Locations In Brazil Research Articles

A phenotypic comparison of yield and related traits in elite commercial corn hybrids resistant to pests

The development of commercial maize hybrids tolerant to herbicide and resistant to lepidopterans has allowed an important ex pansion of this crop in Brazil. The objective of this study was to field-evaluate the performance of eleven maize hybrids at three different growing locations in Brazil to find adapted and stable hybrids. The fields were desiccated using glyphosate (3 L ha-1) seven days before seeding. Each trial was arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications per location. In the joint analysis of eight agronomic traits, the error variances were considered heterogeneous among locations. The eleven hybrids presented significant differences in all traits. The hybrid DKB340PRO2 had the highest grain yield, which could be a recommended hybrid to local farmers. In addition, the hybrid x location interaction was not statistically significant (p > 0.05), indicating stability of all the studied hybrids. Significant differences existed among the corn hybrids for eight agronomic traits, supporting our research hypothesis.

Whole-exome sequencing indicates FLG2 variant associated with leg ulcers in Brazilian sickle cell anemia patients.

Although sickle cell anemia results from homozygosity for a single mutation at position 7 of the β-globin chain, the clinical aspects of this condition are very heterogeneous. Complications include leg ulcers, which have a negative impact on patients’ quality of life and are related to the severity of the disease. Nevertheless, the complex pathogenesis of this complication has yet to be elucidated. To identify novel genes associated with leg ulcers in sickle cell anemia, we performed whole-exome sequencing of extreme phenotypes in a sample of Brazilian sickle cell anemia patients and validated our findings in another sample. Our discovery cohort consisted of 40 unrelated sickle cell anemia patients selected based on extreme phenotypes: 20 patients without leg ulcers, aged from 40 to 61 years, and 20 with chronic leg ulcers. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes and used for whole-exome sequencing. After the bioinformatics analysis, eight variants were selected for validation by Sanger sequencing and TaqMan® genotyping in 293 sickle cell anemia patients (153 without leg ulcers) from two different locations in Brazil. After the validation, Fisher’s exact test revealed a statistically significant difference in a stop codon variant (rs12568784 G/T) in the FLG2 gene between the GT and GG genotypes ( P = 0.035). We highlight the importance of rs12568784 in leg ulcer development as this variant of the FLG2 gene results in impairment of the skin barrier, predisposing the individual to inflammation and infection. Additionally, we suggest that the remaining seven variants and the genes in which they occur could be strong candidates for leg ulcers in sickle cell anemia. Impact statement To our knowledge, the present study is the first to use whole-exome sequencing based on extreme phenotypes to identify new candidate genes associated with leg ulcers in sickle cell anemia patients. There are few studies about this complication; the pathogenesis remains complex and has yet to be fully elucidated. We identified interesting associations in genes never related with this complication to our knowledge, especially the variant in the FLG2 gene. The knowledge of variants related with leg ulcer in sickle cell anemia may lead to a better comprehension of the disease’s etiology, allowing prevention and early treatment options in risk genotypes while improving quality of life for these patients.

“I don’t know if I have the courage”: reproductive choices in times of Zika

Neste estudo transnacional, pretendemos fornecer informações sobre as opiniões e atitudes das mulheres em relação aos seus direitos reprodutivos durante a epidemia do Zika. Mulheres de diferentes nacionalidades e etnias foram recrutadas em vários locais do Brasil, Porto Rico e Estados Unidos. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas que sugerem que as decisões reprodutivas dos participantes estavam intimamente relacionadas às convicções pessoais e crenças culturais, e suas ações e pensamentos foram incorporados em suas normas socioculturais. A maioria das mulheres entrevistadas comunicou que é preciso coragem para tomar a decisão extrema, emocional e esmagadora de fazer um aborto. Os achados deste estudo sugerem que mulheres de diferentes países e regiões, e com diferentes níveis de capital social, enfrentam os mesmos conflitos relativos às decisões reprodutivas. Assim, defendemos a importância de considerar crenças e comportamentos culturais ao implementar medidas de prevenção ou proteção à saúde para controlar epidemias. Esta epidemia pode ser mais uma oportunidade para melhorar a saúde das mulheres, fortalecendo serviços de planejamento familiar culturalmente sensíveis e um amplo espectro de intervenções de saúde pública.

