Amazon Region Research Articles

Abstract PO5-27-04: The epidemiological profile and lifestyle of non-village indigenous women from Amazonas, Brazil and the likely impact on breast cancer mortality

Abstract Introduction: The high and growing incidence of breast cancer is a reality in almost every continent. However, the low mortality from this neoplasm among indigenous people of Amazonas, Brazil, is an intriguing fact (table 1). Inspite having a lower life expectancy at birth, the magnitude of low mortality is even greater. Indigenous women have gradually integrated into the non-indigenous community, and the reality of low mortality from breast cancer may be at risk of not existing in the future if the justification is in their reproductive epidemiological profile and lifestyle. Objective: This work seeks to find variables that can justify the fact that indigenous women from the Amazon region die less from breast cancer when compared to non-indigenous women. To achieve this, we evaluated reproductive epidemiological factors and lifestyle in non-village indigenous women and compared them with the same data in non-indigenous women. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study consisting of a convenience sample in which all indigenous people treated at the Mastology Outpatient Clinic of the Getúlio Vargas University Hospital of the Federal University of Amazonas were invited to participate from September 2020 to March 2023. There were 126 women: 39 non-village indigenous people who have lived in Manaus for more than 5 years and are integrated into society, 47 non-village indigenous people who live in riverside and interior populations of Amazonas - or in Manaus for less than 5 years - and 40 non-indigenous individuals. A questionnaire in interview format was administered with the objective of evaluating epidemiological and reproductive aspects such as age, education, BMI, menarche, parity, age at first pregnancy, breastfeeding, use of hormonal medications as well as lifestyle factors including smoking, alcohol consumption, dietary habits, physical activity, use of herbs, roots and seeds for therapeutic purposes and practice of religious devotional habits. Results: There was no difference in age, BMI, education, menarche and parity between the interviewed patients, nor in the assessment of the consumption of milk, sugar, fruits, vegetables and legumes, smoking habits, alcohol intake or physical activity between the groups. Indigenous women living in Manaus had a lower age at first pregnancy when compared to non-indigenous women. The variable “breastfeeding time” did not reach statistical significance but demonstrated a very close index (p 0.058) and a tendency to suggest that indigenous people, regardless of their place of residence, breastfeed for a longer duration. Non-indigenous women had a longer history of using hormonal medications when compared to indigenous women living in Manaus. Regarding meat consumption habits, indigenous women living in riverside and interior populations showed higher percentages of sporadic consumption of beef, sporadic consumption of wild animals, and daily consumption of white meat compared to non-indigenous people. On the other hand, non-indigenous women had a higher percentage of never having consumed wild animal meat when compared to the two other groups. Among indigenous women from riverside populations, there was a lower percentage of religious practices. The consumption of herbs, roots or seeds for therapeutic purposes was more commonly observed among indigenous people living in Manaus when compared to non-indigenous people. Conclusion: No epidemiological or lifestyle variables were found in both groups of indigenous people that justify the low mortality from breast cancer in these women. However, although the variable “breastfeeding time” did not reach statistical significance, it demonstrated a very close index (p 0.058) and a tendency to suggest that indigenous people, regardless of their place of residence, breastfeed for a longer duration. This could be a potential explanation for the low mortality from this disease among indigenous women. Table 1: Participation of breast cancer deaths in the total number of deaths in women over 20 years of age in the State of Amazonas Source: prepared by researchers Table 2 - Menarch, parity (childbirth and miscarage), breastfeed, Family history of breast cancer, image exam Table 3: Red and white meat consumption Citation Format: Maria Riselda Vinhote Da Silva, Lilian Cristina De Souza Guimarães, Afonso Nazário, Mariana Guimaraes De Oliveira Castro. The epidemiological profile and lifestyle of non-village indigenous women from Amazonas, Brazil and the likely impact on breast cancer mortality [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO5-27-04.

Metagenomic analysis of microbial consortia native to the Amazon, Highlands, and Galapagos regions of Ecuador with potential for wastewater remediation.

