Central Brazil Research Articles

A survey of common bacterial blight in Central Brazil reveals a third Xanthomonas species infecting common bean

A survey of common bacterial blight in Central Brazil reveals a third Xanthomonas species infecting common bean

Technical and economic modelling of last-mile transport: A case for Brazil

In response to the escalating demands of urban logistics and the environmental impacts of last-mile deliveries in cities, this study assesses the transition to electric vehicles (EV) in the last-mile delivery transportation sector. We developed a methodology to project last-mile fleets and assess whether electrification considering a scrappage policy makeseconomicsense. This method utilizes socio-economic, geographic, and technical data to assess annual delivery volumes, travel distances, total ownership costs, and breakeven analysis for diesel and electric vehicles, focusing on Brazilian urban centers. Results show that in 2030, in all urban densities, EV have lower operating costs, and they are the more economical choice for all cities or lifespans by 2035. EVs stand out, particularly with extended vehicle lifespans and increased delivery frequencies. Our findings provide a versatile method for assessing the technical and economic feasibility of electric vehicles across diverse demographic areas.

Factors Associated with Poor Sleep Quality in Postpartum Women: A Crossectional Study.

Objective This study aimed to analyze the factors associated with poor sleep quality in women in the postpartum period who were assisted in a municipality in central Brazil. Material and Methods This is a cross-sectional study ( n = 400) conducted virtually from 2020 to 2021. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, self-perceived sleep, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were assessed. Results It was identified that 82% of postpartum women were between 18 and 35-years-old and had an average monthly household income of R$2,339.27 ± 1,812.95. It was also found that 33.50% (95% CI: 28.7-38.0) had sleep disorders (PSQI >10); 70.25% (95%CI 65.8-74.8) had poor sleep quality (PSQI >5); 57.4% (95% CI: 52.0-63.1) had inadequate sleep on weekdays/workdays; and 64.1% (95% CI 59.3-69.2) had unsuitable sleep on weekends/days off. It was found that the factors associated with sleep disturbance were: age between <18 years and >35 years ( p = 0.048); difficulty to think clearly ( p = 0.043); frequent sadness ( p = 0.046); poor sleep quality; low income ( p = 0.030); difficulty to think clearly ( p = 0.013); and loss of interest in things ( p = 0.030). As for sleep on weekdays, the associated factors were: marital status without a partner ( p = 0.008); and being a victim of physical violence ( p = 0.003). Finally, for sleep on weekends/off: nonwhite skin-color ( p = 0.039); and having postpartum depression ( p = 0.029). Conclusion The findings of the present study call attention to the impacts of changes in women's bodies, behavior, and interpersonal relationships caused by the arrival of a newborn. We also highlight the need for a multidisciplinary and comprehensive medical approach in this period.

Effect of environmental variables on the abundance of Amblyomma ticks, potential vectors of Rickettsia parkeri in central Brazil.

Amblyomma ticks are vectors of both Rickettsia rickettsii and R. parkeri in the Americas, where capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) are the main hosts in urban areas, thus contributing to the transmission of spotted fever. Herein, we studied: (i) the seasonal dynamics and abundance of ticks in areas where capybaras live, (ii) the effect of environmental variables on tick abundance, and (iii) the presence of Rickettsia-infected ticks. Between September 2021 and September 2022, we sampled ticks using cloth-dragging at 194 sites on the shore of Lake Paranoá in Brasília, Brazil. We measured environmental data (season, vegetation type, canopy density, temperature, humidity, and presence or vestige of capybara) at each site. Nymphs and adults were morphologically identified to the species level, and a selected tick sample including larvae was subjected to genotypic identification. We investigated Rickettsia-infected ticks by PCR (gltA, htrA, ompB, and ompA genes) and associations between tick abundance and environmental variables using Generalized Linear Models. A total of 30,334 ticks (96% larvae) were captured. Ticks were identified as Amblyomma, with A. sculptum comprising 97% of the adult/nymphs. Genotype identification of a larval sample confirmed that 95% belonged to A. dubitatum. Seasonal variables showed significant effects on tick abundance. Most larvae and nymphs were captured during the early dry season, while the adults were more abundant during the wet season. Vegetation variables and the presence of capybaras showed no association with tick abundance. Rickettsia parkeri group and R. bellii were identified in A. dubitatum, while A. sculptum presented R. bellii. We conclude that: (i) Amblyomma ticks are widely distributed in Lake Paranoá throughout the year, especially larvae at the dry season, (ii) the abundance of Amblyomma ticks is explained more by climatic factors than by vegetation or presence of capybaras, and (iii) A. dubitatum ticks are potential vectors of R. parkeri in Brasília.