Comparative analysis of the early larval stages of two marine shrimp genera Leander and Nematopalaemon (CARIDEA, PALAEMONIDAE) obtained in the laboratory

ABSTRACTThe first and second zoeal stages of Leander paulensis and Nematopalaemon schmitti are described and illustrated from laboratory-reared material. These descriptions constitute the first larval description for both species. Larvae were obtained from females with embryos collected in tropical locations of Brazil’s southeast coast (L. paulensis at Cananéia, São Paulo state, and N. schmitti at Macaé, Rio de Janeiro state). The morphology of newly hatched larva is compared with previous descriptions of congeners (L. tenuicornis and N. tenuipes). Obvious similarities were observed between the genera (carapace spines; peduncle and flagella of antenulle; flagellum of antenna; endopods of maxilla; pereiopods; and telson formula). However, a considerable number of morphological differences are pointed to distinguish these two genera, and even the species into them. The information provided here will help the identification of these species in plankton samples and can be used in future studies of life histories and phylogenetic relationships at different taxonomic levels.

Genetic structure analyses of the tomato-infecting crinivirus Tomato chlorosis virus indicates low genetic variability in the p22 gene and evidence of segregation based on sampling location in Brazil

One of the most important virus diseases in tomatoes in Brazil is caused by isolates of tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV, Tomato chlorosis virus, genus Crinivirus, family Closteroviridae). ToCV has a bipartite genome which is encapsidated in filamentous particles. RNA1 encodes an RNA silencing suppressor, the protein p22, that has been described as a highly variable region for members of the family. Here, we examined the genetic variability of the p22 gene in ToCV isolates from tomato plants collected from three different geographical regions of Brazil and compared them with other data sets representing the ToCV p22 population from South Korea and Spain. A low genetic diversity was found for the ToCV p22 gene, and negative selection was likely predominant in all analyzed populations. In a phylogenetic analysis, the Brazilian isolates form a monophyletic group with strong evidence of population structuring based on sampling location. Our results indicate a possibility, in the future, for the emergence of ToCV subpopulations with specific genetic characteristics that reflect the conditions of the ecological niche where they are inserted.

Contabilização de Equações de Intensidade-Duração-Frequência Disponíveis no Brasil

Neste estudo buscou-se revisar trabalhos cientificos que almejaram a determinacao de equacoes de chuvas intensas para diferentes localidades do pais, identificando os principais metodos utilizados para tal. Para tanto efetuou-se um levantamento bibliografico de cunho descritivo e exploratorio, utilizando-se de tres bases de dados bastante conhecidas no meio academico: Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) e SCOPUS. A partir das buscas realizadas obteve-se o registro de 39 artigos cientificos publicados em 17 diferentes periodicos, desde 1998 ate 2018, sendo que destes, 17 obtem os seus dados de precipitacao por meio de pluviografos e 22 possuem dados obtidos por meio de pluviometros. Pelo exposto, ha necessidade de investimentos em estruturas basicas que facam o registro continuo das precipitacoes para que seja possivel estudos mais detalhados e comparativos.

Discrimination of genotype and geographical origin of black rice grown in Brazil by LC-MS analysis of phenolics

Physicochemical properties, cooking time, and phenolics profile of two black rice genotypes grown at six different locations in Brazil were determined. The cultivar IAC 600 and the elite-line AE 153045 were used. The main growing locations for black rice were considered, as follows: Alegrete (ALG), Capão do Leão (CPL), Guaratinguetá (GUA), Roseira (ROS), Santa Vitória do Palmar (SVP), and Taubaté (TBT). Principal component analysis (PCA) and supervised partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) from liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) data sets showed distinction among genotypes and locations. Quercetin-3-O-glucoside and vanillic acid were the most relevant compounds for discriminating genotypes. SVP location provided the most distinctive black rice, with greater total phenolics content. Characteristics of black rice from SVP location were associated to effects of latitude and wind conditions. Hesperetin, vanillic acid, quercetion-3-O-glucoside, and p-coumaric acid were the most relevant compounds for discriminating locations.

