The effect of successive summer drought periods on bacterial diversity along a plant species richness gradient.

Drought is a major stressor to soil microbial communities, and the intensification of climate change is predicted to increase hydric stress worldwide in the coming decades. As a possible mitigating factor for the consequences of prolonged drought periods, above and belowground biodiversity can increase ecosystem resistance and resilience by improving metabolic redundancy and complementarity as biodiversity increases. Here, we investigated the interaction effect between plant richness and successive, simulated summer drought on soil microbial communities during a period of 9 years.To do that, we made use of a well-established biodiversity experiment (The Jena Experiment) to investigate the response of microbial richness and community composition to successive drought periods alongside a plant richness gradient, which covers 1-, 2-, 4-, 8-, 16- and 60-species plant communities. Plots were covered from natural precipitation by installing rain shelters 6 weeks every summer. Bulk soil samples were collected 1 year after the last summer drought was simulated. Our data indicate that bacterial richness increased after successive exposure to drought, with the increase being stable along the plant richness gradient. We identified a significant effect of plant species richness on the soil microbial community composition and determined the taxa significantly impacted by drought at each plant richness level. Our data successfully demonstrates that summer drought might have a legacy effect on soil bacterial communities.

A global map of species at risk of extinction due to natural hazards.

An often-overlooked question of the biodiversity crisis is how natural hazards contribute to species extinction risk. To address this issue, we explored how four natural hazards, earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, and volcanoes, overlapped with the distribution ranges of amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles that have either narrow distributions or populations with few mature individuals. To assess which species are at risk from these natural hazards, we combined the frequency and magnitude of each natural hazard to estimate their impact. We considered species at risk if they overlapped with regions where any of the four natural hazards historically occurred (n = 3,722). Those species with at least a quarter of their range subjected to a high relative impact were considered at high risk (n = 2,001) of extinction due to natural hazards. In total, 834 reptiles, 617 amphibians, 302 birds, and 248 mammals were at high risk and they were mainly distributed on islands and in the tropics. Hurricanes (n = 983) and earthquakes (n = 868) affected most species, while tsunamis (n = 272), and volcanoes (n = 171) affected considerably fewer. The region with the highest number of species at high risk was the Pacific Ring of Fire, especially due to volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis, while hurricane-related high-risk species were concentrated in the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and northwestern Pacific Ocean. Our study provides important information regarding the species at risk due to natural hazards and can help guide conservation attention and efforts to safeguard their survival.

Health inequity assessment in Brazil: is EQ-5D-3L sensible enough to detect differences among distinct socioeconomic groups?

BACKGROUND: Multidimensional health-related quality of life (HRQOL) instruments, such as the EQ-5D, are increasingly used to assess inequalities in health. However, it is necessary to explore the ability of these instruments to capture differences between population groups, especially in low/middle-income countries. This study aimed to investigate whether the EQ-5D-3L instrument can detect differences in HRQOL between groups of different socioeconomic status (SES) in Brazil. METHODS: Data collection occurred during the Brazilian EQ-5D-3L valuation study and included respondents aged 18 to 64 years enrolled in urban areas. SES was aggregated into three categories: "higher" (A and B), "intermediate" (C) and "lower" (D and E). EQ-5D-3L index was calculated considering the Brazilian value set. A mixed-effects regression model was estimated with random effects on individuals and marginal effects on SES, sex, and educational attainment. Odds ratios for the chance of reporting problems for each EQ-5D dimension were estimated by logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 9,148 respondents were included in the study. Mean age was 37.80 ± 13.13 years, 47.4% were men and the majority was ranked as classes B or C (38.4% and 50.7%, respectively). Participants in lower SES classes reported increasingly poorer health compared to individuals in higher classes. The mean EQ-5D-3L index decreased as SES deteriorates being significantly higher for classes A and B (0.874 ± 0.14) compared to class C (0.842 ± 0.15) and classes D and E (0.804 ± 0.17) (p < 0.001). The same was observed for the mean EQ-VAS scores (84.0 ± 13.8 in classes A and B, 81.0 ± 17 in class C and 78.3 ± 18.7 in class C [p < 0.001]). The multivariate analysis confirmed that SES is an independent factor that effects EQ-5D-3L index measures. Participants in intermediate and lower SES classes have a statistically significant lower EQ-5D-3L index compared to participants in classes A and B, regardless of age, sex, and educational attainment. CONCLUSION: In a Brazilian population sample, the EQ-5D-3L instrument was able to detect important differences between groups with distinct socioeconomic statuses (SES). The EQ-5D-3L is useful for exploring inequities in health.

