Northern Brazil Research Articles

Scanning holotypes from the Vertebrate Paleontology Collection at the Museu Paraense Emilio Goeldi (Brazil): Tools for research and science outreach

AbstractThe scanning of paleontological collections is increasingly important for morphological studies and science outreach. In addition to ensuring data sharing, digitization contributes to preserving morphological information in case of damage to the original specimens. In this communication, we aim to report digital versions of the holotypes from the Vertebrate Paleontology Collection at the Museu Paraense Emilio Goeldi, Brazil. For this purpose, eighteen holotypes of Early/Middle Miocene Teleostei from Pirabas Formation, northern Brazil, were scanned using microtomography, and cybertypes were proposed. The CT‐Scan data were stored in a virtual repository, can be freely accessed, and are available for future studies on the morphology of these specimens. Furthermore, these specimens are tiny and fragile, and digital versions can be an alternative to safely handling them. Finally, the digitization of important specimens, at least of holotypes, needs to be a standard practice in museum collections over the next years.

First description of a whole genome of Bavovirus at the Amazonian Region, detected in a commercial chicken farm from Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the presence of virus in fecal specimens of clinically normal chickens of the genus Gallus gallus, collected from a commercial farm located in the municipality of Benevides, in the metropolitan region of Belém City, capital of Pará State, Northern Brazil.

Small steps towards energy poverty mitigation: Life cycle assessment and economic feasibility analysis of a photovoltaic and battery system in a Brazilian indigenous community

The so-called energy transition has been associated with decreasing dependence on fossil fuel energy and low environmental impacts. Additionally, several communities worldwide still face energy poverty, with no or limited access to energy services. This paper evaluates the environmental and economic aspects related to replacing diesel-based power systems with photovoltaic and battery storage systems in a small indigenous community in northern Brazil. Nine environmental categories were analyzed for the life cycle perspective, from which it was established that the benefits of the photovoltaic system outperformed the diesel-based system in seven of the nine categories i.e., climate change (by a difference of 189.8 t CO2-eq over the system's lifetime, i.e., 300 MWh generated over 25 years), fossil depletion (by 66.7 t oil-eq), environmental toxicity (by 1.4 t 1,4-DCB-eq), particulate matter formation (by 1.5 t PM10-eq), photochemical oxidant formation (by 4.8 t NMVOC), terrestrial acidification (by 2.5 t SO2-eq), and eutrophication (by 1.7 t nutrients-eq). On the other hand, metal depletion showed similar values for both cases, while the diesel-based system was associated with lower human toxicity (by 14.8 t 1,4-DCB-eq) given the high usage of toxic metals when manufacturing the battery systems. Regarding the economic aspects, from stochastic analysis, the results for replacing diesel-based systems result in average savings of around 9 thousand USD over 25 years. Hopefully, these positive results might stimulate policy efforts that lead to mitigating energy poverty in Brazilian indigenous communities.

Enhancing bauxite residue properties for plant growth: Gypsum and organic amendment effects on chemical properties of soil and leachate

Here, we assess the effects of gypsum and local organic waste as amendments to non-weathered, filter-pressed bauxite residue (BR) to improve its properties and support plant growth. In addition, we monitored the leachate quality of the amended BR under progressive leaching that simulated precipitation conditions in Northern Brazil. Free-draining column tests consisting of BR amended with gypsum and organic waste, at 5% and 10% w/w, respectively, were leached for 8 weeks to assess the effects on the chemical composition of BR and the leachates. Adding gypsum to BR reduced the exchangeable sodium (Na) percentage (ESP) from approximately 79%–48%, whereas adding only organic waste had smaller effects on ESP (from ∼79% to ∼ 70%). The mean leachate pH ranged from 8.7 to 9.4 for the gypsum, and organic waste amended BR, while this was 10.3 in the leachate of the unamended BR. The treatments had similar trends of electrical conductivity throughout the experiments and were below 2 dS/cm after 8 weeks, when ∼1.700 mm simulated precipitation had leached. Aluminium (Al), Arsenic (As), and Vanadium (V) concentrations in leachates of BR with gypsum, either alone or in combination with organic waste, were significantly lowered than in leachate of non-amended BR. By contrast, metal concentrations increased if organic waste was added to BR. We conclude that amending BR with gypsum, in combination with organic waste, significantly improves the chemical properties of the solid phase and achieved rehabilitation goals for SAR and EC of the leachates after 8 weeks of leaching. However, despite high leaching rates, rehabilitation goals for pH and ESP were not achieved with gypsum either alone or combined with organic waste.

