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Pithecopus rusticus is a small and charismatic leaf frog species known only from the type locality, in the Brazilian Subtropical Highland Grasslands of the Atlantic Forest, southern Brazil. In this study, we describe aspects of the reproductive biology and populational size of P. rusticus, encompassing the characterization of breeding season, microhabitat use for vocalization and spawning, the variation in body size of males and females and operational sex ratio, as well as explore the influence of climate variables on the abundance of individuals. We collected information from 2015 to 2021, mainly in the breeding seasons of 2015/16 and 2017/18. We recorded 91 individuals of P. rusticus, with a recapture rate of 61% in the 2015/16 breeding season and 57% in the 2017/18 breeding season. The estimated population size was 28.9 individuals for the 2015/16 breeding season and 21 individuals for the 2017/18 breeding season. The temporal reproductive pattern was intermediate, being concentrated in spring to early summer months (October to January), and the male calling activity differed throughout the night, increasing from 9pm onwards. The abundance of P. rusticus was significantly related with relative air humidity. We found sexual size dimorphism, with females larger than males, and a male-skewed operational sex ratio. Males and females used Poaceae and Cyperaceae leaves located close to water. Spawns contained 43 ± 5 eggs, with a diameter of 3.26 ± 0.45 mm, and were deposited on leaves of Senecio (Asteraceae) and Eriocaulon (Eriocaulaceae). Information on natural history is essential to support the implementation and success of in situ and ex situ conservation strategies for this endangered species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in land use are considered the main factor in the degradation of ecosystems, especially in continental aquatic environments. In this study, we evaluated the genotoxicity potential of the environmental matrix using tadpoles from three anuran species as a model, to test whether more genetic damage and changes in oxidative stress biomarkers occur in ponds on farms than in native grasslands. Tadpoles were sampled from ponds in the subtropical highland grassland region of southern Brazil. We quantified DNA damage in tadpoles of Scinax squalirostris, Ololygon aromothyella and Odontophrynus asper using the comet assay and oxidative stress changes using glutathione as a biomarker. Our results demonstrated that the tadpoles of the three anuran species collected in agricultural ponds accumulated greater DNA damage and alterations in biomarkers of oxidative stress when compared with those collected in ponds in the native grassland, corroborating our initial hypothesis. The DNA damage detected in tadpoles from farm ponds suggests that these populations are suffering impacts from environmental contamination, mainly from heavy metals and fertilizers, as indicated by our complementary data. Our results highlight the importance of grassland remnants for the conservation of amphibians in the subtropical region, which are under severe threat due to the replacement of natural areas by agriculture. Moreover, we emphasize the importance of monitoring and quantifying agrochemicals in habitats and organisms to ensure the viability of populations and support adequate management and conservation strategies for the species of pond-breeding anurans in the region of subtropical grasslands in southern Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Fisioterapia e Pesquisa is the property of Universidade de Sao Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Ontogeny, temporal strategies and the reproductive cycle are basic aspects of a species' life history and can provide us with information about the current status and future trends of a population. Here, we present data on reproductive biology, influence of environmental factors on male and female reproductive parameters and intra- and interspecific comparisons regarding these parameters, as well as unpublished data on age at sexual maturity and longevity of the syntopic and phylogenetically close frogs Physalaemus cuvieri – dog frog –, Physalaemus riograndensis – Rio Grande frog – and Pseudopaludicola falcipes – Hensel's swamp frog –, in southern Brazil. Accordingly, we used morphoanatomical and histological analyses, whose results were associated with climatological environmental variables (temperature, rainfall, relative humidity and photoperiod). Our results indicate that although they are phylogenetically close and that they co-occur in reproductive environments, the species differ in terms of reproductive cycle and in how environmental variables affect reproductive parameters between the sexes: photoperiod was the most important environmental factor for males and females of P. falcipes , while air humidity was more important for P. cuvieri. The age aspects also varied between the species, where sexual maturity was reached later in the Physalaemus species and the greatest longevity recorded for P. cuvieri. In addition, we found that there was intersexual and interspecific variation in the patterns measured, reflecting intrinsic differences in reproductive strategies and modes. Such studies are of paramount importance, as they serve as a basis for further research, in addition to allowing comparisons and/or possible generalizations about the evolutionary meaning of reproductive strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The degradation of natural ecosystems due to land use changes has been increasing, altering ecosystem composition, structure and processes, which negatively affects biodiversity. Herein, we explored how the diversity patterns of anurans respond to the scenario of extensive replacement of grasslands with agriculture in southernmost Brazil. We determined possible changes in the species richness, taxonomic composition, and structure of pond-breeding anuran communities in the grassland ecosystems of the South Brazilian Grasslands (SBG). Using the survey at breeding sites method, we sampled a total of 238 ponds, 153 from extensive livestock grazing on grasslands and 85 from agricultural areas. The higher species richness was found in the livestock areas on grasslands. There was a significant nestedness pattern associated with agricultural areas, indicating a non-random process of community simplification by species loss. Seven anuran species were considered land use indicators, of which five were considered indicators of grasslands with livestock, and two as indicators of agricultural areas. Generalist species were persistent and dominant in agricultural areas, while habitat specialists disappeared from these areas. Land use was a significant factor explaining the community structure segregation between land uses regardless of the natural variation reported at the local and regional levels. We highlight the importance of grasslands for the conservation of pond-breeding anurans in non-forest landscapes of the subtropical region, and we discuss the view that extensive livestock production needs strategic incentives to help the conservation of SBG biodiversity, such as multi-institutional measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Colloquium Agrariae is the property of Asociacao Prudentina de Educacao e Cultura (APEC) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Histoplasma capsulatum, the fungus causing histoplasmosis, has a strong impact on public health. Histoplasmosis