Search Results (759)

This exploratory study examines the heterogeneous spatial evolution of cities in a fragmented non-metropolitan region of Southern Brazil and develops an original functional-symbolic typological framework that integrates functional performance and symbolic production in the classification of cities. Grounded in the theoretical contributions of Lefebvre, Santos, and Corrêa, the framework was designed by the authors to simultaneously incorporate economic, territorial, cultural, and identity-related dimensions that are typically analysed separately in conventional urban typologies. The research adopts a qualitative and inductive approach to analyse secondary data from municipalities in the state of Santa Catarina. Rather than treating urbanisation as a homogeneous process, the study conceptualises urban typologies as analytical devices capable of revealing differentiated urban trajectories, uneven capacities of territorial articulation, and distinct modes of governance in non-metropolitan contexts. The findings show that cities with similar demographic scales perform diverse social, cultural, and economic roles shaped by historically and symbolically produced spatial relations. Five urban typologies were identified: Multifunctional Metropolises, Industrial Regional Capitals, Agroindustrial Cities, Cultural Tourist Cities, and Local Centres of Basic Function. The results demonstrate that urban centrality in non-metropolitan regions is not determined solely by economic performance or demographic scale, but also by symbolic attributes such as cultural heritage, territorial identities, festivals, and religious functions. By integrating material and symbolic dimensions within a single analytical structure, the proposed framework advances the understanding of fragmented urban systems, contributes to contemporary debates on non-metropolitan urbanisation and territorial governance, and offers a transferable approach for the analysis of urban diversity beyond the Brazilian context. The findings also provide practical implications for regional planning and public policy by highlighting the role of symbolic production in shaping territorial organisation and regional influence. Full article

Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) are widely distributed and have a wide range of hosts. Recently, the number of cases of infection associated with the circulation of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 2.3.4.4b has raised concerns about its high transmission capacity in birds and mammals. This study analyzed swabs from bird and mammal species from the coast of Paraná and the northwest region of São Paulo, Brazil, for the presence of AIV in animals that did not present clinical or histopathological lesions of infection that indicated the need for molecular characterization during monitoring. Of the 661 animals analyzed, three tested positive, two of which were birds (Sula leucogaster and Thalasseus acuflavidus) while one was a mammal (Otaria flavescens) (0.45%, CI 95%: 0.16–1.33). A complete genome sequence of H5N1 AIV was obtained from a brown booby (Sula leucogaster) from the Paraná coast (GISAID accession number: EPI_ISL_1897537). Our study reinforces the importance of continuous genomic surveillance, especially in AIV hosts that do not show signs of infection, to enhance the One-Health assessment approach. Full article

This study evaluated whether image-derived morphometric descriptors can support two complementary tasks: germination-performance classification and seed-lot-level phenotypic differentiation in Genipa americana L. Seed images were acquired from eight collection localities in southern Bahia State, Brazil, comprising 16 seed lots and approximately 16,000 initially imaged seeds. Primary and derived morphometric descriptors were extracted from digital images and used as predictors in Random Forest (RF) and Linear Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifiers. After data curation, the final analytical dataset comprised 15,513 seeds. RF achieved a higher cross-validated F1-score than SVM ($0.780\pm 0.007$ versus $0.621\pm 0.053$), but independent test-set performance was moderate and comparable between models. RF and Linear SVM achieved accuracies of 0.74 and 0.75, respectively, with PR-AUC values of 0.649 and 0.671. PCA indicated that the first two components explained 98.9% of total morphometric variance, and MANOVA confirmed a significant seed-lot effect (Wilks’ $\lambda =0.84$, $p<0.001$). Critically, under Leave-One-Locality-Out cross-validation, mean macro-F1 fell to ($0.46\pm 0.04$) and balanced accuracy to ($0.50\pm 0.01$), indistinguishable from chance, indicating that random-split performance largely reflects locality-specific patterns rather than a transferable germination signal. These findings indicate that external morphometric descriptors provide a moderate within-distribution predictive signal under random seed-level partitioning, but this signal is not transferable to unseen localities. Digital morphometric phenotyping should therefore be regarded primarily as a low-cost component of native seed–lot characterization and locally calibrated preliminary screening, especially when combined with complementary physiological, internal-imaging, environmental, or genetic information. Full article

