Assembly rules of coral reef fish communities along the depth gradient.

Coral reefs are home to some of the most studied ecological assemblages on the planet. However, differences in large-scale assembly rules have never been studied using empirical quantitative data stratified along the depth gradient of reefs. Consequently, little is known about the small- and regional-scale effects of depth on coral reef assemblages. Using a large dataset of underwater surveys, we observed that the influence of classic biogeographic drivers on the species richness of coral reef fishes changes significantly with depth, shaping distinct assemblages governed by different rules in mesophotic coral ecosystems. We show that a general pattern of decreased taxonomic and functional richness of reef fish assemblages with depth results from convergent filtering of species composition and trophic strategies on deeper reefs across ocean basins and that at smaller scales deep-reef communities are less influenced by regional factors than shallower reefs.

Using drones and ROV to assess the vulnerability of marine megafauna to the Fundão tailings dam collapse.

The ecology and life history of marine megafauna can answer the ecological importance of a region. This study assesses and monitors the abundance and home range of sea turtles, seabirds, marine mammals and the association with coastal microhabitats in potentially impacted areas at the Rio Doce river mouth, Comboios, and Piraquê-açu river mouth after the collapse of the Fundão dam. Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) and UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, or drones) were used for megafauna species identification, behavior, population data, habitat characterization, and monitoring of environmental protection areas. The species Sotalia guianensis and Pontoporia blainvillei were the most recorded cetaceans, and the main observed behavior was feeding. Guiana dolphin (S. guianensis) occurs in greater density in the Rio Doce river mouth region, resulting in more than 10 sightings/km2, while franciscana (P. blainvillei) were the most concentrated Comboios area. The seabirds (all species) had up to 15 sightings/km2 at the Rio Doce river mouth, the highest density among sampled areas. The green turtle (Chelonia mydas) was the most frequently recorded, followed by the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). The green turtle occurred at a higher concentration at the Piraquê-Açu river mouth (above 6 sightings/km2). The sites closest to Rio Doce river mouth and Comboios predominantly showed mud bottoms, while those at Piraquê-Açu mouth were mostly reef structures. The estuarine areas showed greater importance for megafauna than marine areas.

Biochemical events during somatic embryogenesis in Coffea arabica L.

Several biochemical components associated with different stages of somatic embryogenesis in coffee (Coffea arabica L.) are investigated using foliar explants. Soluble sugar, starch, free amino acids and total proteins were extracted and quantified at different stages of somatic embryogenesis, such as foliar segments (initial explants), primary calluses, embryogenic calluses, globular embryos, torpedoes, cotyledonary embryos and mature fruit zygotic embryos. Total soluble sugar levels increased sixfold at the initial stages of somatic embryogenesis induction. During this period, total soluble sugar in the cultures contained approximately 99.3% glucose and fructose. At 67.4 µg/mg MS, no significant changes were observed in total sugar content during the embryo's somatic maturation and regeneration. During this stage, total soluble sugar was composed of 60% sucrose. After primary callus formation, starch contents increased gradually until the culture's conclusion. Total free amino acids, particularly arginine, lysine, methionine, asparagine, glutamine and histidine, revealed a higher synthesis until the formation of the primary callus, after which they remain statistically constant up to the end of the process. During the induction of calluses, a gradual increase of total proteins occurred, which, in the differentiating and maturing of somatic embryos, did not differ statistically till the formation of a cotyledonary embryo, when rates decreased 21.8%.

Fish biodiversity of the Vitória-Trindade Seamount Chain, southwestern Atlantic: an updated database.

Despite a strong increase in research on seamounts and oceanic islands ecology and biogeography, many basic aspects of their biodiversity are still unknown. In the southwestern Atlantic, the Vitória-Trindade Seamount Chain (VTC) extends ca. 1,200 km offshore the Brazilian continental shelf, from the Vitória seamount to the oceanic islands of Trindade and Martin Vaz. For a long time, most of the biological information available regarded its islands. Our study presents and analyzes an extensive database on the VTC fish biodiversity, built on data compiled from literature and recent scientific expeditions that assessed both shallow to mesophotic environments. A total of 273 species were recorded, 211 of which occur on seamounts and 173 at the islands. New records for seamounts or islands include 191 reef fish species and 64 depth range extensions. The structure of fish assemblages was similar between islands and seamounts, not differing in species geographic distribution, trophic composition, or spawning strategies. Main differences were related to endemism, higher at the islands, and to the number of endangered species, higher at the seamounts. Since unregulated fishing activities are common in the region, and mining activities are expected to drastically increase in the near future (carbonates on seamount summits and metals on slopes), this unique biodiversity needs urgent attention and management.

