Pervasive gaps in Amazonian ecological research

Biodiversity loss is one of the main challenges of our time,1,2 and attempts to address it require a clear un derstanding of how ecological communities respond to environmental change across time and space.3,4 While the increasing availability of global databases on ecological communities has advanced our knowledge of biodiversity sensitivity to environmental changes,5–7 vast areas of the tropics remain understudied.8–11 In the American tropics, Amazonia stands out as the world’s most diverse rainforest and the primary source of Neotropical biodiversity,12 but it remains among the least known forests in America and is often underrepre sented in biodiversity databases.13–15 To worsen this situation, human-induced modifications16,17 may elim inate pieces of the Amazon’s biodiversity puzzle before we can use them to understand how ecological com munities are responding. To increase generalization and applicability of biodiversity knowledge,18,19 it is thus crucial to reduce biases in ecological research, particularly in regions projected to face the most pronounced environmental changes. We integrate ecological community metadata of 7,694 sampling sites for multiple or ganism groups in a machine learning model framework to map the research probability across the Brazilian Amazonia, while identifying the region’s vulnerability to environmental change. 15%–18% of the most ne glected areas in ecological research are expected to experience severe climate or land use changes by 2050. This means that unless we take immediate action, we will not be able to establish their current status, much less monitor how it is changing and what is being lostinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Pervasive gaps in Amazonian ecological research

Biodiversity loss is one of the main challenges of our time,1,2 and attempts to address it require a clear understanding of how ecological communities respond to environmental change across time and space.3,4 While the increasing availability of global databases on ecological communities has advanced our knowledge of biodiversity sensitivity to environmental changes,5,6,7 vast areas of the tropics remain understudied.8,9,10,11 In the American tropics, Amazonia stands out as the world's most diverse rainforest and the primary source of Neotropical biodiversity,12 but it remains among the least known forests in America and is often underrepresented in biodiversity databases.13,14,15 To worsen this situation, human-induced modifications16,17 may eliminate pieces of the Amazon's biodiversity puzzle before we can use them to understand how ecological communities are responding. To increase generalization and applicability of biodiversity knowledge,18,19 it is thus crucial to reduce biases in ecological research, particularly in regions projected to face the most pronounced environmental changes. We integrate ecological community metadata of 7,694 sampling sites for multiple organism groups in a machine learning model framework to map the research probability across the Brazilian Amazonia, while identifying the region's vulnerability to environmental change. 15%–18% of the most neglected areas in ecological research are expected to experience severe climate or land use changes by 2050. This means that unless we take immediate action, we will not be able to establish their current status, much less monitor how it is changing and what is being lost

Epidemiology of hepatitis B infection among manual sugar cane cutters in Brazil: a multicentric study

