Water springs: an immeasurable resource for ensuring sustainability.

Water springs are manifestations of groundwater to the surface, forming and ensuring the supply and sustainability of streams, lakes, rivers, and dams. Therefore, its riparian forest is considered an area of permanent preservation, which aims to protect the water, as well as the spring, from consequences of disordered population growth, added to deficient basic sanitation systems, climate change, agricultural activities, inappropriate land uses, unplanned urbanization, and diffuse sources of pollution. In addition to compromising water quality, many of these factors affect the permanence of water upwelling at the source, compromising the formation and continuity of streams, lakes, and rivers. In this context, the objective of the present research was to carry out a bibliographic review on water springs, approaching adjacent themes to the main axis of the study that are fundamental for a deep understanding of their importance for the maintenance of water resources and ensuring biodiversity in the search for the sustainability of life for present and future generations. This research collaborates with the environmental view and shows that the function of a water sources is broader than its concepts can reveal.

Genetic and ecological niche modeling of Calydorea crocoides (Iridaceae): an endemic species of Subtropical Highland Grasslands.

Evolutionary analyses have been widely used for evaluation of genetic diversity of natural populations and correlate these data to the fitness of the species, especially in the case of threatened species. Calydorea crocoides occurs in a restricted area at altitudes from 800 to 1500 m in southern Brazil and is considered endangered. A study assessing genetic diversity, cytogenetic features and ecological niche was performed aiming to characterize C. crocoides by multidisciplinary approaches. Molecular data highlighted that most of the total variation (76%; p < 0.001) was found within populations and the parameters of genetic diversity were high at the species level (PPB = 98.97%; I = 0.4319; h = 0.2821). Gene flow (Nm) was estimated in 0.97 individuals per generation. Cytogenetically, C. crocoides presents a bimodal karyotype and low asymmetry. DAPI banding pattern was uniform, but the CMA-signal evidenced a pericentric inversion in the population ESC688. The species presents high pollen viability and two different morphologies of pollen grains. Our data showed high levels of polymorphism maintained in this species that could ensure conservationist practices in which the main goal is to preserve the evolutionary potential of the species through the maintenance of genetic diversity.

Studies on diversity and evolution of Iridaceae species in southern Brazil.

Plants of the family Iridaceae are well represented in the grassland vegetation of southern Brazil, occurring in the Pampa and Atlantic Forest biomes. Nevertheless, little is known about the taxonomy and evolution of Iridaceae species in southern Brazil. The main goal of this review is to compile published information about South American Iridaceae, and to discuss the evolution and genetic diversity of the family presenting our own research data in the light of the published literature. The main focus is on the genera Calydorea, Cypella, Herbertia, and Sisyrinchium. Aspects of reproductive system and of pollinator attraction are also discussed.

Phylogenetic relationship between rabies virus (Lyssavirus rabies) variants from two different species / Relações filogenéticas do vírus da raiva (Lyssavirus rabies) em duas diferentes espécies / Relaciones filogenéticas del virus de la rabia (Lyssavirus rabies) en dos especies diferentes

Rabies is a fatal zoonotic disease that affects several mammals. Hematophagous bats are recognized hosts of the rabies virus, and their main food source is the blood of other mammals, particularly cattle. During feeding, bats transmit the virus to cattle, which are victims of the disease, contributing to economic losses and increasing the risk of infection for humans. Based on this affinity in the rabies cycle between bats and cattle, the objective of this study was to analyze the phylogenetic relationships of rabies virus samples in cattle and bats. The G gene of the rabies virus was chosen for this study because it is directly related to the infection process. Nucleotide sequences of the viral G gene were selected from GenBank for samples obtained from infected cattle and bats. Maximum parsimony analyses were conducted using the Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis software. The Maxima Parsimony tree indicated a phylogenetic relationship between the G genes of both hosts, indicating that the virus evolved from bats to cattle. Analysis of parsimoniously informative sites revealed that the viral G gene carried specific mutations in each host. Knowledge of the evolutionary relationships between the rabies virus and its hosts is critical for identifying potential new hosts and the possible routes of infection for humans.