Native microbial consortia have been proposed for biological wastewater treatment, but their diversity and function remain poorly understood. This study investigated three native microalgae-bacteria consortia collected from the Amazon, Highlands, and Galapagos regions of Ecuador to assess their metagenomes and wastewater remediation potential. The consortia were evaluated for 12 days under light (LC) and continuous dark conditions (CDC) to measure their capacity for nutrient and organic matter removal from synthetic wastewater (SWW). Overall, all three consortia demonstrated higher nutrient removal efficiencies under LC than CDC, with the Amazon and Galapagos consortia outperforming the Highlands consortium in nutrient removal capabilities. Despite differences in α- and β-diversity, microbial species diversity within and between consortia did not directly correlate with their nutrient removal capabilities. However, all three consortia were enriched with core taxonomic groups associated with wastewater remediation activities. Our analyses further revealed higher abundances for nutrient removing microorganisms in the Amazon and Galapagos consortia compared with the Highland consortium. Finally, this study also uncovered the contribution of novel microbial groups that enhance wastewater bioremediation processes. These groups have not previously been reported as part of the core microbial groups commonly found in wastewater communities, thereby highlighting the potential of investigating microbial consortia isolated from ecosystems of megadiverse countries like Ecuador.

Managing circular ecosystems in imperfect contexts – the case of extractive fishing in the Brazilian Amazon region

Purpose This study aims to answer the question of how to structure a circular ecosystem for extractive fishing in the Amazon region. It explores possibilities for implementing a circular ecosystem management model in an imperfect market with low technological availability, high informality and limited public assistance. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative approach was adopted for this paper, with a case study on extractive fishing in the state of Amazonas. Data was collected through 35 interviews and direct observation of the processes of collecting, storing and transporting fish on two routes: Tapauá-Manaus and Manacapuru-Manaus. Findings Through the data collected, it was possible to observe the importance of an orchestrating agent – such as an association or even a public authority – for the establishment and development of a circular ecosystem for extractive fishing in the region. Research limitations/implications The paper makes theoretical contributions by presenting how a circular ecosystem management model could be implemented for an imperfect market in the Global South, as well as contributing to the literature on how the circular economy contributes to mitigate the threat to biodiversity posed by the linear economy. Practical implications It contributes to the management practice of structuring circular ecosystems. Social implications The role of public authorities and the collective organization of fishermen as orchestrators connecting the network of actors that develop the extractive fishing ecosystem is fundamental, guaranteeing effective social participation in solving local problems. Originality/value The idea of circular ecosystems was applied to imperfect contexts, with high informality, weak institutions and bioeconomy, topics still little explored in the literature.

A two-dose viral-vectored Plasmodium vivax multistage vaccine confers durable protection and transmission-blockade in a pre-clinical study

Among Plasmodium spp. responsible for human malaria, Plasmodium vivax ranks as the second most prevalent and has the widest geographical range; however, vaccine development has lagged behind that of Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest Plasmodium species. Recently, we developed a multistage vaccine for P. falciparum based on a heterologous prime-boost immunization regimen utilizing the attenuated vaccinia virus strain LC16m8Δ (m8Δ)-prime and adeno-associated virus type 1 (AAV1)-boost, and demonstrated 100% protection and more than 95% transmission-blocking (TB) activity in the mouse model. In this study, we report the feasibility and versatility of this vaccine platform as a P. vivax multistage vaccine, which can provide 100% sterile protection against sporozoite challenge and >95% TB efficacy in the mouse model. Our vaccine comprises m8Δ and AAV1 viral vectors, both harboring the gene encoding two P. vivax circumsporozoite (PvCSP) protein alleles (VK210; PvCSP-Sal and VK247; -PNG) and P25 (Pvs25) expressed as a Pvs25–PvCSP fusion protein. For protective efficacy, the heterologous m8Δ-prime/AAV1-boost immunization regimen showed 100% (short-term; Day 28) and 60% (long-term; Day 242) protection against PvCSP VK210 transgenic Plasmodium berghei sporozoites. For TB efficacy, mouse sera immunized with the vaccine formulation showed >75% TB activity and >95% transmission reduction activity by a direct membrane feeding assay using P. vivax isolates in blood from an infected patient from the Brazilian Amazon region. These findings provide proof-of-concept that the m8Δ/AAV1 vaccine platform is sufficiently versatile for P. vivax vaccine development. Future studies are needed to evaluate the safety, immunogenicity, vaccine efficacy, and synergistic effects on protection and transmission blockade in a non-human primate model for Phase I trials.

