As apex predators, giant otters (Pteronura brasiliensis) are susceptible to the bioaccumulation of heavy metals, particularly in regions where gold-mining contributes to mercury (Hg) pollution. This is the broadest-scale study assessing Hg and selenium (Se) concentrations in the Pantanal. Samples from 10 sites across the Pantanal were analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We constructed a two-factor generalized additive model (GAM) to investigate the relationship between Hg concentrations in giant otters and their location along river courses in gold-mining areas. To determine the feasibility of merging the dataset from the present study with the dataset of a previous study carried out by our group during 2016–2017, we included the datasets as a factor in the analysis. The GAM results supported the feasibility of merging the datasets. Additionally, we measured Se concentrations due to their potential to mitigate Hg toxicity. Higher Hg levels were found in otters from watercourses near gold-mining areas, with concentrations decreasing downstream, revealing a contamination gradient and the extensive impact of local pollution on wetlands. The highest Hg concentration was recorded in the Bento Gomes River, within a gold-mining area, whereas otters from unconnected sites exhibited lower Hg levels.

In this Research Communication we describe the application of single-step Bayesian regression (ssBR) models to predict milk yield of Murrah buffaloes. Milk production records of 2,026 cows in their first lactation were used. Using 270-day cumulative milk yield records as phenotype, genomic breeding values were predicted and their accuracies and dispersions were calculated by five methods: BayesA (ssBA), BayesB (ssBB), BayesC (ssBC); Bayesian Lasso (ssBL); and Bayesian ridge regression (ssBRR). For models based on mixture distributions (ssBB and ssBC), the proportions of markers having effect (π) were assumed as fixed, with respective values of 99% or 90%, or as unknown, where two approaches to estimate π were applied (ssBayesBπ and ssBayesCπ). The accuracy values found ranged from 0.550 (ssBBπ) to 0.584 (ssBCπ) and, the dispersion estimates ranged from 0.867 (ssBA) to 0.958 (ssBRR). The results indicated that Bayesian Lasso was the most suitable model for genetic evaluation of milk yield by buffaloes, considering accuracy and dispersion as criteria.

Ochoterenella is a large group of filarial parasites of anurans distributed throughout Central and South America. In the present study, we describe a new species of Ochoterenella parasitizing 2 frogs, Boana geographica and Boana multifasciata, from different localities in the Brazilian Amazon. The main morphological traits that differ Ochoterenella casiraghii n. sp. from its congeners are the smaller body size, a shorter cephalic plate, smaller parastomal structures, and the small, short and rounded cuticular bosses on the body of both sexes. The females have a shorter ovejector, and the number of caudal papillae distinguishes males. Pairwise sequence comparisons of the new species reveal a high level of divergence from Ochoterenella spp. Our phylogenetic analyses, based on cox1 and concatenated partial mitochondrial genes, support the monophyly of all subfamilies and genera examined herein. The new species represents the 17th in the Ochoterenella genus and a new parasite record for both anuran species. We provide the first ultrastructural description of the species in the genus and establish the phylogenetic relationships of the new species among parasites of amphibians and reptiles from the Onchocercidae.

The assessment of soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks relies on several key factors, including the total SOC content of the soil, the bulk density (BD) of the soil, and the depth of the sampled layers. However, traditional methods, particularly those using volumetric cylinders for undisturbed soil sampling, present significant logistical challenges for large-scale projects due to their costly and time-consuming nature, often requiring the excavation of trenches. In response, automated probes, which are commonly used in geological studies, offer a promising alternative, but their application in the context of BD soil studies remains under discussion. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a tractor-mounted probe in comparison to the conventional core method for the collection of undisturbed soil samples across a range of soil textures and depths. The results indicated that the coefficient of variation (CV) for the probe’s bulk density (BD) measurements ranged from 3 to 15% in sandy soils but remained consistently below 5% in clay-sandy-loam and clay textures. Despite small differences in BD values between the methods used, SOC stock assessments showed only minor variations across all layers, regardless of soil texture. Therefore, this study demonstrated that the tractor-mounted probe represents a viable and scalable solution for conducting large-scale SOC stock assessments, despite its susceptibility to minor variations in sandy soil conditions. This research contributed to the field of automated soil sampling tool validation and offered alternatives for field operationalization in large-scale carbon projects. It also raised new questions for further investigation into other field conditions

