State Of Acre Research Articles

Effect of prenatal care quality on the risk of low birth weight, preterm birth and vertical transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis.

Averse birth-outcomes still affect newborns worldwide. Although high-quality prenatal care is the main strategy to prevent these outcomes, the effect of prenatal care based on Kotelchuck index combined with consultation contents is still unclear. Thus, this article to evaluate the effect of the quality of prenatal care (PC) process on birth indicators in a cohort of puerperaes who attended maternity hospitals in Brazilian western Amazon, city of Rio Branco, in the state of Acre, Brazil, in 2015. This research was a hospital-based cohort study. The sample consisted of 1,030 women who gave birth in maternity hospitals in the city between April 6 and June 30, 2015. This research was a hospital-based cohort study. The sample consisted of 1,030 women who gave birth in maternity hospitals in Rio Branco between April 6th. and June 30th., 2015. Prenatal care was classified as fully adequate when started ≤4th month; ≥80.0-109% expected consultations for GA according to the Kotelchuck Index; ≥5 records of blood pressure, weight, GA, fundal height, ≥4 records of fetal heart rate, fetal movements or equivalent to 75% of the number of consultations; in addition to recording ABO/RH, hemoglobin, VDRL, urine, glucose, anti-HIV and anti-toxoplamosis during the 1st trimester. The evaluated outcomes were low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth and vertical transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis/syphilis. Differences between proportions were assessed using the X² test, and the crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) (95% CI) were estimated using unconditional logistic regression. Overall cohort, the outcomes incidences were 8.8% for LBW, 9.2% for preterm birth, and 1.1% for vertical transmission (syphilis/HIV/hepatitis). Crude and adjusted OR showed that inadequate PC increased the risk statistically significant of LBW (ORcrude: 1.84; 95%CI: 0.99-3.44; ORadjusted: 1.87; 95%CI: 1.00-3.52), and preterm birth (ORcrude: 1.79; 95%CI: 1.00-3.29; ORadjusted: 3.98; 95%CI: 1.40-11.29). The results draw attention to the importance of quality PC in reducing the risks of LBW, preterm birth, and vertical transmission of syphilis/HIV/hepatitis. Moreover, using this proposed quality prenatal care indicator based on Kotelchuck index combined with consultations contents adjusted by GA may accurately predict unfavorable outcomes.

Two new species of Thismia (Thismiaceae) from the Brazilian Amazon Forest

Two new species of Thismia (Thismiaceae) from T. subg. Ophiomeris sect. Ophiomeris are described for the Brazilian Amazon Forest, in the Open Ombrophilous Forests of the State of Acre. Here we provide detailed morphological descriptions, with illustrations, distribution maps and preliminary conservation analyses.

Eudaimonia in the Amazon: Relational Values as a Deep Leverage Point to Curb Tropical Deforestation

Tropical deforestation has been recognized as a major and multi-faceted sustainability issue, frequently analyzed in terms of its economic drivers, the effectiveness of protection policies, or broader political dynamics. Meanwhile, the role of values as underlying social factors affecting land-use choices remains underexplored. Recognizing that values can, however, be important “deep” leverage points for transformative change, we delve into that dimension using the Brazilian Amazon as a case study. Through a total of 72 key-informant interviews and field visits to 25 sustainable land-use initiatives in the states of Acre and Mato Grosso, we identify values that have motivated choices for conservation in deforestation frontiers and how stakeholders articulate them. Our results reveal that different land users make economic considerations, but these are interwoven with relational values—about connections to the landscape or social relations mediated by nature. Eudaimonic values, such as increased meaningfulness, personal growth through learning and knowledge sharing, as well as a sense of contributing to the world, are shown to be key in those initiatives. These findings challenge the commonplace distinction between ‘traditional’ and ‘modern’ people, showing that relational values are relevant across the board and may deserve much more attention as leverage points.

