Minas Gerais State Research Articles

Ecological Requirements for Abundance and Dispersion of Brazilian Yellow Fever Vectors in Tropical Areas.

In the Americas, wild yellow fever (WYF) is an infectious disease that is highly lethal for some non-human primate species and non-vaccinated people. Specifically, in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, Haemagogus leucocelaenus and Haemagogus janthinomys mosquitoes act as the major vectors. Despite transmission risk being related to vector densities, little is known about how landscape structure affects vector abundance and movement. To fill these gaps, we used vector abundance data and a model-selection approach to assess how landscape structure affects vector abundance, aiming to identify connecting elements for virus dispersion in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Our findings show that Hg. leucocelaenus and Hg. janthinomys abundances, in highly degraded and fragmented landscapes, are mainly affected by increases in forest cover at scales of 2.0 and 2.5 km, respectively. Fragmented landscapes provide ecological corridors for vector dispersion, which, along with high vector abundance, promotes the creation of risk areas for WYF virus spread, especially along the border with Minas Gerais state, the upper edges of the Serra do Mar, in the Serra da Cantareira, and in areas of the metropolitan regions of São Paulo and Campinas.

First molecular detection of Borrelia sp. in tapirs (Tapirus terrestris).

Borrelia theileri is a tick-borne spirochete causative agent of fever, apathy and reduced food consumption in cattle. Molecular diagnosis has expanded the understanding of Borrelia theileri with new hosts and geographical locations being described. The present study aimed to describe the first molecular detection of B. theileri in wild tapirs (Tapirus terrestris) from South America. Blood DNA samples obtained from 99 tapirs sampled in Pantanal (n = 61) and Cerrado (n = 38) biomes were screened using a qPCR assay based on the 16S rRNA gene of Borrelia sp. Positive samples in the qPCR assay were subjected to PCR assays to allow characterization of fragments from 16S rRNA and flaB genes. Two (2/99; 2.0%) animals from Pantanal biome were positive in the qPCR and one sample presented bands of expected size for the flaB protocol. Amplicons from this sample were successfully cloned and sequenced. In the phylogenetic analysis, Borrelia sp. from T. terrestris grouped together with B. theileri sequences previously detected in Rhipicephalus microplus ticks and cattle from Minas Gerais State in Brazil, Rhipicephalus geigyi from Mali, and R. microplus and Haemaphysalis sulcata from Pakistan. This finding contributes to our knowledge regarding susceptible hosts species for B. theileri. More studies are necessary to understand the potential effects of B. theileri on tapir's health.

Spatial analysis of fire sevetiry and its relationship with landscape configuration in savanna areas of Sempre Vivas National Park, Brazil

Fire is a natural disturbance in the Cerrado (Brazilian savanna) but its effects on the landscape are capable of altering its pattern of severity and frequency. Because of that, some areas of the Biome can be in dangerous in the National Park of Sempre Vivas, in Minas Gerais State. Within this context, we spatially analyzed fires in areas of Cerrado during the years 2003 and 2017 according to severity, frequency and the influence of the spatial configuration of the area. We used pre- and post-fire Landsat satellite images to calculate the dNBR index to analyze fire severity per year and used fire metrics to analyze the relationship between fire severity and the spatial configuration of the landscape. Fire-scar severity was considered low, probably due to the density and structure of the typical Cerrado vegetation and the change in annual precipitation. Thus, fires in the Cerrado can be intense and spread quickly if no proper control is implemented.