A Raiva é uma zoonose fatal que infecta várias espécies de mamíferos. Os morcegos hematófagos são reconhecidos como hospedeiros do vírus da Raiva e sua principal fonte de alimento é o sangue de outros mamíferos, especialmente os bovinos. Quando se alimentam, os morcegos transmitem o vírus para o bovino os quais são vítimas da doença, contribuindo para perdas econômicas e riscos de infecção para humanos. Baseado nesta afinidade do ciclo da Raiva entre morcegos e bovinos, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as relações filogenéticas de amostras do vírus da Raiva em ambos os hospedeiros, bovinos e morcegos. O gene G do vírus da Raiva foi escolhido para esta pesquisa porque ele está diretamente relacionado ao processo de infecção. Sequências de nucleotídeos do gene G viral foram selecionadas no GenBank a partir de amostras obtidas de bovinos e morcegos infectados. Análises de Máxima Parcimônia foram conduzidas utilizando o software Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis. A árvore de Máxima Parcimônia indicou uma relação filogenética entre o gene G de ambos os hospedeiros, indicando que o vírus evoluiu dos morcegos para os bovinos. A análise dos sítios parcimoniosamente informativos revelou que o gene G viral apresentou mutações específicas em cada hospedeiro. O conhecimento sobre as relações evolutivas do vírus da Raiva e seus hospedeiros é crucial para identificar nos hospedeiros potenciais e novas rotas possíveis de infecção para humanos.

La rabia es una zoonosis fatal que infecta a varias especies de mamíferos. Los murciélagos hematófagos son reconocidos como huéspedes del virus de la rabia y su principal fuente de alimentación es la sangre de otros mamíferos, especialmente del ganado. Al alimentarse, los murciélagos transmiten el virus al ganado que es víctima de la enfermedad, contribuyendo a pérdidas económicas y riesgos de infección para los humanos. Basado en esta afinidad del ciclo de la rabia entre murciélagos y ganado, el objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las relaciones filogenéticas de las muestras de virus de la rabia tanto en huéspedes, ganado y murciélagos. El gen G del virus de la rabia fue elegido para esta investigación porque está directamente relacionado con el proceso de infección. Las secuencias de nucleótidos del gen G viral se seleccionaron en GenBank a partir de muestras obtenidas de bovinos y murciélagos infectados. Los análisis de parsimonia máxima se realizaron utilizando el software Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis. El árbol de Máxima Parsimônia indicó una relación filogenética entre el gen G de ambos huéspedes, indicando que el virus evolucionó de murciélagos a bovinos. El análisis de los sitios parsimoniosamente informativos reveló que el gen G viral presentaba mutaciones específicas en cada huésped. El conocimiento sobre las relaciones evolutivas del virus de la rabia y sus huéspedes es crucial para identificar huéspedes potenciales y nuevas posibles rutas de infección para humanos.

Musculoskeletal pain in healthcare professionals working in COVID-19 Intensive Care Units: multicenter and cross-sectional study / Dor musculoesquelética em profissionais de saúde que atuaram em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva de COVID-19: estudo multicêntrico e transversal

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: During the COVID-19 pandemic, health professionals have experienced a work overload that may be associated with increased pain intensity. The aim of this study was to analyze the frequency and intensity of musculoskeletal pain in the different anatomical regions reported by health professionals who worked in Intensive Care Units (ICU) during the pandemic and to investigate associations between clinical variables. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, analytical, quantitative and multicenter study carried out in six ICU between July 2021 and February 2022. The Nordic Questionnaire of Musculoskeletal Symptoms (QNSO) was used for data collection, as well as a questionnaire prepared by the researchers on sociodemographic, work and clinical data, and the visual numeric scale (VNS) for pain assessment. Analyses were carried out using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 205 health professionals. With regard to pain intensity, according to the visual analog scale (VAS), an average of 3.76 was observed. The analysis of the association between the variables indicated a greater intensity of pain in females, with a higher frequency of mild and moderate pain, age over 40, in the professional categories of nursing technicians and doctors. The presence of severe pain was associated with poor general health and shorter time in professional practice. CONCLUSION: Most of the professionals reported pain of varying intensity and in different anatomical regions, the most frequently cited being the upper back and neck. Musculoskeletal disorders are directly related to work activity, age, gender and lack of leisure time.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Durante a pandemia da COVID-19, os profissionais de saúde passaram por uma sobrecarga de trabalho que pode estar associada com o aumento da intensidade da dor. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a frequência e intensidade da dor musculoesquelética nas diferentes regiões anatômicas referidas por profissionais de saúde que atuaram em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) durante a pandemia e investigar associações entre as variáveis clínicas. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, analítico, quantitativo e multicêntrico, realizado em seis UTI, entre julho de 2021 e fevereiro de 2022. Para coleta de dados foi utilizado o Questionário Nórdico de Sintomas Osteomusculares (QNSO), bem como um questionário elaborado pelas pesquisadoras acerca de dados sociodemográficos, laborais e clínicos, e a escala visual numérica (EVN) de avaliação da dor. As análises foram feitas por meio de estatística descritiva e inferencial. RESULTADOS: A amostra foi de 205 profissionais de saúde. No que se refere à intensidade da dor, segundo a escala analógica visual (EAV), observou-se uma média de 3,76. A análise da associação entre as variáveis indicou maior intensidade de dor no sexo feminino, com maior frequência de dor leve e moderada, idade maior que 40 anos, nas categorias profissionais de técnicos de enfermagem e médicos. A presença de dor intensa está associada ao estado de saúde geral ruim e ao menor tempo de atuação profissional. CONCLUSÃO: A maioria dos profissionais referiu dor de intensidade variada e em diferentes regiões anatômicas, sendo as mais citadas: parte superior das costas e pescoço. Os distúrbios musculoesqueléticos estão diretamente relacionados à atividade laboral exercida, à idade, ao sexo e à falta de tempo disponível para lazer.

