Minas Gerais State Research Articles

Diagnosis of the microbiological quality of fiscal artisanal Minas cheese samples

Minas Gerais State is the largest producer of artisanal cheeses in Brazil. In order to preserve production traditions and guarantee sanitary quality, the laws, decrees and other regulations have been constantly updated. Considering its inspection duties and aiming to identify compliance with the microbiological requirements defined in the legislation, the Instituto Mineiro de Agropecuária (IMA) took 1390 indicative samples of Artisanal Minas Cheese (AMC) from 364 cheese dairies in the micro-regions of Araxá, Campo das Vertentes, Canastra, Cerrado, Serra do Salitre, Serro and the Triângulo Mineiro. Coliforms at 35 °C, Escherichia coli, coagulase-positive staphylococci, Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes were analyzed at the Laboratory of Microbiological Safety in Food at IMA, according to the analytical methodologies determined by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply. The mean coliform count at 35 °C, E. coli and coagulase-positive staphylococci ranged from 1.0 to 5.3 log CFU/g, 0.3 to 3.3 log CFU/g and 1.0 to 6.3 log CFU/g, respectively. Thus, 18.7%, 14.1% and 25.0% of the samples, respectively, did not conform with the legislation for these microbial groups. In addition, Salmonella spp. was present in one sample and L. monocytogenes in seven samples. The percentage of non-compliance per micro-region analyzed was 30% in Araxá, 29% in Campo das Vertentes, 23% in Canastra, 44% in Cerrado, 32.5% in Serra do Salitre, 50% in Serro and 20% in the Triângulo Mineiro. Of the cheeses sampled before completing the minimum period of ripening required by state legislation, 51.5% were non-compliant, while for those that completed the minimum time, this index was 24.2%, evidence that the ripening time is essential for the adequacy of AMC to the microbiological standards. On the other hand, the percentages of non-compliance showed very similar values (39.3% and 42.0% respectively) in the dry and rainy seasons. When evaluating the evolution of microbiological quality over 11 years, and comparing the micro-regions, no tendency for improvement in quality was found, and of the hygiene indicator microorganisms, coagulase-positive staphylococci were responsible for the highest number of nonconformities, especially in the Serro regions. Thus, there is a need to implement projects and public policies to improve the microbiological quality of the AMC.

Ichthyofaunistic composition of Veadinho Brook, tributary of Lower Rio Grande River microbasin, Minas Gerais State, Brazil

Anthropic actions can have negative effects on aquatic communities, such as changes in both the environment and in the composition of local communities. The aim of the current study is to investigate the ichthyofaunistic composition in a lower Rio Grande River tributary. Four regions distributed between two waterfalls were sampled. To do so, 50-minute samplings were carried out at each point, based on using 1.0 x 0.50-m sieves with 3-mm adjacent nodes. Subsequently, diversity indices (richness, abundance, dominance, Shannon-Winner, Simpson and Equitability parameters) were calculated in PAST® software for data analysis purposes. Shapiro-Wilker test was used to analyze data normality, whereas ANOVA test was adopted to analyze significant differences. In total, 1.926 individuals distributed among four orders, four families and six species were sampled. Cyprinodontiformes (49.01%) was the most abundant fish order; it was followed by Characiformes (48.75%), Cichliformes (1.30%) and Siluriformes (0.93%). Interpretive analyses did not indicate significant differences in this parameter, likely due to environmental homogeneity in the sampled regions. Thus, the herein investigated ichthyoaunistic composition may be linked to fish’s adaptive plasticity.

Higher atherogenic risk in schoolchildren is associated with MTMR9 rs2293855 gene polymorphism and genetic score.