Loneliness may lead individuals to spend more time on the internet and increase the likelihood of experiencing internet-use disorders. Similarly, individuals with internet-use disorders may feel lonelier. In the present systematic review and meta-analysis, pre-registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023390483), we quantified associations between internet-use-disorder symptoms (e.g. internet gaming disorder and online gambling disorder) and loneliness. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and an institutional database aggregator for references that compared degrees of loneliness in groups of individuals with and without symptoms of internet-use disorder. Means and standard deviations of loneliness, or alternatively, odds ratios, were transformed into Cohen’s d for statistical pooling through a random-effects model. After screening 2,369 reports, we extracted data from 23 studies. The total number of individuals across the studies was 36,484. Participants were between 13 and 30 years of age (median 20). The pooled difference between those with and without internet-use-disorder symptoms yielded a standardized effect (Cohen’s d) of 0.53 (95% CI 0.35–0.7). While heterogeneity was high, there was no indication of publication or small sample biases. Similar effect sizes were found when limiting to specific types of internet-use disorder symptoms. Moreover, meta-regressions did not show an effect of age, sex, or sample size. Individuals with symptoms of internet-use disorders scored 49.35 (43.84–54.85) points on the UCLA-Loneliness scale on average, compared to 43.78 (37.47–50.08) in individuals without symptoms of internet-use disorders (Standardized Mean Difference: 5.18, 95% CI = 2.05–8.34). Individuals with internet-use-disorder symptoms experience greater loneliness. The effect appears moderately sized.

Animals adopt various behavioral strategies to meet their biological needs, often adjusting their activity cycles. While some species restrict their activities to specific periods within the 24-hour light and dark cycle, others are cathemeral, showing flexible activity patterns that include both day and night. This study investigates the cathemeral activity of Amazonian manatees (Trichechus inunguis) in Anavilhanas National Park, Brazil, with a focus on their nocturnal behavior and ecological adaptability. Using thermal cameras, we recorded nocturnal feeding for the first time, highlighting the manatees’ flexibility beyond the typical diurnal–nocturnal cycle. Our findings reveal that manatees adjust their feeding strategies according to seasonal vegetation availability and water levels. Specifically, they feed at night on the riparian plant maracarãna (Coccoloba densifrons), which is only accessible during the flood season. This nocturnal behavior likely helps minimize predation risk and enhances foraging efficiency. These insights significantly improve our understanding of manatee ecological behavior in the Amazon, demonstrating their adaptability to environmental changes. The study underscores the importance of considering cathemeral activity in conservation strategies to ensure the ongoing protection of Amazonian manatees against environmental and human pressures.

This study investigated the co-infection dynamics of Schistosoma mansoni and Ancylostoma ceylanicum in an experimental model. Two experiments were conducted to investigate varying infection orders. In experimental group 1, subjects were initially infected with A. ceylanicum, followed by S. mansoni infection. In group 2, subjects were first infected with S. mansoni, followed by A. ceylanicum infection. The co-infected groups were compared to mono-infected groups for further analysis. Parameters assessed included weight, fecal egg elimination, blood cell counts, IgG response, histopathological analysis, and granuloma morphometry. Results indicated that the timing of infections influenced weight loss. Co-infected animals lost weight similarly to A. ceylanicum-infected animals when A. ceylanicum preceded S. mansoni. The co-infected groups did not experience worsened anemia, despite both parasites being hematophagous. No linear correlation was found between S. mansoni egg counts and anti-SEA IgG production. The response to the S. mansoni adult worm antigen was significantly higher in the S. mansoni mono-infected group compared to the group previously infected with hookworm. Co-infection with A. ceylanicum after S. mansoni infection also interfered with the host response. It caused a delay in the peak of S. mansoni egg elimination compared to the S. mansoni monoinfected group. Additionally, fewer eggs were retained in the liver compared to single infections. These findings help elucidate the interactions between different parasites and their hosts in the same endemic area, providing valuable information to enhance strategies for disease control and management.

The rarely examined committees of the Senate of Canada offer interesting insights into the Senate as a whole, particularly following the 2016 reforms to the institution. While discussion of House of Commons committees often emphasizes them as separate and different from the larger chamber, Senate committees mirror the dynamics of the overall Senate; looking at them tells us a lot about the Senate itself. Through qualitative research and in-depth interviews about committees with senators, this article finds both contrast and continuity in the Senate and its committees.

