Finding the origin of domestication of cupuaçu requires more than genomics

Colli-Silva et al.1 recently proposed that cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum) was domesticated in northwestern Amazonia as a selection from its sister species, cupuí (T. subincanum). This proposal ignores long-term research in taxonomy, botany, biogeography, and genetics about Theobroma, including cupuaçu. Our review of the research that was ignored and of Colli-Silva et al.'s results demonstrates that cupuaçu is a valid species, as they now agree2, but cupuí may be paraphyletic, the distribution of wild cupuaçu was not included in their samples so the origin of domestication continues unknown, precolonial archaeology lacks remains that can be attributed to either species, historical linguistics indicates that the term cupuaçu references the species' wild distribution and is a recent introduction in northwestern Amazonia, history suggests that cupuaçu started to be domesticated during the last 100-200 years, and the genomics results are not about the domestication of cupuaçu because it is a valid species and its wild distribution was not sampled.

Intentional creation of carbon-rich dark earth soils in the Amazon.

Fertile soil known as Amazonian dark earth is central to the debate over the size and ecological impact of ancient human populations in the Amazon. Dark earth is typically associated with human occupation, but it is uncertain whether it was created intentionally. Dark earth may also be a substantial carbon sink, but its spatial extent and carbon inventory are unknown. We demonstrate spatial and compositional similarities between ancient and modern dark earth and document modern Indigenous practices that enrich soil, which we use to propose a model for the formation of ancient dark earth. This comparison suggests that ancient Amazonians managed soil to improve fertility and increase crop productivity. These practices also sequestered and stored carbon in the soil for centuries, and we show that some ancient sites contain as much carbon as the above-ground rainforest biomass. Our results demonstrate the intentional creation of dark earth and highlight the value of Indigenous knowledge for sustainable rainforest management.

Circulating tumour DNA kinetics in recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell cancer patients.

PURPOSE: Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has become a standard of care in the treatment of recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell cancer (R/M HNSCC). However, only a subset of patients benefit from treatment. Quantification of plasma circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) levels and on-treatment kinetics may permit real-time assessment of disease burden under selective pressures of treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: R/M HNSCC patients treated with systemic therapy, platinum-based chemotherapy (CT) or ICB, underwent serial liquid biopsy sampling. Biomarkers tested included ctDNA measured by CAncer Personalized Profiling by deep Sequencing (CAPP-Seq) and markers of host inflammation measured by neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). RESULTS: Among 53 eligible patients, 16 (30%) received CT, 30 (57%) ICB [anti-PD1/L1] monotherapy and 7 (13%) combination immunotherapy (IO). Median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 2.8 months (95% CI, 1.3-4.3) and 8.2 months (95% CI, 5.6-10.8), respectively. Seven (13%) patients experienced a partial response and 21 (40%) derived clinical benefit. At baseline, median ctDNA variant allele frequency (VAF) was 4.3%. Baseline ctDNA abundance was not associated with OS (p = 0.56) nor PFS (p = 0.54). However, a change in ctDNA VAF after one cycle of treatment (ΔVAF (T1-2)) was predictive of both PFS (p< 0.01) and OS (p< 0.01). Additionally, decrease in ΔVAF identified patients with longer OS despite early radiological progression, 8.2 vs 4.6 months, hazard ratio 0.44 (95% CI, 0.19-0.87) p = 0.03. After incorporating NLR and PLR into multivariable Cox models, ctDNA ∆VAF retained an association with OS. CONCLUSIONS: Early dynamic changes in ctDNA abundance, after one cycle of treatment, compared to baseline predicted both OS and PFS in R/M HNSCC patients on systemic therapy.

The COVID-19 epidemic in Brazil: how statistics education may contribute to unravel the reality behind the charts.

The world is now facing the most severe health, social, and economic event of the last hundred years, which has made the need to acquire statistical thinking to interpret the information disseminated on a daily basis by the media clear to society. This article proposes a discussion on the role that statistics education might play in supporting the acquisition of such knowledge, contributing to the development of critical citizens, aware of their social responsibility. In this context, we present examples of curves and other charts to demonstrate how to use the several levels defined by experts in reading and interpreting the charts. At a more advanced level, these examples will allow discussion on the impacts of this epidemic on the most vulnerable population in Brazil. The charts presented reveal a great regional inequality, suggesting that mortality due to the virus is distinguished by region and micro-region when considering access to hospital beds. The examples signpost ways for educators to be able to develop projects or research based on the discussion on the reality of the pandemic, the necessary public policies, and how political coordination grounded on science and on a humanitarian vision would have mitigated the Brazilian tragedy.

