Resumo Efeito da Inclinação na Estrutura de uma Floresta do Domínio Mata Atlântica no Sul do Brasil. A composição da paisagem em mosaico de fragmentos florestais localizados em encostas altas, solos rasos dificultam as interações ecológicas e a sobrevivência de espécies vegetais. Este estudo teve como objetivo mostrar em um ambiente com essas características o efeito do gradiente ambiental relacionando o solo, a declividade e a vegetação de um fragmento de Floresta Estacional Semidecidual Montana. A estrutura da floresta foi amostrada em 12 parcelas retangulares contínuas, com 30X20m, totalizando 0,72ha. As amostras de solo foram coletadas por perfuração a cada 20m ao longo do divisor hidrográfico e abertura de três trincheiras usadas como locais de amostragem de solo para determinação in situ da cor do solo, horizonte e nutrientes. Os horizontes foram classificados como O/A/Cr na rocha alterada com presença marcante de cascalhos, e o solo foi classificado como Neossolo Litólico. A área apresenta declive acentuado, de 18,05% a 36,99%. A análise de regressão linear destacou o padrão oposto de riqueza de espécies em relação à inclinação e uma relação positiva entre a inclinação e o número de indivíduos mortos em pé. A riqueza de espécies também foi positivamente relacionada à distância das bordas da floresta. A avaliação evidenciou que a forte influência do declive e das atividades antrópicas no remanescente florestal são fatores comuns a diversos remanescentes de altitude, e pequenas ações de conservação podem garantir sua manutenção.

Abstract The mosaic landscape composition of forest fragments located on high slopes, shallow soils hinder ecological interactions and the survival of plant species. This study aimed to show, in an environment with these characteristics, the effect of the environmental gradient relating the soil, slope, and vegetation of a fragment of the Montane Seasonal Semideciduous Forest. The forest structure was sampled in 12 continuous rectangular plots, with 30 X 20m, totaling 0.72ha. Soil samples were taken by drilling every 20m along the hydrographic divisor and opening of three trenches used as soil sampling sites for in situ determination of soil color, horizon, and nutrients. Horizons were classified as O/A/Cr in the altered rock with a marked presence of gravels, and the soil was classified as Litholic Neosol. The area has a steep slope, from 18.05% to 36.99%. Linear regression analysis indicated an opposite pattern for species richness in relation to slope and a positive relationship between slope and the number of standing dead individuals. Species richness was also positively related to the distance from forest edges. The evaluation evidenced the strong influence of slope and human activities in forest remnant as common to several high-altitude remnants, and small conservation actions can guarantee their maintenance.

ABSTRACT Current procedures for determining soil organic carbon (SOC) content are costly, time-consuming, and generate polluting chemical waste. Therefore, developing new protocols using aerial and orbital remote sensing and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) for digitally mapping the stock of soil organic carbon (CS) is essential for promoting actions of research and monitoring SOC in Brazilian soils. Given this, three areas of commercial plots in the region of the Middle North of Mato Grosso were studied, where sampling was carried out for the determination of SOC in the layer from 0 to 30 cm, evaluated by the dry combustion method and estimated through DRS in the visible to near -infrared region - Vis-NIR-SWIR/350-2500 nm). To obtain the images by aerial remote sensing, the Carcará II® Unmanned Aerial Vehicle was used, with a MicaSense® multispectral camera (RGB + NIR + RedEdge) attached. The orbital sensors used were the Sentinel 2® and Planet® satellites. This study showed that soil carbon stock values could be predicted using different modeling approaches based on field and laboratory spectral measurements. Predictive models to estimate SOC can be established using remote and near sensing, thus allowing a better understanding of spatial patterns of SOC in crop fields.

RESUMO Os procedimentos atuais de determinação do conteúdo de carbono orgânico do solo (COS) são onerosos, demorados e geram resíduos químicos poluentes. Por isso, o desenvolvimento de novos protocolos utilizando o sensoriamento remoto aéreo, orbital e a espectroscopia de refletância difusa (ERD) para o mapeamento digital do estoque de carbono orgânico do solo (EC) são imprescindíveis para o fomento de ações de pesquisa e monitoramento do COS nos solos brasileiros. Diante disso, foram estudadas três áreas de talhões comerciais na região do Meio Norte de Mato Grosso onde realizou-se a amostragem para a determinação de COS na camada de 0 a 30 cm, avaliado pelo método de combustão via seca e estimado através da ERD na região do visível ao infravermelho-próximo - Vis-NIR-SWIR/350-2500 nm) . Para obtenção das imagens por sensoriamento remoto aéreo, foi utilizado o Veículo Aéreo Não Tripulado Carcará II®, com uma câmera multiespectal (RGB + NIR + RedEdge) da marca MicaSense® acoplada. Os sensores orbitais utilizados foram o satélite Sentinel 2® e Planet®. Este estudo mostrou que os valores do estoque de carbono do solo podem ser preditos usando diferentes abordagens de modelagem com base em medições espectrais de campo e laboratório. Modelos preditivos para estimar o COS podem ser estabelecidos usando sensoriamento remoto e próximo, permitindo assim uma melhor compreensão dos padrões espaciais do COS nos campos de cultivo.