The seeds of Plantago lanceolata comprise a stable core microbiome along a plant richness gradient.

BACKGROUND: Seed endophytic bacteria are beneficial to plants. They improve seedling growth by enhancing plant nutrient uptake, modulating stress-related phytohormone production, and targeting pests and pathogens with antibiotics. Seed endophyte composition can be influenced by pollination, plant cultivar, and soil physicochemical conditions. However, the effects of plant community richness on seed endophytes are unknown. To investigate the effects of increasing plant species richness on the diversity and composition of the seed microbiome, we made use of a well-established long-term biodiversity experiment in Germany (The Jena Experiment). We sampled seeds from different Plantago lanceolata blossoms in a plant diversity gradient ranging from monoculture to 16 species mixtures. The seeds were surface sterilized to remove seed surface-associated bacteria and subjected to a metabarcoding approach to assess bacterial community structure. RESULTS: Our data indicate a very stable core microbiome, which accounted for more than 90% of the reads and was present in all seeds independent of the plant richness level the seeds originated from. It consisted mainly of reads linked to Pseudomonas rhizosphaerae, Sphingomonas faeni and Pirellulla spp. 9% of the obtained reads were not part of the core microbiome and were only present in plots of specific diversity levels. The number of unique ASVs was positively correlated with plant richness. Interestingly, most reads described as non-core members belonged to the same genera described as the core microbiome, indicating the presence of different strains or species with possibly different functional properties important for seed performance. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that Plantago lanceolata maintains a large seeds core microbiome across the plant richness gradient. However, the number of unique ASVs increases alongside the plant community richness, indicating that ecosystem biodiversity also mitigates diversity loss in seed endophytes.

Deterministic Development of Soil Microbial Communities in Disturbed Soils Depends on Microbial Biomass of the Bioinoculum.

Despite its enormous importance for ecosystem services, factors driving microbial recolonization of soils after disturbance are still poorly understood. Here, we compared the microbial recolonization patterns of a disturbed, autoclaved soil using different amounts of the original non-disturbed soil as inoculum. By using this approach, we manipulated microbial biomass, but did not change microbial diversity of the inoculum. We followed the development of a new soil microbiome after reinoculation over a period of 4 weeks using a molecular barcoding approach as well as qPCR. Focus was given on the assessment of bacteria and archaea. We could show that 1 week after inoculation in all inoculated treatments bacterial biomass exceeded the values from the original soil as a consequence of high dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations in the disturbed soil resulting from the disturbance. This high biomass was persistent over the complete experimental period. In line with the high DOC concentrations, in the first 2 weeks of incubation, copiotrophic bacteria dominated the community, which derived from the inoculum used. Only in the disturbed control soils which did not receive a microbial inoculum, recolonization pattern differed. In contrast, archaeal biomass did not recover over the experimental period and recolonization was strongly triggered by amount of inoculated original soil added. Interestingly, the variability between replicates of the same inoculation density decreased with increasing biomass in the inoculum, indicating a deterministic development of soil microbiomes if higher numbers of cells are used for reinoculation.

Physical fitness according to the level of physical activity in older people: a cross-sectional analysis / Aptidão física de acordo com o nível de atividade física em pessoas idosas: uma análise transversal

Abstract Introduction Aging is marked by physiological changes and a decrease in physical activity. These aspects can have repercussions, namely declining functionality and increasing likelihood of adverse events. Objective To compare performance in physical fitness tests of sufficiently and insufficiently active older people. Methods Epidemiological population study, cross-sectional, carried out with 209 older people (58.4% women) from Aiquara/BA. Sociodemographic information was obtained by means of interviews. Physical fitness was measured by means of the following tests: handgrip strength, chair stand, arm curl, timed up and go, sit and reach and step in place. The level of physical activity was checked by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (<150 min/week physical activity = insufficiently active). Comparisons were made using the Student t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test, according to the distribution of normality determined by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test (p ≤ 0.05). Results We found that 51.70% of the participants were insufficiently active (men: 66.66%; women: 40.98%). In addition, insufficiently active participants of both sexes performed less well in the handgrip strength, chair stand, arm curl, timed up and go and step in place tests (p < 0.05). Moreover, insufficiently active men showed lower performance in the sit and reach test than sufficiently active men (p < 0.05). Conclusion Insufficiently active older women and men have lower muscle strength/resistance, dynamic balance/agility and cardiorespiratory endurance. Furthermore, insufficiently active men show less flexibility than those sufficiently active.

