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A new and threatened polypore species, Bondarzewia loguerciae, is described from the cloud forests of southern Brazil. It is characterized by single-pileate basidiomata that grow on dead branches and along living stems of standing trunks and present a context with dark lines and resinous tubes. When growing in axenic culture, this species also develops chlamydospores. We provide an illustrated morphological description and molecular analysis. Our specimens from Brazil form a monophyletic group among other species of the Southern Hemisphere. The conservation status of B. loguerciae is assessed and published as "Critically Endangered" based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature  (IUCN) criteria. Additionally, a key to the species is provided.

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BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a progressive inflammatory disorder associated with marked morbidity and mortality and frequently requires hospitalization. This study aimed to investigate the time trends and geographical distribution of hospital admissions, the lethality rate of CP across Brazil, and the potential relationship with social indicators and associated risk factors. METHODS: Data were retrospectively obtained from the Brazilian Public Health System Registry between January 2009 and December 2019. The prevalence and lethality rates of CP per 100,000 inhabitants in each municipality were estimated from hospitalizations to in-hospital deaths and classified by age, sex, and demographic features. RESULTS: During the study period, 64,609 admissions were retrieved, and most of the patients were males (63.54%). Hospitalization decreased by nearly half (-54.68%) in both sexes. CP rates in males were higher in all age groups. The greatest reduction in admissions (- 64%) was also noted in patients ≥ 70y. CP In-hospital lethality remained stable (5-6%) and similar for males and females. Patients ≥ 70y showed the highest lethality. The greatest increase in CP lethality rates (+ 10%) was observed in municipalities integrated into metropolises, which was mainly driven by small-sized municipalities (+ 124%). CONCLUSIONS: CP hospitalizations decrease in both urban and rural areas, particularly in the North, Northeast, and Central-West regions, and in those above 70 years of age, but are not correlated with lethality rates in the South. This suggests ongoing changes in the environmental and socioeconomic factors in Brazil.

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This study aimed to conduct a spatio-temporal analysis of tegumentary leishmaniasis occurrences in the Amazonas state, Brazil. An ecological study encompassing time series and spatial analysis was performed, exploring the geographic distribution and temporal trends of American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (ATL) in Amazonas between 2011 and 2022. Secondary data extracted from the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS) were utilized for this analysis. The study evaluated the relationship between disease cases and environmental/climatic variables (deforestation, temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity). Over the study period, 19,730 cases of tegumentary leishmaniasis were recorded, averaging an incidence of 41.4/100,000 inhabitants across the 62 municipalities of Amazonas state. Disease intensity varied with seasons. Generally, Amazonas state displayed a declining trend in ATL cases. However, certain municipalities, notably Rio Preto da Eva and Presidente Figueiredo, exhibited high incidence rates, while Canutama, Envira, Eirunepé, and Pauini municipalities demand closer attention due to their demonstrated increasing temporal trend of ATL cases. The analysis indicated a correlation between the number of ATL cases reported and relative humidity as well as precipitation. These findings underscore the significance of tegumentary leishmaniasis as a public health issue in the region and emphasize the necessity for public initiatives aimed at preventing this endemic illness.

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Saimiri cassiquiarensis cassiquiarensis (Cebidae) is a primate subspecies with a wide distribution in the Amazonian region of Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. However, the boundaries of its geographic range remain poorly defined. This study presents new occurrence localities for this subspecies and updates its distribution using a compiled data set of 140 occurrence records based on literature, specimens vouchered in scientific collections, and new field data to produce model-based range maps. After cleaning our data set, we updated the subspecies' extent of occurrence, which was used in model calibration. We then modeled the subspecies' range using a maximum entropy algorithm (MaxEnt). The final model was adjusted using a fixed threshold, and we revised this polygon based on known geographic barriers and parapatric congeneric ranges. Our findings indicate that this subspecies is strongly associated with lowland areas, with consistently high daily temperatures. We propose modifications to all range boundaries and estimate that 3% of the area of occupancy (AOO, as defined by IUCN) has already been lost due to deforestation, resulting in a current range of 224,469 km2. We also found that 54% of their AOO is currently covered by protected areas (PAs). Based on these results, we consider that this subspecies is currently properly classified as Least Concern, because it occupies an extensive range, which is relatively well covered by PAs, and is currently experiencing low rates of deforestation.