Association of sociodemographic characteristics, mental health, and sleep quality with COVID-19 fear in an elderly Brazilian population

Aim: This study determined whether COVID-19 fear is correlated with sociodemographic characteristics, general health, mental health, and sleep quality in an elderly Brazilians. Methods: Elderly people aged ≥ 60 years replied to an online survey containing questions about their sociodemographic characteristics; general health; levels of stress, anxiety, and depression; sleep quality; and COVID fear. Results: Data were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics (α = 5%). In total, 705 elderly people with mean age of 66 ± 5 years, and most (82.7%) respondents were women, graduated and from southeastern Brazil. COVID-19 fear correlated positively and moderately with sleep quality and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress (all p < 0.001). It was associated with females. Elderly people from northern and northeastern Brazil and diabetics had increased COVID-19 fear (all p < 0.05). Conclusion: The fear of COVID-19 exists among Brazilian female old people, diabetics, increases anxiety and stress symptoms, and worsen sleep quality in elderly people.

Evolutionary History and Taxonomic Reclassification of the Critically Endangered Daggernose Shark, a Species Endemic to the Western Atlantic

The family Carcharhinidae includes the most typical and recognizable sharks, although its internal classification is the subject of extensive debate. In particular, the type genus, Carcharhinus Blainville, 1816, which is also the most speciose, appears to be paraphyletic in relation to a number of morphologically distinct taxa. Isogomphodon oxyrhynchus (Valenciennes, 1839) (the daggernose shark) is a carcharinid, which is endemic to a limited area of the Western Atlantic between Trinidad and Tobago and the Gulf of Maranhão in northern Brazil, one of the smallest ranges of any New World elasmobranch species. In recent decades, I. oxyrhynchus populations have been decimated by anthropogenic impacts, which has led to the classification of the species as critically endangered by the IUCN. However, there is considerable debate on both the validity of the species (I. oxyrhynchus) and the status of Isogomphodon Gill, 1862 as a distinct entity from the genus Carcharhinus. The present study is based on a molecular assessment of the genetic validity of the I. oxyrhynchus that combines mitochondrial and nuclear markers, which were used to identify the biogeographic events responsible for the emergence and dispersal of the species in northern Brazil. The genetic distance analyses and phylogenetic trees confirmed the paraphyly of the genus Carcharhinus, recovering a clade comprising Carcharhinus+I. oxyrhynchus+Prionace glauca (Linnaeus, 1758). Our results indicate not only that the daggernose shark is actually a member of the genus Carcharhinus, but that it is genetically more closely related to Carcharhinus porosus (Ranzani, 1839) than it is to the other Carcharhinus species analyzed. Given this, I. oxyrhynchus and P. glauca are therefore reclassified and recognized as Carcharhinus oxyrhynchus and Carcharhinus glaucus. The daggernose shark, Carcharhinus oxyrhynchus, diverged from C. porosus during the Miocene, when significant geomorphological processes occurred on the northern coast of South America, in particular in relation to the configuration of the Amazon River. It is closely associated with the area of the Amazon plume, and its distinctive morphological features represent autapomorphic ecological adaptations to this unique habitat and do not reflect systematic distinction from Carcharhinus.

