MORFOGÊNESE DA CHAPADA DAS MESAS (MARANHÃO-TOCANTINS): PAISAGEM CÁRSTICA E POLIGENÉTICA

A Chapada das Mesas, Maranhão/Tocantins, possui uma das paisagens mais fidedignas às unidades de chapadas no Brasil. Entretanto, esta região foi pouco estudada, principalmente em termos de gênese de sua paisagem. Neste contexto, insere-se o presente trabalho que analisou os processos que influenciaram na morfogênese da Chapada das Mesas através da correlação entre a litologia, morfoestrutura e o sistema de drenagem regional. Para tanto, os métodos de análise utilizados, foram: (a) parâmetros morfométricos, (b) mensuração de processos denudacionais de longo termo (10Be) e, (c) trabalhos de campo. Com base nas análises realizadas concluiu-se que a estrutura regional influenciou diretamente a configuração da drenagem pretérita e atual, potencializando a morfogênese dessa paisagem devido a processos internos associados a um antigo sistema de drenagem subterrânea típico de paisagens cársticas. Assim, torna-se possível afirmar que a morfogênese regional é mais complexa do que sugerem os modelos de evolução de longo termo para paisagens do tipo Chapada e, sendo assim, é necessário rever os conceitos teóricos acerca dos processos que envolvem a gênese e evolução dessas formas de relevo

PHYSICAL SOIL ATTRIBUTES IN DIFFERENT EUCALYPTUS CROP MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN WESTERN MATO GROSSO, BRAZIL

Physical soil attributes in different eucalyptus crop management systems in western Mato Grosso, Brazil. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of four soil management systems on the physical attributes of an Oxisol for Eucalyptus crops in western Mato Grosso, Brazil. The management systems are differentiated by the soil preparation form during the implantation and initial forest establishment phases, namely a conventional system (plowing, harrowing and subsoiling for preparation and harrows for weed control after planting ) and a conservationist system (pasture desiccation, subsoiling, herbicide weed control and cover crop), with added differences in the eucalyptus fertilizer supply manner (haul and furrow). Nine soil layers were sampled continuously for each management system in between the sowing lines using 100 cm³ volumetric rings (0.05 m in diameter and height), totaling a studied layer of 0.45 m. The following variables were evaluated: total pore volume, microporosity, macroporosity, density and soil resistance to penetration. The different managements did not lead to significant differences for the studied attributes two years after forest establishment, with only a small depth effect observed. The attribute values are within the appropriate limits for eucalyptus crop development, indicating good soil quality under the eucalyptus forest for the study conditions.Keywords: Cover crop, Eucalyptus, soil management, soil penetration resistance

Percepção de enfermeiras obstetras sobre o modelo e prática assistencial em uma maternidade filantrópica

Objective: to identify the perception of obstetric nurses about the healthcare model and practice in a philanthropic maternity hospital. Method: qualitative study of 13 obstetric nurses working in a Minas Gerais maternity hospital. Researchers used semi-structured interviews for data collection which took place from September 2015 to February 2016. Data analysis used content analysis. Results: the following categories emerged: Performance based on humanization and good practices; Professional autonomy; Professional mentoring during decision making; Teamwork and Performance Model. Discussion: research revealed that nurses are autonomous and work as a team; they did not single out a healthcare model and identified work demand and technocratic model as obstacles. Final considerations: management support is important for the professionals’ performance since it contributes to autonomy at work. Despite the progress made, there are still challenges both in terms of staff and communication, as well as management support.Objetivo: conocer la percepción de las enfermeras obstétricas sobre la práctica y el modelo de atención en una maternidad de beneficencia. Método: estudio cualitativo con 13 enfermeras obstétricas de una maternidad de Minas Gerais; los datos, recogidos de septiembre de 2015 a febrero de 2016 en entrevistas semiestructuradas, se analizaron según el análisis de contenido. Resultados: se identificaron las siguientes categorías: Desempeño basado en la humanización y en las buenas prácticas; Autonomía para trabajar; Coaching para la toma de decisiones; Trabajo en equipo y Modelo de desempeño. Discusión: las enfermeras actúan con autonomía, en equipo, no mencionaron ningún modelo de atención; la demanda de servicios y el modelo tecnocrático representaban obstáculos. Consideraciones finales: el respaldo de la gerencia es fundamental para el desempeño profesional y contribuye a que se trabaje con autonomía. Aún hay retos por superar, tanto a nivel de equipos y comunicación como de respaldo de la gerencia.Objetivo: conhecer a percepção de enfermeiras obstetras sobre o modelo e prática assistencial em uma maternidade filantrópica. Método: estudo qualitativo com 13 enfermeiras obstetras que trabalham em uma maternidade mineira, coleta de dados de setembro de 2015 a fevereiro de 2016 por meio de entrevista semiestruturada, utilizando-se Análise de Conteúdo. Resultados: emergiram com categorias:  Atuação pautada na humanização e nas boas práticas; Autonomia para atuar; Profissional de referência para tomada de decisões; Atuação em equipe e Modelo de atuação. Discussão: verificou-se que as enfermeiras atuam com autonomia em equipe, não nomeiam um modelo de assistência e apontam a demanda de serviço e o modelo tecnocrático como dificultadores. Considerações finais: apoio e suporte dos gestores são importantes para a atuação das profissionais, contribuindo para um trabalho autônomo. Apesar dos avanços, ainda há desafios a serem superados tanto no âmbito da equipe e comunicação, quanto do suporte dos gestores

