Western Amazon Region Research Articles

Large air quality and human health impacts due to Amazon forest and vegetation fires

Vegetation fires across the tropics emit fine particulate matter (PM2.5) to the atmosphere, degrading regional air quality and impacting human health. Extensive vegetation fires occur regularly across the Amazon basin, but there have been no detailed assessments of the impacts on air quality or human health. We used updated exposure-response relationships and a regional climate-chemistry model, evaluated against a comprehensive set of observational data, to provide the first in-depth assessment of the potential public health benefits due to fire prevention across the Amazon Basin. We focused on 2012, a year with emissions similar to the 11-year average (2008 to 2018). Vegetation fires contributed >80% of simulated dry season mean surface PM2.5 in the western Amazon region particularly in Bolivia and Brazilian states of Rondônia, Acre, and Mato Grosso. We estimate that the prevention of vegetation fires would have averted 16 800 (95UI: 16 300–17 400) premature deaths and 641 000 (95UI: 551 900–741 300) disability adjusted life years (DALYs) across South America, with 26% of the avoided health burden located within the Amazon Basin. The health benefits of fire prevention in the Amazon are comparable to those found in Equatorial Asia.

Induction of puberty in Bos indicus heifers in the western Amazon region

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency and cost of two distinct hormonal protocols for induction of puberty in Bos indicus heifers in the western Amazon region. Nelore prepubertal heifers (n = 127) aged 20 to 24 months (21 ± 0.3 months) and weighing 300 to 340 kg (318 ± 7 kg) were submitted to two distinct protocols for induction of cyclicity. Females were previously submitted to two ovarian ultrasound examinations (12-day interval) to verify the absence of the corpus luteum (CL). Then, the heifers were divided into two experimental groups: G-CIDR/EC (n = 54) and G-P4/EC (n = 73). The G-CIDR/EC group utilized a CIDR® for 12 days and on the day of its withdrawal, 0.6 mg of estradiol cypionate (IM) was administered. The G-P4/EC group received 150 mg of injectable progesterone (IM) and one injection of 0.6 mg EC 12 days after the progesterone injection. Twelve days after the end of the hormonal protocols, the heifers were submitted to another ultrasound evaluation for identification of cyclicity (ovulatory follicle or CL). These females were then submitted to a conventional protocol of synchronization of ovulation for timed artificial insemination (TAI). Only heifers responsive to puberty induction (G-CIDR/EC (n=30) and G-P4/EC (n=51)) were included in the TAI protocol. After seven days of insemination, both groups were exposed to natural breeding. In addition, an economic analysis was performed to evaluate cyclicity induction, the TAI protocol, and pregnancy in both groups. The G-CIDR/EC group showed 81.48% (44/54) of females responsive to induction of cyclicity (presence of CL) while the G-P4/EC group obtained 86.3% (63/73; p=0.463). Regarding the conception rate to TAI and to bull (natural breeding), the G-CIDR/EC group displayed 43.33% (13/30) and 33.33% (10/30), respectively, and the G-P4/EC group exhibited 54.9% (28/51) and 39.22% (20/51), respectively. The overall pregnancy rate (TAI+Bull) was 76.67% (23/30) in the G-CIDR/EC group compared to 94.12% (48/51; P=0.023) in the G-P4/EC group. The cost of the hormonal protocol to cyclicity induction resulted in an economy of 42.8% for injectable P4 compared to the intravaginal P4 group. In addition, the final cost of cyclic induction associated with TAI was 34% lower in the G-P4/EC group compared to the G-CIDR/EC group. We concluded that both cycling induction protocols were efficient in Bos indicus heifers from the western Amazon. However, injectable P4 provided a higher conception rate and lower pregnancy cost at the end of the reproductive season.

Composição bromatológica da silagem de milho aditivada com rama de mandioca e folhas de embaúba

