Urban Area In Southern Brazil Research Articles

Hematological and genotoxic biomarkers in a natural population of freshwater turtles Trachemys dorbigni (Duméril & Bibron, 1835) (Testudines: Emydidae) living in an urban area in Southern Brazil.

The present study aimed to report the morphometric and hematological indices and genotoxicity of a free-life population of D'Orbigny's slider turtles (Trachemys dorbigni) living in an urban area in Southern Brazil. For that, 16 specimens were randomly captured in an urban canal that receives irregular releases of wastewater. Biometrics and external visual changes were analyzed, such as turtle shell deformities, and the presence of parasites. Blood samples were collected to evaluate the hematological profile and the presence of micronuclei and other erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities as potential mutagenic and genotoxic effects. Water physicochemical parameters were also measured. Organisms with ectoparasites (31.25%) and small carapace deformations (56.25%) were observed, but maximum carapace length and weight were considered normal for the species according to the literature. The blood profile indicated low hemoglobin and hematocrit and a high number of total leukocytes, particularly eosinophils which characterize parasitic infections. A frequency of 0.12% for the micronucleus was considered basal, but the frequency of other erythrocyte abnormalities was evident, mainly of blebbed nuclei (63.79%), indicating chromosomal damage in the early stage. The results of this study suggest that natural populations of chelonian inhabiting urbanized areas are impacted by anthropogenic activities in the surrounding environment. Furthermore, it provides comprehensive data which can serve as a comparative model for environmental monitoring studies involving turtles.

Hemotropic Mycoplasmas (Hemoplasmas) in Free-Ranging Azara's Agoutis (Dasyprocta azarae) from an Urban Area of Southern Brazil.

Hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) are opportunistic bacteria that attach to the erythrocyte surface, causing infectious anemia in several mammalian species, including rodents. Studies surveying native Azara's agoutis (Dasyprocta azarae) in Brazil are lacking. Accordingly, the present study aimed to assess hemoplasmas infection in free-ranging agoutis from an urban environmental conservation area in Curitiba, southern Brazil. Overall, 11/35 (31.43%) agoutis were positive to hemoplasmas by quantitative PCR (cycle threshold≤34.4). Sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene indicated Mycoplasma haemomuris infection, closely related to M. haemomuris subsp. ratti, suggesting hemoplasma transmission from urban rats to agoutis. Because the main route of M. haemomuris transmission has been direct rodent-to-rodent infection, the relatively lower positivity that we detected may be the result of low intraspecies contact due to the smaller social units of agoutis, generally consisting of two to four individuals, and low interspecies contact due to only sporadic agouti-rat interactions in urban settings, compared with other rodent species interactions. Further studies should be conducted to determine whether the hemoplasma infection that we found can cause clinical onset and life-threatening anemia in agoutis.

Water quality monitoring in southern Brazil and the assessment of risk factors related to contamination by coliforms and Escherichia coli.

The potability of water, including underground sources, is constantly affected by human activities. To assess water quality and water security in rural and urban areas of southern Brazil, a quantitative, retrospective analysis of water samples collected monthly by the Brazilian health authorities (19,687 samples from 2013 to 2021) was performed. In rural areas, 5,979 water samples (77.54%) were found to be contaminated by coliform bacteria and 3,431 (44.50%) by Escherichia coli. In addition, 1,616 (20.95%) of the contaminated samples were significantly correlated with rainfall amount. In urban areas, 1,268 (10.95%) of the samples contained coliform bacteria and 293 (2.53%) of these samples contained E. coli, with the factor of rainfall associated with 1,081 samples (9.33%) with bacterial contamination. In terms of physicochemical parameters, turbidity exceeded the national standard (5 uT) in 448 (2.32%) samples and fluoride fell below the required level (0.8 mg/L) in 106 samples (0.54%). The presence of free residual chlorine (0.2-2.0 mg/L) was verified in 846 samples (14.38%) in rural areas and in 10,825 samples (56.13%) in urban areas. These results suggest a strong association between rainfall factors and physicochemical alterations, as well as the risk of greater microbial contamination of water for human consumption.