Antibacterial Activity of Calycophyllum spruceanum Leaf Extract against Enterococcus faecalis Strains “In vitro” for Endodontic Purposes

Aims: The indiscriminate use of antimicrobials contributed to the selection of multiresistant bacterial strains, mainly Enterococcus faecalis, leading to the search for new strategies for these infections, requiring the identification of new bioactive compounds from medicinal plants, an example is C. spruceanum used in traditional communities in the Amazon.
 In this sense, this study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of C. spruceanum leaf extract against E. faecalis "in vitro" for endodontic purposes.
 Place and Duration of Study: Sample: the study was carried out at the microbiology laboratory of the Federal University of Acre (UFAC), in the city of Rio Branco, state of Acre, Brazil, from July 2021 to January 2022.
 Methodology: For this study, 50mg/mL of the crude extract of C. spruceanum leaf was diluted in Dimethylsulfoxide, as well as 50mg/mL of the extract with 1000mg of calcium hydroxide and 1000mg of calcium hydroxide in 1mL of distilled water. After preparing the extracts, 20µL were deposited in the wells made on Müeler-Hinton agar medium seeded with E. faecalis, incubated for 24 hours at 37°C. After this period, the positive activity of the extracts was obtained from the formation of the inhibition halo in millimeters.
 Results: The best results were for extract associated with calcium hydroxide (20mm), followed by calcium hydroxide solution (17.67mm) and with lower activity, C. spruceanum extract (14.33mm). The best results of the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration with values ​​of 6.25 mg/mL for the extract combined with calcium hydroxide and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration that was 25mg/mL for the association of the extract with calcium hydroxide.
 Conclusion: The C. spruceanum extract has antibacterial activity against E. faecalis and its association with calcium hydroxide potentiated its effect.

Model of cultural control of the cacao frosty pod rot disease (Moniliophthora roreri (CIF & Par) Evans et al.)1

The Cacao Frosty Pod Rot (Moniliophthora roreri (Cif. & Par.) Evans et al)1 is a disease with the greatest impact on cacao crop yields in Central and South America. It was recently detected in the state of Acre, Brazil. Although its control has been proven in various ways, cultural control has been checked to be the most effective and economical. The proposed model is based on the recognition of the critical states of the fruits as sources of infection, the disease cycle, the timely removal of diseased fruits and their free disposal on the soil.

Botanical origin and seasonal variation in pollen collected by Tetragonisca weyrauchi (Apidae: Meliponini) in an urban area of Rio Branco, State of Acre, Brazil

The botanical origin and seasonal variation of pollen collected by Tetragonisca weyrauchi were studied by means of palynology (pollen identification). The study was carried out between August 2016 and July 2017 with a hive introduced in a house garden in an urban area (09° 56′ 38.7″ S; 67° 52′ 42.9″ W) near the campus of the Federal University of Acre (UFAC). In total, we identified 87 pollen types from 31 botanical families, with the most representative ones being: Alismataceae, Amaranthaceae, Arecaceae, Boraginaceae, Cyperaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae and Urticaceae, all displaying percentages above 10%. The pollen types Alternanthera (Amaranthaceae), Cecropia (Urticaceae) and Cordia sellowiana (Boraginaceae) obtained relative abundances above 90% and are therefore considered events of temporary specialization. The lowest diversity and evenness values were found for July (H′ = 0.127; J′ = 0.071) and August (H′ = 0.070; J′ = 0.043), and the highest values for October (H′ = 2.025; J′ = 0.715) and April (H′ = 1.941; J′ = 0.611), thus not suggesting relationships with the rainy (November–April) or dry (May–October) periods. Furthermore, there was no preference by the bees for morphological characteristics of the pollen such as size, exine texture or aperture number. However, the most representative grains are among the small and medium size, reinforcing the hypothesis that this bee species prefers small flowers available in dense inflorescences.

Two new species of miniature tetras of the fish genus Priocharax from the Rio Juruá drainage, Acre, Brazil (Teleostei: Characiformes: Characidae)

Two new miniature tetra species of the Neotropical characid genus Priocharax Weitzman and Vari, 1987 are described, raising the known species diversity to seven. Both species occur in the Rio Juruá system, Cruzeiro do Sul municipality, Acre State, Brazil. Priocharax toledopizae sp. nov. occurs in streams flowing to the lower Rio Moa, a tributary of Rio Juruá, and is distinguished from congeners by a combination of presence of claustrum and infraorbitals 1 and 2, absence of infraorbital 3, and presence of five branched pelvic-fin rays. Priocharax marupiara sp. nov. is known from Igarapé Canela Fina, tributary of Rio Juruá, and is diagnosed by a combination of fewer maxillary teeth (21–27 vs. 27–58 in remaining species), fewer branched anal-fin rays (18–23 vs. 22–27 in two species) and colour pattern. Both species differ from each other in the general body shape: Priocharax toledopizae is more robust with deep body and Priocharax marupiara more elongate. DNA barcode data support the specific distinctness of the two new species and that of the other five species in the genus. We describe a remarkable sexual dimorphism of the pelvic girdle of Priocharax toledopizae in which the pelvic musculature is enlarged forming a pedicel for the fin in mature males. Most localities where these species were found suffer from significant degradation mainly due to litter accumulation and suppression of the riparian forest, raising concerns about their conservation status.