Childhood dyslipidaemia is associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases in adulthood, so evaluating whether an individual has a genetic predisposition to this pathology is of great importance for early action of prevention and treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the FTO (rs9939609), MC4R (rs17782313) and MTMR9 (rs2293855) polymorphisms, the obesity-related genetic risk score and atherogenic risk in Brazilian children. This is a cross-sectional study conducted in 544 children aged 4-9 years in the city of Viçosa, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The single nucleotide polymorphisms rs9939609, rs17782313 and rs2293855, were identified by the system TaqMan SNP genotyping and the obesity-related genetic risk score was determined. The lipid profile (serum total cholesterol [TC], high density lipoprotein [HDL] cholesterol, low density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol, triglycerides) was analysed and the atherogenic indices (Castelli I and II indices), atherogenic coefficient (AC), lipoprotein combined index (LCI) and plasma atherogenic index (PAI) were calculated. A semi-structured questionnaire was applied, obtaining data on the sociodemographic, economic and lifestyle characteristics of the children. Weight and height measurements were performed in all children, and body composition was evaluated by Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). 55.5% of the sample had dyslipidaemia, while 28.5% of the sample had at least one polymorphism and 2.2% had three polymorphisms. Children with the AG/AA genotypes in the rs2293855 polymorphism had lower HDL cholesterol levels and higher TC/HDL cholesterol, LDL/HDL cholesterol ratios and AC. Those with one or more polymorphisms (rs9939609, rs17782313 and rs2293855) in the genetic risk score had lower HDL cholesterol levels and higher TC/HDL cholesterol ratios, AC, LCI and PAI. In conclusion, the risk allele of the rs2293855 polymorphism and a higher obesity-related genetic risk score were positively associated with higher atherogenic risk in Brazilian children.

Two new Cladosporium species from a quartzite cave in Brazil.

Caves are underground and natural environments mainly found in rocky terrain. Caves have a very specific microclimate, which benefits the occurrence of specific fungi. In recent studies, researchers have observed that caves harbour a great diversity of fungi. However, studies on fungal diversity in Brazilian caves are still incipient. In September 2019, airborne spore and soil samples were collected from the Monte Cristo cave, in the Southern Espinhaço Range, Diamantina, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Two Cladosporium single-spore isolates, among other genera, were obtained from these samples. This study aimed to characterise these two fungal isolates based on their DNA sequence data and morphology. Phylogenetic analyses of the rDNA-ITS, ACT and TEF1-α loci revealed that the isolates belonged to the Cladosporium cladosporioides species complex. Both isolates did not cluster with any known species and were formally described and named herein as C. diamantinense and C. speluncae. This study presents taxonomic novelties and contributes to the knowledge about the fungal diversity in Brazilian caves.

Characterization and classification of lakes based on geospatial analyses in the karst hydrogeological system of the Bambuí group, Lagoa Santa, Minas Gerais, Brazil

The karst of Lagoa Santa is a protected area located near the city of Belo Horizonte, in Minas Gerais state (Brazil), namely Lagoa Santa Karst Environmental Protection Area (EPA), one of the main research areas related to archeology, paleontology, speleology and hydrogeology in the Brazilian territory. The region is comprised by several lakes, because of its complex water system due to karst evolution. In addition, the karstic nature of the rocks in the region allows the existence of several other typical dissolution morphologies, such as: caves, speleothems, sinkholes, uvalas, among others. The morpho-structural characteristics, combined with the local geology, can provide important information about the behavior of lakes in view of the cycles of expansion and retraction of the water surface. Thus, this work aims to understand the water dynamics of the lakes present in the Karst of Lagoa Santa through analysis of spatial data between the years 1984 and 2020. Based on the surveys, 153 lakes were identified in the study region in the last 35 years: 40 perennial lakes, 89 intermittent lakes, 19 new lakes and 5 lakes that dried up completely. Also, this study compares the relationship of each lake with the type of relief depressions (Sinkhole or Uvala), rock masses and the main negative structural lineaments. The data obtained allowed the identification of which characteristics are diagnostic for perenniality or intermittence of existing lakes in the region, as well as the grouping of existing lakes into subgroups with similar geological and morpho-structural characteristics. The most important characteristics to define the water dynamics on lakes are the evolutionary state in karst depressions and the presence of structural lineaments, in which in more evolved depressions (uvalas) the lakes tend to be intermittent and in less evolved depressions (sinkholes) the lakes tend to be perennial. Finally, the water bodies associated with structural lineaments may be the condition for the permanence of water in some depressions, mainly in lakes over non-carbonate formations existing in the region.