Effects of pneumoperitoneum and trendelenburg position on intraocular pressure (IOP) in isofluorane anesthetised cats / Efeitos do pneumoperitônio e da posição de trendelenburg sobre a pressão intraocular em gatos anestesiados com isoflurano

The aim of this study was to determine whether a pneumoperitoneum of 10 mmHg combined or not with the Trendelenburg position could lead to significant changes in intraocular pressure (IOP), ocular pressure perfusion (OPP), and cardiorespiratory variables; as well as determine whether a correlation exists between IOP and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), and/or partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood (PaCO2) in cats. Animals were allocated in two groups (n=7/group): GC (without inclination) and GTREN (Trendelenburg position). The variables were recorded before (baseline) and during 30 minutes (T5-T30) after insufflation. In GTREN, a reduction in heart rate was observed at T5 and in respiratory rate at T5 and T15. There was an increase in IOP at T5-T30 in comparison to baseline. There was a reduction in potential of hydrogen in arterial blood in both groups at all times in comparison to baseline. Partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood was increased at T15-T30 in GC and at T5-T30 in GTREN. In conclusion, the pneumoperitoneum of 10mmHg CO2 did not significantly affect IOP or OPP in cats anaesthetised with isofluorane and kept under spontaneous ventilation. However, induced pneumoperitoneum combined with Trendelenburg position resulted in an increase in IOP in cats subjected to the same anaesthetic conditions, but did not affect OPP.

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar se o pneumoperitônio de 10 mmHg associado, ou não, à posição de Trendelenburg poderia levar a alterações significativas na Pressão Intraocular (PIO), Pressão de Perfusão Ocular (PPO) e variáveis cardiorrespiratórias, bem como determinar se havia correlação entre a PIO e a Pressão Arterial Média (PAM) e/ou Pressão Parcial de Dióxido de Carbono no Sangue Arterial (PaCO2) em gatos. Os animais foram alocados em dois grupos (n = 7/grupo): GC (sem inclinação) e GTREN (posição de Trendelenburg). As variáveis foram registradas antes (linha de base) e durante 30 minutos (T5-T30) após a insuflação. No GTREN, foi observada redução na frequência cardíaca em T5 e, na frequência respiratória, em T5 e T15. Houve aumento da PIO no T5-T30 comparativamente ao valor basal. Houve redução no Potencial de Hidrogênio no sangue arterial em ambos os grupos em todos os momentos comparativamente à linha de base. A Pressão Parcial de Dióxido de Carbono no sangue arterial aumentou em T15-T30 no GC e em T5-T30 no GTREN. Concluiu-se que o pneumoperitônio de 10mmHg CO2 não afetou significativamente a PIO ou a PPO em gatos anestesiados com isofluorano e mantidos sob ventilação espontânea. No entanto, o pneumoperitônio induzido combinado à posição de Trendelenburg resultou em aumento da PIO em gatos submetidos às mesmas condições anestésicas, mas não afetou a PPO.

Useful plants and their relation to archaeological sites in the Serra de Carajás, Brazil.

Multidisciplinary studies including archeology and ethnobotany that seek to understand human interventions on the landscape have obtained important results concerning Amazon biodiversity. This study aims to identify the useful plants in different phytophysiognomies related to archeological sites in the Serra de Carajás, in the state of Pará, as well as expand knowledge of the local flora. Information was collected in 76 parcels located in the influence areas of 15 archaeological sites: 45 in forest vegetation, 30 in canga vegetation and 1 in palm swamps. The species were categorized as either medicinal, food, game attractants, firewood, toxic, ritualistic and material. An assessment of the plants use potential by family was done using regression analysis for the taxa inventoried. All the phytophysiognomies studied in the vicinity of archaeological sites were expressive regarding useful species. The most representative categories were medicinal, material, game attractant, firewood and food. The floristic features related to the use of plant species by family were also expressive for Fabaceae, Myrtaceae and Chrysobalanaceae. The phytophysiognomies identified near archaeological sites feature several plant resources in different use categories, highlighting the value of local ecosystems and their potential for human use.