DNA barcoding of sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) from the western Brazilian Amazon.

The subfamily Phlebotominae comprises important insects for public health. The use of complementary tools such as molecular taxonomy is necessary for interspecific delimitation and/or discovery of cryptic species. Here, we evaluated the DNA barcoding tool to identify different species in the southwestern Brazilian Amazon. For this, we collected sand flies in forest fragments along the highway BR-317, in the municipality of Brasiléia, state of Acre, Brazil. The specimens were DNA-barcoded using a fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. The sequences were analyzed to generate K2P pairwise genetic distances and a Neighbour-joining tree. The sand fly barcodes were also clustered into Molecular Operation Taxonomic Units (MOTU) using Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD) approach. A total of 59 COI sequences comprising 22 nominal species and ten genera were generated. Of these, 11 species had not been sequenced before, thus being new COI sequences to science. Intraspecific genetic distances ranged between 0 and 4.9%, with Pintomyia serrana presenting the highest values of genetic distance, in addition to having been partitioned into three MOTUs. Regarding the distances to the nearest neighbour, all species present higher values in relation to the maximum intraspecific distance, in addition to forming well supported clusters in the neighbour-joining analysis. The DNA barcoding approach is useful for the molecular identification of sand flies from Brasiléia, state of Acre, and was efficient in detecting cryptic diversity of five species which can be confirmed in future studies using an integrative approach. We also generated new COI barcodes for Trichophoromyia auraensis, Nyssomyia shawi, and Psychodopygus paraensis, which may play a role in the transmission of Leishmania spp. in the Brazilian Amazon.

Creagrura Townes, 1971 and Ptilobaptus Townes, 1971 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from Brazilian Amazon: new records and comments about morphological variation

Creagrura nigripes Townes, 1971 is recorded for the first time for the Brazilian Amazon, in the states of Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Pará and Roraima. Ptilobaptus cinctus Townes, 1971 is registered for the first time in Brazil. Additionally, diagnosis, digital images, distribution maps, as well as comments on intraspecific morphological variations in the species are provided.

Taxonomic status of Tamarinus imperator subgrisescens (Lönnberg, 1940) (Cebidae, Callitrichinae)

The emperor tamarin, Tamarinus imperator, is composed of two subspecies, the nominal type, T. i. imperator, distributed between the Acre and Purus Rivers, whose range is limited between the Brazilian state of Acre and Peru are unbounded, and T. i. subgrisescens, occurring in Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil, in the Brazilian states of Acre and Amazonas. Morphologically, both taxa are easily identifiable by the pelage pattern (chromogenetic fields), and even being easily distinguishable, both lineages are considered subspecies according to the criterion based on the Biological Concept of Species from the 1970s, even without presenting some necessary criteria, such as the intergradation zone. Here we analyzed pelage traits, cranial morphometry, Cytochrome-b divergence, and distributional pattern data applying the premises of integrative taxonomy to elucidate the taxonomic status of both lineages. We hypothesize that both lineages are considered full species through a series of criteria for species recognition, such as distinguishability, level of phenotypical divergences of several morphological complexes with congruence among them, and some genetic divergence. The hybridization is unknown and the low or the lack of sampling in target areas does not allow us to determine whether a hybridization or even contact zone between the two lineages exists indeed. All character sets analyzed were congruent with each other and reinforced the high level of divergences between the two subspecies including several pelage differences, morphometry (descriptive statistics, PCA, and MANOVA), and mitochondrial DNA Cytochrome-b divergence. Most of the distribution in both lineages are allopatric, and the levels of intra-lineage phenotypical variation are much lower than between the lineages.

Passiflora acreana, a new species of Passiflora subgenus Passiflora (Passifloraceae sensu stricto) from Acre, Brazil

The new species described here was collected during expeditions carried out in the Lago do Amapá Environmental Protection Area, located in Acre State, Brazil. Morphological analysis and comparisons with close species confirmed that the collected specimens are a new species for science. Passiflora acreana was placed in P. subg. Passiflora, sect. Granadillastrum Triana & Planch., and can be distinguished by the presence of foliaceous, reniform, awned stipules, 4–8 pedunculate petiolar glands, with apex concave, and corona with 10 series of filaments. Descriptions, illustrations, distribution map, and conservation status are presented.