Thermal requirements and estimation of the number of generations of Leucoptera coffeella (Guérin-Méneville, 1842) (Lepidoptera: Lyonetiidae) in Minas Gerais state, Brazil

Unfavorable climate conditions with asynchronous rainy periods and relatively high temperatures during 2019 led to increasing outbreaks of Leucoptera coffeella in some coffee-producing regions of Minas Gerais. L. coffeella is one of the most significant insect pests of coffee crops worldwide. The present study used the thermal requirements of L. coffeella to determine the climatic zones that favor its development in Minas Gerais. Biological experiments on L. coffeella were conducted in the laboratory and in the field. In the laboratory, L. coffeella was studied in incubators at 18, 22, 25, 28, 30, 32 and 35 ± 1 °C, 65 ± 10% RH, a photoperiod of 14:10 h [L:D] and with leaves from C. arabica, var. Obata. In the field, 125 eggs were collected from 18 of the 24 total leaves on each branch, for a total of 500 eggs. The results indicated a temperature threshold (Ttemp) of 13.6 °C and a thermal constant (K) of 228.5°-days. This laboratory estimate of thermal requirements and the Geographic Information System (GIS) were combined to generate insect life-span distribution maps for Minas Gerais. In this state, the coffee leaf miner can produce approximately 8–16 generations annually, and thermal conditions are suitable year-round for L. coffeella attack; however, population dynamics are modulated by rainfall. The biological data for L. coffeella obtained in the laboratory were similar to those found in the field. This information could be used in integrated pest-management programs to forecast L. coffeella outbreaks and population growth based on favorable thermal conditions and monthly rainfall distribution, which in turn could be used to define zones for this pest under different climatic conditions.

Soil Chemical Attributes under Agrosilvopastoral Systems and Pasture

Agrosilvopastoral systems involve the consortium of trees, agricultural crops, and pasture, in the same area, concomitant or sequential, based on agroecological bases and on the cycling of organic matter and nutrients. This research compares soil fertility under pasture and agrosilvopastoral system. The area of 5 ha, is located on the Campus of the Federal University of Viçosa in Florestal city, central region of Minas Gerais state, formed by Urochloa decumbens for about 30 years, in an argisolic dystrophic Red Yellow Latosol. Two agrosilvopastoral systems - in single lines 2 x 10 m and double lines 2 x 2 + 10 m - were compared with pasture without trees. The soil preparation was conventional, with ploughing and leveling grids, in December 2009. Seedlings of the hybrid Eucalyptpus urophylla and E. grandis, clone GG100, were planted in level and subsoiler lines, which received 500 kg ha-1 of reactive phosphate at a depth of 0.5 m. At planting, each seedling received 120 g of N:P:K 10:28:06 + 0.3% B + 0.5% Zn; and 120 g of N:P:K 20:00:20, at 60 days. The corn was sown in the alleys, receiving 360 kg ha-1 of N:P:K 08:28:16 + 0.5% Zn, at planting, and 240 kg of urea ha-1, at 30 days. After the corn harvest, the pasture was formed naturally from the seed bank. At 135 months post-planting, five composite soil samples were collected in each studied area, obtained from ten simple samples of the 0-5 cm layer. The following attributes were analyzed: pH, P, K, Ca, Mg, Al, H + Al, OM, and Prem. The results were submitted to analysis of variance and F test (p,0.05), and the means of the significant treatments were compared by the Scott Knott test (p<0.05). Both APS provided an increase in the levels of OM, P, Ca, SB, t, and H + Al in the soil, keeping unchanged the other attributes analyzed in relation to conventional pasture. No significant differences in fertility were detected between the two agrosilvopastoral systems studied.

Digital mapping of soil classes in Southeast Brazil: environmental covariate selection, accuracy, and uncertainty

DSM has been used to meet the demand for soil information over large areas in more detailed resolution consuming less time. Soil-forming factors proxies (environmental covariates) are crucial to increase accuracy and provide new insights about the soil-landscape. DSM of the southern region of Minas Gerais state (52,982 km2) was generated. Soil profiles that comprise the legacy of decades of pedological surveys were gathered and associated with new (paleoclimatic, organic carbon, and airborne gamma-ray spectrometry) or less explored (digital terrain and climatic variables) environmental covariates under tropical conditions. An iterative routine of soil modeling, accuracy, uncertainty (entropy and MESS) assessment, and discussions concerning soil legacy was performed to equate pattern recognition with knowledge discovery from the random forest algorithm. The soil map was generated with 89% accuracy. The probability maps of the occurrence of the soil classes allowed soil-landscape insights. Less than 0.5% of the areas showed negative MESS, indicating an adequate representation of the soil samples concerning the environmental covariates. The most important environmental covariates were geophysical airborne gamma-ray spectrometry (K and eTh), distance from drainage channels, and paleoclimate (precipitation estimated from 22,000 years ago) consistent with the polygenetic soils.

