• 2020-2024close
• Open Access close
• Closed Access close
• Publications close
• Research software close
• Other research products close
• BR close

Abstract: Aim To test how different taxonomic and functional groups of aquatic insects from high-altitude streams respond to environmental and spatial gradients at multiple scales in Southeast of Brazil. Methods Specimens were collected in 26 high-altitude streams distributed over a gradient of previously defined environmental quality. The taxonomic identification was made at the genus level and the functional classification was based on traits of flight capacity and pollution tolerance compiled from specific literature. We obtained local in situ data (limnological, sediments, and organic matter), as well as calculated land use at the riparian and drainage basin scale. A variation partitioning approach was used to explain species composition based on different response matrices deconstructed by both taxonomic groups and functional traits. The explanatory matrices encompassed environmental variables at three spatial scales and spatial variables extracted from Principal Components of Neighbor Matrices analysis. A linear model was applied to verify the possible correlation between spatial and environmental components. Results The contribution of the spatial and environmental components varied strongly between taxonomic and functional groups. For taxonomic groups, the pure environmental component was more important for Odonata and Trichoptera, while spatial variables were more important for Diptera (non-Chironomidae) and Chironomidae, Coleoptera, Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Megaloptera. The sensitive groups with good flight capacity showed a greater environmental signature while the tolerant groups with low flight capacity had a greater spatial signature. Moreover, the important variables for explaining community variation were from different spatial scale (local, riparian and watershed) depending either on the analyzed taxonomic or on functional groups. However, a general effect of forests was found in several groups. Conclusions It is necessary to consider the joint effect of evolutionary natural history of groups, as well as their functional traits in the structuring of metacommunities, since only taxonomic resolutions may not be sufficient to detect assembly processes at multiple spatial scales.

ABSTRACT The pathogenesis of acute kidney injury (AKI) in malaria is not yet fully understood, however, it is a well-known complication that occurs in 40% of patients with severe P. falciparum disease and can contribute to high mortality rates (around 75% of cases). The present study aimed to analyze whether vital signs can indicate AKI in patients with malaria. The study was a cross-sectional study and quantitative approach. Of the 194 patients admitted, 115(59%) had creatinine values below 1.4 mg/dL, 41%(79) had some kidney damage, 13%(26) with AKI1, 6%(12) AKI2, 5%(10) AKI3 and 16%(31) AKD. Most patients were male 59%(114) and the mean weight was 64.7 kg. The average temperature increased as the kidney condition worsened, where patients AKI1 (36.7 °C), AKI2 (37.2 °C), AKI3 (37.6 °C), and AKD (37.8 °C). The blood pressure was higher in patients with AKI1 (147/97 mmHg), pulse was higher in patients without AKI (104.5 pulsations/minute), the respiratory cycle was slightly higher in patients without AKI, AKI1, AKI2, and AKI3 (with averages above 20.8 breathing cycles/minutes). Mortality increased in renal condition worsened, were patients without AKI was 2%(2/115), AKI1 12%(3/26), AKI2 8%(1/12), AKI3 60%(6/10), and AKD 32%(10/32). We conclude that vital signs could be considered indicators of kidney damage, especially when there is little laboratory diagnostic capacity, and can be an excellent help for health professionals in the assessment and decision-making in the treatment of patients with malaria.

This paper explores China’s public diplomacy in Brazil by focusing on the use of media partnership agreements that allow Beijing to gain greater agency in shaping the country’s image in the region. We examine the partnership between China Central Television and Brazil’s BandNews TV and the co-production of Mundo China, a short news segment solely focused on stories about China. By conducting quantitative content analyses, we assess the ways in which Chinese sources and voices are used on BandNews TV to communicate the authentic China to Brazilian audiences, and we seek to identify any possible correlation with the tone with which China is presented. The results show that Chinese sources and voices are a prominent feature on BandNews TV, and their use is accompanied by a more positive tone than in the way China is depicted on other channels. Additionally, the use of Chinese correspondents signals a partnership that exceeds the co-production of Mundo China. Finally, the data reveal that Chinese media engagement with other broadcasters is also bearing fruit.