The European Seismic Risk Model 2020 (ESRM20)

This study describes the development of the various components of the European Seismic Risk Model 2020 (ESRM2020) which will be able to generate, using open-source software developed by the GEM Foundation (the Open Quake-engine), a number of Europe-wide risk metrics including average annualised human and economic losses (AAL), probable maximum losses (PML), and risk maps showing the losses for specific return periods or scenario events. The latest developments towards pan-European exposure models for residential and non-residential buildings and fragility/vulnerability models for damage, economic loss and casualty assessment will be presented. For engineered buildings within the exposure model (reinforced concrete, steel), a simulated design is undertaken using the key aspects of seismic design codes in force across Europe over the past 100 years. The designed MDOF building is then transformed to a SDOF model and nonlinear dynamic analyses are run using a large number of ground motion records, after which cloud analysis is used to develop the fragility functions. For non-engineered buildings (unreinforced masonry, confined masonry, adobe), the SDOF models have been directly developed from simplified formulae, experimental tests and previous studies. Collaboration from local experts at various stages of the model development, initiated through workshops, is an important component of the model, as well as the extensive calibration and validation

EFFECT OF HIGHLY ACTIVE ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY ON VAGINAL Candida spp. ISOLATION IN HIV-INFECTED COMPARED TO HIV-UNINFECTED WOMEN

Candidíase vulvovaginal (CVV) em mulheres infectadas pelo HIV contribuiu substancialmente para a diminuição da sua qualidade de vida. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do uso de terapia anti-retroviral altamente ativa (HAART) no isolamento de Candida spp. vaginais em mulheres HIV positivas comparado às não infectadas por HIV. Este estudo transversal incluiu 178 mulheres infectadas pelo HIV (grupo HIV) e 200 mulheres não infectadas (grupo controle) acompanhadas no Serviço de Assistência Especializada (SAE) para as doenças sexualmente transmissíveis (DST)/AIDS da cidade de Maringá/Brasil, de 1 abril a 30 de outubro de 2011. As leveduras foram isoladas e identificadas por métodos fenotípicos e moleculares. A susceptibilidade in vitro aos antifúngicos fluconazol, itraconazol, nistatina e anfotericina B foi avaliada pelo método de referência de microdiluição. Nós encontramos maior frequência de isolamento vaginal total de Candida spp. no grupo HIV do que no grupo controle. Entretanto, foi observada frequência similar de colonização e CVV entre os dois grupos. Apesar de C. albicans ser a mais frequente e sensível a azólicos e polienos em mulheres infectadas pelo HIV e não infectadas, foi detectada emergente resistência de C. glabrata a AMB nas mulheres infectadas pelo HIV. Embora tenha sido observada maior frequência de isolamento vaginal de Candida spp. nas mulheres infectadas pelo HIV do que nas não infectadas, colonização e CVV apresentaram frequência similar em ambos os grupos, o que indica que HAART parece proteger contra colonização vaginal e CVV. Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) in HIV-infected women contributed to the impairment of their quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) use on the vaginal Candida spp. isolation in HIV-infected compared to HIV-uninfected women. This cross-sectional study included 178 HIV-infected (HIV group) and 200 HIV-uninfected women (control) that were studied at the Specialized Assistance Service (SAE) for sexually transmitted diseases (STD)/AIDS of the city of Maringá, Brazil, from April 1 to October 30, 2011. The yeasts were isolated and identified by phenotypic and molecular methods. The in vitro antifungal susceptibility to fluconazole, itraconazole, nystatin and amphotericin B was tested by the reference microdilution method. Higher frequencies of total vaginal Candida spp. isolation were found in the HIV-infected group than in the control group. However, both groups showed a similar frequency of colonization and VVC. Although C. albicans was the most frequent and sensitive to azolics and polyenes in both HIV-infected and uninfected women, the emerging resistance of C. glabrata to amphotericin B in the HIV-infected women was observed. Although higher frequency of vaginal Candida spp. isolation had been observed in the HIV-infected than in HIV-uninfected women, colonization and VVC showed similar frequency in both groups, indicating that HAART appears to protect against vaginal colonization and VVC

Experimental benznidazole treatment of Trypanosoma cruzi II strains isolated from children of the Jequitinhonha Valley, Minas Gerais, Brazil, with Chagas disease.

