The network of associations between antimicrobial consumption, biosecurity, vaccination and production : an analysis of Danish sow herds using additive bayesian networks

Dissertação de Mestrado Integrado em Medicina VeterináriaThere is an increasing understanding that antimicrobial consumption must kept low, while not compromising productivity, in modern animal farming. However, viable alternatives to antimicrobials are needed. Using data regarding antimicrobial prescription, production, biosecurity and vaccination, amongst others, this project included an analysis of the network of interdependencies between these variables, to deepen the understanding of the interactions between the factors which make up pig farming. The dataset included data from 160 Danish sow herds, with information regarding the sow and the weaner sector of the production. With this in mind, additive bayesian networks methodologies were applied - a multivariate technique suited to process datasets of considerable size and complexity, which returns as final output a directed acyclic graph, representing of the network of associations between the parameters, and differencing direct from indirect ones. As such, it was discovered no association regarding antimicrobial consumption-related variables, indicating other factores, such as biosecurity, as more impactful in sow farming. The Danish SPF system, and all the standards it implies, also appeared as relevant. Although these results must be interpreted having the context of Danish pig farming in mind, it nonetheless reveals it is possible a reduction of the dependence in antimicrobials.RESUMO - A rede de associações entre consumo de antimicrobianos, biosegurança, vacinação e produção: Uma análise de efetivos de porcas na Dinamarca, usando Redes Aditivas Bayesianas - A necessidade de reduzir o consumo de antimicrobianos faz-se sentir cada vez mais, na agropecuária atual. Contudo, é necessário garantir a manutenção dos níveis produtivos aquando desta redução, pelo que se afigura importante a identificação de alternativas viáveis aos antimicrobianos. Utilizando dados relativos à prescrição de antimicrobianos, parâmetros produtivos, biosegurança e vacinação, entre outros, o presente projeto conduziu uma análise à rede de interdependências entre as variáveis, com o objetivo de aprofundar conhecimento sobre a dinâmica das interações entre os vários fatores que determinam a produção porcina. Para o efeito, foi usada a metodologia de redes aditivas bayesianas, uma técnica multivariada destinada a bases de dados de tamanho e complexidade consideráveis, cujo resultado final se materializa num gráfico acíclico direcionado – uma representação visual da rede de associações entre todos os parâmetros, discriminando as diretas das indiretas. Como tal, foi descoberta uma ausência de associações relacionadas com consumo de antimicrobianos, indicando um maior impacto de outros fatores, como a biosegurança, na produção de porcas. O sistema SPF dinamarquês, e todos os padrões que engloba, também se revelaram influentes. Apesar destes resultados deverem ser interpretados à luz daquilo que é o contexto dinamarquês, constata-se ser possível a redução da dependência em antimicrobianos.N/

INFLUÊNCIA DO ESPAÇAMENTO DE PLANTIO NA PRODUÇÃO ENERGÉTICA DE CLONES DE Corymbia e Eucalyptus

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o crescimento inicial, a massa específica básica, a produção da biomassa e analisar quimicamente a madeira e casca de dois clones de Eucalyptus (um híbrido espontâneo de Eucalyptus urophylla S.T. Blake; um híbrido tri-cross de Eucalyptus urophylla S.T. Blake x (E. camaldulensis Dehn x E. grandis Hill ex Maiden) e um híbrido de Corymbia citriodora (Hook) K. D. Hill & L. A. Johnson x C. torelliana (F. Muell) K. D. Hill & L. A. Johnson, distribuídos em três espaçamentos de plantio: 3x3m; 3x1,5m; e 3x1m, na idade de 12 meses. O estudo foi conduzido num experimento localizado no município de Itamarandiba, MG, em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com quatro repetições, em um esquema fatorial 3x3, considerando como níveis dos fatores os diferentes clones e os espaçamentos de plantio. Observou-se para os três clones, que o espaçamento 3x3m proporcionou plantas com maior crescimento em diâmetro a altura do peito (DAP) em relação aos demais espaçamentos. Os diferentes espaçamentos de plantio não induziram a variação da massa específica básica da madeira e das cascas nos clones estudados. O aumento da densidade de plantio apresentou relação direta com a produção de biomassa por unidade de área. Observou-se decréscimo dos teores de lignina na casca do espaçamento mais aberto para os espaçamentos mais adensados para dois clones, e igual tendência para o teor de lignina na madeira para outros dois clones

Provision of health care actions and services for the management of HIV/AIDS from the users’ perspective