AbstractAimTo compare oral health indicators of children/adolescents with Down syndrome (DS) with a group of children/adolescents without DS.Methods and ResultsThis cross‐sectional study included 144 individuals with DS, ages 4 to 18 years, matched for age and sex with a group of 144 individuals without DS, and their parents/caregivers. Parents/caregivers completed a questionnaire regarding sociodemographic information and habits related to their children's oral health. Clinical examination of the children/adolescents evaluated dental caries experience (DMFT/dmft), bleeding on periodontal probing, presence of visible plaque, clinical consequences of untreated dental caries (PUFA/pufa), and malocclusion (DAI). The chi‐square test, linear by linear test, and Mann‐Whitney test were used to compare the variables between the groups (p < .05). Children/adolescents without DS brushed their teeth more times per day (p < .001) and had a higher frequency of daily sugar intake (p < .001). The children/adolescents in the DS group had a greater presence of gingival bleeding (p < .001) and had a greater number of cases of “severe malocclusion” and “very severe malocclusion” (p = .001). No difference was found in the prevalence of dental caries between the two groups.ConclusionThe children/adolescents in the DS group had a greater presence of gingival bleeding during the clinical examination and had a greater need for orthodontic treatment.

ABSTRACT The use of hybrid genotypes is a good alternative for increasing the flooded rice yield. However, there is a need for validation of the fertilizer management under different edaphoclimatic conditions and its greater profitability. This study aimed to evaluate the grain yield and profitability of rice hybrids in relation to N doses and fertilization with P and K. Five hybrid cultivars and the conventional IRGA 424 CL cultivar combined with four N doses (0, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha-1) were evaluated, all with fixed doses of 90 kg ha-1 of P2O5 and 150 kg ha-1 of K2O, besides an additional treatment without the addition of fertilizers. The N application increases, on average, by 10 and 35 % the flooded rice yield in years with favorable and unfavorable climatic conditions, respectively. Regardless of the year and genotype, the highest yields are obtained with doses of N between 106 and 200 kg ha-1, with the most profitable dose being the 150 kg ha-1 one (22 % higher than for the absence of N). The hybrids produce an average of 20 % more grains than the IRGA 424 CL cultivar, increasing the profitability by 18 %. In soil with adequate P and K availability, there is no increase in yield due to the application of these nutrients. However, in deficient soil, the fertilization with P and K increases the grain yield by 21 %.

Snakebite envenoming (SBE) is a neglected tropical disease with significant global morbidity and mortality. Even when antivenom is available in low-resource areas, health workers do not receive adequate training to manage SBEs. This study aims to develop and validate a clinical practice guideline (CPG) for SBE management across Brazil. A panel of expert judges with academic and/or technical expertise in SBE management performed content validation. The content validity index (CVI) score was 90% for CPG objectives, 89% for structure and presentation and 92% for relevance and classified the CPG as valid. A semantic validation was performed by analyzing focus group discussions with doctors and nurses from three municipalities of the Brazilian Amazon, after a 5-day meeting during which the CPG was presented. Two central themes emerged: knowledge acquired during the meeting and recommendations for improving the CPG. Based on these results, the CPG was revised into a final version. This study presents the successful development and validation process of a CPG for SBE management, which is targeted to a specific low-resource, high-burden setting. This development and validation process can be adapted to other settings and/or other neglected tropical diseases.

The species Acrocinus longimanus, popularly called harlequin beetle, is one of the most emblematic beetles of Neotropical fauna. In the presente study we report on the first record of Acrocinus longimanus (Linnaeus, 1758) in the city of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The specimen was registered in November 2018 in the urban zone of Montes Claros in a residential and commercial area. This is the first record of Acrocinus longimanus in the city of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais and represents only the fourth record of the species in the Brazilian Cerrado region. Our study reinforces the occurrence of this species in the Brazilian Cerrado and the use of urban areas by this longhorned beetle.