Brazilian State Of Roraima Research Articles

Population based screening for osteoporosis in men among 40 and 80 years in the brazilian state of Roraima"

The main objective of this study was to conduct population screening for osteoporosis in men between the ages of 40 and 80 in the Boa Vista, the capital of the Brazilian state of Roraima. The population study conducted in this study was basically based on the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX®) nomogram model proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Specifically, the current work focuses on (i) analyzing the serum concentrations of calcium, vitamin D and total testosterone in relation to the risk of bone event by the FRAX® nomogram and (ii) correlating cardiovascular risk by calculating Framingham score with the FRAX® nomogram. This cohort, and cross-sectional study involves both quantitative and qualitative data obtained in the field from 380 patients. The data obtained were compared to the pre-existing data collected through different bibliography. For the sampling, a cluster method was utilized. Patients with immediate need of health services were referred to the state hospital of Coronel Mota, Boa Vista. This project was approved by the Ethical Committee (number: 50207115.7.0000.5301). While commuting to work or travel around found to be the major reason of the fractures, we observed that older people and people who were involved in physical activities inside a gymnasium had considerably high at risk of fractures. FRAX and TBS femur score (Trabecular Bone Score) was higher for people with fractures. People having lumbar osteopenia and femur osteopenia had higher risk of TBS femur fractures while people having lumbar osteoporosis had higher risk of TBS (femur and hip) as well as FRAX femur factures. All the data obtained in this study were analyzed using SPSS version 21 and a p value of ≤0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Key risk factors for fracture include increased age, physical activities in a gymnasium, lumbar and femur osteopenia and lumbar osteoporosis.

Low Diversity and High Genetic Structure for Platonia insignis Mart., an Endangered Fruit Tree Species.

Platonia insignis is a fruit tree native to Brazil of increasing economic importance, with its pulp trading among the highest market values. This study aimed to evaluate the structure and genomic diversity of P. insignis (bacurizeiro) accessions from six locations in the Brazilian States of Roraima, Amazonas, Pará (Amazon biome), and Maranhão (Cerrado biome). A total of 2031 SNP markers were obtained using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS), from which 625 outlier SNPs were identified. High genetic structure was observed, with most of the genetic variability (59%) concentrated among locations, mainly between biomes (Amazon and Cerrado). A positive and significant correlation (r = 0.85; p < 0.005) was detected between genetic and geographic distances, indicating isolation by distance. The highest genetic diversity was observed for the location in the Cerrado biome (HE = 0.1746; HO = 0.2078). The locations in the Amazon biome showed low genetic diversity indexes with significant levels of inbreeding. The advance of urban areas, events of burning, and expansion of agricultural activities are most probably the main factors for the genetic diversity reduction of P. insignis. Approaches to functional analysis showed that most of the outlier loci found may be related to genes involved in cellular and metabolic processes.

New surveys reveal a population stronghold for the Hoary-throated Spinetail Synallaxis kollari and Rio Branco Antbird Cercomacra carbonaria along the Guyana–Brazil border

Summary The hoary-throated spinetail and Rio Branco antbird are two bird species endemic to the Rio Branco drainage of Brazil and Guyana, currently listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Previous assessments of both species’ global populations focused on the Brazilian state of Roraima but did not include most of its border with Guyana, where significant areas of suitable habitat remain along the Ireng (Maú) and Takutu (Tacutu) Rivers. In July and August 2021, we conducted a survey to determine the extent of each species’ geographic range along the two rivers, and to estimate population sizes. We used playback surveys along 219 km of river to ascertain each species’ distribution and intensively sampled three forest blocks to determine densities. Both species were locally abundant on both sides of the international border. Rio Branco antbird occurred over a greater geographic range than hoary-throated spinetail, particularly along the Takutu River, but was confined to a narrower zone along the river edges. Both species appear to have retreated from habitat along the Ireng River that was occupied in the past, possibly due to habitat degradation from increasingly frequent fires. Nevertheless, our minimum estimates of 1147 antbirds and 851 spinetails in the study area represent, respectively, 7.5% and 17.8 % increases over current estimates of global population sizes, and indicate that the Guyana-Brazil border region may become a critical stronghold for both species if effective conservation measures are implemented. We propose establishment of a Key Biodiversity Area encompassing the core of both species’ distributions along the border; extensive follow-up work including stakeholder engagement to explore possibilities for habitat management and protection; and further field study to increase general ecological knowledge of these two bird species.