Site fidelity and migration patterns of the Southern Streaked Flycatcher breeding in urban and rural areas of Brazil

The Southern Streaked Flycatcher (Myiodynastes maculatus solitarius) is a common Neotropical austral migrant that breeds in both rural and urban environments of southeastern Brazil, providing a model to understand how songbirds are responding to an increasingly urban landscape in this region of the continent. We evaluated whether breeding site fidelity is related to sex and habitat type (urban versus rural). Because the annual cycle of migratory birds provides context to breeding season processes, we also described their migration timing and routes, and location of the non-breeding sites. Between 2016 and 2021, we captured, banded, and deployed GPS archival tags on Southern Streaked Flycatchers, and conducted systematic monitoring of 61 individuals in rural and urban areas in southeastern Brazil. Our results revealed that this population migrates from the Atlantic Forest to Amazonia, spending 15-40 days on fall migration. Moreover, we found i) that overall return rates to breeding sites are high (>52%), ii) that return rates did not vary with sex, and iii) that return rates varied with body condition and habitat, with birds in better condition having higher return rate in rural but not urban areas. More individual-level research on migratory birds in South American urban areas promises a novel perspective on how Neotropical austral migrants are responding to a rapidly changing landscape, and to inform future conservation initiatives in the increasingly expanding urban areas of southern Brazil.

Can internet use reduce the incidence of cognitive impairment? Analysis of the EpiFloripa Aging Cohort Study (2009–2019)

This study aims to estimate the effect of internet use on the incidence of cognitive impairment in older adults. Data are from the EpiFloripa Aging Cohort Study which has been following a population-based sample of older adults (60+) residing in Florianópolis, southern Brazil, for ten years. The outcome was the incidence of cognitive decline in follow-up waves measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination using cutoff points according to education. The exposure was internet use according to wave (yes/no). We excluded individuals with cognitive impairment from Wave 1 (n = 453). We used a longitudinal analysis model (Generalized Estimating Equations) to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals. We estimated the risk of cognitive impairment in Wave 2 or Wave 3 according to internet use in the previous wave. The incidence of cognitive impairment was 13.4% in Wave 2 and 13.3% in Wave 3. Despite the aging of this cohort, the prevalence of internet users increased from 26.4% in Wave 1 to 32.8% in Wave 2 and 46.8% in Wave 3. The risk of cognitive impairment in Wave 2 or Wave 3 was 70% lower for older adults who used the internet in the previous wave, adjusted for sex, age, years of education, household income, and self-reported comorbidities (IRR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.15–0.61; p = 0.001). Internet use was associated with a decline in the incidence of cognitive impairment among older adults living in the urban areas of southern Brazil after a period of ten years.

Serum anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Passeriformes: Passeridae), in the municipality of Pelotas, RS, Brazil

The objective of this study was to detect the presence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in serum samples from 100 sparrows (Passer domesticus Linnaeus, 1758) that were caught in an urban area in southern Brazil. The modified agglutination test (MAT) was used to investigate anti-T. gondii antibodies and samples with a cut-off dilution > 5 were considered positive. Among the 100 serum samples analyzed, 80 (80%) were reactive. These results demonstrate that P. domesticus may play an important role in the epidemiological chain of T. gondii, since it is widely distributed throughout Brazil, and it may act as a source of infection to domestic, semi-domestic cats and to free-living wild felids.

Oxidative state of the frugivorous bat Sturnira lilium (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in agricultural and urban areas of southern Brazil.