O Brasil apresenta inúmeras espécies de plantas forrageiras, dentre elas a cultura do milho se destaca pelo alto potencial de valor nutritivo em comparação a outras plantas. Objetivou-se avaliar a composição bromatológica da silagem de milho adicionada com rama de mandioca e folhas de embaúba com diferentes níveis de substituição na região da Amazônia Ocidental. Foram utilizados cinco tipos de silagens sendo: SME0 – 100 silagem de milho e 0% de mandioca e embaúba, SME25 – 75% silagem de milho e 25% silagem de mandioca e embaúba, SME50 – 50% silagem de milho e 50% silagem de mandioca e embaíba, SME75 – 25% silagem de milho e 75% silagem de mandioca e embaúba e SME100 – 0% silagem de milho e 100 silagem de mandioca e embaúba, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado (DIC), com cinco tratamentos e cinco repetições. O material foi ensilado em silos de tubos de plástico por 42 dias para garantir o processo fermentativo. Foram avaliados os parâmetros de pH, teores de matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente ácido (FDA), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), hemicelulose (HEM) e nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT). Os dados foram analisados pelo pacote estatístico SISVAR (P<0,05). Os resultados demonstraram que as silagens apresentaram níveis bromatológicos satisfatórios em todos os tratamentos, podendo ser utilizadas na dieta de ruminantes, tendo destaque os tratamentos SME50 e SME75 por apresentarem melhores valores em termos de caracterização bromatológica.

Anatomical characterization of the roots, leaves and culms of Guadua weberbaueri in different growing environments

There has been increasing interest in the use of bamboo for a variety of purposes. In the western Amazon region, specifically in the state of Acre, Brazil, native bamboo (Guadua weberbaueri Pilg.) grows in great abundance, which calls attention to its possible sustainable exploitation. Thus, this project aims to perform the anatomical characterization of the culms, leaves and roots of G. weberbaueri in different environments, both inside and along the border of a forest. For the analysis, samples were collected from culms, leaves and roots at the Zoobotanical Park of Federal University of Acre, and permanent slides were visualized by optical microscopy. We observed that the vascular bundles of the central leaf veins were wider in leaves from the border of the forest than in those from inside the forest. In contrast, the study of root anatomy showed differences in the diameter measurements of the xylem vessel elements, which were larger in those inside the forest than those from the border of the forest. The vascular bundles of culms did not present a difference, although a new characteristic found in this species is described.

Mercury in fish marketed in the Amazon Triple Frontier and Health Risk Assessment

Fish has great socioeconomic, cultural, and nutritional importance for Amazonian populations. Despite all health benefits, fish can accumulate great amounts of mercury (Hg). The entry of Hg in aquatic trophic chains is an issue of concern to animal and human health. Higher risks of human exposure are strongly related to fish consumption. Upper Solimões population has one of the highest fish consumption rates of the Amazon. This study aimed to access the concentration of total Hg (THg) in muscle, liver, and gills of 17 species of fishes marketed in the Upper Solimões Region and Health Risk Assessment. Higher concentrations were observed in Carnivores/Piscivores. The highest THg concentration was found in liver of Cichla ocellaris (4.549 μg/g) and the lowest in gills of Hoplosternum littorale (0.002 μg/g). Most species had higher THg concentrations in muscle>liver>gills, in the Ebb period, and liver>muscle>gills, in the Flood period. Hoplias malabaricus, Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum, Plagioscion squamosissimus, Ageneiosus inermis, and C. ocellaris presented average THg concentrations above the safe limit stablished by WHO. THg levels in C. ocellaris, H. malabaricus, P. squamosissimus, P. fasciatum, and Semaprochilodus insignis were higher than those found in fish of heavily impacted areas. Signs of bioaccumulation and biomagnifications of Hg can already be observed in this region. The Western Amazon Region urgently needs government actions to inhibit Hg release in aquatic ecosystems and to advise this population on the safe amount of fish to be eaten according to species and period of the year.

Diversity of foliicolous lichens in isolated montane rainforests (Brejos) of northeastern Brazil and their biogeography in a neotropical context

AbstractFoliicolous lichenized fungi (FLF) are widely distributed in tropical forests. The Brazilian Atlantic rainforest, one of the most diverse rainforest biomes, has multiple phyto‐physiognomies. Montane forest fragments or forest refuges, so‐called “Brejos,” are located within the semiarid Caatinga in Northeast Brazil. Our objective was to determine the FLF diversity within five Brejos and to analyze their biogeographic affinities within the Neotropics. The FLF biota of the Brejos was compared with that of 21 sites belonging to seven other rainforest biomes, ranging from the Atlantic rainforest in Argentina, to montane rainforests in Ecuador, to the Amazonia basin, and rainforests in Central America. One hundred and fifty‐six species were identified in the Brejos. This biota is most similar to that of the Atlantic rainforest and eastern Amazonia, while that of western Amazonia is more similar to that of the Andes and rainforests in Central America (Chocó). Multiple species identified in the Brejos have a wide distribution in tropical America, and only 11 are potentially endemic. Few other species have also a restricted distribution. The FLF biota of the Chocó and western Amazon is substantially richer than that of eastern Amazon, the Atlantic rainforest and the Brejos. This suggests that the biota of the latter areas is largely a depauperate subset of the Chocó and the western Amazon region. We argue that the major differences between the two large regions are related to the Pleistocene and Pliocene, when paleoclimatic and geological changes caused the isolation of the Brejos and the temporary fragmentation particularly of eastern Amazonia.