Saimiri cassiquiarensis cassiquiarensis (Cebidae) é uma subespécie de primata com ampla distribuição na região amazônica do Brasil, Colômbia e Venezuela. No entanto, os limites de sua distribuição geográfica permanecem mal definidos. Este estudo apresenta novas localidades de ocorrência para essa subespécie e atualiza sua distribuição usando 140 registros de ocorrência compilados com base na literatura, espécimes depositados em coleções científicas e novos registros de campo para produzir mapas de distribuição baseados em modelos. Após a limpeza do nosso banco de dados, atualizamos a extensão de ocorrência da subespécie, que foi usada na calibração do modelo. Em seguida, modelamos a área de distribuição da subespécie usando um algoritmo de entropia máxima (MaxEnt). O modelo final foi ajustado usando um limiar fixo e revisamos esse polígono com base em barreiras geográficas conhecidas e na distribuição de congêneres parapátricas. Nosso modelo sugere que a espécie é fortemente associada a áreas planas, com temperaturas diárias consistentemente altas. Propomos modificações em todos os limites da área de distribuição e estimamos que 3% da área de ocupação (AOO, conforme definida pela IUCN) da subespécie já foi perdida devido ao desmatamento, resultando em uma área de distribuição atual de 224,469 km2. Também estimamos que 54% de sua AOO encontra­se atualmente coberta por áreas protegidas. Com base nesses resultados, consideramos que a subespécie está apropriadamente classificada como Pouco Preocupante, pois ocupa uma área extensa, que é relativamente bem coberta por áreas protegidas e atualmente apresenta baixas taxas de desmatamento.

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BACKGROUND: Autosomal recessive deficiency in the caspase recruitment domain-containing protein 9 (CARD9) is a congenital immunological condition that leads to susceptibility to mucocutaneous and invasive fungal infections. There is growing incidence of fungal infections in patients with CARD9 deficiency, a phenomenon that is increasingly recognised. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the frequency, geographic distribution and nature of mutations in patients with CARD9 deficiency, based on published papers in the literature until March 2023. METHODS: We swiftly conducted a study to pinpoint every documented instance of fungal infections arising from CARD9 deficiency. We selected case reports from the databases of PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Google Scholar spanning the period from October 2009 to March 2023. RESULTS: We analysed 90 cases of fungal infections and identified 32 mutations in the CARD9 gene. Notably, the homozygous (HMZ) p.Q295X (c.883C > T) mutation was associated with an increased risk of candidiasis. In contrast, the HMZ p.Q289X (c.865C > T) mutation is linked to a higher risk of dermatophytosis. We observed differences in the geographical distribution of these mutations. The primary mutations found in African patients differ from those in Asian patients. Specifically, Asian patients exhibit a broader spectrum of CARD9 mutations than African patients. CONCLUSIONS: The diversity of mutations observed in the 90 cases revealed 32 distinct variations, emphasising the unique genetic alterations in the CARD9 gene associated with specific geographical areas and the corresponding prevalence of fungal infections.

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BACKGROUND: This study aims to provide insight regarding the different qualities of international medical graduates (IMGs) involved in US orthopedic residency programs. METHODS: Orthopedic residency programs accredited by the ACGME and listed in the AMA database were screened. Data on program size and location, IMG year of training, the geographic region of IMG's medical schools, their research experiences and number of gap years were included. RESULTS: A total of 167(80.3%) orthopedic residency programs were included. A total of 3838 residents were identified, of which 44 (1.15%) were IMGs. The United Kingdom and Ireland had the highest number of matched IMGs with four (9.1%) each. Massachusetts was the state with the highest number of enrolled IMGs. On average, IMGs had 26.3 publications and joined US orthopedic residency 4.66 years following medical school graduation. CONCLUSION: Despite the many hurdles experienced by IMGs, a decent number succeeds in matching into US orthopedic residency programs each year.

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Background: Through citizen science projects, like Projeto Bromélias, community members contribute valuable data on species diversity, notably those with low detectability like the Heterodactylusimbricatus lizard. A recent observation in the State of Espírito Santo (south-eastern Brazil), amidst coffee and eucalyptus crops, highlights the utility of widespread technology use in tracking and documenting wildlife. Such initiatives are especially beneficial for mapping the distribution of rare, endemic or endangered reptiles. Therefore, we advocate for more citizen science initiatives near protected areas, involving local communities. New information: We provide a new record for the species Heterodactylusimbricatus, a microteiid lizard of low detectability from the Atlantic Forest of south-eastern Brazil. Heterodactylusimbricatus (Rio de Janeiro Teiid) was recorded near the protected area "Reserva Biológica Augusto Ruschi" by a citizen volunteer who contributes herpetofauna records to the Bromelias Project (https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/projeto-bromelias). Heterodactylusimbricatus is a very poorly-known species in the localities where it occurs, probably due to its fossorial habit, genera's restricted occurrence range, habitat specificity and the absence of proper survey methods fitted to fossorial species, such as the utilisation of pitfall traps. By publishing the records of volunteer citizens, we hope that more people will contribute to increase the knowledge of biodiversity in the mountainous region of Espírito Santo State and expand our collective knowledge.