Venezuelan refugees at the borders of Brazil during the covid-19 pandemic: an analysis based on security studies

The Covid-19 pandemic impacted incisively on the migration issues in the Brazilian state of Roraima, producing effects both on the flows of migrants and refugees coming from Venezuela, as well as on the management of migration processes carried out by governments, international organizations, and civil actors. This paper aims to present and expose the situation of Venezuelan refugees on Brazilian borders during the Coronavirus pandemic, analyzing the migratory flow from international security studies, under the theory of Buzan and Weaver. For this, a clipping was conducted on the performance of the "Acolhida" Operation, launched by the Brazilian Army in 2018, considered a Humanitarian Logistics Task Force, focusing on the actions developed during the pandemic. Collaborative and solidary cooperation between national and transnational agents is necessary and urgent in order to mitigate the suffering of people who are vulnerable, such as the refugees, who before the closing of the border, arrived daily in large numbers to the Brazilian territory.

Refugee Inflow and Labor Market Outcomes in Brazil: Evidence from the Venezuelan Exodus

AbstractThe impact of a large influx of refugees (or migrants) on the local labor market has long been an important topic among economists. In this study, we investigate the economic impact of the Venezuelan migrant inflow on labor market outcomes in Brazil. We employ the synthetic control method to exploit the concentration of a large inflow of Venezuelans in the Brazilian state of Roraima, which shares a land border with Venezuela. Results indicate that the inflow of Venezuelan refugees lowered labor force participation and employment rate but did not have a significant impact on hourly wages in Brazil. Our estimates show that labor force participation among less educated individuals decreased by a larger magnitude, while females lost jobs in informal and self‐employed sectors. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the short‐term economic consequences of hosting refugees in developing countries.

Descriptive study of the epidemiological profile of deaths by suicide in the state of Roraima, Brazil, from 2014 to 2017

Introduction: Suicide is one of the top three reasons of death worldwide for the 15- to 44-year age range. The Brazilian state of Roraima has shown indicators that draw attention when compared to national rates of suicide. In this sense, for the proposal of preventive measures appropriate to the state’s reality, it is important to understand the local epidemiological particularities. Objective: to identify the epidemiological profile of deaths by suicide in the state of Roraima, Brazil, between 2014 and 2017. Methods: Descriptive, population-based documentary research. The source of information was the database from the Brazilian public health system (DATASUS). The analysis included deaths by residence caused by suicide from 2014 to 2017. Cut-outs were established according to the variables incidence by municipality, marital status, age, gender, color/race, place of occurrence and method of suicide. Results: 176 deaths were reported in the state of Roraima during the period studied. The average mortality coefficient was 8,6/100.000 inhabitants. Deaths were more frequent among men (73.9%), aged 20 to 29 years (31.2%), resident in the state capital (52.8%), brown (64.2%) or indigenous (25.6%) and single (69.9%). The main suicide method was hanging, strangulation and suffocation (87.5%), with the domicile being the most usual place (72.1%). Conclusion: The results imply the need to act on the problem, which grows in proportion and gains prominence in the national indicators. Suspicion of suicidal behavior in the face of consolidated data may reduce the incidence.

A new species of the sharpshooter genus Dasmeusa (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellini) from Central Amazon

A new species of the genus Dasmeusa Melichar, 1926 is described and illustrated from specimens collected in the State of Amazonas, Northern Brazil. Dasmeusa imperialis sp. nov. can be distinguished from the five known species of the genus, as well as from those of closely related genera, by the following combination of features: dorsum yellow with orange, preapical transverse irregular stripe on forewing; male pygofer moderately produced posteriorly, with posterior margin broadly rounded; style without preapical lobe, narrow and truncate apically; aedeagus with robust apical process directed ventrally, ventral margin of this process dentate; paraphyses with pair of dorsal dentiform projections on stalk, rami slender and directed posterodorsally; posterior margin of female sternite VII with small quadrate lobe; first ovipositor valvula with dentiform apex; second ovipositor valvula with apical third directed ventrally. This paper includes the first detailed description and illustrations of the female terminalia of a Dasmeusa species. In addition, the known geographic distribution of the genus is presented; D. pauperata (Fabricius, 1803) is newly recorded from the Brazilian states of Roraima, Amazonas, Pará, Sergipe, and Bahia; the records from the last two states are interesting because they are from areas of Atlantic Forest. Previously, the genus was known only from the Amazon Forest.

