Southeastern State Of Brazil Research Articles

ΔF508 mutation screening of healthy individuals from two populations in Espírito Santo State, Brazil.

The ΔF508 mutation is the most common cause of cystic fibrosis and its prevalence varies worldwide. For instance, up to 20-fold variations in its frequency have been recorded across different areas of Brazil. This study aimed to compare the distribution of ΔF508 among healthy individuals of admixed Portuguese descent from Espírito Santo (ES), a state in Southeastern Brazil, to that in a subpopulation of Pomeranian descent, considered to be an isolated group in which the European gene pool has been preserved, living in Santa Maria do Jetibá (also in ES). We found this mutation to be present at a frequency of 0.81% among the Pomeranian group, and 0% in the general ES population. No genetic differentiation was noted between the two populations examined (FST = 0.004), and these frequencies were found to be similar to those estimated in other states of Southeastern Brazil. Although the population of Santa Maria de Jetibá has retained Pomeranian traits, such as language, fair skin, and eye color, to date, there is no evidence of inbreeding in this group (FIS = -0.004). Screening healthy individuals for the ΔF508 mutation can facilitate genetic counseling for cystic fibrosis, as well as inform evolutionary and population studies.

Sorocea angustifolia(Moraceae), a New Species ofSoroceafrom the Atlantic Forest in Brazil

A new species of Sorocea A. St.-Hil., S. angustifolia Al. Santos & Romaniuc (Moraceae), was discovered in the humid rainforests of Guapimirim, within the Parque Estadual dos Três Picos, Rio de Janeiro. The new species resembles S. bonplandii (Baill.) W. C. Burger, Lanj. & Wess. Boer by the similar shape of its staminate inflorescences but is distinguished by the leaf lamina that is narrowly oblong, to 13 cm long and to 2 cm wide. Blade margins are not spinulose, and the leaf apex is usually cuspidate to caudate; the staminate flowers have the staminal filaments basally free. The new species is endemic to the Atlantic rainforest of Rio de Janeiro State in southeastern Brazil and is critically endangered due to its restricted geographic area of occurrence: between the municipalities of Guapimirim and Cachoeiras de Macacu.

Diversity and conservation of Pottiaceae (Pottiales) in the Atlantic Rainforest

The taxonomy, diversity and conservation status of all species of the family Pottiaceae in the Atlantic Rainforest of Rio de Janeiro State in southeastern Brazil are presented. The Atlantic Rainforest is a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot. The treatments are based on field expeditions and studies of herbarium collections. Twenty eight species from 18 genera are discussed. A key to the genera and species is provided, with comments on their distributions and altitudinal ranges, with illustrations and evaluation of the conservation status.

Prática e Formação: Psicólogos na Peritagem em Porte de Arma de Fogo

Com o desenvolvimento e a crescente atualização da Avaliação Psicológica como área, prática e formação, os diferentes desafios enfrentados pelos psicólogos atuantes nesta temática têm sido discutidos. É pouco comum, contudo, a discussão das práticas e competências dos profissionais que atuam na Concessão de Porte de Arma de Fogo. Com o objetivo de conhecer estas atividades e este contexto de trabalho, foram entrevistados 14 psicólogos atuantes como peritos em concessão de porte de arma de fogo em um estado do Sudeste, sendo todos do sexo feminino, com idades entre 30 e 60 anos (M = 39,1 anos, DP = 7,1 anos). Os resultados apontam que a falta de formação voltada para a peritagem em porte de arma de fogo, bem como a formação deficitária em Avaliação Psicológica, podem conduzir a percepções negativas dentro deste contexto de atuação. A preocupação burocrática e documental que envolve esta avaliação, a falta de parâmetros para avaliação de perfil dos avaliados e o problema do descrédito do psicólogo como avaliador surgiram como temáticas adjacentes, suscitando a discussão do papel da formação na disseminação de melhores práticas profissionais.