Naturally formed treefall gaps represent primary sources of environmental heterogeneity in tropical forests, yet their role in driving the components of beta diversity in specialized leaf-litter fauna remains poorly understood. We investigated the influence of natural treefall gaps on harvestmen (Arachnida: Opiliones) community structure and beta diversity partitioning in a well-preserved Atlantic Forest remnant in southern Bahia, Brazil. Using standardized nocturnal searches and leaf-litter sampling, we recorded 845 individuals across 23 species. Coverage-based rarefaction indicated higher estimated richness in gaps, although observed alpha diversity did not differ significantly among habitats. Community composition differed significantly along the gap–forest gradient, driven mainly by litter depth and microclimatic variation. Indicator species analysis identified Protimesius sp. (Stygnidae) as a robust gap-specialist. Beta diversity partitioning revealed that turnover accounted for 79.5% of total dissimilarity, while nestedness contributed 20.5%. Treefall gaps exhibited the highest internal beta diversity and species exclusivity, supporting their role as dynamic environmental filters that enhance regional diversity. Our findings highlight the ecological importance of natural disturbance and litter structure in maintaining biodiversity patterns in tropical forests. Full article

Neonatal diarrhea remains a significant threat to piglet health, resulting in substantial economic losses worldwide. Among the viral pathogens associated with this condition, rotavirus (RV) has been extensively reported in Brazil; however, lineage-level classification of circulating strains remains limited. This study aimed to characterize G and P genotypes of porcine RV field strains associated with diarrhea in piglets in Southern Brazil. A total of 10 fecal samples were collected by field veterinarian from diarrheic suckling piglets aged 1 to 14 days and analyzed by RT-PCR for the detection of RV species A, B, C, and H. RV species A (RVA) was detected in 90% (9/10) of the samples, while no other RV species were identified. Genotyping based on the VP7 and VP4 genes revealed a single G3P[6] genotype combination in all RVA-positive samples. Nucleotide (nt) and deduced amino acid (aa) sequence analysis revealed high genetic similarity among strains, with values of up to 99.3% for nt and 98.0% for aa of the VP7 gene and 100% for the VP4 gene (nt and aa). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the VP7 sequences clustered with Brazilian G3 strains, forming a distinct group consistent with a novel lineage (putative G3-XII), whereas VP4 sequences supported a new sublineage (putative P[6]-Ig). These findings demonstrate low genetic variability of RVA field strains in this neonatal diarrhea outbreak, suggesting the circulation of a single viral population. They also emphasize the importance of continuous molecular surveillance to gain a deeper understanding of viral evolution and transmission dynamics in swine populations. Full article

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b have recently spread across the Americas, prompting intensified surveillance efforts in Brazil aimed at early detection in wild birds. As part of these efforts, we identified a low pathogenic avian influenza A(H11N2) virus in a white-rumped sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) sampled at Lagoa do Peixe National Park (PNLP) in southern Brazil. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that seven of the eight gene segments shared high nucleotide similarity (approximately 98.8%) with viruses previously detected in shorebirds from Delaware Bay, North America. In contrast, the PB1 segment showed high nucleotide similarity (approximately 99%) to the PB1 lineage associated with clade 2.3.4.4b A(H5N1) genotype B3.2 viruses circulating in the Americas. Phylogenetic, nucleotide identity, and molecular clock analyses indicated that this lineage shares a recent common ancestor with North American LPAI viruses and was subsequently detected in distinct viral genetic backgrounds. Although no HPAI virus was identified in this study, the presence of a PB1 segment related to H5N1-associated lineages suggests that genetic components linked to these viruses were circulating among low pathogenic avian influenza viruses in South America. These findings highlight the importance of continued surveillance in migratory bird populations to improve understanding of avian influenza virus diversity and support epidemiological monitoring. Full article

