The assessment of annual rainfall field by applying different interpolation methods in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

An accurate analysis of spatial rainfall distribution is of great importance for managing watershed water resources, in addition to giving support to meteorological studies and agricultural planning. This work compares the performance of two interpolation methods: Inverse distance weighted (IDW) and Kriging, in the analysis of annual rainfall spatial distribution. We use annual rainfall data for the state of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil) from 1961 to 2017. To determine which proportion of the sample results in more accurate rainfall distribution maps, we use a certain amount of points close to the estimated point. We use mean squared error (MSE), coefficient of determination (R2), root mean squared error (RMSE) and modified Willmott's concordance index (md). We conduct random fields simulations study, and the performance of the geostatistics and classic methods for the exposed case was evaluated in terms of precision and accuracy obtained by Monte Carlo simulation to support the results. The results indicate that the co-ordinary Kriging interpolator showed better goodness of fit, assuming altitude as a covariate. We concluded that the geostatistical method of Kriging using nine closer points (50% of nearest neighbors) was the one that better represented annual rainfall spatial distribution in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.

Allelochemical Activity of Eugenol-Derived Coumarins on Lactuca sativa L

Coumarins are widely distributed substances in plant species that promote phytotoxic effects, allowing them to be exploited as herbicides less harmful to the environment, since many invasive species have demonstrated resistance to commercially available products. The derived coumarins used in this study had not been tested in plant models and their effect on plants was unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the phytotoxic action of these coumarins in bioassays with Lactuca sativa L., in order to select the most responsive substance whose toxicity was best elucidated by chromosomal complement and enzymatic antioxidant metabolism studies. From the phytotoxicity assays, coumarin 8-methoxy-2-oxo-6-(prop-2-en-1-yl)-2H-chromene-3-carboxylic acid (A1), reported here for the first time, was selected as the most responsive and caused a reduction in the following parameters: number of normal seedlings, fresh biomass, root length and shoot length. Subsequent studies demonstrated that this coumarin is cytogenotoxic due to damage caused to the cell cycle and the occurrence of chromosomal abnormalities. However, it did not interfere with antioxidant enzyme activity and did not cause lipid peroxidation. The changes caused by coumarin A1 described herein can contribute to better understanding the allelochemical actions of coumarins and the potential use of these substances in the production of natural herbicides.

Statistical methods for identification of golden ratio

Several biological systems such as the biomechanics of human heart, locomotion, and phyllotaxis of plants present a harmonic behavior because their fractal structure are associated to the golden ratio. The golden ratio (Φ = 1.618033988749…), also known as Phi, golden mean, golden section or divine proportion, is an irrational constant found in various forms in nature and recently has been used in many health areas. However, there is no literature on a specific statistical test to identify the golden ratio structures. To validate the results from each survey, it is necessary that statistical techniques be correctly selected and implemented, and the absence of a test to identify the golden ratio may undermines the scientific papers which have this goal. Since the golden number is a ratio, some tests have been wrongly applied in its identification. The objective of this paper is to present and to evaluate methods for identification of golden ratio. Four tests were evaluated: t-Student with ratio statistic (TR), with delta statistic (TΔ), with difference statistic (TED), and Wilcoxon test with statistic difference (WD). Data simulating different samples sizes (n = 2-200) and variability scenarios were used. The tests were assessed regarding type I error rate and power. For TΔ, type I error rate increased along with sample size and variability, achieving 50% in the scenario of relative standard deviation of 12.5% and 20.0% for line segments of lengths a and b, and sample size equal 200. This test also showed lower power when compared to the others in all scenarios. Similarly, for TR, the type I error rate was sensitive to the increasing in sample size, varying from 5 to 60%. On the other hand, WD and TED were associated to low type I error rates (around 5%) and high power (6.1% for sample size equal 2-100% for sample size equal 200). The TΔ and TR were inadequate to identify the golden ratio, since they did not controlled the type I error rate and/or presented low power, leading to possible erroneous conclusions. Therefore WD and TED, both with statistical of difference, appeared as the most appropriate methods to test golden ratio structures.