Exposure to contaminants is one of the main threats to all living organisms. In this context, bats have been used to indicate environmental contaminants in urban and agricultural environments, since they are extremely sensitive to changes in the ecosystem and easily accumulate waste in their body tissues. Among bats, Sturnira lilium, is a frugivorous species widely distributed and abundant in Brazil that uses an extensive variety of habitats and shelters. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the oxidative state of S. lilium individuals in agricultural and urban areas in southern Brazil. Individuals were sampled in agricultural and urban areas from November 2017 to March 2018 through the mist-net method. Parameters of the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzyme activity, non-protein thiols (NPSH), and lipid peroxidation (TBARS) were determined based on liver tissue. A total of 46 individuals were captured, 29 of them in urban areas and 17 in agricultural areas. We found that S. lilium individuals from agricultural areas showed a significant increase in TBARS, NPSH, and SOD activity, compared to individuals from urban areas. The activity of the antioxidant enzyme CAT did not differ. The present findings suggest that the species S. lilium, which are widely distributed and abundant in Brazil in urban and agricultural areas, can usefully be employed in biomonitoring programs. Further studies are to be encouraged to refine our knowledge on the potential DNA damage caused by environmental contamination, as well as identify potential contaminants to bats.

Molecular detection of Paracoccidioides in soil from an urban area of southern Brazil

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies that detected Paracoccidioides spp. DNA in soil taken from rural areas have shown this to be a valuable tool for ecological and epidemiological studies. This study reports the detection of Paracoccidioides spp. DNA in soil samples from an urban area of southern Brazil. METHODS: Sixteen soil samples were submitted to nested-PCR and the amplicons of a representative number of positive samples were sequenced. RESULTS: Paracoccidioides spp. DNA was found in 44% of samples. Four DNA amplicons were sequenced, showing 100% homology with P. brasiliensis. CONCLUSIONS: The southern Brazilian urban population is commonly exposed to the Paracoccidioides fungus.

Evaluation of self-efficacy determinants in community-dwelling older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain

INTRODUCTION: Self-efficacy is defined as the strength of a person’s convictions in being able to perform a given activity and obtain the expected result. It may act as a potent mediator between chronic musculoskeletal pain and how older adults cope with their disabilities. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the determinants of self-efficacy beliefs and fear of physical exercise in community-dwelling older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain. METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Only individuals living in an urban area in southern Brazil and who reported pain for more than 3 months were included. A convenience sample was selected in a nonprobabilistic fashion. The study variables consisted of sociodemographic data; pain based on the Brief Pain Inventory and the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs for Patients with Chronic Pain; and self-efficacy based on the Chronic Pain Self-Efficacy Scale. Also, simple questions were created for physical exercise beliefs. For statistical analysis, absolute and relative frequency, χ2 test, and Mann-Whitney U test were used as appropriate. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 193 older adults, mostly women with low level of education. Self-efficacy was best rated by older adults living alone and by those who were classified as exclusively nociceptive pain. CONCLUSION: Despite having chronic pain, older adults with higher self-efficacy feel confident in performing their tasks and have greater ability to cope with changes related to aging and to engage in self-care.

Primer reporte del uso de nectarios extraflorales de Bauhinia forficata Link (Fabales: Fabaceae) por Tetragonisca angustula Latreille (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

We report here for the first time the use of extrafloral nectaries of Bauhinia forficata Link by Tetragonisca angustula (Latreille, 1811). This behavior was observed in an urban area in southern Brazil during the afternoon between December 2018 and January 2019. Known information on alternative food resources for these bees is important for the preservation of this species.

Serosurvey of Toxoplasma gondii and Leptospira spp. in Free-Range Agoutis (Dasyprocta azarae) from an Urban Area of Southern Brazil

Thirty-six free-ranging agoutis (Dasyprocta azarae) from an urban area of the municipality of Curitiba, a southern region of Brazil, were tested for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii and Leptospira spp. Antibodies were present in 25% and 6% agoutis, respectively. No statistical differences were observed based on sex, age, and body mass of the agoutis. High T. gondii seropositivity indicated environmental contamination, whereas lower seropositivity of Leptospira spp. suggested low environmental contamination or low susceptibility.