Genetic Similarity Among Accessions of Paspalum notatum Flügge (Poaceae): a Potential to Parental Selection

HIGHLIGHTS Low genetic similarity in Paspalum notatum accessions. High genetic distance among diploid accessions. The accessions have good potential to breeding program.

Abstract Paspalum notatum is an important forage grass contributing significantly to the coverage of the natural fields of Southern Brazil. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used to evaluate the genetic similarity of strains within a P. notatum collection. Genomic DNA was extracted in bulk from young leaves of five plants from each accession obtained from the USDA. In the molecular analysis, the eight SSR markers evaluated formed seven distinct groups, and two isolated genotypes, with an average similarity index of 0.29, ranging from zero to 0.83. All the loci were polymorphic and the polymorphism information content ranging from 0.41 to 0.69. The results evidenced a low genetic similarity, which can be explored via parental selection in a breeding program.

Perfil sociodemográfico, clínico e familiar de mulheres recentemente diagnosticadas com câncer / Sociodemographic, clinical, and family profile of women recently diagnosed with cancer

No ano de 2018, houve 227.920 óbitos no Brasil por neoplasias, 19.692 referentes à população feminina do noroeste do estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Estima-se que para 2020, 115.780 novos casos de câncer incidam sobre a população feminina brasileira, o que justifica o enfoque principal do presente estudo. Este avaliou a associação entre as características sociodemográficas, clínicas e familiares de mulheres recentemente diagnosticadas com câncer e o seu local de moradia. Trata-se de um estudo transversal e observacional, o qual a coleta de dados ocorreu no período de agosto 2018 a janeiro de 2019 através da aplicação de um questionário, participaram 143 mulheres recentemente diagnosticadas com câncer, assistidas em um Centro de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia (CACON) de um hospital geral porte IV (300 ou mais leitos) as quais foram subdivididas em três grupos: Rural, Urbano sem Exposição Rural e Urbano com Exposição Rural. Verificou-se que 51% das mulheres possuíam idade inferior a 60 anos e, comorbidades como: Obesidade, depressão e câncer de mama, demostraram associação significativa com relação ao local de moradia (p=0,035, p=0,028 p=0,032, respectivamente). Conclui-se que apesar do meio urbano disponibilizar maior infraestrutura no diagnóstico, tratamento e medidas de prevenção à ocorrência do câncer; mulheres urbanas, rurais e expostas ao meio rural, demonstraram ocorrências parecidas para a incidência de alguns tipos de canceres.

