State ofMinas Gerais Research Articles

Reactive improvement of environmental policies: lessons from the Mariana and Brumadinho disasters

The State is not always able to proactively improve environmental policies. Eventually, policy improvements are a result of disasters that expose pre-existing problems. This situation is reflected in the state of Minas Gerais (Brazil), where, after the failures of the Fundão and B1 tailings dam, in Mariana and Brumadinho, several problems in dam safety and emergency policies were exposed. This study had a twofold objective: 1) to identify the mechanisms used by the government of Minas Gerais to improve environmental policies, and 2) to understand how the Mariana and Brumadinho’s disasters affected dam safety and emergency policies. Based on semi-structured interviews and regulatory analysis, the study revealed that the state government of Minas Gerais has been predominantly reactive in controlling environmental policies. Additionally, it was observed that the disasters catalysed a learning process that culminated in potentially better dam safety policies.

Isolation of High Amylase-producing Filamentous Fungi from the Caatinga: Standardization of the Culture Conditions and Amylase Activity from Penicillium sp. L1

Microbial amylases are commercially available and have almost completely replaced the chemical hydrolysis of starch in various industrial processes. Microbial amylases have a wide range of applications because they are more stable than amylases obtained from plants and animals. This work sought to isolate filamentous fungi from three different samples collected in Janaúba, in the north of the state of Minas Gerais, to select a filamentous fungus that produces amylases, to determine the best cultivation conditions for the selected fungus for amylase production, and to analyze the biochemical characteristics of the enzyme. After collecting the samples for the isolation of filamentous fungi, the macroscopic morphological characteristics of the fungi, the microculture for the determination of the possible genus, and the effect of temperature on fungal growth were determined. The screening of the fungi was performed in a submerged medium to characterize the amylase-producing microorganism through the analysis of the physicochemical parameters of the medium concerning the source of nitrogen, the type of salt solution, and the source of carbon, as well as to optimize the production of amylase. The biochemical characterization of the enzyme was performed. The fungus Penicillium sp. (L1) was selected, and the greatest production of amylase was observed in submerged Carvalho-Peixoto (CP) medium associated with Wesson salts using yeast extract and starch as nitrogen and carbon sources, respectively, at 30 ºC, over seven days. The optimum temperature and pH of the assay were 60 ºC and 5.5, respectively. Thus, the northern region of Minas Gerais was an excellent source for the strains that exhibited a potential for the production of amylase for use in industry, indicating that the fungus Penicillium sp. (L1) and the amylase produced have a relevant potential for biotechnological applications.

First records and range extension of Bristle-spined Porcupine, Chaetomys subspinosus (Olfers, 1818) (Rodentia, Erethizontidae), in Minas Gerais state, Brazil

We report from three localities four new records of the threatened Brazilian Atlantic Forest endemic Chaetomys subspinosus (Olfers, 1818). These are the first records of this porcupine species from the state of Minas Gerais, and these new data extend the distribution of this species by approximately 220 km to the southwest. As C. subspinosus was observed in areas of transitional vegetation, this species may be found in a much broader spectrum of habitat types than previously thought. We recommend further surveys focusing on documenting this species.

Quality of life of physicians in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Studies conducted with physicians from different locations and age groups show a tendency to mental illness and low quality of life in this population. To describe the socioeconomic and quality-of-life profile of medical doctors in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Cross-sectional study. A socioeconomic and quality-of-life questionnaire (World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument-Abbreviated version) was applied in a representative sample of physicians working in the state of Minas Gerais. Non-parametric analyses were used to assess outcomes. The sample was composed of 1,281 physicians, with a mean age of 43.7 years (SD, 11.46) and time since graduation of 18.9 years (SD, 12.1); 12.46% were medical residents, of which 32.7% were in the first year of training. Of the total number of physicians, 66.4% reported feeling overwhelmed and 70.7% were satisfed with their profession. The rate of diagnoses related to depression and anxiety was higher than in the general population. Mean World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument-Abbreviated version score was 60.44±21.72. The analysis of the reported quality-of-life scores showed that younger physicians, especially women, in the first year of residence, with lower income or salary ranges, high workload, and no regular time of obtained lower scores, as well as those who reported diagnoses of depression and/or anxiety. Some socioeconomic factors may influence the quality of life of the study population. Further studies are needed to develop effective social support and health protection actions for these workers.