is one of the most prevalent systemic mycoses in the Americas and occurs in several mammalian species. Bats are important in the epidemiological cycle of histoplasmosis because they disseminate the fungus throughout the environment. The aim of the present study was to investigate natural H. capsulatum infection in bats located in forested areas, which have undergone anthropogenic perturbations, as well as in the urban areas of the state of Pará. Twenty‐two species of bats were captured in 18 municipalities of Pará; the samples obtained from these animals were subjected to nested PCR for amplification of H. capsulatum DNA. The HCI/HCII and HCIII/HCIV primers were used, and the final 210‐pb fragment was amplified. Of the 100 bats analysed, two were confirmed to be positive for H. capsulatum. Samples amplified by nested PCR were sequenced and found to share identity and have 100% match with H. capsulatum DNA. H. capsulatum was detected in the area of study: the state of Pará has a wide diversity of bat species, and the region under investigation is situated in the north of the state, which suffers the most severe environmental and climatic changes. Therefore, it is essential to elucidate the distribution of H. capsulatum hosts in this region to facilitate the implementation of effective disease surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Physical Education (24482455) is the property of Universidade Estadual de Maringa and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Wild boar are considered one the world's worst invasive species and linked to biodiversity loss, competition for resources, predation of native species, and habitat modifications. In this study, we use camera traps to evaluate whether the invasive wild boar had an effect on the medium-sized mammal community of a protected area in southern Brazil. Based on photographic records, we evaluated whether the presence and relative abundance of wild boar was associated with a decrease in diversity or change in activity of medium-sized mammals. All comparisons were made between samples where wild boar were present or absent. The records of each camera during a season were considered a sample. The wild boar was the fourth most common species in the study area being present in 7.8% of the photographic records. The species richness of mammals was not negatively affected by the occurrence of wild boar and most common species did not exhibit changes in the daily activity pattern. However, we recorded an increase in the time elapsed between an observation of wild boar and the record of the next species relative to the average latency period observed among other mammalian species. This average latency period was similar to that observed in the case of large predators such as Puma, and its increase could be reflective partly of the avoidance of native species to wild boar. Nevertheless, our results show that the effect of invasive wild boar on the mammal community is not large as expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Litterfall production contributes to the flow models and carbon content essential for ecosystem dynamics. The objective of the present study was to assess litterfall production rates in the Costinha mangrove forests, São Francisco River Estuary, Sergipe state, Brazil. To this end, litterfall production in the study area was monitored in five stratified stations (A, B, C, D and E) using the same channels as dividers. Ten (10) 0.25 m² litter collectors, totaling 120 litterbags, were allocated to each forest station for monthly monitoring lasting two years. The collected material was separated into fractions: leaf, flower, fruit, branch and twig, stipule and miscellaneous, and leaves and fruits were separated by species. The average litterfall production was 13.53 ton ha-1.year-1 in the first year and 13.21 ton ha-1.year-1 in the second year, with no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) between the years during the evaluation period. Generally, litterfall production in fractions presented the following descending order: leaves > branches and twigs > stipules > fruits and propagules > miscellaneous > flowers, with the leaf fractions accounting for 71.46% of the production. The Costinha mangrove forest showed variable litterfall production rates throughout the study period, but there was an increasing trend in leaf fall in warmer seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pig was in left lateral recumbency with limb spasticity, accentuated prostration, and strabismus, and was euthanized. During autopsy, yellowing of the leptomeninges at the ventral pons to medulla oblongata was noted. In the cerebellar peduncles, there was a focally extensive black-to-yellow area at the level of the vestibular nuclei. Histologic examination revealed a cross-section of a nematode larva, consistent with Stephanurus dentatus, bordered by edema and marked infiltration of mononuclear cells, plasma cells, and a few eosinophils. Vacuolation of the neuropil, with rare gitter cells and axonal spheroids, was also observed. We diagnosed parasitic encephalitis caused by S. dentatus migration based on the pathology findings and characterization of the parasite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this article is to examine the economic effects of some provisions on the Federal Constitution of Brazil. The Constitution of Brazil is one of the longest and most detailed constitutional texts in the world. We find that both because of the specific provisions of the text, but also by the political economy implications of the sheer length, the Brazilian Constitution tends to increase governmental spending. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The protracted duration of shearing in large-scale shear zones and/or their reactivation may obscure the metamorphic conditions under which the mylonites initially formed. Here, we describe the case of the high-temperature Caiçara shear zone (Borborema Province, northeastern Brazil), which shows only limited overprint by low temperature fabrics. The NE-trending Caiçara shear zone is ∼35 km long and comprises a 2 to 5 km-wide mylonitic belt. The shear zone was characterized by using kinematic analysis, including field and microstructural observations and measurement of quartz c-axis. The mylonitic foliation is steeply NW-dipping and contains a shallowly SW-plunging stretching lineation. Kinematic criteria (e.g., asymmetric porphyroclasts, S–C fabrics, asymmetric folds, C′-type shear bands) are consistent with sinistral shear. The dominant microstructures (e.g., chessboard extinction in quartz, grain boundary migration and subgrain rotation recrystallization in quartz, and polygonal aggregates of feldspar around porphyroclasts) and application of the opening angle thermometer indicate deformation dominantly at temperatures higher than ∼ 600 °C. In contrast to the common situation in the central Borborema Province, the Caiçara shear zone is unconnected to other shear zones. We attribute preservation of high-T fabrics to cessation of shearing in an early stage of development, preventing continuous fabric development at decreasing temperature conditions. • Kinematic criteria indicate sinistral motion of the Caiçara shear zone. • Deformation occurred at high temperature (>∼600 °C) conditions. • There is no evidence for overprint at temperatures below ∼500 °C. • ArRested tectonic development allowed preservation of high temperature fabrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Great biodiversity is a highlight of Brazilian flora. In contrast, the therapeutic potentialities of most species used in folk medicine remain unknown. Several of these species are commonly used to treat cancer. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxic activity of 18 plants from 16 families that are found in the northeast region of Brazil. Methods: The following species were studied: Byrsonima sericea DC. (Malpighiaceae), Cupania impressinervia Acev. Rodr. var. (revoluta) Radlk (Sapindaceae), Duranta repens Linn. (Verbenaceae), Helicostylis tomentosa (Poepp. & Endl) Rusby (Moraceae), Himatanthus bracteatus (A.DC.) Woodson (Apocynaceae), Ipomoea purga (Wender.) Hayne (Convolvulaceae), Ixora coccinea Linn. (Rubiaceae), Mabea piriri Aubl. (Euphorbiaceae), Miconia minutiflora (Melastomataceae), Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae), Ocotea glomerata (Nees) Mez (Lauraceae), Ocotea longifolia Kunth (Oreodaphne opifera Mart. Nees) (Lauraceae), Pavonia fruticosa (Mill.) Fawc. & Rendle (Malvaceae), Psychotria capitata Ruiz & Pav. (Rubiaceae), Schefflera morototoni (Aubl.) Maguire, Steyerm. & Frodin (Araliaceae), Solanum paludosum Moric. (Solanaceae), Xylopia frutescens Aubl. (Annonaceae) and Zanthoxylum rhoifolium Lam. (Rutaceae). Their dried leaves, stems, flowers or fruits were submitted to different solvent extractions, resulting in 55 extracts. After incubating for 72 h, the cytotoxicity of each extract was tested against tumor cell lines using the alamar blue assay. Results: The B. sericea, D. repens, H. bracteatus, I. purga, I. coccinea, M. piriri, O. longifolia and P. capitata extracts demonstrated the most potent cytotoxic activity. The chloroform soluble fractions of D. repens flowers and the hexane extract of I. coccinea flowers led to the isolation of quercetin and a mixture of α- and ( 3-amyrin, respectively, and quercetin showed moderate cytotoxic activity. Conclusion: The B. sericea, D. repens, H. bracteatus, I. purga, I. coccinea, M. piriri, O. longifolia and P. capitata plants were identified as having potent cytotoxic effects. Further investigations are required to determine the mechanisms of cytotoxicity exhibited and their in vivo activities. This work reinforces the need to understand the therapeutics potentialities of Brazilian medicinal plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• C and N stocks of degraded Luvisols were a third of those found in preserved ones; • 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA abundance and glomalin content did not reduce due to soil degradation; • Microbial biomass and activity reduced by over five and 20 times due to soil degradation; • Alkaline phosphatase activity is high in degraded and preserved Luvisols. Overexploitation of natural forest resources under the environmental conditions on the tropical semiarid region of Brazil is the main cause of soil degradation. This leads to insufficient restoration of both microbial and plant biomass and net loss of C and N from soils. In this study, we investigated degraded, partially degraded, and preserved Luvisols to quantify functional and total microorganisms and their activities and determine total C and N stocks. We hypothesize that degraded Luvisols have significant reduction in C and N stocks, abundance, and activity of total bacteria and fungi, diazotroph and phosphorus-mineralizing bacteria in relation to preserved or partially degraded Luvisols. We evaluated total C and N contents and stocks, microbial biomass (C, N and P), soil basal respiration, alkaline phosphatase activity, glomalin content, metabolic and microbial quotients and quantified 16S rRNA, 18S rRNA, nif H and pho D genes by real time quantitative PCR. C and N stocks of degraded Luvisols were a third of the stocks found in preserved soils. The values of soil microbial biomass and soil basal respiration on the degraded soils were ca. 1/5 and 1/20 in preserved soils; however, there was no indication of metabolic stress. The abundance of diazotrophic and phosphorus-mineralizing bacteria decreased in degraded Luvisols; nevertheless, total bacteria and fungi gene abundance as well as the glomalin content remained unchanged. The alkaline phosphatase activity indicated that mineralizing microorganisms could make phosphorus constantly available even in soils without vegetation cover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an emerging pathogen of humans, dogs and other animals, and it is transmitted by ixodid ticks. The objective of the current study was a) detect A. phagocytophilum in dogs and ixodid ticks using real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR); and b) Determine important variables associated to host, environment and potential tick vectors that are related to the presence of A. phagocytophilum in dogs domiciled in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Methods We tested blood samples from 398 dogs and samples from 235 ticks, including 194 Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, 15 Amblyomma cajennense, 8 Amblyomma ovale and 18 pools of Amblyomma sp. nymphs. A semi-structured questionnaire was applied by interviewing each dog owner. Deoxyribonucleic acid obtained from ticks and dog buffy coat samples were amplified by qPCR (msp2 gene). The sequencing of 16S rRNA and groESL heat shock operon genes and a phylogenetic analysis was performed. The multiple logistic regression model was created as a function of testing positive dogs for A. phagocytophilum. Results Among the 398 blood samples from dogs, 6.03% were positive for A. phagocytophilum. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected in one A. cajennense female tick and in five R. sanguineus sensu lato ticks (four males and one female). The partial sequences of the 16S rRNA, and groESL genes obtained were highly similar to strains of A. phagocytophilum isolated from wild birds from Brazil and human pathogenic strains. The tick species collected in positive dogs were R. sanguineus sensu lato and A. cajennense, with A.cajennense being predominant. Tick infestation history (OR = 2.86, CI = 1.98-14.87), dog size (OR = 2.41, IC: 1.51-12.67), the access to forest areas (OR = 3:51, CI: 1.52-16.32), hygiene conditions of the environment in which the dogs lived (OR = 4.35, CI: 1.86-18.63) and Amblyomma sp. infestation (OR = 6.12; CI: 2.11-28.15) were associated with A. phagocytophilum infection in dogs. Conclusions This is the first report of A. phagocytophilum in ixodid ticks from Brazil. The detection of A. phagocitophylum in A. cajennense, an aggressive feeder on a wide variety of hosts, including humans, is considered a public health concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We determined spatial and temporal distribution of tadpoles in 11 breeding habitats from Morro do Diabo State Park (MDSP), southeastern Brazil. Breeding habitats occupancy by tadpoles was tested to be different from a null model of random placement of species. We also tested whether tadpole occupancy in a given breeding habitat is organized according to different ecomorphological guilds, and we analyzed spatial partitioning of tadpoles among breeding habitats through similarity analysis. For temporal analysis we analyzed temporal partitioning of tadpole monthly occurrence also using similarity analysis, and assessed what climatic variable better predicts tadpole temporal occurrence in the MDSP, through regression analysis. Among tadpoles from 19 anuran species, distribution was different from a null model, but co-occurrence