Adequação do processo da assistência pré-natal segundo os critérios do Programa de Humanização do Pré-natal e Nascimento e Rede Cegonha

To evaluate the adequacy of the process of prenatal care according to the parameters of the Program for the Humanization of Prenatal Care (PHPN) and of the procedures provided by the Stork Network of Unified Health System (SUS) in the microregion of Espirito Santo state, Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2012-2013 by interviewing and analyzing the records of 742 women during the postpartum period and of their newborns in 7 hospitals in the region chosen for the research. The information was collected, processed and analyzed by the χ² and Fisher's exact test to determine the difference in proportion between the criteria adopted by the PHPN and the Stork Network and the place of residence, family income and type of coverage of prenatal service. The level of significance was set at 5%. The parameters showing the lowest adequacy rate were quick tests and repeated exams, with frequencies around 10 and 30%, respectively, in addition to educational activities (57.9%) and tetanus immunization (58.7%). In contrast, risk management (92.6%) and the fasting plasma glucose test (91.3%) showed the best results. Adequacy was 7.4% for the PHPN, 0.4% for the Stork Network, with respect to the parameters of normal risk pregnancies, and 0 for high risk pregnancies. There was a significant difference between puerperae according to housing location regarding the execution of serology for syphilis (VDRL), anti-HIV and repeated fasting glucose tests, and monthly income influenced the execution of blood type/Rh factor tests, VDRL, hematocrit and anti-HIV test. Prenatal care in the SUS proved to be inadequate regarding the procedures required by the PHPN and Stork Network in the micro-region of a state in southeastern Brazil, especially for women of lower income, PACS users and residents of rural areas.

In vivo hypotensive effect and in vitro inhibitory activity of some Cyperaceae species

In 1820, French naturalist August Saint Hillaire, during a visit in Espírito Santo (ES), a state in southeastern Brazil, reported a popular use of Cyperaceae species as antidote to snake bites. The plant may even have a hypotensive effect, though it was never properly researched. The in vitro inhibitory of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity of eigth ethanolic extracts of Cyperaceae was evaluated by colorimetric assay. Total phenolic and flavonoids were determined using colorimetric assay. The hypotensive effect of the active specie (Rhychonospora exaltata, ERE) and the in vivo ACE assay was measured in vivo using male Wistar Kyoto (ERE, 0.01-100mg/kg), with acetylcholine (ACh) as positive control (5 µg/kg, i.v.). The evaluation of ACE in vivo inhibitory effect was performed comparing the mean arterial pressure before and after ERE (10 mg/kg) in animals which received injection of angiotensin I (ANG I; 0,03, 03 and 300 µg/kg, i.v.). Captopril (30 mg/kg) was used as positive control. Bulbostylis capillaris (86.89 ± 15.20%) and ERE (74.89 ± 11.95%, ERE) were considered active in the in vitro ACE inhibition assay, at 100 µg/mL concentration. ACh lead to a hypotensive effect before and after ERE's curve (-40±5% and -41±3%). ERE showed a dose-dependent hypotensive effect and a in vivo ACE inhibitory effect. Cyperaceae species showed an inhibitory activity of ACE, in vitro, as well as high content of total phenolic and flavonoids. ERE exhibited an inhibitory effect on both in vitro and in vivo ACE. The selection of species used in popular medicine as antidotes, along with the in vitro assay of ACE inhibition, might be a biomonitoring method for the screening of new medicinal plants with hypotensive properties.

Novel Bat Coronaviruses, Brazil and Mexico

Novel Bat Coronaviruses, Brazil and Mexico

Dombrock genotyping in Brazilian blood donors reveals different regional frequencies of the HY allele

BackgroundDombrock blood group system genotyping has revealed various rearrangements of the Dombrock gene and identified new variant alleles in Brazil (i.e., DO*A-SH, DO*A-WL and DO*B-WL). Because of the high heterogeneity of the Brazilian population, interregional differences are expected during the investigation of Dombrock genotypes. ObjectiveThe present study aims to determine the frequencies of Dombrock genotypes in blood donors from Minas Gerais and compare the frequencies of the HY and JO alleles to those of another population in Brazil. MethodsThe frequencies of the DO alleles in Minas Gerais, a southeastern state of Brazil, were determined from the genotyping of 270 blood donors. Genotyping involved polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis to identify the 323G>T, 350C>T, 793A>G, and 898C>G mutations, which are related to the HY, JO, DO*A/DO*B, and DO*A-WL/DO*B-WL alleles, respectively. Moreover, the frequencies of rare HY and JO alleles were statistically compared using the chi-square test with data from another Brazilian region. ResultsThe HY allele frequency in Minas Gerais (2.4%) was almost twice that of the JO allele (1.5%). The frequency of the HY allele was significantly higher (p-value = 0.001) than that in another Brazilian population and includes a rare homozygous donor with the Hy- phenotype. In addition, the DO*A-WL and DO*B-WL alleles, which were first identified in Brazil, were found in the state of Minas Gerais. ConclusionsThe data confirm that the frequencies of DO alleles differ between regions in Brazil. The population of Minas Gerais could be targeted in a screening strategy to identify the Hy- phenotype in order to develop a rare blood bank.

