South Region Of Brazil Research Articles

Hereditary breast cancer next-generation sequencing panel evaluation in the south region of Brazil: A novel BRCA2 candidate pathogenic variant is reported.

In this article, we delineate a loosely selected cohort comprising patients with a history of early-onset breast cancer and/or a familial occurrence of cancer. The aim of this study was to gain insights into the presence of breast cancer-related gene variants in a population from a micro-region in southern Brazil, specifically the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba. This area exhibits a highly genetically mixed population, mirroring the general characteristics of the Brazilian people. Comprehensive next-generation sequencing (NGS) multigene panel testing was conducted on 12 patients from the region, utilizing three different library preparation methods. Two pathogenic variants and one candidate pathogenic variant were identified: BRCA2 c.8878C>T, p.Gln2960Ter; CHEK2 c.1100del, p.Thr367Metfs15, and BRCA2 c.3482dup, p.Asp1161Glufs3. BRCA2 c.3482dup, a novel candidate pathogenic variant, previously unpublished, is reported. The prevalence of pathogenic variants in this small cohort is similar to that described in the literature. All different library preparation methods were equally proficient in enabling the detection of these variants.

Current expansions in the Brazilian timber market

The attractive financial returns from timberland investments in Brazil, particularly fast-growth tree plantations like pine and eucalyptus, have attracted multiple investors over the last decade. Among the countries with a competitive Pulp and Paper Industry (PPI), pulp and paper investors have expanded substantially in Brazil with new mills and planted areas. This paper presents a comprehensive investigation of the dynamics of the Brazilian pulp and paper industry forest sector in the past decade. We described the current macroeconomic and political environment in Brazil and the expansion of mills and timberland in Brazil. Brazil is, clearly, among the selective countries where a substantial expansion of the forest sector is possible. The regions like Mato Grosso do Sul have impressive scales of productivity and expansion. Other areas, like the states of Maranhão, Piaui, Tocantins and Bahia present potential to expand forest plantation, however, they are limited by weather constraints (extensive drought and fire seasons). Even well-known markets, like the South region of Brazil, have has opportunities to expansion subject to higher land prices. Brazil’s attractiveness for timberland investments is underscored by robust economic indicators and extensive natural resources. Yet, navigating the complexities of its political landscape remains a critical consideration for potential investors looking to capitalize on the country’s promising forestry sector.

Patients with psoriatic arthritis followed in tertiary centers in Southern Brazil have a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome

Introduction/ObjectivePatients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) have a significant prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS), however studies conducted in Latin America describing comorbidities of PsA patients are still scarce. The aim of the present work was to estimate the prevalence of MS in patients attending PsA clinics in tertiary university centers in the south region of Brazil and to evaluate the achievement of the minimal disease activity criteria among those with and without MS. Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted; patients were recruited in two university hospitals and data collected during a routine clinic visit. The prevalence of MS was estimated using the National Cholesterol Education Programme's Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATP III). The prevalence of patients achieving the MDA criteria was compared between individuals with and without MS using Chi-square test. ResultsOne hundred and five patients with PsA were evaluated, 81 in center A (Rio Grande do Sul) and 24 in center B (Paraná); 54.3% were female (N=57), the average age was 55.7 (SD 11.6) years and the median time of diagnosis in years was 7.4 (.16–42.2). A total of 51.9% (N=54) were diagnosed with MS., hypertension was found in 51.4% (N=54) and obesity in 38.1% (N=40) of the sample. There was no statistically significant association between MS and MDA. ConclusionPatients followed in PsA clinics in university tertiary centers in the south of Brazil have a significant prevalence of MS. This work emphasizes the importance of the screening and treatment of comorbidities in PsA.

Objetividade jornalística e perspectiva de gênero: tensões e deslocamentos

This study seeks to understand the construction of a gender perspective in journalism and the implications of feminism in its practice, related to journalistic objectivity, through the analysis of the work of journalists from the Portal Catarinas, from the South Region of Brazil. The method is the case study, with participant observation in the production of news in the Portal and in-depth interviews. The analysis showed the existence of ruptures and tensions in the journalism’s male logic. Journalistic objectivity continues to prevail over all decisions, but it does not occupy a comfortable place and is under constant tension. These dislocations indicate the possibility of the existence of feminist objectiveness in journalism.