Resumo Introdução O envelhecimento é marcado por alterações fisiológicas e diminuição do tempo em atividade física (AF). Tais aspectos podem repercutir no declínio da funcionalidade e propiciar maior probabilidade para eventos adversos. Objetivo Comparar o desempenho em testes de aptidão física de pessoa idosas suficiente e insuficientemente ativas. Métodos Estudo epidemiológico populacional, transversal, realizado com 209 pessoas idosas (58,40% mulheres) de Aiquara/BA. As informações sociodemográficas foram obtidas a partir de entrevistas. A aptidão física foi mensurada por meio dos seguintes testes: força de preensão manual; levantar e sentar da cadeira; flexão do antebraço; levantar, caminhar 2,44 m e sentar; sentar e alcançar o pé; e marcha estacionária. O nível de atividade física foi averiguado pelo International Physical Activity Questionnaire (< 150 min/sem em AF = insuficientemente ativo). As comparações foram feitas por meio dos testes t de Student ou U de Mann-Whitney, conforme a distribuição de normalidade averiguada pelo teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov (p ≤ 0,05). Resultados A prevalência do nível de AF insuficiente foi de 51,70% (homens: 66,66%; mulheres: 40,98%). Verificou-se, em ambos os sexos, que os insuficientemente ativos demonstraram menor desempenho na força de preensão manual; sentar e levantar da cadeira; flexão do antebraço; levantar, caminhar e sentar; e marcha estacionária (p < 0,05). Além do mais, os homens insuficientemente ativos apresentaram menor desempenho no teste sentar e alcançar o pé em relação aos suficientemente ativos (p < 0,05). Conclusão Identificou-se que os idosos insuficientemente ativos, de ambos os sexos, apresentaram menor força/resistência muscular, equilíbrio dinâmico/agilidade e resistência cardiorrespiratória. Ademais, os homens insuficientemente ativos demonstraram menor flexibilidade do que os suficientemente ativos.

Functional performance indicators associated with hypertension in older people / Indicadores de desempenho funcional associados à hipertensão em pessoas idosas

Abstract Introduction During aging, changes occur in the human body that increase the probability of arterial hypertension which can potentiate deleterious effects on functional performance. Objective To analyze the association of functional performance indicators with hypertension in older people. Methods An epidemiological, population-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted with 209 older adults (58.40% women). Functional performance was assessed by the following tests: handgrip strength; chair stand test; arm curl test; timed up and go (TUG); sit and reach test; and step in place test (SPT). Diagnosis of arterial hypertension was self-reported. Results The prevalence of hypertension was found to be 58.90% (males: 51.70%; females: 63.90%). It was also observed that the hypertensive individuals of both sexes had worse performance in SPT and TUG (p < 0.05). Furthermore, it was found that each additional second for TUG increased by 11% the probability of hypertension in men (PR:1.11; 95%CI: 1.03-1.20) and by 7% in women (PR: 1.07; 95%CI: 1.04-1.12), while each step performed in the SPT decreased the probability for the outcome by 2% (men and women = PR: 0.98; 95%CI: 0.97-0.99). Conclusion TUG was found to be positively associated with hypertension, while SPT was inversely associated with hypertension.

Resumo Introdução Durante o envelhecimento ocorrem modificações no corpo humano, as quais aumentam a probabilidade de hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS),o que pode potencializar efeitos deletérios no desem-penho funcional. Objetivo Analisar a associação de indicadores de desempenho funcional com a HAS em pessoas idosas. Métodos Inquérito epidemiológico, populacional, transversal, conduzido com 209 idosos (58,40% mulheres). O desempenho funcional foi averi-guado pelos seguintes testes: força de preensão manual; levantar e sentar da cadeira; flexão do antebraço; levantar, caminhar e sentar (LCS); sentar e alcançar o pé; e marcha estacionária (ME). O diagnóstico da HAS foi autorreferido. Resultados Averiguou-se a prevalência de HAS em 58,9% dos participantes (homens: 51,7%; mulheres: 63,9%). Observou-se, também, que os hipertensos de ambos os sexos apresentaram pior desempenho na ME e LCS (p < 0,05). Além disso, verificou-se que cada segundo a mais despendido para LSC aumentou em 11% e 7%, respectivamente, a probabilidade de HAS nos homens (RP: 1,11; IC95%: 1,03-1,20) e nas mulheres (RP: 1,07; IC95%: 1,04-1,12), enquanto cada passo a mais realizado na ME diminuiu em 2% a probabilidade para o desfecho (homens e mulheres = RP: 0,98; IC95%: 0,97-0,99). Conclusão Identificou-se que o teste de LCS esteve positivamente associado à HAS. Ademais, a ME apresentou-se inversamente associada à HAS.

Aeromonas allosaccharophila Strain AE59-TE2 Is Highly Antagonistic towards Multidrug-Resistant Human Pathogens, What Does Its Genome Tell Us?