Geology and mineralization of Nb, P, Fe and light rare earth elements of the Araxá alkaline-carbonatite complex, Minas Gerais state, Brazil

New 40Sr/39Ar dating revealed that the magnetite phlogopitite at the center of the Araxá complex reached the surface at 98 Ma, and generated volcanoes with mineralized volcanic tuffs and crater lakes. At the bottom of the crater lakes, micro-graywacke deposited. Based on the mineral composition, hydrothermal structures, and δ18O and δD values, a hydrothermal episode occurred between ∼98 and 86 Ma Ma. The δ18O of phlogopites of phlogopities vary between 4.8‰ and 5.7‰, and those of magnetitites are 4.3‰ and 6.8‰. The δ18O of the water in equilibrium with phlogopites of the phlogopitites vary between 2.3‰ and 3.2‰, and those with magnetitite are 4.3‰ and 1.8‰. The δD of phlogopites of phlogopitites vary between −86.5‰ and −95.2‰, and those of magnetitite are −84.9‰, and −85.8‰. The δD of the water in equilibrium with phlogopites of the phlogopitites vary between −26.8‰ and −35.5‰, and with magnetitite are −25.6‰, and −26.26‰. During the hydrothermal event, magnetite phlogopitites were hydrothermally altered into phlogopite magnetitite, magnetite apatitite (epifoskorites), and mineralized with pyrochlore. At 84 Ma, the phlogopitic core was permeated by veins and micro-veins of Sr-rich norsethite carbonatites. At 83.5 Ma, calcitic carbonatites and micro-phlogopitites originating from the same mantle source as the magnetite phlogopitite intruded, which resulted in the formation of a carbonatite ring around the core and the assimilation of part of the phlogopitic core. This magmatism generated a new hydrothermal event of limited coverage that mineralized phlogopitites and carbonatites with monazite and massive pyrite ± chalcopyrite. The magmatism ended at 77 Ma, when phosphorous-saturated calcitic carbonatite surrounded the core. The saturation of phosphorous favored the crystallization of apatite, which generated phosphate deposits.

A “hairy situation” in Minas Gerais, Brazil: a striking new species of Krenakanthus (Bromeliaceae: Bromelioideae) covered with uniseriate trichomes

A new species of Krenakanthus, a member of the bromelioid “Cryptanthoid complex”, is described based on plants discovered through collaborative citizen science. Krenakanthus ribeiranus and its only congener K. roseolilacinus are endemic to the “João Pinto Center of Biodiversity”, a still poorly explored region with Campos Rupestres and associated vegetation in the Rio Doce Valley, in eastern Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The unusual combination of morphological characters of K. ribeiranus, highlighted by plant delicacy and almost all leaf and flower parts covered by uniseriate, hair-like trichomes, is illustrated and discussed in comparison with K. roseolilacinus, including leaf and seed anatomy, as well as pollen morphology. This micro-endemic species is assessed as Critically Endangered, reinforcing the need for strategy to protect the biodiversity of the region. The morphology of the new species validates and strengthens the diagnostic flower characters used in the circumscription of Krenakanthus, suggesting as secondary diagnostic characters the habit, stature, and leaf conformation.

Critical stage and key natural mortality factors of Hypothenemus hampei in commercial coffee plantations

AbstractThe coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), is one of the most important coffee pests, and is present in almost all countries producing this crop, causing annual losses of US$350 million. Natural factors regulate H. hampei populations in coffee crops. Ecological life table analysis is a robust tool that allows the estimation of the mortality caused by these factors. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to determine the critical stage and the key mortality factors affecting H. hampei in the field. Data for constructing life tables were collected over 2 years in six coffee plantations in the regions of Paula Cândido and Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The average mortality of H. hampei was 75.34% ± 5.85%. The mortality at each developmental stage was 24.32% ± 2.83% (eggs), 7.29% ± 1.01% (first instar), 11.58% ± 1.46% (second instar), 9.68% ± 1.10% (third instar), 7.45% ± 1.01% (pupa), and 15.02% ± 1.29% (adult; n = 124). The mortality factors observed and quantified in this study were parasitism by Prorops nasuta (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae), predation by ants (Crematogaster spp., Pheidole spp. and Solenopsis spp.), physiological disorders and fungal infection by Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae. The critical mortality stage of H. hampei was the adult stage. The key factors for mortality of H. hampei adults were predatory ants, followed by B. bassiana and malformations (these insects had deformities in the head, wings, legs, or abdomen). This information is essential to conserve the activities of natural enemies and, thus maintain H. hampei natural mortality factors in coffee plantations, reducing damage to the crops and the need for excessive insecticide interventions.