Climate Change, Air Pollution, and Human Health in the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region, South Africa, and Amazonas, Brazil: A Narrative Review

Climate Change, Air Pollution, and Human Health in the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region, South Africa, and Amazonas, Brazil: A Narrative Review

Fungi associated with the basidiomes of Hymenochaetaceae (Agaricomycetes, Basidiomycota) in the Amazon

The Hymenochaetaceae are basidiomycete, wood-decomposing fungi that are found in different habitats, including the Amazon region, and can be parasitized or live in association with some plant organisms. This study investigated the cultivable fungi associated with the basidiomes of Hymenochaetaceae collected in different areas of the Brazilian Amazon. In all, 107 specimens of Hymenochaetaceae were collected and 203 strains of associated fungi were obtained, which were grouped into 16 morphogroups, with Trichoderma and Aspergillus being the most representative. A total of 19 strains were identified using the molecular method, which made it easier to find their possible biotechnological applications cited in the literature. This investigation has enabled new discoveries that may be inspire further studies that explore microbial resources through co-culture and the relationship between macrofungi and their associated fungi.

Benefits of the coupling in the downscaling the South American climate

We evaluate the benefits of the use of a regional coupled model over its stand-alone atmospheric component when forced by reanalysis data in the simulation of the South American climate. We find that the coupling allows for a better simulation of important features of the atmospheric circulation and surface temperature. The simulated 2 meters air temperature is improved over most of the continent, the sea level pressure over the South Pacific Anticyclone area is better represented in the coupled simulation and the location of the ITCZ is improved during the austral winter. The precipitation, especially over the Andes, benefits less from the coupling, although a more realistic humidity transport leads to a reduction of the precipitation biases over extensive regions. The austral summer precipitation bias is reduced in areas such as eastern Colombia, northern Bolivia, eastern Brazil and central Argentina. For austral winter, the coupled model has a better performance in a large part of the Amazon region, in areas such as east of Peru, west Brazil, north Bolivia and south Argentina. Moreover, the regionally coupled model not only improves the simulation of important features of the observed atmospheric fields but also demonstrates good skills in reproducing the Humboldt upwelling system. Therefore, our study highlights the advantages of regional coupled models for the simulation of the South American climate, as the ocean-atmosphere interaction is of utmost importance for the circulation mechanisms that determine the climate of the region.

Uncovering the richness of Cerambycidae (Coleoptera) in the Amazon region: new species, notes, and new records

Summary Three new species from Brazil are described: Mionochroma complanatum n. sp. (Cerambycinae, Callichromatini), from Roraima; Plistonax albicans n. sp. (Lamiinae, Acanthoderini) from Acre; and Scythropopsis roraimensis n. sp. (Lamiinae, Acanthoderini) from Roraima. Three species are newly recorded for Brazil: Nealcidion elegans Monné & Monné, 2009 (Lamiinae, Acanthocinini), Paranyssicus quadriguttatus (Buquet, 1860) (Cerambycinae, Elaphidiini) and Penaherreraus pradosiae (Tavakilian & Peñaherrera-Leiva, 2003) (Lamiinae, Acanthoderini). Furthermore, the geographical distribution for 12 additional species is expanded in Brazil to include the Roraima State and one to the Acre State. Mecometopus cauaburi Martins & Galileo, 2011 (Cerambycinae, Clytini) is proposed as a junior-synonym of Mecometopus wallacei (White, 1855) (Cerambycinae, Clytini). Mionochroma vittatum (Fabricius, 1775) (Cerambycinae, Callichromatini) is redescribed and some morphological variations are pointed out.

Variations in the Odonata Assemblages: How Do the Dry Season and Water Bodies Influence Them?

Diverse abiotic and biotic factors drive the ecological variation of communities across spatial and temporal dimensions. Within the Amazonian landscape, various freshwater environments exhibit distinct physicochemical characteristics. Thus, our study delved into the fluctuations of Odonata assemblages amidst distinct water bodies within Amazonia, encompassing two distinct climatic seasons. Comparative analysis was conducted on Odonata species diversity and assemblage composition across a blackwater pond, a lake, and a stream, spanning the initiation and culmination of the dry season in the southwestern Amazon region in Peru. Our methodology involved capturing adult Odonata using entomological nets on three separate occasions between 11:00 and 14:00h for each water body in May (beginning of the dry season) and October (end of the dry season) of 2018. We also evaluated the influence of temperature, precipitation, and percent cloud cover on the abundance and richness of adult Odonata. Species richness and composition differed among the three water bodies in both periods of the dry season. No effect of the dry season periods on species richness and abundance was observed. However, except in the oxbow lake, the more abundant species were substituted to the end of the dry season. Our study highlights the influence of water body types on Odonata species diversity and composition. The effects of the sampling period during the dry season may not be immediately apparent in conventional diversity metrics, such as species richness and abundance. Instead, its effects manifest predominantly in the relative abundance of the species that compose these assemblages.