Differential abundances of four forms of Binder of SPerm 1 in the seminal plasma of Bos taurus indicus bulls with different patterns of semen freezability.

The Binder of SPerm 1 (BSP1) protein is involved in the fertilization and semen cryopreservation processes and is described to be both beneficial and detrimental to sperm. Previously, the relationship of BSP1 with freezability events has not been completely understood. The objective of this work was to determine the differential abundance of the forms of the BSP1 protein in cryopreserved seminal plasma of Bos taurus indicus bulls with different patterns of semen freezability using proteomics. A wide cohort of adult bulls with high genetic value from an artificial insemination center was used as donors of high quality, fresh semen. Nine bulls presenting different patterns of semen freezability were selected. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis showed differential abundance in a group of seven protein spots in the frozen/thawed seminal plasma from the bulls, ranging from 15 to 17 kDa, with pI values from 4.6 to 5.8. Four of these spots were confirmed to be BSP1 using mass spectrometry, proteomics, biochemical, and computational analysis (Tukey's test at P < 0.05). The protein spot weighing 15.52 ± 0.53 kDa with a pI value of 5.78 ± 0.12 is highlighted by its high abundance in bulls with low semen freezability and its absence in bulls presenting high semen freezability. This is the first report showing that more than two forms of BSP1 are found in the seminal plasma of Nelore adult bulls and not all animals have a similar abundance of each BSP1 form. Different BSP1 forms may be involved in different events of fertilization and the cryopreservation process.

Separomics applied to the proteomics and peptidomics of low-abundance proteins: Choice of methods and challenges - A review.

The enrichment and isolation of proteins are considered limiting steps in proteomic studies. Identification of proteins whose expression is transient, those that are of low-abundance, and of natural peptides not described in databases, is still a great challenge. Plant extracts are in general complex, and contaminants interfere with the identification of proteins involved in important physiological processes, such as plant defense against pathogens. This review discusses the challenges and strategies of separomics applied to the identification of low-abundance proteins and peptides in plants, especially in plants challenged by pathogens. Separomics is described as a group of methodological strategies for the separation of protein molecules for proteomics. Several tools have been used to remove highly abundant proteins from samples and also non-protein contaminants. The use of chromatographic techniques, the partition of the proteome into subproteomes, and an effort to isolate proteins in their native form have allowed the isolation and identification of rare proteins involved in different processes.

A raridade das afecções congênitas cervicais: anomalias do ducto tireoglosso / The rarity of cervical congenital disorder: thyroglossal duct anomalies

Introdução: Cistos e fístulas congênitas cervicais devem serconsiderados no diagnóstico diferencial das massas cervicaisem adultos e crianças. Incluem, em ordem descendente defrequência, os cistos do ducto tireoglosso, afecções do aparelhobranquial, cistos dermoides e outras afecções laterais cervicais.Anomalias do ducto tireoglosso e cistos dermoides constituem agrande maioria das massas cervicais congênitas da linha médiaobservada em crianças e as lesões mais incomuns do pescoçona linha média incluem as rânulas e fístulas. Objetivo: Discutira conduta nos casos raros de anomalias do ducto tireoglosso.Relato do Caso: Os autores relatam sua experiência nos casosmais incomuns das doenças congênitas cervicais, como o casode caso de uma fístula cutânea na linha média, com trajetofistuloso que se relacionava com o corpo do osso hioide indoaté a base da língua. Discussão e Considerações Finais:A avaliação pré-operatória de uma massa cervical deve serprecisa, pois nos casos de lesões congênitas cervicais o errono diagnóstico diferencial pode levar a conduta inadequada esequelas importantes como hipotireoidismo, hipocalcemia, etc.,principalmente nos casos mais incomuns. Apesar de sua raridadeexistem certas características clínicas e de imagem que podemajudar no diagnóstico diferencial destas afecções.