Distribution of root-knot nematode on coffee production in the Cerrado region of Minas Gerais state in Brazil

Distribution of root-knot nematode on coffee production in the Cerrado region of Minas Gerais state in Brazil

Landscaping characterization of the campus at the UEMG Ituiutaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil

The purpose of this work was to characterize the landscape of the campus at the University of the Minas Gerais State (in portuguese, Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais - UEMG), located at Ituiutaba. As for such, the local plants were identified ranging from herbaceous to shrub type, due to them being the most commonly employed to perform alterations for landscape purposes. Subsequently, some areas of the campus were photographed to create a landscape characterization of the scenery in regard to its landscape's composition and vegetation. 102 species of herbaceous, subshrub, and shrub plants were found belonging to 39 families; 38.23% being native and the other 61.77% being non-native (cultivated, naturalized, and exotic). In regard to the landscape’s composition in loco, the principles of message, equilibrium, scale, dominance, harmony, and climax were contemplated. Furthermore, in regard to the guiding principles for the selection of vegetable species, it was observed that aesthetic, functional and temporal attributes were incorporated in all the analyzed areas. In conclusion, the landscape’s composition of the campus at the UEMG Ituiutaba fulfills its aesthetic, functional and ecological roles, however it’s worth highlighting that the adequate handling can be the defining factor in assuring the continuity of these functions.

Multi-locus sequence typing, antimicrobials resistance and virulence profiles of Salmonella enterica isolated from bovine carcasses in Minas Gerais state, Brazil.

The aim of this study was to identify virulence and antimicrobial resistance profiles and determine the sequence type (ST) by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of Salmonella enterica isolates from bovine carcasses from slaughterhouse located in Minas Gerais state, Brazil, and its relationship with bovine isolates obtained on the American continent based on sequence type profile. The MLST results were compared with all Salmonella STs associated with cattle on American continent, and a multi-locus sequence tree (MS tree) was built. Among the 17 S. enterica isolates, five ST profiles identified, and ST10 were the most frequent, grouping seven (41.2%) isolates. The isolates presented 11 different profiles of virulence genes, and six different antibiotics resistance profiles. The survey on Enterobase platform showed 333 Salmonella STs from American continent, grouped into four different clusters. Most of the isolates in the present study (13/17), were concentrated in a single cluster (L4) composed by 74 STs. As a conclusion, five different STs were identified, with ST10 being the most common. The isolates showed great diversity of virulence genes and antibiotics resistance profiles. Most of the isolates of this study were grouped into a single cluster composed by 74 STs formed by bovine isolates obtained on the American continent.

Groundwater storage trend in headwater basins: shreds of evidence from the last decades in Minas Gerais state, Brazil

Groundwater storage trend in headwater basins: shreds of evidence from the last decades in Minas Gerais state, Brazil

Analysis of a hailstorm in the south of Minas Gerais state on October 13, 2020

Analysis of a hailstorm in the south of Minas Gerais state on October 13, 2020

The mosaic of Covid-19: unraveling patterns - from the streets of Minas Gerais state to the global stage

COVID-19 is a multifaceted disease whose local impacts align with the global context. In our study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the impact of COVID-19 in Lavras, a medium-sized municipality, a regional reference in health, located in the south of Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The data analyzed covered the period from 2020 to 2023, highlighting factors associated with transmission patterns and lethality in comparative terms with the global scenario. Data collection was carried out from official municipal publications, with an emphasis on information regarding the number of confirmed cases, deaths, and lethality rates. Genomic surveillance was conducted based on positive cases during the analysis period, and the results were published on GISAID. In 2020, there was an exponential increase in SARS-CoV-2 cases and associated deaths, with a lethality rate of 3.88%. The year 2021 witnessed a significant escalation, with a total of 8,762 cases and 135 deaths, presenting a lethality rate of 1.55%. The rapid spread of the disease led to high hospital occupancy for almost 90 days. In December 2021, the Omicron variant was identified, preceding a substantial increase in cases in early 2022, triggering a third wave resulting in 21,385 cases and 43 deaths. The lethality rate by the end of 2022 was 0.21%. The results highlight the capacity to confront COVID-19 and the virus's resilience, with a progressive reduction in lethality contrasting with the rise in SARS-CoV-2 infection incidence. This study provides a comprehensive view of COVID-19 patterns in Lavras over three years, emphasizing the importance of epidemiological surveillance and effective public health strategies to reduce the impact on the number of deaths from the disease, providing opportunities to address the disease.