Submitted by Luciana Ferreira ([email protected]) on 2018-05-23T11:02:07Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Luana Rocha da Cunha Rosa - 2018.pdf: 2963447 bytes, checksum: 815df889754ae2ebd98618b9edc622ab (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5)Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira ([email protected]) on 2018-05-23T11:47:42Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Luana Rocha da Cunha Rosa - 2018.pdf: 2963447 bytes, checksum: 815df889754ae2ebd98618b9edc622ab (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5)Made available in DSpace on 2018-05-23T11:47:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Luana Rocha da Cunha Rosa - 2018.pdf: 2963447 bytes, checksum: 815df889754ae2ebd98618b9edc622ab (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-03-05Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPqDespite the impact of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) worldwide in diverse populations, investigations have focused on urban groups with few studies targeting the rural population. In Brazil, manual sugarcane cutters are rural workers exposed to multiple challenging conditions that increase their vulnerability to HBV. The objective of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of hepatitis B in manual sugar cane cutters from the States of Goiás and Paraíba. This is a multicentric analytical cross-sectional study carried out in the states of Goiás and Paraíba, in the Midwest and Northeast regions of Brazil, respectively. Data collection took place in 2016, and 937 sugarcane cutters aged 18 or over were recruited. All subjects were interviewed and tested for the detection of hepatitis B serological markers (HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Univariate and multivariate analyses with logistic regression were used to identify association between HBV exposure and sociodemographic and behavioral variables. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Federal Universities of Goiás and Paraíba. All participants (n = 937) were male, mostly young adults (68.9%), with an average age of 35.4 years, and natives of the Northeast Region of the country (85.7%). Of the total, 78.8% reported monthly income less than BRL$2,000.00 (about USD$540) and almost half (47.4%) declared four years of education or less. Among the participants, 49.4% started sexual activity early, aged between 7 and 15 years; 77.2% reported history of alcohol use; 29.6% reported experience living in shared housing; 39.8% reported two or more sexual partners in the last year; and 46.5% reported not having used a condom in the same period. In addition, 45.8% shared sharp personal hygiene instruments; 55.0% reported previous hospitalization, and 53.9% had at least one work related accident. The overall prevalence of HBV exposure was 15.9% (95% CI: 13.7% - 18.4%). The HBsAg marker was detected in seven individuals, all of whom presented at least one risk behavior for hepatitis B. Only 20.6% (n = 193, 95% CI: 23.1% - 23.3%) tested positive for isolated anti-HBs, indicating previous vaccination. It was observed that reports of two or more sexual partners in the last 12 months and history of hospital admission (p<0.05) were predictors of HBV exposure, confirming these routes of parenteral and sexual transmission. These results demonstrate the need for effective hepatitis B prevention strategies among sugarcane cutters, focusing on timing, supply and administration of hepatitis B vaccine.Apesar do grande impacto do vírus da hepatite B (HBV) em todo mundo, investigações têm se concentrado em grupos urbanos, sendo poucos estudos voltados para a população rural. No Brasil, os cortadores de cana-de-açúcar manual compõem um grupo de trabalhadores rurais expostos a um cenário multifatorial, que os tornam vulneráveis ao HBV. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a epidemiologia da hepatite B em cortadores de cana-de-açúcar manual dos Estados de Goiás e Paraíba. Trata-se de uma investigação multicêntrica, de corte transversal e analítico, realizada nos Estados de Goiás e Paraíba, Região Centro-Oeste e Nordeste do Brasil, respectivamente. A coleta de dados ocorreu em 2016 e foram recrutados 937 cortadores de cana-de-açúcar, com idade igual ou acima de 18 anos. Todos os indivíduosforam entrevistados e testados para a detecção dos marcadores sorológicos da hepatite B (HBsAg, anti-HBs e anti-HBc), por meio do ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA). Análises univariada e múltipla, por meio da regressão logística, foram utilizadas para identificar associação entre exposição ao HBV e variáveis sociodemográficas e comportamentais. O presente estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa das Universidades Federais de Goiás e Paraíba. Todos os cortadores de cana (n=937) eram do sexo masculino, majoritariamente adultos jovens (68,9%), com idade média de 35,4 anos e naturais da Região Nordeste do país (85,7%). Do total, 78,8% referiram renda mensal inferior a R$ 2.000,00 (dois mil reais) e quase a metade dos participantes (47,4%) declarou quatro anos de estudo ou menos. Entre os participantes, 49,4% iniciaram a atividade sexual precocemente, com idade entre 7 e 15 anos; 77,2% relataram ingestão de bebida alcoólica; 29,6% informaram experiência em moradia compartilhada; 39,8% afirmaram dois ou mais parceiros sexuais no último ano; e 46,5% mencionaram não ter utilizado o preservativo em igual período. Além disso, 45,8% compartilharam material cortante de higiene; 55,0% referiram história de internação hospitalar e 53,9% sofreram acidente no trabalho. A prevalência global de exposição ao HBV foi de 15,9% (IC 95%: 13,7% - 18,4%). O marcador de infecção HBsAg foi detectado em sete indivíduos, todos apresentaram pelo menos um comportamento de risco para hepatite B. Somente 20,6% (n=193; IC 95%: 18,1% - 23,3%) apresentaram títulos de anti-HBs isolado, indicando vacinação prévia. Observou-se que relato de dois ou mais parceiros sexuais nos últimos doze meses e história de internação hospitalar (p<0,05) foram preditores para a exposição ao HBV, ratificando as vias de transmissão parenteral e sexual. Esses resultados mostram a necessidade de estratégias efetivas de prevenção da hepatite B entre os cortadores de cana, com foco na oportunidade, oferta e administração da vacina contra hepatite B

Molecular detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex species in triatomines found in urban households and Peridomiciles in a city with high prevalence of tuberculosis in Northeastern Brazil

Coordenação d e A p e r f e i ç o a m e n t o d e P e s s o a l d e N í v e l Superior – Brasil (CAPES) – Finance Code 001 and Fundação Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (FUNCAP)/CAPES Grant Number 88887.165958/2018‑00Federal University of Ceará. Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine. Fortaleza, CE, BrazilMinistério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil / State University of Pará. Postgraduate Program in Parasitic Biology in the Amazon. Belém, PA, BrazilMinistério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil / State University of Pará. Postgraduate Program in Parasitic Biology in the Amazon. Belém, PA, BrazilFortaleza University. Postgraduate Program in Public Health. Fortaleza, CE, BrazilMinistério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Ananindeua, PA, BrasilFederal University of Ceará. Medicine School. Sobral, CE, BrazilSobral Health Secretary. Sobral Zoonoses Surveillance Unit. Sobral, CE, BrazilFederal University of Ceará. Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine. Fortaleza, CE, BrazilFederal University of Ceará. Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine. Fortaleza, CE, BrazilFederal University of Ceará. Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine. Fortaleza, CE, BrazilBackground: Triatomine insects, native to northeastern Brazil, have been found in the urban peridomicile. The city of Sobral has a high number of tuberculosis cases and several triatomine species. This study investigates the presence of mycobacteria, particularly Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) species, in triatomines captured in the urban perimeter of Sobral. Methods: We analyzed 167 triatomines captured in urban households and peridomiciles of Sobral. Mycobacteria were identified by the PRA-hsp65 method followed by partial sequencing of the hsp65 and rpoB genes. The sequences confirmed as MTBC were also typed by mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units-variable number tandem repeats (MIRU-VNTR) and spoligotyping. Results: Triatoma brasiliensis (38.6%), Triatoma pseudomaculata (32.9%), Panstrongylus lutzi (24.3%) were the most frequently identified. In 51.1% (70/167) of them, species of the Mycobacteriaceae family were detected by PRA-hsp65; of these, 31.4% (22/70) were identified as belonging to MTBC species. Nine (12.9%) of the triatomine samples were confirmed by sequencing as belonging to MTBC species. MIRU-VNTR genotyping suggests that the presence of different MTBC sublines in the triatomines should be investigated. Conclusion: This is the first report of MTBC lineages in triatomine insects. These results indicate the migration and adaptation of these insects in an urban setting