Taxonomic Revision of Cuphea sect. Trispermum s.l. (Lythraceae)

Cuphea sect. Trispermum, one of the 13 sections of the genus, underwent a new circumscription after morphological, ecological, and molecular studies. A total of 20 species and two varieties are recognized in the section, including three new described species (C. araguaiaensis, C. auriflora, and C. praetermissa) and six species transferred from other sections. Eleven taxa were synonymized and 28 lectotypes were designated. The nectary at the base of the ovary deflexed, convex in the dorsal region, concave ventrally, three ovules, obtuse margin seeds, and pollen with the exine thickened between the pores are synapomorphies of C. sect. Trispermum, proving to be monophyletic after a broader definition. Representatives are found in Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, northern South America, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Brazil, where 17 species occur, of which 13 are endemic. They are subshrubs to shrubs that often grow in cerrado sensu stricto, “campos rupestres” and Amazonian savannas. A high degree of narrow endemism is evident, with species restricted to specialized habitats. New information on floral and vegetative morphology, pollen, cytology, and habitat is provided for the section. In addition, keys are accompanied by descriptions, illustrations, distribution maps, and preliminary assessment of the conservation status for all taxa.

The ethanol market in Brazil: price behavior and regional differences

AbstractThe conditions facing the Brazilian ethanol market have created a need to improve the industry's understanding of price formation, and to analyze the effects of mandatory policies and the interaction between Brazil's ethanol, agricultural, and fuel markets. In this context, this study sought to analyze the behavior of ethanol production and consumption at the national and regional levels in Brazil from 2012 to 2016; hence, the supply and demand functions are estimated at national and at regional levels using the two‐stage least squares method. Our findings indicated that gasoline and anhydrous ethanol blended gasoline were substitutes for hydrous ethanol on the demand side in Brazil. At the national level, the estimates also showed that the income elasticity of hydrous ethanol characterizes it as a normal good. At the regional level, the regions with the highest production and consumption (southeastern and central‐western Brazil) responded to price variations less elastically than the other regions (southern, northeastern, and northern Brazil).

Digital Form for Assessing Dentistry Undergraduates Regarding Periodontal Disease Associated with Cardiovascular Diseases

Background: Throughout recent years, periodontal disease (PD) has been linked to innumerable medical systemic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). This association could negatively impact oral health, so the knowledge of dentists who have graduated must follow modern dentistry in order to promote oral health, mainly in systemically compromised patients. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine and evaluate the knowledge level of dentistry undergraduate students (DUS) regarding the correct periodontal treatment and management of cardiac patients with PD. Methods: This cross-sectional and populational-based study was conducted between March and June 2022 in northern Brazil. A total of 153 DUS received an anonymous digital form (Google Forms Platform) using a non-probabilistic "snowball" sampling technique. The digital form was composed of four blocks of dichotomous and multiple-choice questions. After signing the informed consent term, DUS were divided into three groups according to their period/semester in dentistry graduation during the study time (G1: 1st period/semester; G2: 5th period/semester and G3: 10th period/semester). A total of 25 questions referring to demographic, educational and knowledge data about the dental and periodontal care of cardiac patients with PD were asked, and all data were presented as descriptive percentages and then analyzed using the Kappa test. Results: From a total of 153 (100%) DUS, the sample was mostly composed of 104 (68%) female participants, with an average age of 21.1 years. Regarding basic knowledge, the majority of answers were no, with G1 being higher than G2 and G3. Regarding clinical questions, 1247 (58.3%) answers were no. Additionally, regarding fundamental clinical questions 1, 2, 3, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 14, the majority of G1, G2 and G3 answered no, demonstrating a major lack of knowledge. Conclusions: In our study, DUS demonstrated a low knowledge level of the dental and periodontal care of cardiac patients with PD and its bi-directional link. Thus, according to our results, an improvement in dentistry educational programs regarding periodontal medicine must be implemented.

Stilobezzia Kieffer (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from the Brazilian Amazon: three new species, redescription of S. (Stilobezzia) maculata Lane and new records

Three new species of Stilobezzia Kieffer, 1911 are described and illustrated from the Brazilian Amazon, two in the nominotypical subgenus Stilobezzia: S. (Stilobezzia) brasiliensis n. sp. and S. (Stilobezzia) campinaranensis n. sp., and one in the subgenus Acanthohelea: S. (Acanthohelea) medialuna n. sp. We also redescribe and re-illustrate S. (Stilobezzia) maculata Lane based on the examination of type material and additional specimens. In addition, S. (Eukraiohelea) proxima Cazorla & Felippe-Bauer, S. (Eukraiohelea) quasielegantula Cazorla & Felippe-Bauer, S. (Stilobezzia) chaconi Macfie, S. (Stilobezzia) glauca Macfie, and S. (Stilobezzia) maculata are recorded for the first time from the state of Amazonas, northern Brazil. The number of Stilobezzia species in Brazilian Amazon increases from 11 to 19.