patterns among the breeding habitats did not differ among different guilds. However, breeding habitats with similar hydroperiods had similar species composition, which may be related to the reproduction patterns of species. Among the three climatic variables analyzed (rainfall, temperature, and photoperiod), temporal occurrence of monthly tadpole richness and abundance was correlated with temperature and rainfall. Most species were found only during the rainy season months, and overlap occurred within three groups of species. Thus, temporal distribution does not seem to be an important mechanism in species segregation at the MDSP, where the dry season is pronounced. In this case, spatial partitioning tends to be more important for species coexistence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on the detection of Anaplasma (A.) phagocytophilum in Brazilian dogs. A. phagocytophilum refers to an obligate intracytoplasmic bacterium which infects granulocytes where it reproduces and forms colonies called morulae. The results implies that A. cajennense may be involved in the transmission of A. phagocytophilum in the municipalities of Seropédica and Itaguaí in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The article presents a study which analyzed the breeding habitat and natural history notes of the toad Melanophryniscus pachyrhynus in southern Brazil. It claims that the toad specie belongs to the M. tumifrons group, which are mainly present in South American countries, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. It cites that the calling behaviour of the M. pachyrhynus is similar to that of the male M. devincenzii and male M. orejasmirandai. It states that the M. pachyrhynus exhibited diurnal and nocturnal calling activity.

The composition of ground-dwelling anuran species was hypothesized to vary according to the different selected vegetation physiognomies of the Morro do Diabo State Park (MDSP), one of the largest remnants of Mesophytic Semideciduous Forest from southeastern Brazil. Thus, the studied vegetation physiognomies were compared concerning their anuran species composition.The existence of indicator species for these areas was also tested. Similarity analyzes showed a high beta diversity among the different areas studied, but it is rather a consequence of the low species richness recorded in the studied vegetation physiognomies, instead of the different anuran species compositions expected among them. On the other hand, a higher similarity on species composition was found among the most preserved areas at MDSP, which is related to preferential habitat use of some species in these areas. Three species were indicative of the studied vegetation physiognomies: Rhinella ornata as indicator of the Mature Forest, and Eupemphix nattereri and Physalaemus cuvieri as indicators of Forest in Advanced Regeneration Stage. The efficiency of pitfall traps for capturing the anurans in the studied area was also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research on the cryptodire turtle called Trachemys dorbigni that is found within a mesophytic semideciduous forest in São Paulo, Brazil. The researchers studied a female T. dorbigni at Morro do Diabo State Park (MDSP) in the municipality of Teodoro Sampaio, which was captured by hand, photographed and released at the same place. They suggested that further studies are needed to examine the impact of human introduced populations on the turtle's natural aquatic environments and to investigate its range in south America.

We evaluated tadpole communities of temporary and permanent ponds, in order to understand how community richness varies monthly in a subtropical humid climate, to interpret the community structure in relation to biotic and abiotic environmental variables related to the temporary and permanent ponds. The study site was the Pró-Mata Research and Nature Conservation Center, a private reserve in southern Brazil. The climate is classified as Temperate Superhumid, with no dry season. We sampled three temporary and three permanent ponds. We compared the richness of tadpole assemblages of permanent and temporary ponds through individual-based rarefaction curves, and tested for possible differences using a MANOVA test. Tadpole richness was related to temporal environmental descriptors through General Regression Model. Relationships between the tadpole assemblages and possible predictors of their spatial variation were measured using a partial Canonical Correspondence Analysis. Analysis of rarefaction curves indicated higher expected richness for the temporary ponds. The mean values of richness were significantly different between the two hydroperiods across all months. Monthly richness showed the same tendency of variation for both pond types. Only temperature was related to tadpole richness. The pCCA analysis was significant. The most important predictors on the first pCCA axis were vegetation cover, conductivity, depth, and predator diversity. In this study, vegetation cover, conductivity, predator diversity, and water depth explained the spatial variation of tadpoles between ponds, with tadpole richness and diversity being higher in temporary than in permanent ponds. Our results suggest that different spatial-seasonal patterns operating in temporary and permanent ponds are related to maintaining the species diversity of pond-breeding anurans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the richness and composition of the anuran assemblage of Morro do Diabo State Park, the major remnant of Mesophytic Semideciduous Forest in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, through hypothesis tests. From September 2005 to March 2007 we recorded 28 anuran species, comprising a mix of Atlantic, Cerrado and South American widespread species, usually considered tolerant to anthropic modifications. The low richness of species and reproductive modes, the predominance of habitat generalist species, and the high similarity with Cerrado areas can be explained by the climatic seasonality of the studied area (a pronounced dry season), as well as its large distance from centres of anuran diversification, such as the coastal mountains of the wet Atlantic Forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pithecopus rusticus is a newly described species, of which information on its natural history, vocalization and tadpole morphology are still lacking. Here, we describe the larval external morphology of P. rusticus from the type locality, in the municipality of Água Doce, state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, comparing it with that of other species of the genus Pithecopus and providing information on its natural history. Eggs from two spawns were collected and kept in the laboratory until hatching. The tadpoles of P. rusticus belong to the suspension-rasper guild. At Gosner stage 37, the tadpoles showed: body shape oval in dorsal view and triangular in lateral view; a tooth row formula of 2(2)/3(1); the third lower row six times shorter than others; marginal papillae uniserial, interrupted by a wide dorsal gap and with rounded tips; and a single row of alternate marginal papillae on lower lip. External morphological features were compared with those of other tadpoles of Pithecopus. Observations on the natural history of P. rusticus are also reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geographic distribution of Leptodactylus furnarius Sazima and Bokermann, 1978 comprises Argentina, Brazil (southern, southeastern, and west-central