Afecções congênitas cervicais. Casos raros: anomalias laterais / Cervical congenital disorders. Rare cases: lateral anomalies

Introdução: Cistos e fístulas congênitas cervicais devem serconsiderados no diagnóstico diferencial das massas cervicaisem adultos e crianças. Incluem, em ordem descendente defrequência, os cistos do ducto tireoglosso, afecções do aparelhobranquial, cistos dermoides e outras afecções laterais cervicais.Objetivo: Os autores relatam sua experiência nos casos maisincomuns das doenças congênitas cervicais. Revisão deLiteratura e Discussão: Anomalias do ducto tireoglosso e cistosdermoides constituem a grande maioria das massas cervicaiscongênitas da linha média observada em crianças e as lesõesmais incomuns do pescoço na linha média incluem as rânulas efístulas. A avaliação pré-operatória de uma massa cervical deveser precisa, pois nos casos de lesões congênitas cervicais o errono diagnóstico diferencial pode levar a conduta inadequada esequelas importantes como hipotireoidismo, hipocalcemia, etc.,principalmente nos casos mais incomuns. Apesar de sua raridadeexistem certas características clínicas e de imagem que podemajudar no diagnóstico diferencial destas afecções. Consideraçõesfinais: O conhecimento da anatomia e da embriogênese cervicais,assim como a clínica em conjunto com exames complementaressão essenciais na resolução das afecções congênitas cervicais,que apesar de terem fácil resolução, podem trazer importantesmorbidades ao paciente.

Trypanosomatids in phyllostomids (chiroptera, phyllostomidae) from Perobas Biological Reserve, Paraná, Brazil / Tripanossomatídeos em filostomídeos (chiroptera, phyllostomidae) da Reserva Biológica das Perobas, Paraná, Brasil / Tripanossomatídeos en filostomídeos (chiroptera, phyllostomidae) de la Reserva Biológica de las Perobas, Paraná, Brasil

The family Trypanosomatidae reunites a great number of species which parasite several organisms, among them, chiropterans, which may act as reservoirs. The present study aimed at demonstrating the occurrence of trypanosomatids in the blood of phyllostomids from Perobas Biological Reserve, Paraná, Brazil. The capture of the animals was performed with the aid of mist nets in July and August, 2008. The bats were contained manually and for the parasite analysis, a small drop of blood was collected in order to prepare imprint samples which were fixed in absolute methanol. In the laboratory, the slides were stained by the method of Giemsa, observed and photographed with the aid of a light microscope. Fifteen positive results were found out of 33 animals captured. Five of the species captured, Artibeus lituratus, Artibeus fimbriatus, Artibeus planirostris, Artibeus obscurus and Sturnira lilium presented trypanosomatids. Only two species did not have positive slides, Carollia perspicillata and Pygoderma bilabiatum. The species with positive slides have a diversified diet, including the ingestion of insects, which may facilitate the infection. These results contribute with information about the occurrence of these blood parasites in bats since studies about the subject in Brazil are scarce.

A família Trypanosomatidae reúne grande número de espécies que parasitam os mais diversos organismos, entre eles, os quirópteros, que podem atuar como reservatórios. O presente estudo teve por objetivo investigar a ocorrência de tripanossomatídeos no sangue de filostomídeos da Reserva das Perobas, Paraná. A captura dos animais ocorreu com o uso de redes de neblina, nos meses de julho e agosto de 2008. Os morcegos foram contidos manualmente, e, para a análise dos parasitas, uma gotícula de sangue foi retirada para a confecção do esfregaço e fixação com metanol absoluto. No laboratório as lâminas foram coradas pelo método Giemsa, observadas e fotografadas ao microscópio. Foram obtidos 15 resultados positivos dos 33 exemplares capturados, sendo que cinco das sete espécies capturadas, Artibeus lituratus, Artibeus fimbriatus, Artibeus planirostris, Artibeus obscurus e Sturnira lilium, apresentaram tripanossomatídeos sanguíneos. Somente em Carollia perspicillata e Pygoderma bilabiatum, não foram constatados esses parasitos. Os animais com resultados positivos têm uma dieta bastante diversificada, incluindo a ingestão de insetos, o que pode acarretar infecções, caso alimentem-se de insetos contaminados. Esses resultados contribuem com as informações acerca da ocorrência de parasitas sanguíneos em morcegos, haja vista a escassez de estudos sobre o assunto no Brasil.