Two new Dismodix Townes (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Cryptinae) with an exceptionally broad occipital carina.

Dismodix colai sp. nov., from a reforested legal reserve of Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil, and D. gladiata sp. nov., from central Brazil, are described and illustrated. Each new taxon is compared with similar species from both Dismodix Townes and the related Acerastes Cushman. Both species can be separated from all others within each genus by having the occipital carina distinctly widened.

CURRENT USE AND OUTCOMES OF HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION: BRAZILIAN SUMMARY SLIDES – 2024

The development of the Brazilian Registry of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in collaboration with the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) allowed for an assessment of the activity and general outcomes of transplants in Brazil. Here, we report an updated activity. Brazilian transplant centers report their data to the CIBMTR, using the FormsNet3 platform. Information returns to Brazilian Cellular Therapy and Bone Marrow Transplant Society (SBTMO) through the Data Back to Centers (DBtC) tool. Data from patients who received an HCT from 2012 to 2023 from Brazilian centers were extracted from CIBMTR. Descriptive analysis was carried out by patient-, disease- and transplant-specific variables and overall survival analysis using Kaplan Meyer. A total of 12,230 patients were eligible for this study (5,573 autologous and 6,657 allogeneic transplants). The number of reporting centers increased from 40 to 44 during the period. The most common HCT indication in Brazil is AML for allogeneic HCT with 152 transplants year and multiple myeloma for autologous HCT with 245 transplants per year. Among allogeneic HCT, in the last 4 years, mismatched related donor was the main source of donors. Regarding the graft source for allogeneic transplants, BM was the most frequent among pediatric transplants, while PBSC was the most used in adults. Infections were the leading cause of death in the first 100 days after all types of transplants. Patients with acute leukemia who underwent HCT with advanced stage disease had lower survival rates compared to those at other stages. Despite the differences in the number of cases and follow-up time, the results in this study were similar to those presented in the United States (US) Summary Slides.

PROJECT OF A DASHBOARD FOR BRAZILIAN CENTERS AFFILIATED WITH CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL BLOOD AND MARROW RESEARCH

Since the first hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) was performed at the Federal University Hospital (Curitiba, PR) in 1979, the number of centers offering this modality of treatment has increased. However, accessing comprehensive HSCT outcomes has become a challenge due to lack of an official Brazilian registry. The partnership between the Brazilian Cellular Therapy and Bone Marrow Transplant Society (SBTMO) and the Center for International Blood and Marrow Research (CIBMTR) was an important milestone in the establishment of the HSCT Brazilian registry (HSCTBR). By using CIBMTR’s Data Back to Center (DBtC) tool, we have gained insights into HSCT outcomes through the Brazilian Summary Slides. While understanding the country's transplant scenario is crucial, it is equally important for each center to assess their own outcomes. In order to help the Brazilian centers with the CIBMTR, the data manager of SBTMO working group has developed a business tool solution to facilitate this important task.