regions), Paraguay, and Uruguay. Herein, we report for the first time the occurrence of L. furnarius in northeastern and north regions of Brazil, at the states of Bahia and Tocantins, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amphibians represent one of the main natural sources of bioactive molecules of interest to biotechnological research. The Phyllomedusidae family has several species occurring in Brazil and some studies demonstrate the biological potential of poisons of these species, however many still need to be characterized. Phyllomedusa iheringii is endemic in Brazilian and Uruguayan Pampa Biome and has little data in the literature regarding the action of its poison on experimental organisms. Thus, the present work evaluates the biological activity of P. iheringii secretion on the central and peripheral nervous system of a vertebrate model. The skin secretions of P. iheringii (SSPI) were collected through manual compression and electrical stimulation of the animal's bodies. The resulting content was used in neurobiological tests searching for modulatory effects on the main pathways involved in the neurotoxicity mechanism of vertebrates. SSPI affected the contraction force of the chick biventer cervicis muscle (Gallus gallus domesticus) at some concentrations used (5, 10, and 12 μg/mL). In slices from the cerebral cortex of G. gallus domesticus an increase in cell viability was observed after treatment with SSPI (10 μg/mL) and a neuroprotective effect when treated simultaneously with hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2), Neostigmine (NEO) and Trichlorfon (TRI). The cholinergic pathway is possibly the main pathway modulated by SSPI since assays with the cerebral cortex and biventer cervicis muscle demonstrated the increased activity of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (SSPI 10 μg/mL and 12 μg/mL, respectively). SSPI (10 μg/mL) also prevented the modulation of NEO and TRI, two recognized anticholinesterase agents, in AChE activity in slices of the cerebral cortex. Therefore, our results have demonstrated the unpublished biotechnological potential of P. iheringii over the vertebrate model and its modulation on the nervous system, with apparent action on the cholinergic pathway. [Display omitted] • Secretions of the phyllomedusids are recognized by the presence of numerous bioactive peptides in their composition. • The activity of the secretion of the skin of the species Phyllomedusa iheringii is unknown in the literature. • Electrophysiological and enzymatic changes imply an effect on the nervous system and biotechnological potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability perception can be understood as humans' awareness of the environment. This study assessed the sustainability perception of the Paraná III Basin residents in Brazil through item response theory (IRT). For this purpose, a scale to measure sustainability perception, in which the items and latent features of respondents in the same unit of measurement are positioned, was constructed. Fifty-two items (sustainability indicators) evaluated through structured questionnaires applied to 2519 respondents, residents of three cities in the study area, were created. The results indicated that 52.3% of respondents have no, very low or low perception of sustainability, and the study population was allocated between levels 90 and 100 of the perception scale. IRT was suitable for the data analysis because it enabled quality evaluation of the items, construction of a scale to quantify sustainability perception and identification of perception levels. The developed tool - the measurement scale for sustainability perception - can be used by those responsible for local environmental governance to develop projects aimed at social and environmental education with the goal of identifying alternatives to raise the perception levels of the local residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the first record of Trachycephalus typhonius for the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, based on individuals found in the municipalities of Roque Gonzales and Salvador das MissÕes. The original vegetation of these municipalities is characterized as Mesophytic Semideciduous Forest (Atlantic Domain), currently replaced by agricultural activities and urbanization. This record expands the geographical distribution area of this species by approximately 270 km from the nearest known locality, Iguazú, Misiones province, Argentina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The envenomation from the Bothrops genus is characterized by systemic and local effects caused by the main toxin families in the venom. In Bothrops pubescens venom we were able to identify 89 protein groups belonging to 13 toxin families with the bottom-up proteomics approach and 40 unique proteoforms belonging to 6 toxin families with the top-down proteomics approach. We also identified multi-proteoform complexes of dimeric L-amino acid oxidase using native top-down mass spectrometry. [Display omitted] • Bothrops pubescens is a venomous snake endemic of Pampa Biome in south Brazil. • B. pubescens venom has 14 different toxins families. • B. pubescens venom has 89 different proteins identified by bottom-up proteomics. • We were able to identify 40 proteoforms in B. pubescens venom with the Top-Down proteomics approach. • B. pubescens venom is a classical Bothrops venom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the geographic distribution of amphibia, anura, microhylidae Chiasmocleis albopunctata in São Paulo, Brazil. It highlights the field survey conducted in the municipalities of the state, aiming to fill data on the distribution gaps of the species. Particularly, the study investigates the occurrence and characteristics of C. albopunctata that were collected in artificial ponds and forest fragments. It also explores the association of habitat collection on the presence of forest fragments, which might impacted the distribution of C. albopunctata. Furthermore, the authors conclude that the existence of the species in the state had proven the species distribution even on well sampled places.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults, with few effective treatment strategies. The research on the development of new treatments is often constrained by the limitations of preclinical models, which fail to accurately replicate the disease's essential characteristics. Herein, we describe the obtention, molecular, and functional characterization of the GBM33 cell line. This cell line belongs to the GBM class according to the World Health Organization 2021 Classification of Central Nervous System Tumors, identified by methylation profiling. GBM33 expresses the astrocytic marker GFAP, as well as markers of neuronal origin commonly expressed in GBM cells, such as βIII-tubulin and neurofilament. Functional assays demonstrated an increased growth rate when compared to the U87 commercial cell line and a similar sensitivity to temozolamide. GBM33 cells retained response to serum starvation, with reduced growth and diminished activation of the Akt signaling pathway. Unlike LN-18 and LN-229 commercial cell lines, GBM33 is able to produce primary cilia upon serum starvation. In summary, the successful establishment and comprehensive characterization of this GBM cell line provide researchers with invaluable tools for studying GBM biology, identifying novel therapeutic targets, and evaluating the efficacy of potential treatments.