An assessment of systemic inflammation and nutritional status may form the basis of a framework to examine the prognostic value of cachexia in patients with advanced cancer. The objective of the study was to examine the prognostic value of the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria, including BMI, weight loss (WL) and systemic inflammation (as measured by the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS)), in advanced cancer patients. Three criteria were examined in a combined cohort of patients with advanced cancer, and their relationship with survival was examined using Cox regression methods. Data were available on 1303 patients. Considering BMI and the mGPS, the 3-month survival rate varied from 74 % (BMI > 28 kg/m2) to 61 % (BMI < 20 kg/m2) and from 84 % (mGPS 0) to 60 % (mGPS 2). Considering WL and the mGPS, the 3-month survival rate varied from 81 % (WL ± 2·4 %) to 47 % (WL ≥ 15 %) and from 93 % (mGPS 0) to 60 % (mGPS 2). Considering BMI/WL grade and mGPS, the 3-month survival rate varied from 86 % (BMI/WL grade 0) to 59 % (BMI/WL grade 4) and from 93 % (mGPS 0) to 63 % (mGPS 2). When these criteria were combined, they better predicted survival. On multivariate survival analysis, the most highly predictive factors were BMI/WL grade 3 (HR 1·454, P = 0·004), BMI/WL grade 4 (HR 2·285, P < 0·001) and mGPS 1 and 2 (HR 1·889, HR 2·545, all P < 0·001). In summary, a high BMI/WL grade and a high mGPS as outlined in the BMI/WL grade/mGPS framework were consistently associated with poorer survival of patients with advanced cancer. It can be readily incorporated into the routine assessment of patients.

Our study aim was to identify high-risk areas of neonatal mortality associated with bacterial sepsis in the state of São Paulo, Southeast Brazil. We used a population-based study applying retrospective spatial scan statistics with data extracted from birth certificates linked to death certificates. All live births from mothers residing in São Paulo State from 2004 to 2020 were included. Spatial analysis using the Poisson model was adopted to scan high-rate clusters of neonatal mortality associated with bacterial sepsis (WHO-ICD10 A32.7, A40, A41, P36, P37.2 in any line of the death certificate). We found a prevalence of neonatal death associated with bacterial sepsis of 2.3/1000 live births. Clusters of high neonatal mortality associated with bacterial sepsis were identified mainly in the southeast region of the state, with four of them appearing as cluster areas for all birth weight categories (<1500 g, 1500 to <2500 g and ≥ 2500 g). The spatial analysis according to the birth weight showed some overlapping in the detected clusters, suggesting shared risk factors that need to be explored. Our study highlights the ongoing challenge of neonatal sepsis in the most developed state of a middle-income country and the importance of employing statistical techniques, including spatial methods, for enhancing surveillance and intervention strategies.

Aplectana hylambatis (Baylis, 1927) is a widespread nematode in South America that infects different species of anurans from different families. Although the morphology of this species shows intraspecific variations and is well studied, A. hylambatis does not have genetic characterisation. Therefore, the present study aimed to provide the first genetic characterisation of this parasite, based on 18S and 28S rDNA sequences, as well as to evaluate its phylogenetic position in the family Cosmocercidae. The present specimens showed no major morphological variations and were assigned to A. hylambatis mainly based on the shape of spicules and the presence of mamelon-like structures slightly anterior to the vulva. The genetic characterisation confirmed the close relationship between A. hylambatis and other cosmocercids, and the 28S sequences were more informative for phylogenetic reconstruction, especially for those relationships at higher and intermediate levels. Aplectana hylmabatis was in a basal position within a clade formed by other congeners and species of Cosmocerca. The geographic origin may have influence in the divergence process of Aplectana spp. and genus was non-monophyletic and closely related to Cosmocerca, similar to previous findings. The present results will be useful for future studies on the phylogeny of Cosmocercidae, since several genera and species in this family still lack genetic characterisation. Furthermore, the 28S sequences can be useful in genetic studies of A. hylambatis populations, since this species appears to have phenotypic variations.

The symbiotic relationship between the syllid polychaete, Haplosyllides floridana Augener, 1922, and the barrel-shaped sponge Xestospongia muta (Schmidt, 1870), originally documented solely in the Caribbean, is presumed to be species-specific. Recently, the host sponge has been found as a single species distributed across approximately 8000 km (from 26°N to 22°S). Herein we addressed new spatial and bathymetric population records of H. floridana to question the persistence of the association with X. muta, and whether, in the case of an association, the polychaete remains as a single species throughout this extensive distribution. Our findings change the restricted distribution of H. floridana, revealing a remarkable association with X. muta from Tropical north-western to south-western Atlantic including records in the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago and the Almirante Saldanha Seamount, at 270 m deep. The populations analysed in this study are morphologically consistent. The study underscores the need for further investigations into the connectivity of Xestospongia species, the presence of Haplosyllides in other ocean basins, and the shared evolutionary history between Xestospongia and Haplosyllides. The observed life cycle completion of H. floridana within the host sponge suggests a potential co-evolutionary relationship, offering insights into the intricate dynamics of symbiotic associations in marine ecosystems.