GATA genotype and FY*B(-67T&gt;C) polymorphism as a cheap and reliable tool to evaluate ethnicity in Brazilian patients submitted to autologous transplantation

Abstract Collecting high quality data on race and ethnicity is crucial for clinical research, notably in genetic association studies, to avoid confounding by different ethnic background among patients, a bias referred to as population stratification. In Brazil, to describe race we commonly use the National Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) classification, so-called “self-declared color”, but it is acknowledged that defining ancestry by phenotypic characteristics, especially in countries with highly mixed population like Brazil, can be misleading. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between the GATA FY*B(-67T&gt;C) polymorphism and self-declared race in Brazilian patients undergoing autologous transplantation and verify the feasibility of using this test as a more reliable tool to evaluate ethnicity in this population. Methods: We conducted a study to evaluate the association of candidate-gene polymorphisms and toxicities after autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) in adult patients with lymphoma or myeloma from 2015 to 2021 in two Brazilian transplant centers. All patients with available DNA to study genetic polymorphisms were included. In this analysis we evaluate the association between GATA polymorphism and self-declared color in this cohort. Results: A total of 217 patients were included in this analysis. Median age at transplantation was 56 years (21-79) and 130 patients (59.9%) were male. Most patients were self-declared white (n=175, 80.6%) and the most common genotype was GATA67T/T (wild type/wild type) (n=142, 65.4%). Among the self-declared white patients, 73.1% were genotyped as GATA67T/T and 4.0% as GATA-67C/C, while among the non-white patients 21.4% were genotyped as GATA-67C/C (p&lt;.001). The allele FY*B(-67T&gt;C) frequency was 0.22 in the whole population; it was identified in 26.9% of the self-declared white patients and in 66.6% of the non-white (p&lt;.001). Twelve-month overall survival was 86.6% (95% CI 79.9 - 91.2%), with no difference according to self-declared race (86.8% vs 85.5% for white and non-white patients, respectively, p=0.81) or the presence of the allele FY*B(-67T&gt;C) (85.2% vs 89.9% for non-mutated and mutated patients, respectively, p=0.27). Conclusion: GATA FY*B(-67T&gt;C) polymorphism is associated to self-declared race in Brazilian patients submitted to ASCT. Given the importance of correctly evaluating ancestry in genetic association studies in transplantation, GATA FY*B(-67T&gt;C) polymorphism can be used as a more accurate tool in populations with mixed ethnic/racial background.

Tracking People Living with HIV in Loss to Follow Up in Central Brazil: A Call for Attention to Health Services.

Despite the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection remains a global public health concern. However, weaknesses in its management regarding access to integrated HIV care include treatment gaps and loss to follow-up (LTFU) from antiretroviral treatment (ART). This study aimed to characterize the epidemiological and clinical profiles of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) in LTFU from HIV care in Campo Grande, Central Brazil. This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2021 and April 2022 using secondary data from PLHA who had LTFU in Campo Grande. A total of 852 patients with PLHA were included in this study. The majority of participants in LTFU were male (63.1%), had a CD4 cell count > 200 cells/mm3 (68.2%), and had been treated for ≥ 3months (86.4%). Only 287 (33.7%) participants had undetectable HIV viral load. Of the total number of patients who returned to treatment during the study period, 448 (54.3%) were LTFU-positive. The tracking strategy was not applied to 556 (65.26%) patients, and 44.4% of the participants had been in spontaneous demand. These results highlight the relevance of patient-centered interventions and the need to ensure early treatment and promote retention in care systems with consequent viral suppression, impacting the healthcare indicators of the population, with emphasis on health managers and stakeholders in HIV care.

Exploring the formation of Tangará sill: A single-pulse intrusion feeding CAMP lava flows in Parecis Basin, Brazil

The Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP) stands out as a distinctive large igneous province on the Earth. Due to the extensive outcrop area of CAMP and its complex geological setting, the links between the extrusive and intrusive units are not fully understood. In the intracratonic Parecis Basin located in Central Brazil, the CAMP rocks are represented by mafic lava flows at its south (Tapirapuã Formation) and western edges (Anari Formation). Despite the availability of substantial geophysical, petrological and geochronological data, the understanding of CAMP feeder system in this region remains unclear. In this study, our focus is on investigating the Tangará sill, a dolerite intruded into Triassic sedimentary rocks in the South region of the Parecis Basin. Our aim is to contribute to a better understanding of the plumbing system in this area by investigating the Tangará sill and its potential links to the lava flows at the surface. The sill is identified as a tabular feature in seismic data, with a discernible base and top that extend for about 100 km from northeast to southwest. The Tangará sill was drilled by the 6-ANP-MT-02 stratigraphic well, revealing a continuous igneous intrusion with a thickness of 180 m (at depths ranging from 470 to 650 m). The dolerite intrusion is composed by plagioclase, clinopyroxene, opaque minerals and mesostasis (quartz + feldspar intergrowth and apatite). It can be divided into five segments: the upper and basal margins consist of fine-grained dolerite, the central portion comprises coarse-grained gabbro, which includes pegmatoid zones. The central portion is separated from the margins by two sections of medium-grained dolerite. The dolerite is tholeiitic, with low TiO2 content (<2 wt% TiO2) and low La/Yb ratio (average of 4.4). Geochemical and petrographic data indicate that the intrusion was formed by a single magma pulse and underwent differentiation through plagioclase and pyroxene dominated crystal fractionation. Two samples dated by 40Ar/39Ar geochronology using laser step-heating technique, yield plateau ages ranging from 204.0 ± 0.4 Ma to 202.0 ± 0.5 Ma. Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic data suggest a lithospheric mantle source with possible crustal contamination. Our findings suggest an emplacement model in which a thick single-pulse magma intruded the Triassic red beds. Along a NE-SW section, the sill is truncated by faults along the southern border of the basin, near the mapped lava flows of the Tapirapuã Formation. This suggests that the magma propagated from the northeast to the southwest along the sedimentary strata and fed the Tapirapuã volcanism. This example highlights a single-pulse sill feeding lava flows of the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP).

Analyzing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Effects in HER2-Low Breast Cancer: Real World Data.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) can be used as upfront therapy in aggressive breast cancer (BC). human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-low BC, defined as tumors scoring +1 or +2 on immunohistochemistry without HER2 gene amplification by in situ hybridization, lacks information on real-world data (RWD) outcomes, especially in the NAC setting. This subgroup, which does not reach the HER2 positive criteria due to its lower receptor expression, represents a distinct clinical category potentially requiring tailored therapeutic approaches. The objective of this study is to characterize patients with BC with HER2-low status who received NAC in a Brazilian public reference center for female tumors and key outcomes such as pathological complete response (pCR), overall survival (OS), and metastasis-free survival (MFS). A retrospective cohort study based on a large BC database from a reference cancer center in Brazil. Patients with BC that received NAC, diagnosed between 2011 and 2020, were included if they presented HER2-low status (defined as tumors scoring +1 or +2 on immunohistochemistry without HER2 gene amplification by in situ hybridization) and had complete data on outcomes. Clinical and demographicdata were collected, such as age, menopausal status, Ki-67, hormone receptorexpression and others. Key outcomes from the study comprised pCR (defined as ypT0/TIs/ypN0), overall survival, and metastasis-free survival (MFS). Survival analyses were conducted through the semiparametric Kaplan-Meier method to assess OS and MFS by pCR status, considering BC diagnosis as the index date. Overall, 297 patients were eligible and 141 were included in the study after matching the HER2-low definition. The pCR was seen in 18 out of 141 patients (12.7%). The median overall survival was 8.2 years, and the median MFS was 2.7 years. The OS of pCR was 83.4% and non-pCR was 58.1%; the DFS of pCR was 55.5% and non-pCR 40.6%. This study gives updated insights on pCR, OS, and MFS in women with HER2-low BC exposed to NAC.