Allometric models to estimate tree height in northern Amazonian ecotone forests

ABSTRACT Allometric models defining the relationship between stem diameter and total tree height in the Amazon basin are important because they refine the estimates of tree carbon stocks and flow in the region. This study tests different allometric models to estimate the total tree height from the stem diameter in an ecotone zone between ombrophilous and seasonal forests in the Brazilian state of Roraima, in northern Amazonia. Stem diameter and total height were measured directly in 65 recently fallen trees (live or dead). Linear and nonlinear regressions were tested to represent the D:H relation in this specific ecotone zone. Criteria for model selection were the standard error of the estimate (Syx) and the adjusted coefficient of determination (R²adj), complemented by the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). Analysis of residuals of the most parsimonious nonlinear models showed a tendency to overestimate the total tree height for trees in the 20-40 cm diameter range. Application of our best fitted model (Michaelis-Menten) indicated that previously published general equations for the tropics that use diameter as the independent variable can either overestimate tree height in the study area by 10-29% (Weibull models) or underestimate it by 8% (climate-based models). We concluded that our site-specific model can be used in the ecotone forests studied in Roraima because it realistically reflects the local biometric relationships between stem diameter and total tree height. Studies need to be expanded in peripheral areas of northern Amazonia in order to reduce uncertainties in biomass and carbon estimates that use the tree height as a variable in general models.

Project More Doctors for Brazil in remote areas of the state of Roraima: relationship between doctors and the Special Supervision Group

ABSTRACT This article aims at discussing aspects of the Project More Doctors for Brazil’s Special Supervision Group in areas of difficult access in the Brazilian state of Roraima. It is focused on the relationships between supervisors and doctors, identifying potentialities and difficulties, and highlighting strategies to overcome them. This is an experience report from a thematic content analysis of documents produced by supervisors in 2015 and 2016. Three key categories emerged: potentialities, challenges of the process and constructions based on supervision. Based on the analysis, this is an innovative relationship in healthcare, where academia and services hardly ever come together. It is a complex relationship with structural, cultural and educational limitations. It requires creativity and planning to play all different roles under construction.

A new species of Timnewia García Aldrete (Psocodea: 'Psocoptera':Ptiloneuridae), from Brazil.

A new species of Timnewia from the Brazilian state of Roraima, is here described and illustrated. It differs from T. greeni (New) in details of the forewing and in hypandrium and phallosome morphology.

Taxonomic notes on the genus Auranus (Opiliones, Laniatores, Stygnidae), with description of two new species.

Among the Amazonian families of harvestmen the members of Stygnidae are better known due to the recent revision of the family and efforts of specialists describing new taxa in the last few years. Species of Amazonian genus Auranus Mello-Leitão, 1941, have been collected in several inventories that were carried out in different locations of the Amazon basin. In this paper we provide a new diagnosis for Auranus, and the description of two new species: Auranus leonidas sp. nov. and Auranus xerxes sp. nov. from the Brazilian states of Roraima and Amazonas, respectively. We also offer complementary genital descriptions of Auranus hehu Pinto-da-Rocha & Tourinho 2012, Auranus parvus Mello-Leitão, 1941, and Auranus tepui Pinto-da-Rocha & Tourinho 2012. Five species are recognized in Auranus, including the two new species described in this paper. The lamina parva modified into a calyx is proposed as putative synapomorphy for the genus Auranus. Therefore, A. hoeferscovitorum, which does not possess this character, is removed from Auranus. Instead we propose for it the new combination Verrucastygnus hoeferscovitorum comb. nov. We also provide a key to the males of Auranus, and a map with the distribution for all species examined in this work.

Studies in regard to the classification and putative toxicity of Fridericia japurensis (Arrabidaea japurensis) in Brazil

Numerous plant species worldwide including Palicourea marcgravii (Rubiaceae) and Tanaecium bilabiatum (Bignoniaceae) in Brazil cause acute cardiac failure (sudden death) and are known to contain monofluoroacetate (MFA). Other Bignoniaceae species including Fridericia japurensis (Arrabidaea japurensis) are reported to cause sudden death in livestock in the Brazilian state of Roraima and are suspected to contain MFA due to the similarity of clinical signs. In this study herbarium specimens of Fridericia japurensis and field collections suspected to be F. japurensis were analyzed for MFA, and plant material from the field collections was dosed to rabbits. No MFA was detected in the herbarium specimens authoritatively identified as F. japurensis; however, MFA was detected in the field collections, which were identified as T. bilabiatum. Rabbits dosed orally with T. bilabiatum died acutely. Voucher toxic specimens initially described as F. japurensis were incorrectly identified, and the correct botanical name for this plant is T. bilabiatum (Arrabidaea bilabiata). Based on this study we conclude that there are no data to support the toxicity of F. japurensis and that the plant previously reported under this name as causing acute cardiac failure in cattle in Roraima is T. bilabiatum. This research highlights the importance of voucher specimens as part of any toxic plant investigation and corrects the literature regarding these toxic plants.