MORTALIDADE POR AGRESSÕES EM UM ESTADO DA REGIÃO NORTE DO BRASIL DE 2000 A 2019: TENDÊNCIA EM SÉRIES TEMPORAIS

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the time trend of mortality due to assaults in the state of Acre, according to gender. Method: an ecological study of time series analysis with data extracted from the Mortality Information System for Deaths Caused by Assaults (ICD X85-Y09) in the state of Acre, Brazil, from 2000 to 2019. Data analysis was performed using the Prais-Winsten generalized linear analysis model with a 5% statistical significance level. Results: there was higher mortality due to external causes in male adults. A growing trend of homicides was observed for the male gender, with an annual percent change of 3.13% (p=0.002); for both genders, the annual percent change was 2.92% (p=0.003). Conclusion: these findings indicate the emerging need to fight against and prevent acts of violence. The importance of Nursing professionals in social mobilization and participation in the reformulation of public policies to combat violence is emphasized.

Térmitas da Floresta Amazônica: uma lista de espécies do Estado do Acre, Brasil

Abstract The Brazilian state of Acre is located in the southwestern Amazon and it is characterized by a humid tropical forest vegetation that covers plains and mountains. Up to this point, the composition of termite species in the state is not known. The aim of this study was to provide a checklist of termite species or recognizable taxonomic units for the state of Acre. Sampling was conducted through field expeditions at the Serra do Divisor National Park, Chandless State Park, Humaitá Forest Reserve, and Chico Mendes Environmental Park using a standardized rapid termite inventory protocol in the first two areas and active searching collections in the others, without a specific protocol. This study also included occurrence records published in the scientific literature. A total of 128 species and morphospecies of termites were found in Acre, distributed across 59 genera and four families. The most frequently occurring species in Acre was Heterotermes tenuis (Hagen, 1858). The study also identified six new species records for Brazil. The predominant feeding groups were soil-feeders and wood-feeders, as expected from data obtained from surveys in humid tropical forests. Despite the significant number of new records for Acre (112), it is concluded that a larger sampling effort is still required, as many areas of the state have not yet been studied for termites.

Occurrence of triatomines in public spaces: An atypical case in the Southwestern Brazilian Amazon.

Triatomines infest atypical public spaces in the Western Amazon. Frequent visitors to these spaces captured the insects in the state of Acre, Brazil (Rio Branco and Cruzeiro do Sul). Six insects were found in a penitentiary, a church, a school, a university, a hospital, and a health center. Five of the insects were adults (three positive for Trypanosoma cruzi) and one was a nymph. This is the first report of triatomine occurrence in schools or churches. These data are important for implementing surveillance strategies and alerting individuals about possible changes in Chagas disease transmission dynamics.

Occurrence of Lasioderma serricorne (Coleoptera: Anobiidae) in rice grains from the city of Rio Branco, state of Acre, Brazil

Occurrence of Lasioderma serricorne (Coleoptera: Anobiidae) in rice grains from the city of Rio Branco, state of Acre, Brazil

Effects of urbanization on the diversity of testate amoebae (Protist, Rhizopoda) in a stream of the southwestern Amazon basin (Igarapé São Francisco in Acre state, Brazil)

We investigated the diversity of testate amoebae in an urban stream located within the Igarapé São Francisco Environmental Protection Area in Acre, northern Brazil, during the dry season, and evaluated the factors mediating the structure of this protist community. We collected 108 water samples for the analysis of the testate amoeba community and the limnological variables at six sampling points on the stream, between July and September 2018. We used a Redundancy Analysis (RDA) to verify the influence of environmental variables on the protist community. We recorded 76 species of testate amoebae from eight families, with most records from the families Difflugiidae, Arcellidae, Centropydae and Netzeliidae. More than half (49) of the species were recorded in Acre for the first time. The abundance of the amoebae of the family Trigonopiridae was regulated by the dissolved oxygen concentrations and the pH, while that of the Netzeliidae, Dif-flugiidae and Lesquereusidae was influenced by the pH, chloride concentrations, and the depth and transparency of the water. In the case of the family Arcellidae, abundance was determined by the turbidity and transparency of the water and the nitrate concentrations, while that of Centropyxis sp. was associated with the concentrations of thermotolerant coliforms. These findings indicate that, while the São Francisco stream is subject to anthropogenic impacts, it still presents adequate conditions for these organisms in some of its stretches. The abundance of these amoebae was influenced primarily by the productivity of the system, as indicated by the high protist densities recorded in the areas in which primary productivity was highest. These findings support the use of these protists in studies that investigate the most appropriate indicator organisms that respond to anthropogenic impacts and shifts in environmental quality.The results of the present study demonstrated the importance of this aquatic ecosystem for the biodiversity of the study area, and the need to further expand our knowledge on the adaptations and interactions of the aquatic communities of the Amazon region.