Effects of forest fragmentation on Ficus adhatodifolia Schott ex Spreng phenology and on its interactions with wasps

Forest fragmentation can reduce population size, affecting the plant species and their biological interactions. We evaluated the effects of fragmentation on Ficus adhatodifolia Schott ex Spreng population, aiming to answer two questions: (1) is population size sufficient to maintain reproductive fig trees throughout the year? (2) Is the mean seed production per syconium higher in the larger forest fragments? Fifty-six trees of F. adhatodifolia were visited in a year, in five fragments and one urban area in southern Brazil. Mature syconia were collected and the seed and wasp production between areas were compared. Considering all forest remnants, we recorded syconia production throughout the year, but no fragment exhibited crop production in all months. The pollinator wasps Tetrapus sp. were found in almost all syconium, thus, indicating that Ficus-pollinator mutualism was not lost. Nevertheless, smaller fragments were not capable of maintaining reproductive individuals throughout the year, therefore, requiring pollinator wasps from other fragments. The size of fragments did not influence seed production [LRT P value = 0.1; LR stat (χ2) = 4.64; n = 370]. Factors such as Ficus resilience and pollinating wasp migration may have contributed to the support of mutualism so far. Therefore, in highly fragmented landscapes such as the study region, the conservation of all forest remnants is essential to mutualistic interaction preservation. This procedure combined with the restoration of degraded areas determined by law are urgent and necessary for the conservation of regional biodiversity.

Adults and the elderly who received nutritional counseling in a city of southern Brazil: a population-based study.

Nutrition counseling has played a critical role in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. To evaluate how adults and elderly people, who are residents in an urban area of Southern Brazil, received nutritional counseling. This was a cross-sectional population based study. Data was collected through a questionnaire applied at home. The outcome was the prevalence of nutritional counseling received in the past year that came from different means, including means of communication. Sociodemographic variables, doctor visits in the past year, nutritional state and other healthcare variables were analyzed. The sample included 1,296 individuals (rate of answer of 90.7%). The results indicate that the majority of the people interviewed were females (56.6%), with their age ranging from 18 to 59 years-old (75.3%). The prevalence of people receiving nutritional counseling was 19.9% (95%CI 17.3 -22.5). It was higher among women than men (p = 0.01). The sex-adjusted analyses showed a statistically significant (p < 0.05) association in men for the variables: schooling ≥ 12 years; medical consultation in the last year; low weight; obesity; diabetes and hypertension. Among the women, the following variables were associated with the outcome: health insurance; medical consultation in the last year; obesity and diabetes. The low prevalence of nutritional counseling and its association with diseases exposes the need for it to be implemented not only for treatment purposes but also as preventive health actions.

Low occurrence of Hepatitis A virus in water samples from an urban area of Southern Brazil.

ABSTRACTHepatitis A virus (HAV), a member of Picornaviridae family, is the main causative agent of acute viral hepatitis in the world, mainly in developing countries. HAV may be present in contaminated water and food and its presence is often associated to a lesser extent with socioeconomic factors and environmental quality. The main goals in the present study were to standardize a cell culture combined to a polymerase chain reaction protocol for the detection and quantification of viral viability and analyze whether the virus could be found in water samples collected in four urban streams of Sinos River watershed. Virus recovery was assayed from known virus concentrations measured in experimentally contaminated raw and ultrapure water (MilliQ®). Recovery rates ranged from 270% in raw water to 15,000% in ultrapure water. In a second step, a qPCR coupled to a previous passage in cells, demonstrated more analytical sensitivity when compared to samples assayed without a previous passage in cell cultures. HAV genome was detected in only 1 of 84 samples analyzed, pointing to a very low occurrence of HAV in water samples in the studied region. These findings are remarkable, since no more than 5% of the domestic sewage in this area is treated pointing to a low occurrence of HAV in the population living nearby during the study period.