The epidemiological aspects of Babesia caballi infection were evaluated in 516 horse samples from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The presence and infestation level of ticks on horses, breed conditions, and animal management were evaluated on each farm through an epidemiological questionnaire. The gene that codes for rhoptry-associated protein-1 (RAP-1) of B. caballi was amplified by nested PCR (nPCR). Among the horses sampled, 17.2% (n = 89/516) presented B. caballi DNA. The characterized samples showed 99-100% similarity with other isolates of B. caballi based on the RAP-1 gene, available in GenBank. In the final logistic regression model, the variables associated with B. caballi infection in horses were as follows: age below two years (OR = 3.33; IC = 1.7-6.5), farms located in low altitudes (OR = 3.52; IC = 1.7-7.3) and Dermacentor nitens infestation (OR = 1.91; IC = 1.1-3.4). Furthermore, a high level of D. nitens infestation in horses was also a factor associated with positivity for B. caballi (OR = 2.11; IC = 1.25-3.54). In summary, young horses bred in low altitude regions characterized with high temperatures, and infested by D. nitens, mainly with a higher level of infestation, are more likely to be infected by B. caballi. This epidemiological study provides statical evidence that the D. nitens tick play a role as the biological vector of B. caballi in the studied region., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

The Program for Biodiversity Research (PPBio) is an innovative program designed to integrate all biodiversity research stakeholders. Operating since 2004, it has installed long-term ecological research sites throughout Brazil and its logic has been applied in some other southern-hemisphere countries. The program supports all aspects of research necessary to understand biodiversity and the processes that affect it. There are presently 161 sampling sites (see some of them at Supplementary Appendix), most of which use a standardized methodology that allows comparisons across biomes and through time. To date, there are about 1200 publications associated with PPBio that cover topics ranging from natural history to genetics and species distributions. Most of the field data and metadata are available through PPBio web sites or DataONE. Metadata is available for researchers that intend to explore the different faces of Brazilian biodiversity spatio-temporal variation, as well as for managers intending to improve conservation strategies. The Program also fostered, directly and indirectly, local technical capacity building, and supported the training of hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students. The main challenge is maintaining the long-term funding necessary to understand biodiversity patterns and processes under pressure from global environmental changes.

Histoplasma capsulatum, the fungus causing histoplasmosis, has a strong impact on public health. Histoplasmosis is one of the most prevalent systemic mycoses in the Americas and occurs in several mammalian species. Bats are important in the epidemiological cycle of histoplasmosis because they disseminate the fungus throughout the environment. The aim of the present study was to investigate natural H. capsulatum infection in bats located in forested areas, which have undergone anthropogenic perturbations, as well as in the urban areas of the state of Pará. Twenty-two species of bats were captured in 18 municipalities of Pará; the samples obtained from these animals were subjected to nested PCR for amplification of H. capsulatum DNA. The HCI/HCII and HCIII/HCIV primers were used, and the final 210-pb fragment was amplified. Of the 100 bats analysed, two were confirmed to be positive for H. capsulatum. Samples amplified by nested PCR were sequenced and found to share identity and have 100% match with H. capsulatum DNA. H. capsulatum was detected in the area of study: the state of Pará has a wide diversity of bat species, and the region under investigation is situated in the north of the state, which suffers the most severe environmental and climatic changes. Therefore, it is essential to elucidate the distribution of H. capsulatum hosts in this region to facilitate the implementation of effective disease surveillance., (© 2020 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.)