Comparison between enzymatic and molecular diagnostic techniques for identification of Meloidogyne spp. on coffee in Brazil and restricted occurrence of M. izalcoensis

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs), Meloidogyne spp. are considered important pathogens of the coffee crop, limiting production and causing economic losses. Meloidogyne izalcoensis was recently detected in the Triângulo Mineiro region, Minas Gerais (MG) state of Brazil, parasitizing coffee plants. To investigate the distribution of this particular nematode species in this region, two small prospective surveys targeting Meloidogyne spp. on coffee plantations were carried out, employing two different techniques (esterase phenotypes (Est) and SCAR markers) in the municipalities of Araguari and Indianópolis where M. izalcoensis had been previously detected. Unfortunately, the high level of female degeneration in the second survey prevented us from identifying the species using esterase phenotypes. In both surveys, we employed the SCAR-coffee Kit, which proved to be highly effective in accurately identifying all the species of Meloidogyne found in coffee plants especially M. exigua. By using eggs and second stage juveniles (J2s) extracted from coffee roots, we obtained reliable markers for the identification of M. exigua (41.67%), M. incognita (33.33%), M. paranaensis (20.83%) and M. izalcoensis (4.17%), which can be used as unique tools in multiplex in the characterization of Meloidogyne spp. from coffee. Mixed population species were also observed in 20.83% of the samples. The use of SCAR markers proved to be the most effective tool for accurately identifying M. exigua and mixed species. These surveys confirmed that M. izalcoensis has a restricted occurrence in the region where it was initially detected.

Production Systems and Environmental and Socioeconomic Sustainability: Comparison Between Dairy Farms in Minas Gerais

Objective: Analyse the differences in sustainability performance between pasture and confined dairy farms located south of Minas Gerais state. Theoretical framework: It is observed in the literature that the effects of the intensification of dairy production on the three pillars of sustainability are not completely clear, depending on specific locations of production systems and requiring further studies. Method: The performance of six properties in the pasture system and six properties in the confined system was analysed using the Sustainability Indicator in Agro ecosystems (ISA), which uses a set of 21 other indicators grouped into seven sub-indexes involving socioeconomic and environmental dimensions. Results and conclusion: Environmental balance was the dimension with the lowest average final index of the 12 properties; this is explained probably by producers' increased attention to economic and social issues, especially concerning labour inspection. Environmental issues, even with the high interest of society in recent years, do not receive attention with the same intensity as others. Comparing the indicators of the two production systems, productivity was the only one that presented a statistically significant difference, using the Mann-Whitney U test. Research implications: With the survey for calculating the indicators, it was possible to understand the relationship between productivity and socioeconomic and environmental sustainability, in addition to presenting solutions to improve the adequacy of the properties, with actions that will mitigate the vulnerabilities of the properties studied. Originality/value: A better understanding of the effects of increased productivity on the socioeconomic and environmental sustainability of dairy farms.

Characterization and Geological Meaning of the Crystalline Basement Occurrence in the Unaí Region, Minas Gerais State (Central Brasilia Belt)

Granitoid rocks petrographically and compositionally characterized as tonalite, monzonite granodiorite and granite were observed in restricted areas in the central portion of the external zone of the Brasilia Belt. These outcrops of peraluminous rocks were interpreted as the sialic basement of the region, associated with paleogeographic highs prior to the deposition of the Proterozoic sedimentary cover. U-Pb zircon age of 2.14 Ga and geochemical analysis are compatible with other Paleoproterozoic bedrock areas observed mainly in the north Brasilia Belt. The existence of a basement bulkhead conditioned the Neoproterozoic deformation, causing the inflection of regional structures from NNW to N60-70W and over again to the NNW regional trend. The absence of contact metamorphism along the adjacent supracrustal rocks, regional foliation attitude that is different from that observed in the granitoids (tonalite, granotiorite, monzonite and granite) and the older age, show that these rocks represent basement windows and not younger intrusive bodies, as previously interpreted. The rocks studied in this research are correlated to the Aurumina Suite, which represents the main basement rock set in the North Brasília Belt.