In 2018, there were 227,920 deaths in Brazil due to neoplasms, 19,692 referring to the female population in the northwest of the state of Rio Grande do Sul. It is estimated that by 2020, 115,780 new cases of cancer affected the Brazilian female population, which justifies the main focus of the present study. This study assessed the association between the sociodemographic, clinical, and family characteristics of women recently diagnosed with cancer and their place of residence. This is a cross-sectional and observational study, in which data collection took place from August 2018 to January 2019 through the application of a questionnaire applied to 143 women recently diagnosed with cancer. These subjects were attended in a High Complexity Oncology Center (CACON) of a size IV general hospital (300 or more beds) which were subdivided into three groups: Rural, Urban without Rural Exposure, and Urban with Rural Exposure. It was found that 51% of women were under the age of 60 years old, and comorbidities such as obesity, depression, and breast cancer showed a significant association in relation to the place of residence (p=0.035, p=0.028 p=0.032, respectively). It is concluded that despite the urban environment providing greater infrastructure in the diagnosis, treatment, and measures to prevent the occurrence of cancer, urban, rural and women exposed to the rural environment, demonstrated similar occurrences for the incidence of some types of cancers.

Diphenyl diselenide reverses cadmium-induced oxidative damage on mice tissues.

The concept that selenium-containing molecules may be better antioxidants than classical antioxidants, has led to the design of synthetic organoselenium compounds. In the present investigation subchronic deleterious effects of cadmium-intoxication in mice and a possible protective effect of diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)2 (5 micromol/kg) were studied. Male adult Swiss albino mice (25-35 g) received CdCl2 (10 micromol/kg, subcutaneously), five times/week, for 4 weeks. A number of toxicological parameters in blood, liver, kidney, spleen and brain of mice were examined including delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (delta-ALA-D) activity, lipid peroxidation and ascorbic acid content, the parameters that indicate tissue damage such as plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), urea, creatinine and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were also determined. The results demonstrated that cadmium caused inhibition of delta-ALA-D activity in liver (24%), kidney (33%) and spleen (73%) and (PhSe)2 therapy was effective in restoring enzyme activity in all tissues. A reduction in ascorbic acid content was observed in kidney (11%) and spleen (10.7%) of cadmium-treated mice and (PhSe)2 was only effective in improving this reduction in kidney. An increase of lipid peroxidation induced by cadmium was noted in liver (29%) and brain (28%) tissues and (PhSe)2 therapy was effective in restoring TBARS levels in both tissues. We also observed an increase on plasma LDH (1.99-times), AST (1.93-times) and ALT (4.24-times) activities. (PhSe)2 therapy was effective in restoring AST activity at control level. (PhSe)2 did not present toxic effects when plasma parameters were evaluated. The results suggest that the administration of an antioxidant (PhSe)2, during cadmium intoxication may provide beneficial effects by reducing oxidative stress in tissues.

Genetic and ecological niche modeling of Calydorea crocoides (Iridaceae): an endemic species of Subtropical Highland Grasslands

Abstract Evolutionary analyses have been widely used for evaluation of genetic diversity of natural populations and correlate these data to the fitness of the species, especially in the case of threatened species. Calydorea crocoides occurs in a restricted area at altitudes from 800 to 1500 m in southern Brazil and is considered endangered. A study assessing genetic diversity, cytogenetic features and ecological niche was performed aiming to characterize C. crocoides by multidisciplinary approaches. Molecular data highlighted that most of the total variation (76%; p < 0.001) was found within populations and the parameters of genetic diversity were high at the species level (PPB = 98.97%; I = 0.4319; h = 0.2821). Gene flow (Nm) was estimated in 0.97 individuals per generation. Cytogenetically, C. crocoides presents a bimodal karyotype and low asymmetry. DAPI banding pattern was uniform, but the CMA-signal evidenced a pericentric inversion in the population ESC688. The species presents high pollen viability and two different morphologies of pollen grains. Our data showed high levels of polymorphism maintained in this species that could ensure conservationist practices in which the main goal is to preserve the evolutionary potential of the species through the maintenance of genetic diversity.

Cytotoxic effects of infusions (tea) of Solidago microglossa DC. (Asteraceae) on the cell cycle of Allium cepa / Efeitos citotóxicos das infusões (chá) de Solidago microglossa DC. (Asteraceae) no ciclo celular de Allium cepa

The medicinal specie Solidago microglossa DC., which is native from South America, is used as infusion (tea) for stomach disorders in popular medicine. This study aimed to evaluate the potential cytotoxic effect of these infusions on the cell cycle of Allium cepa. In natura leaves of three populations of this species were used in preparing infusions at two concentrations: 1.75 mg/mL and 14 mg/mL. Onion (Allium cepa) root-tip cells were used as test system in in vivo assays. Slides were done through smashing technique. Cells were analyzed in all cell cycles of A. cepa, totalizing 6000 cells for each group of bulbs. The mitotic index (MI) was calculated, and the statistical analysis was carried out through the Chi-square test (χ2 = 0.05). The results show that the infusions of S. microglossa at a highest concentration (14 mg/mL) caused a significant reduction in the MI compared with control in the studied populations. In concentrations commonly used by people there was a significant increase of MI in relation to controlled populations 1 and 3 and a decrease in population 2. In conclusion, infusions of S. microglossa presented antiproliferative effect at a highest concentration.

