Pervasive gaps in Amazonian ecological research

Biodiversity loss is one of the main challenges of our time,1,2 and attempts to address it require a clear un derstanding of how ecological communities respond to environmental change across time and space.3,4 While the increasing availability of global databases on ecological communities has advanced our knowledge of biodiversity sensitivity to environmental changes,5–7 vast areas of the tropics remain understudied.8–11 In the American tropics, Amazonia stands out as the world’s most diverse rainforest and the primary source of Neotropical biodiversity,12 but it remains among the least known forests in America and is often underrepre sented in biodiversity databases.13–15 To worsen this situation, human-induced modifications16,17 may elim inate pieces of the Amazon’s biodiversity puzzle before we can use them to understand how ecological com munities are responding. To increase generalization and applicability of biodiversity knowledge,18,19 it is thus crucial to reduce biases in ecological research, particularly in regions projected to face the most pronounced environmental changes. We integrate ecological community metadata of 7,694 sampling sites for multiple or ganism groups in a machine learning model framework to map the research probability across the Brazilian Amazonia, while identifying the region’s vulnerability to environmental change. 15%–18% of the most ne glected areas in ecological research are expected to experience severe climate or land use changes by 2050. This means that unless we take immediate action, we will not be able to establish their current status, much less monitor how it is changing and what is being lostinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Pervasive gaps in Amazonian ecological research

Biodiversity loss is one of the main challenges of our time,1,2 and attempts to address it require a clear understanding of how ecological communities respond to environmental change across time and space.3,4 While the increasing availability of global databases on ecological communities has advanced our knowledge of biodiversity sensitivity to environmental changes,5,6,7 vast areas of the tropics remain understudied.8,9,10,11 In the American tropics, Amazonia stands out as the world's most diverse rainforest and the primary source of Neotropical biodiversity,12 but it remains among the least known forests in America and is often underrepresented in biodiversity databases.13,14,15 To worsen this situation, human-induced modifications16,17 may eliminate pieces of the Amazon's biodiversity puzzle before we can use them to understand how ecological communities are responding. To increase generalization and applicability of biodiversity knowledge,18,19 it is thus crucial to reduce biases in ecological research, particularly in regions projected to face the most pronounced environmental changes. We integrate ecological community metadata of 7,694 sampling sites for multiple organism groups in a machine learning model framework to map the research probability across the Brazilian Amazonia, while identifying the region's vulnerability to environmental change. 15%–18% of the most neglected areas in ecological research are expected to experience severe climate or land use changes by 2050. This means that unless we take immediate action, we will not be able to establish their current status, much less monitor how it is changing and what is being lost

Educação continuada em saúde: ações de prevenção, promoção e controle das doenças infecto-parasitárias em escolares residentes em um distrito rural endêmico