Background: The decision on whether non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients should be admitted to intensive care units (ICU) takes into account several factors including hospital routines. The Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network (ACTION) ICU score was developed to predict complications requiring ICU care post-NSTEMI., Methods: We described patient characteristics and clinical outcomes of 1263 NSTEMI patients admitted to a private hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil, from 2014 to 2018. We also aimed to retrospectively identify NSTEMI patients who might not have needed to be admitted to the ICU based on the ACTION ICU risk score. We defined complications requiring ICU care post-NSTEMI as cardiac arrest, cardiogenic shock, stroke, re-infarction, death, heart block requiring pacemaker placement, respiratory failure, or sepsis., Results: Mean age was 62.3 years and 35.8% were female. A total of 94.6% of NSTEMI patients were admitted to the ICU. Most NSTEMI patients (91.9%) underwent coronary angiography. Percutaneous coronary intervention was performed in 47.1% and coronary artery bypass graft surgery in 10.3%. Complications requiring ICU care occurred in 62 patients (4.9%). In-hospital mortality rate was 1.3%. Overall, 70.4% had an ACTION ICU score ≤ 5. The C-statistics for the ACTION risk score to predict complications was 0.55 (95% confidence interval 0.47-0.63)., Conclusions: Complications requiring ICU care were infrequent in a cohort of NSTEMI patients who were routinely admitted to the ICU over a 4-year period. The ACTION risk score had low accuracy in the prediction of complications requiring ICU care in our population., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest PO Guimarães: Dr. Guimarães has no relevant disclosures to report. MC Sampaio: Dr Sampaio has no relevant disclosures to report. FL Malafaia: Dr. Malafaia has no relevant disclosures to report. RD Lopes: Dr. Lopes reports research grants from Bristol Myers Squibb, GlaxoSmithKline, Medtronic, and Pfizer; consulting fees from Bayer, Boehringer-Ingelheim, BristolMyers Squibb, Daiichi Sankyo, GlaxoSmithKline, Medtronic, Merck, Pfizer, and Portola Pharmaceutical. AC Fanaroff: Dr Fanaroff reports a career development grant from the American Heart Association; research grant from Boston Scientific; honoraria from the American Heart Association. PGM de Barros e Silva: Dr de Barros e Silva has no relevant disclosures to report. TM dos Santos: Mr dos Santos has no relevant disclosures to report. MY Okada: Mrs Okada has no relevant disclosures to report. ARE Mouallem: Dr Mouallem has no relevant disclosures to report. MS Diniz: Dr Diniz has no relevant disclosures to report. JV Custódio: Dr Custódio has no relevant disclosures to report. JCT Garcia: Dr Garcia has no relevant disclosures to report. V Furlan: Dr Furlan has no relevant disclosures to report., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Considering that habitat use by amphibians is related both with climate and environmental features, we tested the hypothesis that anuran assemblages found in different phytophysiognomies and in different seasons vary in structure. Additionally, we searched for species which can be indicators of habitat and seasons. The study was conducted in the Pampa biome, southern Brazil. Sampling was done through pitfall traps placed in three phytophysiognomies: grassland, ecotone grassland/forest; and forest. The seasonality factor was created by grouping months in warn and cold seasons. Sixteen species were found and the assemblages were influenced both by phytophysiognomies and climatic seasonality. In a paired comparison, the three phytophysiognomies differed in structure of assemblage from each other. Physalaemus henselii, P. riograndensis, Pseudopaludicola falcipes and Pseudis minuta were indicators of ecotone. Leptodactylus gracilis and Physalaemus biligonigerus were indicators of grassland. None species was indicator of forest. Most of the species were indicators of warm season: Elachistocleis bicolor, Leptodactylus fuscus, L. gracilis, L. latinasus, L. latrans, L. mystacinus, Physalaemus biligonigerus, P. cuvieri and Pseudis minuta. None species was indicator of cold season. We found that even for species of open areas, as Pampa, heterogeneous phytophysiognomies are important for maintaining abundance and constancy of populations of anuran.

The aim of this study was to detect Theileria equi (Laveran 1901) DNA in horses and ticks using real-time PCR and to list the factors associated with infection in animals located in the Seropedica and Petropolis municipalities of the state of Rio de Janeiro. We tested blood samples from 314 horses and samples from 300 ticks, including 191 Amblyomma cajennense, 104 Dermacentor nitens, and 5 Ixodida larvae. Factors inherent to the horse, the ownership, and animal management were obtained from an epidemiological questionnaire and were evaluated in association with the presence of T. equi DNA in the animals. Among the horses in the study, 81 % (n = 253/314) presented T. equi DNA, and the animals of the Seropedica municipality had the highest infection frequency (91 %, n = 128/141, p < 0.001). The factors that had significantly different infection frequencies by chi-squared or Fisher's exact tests (p < 0.2) were included in a logistic regression model using the R programming package. Work and walking activity (odds ratio [OR] = 5.7, CI = 2.3-14.4), reproductive activity (OR = 3.8, CI = 1.3-11.5), and tick infestation (OR = 2.6, CI = 1.1-6.2) were factors that favored the presence of T. equi DNA in the animals (p < 0.05). Among the tick samples, A. cajennense and D. nitens were the identified species. The presence of T. equi DNA was observed in 9.9 % (n = 19/191) of the A. cajennense samples and 3.8 % (n = 4/104) of the D. nitens samples. A multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of A. cajennense on the animals (OR = 4.1, CI = 1.8-9.1) was associated with the presence of T. equi DNA in the horses. In the studied municipalities, activities related to work, walking, and reproduction and the presence of ticks on the horses, particularly an intense infestation of A. cajennense, are factors that lead to infection with T. equi in the horses.

The objective of this study was to evaluate factors associated with infestation by Amblyomma cajennense on horses in two microregions of the state of Rio de Janeiro. Horses on 62 farms in the municipalities of the Itaguaí and Serrana microregions were evaluated between January and May 2009. The animals were examined to determine the presence of ticks and infestation level. The animals' rearing and management were assessed on each farm property using an epidemiological questionnaire. Out of the 635 horses evaluated, 41.6% were infested with A. cajennense. It was observed that farms in low-altitude regions (OR=3.69; CI: 2.3-5.8), with unsatisfactory zootechnical and sanitary management (OR=5.92; CI: 3.8-9.2) and an extensive rearing system (OR=4.25; CI: 2.1-8.5) were factors associated with tick infestation (p < 0.05) and also with cases of high infestation on horses. Use of chemical acaricides on horses was also associated with infestation (p < 0.05); the owners described different therapeutic approaches with different treatment intervals. From the present study, low altitudes, unsatisfactory management, extensive rearing and inappropriate use of acaricide products were factors associated with occurrences of A. cajennense at different infestation levels on horses in these municipalities.