Was the Silver Y Moth Autographa gamma (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Plusiinae) in South America?

In this study we confirmed former records of Autographa gamma in South America by examining four individuals collected in different locations of Brazil and Uruguay. Species identity was established by examining male and female genitalia morphology. Some, but not all, location records are in the vicinity of cities with large seaports used for commercial trades of agricultural goods. Additionally, literature records indicate this species was using local hostplants. Furthermore, addtional repports states that this species had large populations during the end of thirties decade but vanished after that without further justification. Here we discuss aspects related to a possible reintroduction of species in the future as a consequence of the increasing world trade business.

Validation of a questionnaire for the evaluation of informal social support for the elderly: section 2.

Abstract Objective: The objective of the study was to carry out the factorial validation of the questionnaire for the evaluation of informal social support (ASI) for the elderly. Method: It is a descriptive, observational, quantitative type research. It was executed between August and December of 2016 in the municipality of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte and other locations in Brazil. In Inclusion criteria, were have age 60 or older and cognitive ability preserved. We performed Exploratory Factor Analysis (AFE). As criterion of exclusion of the items was adopted a reference value greater than or equal to 0.35 of factorial load and greater or equal to 0.5 of commonality per item. To determine the amount of retained factors, the criteria of own values>1, minimum cumulative explained variance of 60% and parallel Horn analysis were observed. Results: A sample of 259 elderly people from the five regions of Brazil was obtained. After AFE, 4 items were excluded due to the poverty of their factorial loads, remaining 20 items in 4 retained factors. Conclusion: The instrument has good psychometric properties, such as acceptable factor loads and excellent commonalities.

Origin, tempo, and mode of the spread of DENV-4 Genotype IIB across the state of São Paulo, Brazil during the 2012-2013 outbreak.

BACKGROUND Dengue virus type 4 (DENV-4) was first reported in Brazil in 1982 and since then no more cases were detected again in Brazil until 2010, when the virus was reintroduced. Over the following years, the virus spread to several Brazilian states and resulted in about 1,400,000 dengue cases, in 2013. The largest number of cases were documented in the Southeast macro-region.OBJECTIVES To determine the phylogeography of DENV-4 Genotype IIB strains isolated during the epidemics in 2012-2013 in São Paulo, Brazil, we aimed to contextualise the contribution of viruses sampled in different localities across the overall movement of DENV-4 in Brazil.METHODS Based on the envelope gene sequences retrieved from GenBank, we employed a Bayesian phylogeographic approach to assess the spatiotemporal dynamics of DENV-4 Genotype IIB in São Paulo, Brazil.FINDINGS The dispersal dynamics of DENV-4 Genotype IIB in Brazil indicated Rio de Janeiro and Mato Grosso states as the most likely routes toward São Paulo before the 2012-2013 outbreak. Likewise, Guarujá and São José do Rio Preto facilitated viral spread and transmission to other localities in the South and Southeast macro-regions in Brazil.CONCLUSIONS The spread pattern of DENV-4 Genotype IIB strains across the country supports two independent introductions of the virus in São Paulo in a short period of time. Furthermore, São Paulo appears to have played a pivotal role in the dissemination of DENV-4 to other locations in Brazil.

ZikaPLAN: addressing the knowledge gaps and working towards a research preparedness network in the Americas