Machine Learning and Conventional Methods for Reference Evapotranspiration Estimation Using Limited-Climatic-Data Scenarios

Reference evapotranspiration (ET0) is one important agrometeorological parameter for hydrological studies and climate risk zoning. ET0 calculation by the FAO Penman–Monteith method requires several input data. However, the availability of climate data has been a problem in many places around the world, so the study of scenarios with different combinations of climate data has become essential. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of artificial neural network (ANN), random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and multiple linear regression (MLR) approaches to estimate monthly mean ET0 with different input data combinations and scenarios. Three scenarios were evaluated: at the state level, where all climatological stations were used (Scenario I–SI), and at the regional level, where the Minas Gerais state was divided according to the climatic classifications of Thornthwaite (Scenario II–SII) and Köppen (Scenario III–SIII). ANN and RF performed better in ET0 estimation among the models evaluated in the SI, SII, and SIII scenarios with the following data combinations: (i) latitude, longitude, altitude, month, mean, maximum and minimum temperature, and relative humidity and (ii) latitude, longitude, altitude, month, mean temperature, and relative humidity. SVM and MLR models are recommended for all scenarios in situations with limited climatic data where only air temperature and relative humidity data are available. The results and information presented in this study are important for the agricultural chain and water resources in Minas Gerais state.

Estimating Soil Organic Matter (SOM) Using Proximal Remote Sensing: Performance Evaluation of Prediction Models Adjusted at Local Scale in the Brazilian Cerrado

The quantification of soil organic matter (SOM) has increased over the years, especially in the Brazilian Cerrado region, one of the most important areas for grain production in the country. In this area, SOM content tends to be low, which directly impacts the physical, chemical and biological quality of soils. Thus, the use of spectroradiometry has been widely evaluated to investigate whether it can be used as a faster, more reliable and cheaper solution to meet the SOM estimation. In this context, the objective of the present paper was to evaluate the performance of a local spectral model for SOM prediction generated through the spiking strategy. The research was developed in the municipality of Passos, Minas Gerais State, located in the Brazilian Cerrado. Soil samples (0–0.2 m and 0.2–0.4 m depths) were collected in a zigzag pattern and split in calibration of the local models from a test area (90 soil samples) and recalibration and validation from a target area (46 soil samples). After this stage, the SOM contents were determined in a laboratory, and the spectral responses (350–2500 nm) of each soil sample were collected. From the target area, 10, 25 and 50% of soil spectra were selected for recalibration of the local models generated for the test area. Although median results were observed in the post-recalibration, due to the type of sample selected and the relative similarity among the spectral curves of both areas, improvement was observed for all statistical indices, especially when using 50% (23) of samples for recalibration of the local models, reaching r2 = 0.43, RMSEP = 2.34 gdm−3 and RPIQ = 4.58. These results are important for the SOM estimation in the Brazilian Cerrado considering its importance to the food security and socioeconomic activities. However, considering the lack of similar research in the study area, it is necessary to further investigate the development of spectral models on a local scale and their contribution to improve the identification of SOM spatial variability.

Valproic Acid Syndrome: A Mini Review

Aims: To provide a systematic review on the occurrence of valproic acid syndrome, to, among others, elucidate the characteristics of this syndrome.
 Study Design: A systematic review was performed.
 Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of Biomathematics of the Federal UINiversity of Alfenas, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, between June 2022 and July 2023.
 Methodology: A systematic search of articles was performed using the CAPES Periodic plataform a searcher from the Education Ministry of Brazil that contains Web of Science, Scopus, MedLine and other bases, from 1984 to 2023. For this review, the subject’s “syndrome of valproic acid”, “valproic acid syndrome and toxicity”, “valproic acid syndrome and malformations” were searched together using the type of material “articles” in English language. Some articles about “pregnancy’s cares” were used for epistemological composition of this work content subjects as, for instance, “general toxicity” and “others (development; health care; …)”.
 Results: From the 1061 articles after the exclusion and the inclusion criteria made with the subjects most pertinent to the objectives of this work, added with the subjects “pregnancy cares” and “others”; 1005 articles were excluded, remaining 56 ones. Four of total from 56 texts were 4 about “general toxicity”; 19 about “others”; 4 about “Pregnancy cares” and 29 about “valproic acid”.
 Conclusion: The analysis of the articles studied in this work indicates that valproic acid is a teratogen that leads to a syndrome that receives its name in fetuses whose mothers use it as an anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer primarily used for treating conditions like epilepsy and bipolar disorder, causing several physical defects in general and behavioral defects due to the impairment of the neural system. In this sense, it is essential that the team caring for pregnant women know the history of the pregnant woman and check all the medications she is using and replace those with a teratogenic potential, especially if the patient has a diagnosis of mental illness such as depression.