Diversity and conservation status of bromeliads from Serra da Piedade, Minas Gerais, Brazil

The Espinhaço Mountain Range in Minas Gerais state in southeastern Brazil is a center of endemism of the Bromeliaceae, mainly in campo rupestre montane vegetation that grows under rigorous edapho-climatic conditions. This study sought to improve our knowledge of the Bromeliaceae from Serra da Piedade in the extreme southern portion of the Espinhaço Mountain Range where ironstone outcrops predominate. Conservation status and spatial distribution of these plants were analyzed as well as floristic similarities with other regions with rocky outcrops. Twenty-five bromeliad species were found in Serra da Piedade, with the subfamily Tillandsioideae being the best represented. Twenty-seven percent of the species were exclusive to campo rupestre environments, while 73% occurred both on outcrops and in forest habitats. The bromeliads in the study area merit special attention as two species are considered vulnerable (Racinaea aerisincola and Vriesea minarum), five are endangered, and three are critically endangered. Low Jaccard index values indicated dissimilarities between the bromeliad floras in different localities of quartzite and ironstone outcrops within the Espinhaço Mountain Range. Serra da Piedade has a distinct bromeliad flora that is threatened by mining activities and illegal harvesting and requires immediate measures to help guarantee conservation.

Land-cover classification of an intra-urban environment using high-resolution images and object-based image analysis

Detailed, up-to-date information on intra-urban land cover is important for urban planning and management. Differentiation between permeable and impermeable land, for instance, provides data for surface run-off estimates and flood prevention, whereas identification of vegetated areas enables studies of urban micro-climates. In place of maps, high-resolution images, such as those from the satellites IKONOS II, Quickbird, Orbview and WorldView II, can be used after processing. Object-based image analysis (OBIA) is a well-established method for classifying high-resolution images of urban areas. Despite the large number of previous studies of OBIA in the context of intra-urban analysis, there are many issues in this area that are still open to discussion and resolution. Intra-urban analysis using OBIA can be lengthy and complex because of the processing difficulties related to image segmentation, the large number of object attributes to be resolved and the many different methods needed to classify various image objects. To overcome these issues, we performed an experiment consisting of land-cover mapping based on an OBIA approach using an IKONOS II image of a southern sector of São José dos Campos city (covering an area of 12 km2 with 50 neighbourhoods), which is located in São Paulo State in south-eastern Brazil. This area contains various occupation and land-use patterns, and it therefore contains a wide range of intra-urban targets. To generate the land-cover map, we proposed an OBIA-based processing framework that combines multi-resolution segmentation, data mining and hierarchical network techniques. The intra-urban land-cover map was then evaluated through an object-based error matrix, and classification accuracy indices were obtained. The final classification, with 11 classes, achieved a global accuracy of 71.91%.

Development of microsatellite markers for Anadenanthera colubrina (Leguminosae), a neotropical tree species

We developed and characterized nuclear microsatellite markers for Anadenanthera colubrina, a tropical tree species widely distributed in South America. Leaf samples of mature A. colubrina trees, popularly called "angico," were collected from an area that is greatly impacted by agricultural practices in the region of Ribeirão Preto in São Paulo State in southeastern Brazil. Twenty simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were developed, 14 of which had polymorphic loci. A total of 96 alleles were detected with an average of 6.86 alleles per polymorphic locus. The expected heterozygosity, calculated at polymorphic loci, ranged from 0.18 to 0.83. Finally, we demonstrated that 18 loci were cross-amplified in A. peregrina. A total of 14 polymorphic markers suggest a high potential for genetic diversity, gene flow, and mating system analyses in A. colubrina.