ABSTRACTZika Preparedness Latin American Network (ZikaPLAN) is a research consortium funded by the European Commission to address the research gaps in combating Zika and to establish a sustainable network with research capacity building in the Americas. Here we present a report on ZikaPLAN`s mid-term achievements since its initiation in October 2016 to June 2019, illustrating the research objectives of the 15 work packages ranging from virology, diagnostics, entomology and vector control, modelling to clinical cohort studies in pregnant women and neonates, as well as studies on the neurological complications of Zika infections in adolescents and adults. For example, the Neuroviruses Emerging in the Americas Study (NEAS) has set up more than 10 clinical sites in Colombia. Through the Butantan Phase 3 dengue vaccine trial, we have access to samples of 17,000 subjects in 14 different geographic locations in Brazil. To address the lack of access to clinical samples for diagnostic evaluation, ZikaPLAN set up a network of quality sites with access to well-characterized clinical specimens and capacity for independent evaluations. The International Committee for Congenital Anomaly Surveillance Tools was formed with global representation from regional networks conducting birth defects surveillance. We have collated a comprehensive inventory of resources and tools for birth defects surveillance, and developed an App for low resource regions facilitating the coding and description of all major externally visible congenital anomalies including congenital Zika syndrome. Research Capacity Network (REDe) is a shared and open resource centre where researchers and health workers can access tools, resources and support, enabling better and more research in the region. Addressing the gap in research capacity in LMICs is pivotal in ensuring broad-based systems to be prepared for the next outbreak. Our shared and open research space through REDe will be used to maximize the transfer of research into practice by summarizing the research output and by hosting the tools, resources, guidance and recommendations generated by these studies. Leveraging on the research from this consortium, we are working towards a research preparedness network.

Potential inconsistencies in Zika surveillance data and our understanding of risk during pregnancy

BackgroundA significant increase in microcephaly incidence was reported in Northeast Brazil at the end of 2015, which has since been attributed to an epidemic of Zika virus (ZIKV) infections earlier that year. Further incidence of congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) was expected following waves of ZIKV infection throughout Latin America; however, only modest increases in microcephaly and CZS incidence have since been observed. The quantitative relationship between ZIKV infection, gestational age and congenital outcome remains poorly understood.Methodology/Principle findingsWe characterised the gestational-age-varying risk of microcephaly given ZIKV infection using publicly available incidence data from multiple locations in Brazil and Colombia. We found that the relative timings and shapes of ZIKV infection and microcephaly incidence curves suggested different gestational risk profiles for different locations, varying in both the duration and magnitude of gestational risk. Data from Northeast Brazil suggested a narrow window of risk during the first trimester, whereas data from Colombia suggested persistent risk throughout pregnancy. We then used the model to estimate which combination of behavioural and reporting changes would have been sufficient to explain the absence of a second microcephaly incidence wave in Bahia, Brazil; a population for which we had two years of data. We found that a 18.9-fold increase in ZIKV infection reporting rate was consistent with observed patterns.ConclusionsOur study illustrates how surveillance data may be used in principle to answer key questions in the absence of directed epidemiological studies. However, in this case, we suggest that currently available surveillance data are insufficient to accurately estimate the gestational-age-varying risk of microcephaly from ZIKV infection. The methods used here may be of use in future outbreaks and may help to inform improved surveillance and interpretation in countries yet to experience an outbreak of ZIKV infection.

Validation of a questionnaire for the evaluation of informal social support for the elderly: section 1

Abstract Objectives: to construct and carry out content (CV) and response process (RPV) validation for a questionnaire to assess informal social support for the elderly. Method: a descriptive, observational, quantitative study was performed between January and December 2016 in the city of Natal (Rio Grande do Norte) and other locations in Brazil. The inclusion criteria were: proven experience in the area of social support (for experts) or 60 years of age or older and with preserved cognitive status (for the elderly). The CV stage evaluated the relevance of the items according to the general Content Validity Index (CVI) and per item as well as the assembly of the panel based on the observations of the experts. In the RPV stage, the understanding of the items by the target audience was evaluated. Results: the CV stage included a total of 40 interviewees. The overall CVI was 0.88 and only one item had a CVI considered poor. In the RPV stage 41 people were interviewed. Conclusion: the questionnaire exhibited good relevance for the proposed items and the observations of the interviewees allowed an approximation of the language used in the instrument to the language of the elderly.

Pseudocercospora avicenniicola on black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) in Benin: The first report from Africa

AbstractPseudocercospora avicenniicola associated with a leaf spot disease on black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) is reported from Benin. This is the first record of this species from Africa. Previously, P. avicenniicola was known only from one location in Brazil, South America. The morphology of the specimen from Africa is described, illustrated and compared with the original description.

Human polyomavirus KI, WU, BK, and JC in healthy volunteers.