Abstract PO5-04-14: Quality of Life (QoL) among metastatic hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative breast cancer patients during first line systemic treatment

Abstract Background Current international guidelines recommend endocrine therapy combined with a CDK4/6 inhibitor as the preferred first line systemic treatment in patients diagnosed with metastatic hormone receptor positive (HR), HER2 negative breast cancer (BC). Randomized controlled trials that led to the approval of these agents in the first line disease setting are derived from controlled environments and selected patients. We aimed to assess real-world patients’ characteristics, safety and health related quality of life in a non-select cohort of patients being managed in a Brazilian private Cancer Center. Methods: We performed a cross sectional study at Beneficencia Portuguesa de Sao Paulo evaluating quality of life among patients with metastatic HR+/HER2 negative treated in the first line disease setting. Inclusion criteria included patients that received the combination of a CDK4/6i with any endocrine therapy (ET) between January 2018 and April 2023. Primary endpoint was quality of life assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and EORTC QLQ-BR23, it is baseline, there is only one measurement for each patient. Results: We analyzed 72 patients who meet the inclusion criteria. Median age at diagnosis was 49 years old (ranging from 31 to 91). Approximately half of the population was premenopausal (51%). Palbociclib and abemaciclib were the most commonly used CDK4/6i, with 42 and 35% of patients, respectively. ECOG performance status was zero or one in almost the entire patient population analyzed (97%). 53% of the patients were diagnosed as de novo metastatic BC. Table 1 and 2 summarize the patients characteristics. Mean global health status was 75.4, with social and cognitive functioning scoring the highest (Mean 78.6 and 79.1, respectively). The most distressing symptom among the symptom scale was fatigue (Mean 27.2). Most symptoms and functioning scales did not meet the threshold for clinically meaningful differences between the different CDK4/6 inhibitors. Conclusion: Real-world data from our study is consistent with the historical expected health related quality of life among patients diagnosed with HR+/HER2 negative metastatic BC in the first line disease setting. Table. Citation Format: Débora Gagliato, Julio Antonio Araujo, Bianca Milena Verboski, Guilherme William Marcelino, Fabiana Nogueira Momberg, Gilmara Silveira da Silva, Rozana Mesquita Ciconelli, Antônio Buzaid. Quality of Life (QoL) among metastatic hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative breast cancer patients during first line systemic treatment [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 PO5-04-14.

Abstract PO3-17-11: The Utility of Oncotype DX in Grade 1 Hormone Receptor-Positive Early Breast Cancer: Insights from a Multicentric Real-World Data Study

Abstract Background: The Oncotype Dx (ODX) genomic risk score (RS) has become an essential tool in clinical practice for guiding adjuvant chemotherapy decisions in early-stage hormone receptor-positive (HR+), HER2-negative breast cancer (BC). Since some of the genes evaluated in the genomic RS tests are proliferation-related, the use of the test is less clear in tumors with low proliferation, such as histologic grade 1 tumors or those with a low Ki67-index. In contrast to common understanding, however, ODX RS is determined more strongly by estrogen-related features and only weakly by proliferation markers. Methods: This multicentric real-world data (RWD) study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of (ODX) in patients with grade 1 (G1) HR+, HER2-negative BC. The study population consisted of patients treated between 2009 and 2020 across nine Brazilian cancer centers. Key endpoints included the prevalence of high genomic RS in the histologic grade 1 cohort, recurrence rates based on genomic risk, and invasive disease-free survival (IDFS). Results: A total of 651 patients with HR+, HER2-negative BC who underwent Oncotype Dx testing were evaluated. Among 651 patients evaluated, 128 had HG1 tumors, constituting the focus of this analysis. The majority of patients were aged over 50 years (59.4%), had breast carcinoma of non-special type (75.8%), and Ki67 index lower than 20% (77%). Tumor stage distribution revealed 28.1% T1b, 50% T1c, and 14% T2 cases. Additionally, 74.2% were classified as N0, 9.4% as N1mic, and 16.4% as N1. According to the binary categorization based on Adjuvant! algorithm, 92.2% of patients (n=118) had a low clinical risk. ODx analysis showed that 21.9% had a low RS, 74.2% had an intermediate RS, and only 3.1% had a high RS. Among the few patients with a high genomic RS, only one patient did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy. With a median follow-up of 38.3 months, three patients experienced recurrence, all of whom had an intermediate RS. Among these cases, two patients were younger than 50 years, had low clinical risk, and a genomic RS of 18-24; both had locoregional recurrences. The third patient, aged over 50 years, had high clinical risk, a RS of 12, and had a distant recurrence. The recurrence rates according to Ki67 index were 1.1% for patients with Ki67 index &amp;lt; 20% and 7.1% for those with Ki67 index ≥ 20%. Notably, no recurrences were observed in the high genomic risk group. The estimated 5-year IDFS rate was 96.9% (95% CI 88.2% - 99.2%). Conclusion: In the context of G1 BC and low clinical risk, the utility and cost-effectiveness of ODX may be limited. These findings emphasize the importance of carefully assessing clinical risk when selecting patients for genomic RS tests, thereby optimizing resource utilization. Longer follow-up is planned for this RWD cohort. Citation Format: Renata Colombo Bonadio, Leandro Oliveira, Daniel Batista, Daniela Rosa, Artur Katz, Max Mano, Daniele Assad-Suzuki, Daniel Argolo, Solange Sanches, Rafael Kaliks, Débora Gagliato, Thais Megid, Daniel Musse, Tatiana Correa, Andrea Shimada, Romualdo Barroso-Sousa, Marcelle Cesca, Débora Gaudêncio, Larissa Moura, Julio Araujo, José Bines, Laura Testa. The Utility of Oncotype DX in Grade 1 Hormone Receptor-Positive Early Breast Cancer: Insights from a Multicentric Real-World Data Study [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 PO3-17-11.