Anthropogenic Matrices Favor Homogenization of Tree Reproductive Functions in a Highly Fragmented Landscape

Species homogenization or floristic differentiation are two possible consequences of the fragmentation process in plant communities. Despite the few studies, it seems clear that fragments with low forest cover inserted in anthropogenic matrices are more likely to experience floristic homogenization. However, the homogenization process has two other components, genetic and functional, which have not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to verify whether there was homogenization of tree reproductive functions in a fragmented landscape and, if found, to determine how the process was influenced by landscape composition. The study was conducted in eight fragments in southwest Brazil. The study was conducted in eight fragments in southwestern Brazil. In each fragment, all individual trees were sampled that had a diameter at breast height ≥3 cm, in ten plots (0.2 ha) and, classified within 26 reproductive functional types (RFTs). The process of functional homogenization was evaluated using additive partitioning of diversity. Additionally, the effect of landscape composition on functional diversity and on the number of individuals within each RFT was evaluated using a generalized linear mixed model. appeared to be in a process of functional homogenization (dominance of RFTs, alpha diversity lower than expected by chance and and low beta diversity). More than 50% of the RFTs and the functional diversity were affected by the landscape parameters. In general, the percentage of forest cover has a positive effect on RFTs while the percentage of coffee matrix has a negative one. The process of functional homogenization has serious consequences for biodiversity conservation because some functions may disappear that, in the long term, would threaten the fragments. This study contributes to a better understanding of how landscape changes affect the functional diversity, abundance of individuals in RFTs and the process of functional homogenization, as well as how to manage fragmented landscapes.

Oral Paracoccidioidomycosis Granulomas are Predominantly Populated by CD163+ Multinucleated Giant Cells

Multinucleated giant cells (MGC) are considered to be a hallmark of granulomatous inflammation; thus, they may play an essential role in the host response against pathogens, particularly Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. This study characterizes the MGC found in oral paracoccidioidomycosis and assesses the correlation of MGC with the amount of fungi within oral tissues. Twenty-six cases were included. They were classified as loose or dense granulomas, and the total MGC, including foreign-body and Langhans giant cells, besides the total and intracellular fungi, were taken into consideration. CD163 immunoexpression was performed, and CD163+ multinucleated giant cells were also quantified. Dense granulomas revealed more foreign-body type and total giant cells than loose granulomas (P < 0.05). Total giant cells showed a positive linear correlation with the CD163+ cells (P = 0.003; r = 0.56) and intracellular fungi quantification (P = 0.045; r = 0.40). Oral paracoccidioidomycosis lesions contain MGC that mainly belong to a CD163+ phenotype, also showing both Langhans and foreign-body arrangements. Additionally, the higher the presence of MGC, the higher the amount of phagocytized fungi.

Contamination from an affluent of Furnas reservoir by trace metals

This study aims to determine concentrations and characterize trace metals distribution in an affluent of Furnas reservoir, Alfenas-MG. Water and sediment samples were taken monthly, 2010/10-2011/07 in five sites of Córrego do Pântano for subsequent determination of Pb, Cd and Zn levels by chemical analysis. The stream studied is in disagreement with Brazilian legislation for Class II water bodies (CONAMA 357). The highlights are the unsuitable concentrations of Pb for human consumption, according to Ministry of Health 2914 decree, providing risk for population.

Correlation between inflammatory infiltrate and epithelial lining in 214 cases of periapical cysts

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of periapical cysts, identify their clinical and microscopic features and correlate their microscopic features with the inflammatory infiltrate present in the lesion site. A total of 214 cases were collected over a 10-year period. Clinical data, including gender, age, race, symptoms and location of the lesion, were recorded. Two independent examiners with no prior knowledge of the patients' clinical data conducted the microscopic evaluations. Statistical analyses were performed using Fisher's or chi-square tests at a 5% level of significance. The results showed that periapical cysts were more prevalent in white women, with a mean age of 35 years, and in the anterosuperior region. The majority of the lesions were lined by atrophic cystic epithelium, which was associated with moderate inflammatory infiltrate in the cystic capsule (p < 0.01), with a diffuse localization pattern (p = 0.03) and absence of neutrophils (p = 0.01). Our findings suggest that periapical cysts lined by atrophic epithelium are related to the presence of moderate mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate.

Carcinoma de Células Escamosas da Boca: Concordância Diagnóstica em Exames Realizados no Laboratório de Anatomia Patológica da Universidade Federal de Alfenas

Introdução: O câncer da cavidade bucal está entre as dez neoplasias mais frequentes na população brasileira. E diagnosticado na maioria dos casos em estágios avançados, dificultando o tratamento e reduzindo o índice de sobrevida dos pacientes. Objetivo: Aferir a concordância entre os diagnósticos clínicos, histopatológicos das biopsias e das peças cirúrgicas do carcinoma de células escamosas da boca. Método: Realizou-se um estudo retrospectivo entre janeiro de 2000 e dezembro de 2010, utilizando laudos histopatológicos emitidos pelo Laboratorio de Anatomia Patológica da Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brasil e os prontuários hospitalares dos pacientes tratados. Para que fosse determinada a concordância, os diagnósticos clínicos foram confrontados com os histopatológicos da biopsia e estes com o exame das peças cirúrgicas removidas no tratamento. Resultados: A maior incidencia de CCE ocorreu em pacientes brancos, gênero masculino, com idade entre 50 a 60 anos, solteiros, lavradores ou domésticas, cursaram apenas o ensino fundamental, baixo nível socioeconômico, tabagistas e/ou etilistas. Os sítios anatômicos mais comuns das lesoes foram assoalho bucal e língua. O vestíbulo da boca e o palato foram os sítios menos frequentes. A concordância entre os diagnósticos clínico/histopatológico foi de 71,2% e entre o histopatológico e o exame da peça cirúrgica 87,1%. Conclusão: Observou-se expressiva concordância entre o diagnóstico. Entretanto, são necessários novos levantamentos que comparem o resultado dos exames da peça cirúrgica removida no tratamento com as características clínicas.  