Cancer mortality among indigenous people in western amazon

TPS 723: Low and middle income countries: sanitation infections and other health effects, Exhibition Hall, Ground floor, August 26, 2019, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Aim: to estimate the cancer mortality and cancer Standardized Mortality Ratio (SMR) in western Amazon indigenous population. Methods: A cancer mortality descriptive study was accomplished among indigenous people in the state of Acre, Brazil, located in the western Amazon region. Cancer deaths diagnosed from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2012 were obtained from Death Certificate Information System. Population at risk was obtained from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. Cancer deaths distributions stratified by sex, age, and ethnic group were proceeded according to anatomic sites. The SMR, with 95% confidence intervals, were estimated using the cancer-mortality rates of Goiania, Acre state, and Brazilian North region as references. Results: A total of 81 cancer-deaths among indigenous people were recorded from 2000-2012, mostly among men (59.3%), those aged 70+ (37%), and Huni Kuin/Kaxinawá ethnic group (38.8%). Among men, the main cancer sites were stomach(27.1%), liver(18.7%), colorectal(8.3%), leukemia(8.3%), and prostate(8.3%); while among women were cervix(36.4%), stomach(12.1%), liver(6.1%), leukemia(6.1%), and uterus(6.1%). In men, cancer deaths excess were observed for stomach as compared to men from Goiânia(SMR=2.72;95%CI:2.58-2.87), Acre state(SMR=2.05;95%CI:1.94-2.16), and North region(SMR=3.10;95%CI:2.93-3.27); and also for liver comparing to Goiânia(SMR=3.89;95%CI:3.66-4.14), Acre state(SMR=1.79;95%CI:1.68-1.91), and North region(SMR=4.04;95%CI:3.77-4.30). In women, cancer deaths excess were observed for cervix as compared to cervical cancer rates from Goiânia(SMR=4.67;95%CI:4.41-4.93), Acre state(SMR=2.12;95%CI:2.00-2.24), and North region(SMR=2.60;95%CI:2.45-2.75). Conclusion: Cancer mortality among indigenous people from western Amazon affected mainly men, elderly people (aged 70+), and Huni Kuin/Kaxinawá ethnic group. In men, stomach and liver cancer-deaths excess were observed among indigenous people comparing to non-indigenous population from Goiania, Acre state, and North region. In women, a cervical cancer-death excess were observed among indigenous people comparing to non-indigenous population from the same areas. It suggests that indigenous people in western Amazon have lack of cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment access, as compared to non-indigenous population in the same area.

Metazoan parasites of Calophysus macropterus (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) in the Acre and Iaco rivers in the western Amazon region of Brazil: diversity, similarity and seasonal variation

ABSTRACTThe diversity, similarity and seasonal variation of metazoan parasite communities in Calophysus macropterus in the Acre and Iaco rivers, in the western Amazon (Brazil), was investigated. Parasites from 13 taxa were collected from C. macropterus in both rivers: four species of monogeneans, four nematodes, two cestodes, one digenean, one crustacean and one pentastomid. In hosts from the Acre river, Cucullanus pinnai predominated; while in hosts in the Iaco river, Monticellia amazonica predominated. The component communities of the parasites among the hosts in the two rivers presented high similarity (100%). Prevalence of Alinema amazonicum was higher in hosts in the Acre river; while the prevalence of C. pinnai was higher in hosts in the Iaco river and the mean prevalence and abundance of M. amazonica were higher in fish from the Iaco river. Regarding C. macropterus from the Acre river, infection levels by A. amazonicum were higher during the rainy season, while Demidospermus pinirampi only occurred in the dry season and Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus only occurred in the rainy season. In hosts from the Iaco river, infections by larvae of Anisakidae gen. sp. were higher during the dry season, while infection by Rudolphiella piracatinga and Sebekia sp. only occurred in the rainy season. However, P. (S.) inopinatus, Ergasilus callophysus, Ameloblastella unapi, Demidospermus luckyi, Demidospermus macropteri and D. pinirampi only occurred in the dry season. High similarity of the component communities of the parasite was observed between the rainy and dry seasons. These results suggest that factors other than location and seasonality were influencing the communities and infracommunities of the parasites found. Lastly, C. macropterus is a new host for almost 50% of the parasite species found. In addition, the results from the present study have expanded the geographical range of these 13 species of parasites to the western Amazon region.