Effects of geographical origin and post-harvesting processing on the bioactive compounds and sensory quality of Brazilian specialty coffee beans

Specialty coffee beans are those produced, processed, and characterized following the highest quality standards, toward delivering a superior final product. Environmental, climatic, genetic, and processing factors greatly influence the green beans’ chemical profile, which reflects on the quality and pricing. The present study focuses on the assessment of eight major health-beneficial bioactive compounds in green coffee beans aiming to underscore the influence of the geographical origin and post-harvesting processing on the quality of the final beverage. For that, we examined the non-volatile chemical profile of specialty Coffea arabica beans from Minas Gerais state, Brazil. It included samples from Cerrado (Savannah), and Matas de Minas and Sul de Minas (Atlantic Forest) regions, produced by two post-harvesting processing practices. Trigonelline, theobromine, theophylline, chlorogenic acid derivatives, caffeine, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and p-coumaric acid were quantified in the green beans by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection. Additionally, all samples were roasted and subjected to sensory analysis for coffee grading. Principal component analysis suggested that Cerrado samples tended to set apart from the other geographical locations. Those samples also exhibited higher levels of trigonelline as confirmed by two-way ANOVA analysis. Samples subjected to de-pulping processing showed improved chemical composition and sensory score. Those pulped coffees displayed 5.8% more chlorogenic acid derivatives, with an enhancement of 1.5% in the sensory score compared to unprocessed counterparts. Multivariate logistic regression analysis pointed out altitude, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, sweetness, and acidity as predictors distinguishing specialty coffee beans obtained by the two post-harvest processing. These findings demonstrate the influence of regional growth conditions and post-harvest treatments on the chemical and sensory quality of coffee. In summary, the present study underscores the value of integrating target metabolite analysis with statistical tools to augment the characterization of specialty coffee beans, offering novel insights for quality assessment with a focus on their bioactive compounds.

Metagenomic Analysis for Diagnosis of Hemorrhagic Fever in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Viral hemorrhagic fever poses a significant public health challenge due to its severe clinical presentation and high mortality rate. The diagnostic process is hindered by similarity of symptoms across different diseases and the broad spectrum of pathogens that can cause hemorrhagic fever. In this study, we applied viral metagenomic analysis to 43 serum samples collected by the Public Health Laboratory (Fundação Ezequiel Dias, FUNED) in Minas Gerais State, Brazil, from patients diagnosed with hemorrhagic fever who had tested negative for the standard local hemorrhagic disease testing panel. This panel includes tests for Dengue virus (DENV) IgM, Zika virus IgM, Chikungunya virus IgM, yellow fever IgM, Hantavirus IgM, Rickettsia rickettsii IgM/IgG, and Leptospira interrogans IgM, in addition to respective molecular tests for these infectious agents. The samples were grouped into 18 pools according to geographic origin and analyzed through next-generation sequencing on the NextSeq 2000 platform. Bioinformatic analysis revealed a prevalent occurrence of commensal viruses across all pools, but, notably, a significant number of reads corresponding to the DENV serotype 2 were identified in one specific pool. Further verification via real-time PCR confirmed the presence of DENV-2 RNA in an index case involving an oncology patient with hemorrhagic fever who had initially tested negative for anti-DENV IgM antibodies, thereby excluding this sample from initial molecular testing. The complete DENV-2 genome isolated from this patient was taxonomically classified within the cosmopolitan genotype that was recently introduced into Brazil. These findings highlight the critical role of considering the patient's clinical condition when deciding upon the most appropriate testing procedures. Additionally, this study showcases the potential of viral metagenomics in pinpointing the viral agents behind hemorrhagic diseases. Future research is needed to assess the practicality of incorporating metagenomics into standard viral diagnostic protocols.

The F-0 larva of Angelagrion nathaliae Lencioni, 2008 from Southern Minas Gerais state, Brazil (Odonata: Coenagrionidae)

In this study, we described the last instar larva of Angelagrion nathaliae Lencioni, 2008, the first one described for this genus, collected in Inconfidentes and Uberlândia municipalities, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. We compared the diagnostic characters of A. nathaliae with some species of Telebasis Selys, 1865. Despite some similarities with Telebasis larvae, the larva of A. nathaliae can be distinguished from the family by a combination of characters of the mouthparts and gills.