Objetivo Analizar la oferta de acciones en los servicios de salud que prestan asistencia a las personas que viven con SIDA en el seguimiento de los servicios especializados del municipio de Ribeirão Preto-SP. Método Estudo descriptivo, exploratorio, del tipo encuesta. Se llevaron a cabo entrevistas con cuestionario estructurado y análisis de datos por medio de estadísticas descriptivas. Resultados La oferta de acciones y servicios de salud se la ve como regular. Para los 301 sujetos, la atención de rutina por el equipo de referencia; exámenes de laboratorio y facilitación de antirretrovirales, vacunas y preservativos obtuvieron evaluación satisfactoria. Evaluadas como regular la oferta de exámenes para la prevención y el diagnóstico de comorbilidades, e insatisfactoria la oferta de atención especializada por otros profesionales; de grupos de apoyo psicosocial y fármacos preventivos de efecto colateral de los antirretrovirales. Conclusión Debilidades permean el seguimiento y la gestión del cuidado, con predominio del enfoque biologicista, centrado en el médico, en el que el control clínico y el acceso a la Terapia Antirretroviral se constituyen como el enfoque esencial de la asistencia prestada.
Objetivo Analisar a oferta de ações nos serviços de saúde que prestam assistência às pessoas que vivem com aids em acompanhamento nos serviços especializados do município de Ribeirão Preto-SP. Método Estudo descritivo, exploratório, do tipo inquérito. Foram realizadas entrevistas com questionário estruturado e análise dos dados por meio de estatísticas descritivas. Resultados A oferta de ações e serviços de saúde é vista como regular. Para os 301 sujeitos, o atendimento de rotina pela equipe de referência; exames laboratoriais e disponibilização de antirretrovirais, vacinas e preservativos obtiveram avaliação satisfatória. Avaliadas como regulares a oferta de exames para prevenção e diagnóstico de comorbidades, e insatisfatória a oferta de atendimento especializado por outros profissionais; de grupos de apoio psicossocial e medicamentos preventivos de efeito colateral dos antirretrovirais. Conclusão Debilidades permeiam o acompanhamento e a gestão do cuidado, com predomínio do enfoque biologicista, médico-centrado, no qual o controle clínico e o acesso a Terapia Antirretroviral constituem-se como o foco essencial da assistência prestada.


Objective To analyse the provision of health care actions and services for people living with AIDS and receiving specialised care in Ribeirão Preto, SP. Method A descriptive, exploratory, survey-type study that consisted of interviews with structured questionnaires and data analysis using descriptive statistics. Results The provision of health care actions and services is perceived as fair. For the 301 subjects, routine care provided by the reference team, laboratory tests and the availability of antiretroviral drugs, vaccines and condoms obtained satisfactory evaluations. The provision of tests for the prevention and diagnosis of comorbidities was assessed as fair, whereas the provisions of specialised care by other professionals, psychosocial support groups and medicines for the prevention of antiretroviral side effects were assessed as unsatisfactory. Conclusion Shortcomings were observed in follow-up and care management along with a predominantly biological, doctor-centred focus in which clinical control and access to antiretroviral therapy comprise the essential focus of the care provided.

Physical distancing and mental well-being in youth population of Portugal and Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic

Funding Information: This paper was made possible with the scholarship from FCT and to the Unidade de I&D CHRC – Comprehensive Health Research Centre (UI/BD/150908/2021). Also to CAPES (Code 001) and CNPQ (Research Productivity Scholarship Process 304483/2018-4). The databases are anonymous, guaranteeing data confidentiality. Funding Information: Fundação para a ciência e tecnologia (FCT) and the Unidade de I&D CHRC – Comprehensive Health Research Centre (UI/BD/150908/2021). Also to CAPES (Code 001) and CNPQ (Research Productivity Scholarship Process 304483/2018-4) Publisher Copyright: © 2022Background: The COVID-19 pandemic may affect youth's physical and mental well-being, partially because of the countries' rules to contain the virus from spreading. However, there is still uncertainty about the impact of physical distancing on youth's mental health. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of feeling agitated, anxious, down, sad, or low mood (FNF) due to physical distance measures and verify which factors are associated with young Portuguese and Brazilian people. Methods: We used cross-sectional data from the instrument "COVID-19 Barometer: Social Opinion"in Portugal (March 2020 and September 2021) and from "COVID-19 Social Thermometer"in Brazil (August 2020 to April 2021); these surveys included data regarding the health and socioeconomic impact on the population. The health and sociodemographic variables of the two countries were summarized as absolute and relative frequencies. A multivariable logistic regression model was fit by country to estimate the relation between FNF and selected variables of interest. Results: Approximately 36% of the sample studied reported anxiety, agitation, sadness, or low mood almost every day in Portugal and 52% in Brazil due to physical distancing. In Portugal, having more than two comorbidities represented a greater chance of experiencing FNF every day or almost every day (odds ratio [OR] = 1.51 [CI: 1.22-1.87]) than those without comorbidities. In contrast, having a university education level represented a protector factor (OR = 0.76 [CI: 0.67-0.88]). In Brazil, being unemployed increased the chance of FNF compared to students (OR = 11.2). Conclusions: Physical distancing measures have impacted the mental well-being of the young population in Portugal and Brazil. The countries must make a quick effort to attend to and protect young people's well-being and mental health in the changing context of the current pandemic.publishersversioninpres