Complexo teníase-cisticercose em assentamentos da reforma agrária, Brasil

ABSTRACT: Thousands of families live in agrarian reform rural settlements, these existing in Brazil since the 1980s. Factors such as agglomerations of families living in the same environment and the production of domestic animals can promote the transmission and maintenance of zoonosis in these areas. The epidemiology and geographic distribution of zoonotic diseases in settlement communities need to be highlighted. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence, risk factors and spatial distribution of the teniasis-cysticercosis complex in the agrarian reform rural settlements in the state of Minas Gerais. A total of 497 family farming properties, distributed in 52 settlements, were randomly selected and sampled. Biological samples of humans, cattle and pigs were collected and processed. Survey questionnaires were applied in each family farming property to collect data on animal production as well as sanitary, hygienic and social conditions of each family. Human fecal samples were analyzed for detection of teniasis infection, while animal blood samples were collected and subjected to serological testing to detect the cysticercosis infection. A total of three (0.35%) positive cases of human teniasis were identified, 64 (4.2%) of bovine cysticercosis and 17 (3.3%) of swine cysticercosis. Prevalence per family farming unit was 0.6% (3/497) of taeniasis through fecal test, 5.8% (17/294) for swine cysticercosis and 11.1% (52/469) for bovine cysticercosis. The spatial profile for human teniasis and swine cysticercosis were clustered in two different regions, while bovine cysticercosis showed a dispersed geographical distribution. Two risk factors were associated with the occurrence of bovine cysticercosis: stream as source of water (p=0.009) and the environment as destination of sewage (p=0.031), while burning of garbage was shown to be a significant protective factor (p<0.001). Risk factor for swine cysticercosis was associated with the presence of free range pigs (p=0.008) and the environment as the destination of sewage (p≤0.024). The low number of positive human taeniasis did not allow statistical analysis. These zoonotic diseases represent a significant risk to public health because of their occurrence in livestock which are produced for both beef consumption and for commercialization. Significant endemic areas in the state of Minas Gerais have been determined in this study, and these discoverments suggest the importance of further investment in public health education about teniasis-cysticercosis transmission, the improvement of sanitary facilities for the settlements such as source and treatment of water and adequate destination of sewage. Integrated actions between the human, animal and environmental health sectors, at local and regional levels are needed, aiming at the adoption of effective public policies for the control and eradication of the teniasis-cysticercosis complex where the disease occurs.

Linking Climate Variables to Large-Scale Spatial Pattern and Risk of Citrus Huanglongbing: A Hierarchical Bayesian Modeling Approach.

Huanglongbing (HLB) is one of the most important diseases affecting citriculture in the world. Knowledge of climatic factors linked to HLB risk at large spatial scales is limited. We gathered HLB presence and absence data from official surveys conducted in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, over 13 years. The total count of orange and mandarin orchards, and mean orchard area, normalized to a spatial grid of 60 cells (55 × 55 km), were derived from the same database. Monthly climate normals (1984 to 2013) of rainfall, mean temperature, and wind speed split into rainy (September to April) and dry (May to August) seasons (annual summary was retained) were obtained for each grid cell. Two hierarchical Bayesian modeling approaches were evaluated, both based on the integrated nested Laplace approximation method. The first, the climate covariates model (CC model), used orchard, climate, and the spatial effect as covariates. The second, principal components (PC model), used the first three components from a principal component analysis of all variables and the spatial effect as covariates. Both models showed an inverse relationship between posterior prevalence and grid cell mean temperature during the dry season. Annual wind speed, as well as annual and rainy season rainfall, contributed to HLB risk in the CC and PC models, respectively. A partial influence of neighboring regions on HLB risk was observed. The results should assist policymakers in defining regions at HLB risk and guide monitoring strategies to mitigate further spread of HLB in the state of Minas Gerais.