Draft Whole-Genome Sequence of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis Presenting Leishmania RNA Virus 1, from Western Amazon, Brazil.

Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis is the main etiological agent of tegumentary leishmaniasis in the neotropics. Here, we report a draft genome sequence (31.2 Mb) of an L. braziliensis strain from the western Amazon region of Brazil. This genome sequence will complement those available for other Leishmania species and contribute to further studies focusing on this parasite and the neglected diseases associated with it.

Genetic diversity and molecular survey of Trypanosoma (Megatrypanum ) theileri in cattle in Brazil's western Amazon region.

Trypanosoma (Megatrypanum) theileri is a flagellated protozoan that infects ruminants and it displays high genetic diversity. In this study, we investigated the prevalence rates of this protozoan based on hemoculture and molecular diagnosis. The isolates of T. theileri thus obtained were characterized by molecular markers SSU rDNA and gGAPDH and molecular diagnosis based on Cathepsin L-like gene (PCR-TthCATL). The PCR-TthCATL and hemoculture indicated an overall prevalence rate of 8.13%, and the CATL derived sequence named IB was identified for the first time in cattle in the western Amazon region, as well as IF in Brazil. We also describe a possible new PCR-TthCATL derived sequence in cattle, designated IL.

Identification of stylo lines with potential to compose mixed pastures with higher productivity

AbstractForage legumes from the genus Stylosanthes are frequently used as pasture cover crops with positive effects in controlling weeds, soil fertility and crop yield while providing livestock feed and additional income for farmers through seed production. Stylosanthes guianensis is native to South America and extensively grown worldwide. Therefore, efforts to improve this species may help the sustainability of livestock production in pasture areas managed with this legume. We evaluated 12 sister lines spread through seeds under clippings in the western Amazon region, Brazil. The results were analysed using the methodology of mixed models. Five sister lines mixed with the grass Brachiaria brizantha were evaluated under continuous grazing for two consecutive years. We estimated the genetic and phenotypic parameters of the forage legume and then identified and validated, under grazing, the sister lines most promising to be used in an area of the western Brazilian Amazon. Total dry‐matter yield, soil coverage, height before clipping, height after clipping and seed production showed low‐to‐moderate broad‐sense heritability (0.1–0.5), contrasting with reduced genetic variability for the characters associated with nutritive value. The S. guianensis lines had, on average, 278 g/kg of crude protein in the dry matter of the leaves and 200 g/kg in the stems, suggesting that the use of this species may help to overcome the low protein content of tropical pastures. There are promising stylo lines that can be used in mixed pastures in humid tropical regions.

First report of Rhodnius neglectus (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) from the State of Acre, Brazil, and the Brazilian Western Amazon Region.

This communication reports the occurrence of Rhodnius neglectus in the State of Acre, Brazil. An adult male R. neglectus specimen was collected from the Catuaba Experimental Reserve, which is located in the municipality of Senador Guiomard. This increases the number of triatomine species reported from the State of Acre to eight and is also the first report of R. neglectus from the Brazilian Western Amazon Region. The occurrence of R. neglectus is alarming because even though the species is wild, it can invade and colonize human dwellings and peridomiciles, thereby increasing Chagas disease transmission.

O-05 What Do Men in the Amazon Region Know About the Treatment of Female Sexual Dysfunctions?

Women are more susceptible to experience sexual dysfunctions due to several biological, psychological and sociocultural factors. Approximately 51% of Brazilian women experience sexual dysfunctions. According to DSM-5, partnership is one of the most important factors to be analyzed before diagnosing sexual dysfunctions in women. A multidisciplinary approach, including contributions from gynecology, psychotherapy and urogynecological physiotherapy, is indispensable to recover the patients’ sexual function. However, such approach is neglected by many practitioners and unknown to many heterosexual women and their partners in the Western Amazon Region. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of heterosexual men about the treatment of female sexual dysfunctions and the role of urogynecological physiotherapy in the multidisciplinary approach. 71 heterosexual men (28± 8 years) participated in the research, all of whom were in a relationship for at least 1 year. The men filled in two questionnaires and participated in semi-structured interviews, as part of a cross-sectional mixed-methodology research.

