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

Currículo e Relações Étnico-Raciais: o Estado da Arte

Este artigo apresenta a sistematização e a análise dos 38 artigos, 13 teses e 50 dissertações da Categoria Currículo. Inicialmente, demonstraremos os resultados do exame das teses e das dissertações. Em seguida, refletiremos acerca dos artigos. Para a leitura e análise dos artigos e da produção discente, utilizamos como subsídio os referenciais da análise de conteúdo, por meio da análise categorial (BARDIN, 2008). Ao final, apresentaremos os caminhos abertos para pesquisas futuras e as recomendações da produção investigada para a implementação da Lei nº 10.639/2003

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

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

Plantações de Eucalipto: podem diferentes espécies determinar diferentes "realidades ecológicas"?

Dissertação de Mestrado em Ecologia apresentada à Faculdade de Ciências e TecnologiaEm pequenos cursos de água florestados, grande parte dos nutrientes e energia que sustentam as cadeias alimentares provêm dos ecossistemas terrestres adjacentes, nomeadamente das suas áreas ripícolas. Aqui, a produção primária é limitada pela sombra das copas das árvores e as cadeias alimentares baseiam-se em detritos, nomeadamente folhas senescentes. A composição vegetal das áreas ripícolas influencia, de forma marcante, o funcionamento destes sistemas lóticos: espécies diferentes fornecem ao biota matéria orgânica com características físico-químicas e valores nutritivos distintos. Práticas florestais nas bacias de drenagem e, em particular, em zonas ripárias, alteram frequentemente o coberto vegetal das mesmas, afetando a quantidade, qualidade e sazonalidade do fornecimento de matéria orgânica aos cursos de água. Tais mudanças têm o potencial de impactar estes ecossistemas de forma intensa e por longos períodos de tempo. A substituição de floresta nativa por eucaliptal é prática comum em muitos países e é um dos exemplos da intervenção humana em sistemas terrestres com consequências no estado ecológico dos cursos de água. Em Portugal, as plantações de eucalipto são maioritariamente realizadas com Eucalyptus globulus, em regime de monocultura; no entanto, podem encontrar-se outras espécies. As consequências destas plantações para o funcionamento dos cursos de água são largamente desconhecidas. Tendo como objectivo comparar os efeitos de diferentes folhas de eucalipto no funcionamento dos cursos de água, foi avaliado o processo de decomposição, promovido por fungos (hifomicetes aquáticos) e invertebrados, de folhas de três espécies deste género – E. globulus, E. camaldulensis, E. grandis. O processo de decomposição é um processo ecossistémico chave em cursos de água florestados, que garante a reciclagem de nutrientes no sistema.Para concretizar os objectivos, as folhas das três espécies de eucalipto foram caracterizadas, a priori, em termos de dureza, concentração de fenóis totais, carbono (C), azoto (N) e fósforo (P). Os resultados sugerem uma maior recalcitrância das folhas de E. globulus em relação às folhas de E. camaldulensis, que se apresentam com valores superiores de N e P. A perda de massa, promovida por fungos, durante 4 semanas, foi distinta entre as diferentes espécies de folhas, sendo mais rápida em E. camaldulensis > E. grandis > E. globulus. O mesmo padrão foi observado com as taxas respiratórias. As taxas de esporulação foram diferentes apenas entre E. camaldulensis e E. grandis, mas as comunidades fúngicas foram dominadas, em todos os casos, por Tetrachaetum marchalianum (52% – 72% do total de esporos). As folhas de E. grandis, em similitude com E. globulus, apresentaram lixiviados (imersão 7 dias) com concentrações elevadas em fenóis o que sugere potenciais impactos destas espécies, sobretudo em períodos de menor caudal, na qualidade da água. Quando oferecidas a detritívoros – Sericostoma vittatum (Trichoptera) - per se (testes de consumo) ou em testes de preferência alimentar, não se verificam diferenças significativas nas taxas de consumo. No entanto, estes invertebrados demonstram preferência pelas folhas mais nutritivas e mais condicionadas - E. camaldulensis – em relação a E. globulus e E. grandis. Este estudo sugere que os efeitos das plantações de eucaliptos em cursos de água dependem da espécie utilizada. Os resultados indicam que as folhas de E. camaldulensis (vs. E. globulus e E. grandis) poderão ser mais facilmente incorporadas na produção secundária que as espécies de eucalipto mais recalcitrantes. A incorporação de E camaldulensis em áreas de monocultura de eucaliptos com interesse económico poderá auxiliar o papel das áreas ripícolas nativas na preservação dos ribeiros ladeados por plantações destas exóticas.In low order and forested streams, most nutrients and energy that support food chains come from adjacent terrestrial ecosystems, namely their riparian areas. Here, primary production is limited by the shadow produced by the overhanging canopies of the trees and food chains rely on detritus, mainly senescent leaves. The vegetal composition of the riparian areas markedly influences the functioning of these lotic systems: different species give the biota organic matter with physic-chemical characteristics and distinct nutritional values.Forestation practices in the watershed and, in particular, riparian areas, frequently change their vegetal cover affecting the quantity, quality and seasonality of the organic matter inputs to the streams. Such modifications have the potential to impact these ecosystems intensively and for long periods of time.The substitution of native forest by eucalyptus forests is a common practice in many countries and it is one example of the human intervention in terrestrial systems with consequences to the ecological status of the streams. In Portugal, eucalyptus plantations are mainly composed by Eucalyptus globulus, in a monoculture regime; however, other species can also be found. The consequences of such afforestations have unknown consequences to the functioning of the watercourses. In order to evaluate the effects of different eucalyptus leaves on the streams functioning, we assessed the decomposition process, promoted by fungi (aquatic hyphomycetes) and invertebrates, of the leaves of E. globulus, E. camaldulensis, E. grandis. The decomposition process is a key ecossystemic process in forested watercourses that assures the nutrient cycling in the system. In order to fulfil the objectives, the leaves of the three species were characterized a priori in terms of toughness, total phenolic concentration, carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P). The results suggest a higher recalcitrance of the E. globulus over E. camaldulensis leaves which present higher values of N and P. Mass loss, promoted by fungi, during 4 weeks, was different among leaf species, being faster in E. camaldulensis > E. grandis > E. globulus. The same pattern was observed regarding respiration rates. Sporulation rates were only different between E. camaldulensis and E. grandis, but the fungal communities were dominated by Tetrachaetum marchalianum, (52% - 72% of the spores total) regardless of the leaf species. E. grandis leaves, similarly to E. globulus, presented high phenolic concentration in their leachates (7 days immersion), which suggests potential impacts of these species, mostly in periods of lower runoff, to the water quality. When offered to shredders - Sericostoma vittatum (Trichoptera) – per se (consumption tests) or in feeding preference tests, no significant differences were observed in the consumption rates. Nevertheless, these invertebrates showed a preference towards the most nutritious and more conditioned leaves – E. camaldulensis – in relation to E. globulus and E. grandis.This study suggests that the effects of eucalyptus plantations in watercourses depend on the planted species. The results indicate that the E. camaldulensis leaves (vs. E. globulus and E. grandis) can be more easily incorporated into secondary production than the more recalcitrant eucalyptus species. The incorporation of E. camaldulensis in eucalyptus monoculture areas with economic interest could be an added value to the role of the native riparian areas in preserving the streams running through plantations of these exotic species.