Problems related to hygiene mostly affect school-age children. Individual and collective hygiene habits directly interfere with diseases such as intestinal parasites, arboviruses and accidents involving venomous animals. Prevention is a common pillar for reducing the aforementioned health problems. This project’s beneficiaries are 125 children (4-10 years; median = 7), who attend two public schools in Xonin de Cima, a Governador Valadares’ rural district (Minas Gerais). Questionnaires were applied and, based on the information obtained, 4 health education actions were organized, whose themes were: hygiene, arboviral diseases, intestinal parasites (IP) and Accidents with poisonous animals (APA). Games, dynamics, theater, music, cinema, lectures and exhibition of species in formaldehyde were used as pedagogical resources. In addition, a multidisciplinary fair about health, education and citizenship were organized. Vulnerabilities were identified, such as: only 44.8% of the participants know the concept of hygiene. 74.4% have never heard of infectious diseases. 26.4% do not wash their hands at all required times. 0,8% do not brush their teeth after meals or before bedtime. 10.4% do not wash food before eating it. 14.4% report bathing in a river or lake; while 117 (93.0%) use the local stream, probably a focus of schistosomiasis, for leisure. 22.4% reported previous arboviral diseases; 64.8% say they have seen standing water and 76.0% report a large number of mosquitoes at home. 40.8% reported previous IP. 13.6% suffered APA, mainly scorpionism (52.9%) and ophidism (17.6%). 95.2% have seen a venomous animal at home. Regarding the actions, the methods used approximate the information to the age and cultural context of the public served, generating greater effectiveness.Problemas relacionados à higiene acometem majoritariamente crianças em idade escolar. Hábitos de higiene individual e coletivo interferem diretamente em doenças como parasitoses intestinais, arboviroses e acidentes envolvendo animais peçonhentos. A prevenção é um pilar em comum para a redução dos agravos supracitadas. Os beneficiários desse projeto constituem um grupo de 125 crianças (4-10 anos; mediana = 7), que frequentam duas escolas públicas de Xonin de Cima, distrito rural do município de Governador Valadares (MG). Aplicaram-se questionários e, a partir das informações obtidas, organizaram-se 4 ações de educação em saúde, cujas temáticas foram: higiene, arboviroses, parasitoses intestinais (PI) e acidentes com animais peçonhentos (AAP). Utilizaram-se jogos, dinâmicas, teatro, música, cinema, aulas expositivas e exibição de espécies no formol como recursos pedagógicos. Ademais, organizou-se uma feira multidisciplinar que abordou temas de saúde, educação e cidadania. Identificaram-se vulnerabilidades, como: apenas 44,8% dos participantes conhecem o conceito de higienização. 74,4% nunca ouviu falar sobre doenças infecto-parasitárias. 26,4% não fazem a lavagem das mãos em todos os momentos necessários. 0,8% não escovam os dentes após refeições ou antes de dormir. 10,4% não lavam alimentos antes de comê-los. 14,4% referem tomar banho em rio ou lago; enquanto 117 (93%) utilizam o córrego local, provável foco de esquistossomose, para lazer. 22,4% referiram quadro anterior de arbovirose; 64,8% dizem ter visto água parada e 76,0% relata grande quantidade de mosquitos em casa. 40,8% refere adoecimento prévio por PI. 13,6% sofreram AAP, principalmente escorpionismo (52,9%) e ofidismo (17,6%). 95% já viram algum animal peçonhento em casa. Quanto às ações, afirma-se que os métodos utilizados aproximam as informações à idade e ao contexto cultural do público atendido, gerando maior efetividade

Avaliação do papel da via FAK/SRC na proliferação e apoptose em linhagem celular JAK2V617F positiva