Description of Pudica wandiquei n. sp. (Heligmonellidae: Pudicinae), a nematode found infecting Proechimys simonsi (Rodentia: Echimyidae) in the Brazilian Amazon.

A new species of nematode parasite of the subfamily Pudicinae (Heligmosomoidea: Heligmonellidae) is described from the small intestine of Proechimys simonsi (Rodentia: Echimyidae) from the locality of Nova Cintra in the municpality of Rodrigues Alves, Acre state, Brazil. The genus Pudica includes 15 species parasites of Neotropical rodents of the families Caviidae, Ctenomyidae, Dasyproctidae, Echimyidae, Erethizontidae, and Myocastoridae. Four species of this nematode were found parasitizing three different species rodents of the genus Proechimys in the Amazon biome. Pudica wandiquei n. sp. can be differentiated from all other Pudica species by the distance between the ends of rays 6 and 8 and the 1-3-1 pattern of the caudal bursa in both lobes.

First official record of Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Acre State, Northern Brazil.

Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse, 1854) was reported in Brazil for the first time in 1986 and has shown marked expansion throughout the Brazilian territory. During a routine activity to control dengue fever conducted by the Division of Entomology of the Municipal Health Department in Rio Branco city, adults and immatures of Culicidae were collected in a peri-urban area. The identified Culicidae forms indicated that they belonged to the species Ae. albopictus. This is the first official record of the presence of Ae. albopictus in the Acre State, confirming its current presence in all Brazilian states.

Traditional botanical knowledge: food plants from the Huni Kuĩ indigenous people, Acre, western Brazilian Amazon

Abstract The Kaxinawá indigenous people (auto-identified as the Huni Kuĩ) are native to the western Amazon, on the Brazilian border with Peru, and have an extensive biodiversity-related knowledge, which is parti of a coherent social-ecological system. Our study investigated native knowledge of edible forest plants, in three communities within the Kaxinawá Indigenous Land on the Lower Rio Jordão, Acre state, Brazil. The principal methods used were participant observation, open and semi-structured interviews and walk-in-the-woods. The study recorded 89 native food species. Some 60% are managed in food-production areas, with 56% of the recorded species have received little or no scientific study of their food potential. The role which natural systems play in Huni Kuĩ society is indicated by the management and use of a high diversity of native species, which contributes to food security and nutritional sovereignty. However, there is a progressive under-utilization and substitution of forest species, due to the introduction of cultivated exotic species and the increase in consumption of industrialized products. An enhancement of the value given to native food-plants is needed to encourage continuing autonomy of production, and diet diversification, as well as the conservation of sociobiodiversity of traditional peoples in the Amazon through sustainable management practices of the current social-ecological system.

Ação Crítico-Formativa no Contexto de Formação de Formadores de Língua Portuguesa

ABSTRACT: We live in a society in which habits, customs, values and beliefs have been modified as a result of globalization and the information and communication technologies that have entered and occupied public and private spaces, in an intense and meaningful way. Education, in turn, even with some pertinent advances, still presents fragmented teaching in Brazilian classrooms, a traditional model that is out of context in the everyday life of students. When considering that it is in and through language that human beings interact, this article aims to present a critical-formative action developed with Portuguese language trainers, from the Education Department of the State of Acre, in the discussion of concepts of discursive genres, didactic sequence and multi-stages, as a possibility of transformation of the subjects involved. Methodologically, we are anchored in the Critical Collaboration Research (PCCol) in which all involved act, in a critical, collaborative and reflective way, in the activities developed, in order to intervene and transform the existing reality. The results found verified the need for revision in: a) concepts considered internalized and, b) in the role of the trainer as someone who needs to articulate theory and practice in a more collaborative, critical and effective way with the teachers.