Managing vegetative vigor is a critical challenge for apple production in subtropical regions, where high water availability often promotes excessive canopy growth. This study evaluated the effects of split applications of prohexadione–calcium (ProCa) combined with naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and ethephon on the vegetative growth and yield performance of ‘Maxi Gala’ and ‘Fuji Suprema’ apples during the 2022/23 and 2023/24 growing seasons. The experimental design consisted of six plant growth regulator (PGR) protocols: a commercial standard (Control) with two applications, and five protocols based on six split applications initiated when fruit diameter reached ~8 mm, with 10-day intervals. The treatments included ProCa; ProCa + NAA; ProCa + ethephon; ProCa + NAA + ethephon; and ethephon + NAA. The ProCa + NAA protocol demonstrated the highest efficiency in vigor control, reducing shoot growth by up to 38% in ‘Maxi Gala’ and 65% in ‘Fuji Suprema’ relative to Control. Furthermore, this treatment enhanced fruit skin coloration, increased the proportion of Category 1 fruit, and improved return bloom and overall yield. These findings suggest that split applications of ProCa associated with NAA provide a robust strategy to optimize apple orchard productivity under the edaphoclimatic conditions of southern Brazil. Full article

Introduction: Several Enterobacterales species harboring New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM-1) have been reported worldwide. Among them is Providencia stuartii (P. stuartii), an emerging pathogen in nosocomial infections. Objective: This study aimed to perform the clinical and genomic characterization of NDM-1-producing P. stuartii isolates recovered from hospitalized patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in Southern Brazil. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted between April and September 2021 at a Brazilian teaching hospital. Fifty P. stuartii isolates were identified, and carbapenem-resistant isolates underwent phenotypic and molecular characterization. Genetic relatedness was assessed by Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus PCR (ERIC-PCR), and selected isolates were subjected to whole-genome sequencing using the Illumina NextSeq platform to determine sequence types, resistance genes, virulence determinants, and plasmid content. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20.0. Results: Among the 50 isolates, 21 (42%) harbored the blaNDM-1 gene. Most isolates were recovered from tracheal aspirates (57.2%), followed by blood (23.8%), urine (9.5%), and skin and soft tissue samples (9.5%). Significant associations were observed between NDM-1-producing isolates and SARS-CoV-2 infection (p = 0.013), central venous catheter use (p = 0.012), mechanical ventilation (p = 0.006), hemodialysis (p = 0.033), previous antimicrobial exposure, and mortality (p = 0.021). Genomic analysis revealed the presence of blaNDM-1, blaOXA-1, and multiple resistance determinants associated with aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, macrolides, tetracyclines, and folate pathway inhibitors. ERIC-PCR demonstrated low genetic variability among isolates, suggesting possible clonal dissemination within the hospital environment. Conclusions: This study reports the emergence of NDM-1-producing P. stuartii during the COVID-19 pandemic in a Brazilian teaching hospital. The low genetic variability among isolates and the multidrug-resistant profile highlight the potential for nosocomial dissemination and reinforce the importance of genomic surveillance and infection control strategies. Full article