Nesting of the Cinereous Warbling Finch (Poospiza cinerea) in Southeastern Brazil

Abstract We describe a nest and nesting activity of the Cinereous Warbling Finch (Poospiza cinerea) in Paredao da Serra do Curral City Park, Minas Gerais State in southeastern Brazil. Little is known about the reproductive biology of this globally vulnerable species. The nest was built with fragments of grass spikes in an Australian pine (Casuarina equisetifolia). The clutch consisted of three eggs. We describe courtship feeding behavior of the Cinereous Warbling Finch and brood parasitism of the nest by the Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis).

An assessment of morphometric and molecular variation in Monodelphis dimidiata (Wagner, 1847) (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae)

This study aims to clarify the taxonomic status of Monodelphis dimidiata and M. sorex, using molecular and morphometric data. Cytochrome-b sequences were obtained from specimens morphologically assignable to those taxa from the vicinity of type localities, but also representing their presumptive area of sympatry and extremes in their known distributions. These sequences were compared to GenBank downloaded sequences of select Monodelphis spp. and also of Marmosa lepida, Micoureus demerarae, and Didelphis albiventris, used as outgroups. Genetic distances and maximum likelihood analyses were performed to recover phylogenetic affinities among taxa. To access morphometric variation, univariate and multivariate statistical methods (Principal Component Analysis and Canonical Variate Analysis) were applied to the covariance matrix of 25 craniometric measurements obtained from a total of 108 specimens sampled across the geographic ranges of the species. The molecular analyses revealed a clade composed by haplotypes assignable to Monodelphis dimidiata and M. sorex (sensu Pine and Handley 2007) as distinct from the remaining Monodelphis species sampled to date, with 100% bootstrap support. Within this clade, one haplotype from Itatiaia was the sister clade to the remaining 11 specimens from Montevideo (Uruguay), Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina states (Brazil), which formed an assemblage without clear geographic arrangement. In the morphometric analyses, the first two principal components of morphometric data separated variables associated with general latent size comparably expressed in all samples, and a group of variables including molars widths, molar toothrow length, and postorbital constriction breadth, which separates the geographic samples in a sequence coincident, to a large extent, with their latitudinal distributions. The sample from Itatiaia, Rio de Janeiro State, was again revealed as clearly distinct from the remaining samples, suggesting that it may represent a peripheral isolated population. With the study of original descriptions and published information on the type material of M. sorex, including photographs of syntypes, our analyses point to the recognition of M. sorex as a subjective junior synonym of M. dimidiata, which is then regarded as a widespread taxon ranging from the latitudes of southern Buenos Aires Province and Córdoba in Argentina to at least Minas Gerais State in southeastern Brazil, through the Pampas and the Atlantic Forest domains.

Survey of natural infection by Leishmania in sand fly species collected in southeastern Brazil

In this study, we sought to identify sand fly vectors of the Leishmania species that circulate in distinct eco-epidemiological disease-endemic rural areas within the Espírito Santo State in southeastern Brazil. PCR amplification of a conserved region of the minicircle kDNA was used to estimate infection rates in field-captured, peridomestic female sand flies. Only 13 of the 1689 female sand fly specimens (0.77%) actually contained Leishmania DNA. Leishmania braziliensis infections were found in Lutzomyia intermedia and Lu. whitmani, and, for the first time, in Lu. fischeri and Lu. ferreirana. Interestingly, the high rate of genetic polymorphism of the L. braziliensis parasites in one of the disease-endemic areas that were studied may reflect specific transmission cycles involving different sand fly vectors.

Abundance, distribution and conservation of the Restinga Antwren Formicivora littoralis