Validation of challenges in the management of conservation units considering the context of the Amazon Region

This study aimed to identify challenges in the management of conservation units through a literature review and validate them from the perspective of professionals in the field, considering the context of the Amazon Region. To achieve this, a literature review and a survey were conducted with professionals working in the field of conservation unit management. The collected data were analyzed using the Lawshe method. The results indicated that ten out of fifteen analyzed challenges were validated by the professionals. The validated challenges included: lack of financial resources, urbanization advancement, land conflicts, monitoring and enforcement, climate change, deforestation and illegal exploitation, lack of environmental education, political bureaucracy, conflicts with local communities, and corruption. The validated challenges mainly relate to management issues and the lack of more efficient governance strategies. The findings provide valuable insights for the promotion of sustainable conservation policies in the Amazon.

Biodiversity of carbapenem-resistant bacteria in clinical samples from the Southwest Amazon region (Rondônia/Brazil)

Brazil is recognized for its biodiversity and the genetic variability of its organisms. This genetic variability becomes even more valuable when it is properly documented and accessible. Understanding bacterial diversity through molecular characterization is necessary as it can improve patient treatment, reduce the length of hospital stays and the selection of resistant bacteria, and generate data for health and epidemiological surveillance. In this sense, in this study, we aimed to understand the biodiversity and molecular epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant bacteria in clinical samples recovered in the state of Rondônia, located in the Southwest Amazon region. Retrospective data from the Central Public Health Laboratories (LACEN/RO) between 2018 and 2021 were analysed using the Laboratory Environment Manager Platform (GAL). Seventy-two species with carbapenem resistance profiles were identified, of which 25 species carried at least one gene encoding carbapenemases of classes A (blaKPC-like), B (blaNDM-like, blaSPM-like or blaVIM-like) and D (blaOXA-23-like, blaOXA-24-like, blaOXA-48-like, blaOXA-58-like or blaOXA-143-like), among which we will highlight Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Serratia marcescens, and Providencia spp. With these results, we hope to contribute to the field by providing epidemiological molecular data for state surveillance on bacterial resistance and assisting in public policy decision-making.

Stable isotopic composition of Bothrops atrox (common lancehead) in four distinct land covers in eastern Amazonia

AbstractSince consumers reflect the isotopic composition of an assimilated diet, stable isotopes can be a useful tool to address the feeding ecology of tropical snakes. This is the first study reporting carbon and nitrogen stable isotopic composition of Bothrops atrox (Linnaeus, 1758) living in different landscapes located in the lower Amazon river, encompassing four main natural landscapes of the Amazon: old‐growth forests, várzeas (flooded forests), savannas, and pastures. Our null hypothesis is that the δ13C of forest specimens of B.atrox is more negative because forests are dominated by C3 plants, while C4 plants are common in the other landscapes. On the other hand, δ15N of forest specimens should be more positive, since the δ15N of old‐growth forests are higher than plants of savanna, várzea, and pastures. Confirming our hypothesis, the δ13C of B. atrox scales of the Tapajós National Forest was approximate −25‰ to −24‰, increased to approximately −23.5‰ to −23.0‰ in the savanna and pasture, and to −21‰ in the várzea, showing an increased contribution of C4‐derived carbon. Some specimens of B. atrox had δ15N as high as 18‰, which is much higher than the average δ15N of the snake's prey (7‰), confirming the apex position of B. atrox in the Amazon region. The δ15N values of the forest specimens were 5‰ higher than the savanna specimens, and this difference decreased to 3‰ between the forest and the pasture, and the várzea specimens. Finally, there were not large differences between δ15N values of livers and scales in any of the landscapes, suggesting a constant diet through time, and reinforcing the possibility of the use of snake's scale as a less invasive and non‐lethal tissue to analyze.Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.