Multidrug-resistant bacteria are of critical importance and a problem for human health and food preservation; the discovery of new antimicrobial substances to control their proliferation is part of the solution. This work reports on 57 antagonistic Aeromonas strains, of which 38 strains were antagonistic towards problematic human pathogens. The genome of the most antagonistic strain was sequenced and identified as Aeromonas allosaccharophila. Its genome was fully annotated and mined for genes that might explain that activity. Strain AE59-TE was antagonistic toward clinically relevant gram-negative and gram-positive multidrug-resistant bacteria, including Klebsiella pneumoniae KPC, Escherichia coli ESBL, Salmonella typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus MRSA. Strain AE59-TE2 was identified by multilocus sequence analysis. Genome mining identified four genes homologous to the bacteriocin, zoocin A from Streptococcus equi and a gene 98% similar to cvpA linked to colicin V production. A. allosaccharophila strain AE59-TE2 produced antimicrobial activity against a broad range of bacteria, including important gram-negative bacteria, not typically targeted by bacteriocins. Herewere described novel zoocin genes that are promising for industrial applications in the food and health sectors. Interesting and important antagonistic activity is described combined with the first detailed genomic analysis of the species Aeromonas allosaccharophila.

A dimensão ética das representações sociais: o crack entre usuários da rede socioassistencial / The ethical dimension of social representations: crack among users of the social assistance network / La dimensión ética de las representaciones sociales: crack entre usuarios de la red socioasistencial

O consumo de crack na cena pública tem sido simbolicamente apropriado por meio de significados e práticas inseridos em contextos de vulnerabilidade e degradação social. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi investigar as implicações da dimensão ética dos processos de construção de representações sociais sobre o crack em usuários da rede socioassistencial. Foram realizados três grupos focais com 15 homens, todos usuários do Centro de Acolhimento e Apoio do Programa de Atenção Integral aos Usuários de Drogas e seus Familiares (Programa Atitude), em Pernambuco. As comunicações foram transcritas e os dados submetidos a uma análise de conteúdo. Os resultados evidenciam o papel dos afetos na regulação dos modos de ser e agir dos participantes diante das normas do campo representacional do crack e seus fenômenos. Destacaram-se afetos de raiva, ódio, vergonha e humilhação articulados com processos de exclusão e estigmatização social, racial e territorial, que os constroem hegemonicamente como alteridades criminalizadas e desumanizadas. Desse modo, a dimensão ética analisada indica que o sentido de vida que circunscreve as experiências desses sujeitos se conforma pela busca de um status social valorizado, processo no qual a relação com o crack está presente, mas não é exatamente o aspecto mais importante das suas experiências no mundo.(AU)

Crack consumption in the public scene has been symbolically appropriated by use of meanings and practices inserted in contexts of vulnerability and social degradation. This research aimed to investigate the implications of the ethical dimension of the construction processes of social representations about crack among users of the social assistance network. Three focus groups were carried out with 15 men, all users of the Reception and Support Center of the Comprehensive Care Program for Drug Users and their Families (Atitude Program) in the state of Pernambuco. Communications were transcribed and data submitted to content analysis. The results show the role of affections in the regulation of the participants' ways of being and acting in view of the norms of the representational field of crack and its phenomena. Affects of anger, hatred, shame, and humiliation stood out, articulated with processes of exclusion and social, racial and territorial stigmatization, which build them hegemonically as criminalized and dehumanized alterities. Thus, the analyzed ethical dimension indicates that the meaning of life that circumscribes the experiences of these subjects is conformed by the search for a valued social status, a process in which the relationship with crack is present, but it is not exactly the most important aspect of their experiences in the world.(AU)

El consumo de crack en la escena pública se ha apropiado simbólicamente a través de significados y prácticas insertas en contextos de vulnerabilidad y degradación social. El objetivo de esta investigación fue investigar las implicaciones de la dimensión ética de los procesos de construcción de representaciones sociales sobre el crack entre los usuarios de la red socioasistencial. Se compusieron tres grupos focales con 15 hombres, usuarios del Centro de Acogida y Apoyo del Programa de Atención Integral a los Consumidores de Drogas y sus Familias (Programa Atitude) en Pernambuco, Brasil. Los relatos se transcribieron, y los datos pasaron por un análisis de contenido. Los resultados muestran el papel de los sentimientos en la regulación de los modos de ser y actuar de los participantes frente a las normas del campo representacional del crack y sus fenómenos. Se destacaron los sentimientos de ira, odio, vergüenza y humillación, articulados con los procesos de exclusión, estigma social, racial y territorial, que los construyen de manera hegemónica como una figura de alteridad criminalizada y deshumanizada. Así, la dimensión ética en análisis apunta a que el sentido de la vida que circunscribe las vivencias de estos sujetos está conformado por la búsqueda de un estatus social valorado, proceso en el que la relación con el crack está presente, pero no es precisamente el aspecto más importante de sus experiencias en el mundo.(AU)

A hydroelectric dam borrow pit rehabilitation. Two decades after the project, what went wrong?