The Restinga Antwren (Thamnophilidae: Formicivora littoralis) is endemic to a small region on the coast of Rio de Janeiro state in southeastern Brazil. Currently, it is considered ‘Critically Endangered’ by IUCN due to continuing habitat loss within its very small and severely fragmented range. Data available to assess its conservation status, however, are scarce. From 2005 to 2007, we conducted bird surveys to produce more rigorous estimates of geographic range limits, available habitat, local population density, and global population size. We used these data and IUCN criteria to reassess the conservation status of the Restinga Antwren. We recorded the species in a new locality (Tucuns, Armação dos Búzios), expanding its range by 5 km from the easternmost known limit. The species was present in 65% of the points surveyed within its range, in restinga fragments that cover an area of c. 42 km2 (84% of the total restinga within the species’s range). We estimated that this bird has an Extent of Occurrence of 233.5 km2, an Area of Occupancy of 148 km2, and a global population size < 5,000 individuals. We therefore recommend downlisting Restinga Antwren from ‘Critically Endangered’ to ‘Endangered’. We also recommend that the Massambaba and the Pau Brasil Areas of Environmental Protection be transformed into Biological Reserves, to increase restrictions on human activities in the area and preserve crucial habitat for the Restinga Antwren.

Effect of spacing and age on nitrogen and phosphorus distribution in biomass of Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus pellita and Eucalyptus urophylla plantations in southeastern Brazil

The nitrogen and phosphorus accumulation in different tree parts (including root systems) of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh., Eucalyptus urophylla Blake and Eucalyptus pellita F. Muell. planted at three spacings (3 m × 1.5 m, 3 m × 3 m and 4 m × 3 m) and at three ages (15, 31 and 41 months) were evaluated in the savanna region of central Minas Gerais state in southeastern Brazil. A series of equations were produced to estimate per-tree nitrogen and phosphorus from age, spacing, diameter and height, and per-hectare nitrogen and phosphorus using age, spacing and a tally of tree diameters and heights. The highest N and P concentrations were observed in foliage (15–23 g N kg −1 and 0.8–1.1 g P kg −1) and the lowest N concentration in bolewood (2.4–4.1 g N kg −1), while the lowest P concentration was observed in the taproot (0.16–0.29 g P kg −1). Total biomass N at age 41 months was greatest in E. urophylla (378–457 kg N ha −1), lower in E. pellita (238–326 kg N ha −1) and lowest in E. camaldulensis stands (204–240 kg N ha −1), depending on spacing. Total biomass P at age 41 months was also greatest in E. urophylla (16.6–21.8 kg P ha −1), and about equal in E. pellita (10.4–12.8 P ha −1) and E. camaldulensis stands (10.4–12.2 kg P ha −1), depending on spacing. As age and spacing increased, individual stems increased in diameter and total N and P, but the relationship between total N and P pools and age and spacing was more variable.

Effect of spacing on growth and biomass distribution in Eucalyptus camaldulensis, E. pellita and E. urophylla plantations in southeastern Brazil

The growth and biomass accumulation in different plant parts (including root systems) of Eucalyptus camaldulensis, E. urophylla and E. pellita planted at three spacings (3×1.5 m, 3×3 m and 4×3 m) and three ages (15, 31 and 41 months) were evaluated in the savannah region of central Minas Gerais state in southeastern Brazil. A series of equations were produced to estimate per-tree biomass from age, spacing, diameter and height, and per-hectare biomass using age, spacing and a tally of tree diameters and heights. Average total productivity at age 41 months was of the order E. urophylla> E. pellita≥ E. camaldulensis. As spacing increased, individual stems increased in diameter and total biomass; however, total biomass production per hectare decreased. Eucalyptus urophylla had 64.8 vs. 42.8, E. pellita 41.3 vs. 28.9 and E. camaldulensis 35.1 vs. 26.9 Mg ha −1 at 3×1.5 vs. 4×3 m spacings, respectively. Increased spacing levels also decreased the relative amount of growth allocated to the bole of the tree for E. urophylla and E. camaldulensis during the time period of this study and increased allocation to the root system, while E pellita showed relatively small changes. Allocation to the bolewood in E. urophylla changed from 46 to 36%, in E. camaldulensis from 37 to 32%, and E. pellita from 31–34% at 3×1.5 vs. 4×3 m spacings, respectively. Allocation to the root system in E. urophylla changed from 23–30%, in E. camaldulensis from 34–45%, and E. pellita from 37–33% at 3×1.5 vs. 4×3 m spacings, respectively. Thought these results show that some of the biomass changes from species, age and spacing differences are related to distribution, not total biomass production, there were significant differences in total biomass accumulation also. Since larger root systems may increase future yields from coppice growth, the effect of differences in allocation to the root system on future productivity needs to be evaluated.