Despite the growing importance of infections caused by the human polyomaviruses (HPyVs), information about their transmission, pathogenesis, and epidemiology is scarce. The objective of this work was to evaluate the excretion and distribution of HPyV (HPyV1-HPyV4 [former BKPyV, JCPyV, KIPyV, and WUPyV, respectively]) among asymptomatic individuals from different geographic regions in Brazil, in order to verify the existence of distinct epidemiologic patterns among the Brazilian population. Saliva samples from 889 healthy volunteers living in nine locations in Brazil were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect HPyV1-4. Among 889 participants, 346 (39%) had evidence of infection with one or more HPyV species: 127 (14.3%) had HPyV1 only; 70 (7.9%) had HPyV3 only; 60 (6.7%) had HPyV4 only, and 25 (2.8%) had HPyV2 only. Coinfections were detected in 64 participants (7.3%). Although HPyV excretion was detected in samples from all locations, the frequency and distribution of viral species varied significantly. The epidemiologic findings presented demonstrate that the four HPyV species studied are circulating in five geographic regions of Brazil. Salivary excretion of these viruses appears common among healthy Brazilians. The distribution of viral species varies considerably between regions as well as within regions.

Silicon-mediated and constitutive resistance to Rhopalosiphum maidis (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in corn hybrids.

The corn leaf aphid, Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is an important pest of corn, but no corn genotypes resistant to R. maidis are commercially available. Although the ability of silicon to induce plant resistance against some insects is known, the effect of silicon on R. maidis and in corn hybrids with different levels of constitutive resistance is still unknown. This study sought to determine the constitutive resistance of corn hybrids to R. maidis and silicon resistance induction in hybrids with different degrees of constitutive resistance. Field experiments with natural infestations of aphids were conducted in three locations in Brazil (Patos de Minas, Araguari, and Tupaciguara). Greenhouse trials were also used to evaluate the effect of varietal resistance on aphid population growth and identify resistant and susceptible genotypes. Aphid resistance induced by silicon was determined with resistant and susceptible corn hybrids. In the field, the corn hybrids BM8850, AS1625PRO, and DKB310PRO had the greatest proportion of plants infested by R. maidis in all three localities. The hybrids P30F53H, STATUS VIP, BM9288, DAS2B587HX, DKB175PRO, AS1633PRO, and DKB390PRO2 were the least infested in Patos de Minas and Araguari, and P30F53H was the least infested in Tupaciguara. When antibiosis effects were evaluated by aphid population growth, the hybrids AG7088PRO3 and DKB310PRO2 were susceptible, while P30F53YH was resistant. When natural aphid infestation was evaluated, wherein the effects of antibiosis and non-preference could not be discriminated, soil applications of silicon-induced resistance to R. maidis in both susceptible and constitutively resistant corn hybrids.

Multi-objective optimization of a solar-assisted heat pump for swimming pool heating using genetic algorithm

A proper assessment of heating systems for swimming pools should evaluate the compromise between comfort level and the willingness to pay for it. The present work presents a multi-objective optimization of indirect solar assisted heat pump systems for outdoor swimming pool heating. Four different configurations are reported; (air-to-water heat pump and three solar assisted heat pumps, air-to-water, water-to-water and a dual-source); and evaluated in six different locations (three location in Chile: Antofagasta, Santiago, and Concepción; and three locations in Brazil: Brazilia, São Paulo, and Florianópolis). The methodology approach configures two objectives optimization, the minimization of the Annualized Life Cycle Cost (ALCC) and the maximization of the comfort level offered by the swimming pool. The optimization scheme consists of using a combination of tools: the energy-savings potential of i-SAHP are evaluated using the TRNSYS software in combination with GenOpt; and the economic modeling and optimization are performed in the MATLAB environment, using an approximation model and variant of NSGA-II genetic algorithm for building the Pareto frontiers. The optimization results demonstrate that solar-assisted configurations present significant improvements in performance for almost all locations, reaching the same levels of comfort at lower ALCCs when compared with the ASHP configuration.