Although environmental rehabilitation projects that did not succeed are not uncommon, there are few research papers that deal with the subject. Works on the rehabilitation of borrow pits are even more rare. In an attempt to fulfill some gaps, the present study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of a program for the restoration of a clay borrow pit used for the construction of a hydroelectric plant, twenty years after its execution. In order to assess the current degradation stage and to identify the possible errors of this intervention, the area was mapped using an unmanned aerial vehicle, which allowed the identification of the remaining physical structures, dimensioning of the actual degraded area and characterization of vegetation cover and types of exposed soil. Physical and chemical parameters of the degraded area soils were compared to those of a contiguous preserved area, which was used as a control. Soils of the degraded area are significantly more compacted (with significant reduction in macroporosity) and depleted in organic matter and nutrients. The results showed that the methodologies used in the rehabilitation project were not sufficient to recover the resilience of a deeply degraded ecosystem. The long-term success of a rehabilitation project is only possible with the guarantee of the ecological sustainability of the area, which is largely related to the restoration of soil ecological processes. Most of the time, this cannot be achieved with the simple use of classical erosion control and revegetation techniques and without the addition of sediment material to aid the process.

Caracterização dos trabalhadores da enfermagem afastados por distúrbios osteomusculares em hospital universitário / Caracterización de trabajadores de enfermería en licencia por trastornos musculoesqueléticos en un hospital universitário / Characterization of nurse staffing who are away from work due musculoskeletal disorders in a university hospital

Objetivo: descrever características sociodemográficas e ocupacionais de trabalhadores da equipe de enfermagem afastados por distúrbios osteomusculares em hospital universitário e sua associação com o tempo de afastamento. Método: estudo quantitativo retrospectivo, transversal e analítico. Os dados foram coletados nos prontuários de trabalhadores afastados no período de 2012 a 2017, e analisados por meio da estatística descritiva e analítica. Resultados: de 2.761 afastamentos registrados, 449 se referiam a distúrbios osteomusculares (16,26%), o maior percentual por dorsalgia (41,5%) e 78 trabalhadores apresentaram diagnóstico psiquiátrico, principalmente depressão (43,4%). Identificou-se no grupo com maior tempo de afastamento (> de 15 dias) o predomínio da categoria de auxiliares e técnicos de enfermagem (p=0,006), trabalhadores com menor mediana de idade (p=0,021) e de maior escolaridade (p=0,035). Conclusão: o elevado número de afastamentos por distúrbios osteomusculares, por vezes associado a outras comorbidades, exige acompanhamento e medidas preventivas nos locais de trabalho.

Aim: to describe the sociodemographic and occupational characteristics of nurse staffing from an university hospital who are away from work due to musculoskeletal cumulative disorders and the association with absenteeism. Method: retrospective and cross-sectional study. Were analysed medical records from 2012 to 2017, and analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics. Results: Out of 2,761 recorded absences from nurse staffing, 449 referred to musculoskeletal disorders (16.26%), the highest percentage due to back pain (41.5%) and 78 workers had psychiatric diagnosis, especially depression (43.4%). It was identified in the group with longer time of absence (> 15 days) the predominance of the category of nursing assistants and technicians (p = 0.006), with lower median age (p = 0.021) and higher education (p = 0.035). Conclusion: The elevated number of absence due to musculoskeletal disorders, sometimes associated with other comorbidities, requires follow-up and prevention in the workplace.

Objetivo: Describir las características sociodemográficas y ocupacionales de los trabajadores del personal de enfermería en licencia debido a trastornos musculoesqueléticos en un hospital universitario y su asociación con el tiempo de ausencia. Método: estudio retrospectivo, transversal y analítico. Se analizaron los registros médicos de los trabajadores con licencia de 2012 a 2017, utilizando estadísticas descriptivas y analíticas. Resultados: De 2,761 ausencias registradas, 449 fueron trastornos musculoesqueléticos (16.26%), debido a dolor de espalda (41.5%) y 78 trabajadores tuvieron diagnóstico psiquiátrico, especialmente depresión (43.4%). Se identificó en el grupo con mayor tiempo de ausencia (> 15 días) el predominio de la categoría de auxiliares y técnicos de enfermería (p = 0.006), trabajadores con menor edad media (p = 0.021) y educación superior (p = 0,035). Conclusión: El alto número de ausencia por enfermedad debido a trastornos musculoesqueléticos, a veces asociados con otras comorbilidades, requiere seguimiento y prevención en el entorno laboral.