MAMMALS IN PORTUGAL : A data set of terrestrial, volant, and marine mammal occurrences in P ortugal

Mammals are threatened worldwide, with 26% of all species being includedin the IUCN threatened categories. This overall pattern is primarily associatedwith habitat loss or degradation, and human persecution for terrestrial mam-mals, and pollution, open net fishing, climate change, and prey depletion formarine mammals. Mammals play a key role in maintaining ecosystems func-tionality and resilience, and therefore information on their distribution is cru-cial to delineate and support conservation actions. MAMMALS INPORTUGAL is a publicly available data set compiling unpublishedgeoreferenced occurrence records of 92 terrestrial, volant, and marine mam-mals in mainland Portugal and archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira thatincludes 105,026 data entries between 1873 and 2021 (72% of the data occur-ring in 2000 and 2021). The methods used to collect the data were: live obser-vations/captures (43%), sign surveys (35%), camera trapping (16%),bioacoustics surveys (4%) and radiotracking, and inquiries that represent lessthan 1% of the records. The data set includes 13 types of records: (1) burrowsjsoil moundsjtunnel, (2) capture, (3) colony, (4) dead animaljhairjskullsjjaws, (5) genetic confirmation, (6) inquiries, (7) observation of live animal (8),observation in shelters, (9) photo trappingjvideo, (10) predators dietjpelletsjpine cones/nuts, (11) scatjtrackjditch, (12) telemetry and (13) vocalizationjecholocation. The spatial uncertainty of most records ranges between 0 and100 m (76%). Rodentia (n=31,573) has the highest number of records followedby Chiroptera (n=18,857), Carnivora (n=18,594), Lagomorpha (n=17,496),Cetartiodactyla (n=11,568) and Eulipotyphla (n=7008). The data setincludes records of species classified by the IUCN as threatened(e.g.,Oryctolagus cuniculus[n=12,159],Monachus monachus[n=1,512],andLynx pardinus[n=197]). We believe that this data set may stimulate thepublication of other European countries data sets that would certainly contrib-ute to ecology and conservation-related research, and therefore assisting onthe development of more accurate and tailored conservation managementstrategies for each species. There are no copyright restrictions; please cite thisdata paper when the data are used in publications.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Photography-based taxonomy is inadequate, unnecessary, and potentially harmful for biological sciences

The question whether taxonomic descriptions naming new animal species without type specimen(s) deposited in collections should be accepted for publication by scientific journals and allowed by the Code has already been discussed in Zootaxa (Dubois & Nemésio 2007; Donegan 2008, 2009; Nemésio 2009a–b; Dubois 2009; Gentile & Snell 2009; Minelli 2009; Cianferoni & Bartolozzi 2016; Amorim et al. 2016). This question was again raised in a letter supported by 35 signatories published in the journal Nature (Pape et al. 2016) on 15 September 2016. On 25 September 2016, the following rebuttal (strictly limited to 300 words as per the editorial rules of Nature) was submitted to Nature, which on 18 October 2016 refused to publish it. As we think this problem is a very important one for zoological taxonomy, this text is published here exactly as submitted to Nature, followed by the list of the 493 taxonomists and collection-based researchers who signed it in the short time span from 20 September to 6 October 2016

Geographic patterns of tree dispersal modes in Amazonia and their ecological correlates

Aim: To investigate the geographic patterns and ecological correlates in the geographic distribution of the most common tree dispersal modes in Amazonia (endozoochory, synzoochory, anemochory and hydrochory). We examined if the proportional abundance of these dispersal modes could be explained by the availability of dispersal agents (disperser-availability hypothesis) and/or the availability of resources for constructing zoochorous fruits (resource-availability hypothesis). Time period: Tree-inventory plots established between 1934 and 2019. Major taxa studied: Trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 9.55 cm. Location: Amazonia, here defined as the lowland rain forests of the Amazon River basin and the Guiana Shield. Methods: We assigned dispersal modes to a total of 5433 species and morphospecies within 1877 tree-inventory plots across terra-firme, seasonally flooded, and permanently flooded forests. We investigated geographic patterns in the proportional abundance of dispersal modes. We performed an abundance-weighted mean pairwise distance (MPD) test and fit generalized linear models (GLMs) to explain the geographic distribution of dispersal modes. Results: Anemochory was significantly, positively associated with mean annual wind speed, and hydrochory was significantly higher in flooded forests. Dispersal modes did not consistently show significant associations with the availability of resources for constructing zoochorous fruits. A lower dissimilarity in dispersal modes, resulting from a higher dominance of endozoochory, occurred in terra-firme forests (excluding podzols) compared to flooded forests. Main conclusions: The disperser-availability hypothesis was well supported for abiotic dispersal modes (anemochory and hydrochory). The availability of resources for constructing zoochorous fruits seems an unlikely explanation for the distribution of dispersal modes in Amazonia. The association between frugivores and the proportional abundance of zoochory requires further research, as tree recruitment not only depends on dispersal vectors but also on conditions that favour or limit seedling recruitment across forest types