Dimensioning the Impact of Irrigation on Sugarcane Yield in Brazil

Water deficit is one of the main causes of sugarcane yield limitation around the world. Sugarcane simulation models can be used to evaluate the impact of irrigation on yield where water deficit causes important losses. The aim of this study was to dimension the potential of irrigation on sugarcane yield in different Brazilian regions, by comparing yields simulated by a calibrated FAO-AZM model under rainfed and irrigated conditions, considering different levels of crop water supply. Simulations were run for 12-month plant cane yield planted every month along the year. Three different soil types with low, medium and high soil water holding capacities were considered for 29 locations in Brazil, considering a 30-year weather data series. Irrigation was applied to cover 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% of the crop water deficit, with the highest level corresponding to full irrigation to obtain potential yield. The results showed that yield increases depend on the interaction between climate type, weather conditions, soil physical properties, planting date and level of irrigation. The soil with low water holding capacity was the one with the largest response to irrigation. On the coast of Northeastern Brazil, sugarcane planted between March and June was those which were more responsive to irrigation. On the other hand, in the producing regions in the interior of the country, the planting dates with higher responses to irrigation were between October and January. This study proved that irrigation is an important strategy to improve sugarcane yield even in the regions where irrigation is currently not recommended.

Assessing the Ability of Chloroplast and Nuclear DNA Gene Markers to Verify the Geographic Origin of Jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril L.) Timber.

Deforestation-reinforced by illegal logging-is a serious problem in many tropical regions and causes pervasive environmental and economic damage. Existing laws that intend to reduce illegal logging need efficient, fraud resistant control methods. We developed a genetic reference database for Jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril), an important, high value timber species from the Neotropics. The data set can be used for controls on declarations of wood origin. Samples from 308 Hymenaea trees from 12 locations in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, and French Guiana have been collected and genotyped on 10 nuclear microsatellites (nSSRs), 13 chloroplast SNPs (cpSNP), and 1 chloroplast indel marker. The chloroplast gene markers have been developed using Illumina DNA sequencing. Bayesian cluster analysis divided the individuals based on the nSSRs into 8 genetic groups. Using self-assignment tests, the power of the genetic reference database to judge on declarations on the location has been tested for 3 different assignment methods. We observed a strong genetic differentiation among locations leading to high and reliable self-assignment rates for the locations between 50% to 100% (average of 88%). Although all 3 assignment methods came up with similar mean self-assignment rates, there were differences for some locations linked to the level of genetic diversity, differentiation, and heterozygosity. Our results show that the nuclear and chloroplast gene markers are effective to be used for a genetic certification system and can provide national and international authorities with a robust tool to confirm legality of timber.

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) growth promotion and biocontrol by rhizobacteria under Rhizoctonia solani suppressive and conducive soils

Rhizobacteria promote plant growth and disease control. However, in crop management practices cultivar and environmental conditions may also interfere with diseases outcome. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of common bean seed treatment with isolates ALB629 and UFLA285 of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, combined or not with metalaxyl + fludioxonil, the control of Rhizoctonia solani damping-off and web blight (WB), plant growth parameters and common bean yield. Field and greenhouse trials were carried out in two different locations in Brazil – Lavras, MG (Southeast) with suppressive soil conditions and Boa Vista, RR (North) with a conducive WB condition, using two cultivars of common bean – Pérola and BRS Agreste. The treatments responded differently to either the locations and the cultivars regarding the disease development or plant growth parameters. In Lavras the suppressive conditions did not allow R. solani establishment and promoted higher seed germination and emergency when soils were kept in natural conditions compared to sterile soils. In Boa Vista with conducive conditions, treatments with rhizobacteria associated with fungicide reduced by up to 164% the WB incidence in both cultivars, but the treatment with only ALB629 or UFLA285 also reduced the disease severity. The combination of rhizobacteria with fungicide ensured consistency and stability of results. The common bean yield was higher than the control in 23% and about 500% in Lavras (cv. Perola) and Boa Vista (cv. BRS Agreste), respectively when seeds were treated with ALB629. The use of ALB629 is a plausible strategy for bean seed treatment to control disease and increase bean yield, and therefore an important tool to improve common bean production.