This study investigated the impact of recreational use on trails in the Atlantic Forest (Ubatuba Municipality, São Paulo State, Brazil) using physical, chemical and geochemical indicators. Five trails with different morphological characteristics were selected, and paired samples were collected from the trail surface (TR) and trail-side slope (TA). The statistical approach combined local analyses for each trail with global clustering (n = 19) using Student’s t-test, along with multivariate modeling through Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Pearson correlation. The analysis included physical attributes (bulk density, particle size and porosity), chemical attributes (pH, organic matter and macronutrients) and geochemical compositions (major oxides and trace elements determined by XRF). The overall results reveal systematic compaction in the trail surface (TR), with bulk density increasing from 1.32 g/cm³ (TA) to 1.37 g/cm³ (TR) (p = 0.038), and total porosity decreasing from 47.26% to 45.34% (p = 0.016). In contrast, the geochemical oxide composition (SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃) remained stable (p > 0.05), indicating the resilience of the mineral matrix. However, significant local dynamics (p < 0.05) in K₂O and MgO were observed in more preserved trails, associated with surface compaction and fragmentation of the litter layer, and phosphorus showed strong dependence on organic matter (r = 0.85). Multivariate analysis indicates that degradation is predominantly physical and micromorphological at the local scale, with bulk density and porosity being the most sensitive indicators for environmental monitoring. Full article

Introduction: The Lebranche mullet (Mugil liza) is a commercially important fish species in southeastern and southern Brazil, which serves as the primary spawning ground for the Southern stock that supports the Brazilian industrial seine fleet. However, this stock’s distribution extends into Argentine waters (northern Patagonian shelf), and the connectivity between mullets caught in Brazil and their breeding areas across South America remains poorly understood. The authors hypothesized that adult mullets landed by the Brazilian fleet consist of two distinct groups: A local group originating in Brazilian waters (BR1) and a migratory group (BR2) that uses nursery areas in Argentina (AR). BR2 presumably returns to its original nursery grounds after spawning, to recover reproductive tissues, following a different migratory pattern than BR1. Objectives: To test this, the study analyzed the micro-chemical life history of 134 otoliths from mullets aged 0+ to 11 years using LA-ICP-MS. Methodology: Two elemental ratios (Ba/Ca and Sr/Ca) were measured from the otolith core to the edge and modelled using a generalized additive model for scale and shape (GAMLSS). Life history transitions were evaluated by pairwise comparisons of fitted values among ages. Results: GAMLSS showed that Ba/Ca ratios differed significantly among groups (AR ≠ BR1 ≠ BR2). In contrast, Sr/Ca ratios were similar between AR and BR2 during the first four years of life, significantly differing from those of BR1. Using empirically established thresholds for estuarine vs. marine habitats, the study determined that BR2 individuals leave nursery areas between ages 5 and 6, migrate back around age 8, and live there one last time after age 10 (the species’ maximum age). BR1 leaves nurseries after age 4 and returns between ages 5 and 6, exhibiting a shorter reproductive cycle. Importantly, the analysis of reproductive tissue mass showed that the weight after age 7 approximately matched the weight at age 3. After recovery, reproductive tissues doubled in weight before the second migration to spawn at sea. Conclusions: These findings provide crucial insights into M. liza’s life cycle, highlighting the need for shared stock management not only with neighboring nations (Argentina and Brazil) but also on a regional scale. Full article

Background/Objectives: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood malignancy. Understanding its epidemiological characteristics is essential for guiding public health strategies. In this study, we characterized the epidemiological profiles that may contribute to the risk of ALL in children in southern Brazil. Methods: Clinical and epidemiological data from 71 children (1–15 years old) admitted and newly diagnosed with ALL at four hospitals in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, were retrieved and analyzed. Results: Among the 71 children with ALL, the majority were male (n = 43, 60.6%), with an age range of 1–3 years (n = 26, 36.6%), self-identified as White (n = 47, 66.2%), and were born in Paraná state (n = 61, 85.9%). Nearly half had a family history of cancer (n = 33, 46.5%), primarily among grandparents (n = 36, 61%). Parental environmental exposures included smoking (n = 30, 42.3%) and occupational exposure to chemicals or radiation (n = 17, 23.9%). At diagnosis, most patients (n = 43, 60.5%) had a bone marrow blast count > 70%, and 27 patients (38%) had a peripheral blood blast count > 70%. B-cell ALL was the predominant subtype (n = 61, 85.9%). In B-cell ALL cases, the most frequent molecular subtype was high hyperdiploidy (n = 17, 23.9%). White blood cell counts differed significantly between the B-cell ALL and T-cell ALL groups (p = 0.029). Conclusions: Our findings provide insights into ALL epidemiology in southern Brazil and highlight regional differences across the country. Full article