La familia Trypanosomatidae reúne gran número de especies que parasitan los más diversos organismos, entre ellos, los quirópteros, que pueden actuar como reservatorios. Esta investigación buscó la ocurrencia de tripanosomatídeos en la sangre de filostomídeos de la Reserva de las Perobas, Paraná. La captura de los animales ocurrió con el uso de redes de neblina, en los meses de julio y agosto de 2008. Los murciélagos fueron contenidos manualmente, y para el análisis de los parasitas, una gota de sangre fue retirada para fregado y fijación con metanol absoluto. En el Laboratorio las láminas fueron coloreadas por el método Giemsa, observadas y fotografiadas al microscopio. Se alcanzó 15 resultados positivos dos 33 ejemplares capturados, siendo que cinco de las siete especies capturadas, Artibeus lituratus, Artibeus fimbriatus, Artibeus planirostris, Artibeus obscurus y Sturnira lilium, presentaron tripanosomatídeos sanguíneos. Solamente en Carollia perspicillata y Pygoderma bilabiatum, no se constató esos parasitas. Los animales con resultados positivos tienen una dieta bastante diversificada, incluyendo la ingestión de insectos, lo que puede causar infecciones caso se alimenten de insectos contaminados. Esos resultados contribuyen con las informaciones acerca de la ocurrencia de parasitas sanguíneos en murciélagos, dada la escasez de estudios sobre el asunto en Brasil.

Efeito da idade sobre a qualidade de vida e saúde dos catadores de materiais recicláveis de uma associação em Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, Brasil / Age effect on the life quality and health of garbage collectors of an association in Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais State, Brazil

Trabalhadores que segregam materiais recicláveis são expostos diariamente a condições insalubres de trabalho que podem afetar com mais intensidade sua saúde em função do aumento de idade cronológica. Uma população de catadores de materiais recicláveis na cidade de Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, Brasil respondeu a um questionário semi-estruturado que continha questões sobre a presença e/ou ausência de dor laboral, intensidade da dor, moradia, acesso a serviços de saúde, presença ou ausência de acidentes laborais e grau de satisfação pessoal. Essas variáveis dependentes foram correlacionadas com a variável independente idade do trabalhador. Observou-se que a dor não está associada ao aumento da idade e não interfere no grau de satisfação pessoal da população estudada. O grau de escolaridade teve associação negativa com a idade. Os catadores mais jovens apresentaram menor grau de satisfação pela vida. A idade não tem nenhuma associação com a ocorrência de acidentes laborais e tipo de moradia.

Workers that segregate recyclable garbage are daily exposed to unhealthy work conditions which can have a more intense negative effect with aging of the garbage collector. A population of garbage collectors from Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, Brazil answered a semi-structured questionnaire regarding the presence or absence of labor pain, pain intensity, living conditions, access to health services, occurrence of accidents at works and degree of personal satisfaction. These variables were correlated with the age of the workers. It was observed that pain is not associated to age increase and that it doesn't affect the degree of personal satisfaction of the studied population. The education degree was negatively related with age. The youngest garbage collectors presented a lower degree of life satisfaction. The age of the workers doesn't have any association with the occurrence of accidents at work and dwelling type.

[Age effect on the life quality and health of garbage collectors of an association in Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais State, Brazil]. / Efeito da idade sobre a qualidade de vida e saúde dos catadores de materiais recicláveis de uma associação em Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, Brasil.

Workers that segregate recyclable garbage are daily exposed to unhealthy work conditions which can have a more intense negative effect with aging of the garbage collector. A population of garbage collectors from Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, Brazil answered a semi-structured questionnaire regarding the presence or absence of labor pain, pain intensity, living conditions, access to health services, occurrence of accidents at works and degree of personal satisfaction. These variables were correlated with the age of the workers. It was observed that pain is not associated to age increase and that it doesn't affect the degree of personal satisfaction of the studied population. The education degree was negatively related with age. The youngest garbage collectors presented a lower degree of life satisfaction. The age of the workers doesn't have any association with the occurrence of accidents at work and dwelling type.