Intercomparisons of Three Gauge-Based Precipitation Datasets over South America during the 1901–2015 Period

Gridded precipitation (PRP) data have been largely used in diagnostic studies on the climate variability in several time scales, as well as to validate model results. The three most used gauge-based PRP datasets are from the Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC), University of Delaware (UDEL), and Climate Research Unit (CRU). This paper evaluates the performance of these datasets in reproducing spatiotemporal PRP climatological features over the entire South America (SA) for the 1901–2015 period, aiming to identify the differences and similarities among the datasets as well as time intervals and areas with potential uncertainties involved with these datasets. Comparisons of the PRP annual means and variances between the 1901–2015 period and the non-overlapping 30-year subperiods of 1901–1930, 1931–1960, 1961–1990, and the 25-year subperiod of 1991–2015 for each dataset show varying means of the annual PRP over SA depending on the subperiod and dataset. Consistent patterns among datasets are found in most of southeastern SA and southeastern Brazil, where they evolved gradually from less to more rainy conditions from 1901–1930 to the 1991–2015 subperiod. All three datasets present limitations and uncertainties in regions with poor coverage of gauge stations, where the differences among datasets are more pronounced. In particular, the GPCC presents reduced PRP variability in an extensive area west of 50° W and north of 20° S during the 1901–1930 subperiod. In monthly time scale, PRP time series in two areas show differences among the datasets for periods before 1941, which are likely due to spurious or missing data: central Bolivia (CBO), and central Brazil (CBR). The GPCC has less monthly variability before 1940 than the other two datasets in these two areas, and UDEL presents reduced monthly variability before 1940 and spurious monthly values from May to September of the years from 1929 to 1941 in CBO. Thus, studies with these three datasets might lead to different results depending on the study domain and period of analysis, in particular for those including years before 1941. The results here might be relevant for future diagnostic and modelling studies on climate variability from interannual to multidecadal time scales.

Nomenclatural revision and typification of extra-Amazonian Tachigali (Leguminosae - Caesalpinioideae)