A espécie medicinal Solidago micrglossa DC., a qual é nativa da América do Sul, é usada como infusão (chá) para desordens estomacais na medicina popular. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar o potencial efeito citotóxico dessas infusões no ciclo celular de Allium cepa. Folhas in natura de três populações dessa espécie foram utilizadas no preparo das infusões em duas concentrações: 1,75 mg/mL e 14 mg/mL. Células de raízes de cebola (Allium cepa) foram usadas como sistema teste nos ensaios in vivo. As lâminas foram feitas através da técnica de esmagamento. As células foram analisadas em todos os ciclos celulares de A. cepa, totalizando 6000 células para cada grupo de bulbos. O índice mitótico (IM) foi calculado e a análise estatística foi realizada através do teste Qui-quadrado (χ2 = 0,05). Os resultados mostraram que as infusões de S. microglossa na maior concentração (14 mg/mL) causou uma redução no IM comparado com os controles nas populações estudadas. Nas concentrações comumente usadas pelas pessoas houve um aumento significativo do IM em relação ao controle nas populações 1 e 3 e foi reduzido na população 2. Em conclusão, infusões de S. microglossa apresentam efeito antiproliferativo na maior concentração testada.

Efeito anti-proliferativo das infusões de Achyrocline satureioides DC (Asteraceae) sobre o ciclo celular de Allium cepa / Anti-proliferative effect of infusions of Achyrocline satureioides on the Allium cepa cell cycle

Achyrocline satureioides (marcela) é utilizada na medicina popular brasileira, na forma de chá, como tratamento de patologias digestivas e inflamatórias. O efeito anti-proliferativo de infusões de marcela sobre o ciclo celular da cebola foi avaliado, utilizando-se inflorescências de marcela recém coletadas (2005) e após armazenamento por 30 meses (2003). Preparou-se as infusões em duas concentrações: 5,0 mg/mL (concentração usual como chá) e 20 mg/mL. Utilizaram-se 3 grupos de 6 bulbos de cebola para cada população de marcela. Retirou-se um grupo de bulbos controle de cada população. Todos os bulbos enraizados em água destilada foram transferidos para os extratos de marcela e permaneceram por 24 horas, (os bulbos controle permaneceram em água). As radículas foram coletadas, fixadas em etanol-ácido acético (3:1) por 24 h e estocadas em álcool 70 por cento. Foram analisadas 6000 células por grupo de bulbos, e os índices mitóticos calculados submetidos a análise estatística pelo teste chi2 a 5 por cento. Conclui-se que as infusões de marcela possuem ação antiproliferativa sobre o ciclo celular da cebola e que essa ação inibitória da divisão celular aumenta conforme aumento da concentração, bem como após o armazenamento.

Achyrocline saturoides (marcela) is used in Brazilian folk medicine as a tea in the treatment of digestive and inflammatory diseases. The anti-proliferative effect of infusions of marcela on onion cell cycle was evaluated by using the inflorescences of recently collected marcela and after the storage for 30 months. Marcela inflorescences were collected for the infusion preparations in 2003 and in 2005 (used still fresh). We prepared the infusions at two concentrations 5.0 mg/mL (concentration used as tea) and 20 mg/mL. We used two groups of six onion bulbs for each population of marcela, and one group of bulbs of each population was withdrawn as a control group. All bulbs rooted in distilled water and after they were transferred to the extracts of marcela and they were kept there for 24 hours (control bulbs remained under water). The root tips were collected, after fixed in ethanol acetic acid (3:1) for 24 hours and, stored under alcohol 70 percent. A total of 6000 cells per group of bulbs was analyzed, and the mitotic indexes were calculated and undergone to statistical analysis by using chi2 at 5 percent. The conclusions were that the infusions of marcela have anti-proliferative action on the cell cycle of onion and that this inhibitory action on the cell division increases according to the increase of the infusion concentration, after storage as well.