Prospecção fitoquímica de cruá vermelho (Sicana odorifera Naudin) e atividade antioxidante do fruto / Phytochemical prospection of cruá vermelho (Sicana odorifera Naudin) and antioxidant activity of the fruit

Originária da América Tropical, provavelmente do Brasil, a Sicana odorifera Naudin (Cucurbitaceae) é uma planta herbácea anual, vigorosa, rasteira ou trepadeira, cujos frutos exalam um odor intenso e agradável quando maduros. O presente trabalho visou caracterizar os metabólitos secundários em extratos obtidos das folhas, sementes, polpa e casca do fruto, e avaliar a atividade antioxidante do fruto. Diferentes classes de metabólitos secundários foram identificadas nas análises qualitativas e quantitativas, realizadas nos diferentes extratos obtidos. A atividade antioxidante do extrato aquoso da polpa do fruto foi determinada pela habilidade de sequestrar o radical estável 2,2-difenil-1-picril-hidrazil (DPPH). Os carotenoides foram extraídos com acetona, separados com éter de petróleo e quantificados em espectrofotômetro UV. A triagem fitoquímica dos extratos indicou a presença de compostos como açúcares redutores, depsídeos e depsidonas, esteroides e triterpenoides, polissacarídeos, proteínas e aminoácidos, saponinas, taninos, alcaloides e carotenoides, além de atividade antioxidante na polpa do fruto. De acordo com os resultados obtidos constata-se que S. odorifera possui propriedades de interesse farmacológico. O estudo serve como subsídio preliminar sobre o conhecimento da composição química e viabilidade de emprego dessa planta para fins medicinais. (AU)

Being native of Tropical America, probably from Brazil, the Sicana odorifera Naudin (Cucurbitaceae) is an annual herbaceous plant, vigorous, creeping or climbing, whose fruits exude an intense and pleasant odor when ripe. This study aimed at characterizing the secondary metabolites in the extracts obtained from the leaves, seeds, pulp and fruit peel, and to evaluate the fruit antioxidant activity. Different classes of secondary metabolites were identified by the qualitative and quantitative analyzes in the varied extracts. The antioxidant activity of the aqueous extract from the fruit pulp was determined by the ability to sequester the stable radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH). The carotenoids were extracted with acetone, separated with the petroleum ether, and quantified by UV spectrophotometer. Phytochemical screening of extracts indicated the occurrence of compounds as the reducing sugars, depsids and depsidones, steroids and triterpenoids, polysaccharides, proteins and amino acids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids and carotenoids, besides the antioxidant activity in the fruit pulp. According to the obtained results,S. odorifera possesses properties of pharmacological interest. This study provides a preliminary subsidy on the knowledge concerning the chemical composition and the feasibility of using this plant for medicinal purposes. (AU)

Prospecção fitoquímica de cruá vermelho (Sicana odorifera Naudin) e atividade antioxidante do fruto / Phytochemical prospection of cruá vermelho (Sicana odorifera Naudin) and antioxidant activity of the fruit

Originária da América Tropical, provavelmente do Brasil, a Sicana odorifera Naudin (Cucurbitaceae) é uma planta herbácea anual, vigorosa, rasteira ou trepadeira, cujos frutos exalam um odor intenso e agradável quando maduros. O presente trabalho visou caracterizar os metabólitos secundários em extratos obtidos das folhas, sementes, polpa e casca do fruto, e avaliar a atividade antioxidante do fruto. Diferentes classes de metabólitos secundários foram identificadas nas análises qualitativas e quantitativas, realizadas nos diferentes extratos obtidos. A atividade antioxidante do extrato aquoso da polpa do fruto foi determinada pela habilidade de sequestrar o radical estável 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH). Os carotenoides foram extraídos com acetona, separados com éter de petróleo e quantificados em espectrofotômetro UV. A triagem fitoquímica dos extratos indicou a presença de compostos como açúcares redutores, depsídeos e depsidonas, esteroides e triterpenoides, polissacarídeos, proteínas e aminoácidos, saponinas, taninos, alcaloides e carotenoides, além de atividade antioxidante na polpa do fruto. De acordo com os resultados obtidos constata-se que S. odorifera possui propriedades de interesse farmacológico. O estudo serve como subsídio preliminar sobre o conhecimento da composição química e viabilidade de emprego dessa planta para fins medicinais.