Expansion of an invasive coral species over Abrolhos Bank, Southwestern Atlantic.

Invasive coral species of the genus Tubastraea have been increasingly recorded in Southwestern Atlantic waters since the 1980s. Their invasion and infestation are mainly related to port and oil exploration activities. For the first time the presence of Tubastraea tagusensis colonies is reported in Espírito Santo State, colonizing a port shore area, and incrusting oil/gas platform structures situated in the southern Abrolhos Bank, which is part of the most important coral reef system of the South Atlantic Ocean. Tubastraea colonies exhibit fast growth and high recruitment rates, and colonized 40% of the analyzed structures in just four years. The projection of port and oil/gas industry growth for the Espírito Santo State (more than 300%) highlights an alert to the dispersal of this alien species to natural areas.

Traditional Ecological Knowledge and the mapping of benthic marine habitats.

Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) is the empirically accumulated knowledge of local communities whose livelihoods depend directly on natural resources. TEK has a considerable potential as a reliable, rapid and low cost information source. However, its use for decision making in environmental management is frequently challenged due to the lack of scientific validation and the multiple and poorly understood biases deriving from measurement and analytical errors, as well as from political, cultural and religious sources. During the planning stage of a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Southeastern Brazil we assessed fisherfolk TEK regarding seabed features, comparing it with results from a conventional oceanographic assessment. TEK was acquired and synthesized during a survey involving 19 fishing villages and a consensus analysis that minimized variation among individual fisherfolks and communities. The oceanographic survey included high resolution benthic habitat mapping tools such as sidescan sonar and ground-truthing with SCUBA near the interfaces of benthic features identified by fisherfolk. Nearly 3000 km(2) of seafloor were mapped by local fisherfolk as "gravel", "sand", "mud" and "reef structures", while side-scan sonar surveys covered approximately 360 km with an average 400 m swath. Analyses of overlap and proximity showed that TEK is relatively cost-effective and accurate for large-scale benthic surveys, especially as a starting point for planning oceanographic surveys. Moreover, including TEK in the planning stage of MPAs may increase communities' participation and understanding of the costs and benefits of the new access and fishing effort regulations.

Cultivo inicial in vitro de gemas axilares de Ananas comosus (L.) Merr., em meio líquido/sólido, na presença/ausência de luz / In nitial in vitro culture of axillary buds of Ananas comosus (L.) Merr. in liquid/semi-solid culture medium, in the presence/absence of light

A capacidade regenerativa de gemas axilares de abacaxizeiro cv. Pérola (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) foi avaliada em meio de cultivo líquido e gelificado, na presença e ausência de luz, com o objetivo de produzir material para subsequentes fases da micropropagação. Os explantes foram estabelecidos, por 60 dias, em meio MS acrescido de 0,63 μM de ANA e 2,5 μM de BAP. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, constituído com quatro tratamentos (meio líquido com e sem ponte de papel de filtro e meio gelificado com ágar a 6,0 g L-1 e com Phytagel® a 3,0 g L-1), com quatro repetições e cinco explantes por repetição. Diferentes volumes de meio líquido (2,5 mL; 5,0 mL e 10,0 mL) também foram avaliados, usando-se quatro repetições por volume de meio de cultura. Maior número de brotos foi obtido na presença de luz, em meio líquido sem ponte de papel de filtro, onde 80 por cento dos explantes se diferenciaram em brotos. Na ausência de luz, 68,8 por cento a 87,5 por cento dos explantes não regeneraram brotos. Explantes cultivados em volumes de 5,0 mL ou 2,5 mL de meio MS líquido, acrescido de 0,63 μM de ANA e 2,5 μM de BAP, na presença de luz, constitui um protocolo adequado para cultivo inicial de gemas axilares e regeneração de brotos de abacaxizeiro.