Background and aims – The neotropical genus Tachigali comprises about 75 recorded species, including names described in Sclerolobium, synonymised in 1993 in Tachigali based on morphological, molecular, and anatomical characters. Most species are found in northern South America and the Atlantic Forest. However, some species are exclusively found in the savannas of central Brazil (Cerrado), Bolivia, and Paraguay. The Tachigali species from northern South America and Central America has already been revised. However, the extra-Amazonian Tachigali species were not correctly typified due to the impossibility of examining all syntypes. Therefore, the present work aims to present the nomenclatural review of the extra-Amazonian species of Tachigali. Material and methods – The list of accepted extra-Amazonian Tachigali names and their basionyms was made and verified through online databases. The original descriptions were consulted online or in the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden Library. The type specimens were examined in virtual herbaria and through visits to the B, IAN, G, K, M, NY, P, R, RB, US, and W herbaria. The International Code of Nomenclature of algae, fungi, and plants was followed for the type designation and nomenclatural notes. Key results – The nomenclatural review was carried out for 32 names. A total of 15 lectotypifications, representing 12 Tachigali species, and a new combination for Tachigali rubiginosa is proposed herein. Furthermore, the nomen dubium Sclerolobium macrophyllum is presented. Conclusion – Our study provides the nomenclatural review for the extra-Amazonian Tachigali species, including notes about the type materials, collectors, and authors of all species names, in addition to the holotype and lectotype images.

Osteoporosis in Parkinson's disease and the role of lean body mass: a cross-sectional study in a Brazilian tertiary center.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative illness and has the highest increase rate in recent years. There is growing evidence to suggest that PD is linked to higher osteoporosis rates and risk of fractures. This study aims to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with osteoporosis as defined by the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) and World Health Organization in patients with mild to moderate PD. We performed a cross-sectional study at a tertiary public hospital in Fortaleza, Brazil, dating from May 2021 until April 2022. The study sample was comprised of patients with mild to moderate PD who were at least 40 years old and who had the ability to walk and stand unassisted. Bone Mineral Density (BMD) of both the hip (neck of the femur) and the lumbar spine were obtained via properly calibrated Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scanning. The FRAX (Fracture Risk Assessment Tool) score was used to determine a person's 10-year risk of major osteoporotic fracture. The Revised European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP 2) was used as a basis to confirm a sarcopenia diagnosis with the following parameters: low muscle strength gauged by handgrip strength and low muscle quantity by DXA. Physical performance was carefully evaluated by using the Short Physical Performance Battery test. Osteoporosis and osteopenia were diagnosed following the NOF guidelines and WHO recommendations. We evaluated 107 patients in total, of whom 45 (42%) were women. The group's mean age was 68 ± 9 years, and the mean disease time span was 9.9 ± 6.0 years and mean motor UPDRS was 43 ± 15. We found that 42.1% and 34.6% of the sample had osteopenia and osteoporosis following NOF criteria, respectively, and 43% and 33.6% following the WHO recommendations. Lower lean appendicular mass was associated to osteopenia and osteoporosis in multinomial logistic regression analysis in both diagnostic criteria. Our findings provide additional evidence for the protective role of lean mass against osteoporosis in patients with PD.

Quasi-randomized trial of solution-focused brief therapy intervention for readiness to change and alcohol and other drug use in a Brazilian community-based treatment center

Objective Strategies to increase readiness to change may enhance community-based substance use treatment outcomes. This study evaluated the effect of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) on readiness to change and substance use compared to treatment as usual (TAU) in a Brazilian community-based substance use treatment center. Methods One hundred two adults (M = 36.79, SD = 10.29) were quasi-randomized into SFBT or TAU groups. Assessments were completed at baseline, post-test, and 1-month follow-up. The primary outcome was the changes in readiness to change at post-test and 1-month follow-up. The secondary outcome was the change in substance use at 1-month follow-up. Results Through Quade non-parametric analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), both groups decreased tobacco, alcohol, and cocaine/crack use at 1-month follow-up, but SFBT had greater reductions in alcohol use (p = .05). ANCOVA analysis demonstrated no differences between groups on readiness to change at any time point. However, among participants who used multiple substances (n = 59), SFBT showed higher readiness to change at post-test (p = .05). Conclusions These findings strengthen the evidence that SFBT holds promise for positive community-based substance use treatment outcomes.

Depth of invasion analysis to predict acral melanoma outcomes

BackgroundAcral melanoma is a subtype with worse outcomes. The Breslow micrometric measurement is the most critical parameter in planning treatment and predicting outcomes. However, for acral lentiginous melanoma, the value of the Breslow thickness is a matter of debate. Depth of Invasion (DOI) is a well-established measure for staging oral squamous cell carcinoma. ObjectiveThis study compared DOI and Breslow thickness for predicting acral melanoma outcomes. MethodsWe performed a retrospective cross-sectional study of 71 acral melanoma lesions subjected to sentinel lymph node biopsy at one Brazilian referral center. ResultsCox model univariate analysis showed that both DOI and Breslow thickness predicted melanoma specific survival (HR 1.12; p = 0.0255 and HR 1.144; p = 0.0006, respectively), although Kaplan Meier curve was only significant for Breslow (χ2 = 5.792; p = 0.0161) and not for DOI (χ2 = 0.2556; p = 0.6132). Sentinel lymph node status and presence or absence of ulceration also predicted specific survival in patients with acral melanoma (χ2 = 6.3514; p = 0.0117 and χ2 = 4.2793; p = 0.0386, respectively). Multivariate analysis, however, demonstrated that Breslow depth was the only independent parameter for predicting acral melanoma specific survival (HR 1.144; p = 0.0006). ConclusionEven though Breslow thickness remains the main predictor for survival in acral melanoma, it is not a perfect parameter. The introduction of DOI in this context opens new perspectives for predicting acral melanoma outcomes.

Mercury distribution, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification in riparian ecosystems from a neotropical savanna floodplain, Araguaia River, central Brazil

Litterfall is the main source of dry deposition of mercury (Hg) into the soil in forest ecosystems. The accumulation of Hg in soil and litter suggests the possibility of transfer to terrestrial invertebrates through environmental exposure or ingestion of plant tissues. We quantified total mercury (THg) concentrations in two soil layers (organic: 0–0.2 m; mineral: 0.8–1 m), litter, fresh leaves, and terrestrial invertebrates of the Araguaia River floodplain, aiming to evaluate the THg distribution among terrestrial compartments, bioaccumulation in invertebrates, and the factors influencing THg concentrations in soil and invertebrates. The mean THg concentrations were significantly different between the compartments evaluated, being higher in organic soil compared to mineral soil, and higher in litter compared to mineral soil and fresh leaves. Soil organic matter content was positively related to THg concentration in this compartment. The order Araneae showed significantly higher Hg concentrations among the most abundant invertebrate taxa. The higher Hg concentrations in Araneae were positively influenced by the concentrations determined in litter and individuals of the order Hymenoptera, confirming the process of biomagnification in the terrestrial trophic chain. In contrast, the THg concentrations in Coleoptera, Orthoptera and Hymenoptera were not significantly related to the concentrations determined in the soil, litter and fresh leaves. Our results showed the importance of organic matter for the immobilization of THg in the soil and indicated the process of biomagnification in the terrestrial food web, providing insights for future studies on the environmental distribution of Hg in floodplains.

Head and neck cancer: epidemiological aspects of two large Brazilian medical centers

Objective: To compare clinical and epidemiological aspects of Head and neck cancers (HNC) patients treated in hospitals in northeast and southeast regions of Brazil. Methodology: The study cross-sectional retrospective analyzed 519 medical records of patients treated between 2016 and 2021. The factors evaluated for HNC prevalence included demographic data, predisposing factors, tumor location, treatment type, and related oral manifestations. Qualitative variables were expressed in absolute and relative frequencies. The chi-square test assessed potential associations between these variables (p&lt; 0.05). Results: 54.1% of patients were men and 45.9% were women. Hospitals significantly differed regarding sex, age, and tobacco use (p&lt; 0.05). The accumulated percentage indicated that adults under 60 years old were the most affected (62.6%). The larynx/hypopharynx was the most prevalent location (51.8%), followed by the oral cavity (25.8%). The tongue was the most affected anatomical region in the oral cavity (11.0%). Conclusion: Patient profile showed possible changes, with both sexes being similarly affected in increasingly younger patients. Demographic and lifestyle factors suggest an association with HNC, representing information for consideration when screening more susceptible patients and tracking early-stage lesions.