Being native of Tropical America, probably from Brazil, the Sicana odorifera Naudin (Cucurbitaceae) is an annual herbaceous plant, vigorous, creeping or climbing, whose fruits exude an intense and pleasant odor when ripe. This study aimed at characterizing the secondary metabolites in the extracts obtained from the leaves, seeds, pulp and fruit peel, and to evaluate the fruit antioxidant activity. Different classes of secondary metabolites were identified by the qualitative and quantitative analyzes in the varied extracts. The antioxidant activity of the aqueous extract from the fruit pulp was determined by the ability to sequester the stable radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH). The carotenoids were extracted with acetone, separated with the petroleum ether, and quantified by UV spectrophotometer. Phytochemical screening of extracts indicated the occurrence of compounds as the reducing sugars, depsids and depsidones, steroids and triterpenoids, polysaccharides, proteins and amino acids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids and carotenoids, besides the antioxidant activity in the fruit pulp. According to the obtained results, S. odorifera possesses properties of pharmacological interest. This study provides a preliminary subsidy on the knowledge concerning the chemical composition and the feasibility of using this plant for medicinal purposes.

ATLANTIC MAMMALS: a data set of assemblages of medium- and large-sized mammals of the Atlantic Forest of South America.

Biodiversity inventories contain important information about species richness, community structure, and composition, and are the first step in developing any conservation and mitigation strategies. The Atlantic Forest of South America is home to around 334 species of small-, medium-, and large-sized mammals, and is currently restricted to less than 12% of its original cover. Here, we present the ATLANTIC MAMMALS, an open data set on information on medium- and large-sized mammal assemblages in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. A total of 129 studies were compiled, including published and in press peer-reviewed papers, book chapters, theses and unpublished data. We mapped 244 assemblages, eight orders, 63 genera, and 94 species (24 of which are classified as threatened by the IUCN Red List) distributed in 128 protected and 116 unprotected areas. Species richness of the mammalian assemblages varied from 1 to 39 species (mean 15). The most recorded species in the entire biome was Dasypus novemcinctus, followed by Cerdocyon thous and Procyon cancrivorous. These data can be useful in support of macroecological studies and conservation planning strategies. Please cite this data paper when the data are used in publications. We also request that researchers and teachers inform us of how they are using the data.

ATLANTIC AMPHIBIANS: a data set of amphibian communities from the Atlantic Forests of South America.

Amphibians are among the most threatened vertebrates in the world and this is also true for those inhabiting the Atlantic Forest hotspot, living in ecosystems that are highly degraded and threatened by anthropogenic activities. We present a data set containing information about amphibian communities sampled throughout the Atlantic Forest Biome in South America. The data were extracted from 389 bibliographic references (articles, books, theses, and dissertations) representing inventories of amphibian communities from 1940 to 2017. The data set includes 17,619 records of 528 species with taxonomic certainty, from 1,163 study sites. Of all the records, 14,450 (82%) were classified using the criterion of endemism; of those, 7,787 (44%) were considered endemic and 6,663 (38%) were not. Historically, multiple sampling methods were used to survey amphibians, the most representative methods being active surveys (82.1%), surveys at breeding sites (20%), pitfall traps (15.3%), and occasional encounters (14.5%). Species richness averaged 15.2 ± 11.3 (mean ± SD), ranging from 1 to 80 species per site. We found a low dominance in the communities, with 10 species occurring in about 26% of communities: Physalaemus cuvieri (4.1%), Dendropsophus minutus (3.8%), Boana faber (3.1%), Scinax fuscovarius (2.8%), Leptodactylus latrans (2.7%), Leptodactylus fuscus (2.6%), Boana albopunctata (2.3%), Dendropsophus nanus (1.6%), Rhinella ornata (1.6%), and Leptodactylus mystacinus (1.6%). This data set represents a major effort to compile inventories of amphibian communities for the Neotropical region, filling a large gap in the data on the Atlantic Forest hotspot. We hope this data set can be used as a credible tool in the proposal of new studies on amphibian sampling and even in the development of conservation planning for these taxa. This information also has great relevance for macroecological studies, being foundational for both conservation and restoration strategies in this biodiversity hotspot. No copyright or proprietary restrictions are associated with the use of this data set. Please cite this data paper when the data are used in publications or teaching events.

Image-guided percutaneous intralesional administration of mesenchymal stromal cells in subjects with chronic complete spinal cord injury: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND AIMS: The potential of cell therapies to improve neurological function in subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI) is currently under investigation. In this context, the choice of cell type, dose, route and administration regimen are key factors. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) can be easily obtained, expanded and are suitable for autologous transplantation. Here we conducted a pilot study that evaluated safety, feasibility and potential efficacy of intralesional MSCs transplantation performed through image-guided percutaneous injection, in subjects with chronic complete SCI. METHODS: Five subjects with chronic traumatic SCI (>6 months), at thoracic level, classified as American Spinal Cord Injury Association impairment scale (AIS) grade A, complete injury, were included. Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP), spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and urodynamics were assessed before and after treatment. Autologous MSCs were injected directly into the lesion site through percutaneous injection guided by computerized tomography (CT). RESULTS: Tomography-guided percutaneous cell transplantation was a safe procedure without adverse effects. All subjects displayed improvements in spinal cord independence measure (SCIM) scores and functional independence measure (FIM), mainly due to improvements in bowel movements and regularity. Three subjects showed improved sensitivity to tactile stimulation. Two subjects improved AIS grade to B, incomplete injury, although this was sustained in only one of them during the study follow-up. CONCLUSION: Autologous bone marrow MSC transplantation, performed through CT-guided percutaneous injection, was shown to be safe and feasible. Further studies are required to demonstrate efficacy of this therapeutic scheme.

Draft Genome Sequence of Microbacterium sp. Strain LEMMJ01, Isolated from Antarctic Ornithogenic Soil.

We report here the 3,637,012-bp draft genome sequence of Microbacterium sp. strain LEMMJ01, isolated from ornithogenic soil from King George Island, Antarctica. The total number of genes presented in the draft genome sequence was 3,553, and the total number of coding sequences was 3,497. In addition, genes related to the production of terpene and carotenoids were revealed.

Draft Genome Sequence of Geobacillus sp. LEMMY01, a Thermophilic Bacterium Isolated from the Site of a Burning Grass Pile.

We report here the 3,586,065-bp draft genome of Geobacillus sp. LEMMY01, which was isolated (axenic culture) from a thermophilic chemolitoautotrophic consortium obtained from the site of a burning grass pile. The genome contains biosynthetic gene clusters coding for secondary metabolites, such as terpene and lantipeptide, confirming the biotechnological potential of this strain.

Tratamento cirúrgico para automatismos sexuais em crises parciais complexas: relato de caso e revisão da literatura / Surgical treatment for sexual automatisms in complex partial seizures: case report and literature review

Relatamos caso raro de crises parciais complexas com automatismos genitais secundárias a tumor temporal. Paciente foi submetida à lobectomia temporal direita com remissão completa dos sintomas. Após revisão da literatura, fica evidenciado que crises podem ser originadas tanto no lobo frontal quanto temporal.

We report a rare case of sexual automatism in complex partial seizures secondary to temporal tumor. Patient underwent a right temporal lobectomy with complete remission of symptoms. After reviewing the literature, it is evident that the crisis can arise in both the frontal and temporal.

Factors Determining the Clinical Complications of Radiosurgery for AVM.

PURPOSE: To identify the predictors of symptomatic post-radiation T2 signal change in patients with arteriovenous malformations (AVM) treated with radiosurgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The charts of 211 consecutive patients with arteriovenous malformations treated with either gamma knife radisurgery or linear accelerator radiosurgery between 2000-2009 were retrospectively reviewed. 168 patients had a minimum of 12 months of clinical and radiologic follow-up following the procedure and complete dosage data. Pretreatment characteristics and dosimetric variables were analyzed to identify predictors of adverse radiation effects. RESULTS: 141 patients had no clinical symptomatic complications. 21 patients had global or focal neurological deficits attributed to symptomatic edema. Variables associated with development of symptomatic edema included a non-hemorrhagic symptomatic presentation compared to presentation with hemorrhage, p=0.001; OR (95%CI) = 6.26 (1.99, 19.69); the presence of venous rerouting compared to the lack of venous rerouting, p=0.031; OR (95% CI) = 3.25 (1.20, 8.80); radiosurgery with GKS compared to linear accelerator radiosurgery p = 0.012; OR (95% CI) = 4.58 (1.28, 16.32); and the presence of more than one draining vein compared to a single draining vein p = 0.032; OR (95% CI) = 2.82 (1.06, 7.50). CONCLUSIONS: We postulated that the higher maximal doses used with gamma knife radiosurgery may be responsible for the greater number of adverse radiation effects with this modality compared to linear accelerator radiosurgery. We found that AVMs with greater venous complexity and therefore instability resulted in more adverse treatment outcomes, suggesting that AVM angioarchitecture should be considered when making treatment decisions.Facteurs en cause dans les complications cliniques de la radiochirurgie pour une malformation artérioveineuse.