Assessing the water quality in a World Heritage Site using biomarkers in top fish predators

The use of biomarkers in fish for biomonitoring is a valuable approach to reveal effects of human impacts on biota health. Top predator fish are effective models for monitoring human activities' impacts on aquatic ecosystems. The Guaraguaçu River is the largest river-system on coastal region of South Brazil and a World Heritage site. The river receives contaminants from disorderly urban growth, including discharges of domestic sewage and small fishery boats, particularly during the tourist season. Our study aimed to assess impact of anthropogenic activities on water quality in the Guaraguaçu River by analyzing environmental contamination biomarkers in the top fish predator Hoplias malabaricus. Fish were collected using a fyke net trap across sectors representing a gradient of anthropic impact: sector 1 - pristine; sector 2 – impacted; and sector 3 - less impacted. Water samples were collected to analyze the presence of trace elements and pesticide. Biomarkers of the antioxidant system, histopathology, genotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and concentration of trace elements were analyzed in fish tissues. In water samples Al, Fe and Mn were detected, but no pesticides were found. In fish muscle, zinc and iron were detected. Brain acetylcholinesterase activity decreased in impacted sectors, indicating neurotoxic effects. The antioxidant system increased activity in gills and liver, and damage from lipoperoxidation was observed, particularly in sector 2 when compared to sector 1, suggesting oxidative stress. Histopathological biomarkers revealed lesions in the liver and gills of fish in impacted sectors. Micronuclei, a genotoxicity biomarker, were observed in organisms from all sectors. Our results demonstrate detrimental effects of poor water quality on biota health, even when contaminants are not detected in water.

Ecosystem services provided by green areas and their implications for human health in Brazil

Green areas provide numerous ecosystem services (ES) that are essential for human well-being, such as climate regulation, air quality regulation, disease regulation, and recreational opportunities. In this study, we assessed the ecosystem services provided by green areas and their implications for human health in Brazil. Considering emerging problems in Brazil, such as population growth, the health crisis, and the increase in deforestation, ES mapping is essential to understand barriers and diagnose strategies for promoting the health and well-being of the Brazilian population. Using remote sensing data and geographic information systems, we evaluated the Green Areas Ecosystem Services (GAES), composed of i) the provision of green areas; ii) regulation of air quality; iii) climate regulation; iv) diseases regulation (cardiorespiratory); and v) cultural services, including recreation, sports, and ecotourism. Our findings suggest that green areas in Brazil provide a considerable amount of ecosystem services that are relevant to human health. Over 70 % of Brazil exhibited GAES values exceeding 0.5 (relative scale ranging from 0 to 1). This indicates that a significant portion of the Brazilian population has access to green spaces that provide important services, such as air and water purification, climate regulation, and disease regulation. The mean GAES value for the entire country was 0.78, with notable regional variations. The highest GAES was found in regions dominated by the Amazon Forest (GAES = 0.81), while the smallest offers of GAES are in the northeast (GAES = 0.40) and south (GAES = 0.41) regions of the country The type of vegetation was an important factor in the regulation of climate and air quality. However, factors such as population density and urbanization interfere with the regulation of diseases. Considering the 10 states with the highest and lowest per capita income and population density, the state of Rio Grande do Sul, located in the South region, had the highest mean GAES value; while the state of Acre, in the North region, had the lowest. Our findings suggest that interventions to improve green area provision and quality may be most effective in the northeast and South regions of Brazil. This is indicative of the observed lower GAES provision in these regions, primarily attributed to elevated urbanization levels leading to the conversion of green areas into urban zones. Overall, our study highlights the importance of green areas for human well-being and provides valuable information for policymakers to prioritize interventions to improve GAES provision across Brazil.