Unraveling the genetic diversity of Ceiba pubiflora (Malvaceae) in isolated limestone outcrops: Conservation strategies.

Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests (SDTFs) located on limestone outcrops are vulnerable to degradation caused by timber logging and limestone extraction for cement production. Some of these forests represent the last remnants of native vegetation cover, functioning as isolated islands. Ceiba pubiflora (Malvaceae) is a tree frequently found on limestone outcrops in the central region of Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity and identify suitable populations for the establishment of Management Units (MUs) for conservation. Inter-simple sequence repeat markers were employed to assess the genetic diversity in ten populations sampled from the Caatinga, Cerrado, and Atlantic Forest biomes. The species exhibited substantial genetic diversity (HT = 0.345; PLP = 97.89%). Populations SAH, JAN, and MON demonstrated elevated rates of polymorphic loci (> 84.2%) along with notable genetic diversity (He > 0.325). Additionally, these populations were the primary contributors to gene flow. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that most genetic variation occurs within populations (91.5%) than between them. In the Bayesian analysis, the ten populations were clustered into five groups, revealing the presence of at least three barriers to gene flow in the landscape: 1) the Central Plateau or Paranã River valley; 2) near the Espinhaço mountains or the São Francisco River valley; and 3) around the Mantiqueira mountain range, Chapada dos Veadeiros plateau, and disturbed areas. A positive and statistically significant correlation was observed between genetic (θB) and geographic distances (r = 0.425, p = 0.008). Based on these findings, we propose the establishment of Management Units in Minas Gerais state, encompassing the (1) southern region (MIN population), (2) central region (SAH population), and (3) north region (MON population), as well as in Goiás state, covering the (4) Central Plateau region. These units can significantly contribute to preserving the genetic diversity of these trees and protecting their habitat against ongoing threats.

Serra da Canastra National Park: Influence of forest fires on the RUSLE C factor and its impact on water erosion

The adverse impacts of soil degradation and nutrient loss resulting from water erosion are significant environmental concerns that have profound implications for both water quality and biodiversity. This study aims to evaluate the impact of forest fires on soil loss through water erosion in the Serra da Canastra National Park, in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), which considers rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, slope length and slope and vegetation cover, the C factor (vegetation cover) values were obtained from data from literature and methods based on the Normalized Differential Vegetation Index (NDVI). Validation was carried out using data on total sediment, water flow and daily runoff from the hydrosedimentological station and the InVEST software. The results highlight the significant impact of wildfires on soil loss through water erosion and indicate that areas recently affected by wildfires, especially on steep slopes and with more erodible soils, are subject to the highest rates of soil loss. Soil loss rates varied from 0.75 to 12.55 Mg ha-1 yr-1, in part due to the different ways of obtaining factor C. The research emphasizes the need to conserve vegetation cover to prevent soil erosion, particularly in regions impacted by forest fires. This study offers valuable insights that can contribute to enhancing the sustainable environmental management of the Serra da Canastra National Park.

Desafios e possibilidades da jurimetria na judicialização em saúde: uma investigação em Minas Gerais do período 2014 a 2020

Objective: to analyze the health, drug, and antineoplastic drug lawsuits in Minas Gerais, in 2014 to 2020, from the comparison of different databases. Methodology: database pairing techniques were used to link lawsuits from the Minas Gerais State Court of Justice with the processes received by the Minas Gerais Health State Department, the difficulties encountered in identifying and quantifying these processes were described, and the results found were compared with information from other sources. Results: in the Minas Gerais State Court of Justice databases, 564,763 health lawsuits were identified in the studied period. There was a significant increase in the number of processes until 2017 and a stabilization, at high levels, from 2017 onwards. In comparison with the results obtained by the Institute of Higher Education and Research and the Laboratory of Innovation, Intelligence and Sustainable Development Goals there was a great divergence in the number of processes found. Conclusion: taking the health judicialization against Minas Gerais state as an example, it was not possible to directly find all the processes received by Minas Gerais Health State Department in the various databases provided by the Minas Gerais State Court of Justice, requiring integration between the different databases and an additional search to identify all processes. Submission: 05/25/23| Review: 10/03/23| Approval: 10/04/23