This study evaluates the characteristics and environmental behavior of river sediments impacted by coal mining in the southern coal region of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Sediments accumulated in mining-affected rivers represent an environmental liability due to the presence of potentially toxic elements and their limited management options. In this context, ceramization is investigated as an alternative strategy for reducing contaminant mobility through thermal treatment of sediments collected at four sampling points (PU1–PU4) along the Urussanga River. Initially, leaching and solubilization tests were performed to assess the mobility of chemical elements, and the raw sediments were further characterized by chemical, mineralogical, and thermal analyses. Subsequently, ceramic specimens were produced from the sediments and subjected to thermal treatment at 1100 °C. After firing, the specimens were re-evaluated through leaching and solubilization assays to verify changes in contaminant mobility after the ceramization process. The results showed that raw sediments exhibited aluminum, iron, and manganese concentrations in the solubilized extract that exceeded regulatory thresholds, particularly for iron, which reached up to 21.91 mg/L. After thermal treatment, a substantial reduction in the solubility of these elements was observed, with concentrations falling below the established limits at all sampling points. This reduction in mobility is likely associated with physicochemical transformations occurring during firing, including matrix densification and the incorporation of elements into less soluble phases, as reported in previous ceramic processing studies. Overall, the findings demonstrate that ceramization represents a promising strategy for reducing contaminant mobility in coal mining-impacted river sediments, offering a viable and environmentally friendly alternative for sediment management and valorization. Full article

Background: Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) is rare but highly curable. This study compared clinical characteristics and outcomes between molar and non-molar disease. Methods: This retrospective cohort included 550 patients at a Brazilian reference center (1985–2025). Survival was assessed using Kaplan–Meier methods. Multivariable analyses included Poisson and Cox regression models. Results: Molar GTN comprised 86% of cases. Non-molar GTN (14%) presented with more advanced FIGO stages, higher WHO risk scores, and more metastases (p < 0.001). Overall five-year disease-specific survival (DSS) was 97.4% (95% CI 95.9–98.9) and progression-free survival (PFS) was 92.4% (95% CI 90.1–94.7). Non-molar disease had lower DSS (84.4% vs. 99.8%; p < 0.001) and PFS (85.3% vs. 93.5%; p = 0.049) in unadjusted analyses. However, after multivariable adjustment, GTN type was not independently associated with DSS (HR 9.41; 95% CI 0.70–127; p = 0.092) or PFS (HR 1.61; 95% CI 0.57–4.60; p = 0.372). Non-molar patients had a lower likelihood of subsequent pregnancy (RR 0.60; 95% CI 0.36–1.00; p = 0.049). Conclusions: Although non-molar GTN presents with more aggressive clinical features, survival outcomes appear to be primarily driven by baseline disease severity rather than GTN subtype itself. Full article

Background/Objective: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by the destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. The TAB2/SUMO4 locus has been implicated in T1D susceptibility through a biochemical mechanism involving NFκB. Given that alterations in NFκB activity have been linked to the etiology of T1D, this study evaluated the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TAB2/SUMO4 region (rs6942381, rs237027, rs237025, and rs7896) and T1D in a population from southern Brazil. Methods: Two T1D groups, each comprising 150 with childhood-onset (aged ≤14 years) and 150 with adulthood-onset (aged >18 years) were compared with healthy controls (165 children aged ≤14 years and 150 adults aged >18 years, respectively). Genotyping of SNPs in the TAB2/SUMO4 region was performed using real-time PCR. Results: All polymorphisms were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The genotype and allele frequencies of the studied polymorphisms in the TAB2/SUMO4 region did not differ among groups in either children or adults. The MAF of the children and adults controls are respectively for rs6942381 49.1% (95% CI 44–54%) and 48.0% (95% CI 42–52%), rs237027 12.4% (95% CI 9–16%) and 11.7% (95% CI 8–15%), rs237025 45.5% (95% CI 40–51%) and 46.0% (95% CI 41–52%) and rs7896 18.2% (95% CI 14–22%) and 24.3% (95% CI 19–29%). The haplotype frequencies were also similar between groups. The observed minor allele frequencies were similar to those reported in European populations. Conclusions: TAB2/SUMO4 locus polymorphisms (rs6942381, rs237027, rs237025, and rs7896) were not associated with childhood- or adulthood-onset T1D in the studied population. Full article