Prevalence of cysticercosis in cattle slaughterhouses in the western region of Minas Gerais, Brazil (2013-2020): Influence of sanitary regulations in reducing risks to human health.

Bovine cysticercosis is a foodborne zoonosis that has a worldwide distribution, and its highest prevalence is found in developing countries with a large volume of cattle production, such as Brazil. The objective was to evaluate the prevalence of cysticercosis during seven years in three slaughterhouses located in the western region of Minas Gerais state, Brazil, and the impacts of the legislation on the identification and destination of infected carcasses. Three slaughterhouses (Sl) were selected for this study with averages of 200 (SlA), 721 (SlB) and 1138 (SlC) bovines slaughtered per day. The monthly number of slaughtered cattle, infected carcasses with cysticercosis and destination were used to calculate the condemnation occurrence index (COI) and the adjusted seasonal index (ASI). To assess the impact of the legislation, the prevalence rate and destination of infected carcasses were subdivided into the PRE (January 2013 to March 2017) and POST (April 2017 to December 2020) period of Decree 9013 of 2017 and the results were compared by chi-square (P<0.05). SlA recorded the highest cysticercosis rate with 1.54 % and SlC the lowest rate with 0.33 %. In addition, it was observed that in the POST period there was an increase in the identification of infected carcasses in SlA and B (P<0.05). The POST period also resulted in a change in the relative frequency of infected carcasses destination in the three slaughterhouses (P<0.05). The ASI identified an increase in infected carcasses in February and a decrease in November for SlB, proving to be an important tool for planning the inspection team trainings. These results show that the disease is still present in the studied region and highlight the benefits of using the One Health concept in the evaluation of a time series prevalence of bovine cysticercosis by: identifying seasonality of the disease, trends during the time period and impacts brought by updates in the national sanitary legislation.

Bringing to light a new energy path: the case of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil

In Brazil, more than 55% of the energy comes from hydroelectricity, making the system highly vulnerable in the context of global climate change, with precipitation and temperature shifts over the years. Characterised by its multiple opportunities in sources and conversion technologies for energy, biomass has a high potential to become responsible for a relevant share of the renewable energy supply. Previous studies on biomass energy production in Brazil confirm promising results. This paper highlights possibilities for biomass power generation in Minas Gerais State. To estimate energy productivity, a Sustainable Technical Coefficient was adopted: a conservative index that considers the portion of residues that could be used to maintain the integrity of the soil. This index was applied with the data on silviculture and selected crop yields. The local energy demand was also calculated and compared to the potential energy production. Results show that 78% of the municipalities could have their basic energy needs and 18% of the demand for productive uses met by crop residues and silviculture production. For the state of Minas Gerais, with its tradition of agriculture, biomass residual energy is viable and should be considered by policymakers.

STARTER NITROGEN FERTILIZATION IN DIFFERENT SOYBEAN CULTIVARS

Although several studies have demonstrated that biological nitrogen fixation can provide the nitrogen required by soybean, doubts regarding the need for nutrient application at sowing, specifically "starter N," in early soybean cultivars persist, particularly in high-yielding crop fields. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of starter nitrogen fertilization on soybean cultivars with different maturity cycles. The experiment was conducted at Fazenda Recanto, in Carmo do Rio Claro, Minas Gerais state, during two crop seasons (2016/2017 and 2017/2018), using a randomized complete block design with split-plot arrangement and four replications. In the 2016/17 cropping season, the plots were comprised of three soybean cultivars (M6410 IPRO, NS7300 IPRO, and TEC7849 IPRO). In the 2017/18 cropping season, the plots consisted of four cultivars (M5917 IPRO, M6410 IPRO, AS3680 IPRO, and NS7670 RR). The subplots were assigned four nitrogen doses at sowing (0, 10, 20, 40 kg ha-1). Grain yield, number of nodules per plant, mass of dry nodules per plant, number of grains and pods per plant, plant height and insertion of the first legume were evaluated. Experimental data were subjected to analysis of variance, and means were compared using the Scott-Knott test at 5% probability. The nitrogen rates at sowing did not influence soybean yields and agronomic characters of cultivars evaluated in the cropping 2016/17 and 2017/18. Increasing doses of nitrogen inhibited soybean nodulation.