The regenerative capacity of buds from lateral sprouts of the pineapple cv. Pérola (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) was evaluated in liquid and semi-solid medium, under light and dark conditions, with the objective of producing materials for subsequent phase of micropropagation. The explants were established for 60 days in basal MS medium, supplemented with 0.63 μM NAA and 2.5 μM BAP. The statistical design was completely randomized with four treatments (liquid medium with and without filter paper bridge, and semi-solid medium gellified with agar and phytagel®), four repetitions and five explants per experimental unit. Different volumes of liquid medium (2.5 mL, 5.0 mL, and 10.0 mL) were also evaluated in four replications per treatment. More buds were obtained in liquid medium without filter paper bridge, where 80.0 percent of explants differentiated new shoots. In treatments cultivated in the dark, 68.8 percent to 87.5 percent of the explants did not regenerate new shoots. Explants cultivated in volumes of 2.5 mL and 5.0 mL of medium, in the presence of light, were more efficient in the induction and formation of shoots. The cultivation of axillary buds of lateral pineapple sprouts in 2.5 mL or 5.0 mL of MS liquid medium, supplemented with 0.63 μM NAA and 2.5 μM BAP, in the presence of light, represents an adequate protocol for establishing new pineapple shoots for use in subsequent phases of micropropagation.

Profissionais da área de saúde pública: atitudes, conhecimentos e experiências em relação a práticas médicas não-convencionais / Public health professionals and non-conventional medical practices: attitues, knowledge and experiences

Foi realizado um estudo quantitativo com objetivo de analisar as atitudes, conhecimentos e experiências apresentados por profissionais da área de saúde pública do município de Juiz de Fora/MG, no ano de 2007, em relação às práticas médicas não-convencionais. Foi realizada uma amostragem do tipo não-probabilística, obtendo-se um n=56. Os dados foram trabalhados nos programas Microsoft Office Excel e SPSS 13.0 for Windows e posteriormente analisados. Dos entrevistados, 82,15% não cursaram disciplinas com abordagem acerca das práticas médicas não-convencionais durante a graduação; a maior parte relatou ter "nenhum"ou "muito pouco" conhecimento acerca das terapias estudadas;61,23% declaram ter obtido conhecimento sobre o assunto por meio da mídia ou pesquisa pessoal; a maior parte considera ser necessário o ensino das práticas médicas não-convencionais por meio de disciplinas opcionais durante a graduação; 58,93% afirmaram fazer ou já ter feito uso pessoal de práticas médicas não-convencionais, apesar de 67,86% negarem seu uso na prática profissional; apenas 55,36% afirmaram ter conhecimentos acerca da inserção das práticas médicas não-convencionais no Sistema Único de Saúde atualmente. Há necessidade de criação de novos cursos para capacitação de profissionais na área em questão e maiores incentivos governamentais para inclusão definitiva destas práticas no âmbito da saúde pública do país.

A quantitative study of a non-probabilistic sample of 56public health professionals from Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil,analyzed their attitudes to, experiences with and knowledge of non-conventional therapies. Microsoft Office Excel and SPSS 13.0 for Windows were used for data analysis. 82.15%were not formally exposed to non-conventional medical practices during graduation; most reported having ?none?or ?very little? knowledge of the therapies studied; 61.23% acquired some knowledge on the subject by the mediaor personal research; most think it necessary to include non-conventional medical practices as optional subjects during graduation; 58.93% were undergoing or had once undergone the aforementioned therapies; 67.86% denied using them in their practices; and only 55.36% were aware of the insertion of these therapies in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). New courses aimed at professional training and bigger government incentives for the definitive inclusion of these therapies in the SUS are needed.

Effect of Calendula officinalis infusion on indomethacin-induced gastric lesions in Wistar rats. / Effecto de la infusion de Calendula officinalis sobre las lesions gástricas provocadas por indometacina

Calendula officinalis is a phytopharmaceutical believed to inhibit gastric emptying and to have hypoglycemic and gastroprotective effects. We aimed to study the putative effect of an infusion of Calendula officinalis on indomethacin-induced gastric lesions. 30 adult male Wistar rats, divided in 2 groups, received indomethacin 20 mg/kg through gavage. Group A (Study) further received 1 mL of 10 % doses of Calendula officinalis, and group B (Control) received saline, for 2 days. After this period, the stomachs were extracted and examined for lymphocytic and neutrophylic infiltrates, and for mucosal lesions such as ulcers and erosions. We concluded that Calendula officinalis did not significantly influence the appearance of such alterations in the indomethacin-injured gastric mucosa.