Efficacy of different instruments for the identification of the nursing diagnosis spiritual distress

The study aims to identify the nursing diagnosis Spiritual distress in 120 patients with Chronic Renal Insufficiency, using different instruments, and to evaluate the effectiveness of these instruments in support of this identification. Data were collected separately by two nurses using a questionnaire containing sociodemographic information and the defining characteristics of Spiritual distress, as well as direct questioning to the patient regarding the presence of the diagnosis and the instruments: the Spirituality Rating Scale; Pinto and Pais-Ribeiro's Spirituality Scale; and the Spiritual Well-being Scale. The study found that 25.8% to 35.8% of the patients had the diagnosis. The diagnostic evaluation developed by the expert nurses presented no divergence between the two and obtained a perfect concordance coefficient (96.7%) with the opinion of the patient; this demonstrated substantial concordance with the Existential Well-being Sub-scale (83.3%) and with the Pinto e Pais-Ribeiro's Spirituality Scale (87.5%), which demonstrated their usefulness for diagnostic identification.

Aleitamento materno e práticas alimentares de crianças menores de seis meses em Alfenas, Minas Gerais

OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalência da amamentação e avaliar o consumo de outros alimentos em crianças menores de seis meses em Alfenas, Estado de Minas Gerais. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo epidemiológico transversal, realizado por meio de inquérito domiciliar com uma amostra de 126 crianças nascidas em 2008. Os dados foram obtidos a partir de formulário com o recordatório de 24 horas da alimentação da criança e outras questões. Na análise dos dados, foi utilizado o Programa Epi Info, versão 6.04. Foi determinada a prevalência das diferentes categorias de amamentação (amamentação exclusiva, amamentação predominante, amamentação complementada e amamentação) segundo faixas etárias. O Teste de Fischer e o Teste qui-quadrado foram calculados na associação de variáveis com o aleitamento materno. RESULTADOS: A prevalência da amamentação exclusiva em crianças menores de seis meses foi de 37,3%. A introdução de alimentos semissólidos ocorreu acentuadamente a partir do quinto mês de vida. No sexto mês, 50,7% das crianças encontravam-se em amamentação complementada. As crianças menores de seis meses não amamentadas, comparadas com as amamentadas, apresentaram prevalências significativamente maiores quanto ao consumo de água, frutas e comida da família. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre a amamentação exclusiva até o sexto mês e as variáveis maternas estudadas. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar de vários resultados deste estudo apresentarem-se superiores aos de outros municípios, a prevalência do aleitamento materno em Alfenas ainda está distante da recomendação de que crianças recebam exclusivamente leite materno até os seis meses de idade.

Leishmanicidal activity of benzophenones and extracts from Garcinia brasiliensis Mart. fruits

Infections by protozoans of the genus Leishmania are the major worldwide health problem, with high endemicity in developing countries. The drugs of choice for the treatment of leishmaniasis are the pentavalent antimonials, which exert renal and cardiac toxicity. Thus, there is a strong need for safer and more effective treatments against leishmaniasis. The present study was designated to evaluate, by a bioguided assay, the leishmanicidal activity of extracts (hexane, ethyl-acetate and ethanolic) and molecules both obtained by means of extraction from pericarps of Garcinia brasiliensis fruits. The hexane extract presented the best activity on the extracellular (promastigotes) and intracellular (amastigotes) forms of Leishmania (L.) amazonensis, when compared to the other extracts. Based on these findings, this extract was fractionated by silica gel column chromatography, affording nine fractions then resulting in three purified prenylated benzophenones - 7-epi-clusianone (1), garciniaphenone (2) and guttiferone-a (3). They showed significant activity on Leishmania (L.) amazonensis, and little toxicity for mammalian cells. Structure-activity relationships were evaluated showing that the IC(50) value displayed is dependent of prenyl groups and phenolic hydroxyls number, and inversely proportional to the hydrophobicity. Our results are promising, showing that these compounds are biologically active on Leishmania (L.) amazonensis.