Application of bathymetry in water bodies in urban areas of the five Brazilian regions

Application of bathymetry in water bodies in urban areas of the five Brazilian regions

Variables related to the stability of soil macro and microaggregates of a toposequence in the Brazil south region

Soil aggregates are the basic components of soil structure, being important to its environmental properties and functions. The objective of this study was to investigate the variables related to the aggregates stability, measured by the method of dry and wet sieving and by applying ultrasound energy, in three different soils of a toposequence in southern Brazil. The study was performed in three soils sampled in the city of Pinhais / PR: i) Oxisol (top slope); Ii) Inceptisol (medium third) and; Iii) Gleisol (floodplain). The aggregates stability was determined measured by the method of dry and wet sieving (macroaggregates), as well as by applying ultrasound energy (microaggregate). The results were correlated with soil chemical, physical and mineralogical attributes. The organic matter, the low crystallinity Fe oxides and kaolinite were the most important variables for the profile structural stability. In turn, the soil texture did not show a direct relation with soil aggregation. The Gleisol show highest structural stability, followed by Oxisol and Inceptisol.

Entomofauna at the family level as bioindicators in four forest compositions in the south region of Brazil

It is estimated that there are a total of 7 million insect species in the world filling the most different environments and that their populations are influenced by the environment in which they live and, therefore, it is a group that has been used in studies on the quality of the environment. This work aimed to study the diversity of the entomofauna at the family level in 4 forest compositions, identifying differences between areas and in 4 periods of the year. We installed 1 transect with 6 sampling points composed of 2 types of traps (pitfall and Carvalho-47) in the following forest compositions: preserved Mixed Ombrophylous Forest (FOM), Pinus taeda reforestation, managed FOM, and a plantation of Ilex paraguariensis. A total of 3,474 insects were collected between the years 2015 and 2016. Family diversity was calculated using Shannon's index for each sampling point in the evaluated areas. The diversity of families was statistically higher in the preserved FOM and lower in P. taeda reforestation, indicating that the diversity of families is impacted by severe changes in the environment because changes in ecological niches can influence the entomofauna community.

Transplant management in Brazil: a temporal analysis of financial investments and procedures.

To analyze public management actions regarding organ, cell, and tissue transplant procedures and their financial investments in Brazil. Mixed (time and place) ecological study, carried out based on data from the Hospital Information System of the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS) Information Technology Department and the National Transplant System, from 2001 to 2023. Temporal trend analyses, descriptive and inferential statistics were performed. Organ, cell, and tissue transplants are concentrated in the Southeast region of the country, with increased costs there. The Northeast and South regions of Brazil have the longest waiting list, with an increasing trend (R2 = 0.96), associated with a decreasing trend in the number of transplants (R2 = 0.97). The difference in the total number of transplants and procedures performed among the Brazilian regions represents the need for organization and investments with strategies aimed at training professionals and raising awareness among the population.

Maturation of Erythrina speciosa Andrews seeds collected in the Southeast and South Regions of Brazil

ABSTRACT: Analyzing unripe phases of orthodox seeds and the variations in traits depending on environmental conditions under which they were formed is a way of gaining knowledge on the differences and similarities between orthodox and recalcitrant seed behavior. From this perspective, in this study fruits of Erythrina speciosa Andrews were collected in Florianópolis (SC), Lajeado (RS) and Sao Paulo (SP) in August and November. Seeds were extracted and classified into six different maturation stages. Seeds were stored at 7 °C for a maximum of five days until the beginning of the experiments. Moisture content and dry matter content were measured through the oven method (103 ± 3 °C). Germination was analyzed at 25 °C and 70% of relative humidity, with evaluations being made every two days for 30 days. To induce dormancy, seeds were dried to 10% moisture content. We ran an analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s test at 5% as statistical analysis. We observed that unripe seeds showed a wide behavior variation depending on the collection period and site, for a same chronological age, reinforcing the idea that the seed behavior variation may be due to the maturation degree at the moment of seed dispersal.