La Calendula officinalis es un fitofármaco que se considera inhibe el vaciamiento gástrico y tiene efectos hipoglicémicos y gastroprotectores. En el presente trabajo se estudia el posible efecto de una infusión de Calendula officinalis sobre las lesiones gástricas provocadas por indometacina (dosis de 20 mg/kg) a través de un lavado. El grupo A (estudio) recibió además 1 ml de infusión de Calendula officinalis y al grupo B (control) se le administró solución salina al 10 % durante dos días. Después de este período, se procedió a la extracción de los estómagos y se examinaron en busca de infiltrados linfocíticos y neutrofílicos y de lesiones mucosas, tales como úlceras y erosiones. Se concluye que la Calendula officinalis no influye de manera significativa en la aparición de estas alteraciones en la mucosa gástrica dañada por indometacina.

Estratégia política de proteção patentária para plantas medicinais e medicamentos fitoterápicos em adição aos genéricos no SUS / Political strategy of patentable protection for medicinal plants and phytotherapic remedies in addition to generic ones at SUS

Esta tese demonstra a importância da estratégia política patentária fototerápica em adição aos genéricos do SUS, como solução para uma política de medicamentos na política nacional de saúde, visando à utilização de fitoterápicos com potencial recurso para a industria farmacêutica brasileira livre da biopirataria e exploração tecnológica internacional na assistência medico- farmacêutica do SUS. Sugere, ainda, modificar-se a legislação atual, implementando ações capazes de promover a melhoria das condições de assistência à saúde da população. A proposta é o resultado de uma longa experiência vivenciada em mais de 35 anos de estudos, pesquisa e extensão em Fitoterapia,contemplando o dia-a-dia de pessoas humildes e sofridas e, em respeito as tradições de nossa medicina popular, na defesa da biodiversidade, desenvolvimento sustentável e elaboração de uma nova lei de patentes para a área da Fitoterapia. A viabilidade da proposta relaciona-se à possibilidade política de sua implementação, levando-se em conta as aspirações dos milhares usuários da flora medicinal nacional que serão beneficiados como agentes protagônicos dessa estratégia. Destaca-se como objetivo especifico a proteção estratégica por patentes de nossas plantas medicinais e fitomedicamentos, sem restrições, em adição aos medicamentos genéricos do SUS. Estimula-se a participação dos setores privados e públicos da industria farmacêutica brasileira, com o propósito de eleger e defender nossas plantas e a medicina popular, garantindo segurança, eficácia e qualidade dos fitoterápicos, bem como promover o uso racional da fitoterapia com a proteção legal de uma nova legislação patentária

Memória institucional da fitoterapia em Juiz de Fora / Institutional memory of phytotherapy in Juiz de Fora, MG

O presente estudo propõe resgatar a Memória Institucional da Fitoterapia em Juiz de Fora, numa abordagem quali-quantitativa, nos últimos 12 anos, analisando a participação da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (UFJF), das pastorais comunitárias, dos parceiros e dos Gestores Municipais (SUS e PMJF). OS dados foram coletados entre 1990 - 2001 (criação do Horto de Plantas Medicinais da UFJF até a implantação da Fitoterapia no SUS/JF, em decorrência da atual Política Nacional de Plantas Medicinais e de Medicamentos Fitoterápicos. O trabalho foi realizado no âmbito da UFJF (Horto de plantas Medicinais, Departamento Farmacêutico da FFB e Departamento de Botânica do ICB) e no SUS/JF - Departamento de Terapias não Convencionais (DTNC) -, em três Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBS) e no Pronto Atendimento Médico da Rua Marechal Deodoro (PAM/Marechal) de Juiz de Fora. Para atender o objetivo do estudo, foram realizadas entrevistas, observações e análises relativas à utilização de plantas medicinais e medicamentos fitoterápicos na cidade de Juiz de Fora, através de laboratórios, firmas comerciais, ervaneiros, mateiros, agentes comunitários de saúde, pastorais da saúde, da família e da criança e da população em geral. Relata fatos acontecidos antes de 1990, como o levantamento das plantas medicinais utilizadas pela população de Juiz de Fora (1969), realizados por professores do Departamento de Farmacologia (DFAR/ICBG) da UFJF. Nesses últimos doze anos, constatou-se que a oferta de plantas medicinais na cidade de Juiz de Fora vem se dando de duas formas: uma popular, através dos ervaneiros em feiras livres e fundos de quintais, outra comercial por meio de Farmácias e casas de produtos naturais. A marca desse percurso está presente no texto e na delimitação do trabalho, norteado pelo registro dos fatos e acontecimentos que culminaram com a implantação da Fitoterapia no SUS/JF.Palavras Chaves: Fitoterapia, Fitoterápicos, Flora Medicinal, Plantas Medicinais, Terapêutica.