A revision of Peckena Gnaspini, 1996 with description of the second species and Amplexella Gnaspini, 1996 (Coleoptera: Leiodidae: Cholevinae: Ptomaphagini), using scanning electron microscopy as a key tool to understand the evolution of aedeagal morphology

We revisit the diagnosis and evolution of aedeagal morphology in the tribe Ptomaphagini using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, here focusing on the genera Peckena Gnaspini, 1996 and Amplexella Gnaspini, 1996. In a revision of the genus Adelopsis Portevin, 1907 (previously with a non-monophyletic status), and based on a phylogenetic analysis, four new genera (with Neotropical distribution) were described in 1996. Among them, Peckena was based on a single species (from Peru) with a ventral opening as the plesiomorphic state of the aedeagus (whereas all other species in the subtribe Ptomaphagina have a dorsal opening); and Amplexella, based on two species (from Venezuela), with a typical aedeagus bearing an extremely long flagellum. SEM Images of the aedeagus of the species of the genus Peckena showed a dorsally visible notch cutting the left side of the aedeagus, as is the condition in the other neotropical ptomaphagines, but, still, the opening is indeed ventral. Based on that new information, we recognized and describe one new Brazilian species tentatively assigning it to the until now monotypic genus Peckena: Peckena verrucosa sp. n., from São Paulo and Minas Gerais states. There is a large geographical distance between the two species, placed on opposite sides of South America, with important phylogenetic and biogeographic implications. SEM images of the aedeagus of the species of the genus Amplexella showed that the opening of the aedeagus cuts the apical left side through a very narrow slit diagonally, and the dorsal opening is small and defined by a space between the apices of the left and right lobes, unnoticeable because it is obliterated by the thick flagellum coming out of it.

Limiting physical properties of Technosols formed by the Fundão dam failure, Minas Gerais, Brazil

ABSTRACT Physical properties of the Technosols formed by the tailings deposition may constitute a physical barrier that limits water movement and plant development due to the properties received from those sediments. This study aimed to evaluate the physical quality of the Technosols formed by the deposition of sediments displaced by the Fundão Dam failure, Mariana, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, based on the evaluation of physical properties and Load Bearing Capacity Models (LBCM). For that, three areas under different vegetation types were selected: eucalyptus (Euc), forest with human-assisted revegetation (RF), and forest with native vegetation (NF). Three sampling subareas were demarcated in each area: non-impacted areas (Ni), and Technosols formed in directly impacted areas (Di), and partially impacted areas (Pi). Undisturbed samples were collected in two layers and subjected to the uniaxial compression test after equilibration at five matric potentials. Soil compression curves and LBCM were determined. Soil bulk density (BD), total porosity (TP), organic matter (OM), granulometry, and particle density (PD) were also determined. Clay content was less significant, and the silt and very fine sand content was significantly higher in the Technosols, generating an increase in BD and reduction in TP. Technosols generally exhibited greater load-bearing capacity due to higher pre-consolidation pressure values attained by these soils due to the lower clay and OM contents. High resistance of these soils is one limitation for revegetation of the areas evaluated, being necessary management practices to improve physical properties of the Technosols.

