross-sectional study of 23 outpatient transplant recipients followed from February 2009 to March 2010 included women of age years after liver transplantations year prior. We recorded patient histories, liver enzyme levels, as well as bone mineral densities measured at the lumbar spine and femur. Statistical analysis used Fisher's exact test, simple odds ratio (OR), and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Results. The mean patient age was 52.5 +/- 11 years with 30.4% premenopausal, and 69.6% perimenopausal or postmenopausal. Approximately 21% showed osteoporosis and 35%, a low bone mass. Postmenopausal women: OR 69.0 (95% CI 2.89-1647.18; P = 49 years: OR 13.33 (95% CI 1.78-100.15; P = .0123) and receiving a transplant after 44 years of age: OR 49.50 (95% CI 3.84-638.43; P < .0001) were associated with a lower bone mass. Having undergone transplantation for more than 5.8 years lowered the risk of bone mass change: OR 0.11 (95% CI 0.02-0.78; P = .0361). Clinical and laboratory variables, including corticosteroid use, were not associated with decreased bone mass. Conclusion. Understanding the prevalence and factors associated with osteoporosis among female liver transplant recipients is important to enhance the strategies to diagnose and treat these women, seeking to improve their quality of life.43413511356Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

Treatment for menopausal symptoms and having health insurance were associated with a lower prevalence of falls among Brazilian women

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Objectives: Brazil has an aging population. This study aims to raise awareness of the prevalence and factors associated with falls among Brazilian women. Study design: Cross-sectional study with 622 women over 50 years of age was conducted between 05/10/11 and 10/31/11 in the city of Campinas/Sao Paulo/Brazil in the form of a population survey. Main outcome measures: The dependent variable was the occurrence of falls in the past 12 months. The independent variables were sociodemographic data, health-related habits and problems, self-perception of health and evaluation of functional capacity. Statistical analysis was carried out by Chi-square test and Poisson regression using the backward selection criteria. Results: The mean age of the women was 64.1 years. The prevalence of falls in the past 12 months was 24.6%. Having trouble keeping balance when walking: PR 1.87(95% CI 1.33-2.63, P<0.001); alcohol consumption: PR 1.69(95% CI 1.25-2.28, P<0.002); having been admitted to a hospital in the last 12 months: PR 1.46(95% CI 1.09-1.96,P=0.012); and having cataract: PR 1.40(95% CI 1.05-1.87,P=0.021) were associated with a higher prevalence of falls. Having health insurance: PR 0.67 (95% CI 0.50-0.89, P=0.007) and using some form of medication to treat menopausal symptoms: PR 0.42 (95% CI 0.19-0.92, P=0.031) were associated with a lower prevalence of falls. Conclusion: Having health insurance and using some form of medication to treat menopausal symptoms were associated with a lower prevalence of falls among Brazilian women. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.754367372Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)FAPESP [2010/15867-1