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Brazil stands out for presenting the highest amphibian anuran diversity in the world. However, taxonomic studies that address characteristic of larval stage of anurans are incipient, representing only 62% of known species. We assess the species diversity of tadpoles from eastern Maranhão state, mid-northern region of Brazil based on morphological and molecular identification (i.e., 16S rRNA gene fragment), and we also provide characteristics of the habitats occupied by each species. We carried out 30 field samplings during 13 months in 16 environments along an ecotonal area, over five cities inside the limits of state of Maranhão, between the Maranhão Babaçu Forest and Cerrado ecoregions. We searched for tadpoles in a variety of water bodies, and the tadpoles that reached the developmental stage between 34 to 40 Gosner were morphologically identified. The tadpoles collected herein represent 26 species belonging to five families. The external morphology enabled the identification of 24 species, while the molecular data recognized 22 unique evolutionary units. The most represented family was Hylidae (Hylinae 11 spp., Phyllomedusinae one spp.) followed by Leptodactylidae (Leptodactylinae seven spp., Leiuperinae three spp.), Microhylidae (Gastrophryninae two spp.), and Bufonidae (two spp.). Our results show that oral morphology was the most important character for identifying tadpoles based on morphology, and the specific 16S rRNA primer was suitable for molecular identification. This study pioneers the use of both morphological and molecular data to identify tadpoles in the state of Maranhão. It also provides, for the first-time, habitat characteristic for the species. Our study reveals a high number of anuran species sampled at the larval stage in the region, identifies species that require further taxonomic and systematic attention, and extends the geographic distribution of six species, three of which represent new occurrences for the state. Our results strengthen the hypothesis that the diversity of amphibians from Maranhão is underestimated and highlight the importance of herpetological inventories in poorly sampled areas, decentralizing the knowledge of biodiversity.

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En el presente estudio se determina la presencia del oso andino Tremarctos ornatus y su interacción con el humano en tres territorios comunales de la provincia de La Mar (Ayacucho). Entre setiembre y octubre de 2019, establecimos un total de 22 transectos para identificar rastros de la especie, entrevistamos a la población sobre su interacción con el oso y, finalmente, inspeccionamos cadáveres de ganado cuyas muertes fueron atribuidas a ataques de la especie. En total se registraron 312 rastros de oso andino, la mayoria restos de alimentos, hallados predominantemente en las zonas de puna más arriba que los bosques montanos. Los pobladores locales conocen y tienen encuentros con el oso andino en campo e identificaron como las amenazas más recurrentes para el oso los incendios de pastizales, la extracción de madera y la ganadería. Además, informan que los osos causan daños a los cultivos y al ganado. No obstante, no se encontraron suficientes evidencias para confirmar que el oso andino hubiese atacado a alguno de los siete cadáveres de ganado evaluados, pero sí se identifico una posible manipulación o consumo en uno de estos. Nuestros resultados resaltan la importancia de combinar muestreos de presencia del oso con observaciones de la población para identificar amenazas y reducir potenciales conflictos humano-oso basado en eventos no completamente confirmados.

In the present study, we determine the presence of the Andean bear Tremarctos ornatus and its interaction with humans in three communal territories of the La Mar province (Ayacucho). Between September and October 2019, we established a total of 22 transects to identify signs of the species, interviewed the local population about their interactions with the bear, and finally inspected livestock carcasses whose deaths were attributed to attacks by the species. In total, 312 signs of the Andean bear were recorded, with the majority being food remains, primarily found in the high puna areas above the montane forests. Local residents are familiar with and have encounters with the Andean bear in the field, and they identified recurring threats to the bear, including grassland fires, timber extraction, and livestock farming. They also reported that bears cause damage to crops and livestock. However, there were not enough pieces of evidence to confirm that the Andean bear had attacked any of the seven livestock carcasses evaluated. Still, a potential manipulation or consumption was identified in one of these cases. Our results emphasize the importance of combining bear presence surveys with observations from the local population to identify threats and mitigate potential human-bear conflicts based on unconfirmed events.

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Climate variability has made us change our perspective on the study of insect pests and pest insects, focusing on preserving or maintaining efficient production systems in the world economy. The four species of the genus Anastrepha were selected for this study due to their colonization and expansion characteristics. Models of the potential distribution of these species are scarce in most neotropical countries, and there is a current and pressing demand to carry out this type of analysis in the face of the common scenarios of climate variability. We analyzed 370 presence records with statistical metrics and 16 bioclimatic variables. The MaxEnt method was used to evaluate the effect of the ENSO cycle on the potential distribution of the species Anastrepha grandis (Macquart), Anastrepha serpetina (Wiedemann), Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart), and Anastrepha striata (Schiner) as imported horticultural pests in the neotropics and Panama. A total of 3472 candidate models were obtained for each species, and the environmental variables with the greatest contribution to the final models were LST range and LST min for A. grandis, PRECIP range and PRECIP min for A. serpentina, LST range and LST min for A. obliqua, and LST min and LST max for A. striata. The percentage expansion of the range of A. grandis in all environmental scenarios was 26.46 and the contraction of the range was 30.80; the percentage expansion of the range of A. serpentina in all environmental scenarios was 3.15 and the contraction of the range was 28.49; the percentage expansion of the range of A. obliqua in all environmental scenarios was 5.71 and the contraction of the range was 3.40; and the percentage expansion of the range of A. striata in all environmental scenarios was 41.08 and the contraction of the range was 7.30, and we selected the best model, resulting in a wide distribution (suitable areas) of these species in the neotropics that was influenced by the variability of climatic events (El Niño, Neutral, and La Niña). Information is provided on the phytosanitary surveillance systems of the countries in areas where these species could be established, which is useful for defining policies and making decisions on integrated management plans according to sustainable agriculture.