Trypanosoma cruzi strains from distinct geographic areas show differences in drug resistance and association between parasites genetic and treatment response has been observed. Considering that benznidazole (BZ) can reduce the parasite burden and tissues damage, even in not cured animals and individuals, the goal is to assess the drug response to BZ of T. cruzi II strains isolated from children of the Jequitinhonha Valley, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, before treatment. Mice infected and treated with BZ in both phases of infection were compared with the untreated and evaluated by fresh blood examination, haemoculture, polymerase chain reaction, conventional (ELISA) and non-conventional (FC-ALTA) serologies. In mice treated in the acute phase, a significant decrease in parasitaemia was observed for all strains. Positive parasitological and/or serological tests in animals treated during the acute and chronic (95.1-100%) phases showed that most of the strains were BZ resistant. However, beneficial effect was demonstrated because significant reduction (p < 0.05%) and/or suppression of parasitaemia was observed in mice infected with all strains (acute phase), associated to reduction/elimination of inflammation and fibrosis for two/eight strains. BZ offered some benefit, even in not cured animals, what suggest that BZ use may be recommended at least for recent chronic infection of the studied region

Biological activity and chemical composition of the ethanolic extracts of Miconia ferruginata DC. / Atividade biológica e composição química dos extratos etanólicos de Miconia ferruginata DC.

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Miconia ferruginata DC. is a native plant from Brazilian Cerrado biome known as “pixirica” or “babatenã”, widely used in traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory and antibiotic agent. Aim of the study: This study aimed to perform a preliminary analysis of the chemical profile and screening of biological activities of the ethanolic extracts of the leaves/flowers (EELF) and of the stem (EES) of this species. Materials and methods: The techniques Ultra-Fast Liquid Chromatography with diode-array detection (UFLC-DAD) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with diode-array detection and mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS) performed chemical analysis. Biological activities evaluated for the antibacterial, antitripanosamatides and antitumor effect through in vitro assays, by MTT and resazurin.Results: Although the extracts showed a negligible result for antibacterial and antitripanosamatides effect, this species showed a high cytotoxicity against tumor cells (p&lt; 0.001) of 4T1, A549 and? MDA-MB-231, associated with low cell toxicity against fibroblasts. High concentration of phenolic compounds detected in the extracts, especially flavonoids derivates from quercetin, catechins and phenolic acids. Conclusion: These phenolic compounds have a high biological potential and may be responsible for the observed cytoxicity, together the data suggest the M. ferruginata has a great potential for being one promising candidate for further studies against cancer

Using adjacency matrices to lay out larger small-world networks

Many networks exhibit small-world properties. The structure of a small-world network is characterized by short average path lengths and high clustering coefficients. Few graph layout methods capture this structure well which limits their effectiveness and the utility of the visualization itself. Here we present an extension to our novel graphTPP layout method for laying out small-world networks using only their topological properties rather than their node attributes. The Watts–Strogatz model is used to generate a variety of graphs with a small-world network structure. Community detection algorithms are used to generate six different clusterings of the data. These clusterings, the adjacency matrix and edgelist are loaded into graphTPP and, through user interaction combined with linear projections of the adjacency matrix, graphTPP is able to produce a layout which visually separates these clusters. These layouts are compared to the layouts of two force-based techniques. graphTPP is able to clearly separate each of the communities into a spatially distinct area and the edge relationships between the clusters show the strength of their relationship. As a secondary contribution, an edge-grouping algorithm for graphTPP is demonstrated as a means to reduce visual clutter in the layout and reinforce the display of the strength of the relationship between two communities

New insights into Trypanosoma cruzi genetic diversity, and its influence on parasite biology and clinical outcomes

Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, remains a serious public health problem worldwide. The parasite was subdivided into six distinct genetic groups, called “discrete typing units” (DTUs), from TcI to TcVI. Several studies have indicated that the heterogeneity of T. cruzi species directly affects the diversity of clinical manifestations of Chagas disease, control, diagnosis performance, and susceptibility to treatment. Thus, this review aims to describe how T. cruzi genetic diversity influences the biology of the parasite and/or clinical parameters in humans. Regarding the geographic dispersion of T. cruzi, evident differences were observed in the distribution of DTUs in distinct areas. For example, TcII is the main DTU detected in Brazilian patients from the central and southeastern regions, where there are also registers of TcVI as a secondary T. cruzi DTU. An important aspect observed in previous studies is that the genetic variability of T. cruzi can impact parasite infectivity, reproduction, and differentiation in the vectors. It has been proposed that T. cruzi DTU influences the host immune response and affects disease progression. Genetic aspects of the parasite play an important role in determining which host tissues will be infected, thus heavily influencing Chagas disease’s pathogenesis. Several teams have investigated the correlation between T. cruzi DTU and the reactivation of Chagas disease. In agreement with these data, it is reasonable to suppose that the immunological condition of the patient, whether or not associated with the reactivation of the T. cruzi infection and the parasite strain, may have an important role in the pathogenesis of Chagas disease. In this context, understanding the genetics of T. cruzi and its biological and clinical implications will provide new knowledge that may contribute to additional strategies in the diagnosis and clinical outcome follow-up of patients with Chagas disease, in addition to the reactivation of immunocompromised patients infected with T. cruzi