The ocean–atmosphere turbulent heat exchange plays a critical role in the energy and moisture budgets of the Tropical Atlantic Ocean (TAO) and in weather and climate forecasts. However, its estimation strongly depends on the choice of bulk parameterization, as direct in situ measurements are sparse. This study evaluates sensible (Hs) and latent (Hl) heat fluxes derived from three bulk parameterization schemes used operationally in models at the Brazilian Center for Weather Forecast and Climate Studies (CPTEC) of the National Institute for Space Research (INPE), Brazil: the Brazilian Atmospheric Model (BAM), the Modular Ocean Model version 6 (MOM6), and the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. Using daily in situ observations from seven Prediction and Research Moored Array in the Tropical Atlantic (PIRATA) buoys across the TAO during 1997–2023, we computed monthly mean fluxes and compared them against the Coupled Ocean–atmosphere Response Experiment (COARE) algorithm version 3.0b (COARE 3.0b) reference. COARE version 3.6 (COARE 3.6) and European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecast (ECMWF) Reanalysis 5th generation (ERA5) data were included as additional benchmarks. All offline schemes were forced with identical buoy data, isolating differences in internal physical assumptions. Hl is approximately one order of magnitude larger than Hs across all sites, and inter-scheme differences are substantially larger for Hl (±50 W∙m⁻²) than for Hs (±5 W∙m⁻²). All schemes reproduce the seasonal cycle linked to the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) migration and trade-wind variability, with correlations generally exceeding 0.8 (p < 0.001) for most buoys. However, systematic magnitude biases remain. The Coordinated Ocean Research Experiments (CORE) bulk formulation implemented in MOM6 (MOM6-CORE) shows high temporal correlation (often r ≈ 1.0) but a persistent negative bias for both Hs and Hl (e.g., B1 Hl bias = −24.0 W∙m⁻²), indicating weaker turbulent exchange relative to COARE 3.0b. BAM overestimates Hs (by 1–3 W∙m⁻²) and underestimates Hl at most northern and southern sites, while the parametrization of the Yonsei University (YSU) implemented in the WRF model (WRF-YSU) amplifies Hs variability intermittently, particularly at the equator (B4). As expected, COARE 3.6 remains the closest to the reference (differences < 1 W∙m⁻² for Hs and <7 W∙m⁻² for Hl; r ≈ 0.99). ERA5 captures temporal variability well (r ≈ 0.7–0.9) but systematically overestimates Hl (positive bias up to +47.6 W∙m⁻² at B7), implying stronger evaporative cooling. Buoy-specific regimes modulate skill. The choice of bulk formulation thus remains a first-order source of uncertainty in turbulent heat flux estimates over the TAO, with direct implications for mixed-layer heat budgets, SST evolution, and coupled ocean–atmosphere variability. MOM6-CORE provides the most consistent performance relative to the COARE reference and emerges as the most robust option for operational applications at CPTEC/INPE. The findings also provide guidance for improving the representation of ocean–atmosphere turbulent exchanges in MONAN (Model for Ocean-Land-Atmosphere Prediction), the new Brazilian Earth System Model under development for weather and climate prediction. Full article