Timely outpatient treatment of cervical cancer: the influence of region of residence for women in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil

This study aimed to investigate whether there is an association between the Extended Health Regions (EHR) of residence in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and the interval between diagnosis and start of treatment for women who underwent outpatient treatment (chemotherapy or radiotherapy) for cervical cancer by the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS), between 2001 and 2015. This is a cross-sectional study, part of a cohort with 8,857 women. Negative binomial regression models were used to evaluate the association of EHR of residence and the interval between diagnosis and start of treatment (in days), considering a significance level of 5%. The models were constructed using blocks of sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment-related covariates. It was found that the EHR of residence of women is associated with the interval between diagnosis and start of treatment. The northern EHR was the region of the state where the average time to start treatment was lower, and not residing in this EHR increases the average time to start treatment between 24% and 93% compared to other EHRs in the state. The disparity in the interval between diagnosis and start of treatment between the regions of Minas Gerais is evident. The availability of services enabled for the treatment of cancer in the EHRs does not necessarily results in a greater agility for the start of treatment. Understanding the flows of Oncology Care Networks and their regional differences is essential to improve public policies that ensure compliance with current laws, such as Law n. 12,732/2012, which recommends the start of treatment for cancer patients within 60 days after diagnosis.

A ozonioterapia na cicatrização de feridas crônicas de membros inferiores: uma série de casos

The aim was to carry out a descriptive report of a series of clinical cases on the effects of using ozone therapy as an adjuvant in the healing process of chronic wounds in adult patients undergoing outpatient treatment with a nursing professional. This is an experience report of a series of clinical cases that took place in a city in the State of Minas Gerais between March 2020 and July 2021. During the data collection period, 52 patients were treated in that office. Of these, 03 adult patients with lower limb wounds were selected to describe and report the cases and who agreed to participate in the study. The 03 patients analyzed were female, one was 82 years old, one was 58 years old and one was 30 years old. The type of lesions was 1 (33.3%) arterial lesion, 1 (33.3%) venous lesion with erysipelas, 1 (33.3%) necrotizing fasciitis. Ozone applied to skin lesions can favor the healing process, especially if associated with clinical care by a qualified professional with expertise in wound care; however, more studies that are robust are needed.

Evaluation of respiratory complications in a cohort of preterm infants who did not receive palivizumab monoclonal antibodies.

to analyze the occurrence of respiratory complications over the first year of life in preterm infants who did not receive palivizumab monoclonal antibodies. analytical retrospective cohort study with preterm infants born between 2012 and 2016 in Uberlândia, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Data collection occurred from January to November 2018, by consulting hospital and primary healthcare medical records. Data were processed with the Poisson regression model, with p<0.05. of a total of 5,213 preterm births, 504 (9.7%) met the inclusion criteria. The preterm infants in this subset were assisted 2,899 times in primary care, which resulted in 1,098 (37.5%) medical diagnoses, of which 803 (78.5%) involved the respiratory tract. Preterm babies fed on formula milk at hospital discharge had more diagnoses of respiratory diseases. Maternal age (p=0.039), respiratory diagnosis at hospital discharge (p=0.028), and number of sporadic appointments (p<0.001) showed a significant association with bronchiolitis; number of sporadic appointments showed a significant association with occurrence of respiratory diseases; and breastfeeding had a protective effect against the development of bronchiolitis. preterm infants who did not receive palivizumab showed a high percentage of respiratory diseases, and breastfeeding helped protect them against bronchiolitis. It is recommended that these preterm babies be monitored in primary health care.