Bat rabies surveillance and risk factors for rabies spillover in an urban area of Southern Brazil

BackgroundBat rabies surveillance data and risk factors for rabies spillover without human cases have been evaluated in Curitiba, the ninth biggest city in Brazil, during a 6-year period (2010–2015). A retrospective analysis of bat complaints, bat species identification and rabies testing of bats, dogs and cats has been performed using methodologies of seasonal decomposition, spatial distribution and kernel density analysis.ResultsOverall, a total of 1003 requests for bat removal have been attended to, and 806 bats were collected in 606 city locations. Bat species were identified among 13 genera of three families, with a higher frequency of Nyctinomops in the central-northern region and Molossidae scattered throughout city limits. Out of the bats captured alive, 419/806 (52.0%) healthy bats were released due to absence of human or animal contacts. The remaining 387/806 (48.0%) bats were sent for euthanasia and rabies testing, which resulted in 9/387 (2.32%) positives. Linear regression has shown an increase on sample numbers tested over time (regression: y = 2.02 + 0.17×; p < 0.001 and r2 = 0.29), as well as significant seasonal variation, which increases in January and decreases in May, June and July. The Kernel density analysis showed the center-northern city area to be statistically important, and the southern region had no tested samples within the period. In addition, a total of 4769 random and suspicious samples were sent for rabies diagnosis including those from dogs, cats, bats and others from 2007 to 2015. While all 2676 dog brains tested negative, only 1/1136 (0.088%) cat brains tested positive for rabies.ConclusionOnly non-hematophagous bats were collected during the study, and the highest frequency of collections occurred in the center-northern region of the city. Rabies spillover from bats to cats may be more likely due to the registered exposure associated with cats’ innate hunting habits, predisposing them to even closer contact with potentially infected bats. Although associated with a very low frequency of rabies, cats should always be included in rabies surveillance and vaccination programs.

The effects of heavy metals on the incidence of morphological deformities in Chironomidae (Diptera)

Streams in urban areas are strongly impacted by the input of organic matter and metals, for instance copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn). These metals are essential for the aquatic biota, but when absorbed in excess they are toxic. In Chironomidae larvae, the deleterious effects of heavy metals can be ascertained by analyzing the morphological deformities of the larval mentum, a structure of the oral cavity. In this study, we evaluated I) the bioavailability of Cu and Zn in urban stream sediments and II) the relationship between Cu and Zn concentrations and the incidence of deformities in the mentum of Chironomus larvae. Chironomid flies were collected from four locations in two streams at an urban area in southern Brazil. They were identified and the incidence of deformities in the mentum was quantified. Sediment samples were collected at the same locations where larvae were collected, to quantify the bioavailable fractions of Cu and Zn. The concentrations of Cu in the sediment were similar between the collection sites. However, Zn concentrations varied among sites, being greater in the stretch directly influenced by the input of the organic waste. In total, 2,895 Chironomid larvae were collected. The incidence of deformities in the mentum was above 30% and was correlated with the concentrations of Cu (r = 0.68) and Zn (r = 0.87). This correlation indicates that the municipal waste that is thrown into the city’s streams has influenced the occurrence of deformities.

Association of lead, cadmium and mercury with paraoxonase 1 activity and malondialdehyde in a general population in Southern Brazil

Metal exposure is associated with increased oxidative stress (OS), which is considered an underlying mechanism of metal-induced toxicity. Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a final product of lipid peroxidation, and it has been extensively used to evaluate metal-induced OS. Pro-oxidant effects produced by metals can be mitigated by paraoxonase 1 (PON1), an antioxidant enzyme known to prevent cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. Among other factors, the Q192R polymorphism and the exposure to heavy metals have been known to alter PON1 activity. Here, we evaluated the association of blood lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) levels with PON1 activity, and with MDA concentrations in a randomly selected sample of Brazilian adults aged 40 years or older, living in an urban area in Southern Brazil. A total of 889 subjects were evaluated for blood Pb and Cd levels, and 832 were tested for Hg. Geometric mean of blood Pb, Cd and Hg was 1.93μg/dL, 0.06μg/L and 1.40μg/L, respectively. PON1 activity was significantly different among various genotypes: QQ (PON1=121.4U/mL), QR (PON1=87.5U/mL), and RR (PON1=55.2U/mL), p<0.001. PON1 genotypes were associated only with Cd blood levels. Those with QR genotype had Cd concentrations higher (0.07μg/L) than those with the RR genotype (0.04μg/L) with p=0.034. However, PON1 activity was not significantly associated with metal concentrations. Cluster analysis showed that men who reported to be current smokers and drinkers with higher blood Pb and Cd levels, had significantly lower PON1 activity than non-smokers or -drinkers, and women with lower Pb and Cd levels. RR genotype carriers had lower PON1 activity than those with the QR genotype, and had higher levels of Pb and Cd compared with other genotype carriers. For blood Hg, no association with PON1 activity or genotype was noted. We found low levels of Pb, Cd and Hg in environmentally exposed Brazilian adults. Cd concentrations were increased in subjects with QR genotype. Those with RR genotype had lower PON1 activity and higher levels of Pb and Cd than other genotype carriers. The results of cluster analysis suggested that smoking status exerts a significant influence on PON1 activity. Other studies with environmentally exposed populations are required to further clarify whether low blood levels of metals influence OS biomarkers.