A new species of Avima, the first record of Agoristenidae (Opiliones: Laniatores) from the state of Roraima, Brazil

We describe Avima anitas sp. nov. based on material collected in the Brazilian state of Roraima, representing the first record of Agoristenidae in the State. The new species differs externally from other species of Avima by presenting one proximal tubercle on the mesal face of the male cheliceral segment II and a pair of dark spots partially covering mesotergal area III-IV. The genital differs from other species by the ventral small setae of the ventral plate, which are trifid instead of uniramous or bifid.

The avifauna of Viruá National Park, Roraima, reveals megadiversity in northern Amazonia

While many published maps of avian species richness indicate northern Amazonia to be somewhat species-poor, recent surveys reveal that this area actually possesses one of the most species-rich avifaunas in the Neotropical lowlands. Our surveys indicate that at least 520 bird species occur in Virua National Park (VNP) and adjacent areas, which is located in the Brazilian state of Roraima (northern Amazonia). Here, we present the results of our ornithological efforts since 2001, based on audio-visual and mist-netting surveys, vouchered by tape and digital recordings, photographs, and collected specimens. VNP is dominated by Amazonian white-sand forest (locally known as campina and campinarana) on an extensive foodplain influenced by muddy-, clear-, and black-water rivers, forming a complex mosaic of habitats that includes varzea, igapo, and hilltop “islands” with terra-firme forest. Te high avian diversity found at VNP is likely due to both biogeographic- and local-scale processes. Each habitat contains a particular avian assemblage. Patches of terra-firme forest have a typical Guianan avifauna. Campina and campinarana contain unique species, including some poorly known and range-restricted (e.g., Aprositornis disjuncta), as well as species typical of the northern Roraiman savannas (e.g., Icterus nigrogularis). Te varzea of the Rio Branco (with its associated river islands) is particularly species-rich, including the endemic Cercomacra carbonaria and isolated populations of white-river-island specialists (e.g., Mazaria propinqua). VNP protects important ecological ecotones and biogeographical contact zones, as well as 27 threatened and 45 migratory bird species. On the other hand, 71 species reported for our study area have been found outside the current boundaries of the park. Ongoing proposals of expanding the limits of the park would absorb most of these species. With its outstanding bird species richness and wide variety of habitats, VNP emerges as an important site for Amazonian avian research, tourism, and conservation. Despite the park’s protected status, the Brazilian government plans to build a hydroelectric dam in the region, representing the main threat to its avifauna and overall biodiversity.

NEW RECORDS OF CHRYSOPIDAE (NEUROPTERA) IN BRAZIL

This work reports certain species of Chrysopidae for the first time in the Brazilian state of Roraima, and in Brazil as well. The chrysopids were collected with McPhail traps in four municipalities of the state of Roraima, Amajari, Boa Vista, Bonfim and Pacaraima. All nine species of Leucochrysa identified in this work were reported for the first time in the state of Roraima, and L . ( Nodita ) amazonica (Navas) and L . ( N .) pavida (Hagen) were reported for the first time in Brazil. Three species of Ceraeochrysa , namely C. acmon (Penny), C. caligata (Banks) and C. cincta (Schneider), were reported for the first time in Roraima; and C. valida (Banks) was reported for the first time in Brazil. Within the genus Plesiochrysa , P. brasiliensis (Schneider) was reported for the first time in Roraima. Species description is still required for the two new species identified in this work as Plesiochrysa sp. and Leucochrysa ( N. ) sp.

Distinct population structure for co-occurring Anopheles goeldii and Anopheles triannulatus in Amazonian Brazil

To evaluate whether environmental heterogeneity contributes to the genetic heterogeneity in Anopheles triannulatus, larval habitat characteristics across the Brazilian states of Roraima and Pará and genetic sequences were examined. A comparison with Anopheles goeldii was utilised to determine whether high genetic diversity was unique to An. triannulatus. Student t test and analysis of variance found no differences in habitat characteristics between the species. Analysis of population structure of An. triannulatus and An. goeldii revealed distinct demographic histories in a largely overlapping geographic range. Cytochrome oxidase I sequence parsimony networks found geographic clustering for both species; however nuclear marker networks depicted An. triannulatus with a more complex history of fragmentation, secondary contact and recent divergence. Evidence of Pleistocene expansions suggests both species are more likely to be genetically structured by geographic and ecological barriers than demography. We hypothesise that niche partitioning is a driving force for diversity, particularly in An. triannulatus.