Contribuciones socioambientales de la reutilización del aceite de cocina usado

O Programa de Extensão apresentado neste trabalho engloba diversas atividades de extensão ligadas a contribuições socioambientais através do reaproveitamento de óleos e gorduras usados em frituras. O descarte incorreto do óleo nas pias provoca entupimento das tubulações das redes de esgoto e sérios danos ao meio ambiente. Portanto, o objetivo desse programa é promover ampla divulgação sobre o descarte correto do óleo de cozinha usado por meio de campanhas de conscientização em escolas de ensino fundamental e em estabelecimentos comerciais do ramo alimentício de Sete Lagoas-MG a fim de minimizar o impacto ambiental de práticas inadequadas. Coletores de óleo usado foram alocados em três escolas por campanha durante um mês e os estudantes foram incentivados a trazer o óleo usado em casa. A escola que arrecadou o maior volume de cada campanha ganhou uma visita à Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei (UFSJ) e os estudantes selecionados pela direção da escola tiveram a oportunidade de aprender sobre algumas propriedades físico-químicas dos óleos em laboratório; visualizar a reação de saponificação e de participar de um minicurso de balas de goma naturais. Além do estreitamento da relação Universidade e Escola, esta ação culminou na coleta de 772 litros de óleo de cozinha usado que foram destinados para fabricação de biodiesel e para o estudo de formulações de sabão líquido visando de baixa alcalinidade para ser utilizado em laboratórios e serviços de limpeza da Universidade. Com relação à conscientização de funcionários e proprietários de estabelecimentos comerciais, foram visitados os localizados na região central da cidade para a distribuição de panfletos informativos sobre Boas Práticas de Fabricação na fritura de alimentos e descarte correto de óleo usado. Assim, as atividades do Programa de Extensão possibilitaram uma maior troca de conhecimentos e experiências entre a universidade, as escolas, os estabelecimentos comerciais e a comunidade local. As coletas de óleo de cozinha usado promovida pelas campanhas contribuíram para redução do volume de óleo descartado de forma inadequada, minimizando o impacto ambiental, e ainda geraram uma oportunidade de economia e/ou renda para os participantes dos minicursos de sabão. Além disso, estas ações do programa de extensão universitária contribuíram para a formação dos discentes que protagonizaram as atividades, complementando o conhecimento técnico, a sua formação cidadã, a conscientização em relação à realidade do país e o aprimoramento de suas relações interpessoais.The extension program presented in this work encompasses several socio-environmental extension activities linked to the reuse of oils and fats employed in frying. Incorrect disposal of used oil in sinks causes clogging of sewer networks and serious damage to the environment. Therefore, the purpose of this program is to promote wide dissemination concerning the correct disposal of used cooking oil. Awareness campaigns were undertaken in elementary schools and commercial food establishments in Sete Lagoas, Minas Gerais state, to minimize the environmental impact of inappropriate practices. Waste oil collectors were installed in three schools, in campaigns lasting one month, and the students were encouraged to bring the used oil from their homes. The school that collected the largest volume in each campaign won a visit to the Federal University of São João del Rei (UFSJ), so that students selected by the school management could learn about the physical and chemical properties of oils in the laboratory, observe the saponification reaction, and participate in a mini-course about natural gum sweets. In addition to strengthening the relationships between the University and schools, this activity culminated in the collection of 772 liters of used cooking oil, which were destined for the manufacture of biodiesel and for the study of liquid soap formulations, aiming at lower alkalinity, for use in laboratories and by the cleaning services of the University. In order to increase the awareness of employees and owners of commercial food industry establishments, those located in the central region of the city were visited to distribute information pamphlets on good practices concerning food frying and the correct disposal of used oil. In this way, the activities of the extension program enabled greater exchange of knowledge and experiences between the university, schools, commercial establishments, and the local community. The collection of used cooking oil promoted by the campaigns contributed to reducing the volume of oil discarded inappropriately, minimizing the environmental impact, while also providing an opportunity for savings and/or income for the participants in the soap mini-courses.  