Study and evaluation of the oxidative stability of biodiesel commercialized in the Northern region of Brazil

This study sought to assess the panorama of the biodiesel issue in northern Brazil, referring to the physical chemical parameter of oxidative stability. Data were collected between the years 2020 and 2021 in the cities of Manaus and Porto Velho, through routine collections in the tanks of the distribution bases and analyzes carried out in the research and fuel testing laboratory (LAPEC) located at the Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM). The results showed the disparity of the oxidative stability of biodiesel with the current standard, placing it beyond the minimum specification, affecting its mixture with diesel S10, however diesel S500 still remained below the maximum limit determined by the National Petroleum Agency, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP). Thus, investigations carried out on the action of diesel in its mixture with biodiesel, improving its oxidative stability, determined that the sulfur content represents a significant factor for this. Therefore, this work allowed prospecting the panorama of the quality of biodiesel in the northern region of the country, directing critical thinking towards the elucidation of the exposed bottlenecks.

Acute diarrheal diseases and their relationship with water quality in Araguatins, Tocantins, Brazil: a cross-sectional study

Diarrhea remains a significant cause of death worldwide among children under five years old. In Brazil, the highest incidence of the disease occurs in the north region, and the epidemiological characteristics of diarrhea in Araguatins, TO, northern Brazil, have not been reported. The present study aimed to analyze the occurrence of acute diarrheal diseases (ADD) in Araguatins between 2014 and 2019 and its relationship with the quality of the public water supply. The study also analyzed the correlation between ADD frequency and rotavirus vaccination coverage of children. The data were obtained from the Brazilian Ministry of Health (SIVEP-DDA database) and the Health Surveillance Agency of Araguatins. The reported cases of acute diarrheal diseases significantly increased in 2018 and 2019 compared to the other years, and the occurrence of greater severity in the age group of ³10 years increased in the same period. The highest incidence of diarrhea occurred in 2018 when the application of rotavirus vaccines to children was the lowest. In most years investigated, the cases of acute diarrheal diseases occurred in both rainy and dry periods. However, in 2016, diarrhea cases were concentrated in the dry period, and Escherichia coli and total coliforms were found more frequently in the public water supply. The highest frequency of contamination with E. coli and total coliforms occurred in the Downtown area. The conclusion was that diarrheal disease may be caused, at least partially, by water-conveying agents in the treated public water supply of the Araguatins.

Sapo-34 Obtained from Amazonian Flint Kaolin: Influence of Impurities of “Oxidized Fe/Ti” in Synthesis and Its Application in the Removal of Cationic Dye from Water

Non-processed kaolin (flint kaolin) from a mine located in the Capim area (Amazon region, northern Brazil), usually considered as waste, was selected as a source of silicon and aluminum in the synthesis of SAPO-34. This is a molecular sieve and cationic exchanger chosen for tests focusing on the removal of methylene blue in aqueous solutions, which is a cationic dye widely used by textile industries in Brazil. The results revealed that the SAPO-34 has been successfully synthesized with typical cubic morphology, good crystallinity (>90%), and thermal stability (~998 °C). Although the oxidized Fe/Ti impurities contained in the flint kaolin affect the degree of crystallinity of the zeolitic product, its adsorptive properties are not significantly affected, which demonstrates the excellent adsorption results (pH = 11; % removal > 90%). It proved to be an adsorbent with considerable adsorption capacity (9.83 mg·g−1). The pH test confirmed the acidic surface characteristics (pH solution 2–4; ↓ removal), and the kinetic model that best fitted the experimental data was pseudo-second-order, with R2 = 0.998 (kinetics controlled by chemisorption).