Microgeographical structure in the major Neotropical malaria vector Anopheles darlingi using microsatellites and SNP markers

BackgroundIn recent decades, throughout the Amazon Basin, landscape modification contributing to profound ecological change has proceeded at an unprecedented rate. Deforestation that accompanies human activities can significantly change aspects of anopheline biology, though this may be site-specific. Such local changes in anopheline biology could have a great impact on malaria transmission. The aim of this study was to investigate population genetics of the main malaria vector in Brazil, Anopheles darlingi, from a microgeographical perspective.MethodsMicrosatellites and ddRADseq-derived single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used to assess levels of population genetic structuring among mosquito populations from two ecologically distinctive agricultural settlements (~60 km apart) and a population from a distant (~700 km) urban setting in the western Amazon region of Brazil.ResultsSignificant microgeographical population differentiation was observed among Anopheles darlingi populations via both model- and non-model-based analysis only with the SNP dataset. Microsatellites detected moderate differentiation at the greatest distances, but were unable to differentiate populations from the two agricultural settlements. Both markers showed low polymorphism levels in the most human impacted sites.ConclusionsAt a microgeographical scale, signatures of genetic heterogeneity and population divergence were evident in Anopheles darlingi, possibly related to local environmental anthropic modification. This divergence was observed only when using high coverage SNP markers.

The role of capybaras as carriers of leptospires in periurban and rural areas in the western Amazon

Although leptospirosis has been described in capybaras, usually based on serological evidences, bacterial culture of leptospires has been scarcely reported in this species. The western Amazon is a reportedly endemic area where high seroprevalences have been reported in different species of wildlife, domestic animals and in human beings. The present study aimed at investigating the role of capybaras as carriers of leptospires in periurban and rural areas in the western Amazon region. A total of 44 animals were captured, and 41 blood samples (for serology) and 41 urine samples (for PCR and bacterial culture) were obtained. A total of 18/41 (43.9%) of sera were reactive and titers were generally low, indicating chronic infection. PCR was positive in 13/41 (31.7%) samples, isolates were recovered from urine samples belonging to Icterohaemorrhagiae, Grippotyphosa and Shermani serogroups. A high number of carriers (confirmed by PCR) associated to a tendency for harboring Icterohaemorrhagiae serogroup strains could be noticed. Our results suggest that capybaras are massively infected by leptospires. Analogously to Norway rats, capybaras present chronic infection with low titers and long-term bacterial shedding, and may be acting as reservoirs of this bacterium.

Energizing agroforestry: Ilex guayusa as an additional commodity to diversify Amazonian agroforestry systems

ABSTRACTGuayusa (Ilex guayusa) is a native tree of the western Amazon region grown by indigenous farmers in traditional agroforestry systems. Its leaves are used as a drink similar to tea, which is now commercialized and marketed outside of the Amazon. To assess the impacts from the early stages of commercial guayusa production, we conducted interviews in four commercial guayusa-producing communities with indigenous guayusa farmers in the Ecuadorian Amazon. We focus on their experiences and critically discuss and speculate about the socio-ecological implications of the expanding commercialization of guayusa, particularly in relation to propositions of this special issue. Results reveal that revenues from guayusa have not overtaken those from other cash crops. Commercializing guayusa can have benefits for farmers and the environment, provided that rigorous criteria that measure social and environmental impacts are adhered to. Furthermore, guaysa production is characterized by vertical integration where many individual farmers supply one processing and wholesale company in a short value chain fostering a locally tailored certification approach that is able to exert the continuation of the traditional agroforestry practices. Yet, sustainability initiatives, standards and certification only provide partial solutions for protecting ecosystem services in the Ecuadorian Amazon.EDITED BY Beria Leimona

The hepatitis delta genotype 8 in Northeast Brazil: The North Atlantic slave trade as the potential route for infection

Hepatitis Delta virus (HDV) is not well known, even though HDV and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infection leads to severe forms of acute and chronic liver diseases. HDV is endemic in the Western Amazon region. Recently, the HDV genotype 8 was found in chronic patients followed at the center for liver studies in the Northeast Brazil, Maranhão. Previous studies suggested that this genotype was introduced in Maranhão during the slave trade. The presence of HDV in that study, which was done outside the Amazon region, led us to investigate whether the virus is found infecting individuals in other regions of Maranhão as well. Thus, we screened ninety-two HBsAg positive individuals from five Municipalities of Maranhão for anti-HD antibody and eight were found positive (8.7%). These eight positive individuals were submitted to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to investigate active HDV infection. Half of them were positive for a fragment sequence of the delta antigen; their sequence samples were submitted to genotype characterization by phylogenetic analysis. All sequences clustered in a unique branch of the tree separated from the other branch described in Africa. Our study confirmed the presence of HDV-8 in Maranhão. These infected individuals had no evidence of contact with African people. Furthermore, we found individuals infected with HDV-8 in two more different municipalities. More studies like ours are urgent because the co-infection HBV/HDV is more difficult to treat. Identification of the endemic regions and implementation of healthy policies for preventing this infection are urgent in this region.