Asthma treatment in children and adolescents in an urban area in southern Brazil: popular myths and features.

Objective: To describe the frequency of popular myths about and features of asthma treatment in children and adolescents in an urban area in southern Brazil. Methods: The parents or legal guardians of public school students (8-16 years of age) completed a specific questionnaire regarding their understanding of asthma, asthma control, and treatment characteristics. The sample included parents or legal guardians of students with asthma (n = 127) and healthy controls (n = 124). Results: The study involved 251 parents or legal guardians, of whom 127 (68.5%) were the mothers and 130 (51.8%) were White. The mean age of these participants was 38.47 ± 12.07 years. Of the participants in the asthma and control groups, 37 (29.1%) and 26 (21.0%), respectively, reported being afraid of using asthma medications, whereas 61 (48%) and 56 (45.2%), respectively, believed that using a metered dose inhaler can lead to drug dependence. However, only 17 (13.4%) and 17 (13.7%) of the participants in the asthma and control groups, respectively, reported being afraid of using oral corticosteroids. In the asthma group, 55 students (43.3%) were diagnosed with uncontrolled asthma, only 41 (32.3%) had a prescription or written treatment plan, and 38 (29.9%) used asthma medications regularly. Conclusions: Popular myths about asthma treatment were common in our sample, as were uncontrolled asthma and inappropriate asthma management. Further studies in this field should be conducted in other developing countries, as should evaluations of pediatric asthma treatment programs in public health systems.

Equine infectious anemia in carthorses from urban areas of southern Brazil

Equine infectious anemia (EIA) is an infectious viral disease caused by a Lentivirus, which affects equids worldwide. The disease has no currently treatment and euthanasia of infected animals is mandatory by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA) as basis for disease control. Carthorses are used to move daily throughout the cities with their owners to collect recycling materials. Considering the socio-economic importance of this group of horses, the aim of this study was to determine the infection rate of EIA virus in carthorses from urban areas of Curitiba and surroundings. The detection of anti-EIA virus antibodies was performed by the agar gel immunodiffusion test (AGID). One out of 97 (1.03%) horse was positive for EIA. Active surveillance programs are crucial for monitoring, prevention and control of infectious diseases, particularly in carthorses, which may act as disseminators of pathogens.

Equine infectious anemia in carthorses from urban areas of southern Brazil

&lt;p&gt;Equine infectious anemia (EIA) is an infectious viral disease caused by a &lt;em&gt;Lentivirus&lt;/em&gt;, which affects equids worldwide. The disease has no currently treatment and euthanasia of infected animals is mandatory by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA) as basis for disease control. Carthorses are used to move daily throughout the cities with their owners to collect recycling materials. Considering the socio-economic importance of this group of horses, the aim of this study was to determine the infection rate of EIA virus in carthorses from urban areas of Curitiba and surroundings. The detection of anti-EIA virus antibodies was performed by the agar gel immunodiffusion test (AGID). One out of 97 (1.03%) horse was positive for EIA. Active surveillance programs are crucial for monitoring, prevention and control of infectious diseases, particularly in carthorses, which may act as disseminators of pathogens.&lt;/p&gt;