Protoptilinae (Trichoptera: Glossosomatidae) from Roraima state, northern Brazil: A new species of Itauara Müller 1888 and new distributional records for species of Protoptila Banks 1904

A new species of caddisfly, Itauara marcellina sp. nov., is described and illustrated from Roraima state in northern Brazil. This new species is characterized by features of the male genitalia. The dorsolateral processes of tergum X, in dorsal view, are horn-like and the phallicata has a medial pair of membranous, rounded, lateral flanges projecting posteroventrad. Protoptila ctenacantha Flint 1974 is recorded for the first time from Brazil. Protoptila condylifera Flint 1971, Protoptila flexispina Flint 1971, Protoptila simplex Flint 1971, and Protoptila trispicata Flint 1971 are recorded for the first time from Roraima state, Brazil.

BIOTITA-XISTO DA SUÍTE INTRUSIVA TRACUATEUA DO NORDESTE DO PARÁ E SEU POTENCIAL AGROMINERAL

The main purpose of this work is the chemical and mineralogical characterization of a biotite-shist from northern Brazil, in order to evaluate its potential as an alternative rock of potassium fertilizer. For the characterization, one composite sample of about 40 Kg was crushed and classified into four subsamples with the following grain sizes: (-4000 +1000), (-1000 +300), (-300 +53) and (-53) μm. All four subsamples were submitted to the following analyses: X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR) and optical microscopy (OM) for textural analysis. The biotite-shist is mainly composed by albite, quartz and biotite, besides small amounts of chlorite and traces of K-feldspar and clinopyroxene. No significant mineralogical variation was observed among the studied granulometric fractions. Mean K2O contents are 2,61%, above the minimum of 1% required by the Normative Instruction of the Ministry of Agriculture of Brazil. Although further studies are still needed, the biotite-shist studied may have good potential when compared to other rocks already used in Brazil, e.g., other biotite schists from Central Brazil, as agromineral or soil remineralizer. Keywords: Biotite-schist, potassium fertilizer, soil remineralizer, agromineral.

Amazon Amandaba-Prevalence, Risk Factors and Self-Care Perception Associated with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus. There is a gradual loss of protective sensation in the skin and the function of the foot joints, increasing the risk of injury as the disease progresses. The objective of this study was to verify whether socioeconomic factors, health risk factors, and self-care are associated with DPN. Observational cross-sectional with 228 individuals of ≥30 years in Family Health Strategies in a city in the eastern Amazon, in northern Brazil, using questionnaires containing socioeconomic information, clinical and laboratory parameters, the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Questionnaire, and the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument. The prevalence of DPN was 66.6%. The presence of neuropathy is associated with male gender, dyslipidemia, and increased microalbuminuria. Logistic regression analysis revealed male subjects' increased BMI and altered HDL levels were associated with DPN. In men with altered BMI, and dysregulation in biochemical parameters, neuropathy is more prevalent.

HoBi-like Pestivirus Is Highly Prevalent in Cattle Herds in the Amazon Region (Northern Brazil).

Pestiviruses are globally distributed and cause substantial economic losses to the cattle industry. In Brazil, the country with the world's largest cattle population, pestivirus infections are well described in some regions, such as in the south, where a high frequency of BVDV-2 is described and contrasts with the high prevalence of HoBi-like pestivirus (HoBiPeV) in the northeast. However, there is a lack of information about pestiviruses in the Amazon Region, in northern Brazil, with a cattle population estimated at 55.7 million head, which has a significant impact on the international livestock market. Therefore, this study investigated the seroprevalence and genetic variability of ruminant pestiviruses in 944 bovine serum samples from four states in northern Brazil: Pará (PA), Amapá (AP), Roraima (RR), and Amazonas (AM). Our results showed that 45.4% of the samples were seropositive (19.8% for BVDV-1, 14.1% for BVDV-2, and 20.9% for HoBiPeV). All samples were tested by RT-qPCR, and three were positive and classified as HoBiPeV in a phylogenetic analysis. These serological and molecular results contrast with those from other regions of the world, suggesting that the northern Brazilian states have a high prevalence of all bovine pestiviruses including HoBiPeV.