Chronic Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (NMPC), which includes Polycythemia vera (PV), Essential Thrombocythemia (ET) and Primary Myelofibrosis (PMF), are clonal disorders characterized by excess of proliferation and apoptosis resistance, leading to accumulation of myeloid cells. The identification of the acquired JAK2V617F mutation in patients with PV, ET and PMF allowed a better understanding about this disease pathogenesis, as the constitutive activation of JAK2 tyrosine kinase plays an important role in increasing cell proliferation and resistance to apoptosis. However, there is still no pharmacological treatment that leads all patients to molecular remission, justifying the study of new molecular targets. In turn, the Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) protein has an important influence on the processes of proliferation, migration and cell survival and, as it is overexpressed in several neoplasms, it becomes a promising target in the development of drugs cancer. The present study proposes to evaluate the role of FAK in the proliferation and apoptosis of SET-2 cells, a JAK2V617F positive cell line. With this purpose, the following were analyzed: (1) interaction between FAK and SRC by immunoprecipitation; (2) the effect of the FAK inhibitor (PF 562,271) on the viability and cell proliferation by MTT; (3) the effect of the FAK inhibitor on apoptosis induction by evaluating the expression of cleaved PARP and cleaved Caspase 3 by Western Blotting, (4) the effect of JAK inhibitor (ruxolitinib) on the expression of p-SRC and SRC. In addition, a RNAseq dataset from SET-2 cells treated with INC424 (ruxolitinib) for 4h and 48h (GSE 69827), available in "Gene Expression Omnibus" was analyzed. The differential gene expression and correlation of PTK2 gene and other 65 genes related to proliferation, survival, apoptosis and adhesion were performed using the software R studio. The results indicate that the inhibitor of FAK PF 562,271 significantly reduced in 71.5%, 85.5%, 83.7% and 86.3% the cell viability at 5uM, 10uM, 25uM and 50uM, respectively. The inhibitor also induced apoptosis, since there was an increase in the expression of cleaved PARP and cleaved Caspase 3 after treatment with the inhibitor. The analysis of the RNAseq database showed that the JAK inhibitor modulated the expression of PTK2 gene and other genes involved in proliferation, apoptosis and cell adhesion processes. Regarding the genes related to cell adhesion, the genes PTK2, SRC, PXN, TLN1, DCC, ITPKC and FLNA showed increased expression and CRK, PTRH2, VCL, CASS4, ACTB, ZYX, VASP, CTNNB1 and BCAR1 showed decreased expression. In conclusion, the results indicate that FAK inhibition sensibilizes SET-2 to apoptosis, reducing cell viability and JAK inhibition with INC424 seems to have influence in PTK2 gene expression and other genes related to focal adhesion pathway.As Neoplasias Mieloproliferativas Crônicas (NMPC) configuram-se como um grupo de doenças clonais da célula-tronco hematopoética que resultam em acúmulo das células mieloide. Dentre elas incluem-se a Policitemia vera (PV), a Trombocitemia essencial (TE) e a Mielofibrose Primária (MF). A identificação da mutação adquirida JAK2V617F em pacientes com PV, TE e MF permitiu o melhor entendimento da patogênese dessas doenças, visto que a ativação constitutiva da tirosina quinase JAK2 tem papel importante no aumento da proliferação celular e resistência à apoptose. No entanto, ainda não existe um tratamento farmacológico que leve todos os pacientes à remissão molecular, justificando o estudo de novos alvos moleculares. Por sua vez, a proteína Quinase de Adesão Focal (FAK), possui importante influência nos processos de proliferação, migração, sobrevivência celular e apoptose e, por estar superexpressa em diversas neoplasias, configura-se um alvo promissor no desenvolvimento de fármacos contra o câncer. O presente estudo propõe avaliar o papel da proteína FAK na proliferação e apoptose da linhagem celular SET-2, positiva para a mutação JAK2V617F. Assim, foram analisados: (1) interação entre FAK e SRC por imunoprecipitação; (2) o efeito do inibidor da FAK (PF 562,271) na viabilidade e proliferação celular por MTT; (3) efeito do inibidor da FAK na indução da apoptose avaliando-se a expressão de PARP clivado e Caspase 3 Clivada por Western Blotting; (4) efeito do inibidor da JAK (ruxolitinibe) na expressão de p-SRC e SRC. Além disso, um banco de dados de RNAseq da linhagem SET-2 tratada com INC424 (ruxolitinibe) por 4h e 48h (GSE 69827), disponível no banco de dados público "Gene Expression Omnibus" foi analisado. A expressão gênica diferencial e a correlação entre a expressão do gene PTK2 e outros 65 genes envolvidos em proliferação, sobrevivência, apoptose e adesão foi feita utilizando-se o software R studio. Os resultados indicam que o inibidor da FAK PF 562,271 reduziu significativamente a viabilidade celular e a proliferação das células SET-2 a partir da concentração de 5 µM, sendo 71,5%, 85,5%, 83,7% e 86,3% a redução da viabilidade para os tratamentos com 5 µM,10µM, 25 µM e 50 µM, respectivamente. O inibidor também induziu apoptose, pois houve aumento na expressão de PARP clivada e Caspase 3 clivada após tratamento. As análises do banco de dados de RNAseq demonstraram que o inibidor da JAK modulou a expressão do gene PTK2 e de outros genes envolvidos nos processos de proliferação, apoptose e adesão celular. Com relação aos genes relacionados com adesão celular, os genes PTK2, SRC, PXN, TLN1, DCC, ITPKC e FLNA apresentaram aumento da expressão e CRK, PTRH2, VCL, CASS4, ACTB, ZYX, VASP, CTNNB1 e BCAR1 apresentaram expressão diminuída. Com isso, os resultados do presente trabalho apontam que a inibição da FAK sensibiliza a linhagem celular SET-2 a sofrer apoptose, reduzindo assim a viabilidade e o tratamento com o inibidor da JAK INC424 influencia na expressão do gene PTK2 e de outros genes relacionados com a via de adesão focal.FAPEMIG - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerai

Focal adhesion kinase inhibition decreases cell viability and induces apoptosis of JAK2 V617F positive cells

Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) protein participates in proliferation, migration, cell survival, and apoptosis process. It has been described as overexpressed in several neoplasms being a promising target for therapy. BCR-ABL negative chronic Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN) are clonal disorders characterized by the excess of proliferation and apoptosis resistance. The identification of the acquired JAK2 V617F mutation in MPN patients allowed a better understanding of pathogenesis. However, there is still no pharmacological treatment that leads all patients to molecular remission, justifying new studies. The present study aimed to evaluate FAK involvement in the viability and apoptosis of HEL and SET-2 cells, both JAK2 V617F positive cell lines. The FAK inhibitor PF 562,271 was used. Cell viability was determined using MTT assay and apoptosis verified by cleaved PARP, cleaved Caspase 3 and Annexin-V/PI staining detection. FAK inhibition significantly reduced HEL and SET-2 cells viability and induced apoptosis. Considering the role of JAK/STAT pathway in MPN, further investigation of FAK participation in the MPN cells proliferation and apoptosis resistance, as well as possible crosstalk between JAK and FAK and downstream pathways may contribute to the knowledge of MPN pathophysiology, the discovery of new molecular targets, and JAK inhibitors resistance mechanisms

Results from portable and of low cost equipment developed for detection of milk adulterations

Abstract This work presents the results of a device, MilkTech, developed to detect milk tampering, based on electrical measurements. The device indicates possible frauds by water, sodium chloride, caustic soda, ethyl alcohol and sodium bicarbonate. The advantages in relation to traditional methods are portability, low cost and detection of mixed frauds. The experiments were conducted in dairy plants at Governador Valadares, in Brazil. The results were compared with cryoscopy and chloride tests. It is demonstrated there is high correlation between MilkTech and Cryoscopy. For instance, the detection limit of the equipment for water addition with the set of analyzed data was 0.78% with precision of 1.1%. Adulterations with sodium chloride, caustic soda, ethyl alcohol and sodium bicarbonate are detected qualitatively, even when added with water, and MilkTech indicates “SUSPECT” milk

Results from portable and of low cost equipment developed for detection of milk adulterations

<div><p>Abstract This work presents the results of a device, MilkTech, developed to detect milk tampering, based on electrical measurements. The device indicates possible frauds by water, sodium chloride, caustic soda, ethyl alcohol and sodium bicarbonate. The advantages in relation to traditional methods are portability, low cost and detection of mixed frauds. The experiments were conducted in dairy plants at Governador Valadares, in Brazil. The results were compared with cryoscopy and chloride tests. It is demonstrated there is high correlation between MilkTech and Cryoscopy. For instance, the detection limit of the equipment for water addition with the set of analyzed data was 0.78% with precision of 1.1%. Adulterations with sodium chloride, caustic soda, ethyl alcohol and sodium bicarbonate are detected qualitatively, even when added with water, and MilkTech indicates “SUSPECT” milk.</p></div

Characterisation of microbial attack on archaeological bone

As part of an EU funded project to investigate the factors influencing bone preservation in the archaeological record, more than 250 bones from 41 archaeological sites in five countries spanning four climatic regions were studied for diagenetic alteration. Sites were selected to cover a range of environmental conditions and archaeological contexts. Microscopic and physical (mercury intrusion porosimetry) analyses of these bones revealed that the majority (68%) had suffered microbial attack. Furthermore, significant differences were found between animal and human bone in both the state of preservation and the type of microbial attack present. These differences in preservation might result from differences in early taphonomy of the bones. © 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved