Devastação Ambiental e Riscos à Saúde: O doloroso Legado do Garimpo de Ouro a Agricultores Familiares da Amazônia Mato-Grossense

O presente trabalho é uma reflexão sobre as relações entre o pensamento e a ação voltados para a conservação da natureza, a biologia da conservação, os princípios éticos e filosóficos estabelecidos pela Deep Ecology (Ecologia Profunda) e os princípios e práticas desenvolvidos pelo ecoturismo. Ele trata do potencial que a prática do ecoturismo, permeada por valores característicos de uma ética ecocêntrica, baseada na noção de que a natureza tem um valor intrínseco, tem como ferramenta de interpretação e educação para a conservação dos patrimônios natural e cultural. A pesquisa foi baseada em amplo material sobre ecoturismo, história da conservação da natureza e Deep Ecology. As principais conclusões remetem à ideia de que o ecoturismo, como um segmento voltado para a conservação dos patrimônios natural e cultural, da biodiversidade e da sociodiversidade, depende de uma reflexão profunda em relação aos valores e aos princípios éticos que orientam a sua prática. Somente o foco na construção da oferta de experiências baseadas nestes princípios poderá guiar a demanda por práticas que entreguem os benefícios desejados, com enfoque na conservação da natureza.This work is a reflection on the relationship between thoughts and actions focused on nature conservation, conservation biology, the ethical and philosophical principles established by Deep Ecology and the principles and practices developed by ecotourism. It deals with the potential that the practice of ecotourism, permeated by the values of an ecocentric ethic, based on the notion that nature has an intrinsic value, is as an interpretation and education tool for the conservation of natural and cultural heritage. The research was based on extensive literature on ecotourism, history of nature conservation and Deep Ecology. The main conclusions refer to the idea that ecotourism, as a segment focused on the conservation of natural and cultural heritage, biodiversity and sociodiversity, depends on a deep reflection in relation to the values and ethical principles that guide its practice. And only the focus on building the supply of experiences based on these principles can guide the demand for practices that deliver the desired benefits, with a focus on nature conservation.El presente trabajo es una reflexión sobre la relación entre pensamiento y acción orientada a la conservación de la naturaleza, la biología de la conservación, los principios éticos y filosóficos establecidos por la Ecología Profunda (Ecologia Profunda) y los principios y prácticas desarrollados por el ecoturismo. Se trata del potencial que tiene la práctica del ecoturismo, permeado por valores propios de una ética ecocéntrica, basada en la noción de que la naturaleza tiene un valor intrínseco, como herramienta de interpretación y educación para la conservación del patrimonio natural y cultural. La investigación se basó en un extenso material sobre ecoturismo, historia de la conservación de la naturaleza y Ecología Profunda. Las principales conclusiones hacen referencia a la idea de que el ecoturismo, como segmento enfocado a la conservación del patrimonio natural y cultural, la biodiversidad y la sociodiversidad, depende de una profunda reflexión en relación a los valores y principios éticos que orientan su práctica. Solo el enfoque en construir la oferta de experiencias basadas en estos principios puede orientar la demanda de prácticas que brinden los beneficios deseados, con un enfoque en la conservación de la naturaleza.Le présent travail est une réflexion sur la relation entre la pensée et l'action visant la conservation de la nature, la biologie de la conservation, les principes éthiques et philosophiques établis par Deep Ecology (Ecologia Profunda) et les principes et pratiques développés par l'écotourisme. Il traite du potentiel que la pratique de l'écotourisme, imprégnée de valeurs caractéristiques d'une éthique écocentrique, basée sur la notion que la nature a une valeur intrinsèque, a comme outil d'interprétation et d'éducation pour la conservation du patrimoine naturel et culturel. La recherche était basée sur de nombreux documents sur l'écotourisme, l'histoire de la conservation de la nature et l'écologie profonde. Les principales conclusions renvoient à l'idée que l'écotourisme, en tant que segment axé sur la conservation du patrimoine naturel et culturel, la biodiversité et la sociodiversité, dépend d'une réflexion approfondie en relation avec les valeurs et les principes éthiques qui guident sa pratique. Seul l'accent mis sur la création d'une offre d'expériences sur la base de ces principes peut guider la demande de pratiques qui offrent les avantages souhaités, en mettant l'accent sur la conservation de la nature

A Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) Evaluation of Brazilian Sugarcane Expansion on Soil Quality

The Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) was developed to evaluate impacts of land use and management practices on soil quality (SQ), but its suitability for Brazilian tropical soils was unknown. We hypothesized that SMAF would be sensitive enough to detect SQ changes associated with sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) expansion for ethanol production. Field studies were performed at three sites across the south-central region of Brazil, aiming to quantify the impacts of a land use change sequence (i.e., native vegetation–pasture–sugarcane) on SQ. Eight soil indicators were individually scored using SMAF curves developed primarily for North American soils and integrated into an overall Soil Quality Index (SQI) and its chemical, physical, and biological sectors. The SMAF scores were correlated with two other approaches used to assess SQ changes, soil organic C (SOC) stocks and Visual Evaluation of Soil Structure (VESS) scores. Our findings showed that the SMAF was an efficient tool for assessing land use change effects on the SQ of Brazilian tropical soils. The SMAF scoring curves developed using robust algorithms allowed proper assignment of scores for the soil chemical, physical, and biological indicators assessed. The SQI scores were significantly correlated with SOC stocks and VESS scores. Long-term transition from native vegetation to extensive pasture promoted significant decreases in soil chemical, physical, and biological indicators. Overall SQI suggested that soils under native vegetation were functioning at 87% of their potential capacity, while pasture soils were functioning at 70%. Conversions of pasture to sugarcane induced slight improvements in SQ, primarily because of improved soil fertility. Sugarcane soils are functioning at 74% of their potential capacity. Based on this study, management strategies were developed to improve SQ and the sustainability of sugarcane production in Brazil

The Pipe Nebula as seen with Herschel: Formation of filamentary structures by large-scale compression ?

A growing body of evidence indicates that the formation of filaments in interstellar clouds is a key component of the star formation process. In this paper, we present new Herschel PACS and SPIRE observations of the B59 and Stem regions in the Pipe Nebula complex, revealing a rich, organized network of filaments. The asymmetric column density profiles observed for several filaments, along with the bow-like edge of B59, indicates that the Pipe Nebula is being compressed from its western side, most likely by the winds from the nearby Sco OB2 association. We suggest that this compressive flow has contributed to the formation of some of the observed filamentary structures. In B59, the only region of the entire Pipe complex showing star formation activity, the same compressive flow has likely enhanced the initial column density of the clump, allowing it to become globally gravitationally unstable. Although more speculative, we propose that gravity has also been responsible for shaping the converging filamentary pattern observed in B59. While the question of the relative impact of large-scale compression and gravity remains open in B59, large-scale compression appears to be a plausible mechanism for the initial formation of filamentary structures in the rest of the complexComment: 9 pages, 9 figures, accepted for publication in A&

Dietary patterns in an elderly population and their relation with bone mineral density: the Rotterdam Study

Purpose: Our aim was to identify dietary patterns that are associated with bone mineral density (BMD) against a background of relatively high dairy intake in elderly Dutch subjects. Methods: Participants were 55 years of age and older (n = 5144) who were enrolled in The Rotterdam Study, a population-based prospective cohort study. Baseline intake of 28 pre-defined food groups was determined using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Dietary patterns were identified using principal component analysis. BMD was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at baseline and at three subsequent visits (between 1993 and 2004). Linear mixed modelling was used to longitudinally analyse associations of adherence to each pattern with repeatedly measured BMD (both in Z scores). Results: After adjustment for confounders, two dietary patterns were associated with high BMD: a “Traditional” pattern, characterized by high intake of potatoes, meat and fat (β = 0.06; 95 % CI 0.03, 0.09) and a “Health conscious” pattern, characterized by high intake of fruits, vegetables, poultry and fish (β = 0.06; 95 % CI 0.04, 0.08). The “Processed” pattern, characterized by high intake of processed meat and alcohol, was associated with low BMD (β = −0.03; 95 % CI −0.06, −0.01). Associations of adherence to the “Health conscious” and “Processed” pattern with BMD were independent of body weight and height, whereas the association between adherence to the “Traditional” pattern with BMD was not. Conclusions: Against a background of high dairy intake and independent of anthropometrics, a “Health conscious” dietary pattern may have benefits for BMD, whereas a “Processed” dietary pattern may pose a risk for low BMD

Sulfonyldibenzoate coordination polymers as bioactive dopants for polysaccharide films with antibacterial and antibiofilm properties

This work describes the preparation, characterization, and antimicrobial properties of bioactive silver(I) and copper(II) coordination polymers (bioCPs) and derived biopolymer materials. Two bioCPs, [Ag2(6-sdba)]n (1) and [Cu(4-sdba)H2O]n·1.5nH2O (2), were assembled from metal salt precursors and 4,4-sulfonyldibenzoic acid (H2sdba). Both compounds were used as dopants for preparing hybrid biopolymer films based on agarose (AGR) or potato starch (PS) as model polysaccharide biopolymers with varying rates of degradability and silver/copper release. BioCPs and derived biopolymer films (1@[AGR]n, 2@[AGR]n, 1@[PS]n, and 2@[PS]n) with a low loading of dopant (15 wt%) show promising antibacterial activity against Gram-positive (S. aureus and S. epidermidis) and Gram-negative (E. coli and P. aeruginosa) bacteria. Silver-doped biopolymer films also totally impair the formation of bacterial biofilms, with undetectable biofilm cells in several cases (7.5log or 99.99999% inhibition). By reporting new bioCPs and biopolymer films obtained from renewable polysaccharides, this multidisciplinary work extends the application of coordination compounds as components of hybrid functional materials with antimicrobial properties and prospective biomedical relevance.This study was supported by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) (projects PTDC/QUI-QIN/3898/2020, PTDC/QUI-QIN/29697/2017, UIDP/00100/2020, UIDB/00100/2020, LA/P/0056/2020, and REM2013; contracts under DL No. 57/2016, CEECIND/02725/2018, CEECIND/00283/2018 and CEECIND/00194/2020) as well as ISEL (IPL/2022/3DBioProd_ISEL, and IPL/2021/Naf4Med3D_ISEL). We thank Dr. Ivo M. F. Bragança for studying the mechanical properties.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Bone health and coronary artery calcification: The Rotterdam Study

Objectives: Vascular calcification has been associated inconsistently to low bone mineral density and fractures. The aims of the present study were to investigate the associations between coronary artery calcification (CAC) and BMD change, BMD and fracture risk in elderly subjects of the population-based Rotterdam Study. Methods: BMD was assessed through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and CAC through Electron-Beam Computed Tomography in 582 men and 694 women. We investigated the associations between BMD change (6.4 years follow-up) and CAC at follow-up and between BMD and CAC (measured simultaneously). In sensitivity analyses we stratified analyses for estradiol levels in women. The association between CAC and fracture risk (9 years follow-up) was tested through competing-risks models. Models were sex-stratified and adjusted for age, body mass index, smoking, bisphosphonate use and age at menopause. Results: There was no association between BMD change and CAC in men. In women, each 1% increase in annual BMD loss was significantly associated with higher follow-up CAC [β = 0.22 (0.06-0.38), p. =. 0.006; prevalence ratio: 4%]. Stratified analyses showed significant associations between BMD loss and follow-up CAC only in women with lower estradiol levels. We found no association between CAC and fracture risk and no association between BMD and CAC cross-sectionally. Conclusions: BMD loss was associated with higher follow-up CAC in women, which might be related to low estrogen levels. No association between CAC and BMD or fracture risk was found. Further studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms that might underlie the association between BMD change and coronary calcification in women

Low serum vitamin D is associated with axial length and risk of myopia in young children

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between serum 25(OH)D levels and axial length (AL) and myopia in 6-year-old children. A total of 2666 children aged 6 years participating in the birth-cohort study Generation R underwent a stepwise eye examination. First, presenting visual acuity (VA) and AL were performed. Second, automated cycloplegic refraction was measured if LogMAR VA > 0.1. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was determined from blood using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Vitamin D related SNPs were determined with a SNP array; outdoor exposure was assessed by questionnaire. The relationships between 25(OH)D and AL or myopia were investigated using linear and logistic regression analysis. Average 25(OH)D concentration was 68.8 nmol/L (SD ± 27.5; range 4–211); average AL 22.35 mm (SD ± 0.7; range 19.2–25.3); and prevalence of myopia 2.3 % (n = 62). After adjustment for covariates, 25(OH)D concentration (per 25 nmol/L) was inversely associated with AL (β −0.043; P < 0.01), and after additional adjusting for time spent outdoors (β −0.038; P < 0.01). Associations were not different between European and non-European children (β −0.037 and β −0.039 respectively). Risk of myopia (per 25 nmol/L) was OR 0.65 (95 % CI 0.46–0.92). None of the 25(OH)D related SNPs showed an association with AL or myopia. Lower 25(OH)D concentration in serum was associated with longer AL and a higher risk of myopia in these young children. This effect appeared independent of outdoor exposure and may suggest a more direct role for 25(OH)D in myopia pathogenesis

The rotterdam study: 2014 objectives and design update

The Rotterdam Study is a prospective cohort study ongoing since 1990 in the city of Rotterdam in The Netherlands. The study targets cardiovascular, endocrine, hepatic, neurological, ophthalmic, psychiatric, dermatological, oncological, and respiratory diseases. As of 2008, 14,926 subjects aged 45 years or over comprise the Rotterdam Study cohort. The findings of the Rotterdam Study have been presented in over a 1,000 research articles and reports (see www.erasmus-epidemiology.nl/rotterdamstudy). This article gives the rationale of the study and its design. It also presents a summary of the major findings and an update of the objectives and methods

Development of a food group-based diet score and its association with bone mineral density in the elderly: The Rotterdam study

No diet score exists that summarizes the features of a diet that is optimal for bone mineral density (BMD) in the elderly. Our aims were (a) to develop a BMD-Diet Score reflecting a diet that may be beneficial for BMD based on the existing literature, and (b) to examine the association of the BMD-Diet Score and the Healthy Diet Indicator, a score based on guidelines of the World Health Organization, with BMD in Dutch elderly participating in a prospective cohort study, the Rotterdam Study (n = 5144). Baseline dietary intake, assessed using a food frequency questionnaire, was categorized into food groups. Food groups that were consistently associated with BMD in the literature were included in the BMD-Diet Score. BMD was measured repeatedly and was assessed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. The BMD-Diet Score considered intake of vegetables, fruits, fish, whole grains, legumes/beans and dairy products as “high-BMD” components and meat and confectionary as “low-BMD” components. After adjustment, the BMD-Diet Score was positively associated with BMD (β (95% confidence interval) = 0.009 (0.005, 0.012) g/cm2 per standard deviation). This effect size was approximately three times as large as has been observed for the Healthy Diet Indicator. The food groups included in our BMD-Diet Score could be considered in the development of future dietary guidelines for healthy ageing