Unlabelled: Bibliographic references of scientific articles are the source for calculating impact indexes frequently used for the assignment of funding to research projects. Different citation patterns may result in measurement bias of these impact indexes., Objective: To analyze citation patterns of Brazilian and Portuguese biomedical journals regarding the geographic origin of the sources cited., Methods: As part of the v+biomed project, a convenience sample of 11 biomedical journals, 4 Portuguese and 7 Brazilian, was gathered including the following subject categories: General and Internal Medicine, Public Health, Gynecology and Obstetrics, and Surgery. All the references from all the articles published in all the issues (except supplements) in 2009 and 2010 were retrieved. The type of source cited and its geographic origin were analyzed., Results: A total of 102 issues from the 11 journals, containing 1430 articles, with a total of 32782 references were analyzed. No differences were found regarding the number of authors, pages or references between articles from Brazilian and Portuguese journals. Brazilian journals presented higher prevalence of English language and cited significantly more journals from their own country (30.1%) comparing to Portuguese journals (5.4%). Additionally, a lower citation rate to journals from the other country analyzed was evident in Brazilian (0.1%) when compared to Portuguese (3.2%) journals, as well as a higher self-citation of Brazilian journals (Brazil - 5.6%, Portugal - 2.1%)., Conclusion: A different citation pattern between Portuguese and Brazilian biomedical journals was found, consisting of a higher citation rate from Brazilian to other Brazilian journals and to themselves. This differential in citation patterns may have implications on impact indexes determination which warrant further investigation.

The increasing human occupation of natural environments is one of the greatest threats to biodiversity. To mitigate the negative anthropogenic effects, it is necessary to understand the characteristics of natural populations and the natural history of species. A study was conducted with an assemblage of lizards from a disturbed area of the Pampa biome, from February 2001 to January 2004. The assemblage showed a unimodal seasonal pattern, with the recruitment period occurring during the warmer months. The captures were seasonal for two of the three monitored years, and concentrated within warmer months. The minimum temperature explained the number of catches for the assemblage as a whole. However, when the species were analyzed individually, the temperature only explained the seasonal occurrence of Teius oculatus. The abundance of species was significantly different in the third year of study for Cercosaura schreibersii and Ophiodes striatus. This latter species was no longer registered in the study area from May 2003 until the end of the study. Therefore, O. striatus may be more sensitive to environmental changes, considering the events of change in vegetation during the study. With frequent and increasing environmental disturbances, it is necessary to take conservation measures and encourage the increase of knowledge on Pampean lizards.

Serum samples from 714 equids of Itaguaí and Serrana microregions, Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil, were examined by indirect fluorescent antibody test (titer 1:80) for Theileria equi. The prevalence in the microregions and factors associated with seropositivity were evaluated and the prevalence ratio (PR) calculated. The overall prevalence of T. equi infection was 81.09% (n = 579), with higher prevalence (p < 0.05) in the Itaguaí (85.43%) when compared to Serrana microregion (76.92%). The geographic area, altitude, farming condition and area of origin of equids were associated (p < 0.05) with seropositivity for T. equi. Equids reared in the Itaguaí microregion (PR = 1.11, p = 0.003) and at altitudes below 500 m (PR = 1.10; p = 0,014) were more likely to be seropositive for T. equi. Furthermore, when equids were born in the farm (PR = 1.10, p = 0.008) and reared with poor farming conditions (PR = 1.13, p = 0.018) they were more likely to be exposed to T. equi. The main ticks found on equids were Amblyomma cajennense and Dermacentor (Anocentor) nitens. The microregions studied are endemic areas for equine theileriosis and there exists enzootic stability for T. equi. Only factors related to the collection area of serum samples influenced the seropositivity of equids for T. equi in that region.

Background: Several factors, which include prenatal diagnosis and availability of new therapeutic procedures, have contributed to change the profile of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). Knowing these changes is important to a better health care., Objectives: Description of profile of patients with CHD in a reference service in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil., Methods: It is a cross-sectional study including 684 patients with CHD in a service of pediatric cardiology from January 2007 to May 2008. We interviewed the patients (and/or their parents) and examined these patients (congenital malformations, anthropometric measures). Moreover, their charts were reviewed in order to detail heart diseases, procedures and echocardiography., Results: Patients were from 16 days to 66 years old, 51.8% were female, and 93.7% were Caucasian. The mean age at diagnosis was 15.8 +/- 46.8 months. Ventricular septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus and Tetralogy of Fallot were the most prevalent CHD. 59.1% of examined patients, whose average age was 44.3 +/- 71.2 months, have been undergoing therapeutic procedures; 30.4% had congenital extracardiac malformations; and 12 patients had genetic syndrome. Regarding development, 46.6% had low weight and height gain, and 13.7% had neuropsychomotor delay. Furthermore, 18.4% had family history of congenital heart disease., Conclusions: Neuropsychomotor delay and low weight and height gain may be related to CHD. Establishing a profile of patients with CHD, who were treated at an institution of reference, may function as a basis in which health care of this population can be planed appropriately.

The aim of this study was to demonstrate, through nested PCR (nPCR) method, the occurrence of congenital babesiosis in two foals born of carrier mares. All mares were positive for T. equi based in visualization of intraerytrocytic parasites in blood smears, in indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and nPCR reactions. Just one mare was nPCR-positive for B. caballi. After the birth, all foals presented nPCR-positive for T. equi, while just one foal presented nPCR-positive for B. caballi. The present study prove the occurrence of congenital babesiosis in new-born foals, however, new studies are necessary to elucidate if the infection occur for transplacental transmission or in parturition moment.