Phylogenetic relationships within the Callicebus cupreus species group (Pitheciidae: Primates): Biogeographic and taxonomic implications

The genus Callicebus (Thomas, 1903) is one of the most diverse of Neotropical primate genera and the only extant member of the Callicebinae subfamily. It has a widespread distribution from Colombia to Brazil, Bolivia, Peru and northern Paraguay. Coat colouring and colour pattern vary substantially within the genus, and this has led to the description of numerous species and subspecies, as well as numerous species groups. However, a lack of molecular phylogenetic analyses on the genus means that phylogenetic relationships and biogeographic history of species are poorly understood. Here, we examined phylogenetic relationships and patterns of diversification within the Callicebus cupreus species Group (sensu Kobayashi, 1995) using complete mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b gene sequence. Analyses indicate that the Callicebus cupreus Group underwent recent and extensive diversification. The common ancestor appears to have emerged some 2.3 million years ago (Ma) from a centre of origin in the western Amazon region, followed by diversification of the group between about 1.5 and 1.2Ma. Phylogenetic analyses were able to recover most previously described species (including the recently described Colombian endemic Callicebus caquetensis). However, there are some notable inconsistences between the obtained phylogeny and current taxonomy. Some previously recognized taxa were not separated by our data (e.g., Callicebus caligatus and Callicebus dubius), while currently unrecognized species diversity was uncovered within C. cupreus in the form of two divergent lineages: one of which exhibited greater phylogenetic similarity to species from the C. moloch Group. Based on the present study, we challenge current taxonomic arrangements for the C. cupreus species Group and call for a thorough taxonomic revision within the genus Callicebus.

Ocean Global Warming Impacts on the South America Climate

The global Ocean-Land-Atmosphere Model (OLAM) model was used to estimate the impacts of the global oceanic warming on the climate projections for the 21st Century focusing on the South America region. This new model is able to represent simultaneously the global and regional scales using a refining grid approach for the region of interest. First, the model was run for a 31-year control period consisting on the years 1960-1990 using the monthly Sea Surface Temperature (SST) from the Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP) data as a driver for the ocean fluxes. Then, the model was run for the period 2010-2100 using the monthly projected SST from the Hadley Center model (HadCM3) as a driver for the oceanic changes. The model was set up with an icosahedral triangular global grid having about 250 km of grid spacing and with a refining grid resolution with the cells reaching about 32 km over the South America region. The results show an overall temperature increase mainly over the center of the Amazon basin caused by the increase of the greenhouse effect of the water vapor; a decrease on precipitation mainly over the northeast Brazil and an increase in the south and over the western Amazon region; and a major increase on the near surface wind speed. These results are similar to the global coupled models; however, OLAM has a novel type of grid that can provide the interaction between the global and regional scales simultaneously.

Quantitative Assessment Of Relative Roles Of Drivers Of Deaths Due To Respiratory Diseases In The Amazon Region

The Amazon region has experienced a large number of fires in the past years, mainly in the dry season, with a considerable increase of particulate matter loading in the atmosphere. The expansion of agriculture and cattle ranching in the western Amazon region has increased the atmospheric pollution loading. Pro-active planning and mitigation for this particulate matter exposure require identification of the major drivers in a location-specific manner. A number of factors, biological, chemical and meteorological, control the incidence and severity of respiratory diseases. A well-recognized association of respiratory disease occurrence is with air pollution exposure. A relatively less explored factor, particularly in Amazon region, is the particular environmental conditions. The aim of this work was to establish the relative roles of PM2.5 measures, environmental variables and fire outbreaks in deaths of elderly people over 64 years old due to respiratory diseases in a quantitative frame work. The study was carried out in the municipality of Porto Velho, in the Rondônia state, Brazil. An ecological time series study using generalized additive models was carried out using weekly mean levels of PM2.5 obtained in situ and weather variables from June 1st 2010 to December 28nd 2012. Statistically significant associations between PM2.5 and increases in deaths for the elderly (stroke, +17%, p