History of Resistance and Intertwinings: A Post-Colonial Sample Present in 'Orphans of the Eldorado,' by Milton Hatoum

The present study has the scope to carry out an interdisciplinary approach that combines literature and history, in order to explore themes regarding identity resistance, family conflicts and social and political changes in the Amazon region, present in the work Órfãos do Eldorado by the novelist manauara Milton Hatoum. The general objective is to present how the configuration of resistance marks intertwined with the postcolonial bias occurs throughout the work Órfãos do Eldorado. Specific objectives are based on investigating how identity issues are addressed in the context of family history in the Amazon. To describe the sociocultural and historical context of the Amazon portrayed in the work, demonstrating that the relationship between the place and the characters portray marks of the fight against colonial dominance, and to analyze the political themes present in "Órfãos do Eldorado", pointing out that they are related to historical events and social aspects of the Amazon. The methodology will be through the application of the presuppositions of the bibliographical research, and the analytical method will be the north of the interpretation of the plot and the story. Bhabha (1998) in the Local of culture, Said (2011) with the work Cultura e imperialismo, in addition to Nenevé and Sampaio (2016) are the main theoretical guidelines. The result of the research showed that "Orfãos do Eldorado", by Milton Hatoum, stands out with a literature of relevance to the understanding of the social and historical reality of the Amazon, and that presents intertwined marks to the resistance and dynamics of a postcolonial protagonism. 

Review Book Of “Sacha Inchi : a Rich Nutrient Superfood from Amazon.” by Tresno Saras, Tiram Media Publisher, 2023

This book will discuss the history and culture of using sacha inchi, how to process sacha inchi into healthy food and drink products, and the potential for developing sacha inchi as a raw material for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Sacha Inchi, otherwise known as Inca beans or Inca Peanut, is a plant native to South America that grows well in the Amazon Region. Recently, Sacha Inchi has become increasingly popular as a nutrient-rich superfood. In the first chapter In the characteristics of the sacha inchi plant. The author explains that Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) is a plant native to South America, mainly found in the Amazon rainforest region. This plant is known as a superfood plant because of its high nutritional content.

From the seed to the cocoa liquor: Traceability of bioactive compounds during the postharvest process of cocoa in Amazonas-Peru

From cocoa harvest to chocolate, different physical and chemical transformation processes take place. In addition to changes in the main components (lipids and proteins), the content and nature of other compounds of nutritional importance, such as bioactive compounds, which are mainly responsible for chocolate being considered a superfood, are also modified. The objective of this research was to evaluate the behavior of bioactive compounds during postharvest processing of three varieties of cocoa harvested in the Amazonas region of Peru. A batch of cocoa was sampled during five stages of postharvest processing (fresh bean, fermented bean, dry bean, roasted bean and cocoa paste), and the content of phenolic compounds (catechin, epicatechin, gallic acid and caffeic acid) and alkaloids (theobromine, caffeine and theophylline) was quantified by ultra high performance liquid chromatography (U-HPLC). The total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity were determined using spectrophotometric techniques; Folin-Ciocalteu and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical capture. Except for roasting processing, the content of phenolic compounds increased. Theobromine is reduced with fermentation, drying and roasting. Cocoa liquor had a higher content of bioactive compounds, probably because it facilitates availability. Although a slight increase in total phenolic compounds was evident, antioxidant activity decreased to the same degree during postharvest processing of the cocoa bean. In conclusion, postharvest processing of cocoa beans affects their bioactive composition.

Distribution of the Odonata assemblages along an environmental gradient in the streams of the legal Amazonia region in western Maranhão (Brazil)

Distribution of the Odonata assemblages along an environmental gradient in the streams of the legal Amazonia region in western Maranhão (Brazil)

Evaluation of the safety and quality of Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa) using the tools of dna sequencing technology and aflatoxin profile.

Brazil nuts (BNs) result from sustainable extraction and are widely exploited in the Amazon region. Due to the production characteristics in the forest and the nutritional characteristics of these nuts, the occurrence of fungal contamination and the presence of aflatoxins are extensively discussed in the literature as a great aspect of interest and concern. This study aims to evaluate the microbial profile through DNA sequencing and amplification of 16S and ITS genes for bacterial and fungal analysis, respectively, and the presence of mycotoxins using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FD) from different fractions of the nuts processed. The BN samples, harvest A (HA) and harvest B (HB), from two different harvests were collected in an extractive cooperative in the Amazon region for microbiological analysis (from DNA extraction and amplification of 16S genes, bacteria analysis, and ITS for fungi) and mycotoxins (aflatoxins AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2) using HPLC-FD/KobraCell®. The samples showed a very different microbiome and aflatoxin profile. Genera such as Rothia (HA) and Cronobacter (HB) were abundant during the analysis of bacteria; as for fungi, the genera Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Alternaria were also considered prevalent in these samples. Soil microorganisms, including those pathogenic and related to inadequate hygienic-sanitary production practices, as well as aflatoxins, were found in the samples. However, they were within the established limits permitted by Brazilian legislation. Nuts have a diverse microbiota and are not restricted to fungi of the genus Aspergillus. The microbiological and toxicological profile can vary significantly within the same nut in the same extraction region and can be exacerbated by global climate changes. Therefore, it is necessary to advance sanitary educational actions by applying good production practices and inspection programs to ensure the sustainability and quality of the BN production chain.

Implementation of a fuzzy inference system to support the evaluation of sphygmomanometers for river inspection activities in the area of legal, scientific and compliance metrology

The Amazon region has characteristics that point to logistical difficulties in meeting the demands whose inspection goal is to contribute to the economic development of the craft industry and commerce in the interior of the state, making regional products competitive, by providing technical metrological advice on procedures for verifying weighing and measuring instruments, using river vessels equipped with laboratories for testing pre-measured products, service rooms, IT and training. The Management Model for Basic River Units (UBF), aimed at carrying out inspection activities in the area of legal and scientific metrology and conformity assessment using fuzzy logic for decision-making, proposes an innovative management system for river units, focused on IPEM-AM's inspection activities using INMETRO's methodology. The approach uses fuzzy logic to improve decision-making, making it more accurate and efficient. The aim of the research is to evaluate a pressure device (sphygmomanometer) in order to fulfil inspection activities in the area of legal and scientific metrology and compliance, using fuzzy inference to support decision-making. The methodology used aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of inspection activities in these areas, reducing errors and optimising resources. Fuzzy logic is a suitable tool for dealing with the uncertainty and imprecision present in this context, allowing the system to make decisions that are closer to reality in accordance with the legislation. The results of the proposed model can be applied to different types of river units, helping to improve inspection processes and ensuring compliance with current rules and regulations. In addition, the use of fuzzy logic can provide more intelligent management that can be adapted to the changing conditions of the river environment according to the logistical purposes of the region.

Three de novo assembled wild cacao genomes from the Upper Amazon

Theobroma cacao, the chocolate tree, is indigenous to the Amazon basin, the greatest biodiversity hotspot on earth. Recent advancement in plant genomics highlights the importance of de novo sequencing of multiple reference genomes to capture the genome diversity present in different cacao populations. In this study, three high-quality chromosome-level genomes of wild cacao were constructed, de novo assembled with HiFi long reads sequencing, and scaffolded using a reference-free strategy. These genomes represent the three most important genetic clusters of cacao trees from the Upper Amazon region. The three wild cacao genomes were compared with two reference genomes of domesticated cacao. The five cacao genetic clusters were inferred to have diverged in the early and middle Pleistocene period, approximately 1.83–0.69 million years ago. The results shown here serve as an example of understanding how the Amazonian biodiversity was developed. The three wild cacao genomes provide valuable resources for studying genetic diversity and advancing genetic improvement of this species.

Subsurface evaluation for aquaculture ponds in the Amazon Region

ABSTRACT Few Brazilian rural landowners are aware of the technology available to survey the subsoil of terrains earmarked for aquaculture operations. This study evaluated subsoils of Monte Alegre (area 1) and Montenegro 3 (area 2) aquaculture zones in the geographic region of Bragança (Amazon region, northern Brazil), and the adequacy of these areas for aquaculture. Ground Penetrating Radar, electrical conductivity measurements, and sedimentological analyses were applied to evaluate the subsoil of fish farms. Apparent conductivity values recorded by the Electromagnetic Induction (EMI) in area 1 indicated possible presence of clayey soils. Excavation analysis and sedimentological samples (sand) from this site confirmed the inadequacy of the terrain. The EMI tool in area 2 indicated possible presence of clayey soils. Geophysical and sedimentological results from the site confirmed its suitability. These geophysical tools are recommended for evaluating prospective aquaculture sites, given their capacity to provide reliable data on the subsoil characteristics , which is essential to guarantee the success and sustainability of aquaculture operations.