Pedogenesis of pelitic rocks of the Serra da Saudade Formation - Bambuí Group

ABSTRACT Serra da Saudade Formation corresponds to the upper part of the stratigraphic column of the Bambuí Group. Few studies have addressed the soil properties and pedogenesis of the pelitic rocks rich in potassium minerals of this formation. This study analyzed siltstone-derived soils, some of which are glauconitic (green siltstone; “verdete”), to understand the role of the main pedogenetic factors and processes in the landscape of the Central-West region of the Minas Gerais State, covered by Cerrado vegetation. Nine soil profiles were described, and their morphological, physical, chemical and mineralogical properties were analyzed. Soils were classified as Neossolos Litólicos (P1, P3, P6, P8 and P9), Cambissolos Háplicos (P2 and P5), Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo (P4) and Argissolo Acinzentado (P7). The main active pedogenetic processes identified in the study area are melanization, goethization, argiluviation and elutriation. These are essentially controlled by the nature of the parent material and position of the soil in the relief. Soils are typically shallow, dystrophic, highly Al-saturated and contain essentially quartz and micas in the coarse fractions (sand and silt) and illite/glauconite and kaolinite in the clay fraction. In soil environments with siltstone and green siltstone under “dry forests”, the soil water pH was higher and high levels of exchangeable calcium and magnesium, a eutrophic character and high-activity clay were observed. Barium, chromium, lead and zinc contents were high in all studied soils. Green siltstone-derived soils have peculiar physical and chemical properties, divergent from those developed from other glauconitic rocks on the Earth surface. However, greenish tones in horizons are common in all these soils.

Diversity of Freshwater Mollusks from Lake Pampulha, Municipality of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil

The artificially created Lake Pampulha, within the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, lacks detailed information about its freshwater mollusks, representing a challenge for the assessment and conservation of this ecosystem. In this study, conducted during June and August 2021, we collected specimens on four different occasions and at five sampling points around the lake, using different sampling equipment, such as a shovel and a scoop. During these collections, we identified, enumerated and measured 1538 species of mollusks and additionally examined the presence of trematode larvae. We identified twelve species of fresh water bivalves and gastropods: Biomphalaria straminea, Biomphalaria kuhniana, Biomphalaria occidentalis, Drepanotrema cimex, Pomacea maculata, Stenophysa marmorata, Physa acuta, Gundlachia ticaga, Melanoides tuberculata, Pseudosuccinea columella, Omalonyx matheroni and Corbicula largillierti. Echinostome and strigeocercaria types of larval trematodes were detected in B. straminea. Notably, some species of mollusks have not previously been recorded at Lake Pampulha. The analyses revealed differences in the composition and abundance of species, highlighting the higher number of mollusk species in areas more impacted by human actions. This study expands our understanding of mollusk diversity at Lake Pampulha, and provides valuable data for longitudinal comparisons of water quality and considerations of the conservation of native species. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of choosing appropriate sampling equipment, depending on the research objectives. The presence of invasive species of medical and veterinary relevance as intermediate hosts of parasites reinforces the need for efficient environmental protection strategies to preserve this artificial, aquatic environment widely used by the local population and by tourists.

Articulation Between Collective Skills Development and Social Innovation: An Analysis in Non-Profit Civil Society Organizations in the Jequitinhonha nd Mucuri Valleys, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Objective: This study aims to analyze the relationship between the development of collective skills and social innovation in Non-Profit Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) located in the Middle and Lower Jequitinhonha and the Mucuri Valley, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Theoretical Benchmark: Theoretical approaches to CSOs, social innovation and collective skills were carried out. Method: To do so, the application of online survey and in-depth case studies in OSC of the said field was carried out. The data from the first stage were analyzed using descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis and multiple linear regression, and those from the qualitative stage were analyzed via content analysis. Results and Conclusion: The results indicated that some of the CSOs studied carry out actions considered as socially innovative and that the collective competences related to cooperation are those that have a significant influence on social innovation. In addition, it was observed that the CSOs studied, by engaging in socially innovative actions, created spaces and conditions conducive to the development of collective skills, enabling social interactions, which are fundamental for cooperation, knowledge sharing and social learning of those involved. Thus, there is a dialectical relationship between the collective skills constructs and social innovation, the development of some of them may reflect in a virtuous cycle in which the practice impacts on collective capacity development and this development in the improvement of new practices, or vice versa. Research Implications: The findings emphasize the need for university extension practices and interventions that facilitate cooperation practices, as well as the sharing of knowledge and commitment in the context of CSOs, which can contribute more effectively in the search for the development of socially innovative actions. Originality/value: This study presents an original and valuable approach when analyzing the relationships between collective skills development and social innovations in CSOs, revealing significant insights on good practices in this field.