Identification of risk areas for arboviruses transmitted by Aedes aegypti in northern Brazil: A One Health analysis

IntroductionThe complex and growing problem generated by the rapid expansion of unplanned urban areas includes high population density and increased infestation by vectors responsible for the transmission of several diseases. This requires interdisciplinary and intersectoral interventions due to the burden of diseases, especially those caused by arboviruses, which can present severe forms and generate significant pressure on health systems, especially in more vulnerable regions. The objective of this study was to analyze the spatial distribution of arboviruses transmitted by Aedes aegypti (dengue, Zika, and chikungunya) and assess their correlations with demographic, social, and environmental data from the state of Tocantins, Brazil. MethodsThis was an ecological time series study of the dengue, Zika, and chikungunya arboviruses in the state of Tocantins. Local Moran's indices were used to observe the spatial autocorrelation of cases and to delimit clusters of high and low risks, correlating them with socioenvironmental indicators, in addition to analyses to detect case clusters. ResultsThe state reported a mean incidence of 591 annual cases of arbovirus infections per 100,000 inhabitants and a stationary trend with seasonal pattern. Female Pardo individuals aged 20–39 years, with an education level of below college education, were the most affected; Palmas and Araguaína, the two largest cities in the state in terms of economy and population, were the most affected. ConclusionA better understanding of the interaction between social characteristics, the environment, and ecology of wild animals and vectors is important for the development of mechanisms to predict outbreaks as well as to develop strategies to reduce and/or mitigate recurring arboviral epidemics and other diseases.

Symptoms of Sarcopenia and Physical Fitness through the Senior Fitness Test.

Physical fitness concerns a set of attributes related to the ability to perform physical activity that may justify the symptoms reported by the elderly in the context of sarcopenia. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the perception (symptomatology) of physical functioning (what the person thinks they are capable of) and the capacity itself for physical functioning in elderly people in northern Brazil. Cross-sectional study that analyzed 312 elderly people (72.6 ± 7.8 years) from the city of Novo Aripuanã, Amazonas, Brazil. Sarcopenia symptomatology was assessed using the SARC-F, a 5-item questionnaire designed for screening sarcopenia in older individuals in five domains: strength, walking aids, difficulty getting up from a chair, difficulty climbing stairs, and falls. Physical fitness was assessed by the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) battery including balance evaluated with the short version of the Fullerton Advanced Balance scale (FAB). ROC curve analysis revealed that the tests with the greatest ability to discriminate participants with significant symptoms for sarcopenia (≥4 points on SARC-F) were arm curl and 6 min walk: the probability of suspected sarcopenia increased exponentially with an arm curl < 11.5 reps for men (se = 71%; sp = 69%; AUC = 0.706, 95% CI: 0.612-0.788; p = 0.013) and women (se = 81%; sp = 51%; AUC = 0.671, 95% CI: 0.601-0.735; p ≤ 0.001) or with a 6-min walk <408.5 m for men (se = 71%; sp = 63%; AUC = 0.720, 95% CI: 0.628-0.690; p = 0.001) and <366.0 m for women (se = 69%; sp = 58%; AUC = 0.692, 95% CI: 0.623-0.755; p = 0.0001). Physical fitness assessed through the senior fitness test, particularly the 30-s-arm curl test and the 6-min walk test, can discriminate for suspected symptoms of sarcopenia.

Consumer preferences for the color of unprocessed animal foods.

Consumer choices for food products are often based on appearance; one important aspect being product color. We systematically review the literature on consumer preferences for the color of raw beef, pork, poultry, bee honey, cow milk, and chicken eggs to inform future food technology and marketing research; a total of 40 studies were identified. Consumer preferences for pork color vary widely globally and can depend on other demographic factors. A trend toward light and bright beef was observed in six out of eight studies. A pink color was preferred in chicken by consumers in Northern Ireland and Brazil; muscle color uniformity was also related to higher acceptance. Contrarily, a diverse selection of honey colors is preferred; dark golden, yellow, and amber products were liked by consumers across the globe. One study observed a preference for white (over yellowish) milk. Worldwide, white and brown eggshells are preferred nearly equally with considerable differences between continents and regions. Our review highlights the heterogeneity of color preferences for animal products, worldwide; research methods should focus on quantifying colors associated with preferences so that food producers can accurately market their diverse products in regions with corresponding color preferences.