Triponderal Mass Index rather than Body Mass Index in discriminating high adiposity in Brazilian children and adolescents.

body mass index (BMI) is used worldwide to track excess weight; however, it has limitations in predicting body fat percentage (BF%). Triponderal mass index (TMI) has been studied as an alternative indicator to predict BF%. to compare BMI and TMI as predictors of BF% and develop TMI cutoff points for screening high adiposity in Brazilian children and adolescentes. a cross-sectional and multicenter study conducted with 226 individuals aged 5 to 17 years from two municipalities in the Southeast and South regions of Brazil. BF% was assessed by bioimpedancemetry. The association between BMI and TMI with BF% was assessed using generalized additive models. ROC curve analyzes were performed to verify the accuracy of BMI and TMI in detecting high adiposity. The areas under the curve (AUC) of BMI and TMI were compared using non-parametric analysis. The TMI cutoff points were obtained using Youden's J index. bioimpedancemetry detected high BF% in 54.1 % (95 % confidence interval [CI], 44.8-63.2) of boys and 63.5 % (95 % CI, 54.5-71.9) of girls. TMI was able to predict BF% better than BMI in males, presenting a higher R-square (0.737 versus 0.646, respectively). The TMI presented AUC significantly greater than BMI to indicate high adiposity in the entire population (p = 0.007) and in females (p = 0.014). TMI cutoff points for different age groups and sex were presented. TMI proved to be a better predictor of excess body fat than BMI in Brazilian children and adolescents.

Hospital admissions for chronic liver diseases: a temporal study in the South Region of Brazil.

The aim of the study was to compare the epidemiology and clinical profiles of hospital admissions in a single Brazilian Hepatology Unit from the period 2014-2017 to 2019-2022. A retrospective analysis of hospital database from the abovementioned periods was done. The study included patients over the age of 18 years who were hospitalized due to complications of diseases such as viral hepatitis, alcoholic disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and autoimmune liver and drug-induced hepatitis. In both study periods, middle-aged males were predominant and were younger than females. In the first period (2014-2017), hepatitis C (33.5%) was the most prevalent cause of admission, followed by alcoholic liver disease (31.7%). In the second period (2019-2022), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (38%) and alcoholic liver disease (27.6%) were the most frequent causes of admission. No changes were observed in the proportion of alcoholic liver disease or drug-induced hepatitis in both study periods. The prevalence of viral hepatitis decreased in both genders, with hepatitis C decreasing from 32.4 to 9.7% for males and 35.4 to 10.8% for females, and OR=0.2; 95%CI 0.1-0.3 for both males and females. Similarly, the prevalence of hepatitis B decreased from 19.1 to 8.1% and OR=0.3; 95%CI 0.2-0.5 for males and 8.2 to 3.7% and OR=0.4; 95%CI 0.1-0.9 for females. The prevalence of autoimmune liver diseases increased only in males, from 2.1 to 5.9% and OR=2.9; 95%CI 1.2-6.6. Over the past 4 years, there has been a shift in hospital admission profile at a Brazilian Hepatology Unit, with a decrease in viral hepatitis and an increase in autoimmune diseases and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Males were more affected at younger ages than females. Furthermore, ascites was the most prevalent cause of complications in both periods analyzed.

Claw lesion status in Brazilian commercial sow herds from 2013 to 2023.

Claw lesions significantly contribute to lameness, greatly affecting sow welfare. This study investigated different factors that would impact the severity of claw lesions in the sows of Brazilian commercial herds. A total of 129 herds (n = 12,364 sows) were included in the study. Herds were in the Midwest, Southeast, or South regions of Brazil. Inventory sizes were stratified into 250-810 sows, 811-1,300 sows, 1,301-3,000 sows, and 3,001-10,000 sows. Herds belonged to Cooperative (Coop), Integrator, or Independent structures. The herd management was conducted either maintaining breeds from stock on-site (internal), or through purchase of commercially available genetics (external). Herds adopted either individual crates or group housing during gestation. Within each farm, one randomly selected group of sows was scored by the same evaluator (two independent experts evaluated a total of 129 herds) from 0 (none) to 3 (severe) for heel overgrowth and erosion (HOE), heel-sole crack (HSC), separation along the white line (WL), horizontal (CHW) and vertical (CVW) wall cracks, and overgrown toes (T), or dewclaws (DC) in the hind legs after parturition. The study assessed differences and similarities between herds using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Agglomerative Clustering (HAC) analysis. The effects of factors (i.e., production structure, management, housing during gestation, and region) were assessed using the partial least squares method (PLS). Heel overgrowth and erosion had the highest prevalence, followed by WL and CHW, while the lowest scores were observed for T, DC, and CVW. Herds were grouped in three clusters (i.e., C1, C2, and C3). Heel overgrowth and erosion, HSC, WL, CHW, CVW, and T were decreased by 17, 25, 11, 25, 21, and 17%, respectively, in C3 compared to C1 and 2 combined. Independent structure increased the L-Index in all three clusters. Furthermore, individual housing increased the L-Index regardless of the cluster. The results suggest that shifting toward larger, more technologically advanced herds could potentially benefit claw health. Additionally, adopting group gestation housing appears to mitigate the adverse effects on claw health, although further validation is necessary, as Brazil has only recently transitioned from individual housing practices.

Sugestões de uma equipe de saúde hospitalar à formação e ao preparo profissional para pandemias

ABSTRACT Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic provided evidence of gaps in the preparation of health professionals. The objective of this study was to know the suggestions of professionals who worked in healthcare about how to better prepare them to deal with this context. Method: This was an exploratory qualitative study with in-depth semi-structured interviews of diverse groups of professionals from a high-complexity teaching hospital in the South Region of Brazil. Comprehensive Sociology was used as a framework. Results: The suggestions for institutions that provide healthcare included greater attention to their clinical staff, with regularly offered technical training and psychological preparation programs. Suggestions for health education institutions included greater curricular emphasis on psychological aspects and comprehensive care in human health, with humanization; communication; collaborative teamwork, leadership, and management; greater theoretical and practical course load, with simulation and practice in real emergency and intensive care scenarios, in addition to contents covering crisis medicine, biosafety, bioethics when resources are scarce, and care for critically-ill patients. Discussion: The literature indicates that investments in permanent education programs minimize avoidable errors, improve team performance and promote professional development. In the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, the need to learn self-care, communication with patients and family members and strategies for controlling and managing emotions was highlighted. With regard to technical and scientific skills to be emphasized in the presence of mass crises, topics related to biosafety and care for critically-ill patients are highlighted. Final considerations: The suggestions provided can contribute to better preparation of health professionals to work in pandemic contexts.

The newborn screening tests in Brazil: regional and socioeconomic prevalence and inequalities in 2013 and 2019

ObjectiveTo analyze the prevalence evolution of Guthrie, hearing, and eye screening testing among newborns in Brazil, between 2013 and 2019, according to demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study with data from 5231 infants from the Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS), in 2013, and 6637 infants, in 2019, for the Guthrie test, hearing, and red reflex tests. The authors analyzed the outcomes according to the region of residence, self-reported color/race, having health insurance, and per capita household income. By using bivariate and multivariate Poisson regression models, the prevalence ratios and their respective 95 % Confidence Intervals (CI95%) were calculated for each year. ResultsIn 2013, Guthrie test, hearing, and red reflex tests were performed in 96.5 % (95%CI 95,8;97,0), 65.8 % (95%CI 63,9;67,7), and 60.4 % (95%CI 58,5;62,3) of infants, respectively. In 2019, the prevalence was 97.8 % (95%CI 97,3;98,2) in the Guthrie test, 81.6 % (95%CI 80,3;82,9) in the hearing test, and 78.6 % (95%CI 77,1;79,9) in the red reflex test. The testing frequency was higher among residents of the Southeast and South regions of Brazil, among infants whose mother or guardian was white, had health insurance, and was in the higher income strata; and the most evident differences were in the eye and hearing testing. ConclusionsThe coverage inequalities according to the region of residence, income, and having health insurance highlight the need to use strategies that enable exams to be carried out, with more information about their importance, encompassing actions from primary care, prenatal care to the puerperium, aiming at universal access and equity.