In addition, these actions of the university extension program contributed to the training of the students who carried out the activities, complementing their technical knowledge and development as citizens, while improving their awareness of the country's reality and their interpersonal relationships.El Programa de Extensión Pro Aceite (Pró-Óleo) abarca varias actividades de extensión vinculadas a las contribuciones socioambientales a través de la reutilización de aceites y grasas utilizados para freír. La eliminación incorrecta del aceite en los fregaderos provoca la obstrucción de las líneas de alcantarillado y daños graves al medio ambiente. Por lo tanto, el Programa Pro Aceite tuvo como objetivo ampliar la difusión de la eliminación correcta del aceite de cocina usado a través de campañas de sensibilización en escuelas y establecimientos comerciales de alimentos en Sete Lagoas-MG para minimizar el impacto ambiental de las prácticas inapropiadas. Los recolectores de aceites usados fueron asignados a tres escuelas por campaña durante un mes y se alentó a los estudiantes a traer el aceite usado de sus hogares. La escuela que recolectó el mayor volumen de cada campaña ganó una visita a la Universidad Federal de São João del-Rei (UFSJ) para que los estudiantes seleccionados por la administración de la escuela pudieran aprender algunas propiedades físico-químicas de los aceites en el laboratorio; pudieran visualizar la reacción de saponificación y acudir en un taller de gominolas naturales. Además de fortalecer la relación entre la Universidad y la Escuela, esta acción culminó con la recolección de 772 litros de aceite de cocina usado que fueron destinados a la fabricación de biodiesel y al estudio de formulaciones de jabón líquido con baja alcalinidad para su uso en laboratorios y servicios de limpieza de la Universidad. En cuanto a la conciencia de los empleados y propietarios de establecimientos comerciales de alimentos, se visitó a aquellos ubicados en la región central de la ciudad para distribuir folletos informativos sobre las Buenas Prácticas en el Proceso de freír alimentos y la correcta eliminación del aceite. Por lo tanto, las actividades de extensión del Programa Pro Aceite (Pro-Óleo) permitieron un mayor intercambio de conocimientos y experiencias entre la universidad, las escuelas, los establecimientos comerciales y la comunidad local. La recolección de aceite de cocina usado promovida por las campañas contribuyó para reducir el volumen de aceite desechado de manera inapropiada, minimizando el impacto ambiental, y también generó una oportunidad de ahorro y/o ingresos para los participantes en los talleres de jabón. Además, estas acciones del programa de extensión universitaria contribuyeron a la formación de los estudiantes que llevaron a cabo las actividades, complementando el conocimiento técnico, su formación ciudadana, la conciencia de la realidad del país y la mejora de sus relaciones interpersonales

Therapeutic Potential of Punica granatum and Isolated Compounds: Evidence-Based Advances to Treat Bacterial Infections

Punica granatum Linn has been known for its nutritional and medicinal value since ancient times and is used in the treatment of various pathologies owing to its antibacterial properties. This review reports the results of the most recent studies on the antibacterial effects of P. granatum and its isolated compounds on bacteria of clinical interest. A search in the PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science) databases was performed, which included articles that evaluated the antibacterial activity of P. granatum extracts and excluded articles that analyzed other microorganisms or nonpathogenic bacteria, as well as theses, dissertations, duplicate articles, and those not fully available. The literature suggests that P. granatum extracts can act on bacteria, such as methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), Streptococcus mutans, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. In addition, fruit peel was the most commonly used pharmacogen and methanol, ethanol, and water were the most common solvents for the extraction of bioactive compounds. The antibacterial potential of the methanolic extract of pomegranate peel could be attributed to the presence of active compounds, such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, punicic acid, gallic acid, and punicalagin. Thus, there is evidence that these plant extracts, having high polyphenol content, can disrupt the bacterial plasma membrane and inhibit the action of proteins related to antimicrobial resistance. P. granatum shows antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with great potential against multidrug-resistant strains. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanism of action related to this biological activity and investigate the isolated substances that may be responsible for the antibacterial effects