Fast surveillance response reveals the introduction of a new yellow fever virus sub-lineage in 2021, in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

In Brazil, the yellow fever virus (YFV) is maintained in a sylvatic cycle involving wild mosquitoes and non-human primates (NHPs). The virus is endemic to the Amazon region; however, waves of epidemic expansion reaching other Brazilian states sporadically occur, eventually causing spillovers to humans. To report a surveillance effort that led to the first confirmation of YFV in NHPs in the state of Minas Gerais (MG), Southeast region, in 2021. A surveillance network was created, encompassing the technology of smartphone applications and coordinated actions of several research institutions and health services to monitor and investigate NHP epizootics. When alerts were spread through the network, samples from NHPs were collected and YFV infection confirmed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and genome sequencing at an interval of only 10 days. Near-complete genomes were generated using the Nanopore MinION sequencer. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that viral genomes were related to the South American genotype I, clustering with a genome detected in the Amazon region (state of Pará) in 2017, named YFVPA/MG sub-lineage. Fast YFV confirmation potentialised vaccination campaigns. A new YFV introduction was detected in MG 6 years after the beginning of the major outbreak reported in the state (2015-2018). The YFV strain was not related to the sub-lineages previously reported in MG. No human cases have been reported, suggesting the importance of coordinated surveillance of NHPs using available technologies and supporting laboratories to ensure a quick response and implementation of contingency measures to avoid YFV spillover to humans.

Seasonal variation in supply and prices of strawberry in Minas Gerais’ CEASA, BRAZIL

ABSTRACT: The research studied the seasonal variation in supply and prices of strawberry practiced in the state of Minas Gerais, represented by the units of the CEASAMINAS, as well as components of this supply for each major supply region in the state, in the period between 2016 and 2019. The CEASAMINAS unit (Greater Belo Horizonte) was responsible for 76% of the annual commercialization of strawberry in Minas Gerais, through the CEASAMINAS units, which fluctuated between 6038.4 and 7413.4 Mg ha-1 yearly. In the periods of transition from winter to mid-season and summer, it is possible to observe striking variations in supply and prices of strawberry in market assessed, referring to the lowest productive averages and the highest average prices observed year to year. The seasonal variations in supply and prices of strawberry clearly reflected the need for new cultivars that can satisfactorily produce during the mid-season and high temperature months.

Socio-environmental factors and schistosomiasis hospitalizations in Minas Gerais, Brazil (2007-2017)

Objective: to spatially analyze the disease in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, associating its transmission with possible exposure factors. Method: descriptive ecological study, based on secondary data, with statistical and spatial analysis. Collection of cases of the disease was carried out by municipality. Maps were made for spatial approach. Results: cases of the disease were analyzed accompanied by their respective MHDI, percentage of people in households with inadequate water supply and sanitation, percentage of the population in households without running water and percentage of the population in households without garbage collection. Conclusion: in order to control the disease, improvements are proposed in the basic sanitation infrastructure (sewage treatment and water supply) and public awareness through the dissemination of educational material. Even within a municipality, there are different levels of development and health, so that the data may not represent the entire reality of a municipality.

Factors associated with toothache in 12-year-old adolescents in a southeastern state of Brazil.

This cross-sectional study evaluated factors associated with toothache in 12-year-old adolescents from the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil. Secondary data were collected from the SB Minas Gerais 2012 epidemiological survey. The dependent variable was toothache in the past 6 months. The independent variables were grouped into two levels: individual (sex, ethnic group, family income, periodontal condition, dental caries, dental treatment needs, and type of service used) and contextual (allocation factor, Human Development Index, Gini coefficient, gross domestic product, unemployment, illiteracy, basic sanitation, garbage collection, family income, half or a quarter of a minimum wage, primary healthcare coverage, primary oral healthcare team coverage, oral health technician, access to individual dental care, and supervised tooth brushing). A multilevel analysis was performed using the Hierarchical Linear and Nonlinear Modeling Software Program to assess the association of individual and contextual variables with toothache in the last 6 months. The prevalence of toothache in the last six months among the adolescents of this study was 19.1%. An association was found with family income (p <0.001), dental caries (p <0.001), primary oral healthcare team coverage (p = 0.015) and oral health technician (p = 0.008). Socioeconomic conditions and the most prevalent oral diseases, such as dental caries, as well as the use of public services, were related to toothache in adolescents aged 12 years. These findings reinforce the need to develop and implement public policies to address the oral health problems of this population.

Geospatial Distribution of the Quality of the Coffee of Minas Gerais by Methods of Data Mining Techniques

The state of Minas Gerais is located in one of the most privileged Brazilian regions for the production of high-quality coffees. Due to its large territorial extension and environmental variation, it favors the production of specialty coffees with a great diversity of flavor and aroma. These differences are related to the peculiar characteristics of each microregion, particulary climate variations, altitude, latitude and production systems. Although the relationship between environmental characteristics and coffee productivity in different biomes is already well explored, its relationship with beverage quality still requires research. Given the need for more information on areas with potential for special coffee production, this paper proposes to associate data concerning to sensorial quality of coffees in the Cafés of Minas Quality Contest, with climatic and geographical variations of each state region, applying association rules for data mining, used to understand the aptitude of the state through the generation of rules that describe the most relevant patterns in the data. The climatic, geographical and classificatory information of the coffee samples is the result of the database of the contest participants in 2007 and 2008. The results demonstrate that with data mining techniques it was possible to associate the regions with the greatest potential with the climatic and geographical characteristics of the environment.

Eucalypt clone modelling in agrosilvopastoral systems

The objective of this work was to evaluate height-diameter, volumetric, and taper models to estimate the height, volume, and bole profile of trees of eucalypt clones (Eucalyptus grandis × Eucalyptus urophylla) in an agrosilvopastoral system. Data were collected from permanent plots in an eight year-old agrosilvopastoral system, composed by three eucalypt clones (VE01, VE06, and VE07), located in the municipality of Coronel Xavier Chaves, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Two height-diameter, three volumetric, and four taper models were fit to the data of each clone and compared to each other, in order to select the best-fitting one. The equations fitted well to the observed data, and those of the models of Campos, Schumacher-Hall, and Garay stood out as the best ones. In addition, Graybill’s F-test showed that the height-diameter and volumetric equations must be fitted separately for each genetic material. The model of Garay was the best taper model to estimate the bole profiles of all clones using a single equation.

Cervidae and Tayassuidae from the Holocene deposits of the Cuvieri Cave, State of Minas Gerais, eastern Brazil; taxonomic and paleoenvironmental considerations

ABSTRACT Caves have been acting as natural traps for numerous groups of animals and, due to their relatively stable environmental conditions, preservation of faunal remains is usually good. In the Holocene, the nature of the depositional system of the Cuvieri Cave allowed the preservation of osteological material that was seldom altered or remobilised, resulting in an important record of environmental events and changes in faunal composition. Deer represents the most abundant family of macrovertebrates that have been found at the Cuvieri Cave, including two species: Mazama americana and Mazama cf. gouazoubira. The Tayassuidae are represented by two species Tayassu pecari and Pecari tajacu, the first occurring only in deposits attributed to the beginning of the Holocene, while P. tajacu also occurs in the Middle and Late Holocene. The presence of human groups in the region occurred in two periods, and while it was present there was the presence of Mazama americana, typical of forest environments. However, the species Pecari tajacu was recorded during the period that the region was not inhabited.

Physicians' quality of life, illness and presenteeism: a cross-sectional epidemiological study.

The World Health Organization defines quality of life as " an individuals' perception of their position in life, in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards, and concerns." physicians, when dealing with illness and exposing themselves to the risks of their profession, must act without compromising their own health status in view of the function performed. To evaluate and correlate physicians' quality of life, professional illness, and presenteeism. This is an epidemiological, cross-sectional, descriptive study with an exploratory quantitative approach. Overall, 309 physicians working in Juiz de Fora, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil were interviewed and answered a questionnaire with sociodemographic and health information and the World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument-Abbreviated version (WHOQOL-BREF). Of physicians in the sample, 57.6% fell ill during their professional activities, 35% took sickness absence, and 82.8% practiced presenteeism. The most prevalent diseases were those involving the respiratory system (29.5%), infectious or parasitic diseases (14.38%), and those involving the circulatory system (9.59%). WHOQOL-BREF scores were boas, and were influenced by sociodemographic characteristics such as sex, age, and time of professional experience. Male sex, professional experience greater than 10 years, and age above 39 years were associated with beter quality of life. Previous illness and presenteeism were negative factors. The participating physicians had a good quality of life in all domains. Sex, age, and time of professional experience were relevant factors. The highest score was observed in the physical health domain, followed by psychological domain, social relationships, and environment, in a descending order.

Escolha de uma escola federal de ensino médio integrado do interior brasileiro: a atualidade das contribuições de Bourdieu

ABSTRACT This article, in the field of sociological studies on school choice, discusses the relevance of Pierre Bourdieu’s theories to understand high school choice, in a small town in the Brazilian semi-arid region, in the state of Minas Gerais. More specifically, it argues the relevance and usefulness of the concept of cultural capital in this context. It is based on the results of a study about the choosing process, by young people and their families, of Instituto Federal do Norte de Minas Gerais (IFNMG), more specifically, the Technical Course on Internet Technology, integrated into high school, which is offered at the Janaúba Campus of IFNMG. The methodological procedures were: questionnaires to students and their guardians; focus groups with students, and interviews with some of them and their guardians. The results point to the need to consider, in the researched context, the concept of cultural capital in a broader sense, not necessarily linked to high culture, but keeping the idea of cultural resources that represent advantages in the academic field. In this regard, the research reaffirms the usefulness and relevance of the concept of cultural capital and, especially, of the notion of informational capital, when understanding school choice processes.

A new species of Eremitis Döll (Poaceae, Bambusoideae) from the Baixo Jequitinhonha region, an area of extreme importance for the conservation of the flora of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Eremitis is one of the three genera of the subtribe Parianinae (Poaceae, Bambusoideae, Olyreae) and is restricted to the Atlantic Forest in eastern Brazil. Eremitis aemula, herein described and illustrated, is microendemic to the Alto Cariri State Park, located in the Baixo Jequitinhonha region, an area considered to be extremely important for conservation of the flora in the state of Minas Gerais. This new species is morphologically similar to Eremitis jardimii and E. robusta. However, E. aemula is differentiated from both species mainly by its longer decumbent culms (47-50 cm long vs. 22-25 cm and (15-)25-28 cm, respectively) with shorter inflorescences (4.5-5 cm long vs. 5.5-6 cm and 6-6.5 cm, respectively), and by its leaf blades with rounded base (vs. attenuate in E. jardimii and E. robusta). The total number of bamboos in Minas Gerais thereby rises to 79 species with 16 endemic to the state, reinforcing the fact that the Baixo Jequitinhonha is of extreme importance to the conservation of the Minas Gerais flora.

Quilombola men and their work: a mapping of the health of these workers

Quilombola men perform productive activities that require great physical strength in environments conducive to several risks, accidents, and health problems. This study aimed to map the work processes of quilombola men in three locations in Norte de Minas region in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, using the methodological framework of Cartography proposed by Gilles Deleuze & Félix Guattari. Data were produced by the observation of work processes, individual interviews, and records of the effects in a mapping diary. Discourse analysis Allowed for the elaboration of a descriptor flowchart and the definition of three thematic categories. In the mapped locations, the intersection of gender, ethnicity, and class collaborates directly for the performance of activities in charcoal furnaces, quarries, and banana plantations. These environments are highly unhealthy due to the presence of heat and smoke, methods that demand great physical effort and produce silica dust, excessive sun exposure, and the use of pesticides. The integration between the workers' health surveillance (VISAT) and the Brazilian Public Labor Prosecutor Office allows for the articulation of an intersectoral network of popular education, technical assistance, and professional training and qualification. These measures will directly affect the health-disease process, the quality of life of workers, and the environmental preservation of the mapped locations.