A Phylogenetic Approach to Conserving Amazonian Biodiversity

Amazonia is a highly threatened rainforest that encompasses a major proportion of Earth's biological diversity. Our main goal was to establish conservation priorities for Amazonia's areas of endemism on the basis of measures of evolutionary distinctiveness. We considered two previously identified sets of areas of endemism. The first set consisted of eight large areas used traditionally in biogeographical studies: Belém, Tapajós, Xingu, Guiana, Rondônia, Imeri, Inambari, and Napo. The second set consisted of 16 smaller areas that were subdivisions of the larger areas. We assembled a data set of 50 phylogenies that represented 16 orders and 1715 distributional records. We identified priority conservation areas for the areas of endemism according to node-based metrics of evolutionary distinctiveness. We contrasted these results with priority areas identified on the basis of raw species richness and species endemicity. For the larger areas, we identified Guiana and Inambari as the first- and second-most important areas for conservation. The remaining areas in this first group scored half (e.g., Napo) or less than Guiana and Inambari on all indices. For the smaller areas, a subdivision of Guiana (i.e., Guyana and the Brazilian states of Roraima and Amazonas) was at the top of the ranking and was followed by a subdivision of Inambari (i.e., northwestern portion of Amazonas) and then another subdivision of Guiana (i.e., Suriname, French Guiana, and the Brazilian state of Amapá). The distinctiveness-based rankings of the priority of areas correlated directly with those derived from species richness and species endemicity. Current conservation strategies in Amazonia, although they rely on many other criteria apart from phylogeny, are focusing on the most important areas for conservation we identified here.

AVIAN BIOGEOGRAPHY OF AMAZONIAN FLOODED FORESTS IN THE RIO BRANCO BASIN, BRAZIL

Abstract Flooded forests represent an important part of Amazonian diversity, yet the distribution, ecology, and evolutionary history of the avifauna of these forests have received little attention. We conducted ornithological surveys in the Rio Branco Basin, which is entirely in the Brazilian State of Roraima. In this paper, we discuss the presence of 20 bird species recorded along the lower Rio Branco, 16 of which represent new records for the State of Roraima and the entire Rio Branco Basin. Among our most interesting records are four species of white-water river specialists (Synallaxis propinqua, Stigmatura napensis, Serpophaga hypoleuca, and Conirostrum bicolor) that have populations on the lower Rio Branco, isolated from other Amazonian white-water river systems by the black waters of the Rio Negro where they do not occur. We also discovered new localities for the endemic and endangered Rio Branco Antbird (Cercomacra carbonaria), doubling the size of its known range. We discuss the implications of th...

Individual venom variability in Crotalus durissus ruruima snakes, a subspecies of Crotalus durissus from the Amazonian region

Venoms of six specimens of Crotalus durissus ruruima snakes from the same geographical site in the Brazilian State of Roraima, were individually assayed for their main pharmacological properties. Quantitative and qualitative differences were found and the presence of crotoxin-like isoforms in these venoms was indicated. Our findings corroborate the existence of a considerable intrapopulational variability in C. d. ruruima venoms, and the importance of using a pool of venoms for antivenom production, in general, in order to assure the neutralization of the maximum possible number of toxins from a given species.

Traditional anti-malarial medicine in Roraima, Brazil

Malaria is probably the most serious health problem facing northern Amazonia, and isolated populations can benefit greatly from the knowledge of local resources which may effectively be used to control it. The results of an ethnobotanical survey of the plant species used in the treatment of malaria in the Brazilian State of Roraima are presented. Fieldwork was carried out amongst seven savanna-and forest-dwelling indigenous groups, and among the Luso-Brazilian population. Ninety-nine species, of 82 genera and 41 families, were identified as having been used for this purpose in the region. The results are discussed in the context of previously published information on anti-malarial plants of northern Latin America, which was analysed by a broad literature survey whose overall results are also presented here. Of the species collected in Roraima, only 24 appear previously to have been reported as anti-malarials, although 49% of the represented genera are known to be used in this way elsewhere. The plants are currently undergoing laboratory screening for anti-malarial activity and toxicity.