Epidemiology of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C among manual cane cutters in low-income regions of Brazil

Abstract Background In recent decades the epidemic of asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections has extended deep into Brazil, including small towns and rural areas. The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C viruses (HCV), and to evaluate immunization coverage against hepatitis B in a group of rural workers in Brazil. Methods In 2016, a cross-sectional study was conducted with 937 manual sugarcane cutters of the Midwest and Northeast Regions of Brazil. All individuals were interviewed and screened for HIV, syphilis, HBV and HCV. Correlating factors with lifetime HBV infection were investigated using logistic regression. Positive Predictive Values, Negative Predictive Values, sensitivity and specificity were also calculated relative to vaccination against Hepatitis B, comparing anti-HBs titers to vaccination reports. Results Most reported previous hospitalization (55%), occupational injuries (54%), sharing of personal items (45.8%), alcohol consumption (77.2%), multiple sexual partners in previous 12 months (39.8%), and no condom use during sexual intercourse in last 12 months (46.5%). Only 0.2% reported using injection drugs. Anti-HIV-1 was detected in three individuals (0.3%). Serological markers of lifetime syphilis (treponemal test) were detected in 2.5% (95% CI: 1.6–3.6) of participants, and active syphilis (treponemal test and VDRL) present in 1.2%. No samples were positive for anti-HCV. The prevalence of lifetime HBV infection (current or past infection) was 15.9%, and 0.7% (95% CI 0.4 to 1.5) were HBsAg-positive. Previous hospitalization (OR 1.53, CI 1.05–2.24, p < 0.01) and multiple sexual partners in the last 12 months (OR 1.80, CI 1.25–2.60, p < 0.01) were predictors for lifetime HBV infection. Although 46.7% (95% CI 43.4–49.9) of individuals reported having been vaccinated against hepatitis B, only 20.6% (95% CI 18.1–23.3) showed serological evidence of previous hepatitis B vaccination (positive for anti-HBs alone). Conclusions The high prevalence of syphilis and HBV compared to the general population and the high frequency of risk behaviors show the potential for sexual and parenteral dissemination of these agents in this rural population. In addition, the low frequency of hepatitis B vaccinated individuals suggests a need for improved vaccination services

Resumo em andamento - Arquitetura e Urbanismo

Resumo em andamento - Arquitetura e Urbanism

Resumos concluídos - Medicina

Resumos concluídos - Medicin

NEOTROPICAL XENARTHRANS: a data set of occurrence of xenarthran species in the Neotropics

Xenarthrans—anteaters, sloths, and armadillos—have essential functions for ecosystem maintenance, such as insect control and nutrient cycling, playing key roles as ecosystem engineers. Because of habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting pressure, and conflicts with domestic dogs, these species have been threatened locally, regionally, or even across their full distribution ranges. The Neotropics harbor 21 species of armadillos, 10 anteaters, and 6 sloths. Our data set includes the families Chlamyphoridae (13), Dasypodidae (7), Myrmecophagidae (3), Bradypodidae (4), and Megalonychidae (2). We have no occurrence data on Dasypus pilosus (Dasypodidae). Regarding Cyclopedidae, until recently, only one species was recognized, but new genetic studies have revealed that the group is represented by seven species. In this data paper, we compiled a total of 42,528 records of 31 species, represented by occurrence and quantitative data, totaling 24,847 unique georeferenced records. The geographic range is from the southern United States, Mexico, and Caribbean countries at the northern portion of the Neotropics, to the austral distribution in Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay. Regarding anteaters, Myrmecophaga tridactyla has the most records (n = 5,941), and Cyclopes sp. have the fewest (n = 240). The armadillo species with the most data is Dasypus novemcinctus (n = 11,588), and the fewest data are recorded for Calyptophractus retusus (n = 33). With regard to sloth species, Bradypus variegatus has the most records (n = 962), and Bradypus pygmaeus has the fewest (n = 12). Our main objective with Neotropical Xenarthrans is to make occurrence and quantitative data available to facilitate more ecological research, particularly if we integrate the xenarthran data with other data sets of Neotropical Series that will become available very soon (i.e., Neotropical Carnivores, Neotropical Invasive Mammals, and Neotropical Hunters and Dogs). Therefore, studies on trophic cascades, hunting pressure, habitat loss, fragmentation effects, species invasion, and climate change effects will be possible with the Neotropical Xenarthrans data set. Please cite this data paper when using its data in publications. We also request that researchers and teachers inform us of how they are using these data