Geography and ecology shape the phylogenetic composition of Amazonian tree communities

AimAmazonia hosts more tree species from numerous evolutionary lineages, both young and ancient, than any other biogeographic region. Previous studies have shown that tree lineages colonized multiple edaphic environments and dispersed widely across Amazonia, leading to a hypothesis, which we test, that lineages should not be strongly associated with either geographic regions or edaphic forest types.LocationAmazonia.TaxonAngiosperms (Magnoliids; Monocots; Eudicots).MethodsData for the abundance of 5082 tree species in 1989 plots were combined with a mega-phylogeny. We applied evolutionary ordination to assess how phylogenetic composition varies across Amazonia. We used variation partitioning and Moran's eigenvector maps (MEM) to test and quantify the separate and joint contributions of spatial and environmental variables to explain the phylogenetic composition of plots. We tested the indicator value of lineages for geographic regions and edaphic forest types and mapped associations onto the phylogeny.ResultsIn the terra firme and várzea forest types, the phylogenetic composition varies by geographic region, but the igapó and white-sand forest types retain a unique evolutionary signature regardless of region. Overall, we find that soil chemistry, climate and topography explain 24% of the variation in phylogenetic composition, with 79% of that variation being spatially structured (R2 = 19% overall for combined spatial/environmental effects). The phylogenetic composition also shows substantial spatial patterns not related to the environmental variables we quantified (R2 = 28%). A greater number of lineages were significant indicators of geographic regions than forest types.Main ConclusionNumerous tree lineages, including some ancient ones (>66 Ma), show strong associations with geographic regions and edaphic forest types of Amazonia. This shows that specialization in specific edaphic environments has played a long-standing role in the evolutionary assembly of Amazonian forests. Furthermore, many lineages, even those that have dispersed across Amazonia, dominate within a specific region, likely because of phylogenetically conserved niches for environmental conditions that are prevalent within regions

Geography and ecology shape the phylogenetic composition of Amazonian tree communities

Aim: Amazonia hosts more tree species from numerous evolutionary lineages, both young and ancient, than any other biogeographic region. Previous studies have shown that tree lineages colonized multiple edaphic environments and dispersed widely across Amazonia, leading to a hypothesis, which we test, that lineages should not be strongly associated with either geographic regions or edaphic forest types. Location: Amazonia. Taxon: Angiosperms (Magnoliids; Monocots; Eudicots). Methods: Data for the abundance of 5082 tree species in 1989 plots were combined with a mega-phylogeny. We applied evolutionary ordination to assess how phylogenetic composition varies across Amazonia. We used variation partitioning and Moran\u27s eigenvector maps (MEM) to test and quantify the separate and joint contributions of spatial and environmental variables to explain the phylogenetic composition of plots. We tested the indicator value of lineages for geographic regions and edaphic forest types and mapped associations onto the phylogeny. Results: In the terra firme and várzea forest types, the phylogenetic composition varies by geographic region, but the igapó and white-sand forest types retain a unique evolutionary signature regardless of region. Overall, we find that soil chemistry, climate and topography explain 24% of the variation in phylogenetic composition, with 79% of that variation being spatially structured (R$^{2}$ = 19% overall for combined spatial/environmental effects). The phylogenetic composition also shows substantial spatial patterns not related to the environmental variables we quantified (R$^{2}$ = 28%). A greater number of lineages were significant indicators of geographic regions than forest types. Main Conclusion: Numerous tree lineages, including some ancient ones (>66 Ma), show strong associations with geographic regions and edaphic forest types of Amazonia. This shows that specialization in specific edaphic environments has played a long-standing role in the evolutionary assembly of Amazonian forests. Furthermore, many lineages, even those that have dispersed across Amazonia, dominate within a specific region, likely because of phylogenetically conserved niches for environmental conditions that are prevalent within regions