AGRONOMIC PERFORMANCE AND SELECTION OF IDEAL SOYBEAN GENOTYPES

The study aimed to evaluate agronomic performance and select ideal soybean genotypes. The experiment happened at the Missions Agronomic Research and Results Center (CPRAM), located in Entre-Ijuís - Rio Grande do Sul, South Region of Brazil. The experiment used random blocks with 36 different types of soybeans in four different tests. The units of the experiment were 40 square meters. The research evaluated morphological and productive characters and meteorological data from the experiment's environment. The MGIDI index selected the genotypes DM 5958, BMX ZEUS, NS 6601, BMX FIBRA, and P 95R51 by potentiating the variables number of legumes per plant, the number of grains per plant, the thousand-grain weight, and the grain yield. The genotype selection with higher grain yield can be performed indirectly through the number of legumes per plant and legumes on the main stem.

Projection, representation and rationality: analysis of the reception of low-income consumers to advertisements using characters and real people

This article investigates the reception and acceptance of advertising messages that use "characters" (animated and human) and "real people" to reach low-income consumers. To do this, we conducted a reception study through three focus groups in the Northeast, Midwest, and South regions of Brazil, with men and women enrolled in the "Cadastro Único" of the Federal Government, a system that groups families characterized by this income profile. The research was grounded in the sociocultural perspective, in which communication is conceived as a complex cultural process, and the audience is recognized as a meaning producer. The results point to the levels of effectiveness of the formats to persuade and engage this specific target, as well as lessons that can guide the future application of similar formats.

Foodborne disease in Brazil from 2015 to 2021: an exploratory study

For food to be considered healthy, among other aspects, it must be free of contamination that could lead to the development of foodborne diseases (FBDs). The hygienic and sanitary aspects of food consumed by the population as well as its incorrect handling procedures can cause FBDs. Many contaminated foods seem to have normal sensory characteristics, without changes in texture, flavor, and odor, so often those who consume it do not have the perception and understanding that food that appears to be perfect visibly brings risk internally when consumed, which can cause an FBD. Given these considerations, this study aimed to characterize, report, and quantify the occurrence of outbreaks of FBD affected in the North, Northeast, Midwest, Southeast, and South regions of Brazil between 2015 and 2021 using as a source of data those notified via the Data Sheet Research in the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN). A total of 60,907 cases of food poisoning were recorded across the country due to FBD outbreaks, resulting in 71 fatalities. While the highest number of cases of foodborne outbreaks occurred in the southeast, the highest number of fatalities from FBD occurred in the north of the country. The highest percentage of FBD outbreaks occurred in homes (probably due to the period of the COVID-19 pandemic), although the causative food and the responsible microorganism remained unknown. In this way, it is possible to perceive that in addition to the underreporting that may exist and has already been reported by other articles on the subject, the numbers reported in the Brazilian health system may also demonstrate a lack of investigation into the cause of FBD.

Three years of COVID-19 pandemic: comparative analysis of incidence, lethality and mortality among the States of the South Region of Brazil

Introduction: in Brazil, the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed on February 26, 2020 As of March 17, 2023, the Ministry of Health recorded 699,634 deaths from COVID-19, with a fatality rate of 1.9%. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil in socioeconomic and health system spheres and a reflection of major regional differences. Objective: to analyze mortality, incidence and lethality due to COVID-19 in the states of Paraná and Santa Catarina, southern Brazil. Methods: this is an ecological time series study using official Brazilian secondary data for cases and deaths from COVID-19. The data were extracted from the panel of the State Department of Health of the states of Santa Catarina and Paraná. For trend analysis, time series were developed using the Prais-Winsten regression model. Statistical analyzes were performed using STATA 14.0 software (College Station, TX, USA, 2013). Results: in the analysis of rates in the total period analyzed, the trends for mortality, lethality and incidence in the state of Santa Catarina are decreasing, decreasing and stationary, respectively. In the state of Paraná, rates in the total period showed a stationary, decreasing and increasing trend for mortality, lethality and incidence, respectively. Conclusion: COVID-19 had a devastating effect on the states of Santa Catarina and Paraná. Both states suffered from the progress of the COVID-19 pandemic, with higher lethality and mortality rates being observed in the state of Paraná, while Santa Catarina had a higher incidence rate over the three years it was in effect. COVID-19 pandemic.