Tucumã (Astrocaryum aculeatum) pulp presents a large number of secondary metabolites that can mediate the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles through a greener and more sustainable synthetic route than traditional ones. This study investigated the production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) mediated by aqueous extracts of tucumã pulp assessing different parameters, such as temperature, concentration of extract, and pH values of the reaction media. The alkaline reaction media produced the most intense and well-defined bands around 400 nm in the electronic spectra, indicating the formation of AgNPs in the three concentrations of tucumã pulp evaluated. The increase in the temperature of the reaction media also enhanced the surface plasmon resonance band of AgNPs but it increased the polydispersivity of produced nanoparticles according to the dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) data. Zeta potential results indicated moderate stability of the AgNPs (close to -30 mV). Antimicrobial assessment of the colloidal metal particles indicated microbicide activity against the Gram-negative Escherichia coli bacterium.

Resumen Se informa un caso autóctono de rickettsiosis por Rickettsia parkeri, ocurrido en junio del 2018 en la zona selvática del Parque Provincial Urugua-í, Misiones, Argentina, región sin registros previos de esta enfermedad en humanos. Se describen los aspectos epidemiológicos, ecológicos, clínicos y de laboratorio necesarios para el diagnóstico oportuno y el tratamiento adecuado. Se resalta el hecho de considerar a las rickettsiosis como diagnóstico diferencial ante un paciente con síndrome febril agudo exantemático; el antecedente epidemiológico de exposición al vector característico de la región, garrapatas del género Amblyomma, es un elemento fundamental.

Abstract We report an autochthonous case of Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis occurred in June 2018 in a forested area of the Urugua-í Provincial Park, Misiones, Argentina. No previous records of this disease in humans have been previously reported in this region. The epidemiological, ecological, clinical, and laboratory features required for a proper diagnosis and adequate treatment are described here. The fact of considering rickettsiosis as a differential diagnosis in a patient with exanthematic acute febrile syndrome is highlighted, being the epidemiological history of exposure to the vector (ticks of the genus Amblyomma) an essential element.

Abstract We evaluated the phenology and reproductive phenological diversity of three sympatric species of Miconia in a gallery forest in the Chapada Diamantina mountains, Bahia, Brazil. The reproductive phenophases (bud, flower, immature fruit, and mature fruit) of M. alborufescens (N=38), M. holosericea (N=46), and M. prasina (N=44) were evaluated monthly, between June/2008 and June/2015. The Fournier index was used to assess the intensities of the reproductive phenophases; synchrony and seasonality were analyzed using circular statistics and the Rayleigh (Z) test. The Frideman and Wilcoxon tests were used to verify interannual variations in phenological patterns. Reproductive phenological diversity was measured by calculating the Shannon-Wiener index; ANOVA tested possible differences in the means of diversity among the different years. The reproductive phenophases of the studied Miconia species occurred sequentially (M. alborufescens, then M. holoserica, followed by M. prasina), in the transition between the dry and rainy seasons, with little overlap between them. In general, the species showed seasonal and synchronic phenological patterns, with some variations that coincided with El Niño and/or La Niña events, e.g., demonstrating changes in the periodicity, synchrony, and intensity of their phenophases. The intensity of fruiting, for example, showed increases during La Niña years. Reproductive phenological diversity appears to respond to climate changes resulting from El Niño events and periods of prolonged drought, with high Shannon-Wiener index values. The results also suggest that the effects of global climatic phenomena (El Niño and La Niña) that alter regional climatic seasonality can also cause variations in the reproductive phenological rhythms of the Miconia species studied.

Resumo Neste estudo, avaliamos a fenologia e a diversidade fenológica reprodutiva de três espécies simpátricas de Miconia em uma floresta de galeria da Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brasil. As fenofases reprodutivas (botão, flor, fruto imaturo e fruto maduro) de M. alborufescens (N=38), M. holosericea (N=46) e M. prasina (N=44) foram avaliadas mensalmente, entre junho de 2008 e junho de 2015. O índice de Fournier foi utilizado para avaliar a intensidade das fenofases reprodutivas; a sincronia e a sazonalidade foram analisadas por meio de estatística circular e do teste de Rayleigh (Z). Os testes de Frideman e Wilcoxon foram empregados na verificação de variações interanuais dos padrões fenológicos. A diversidade fenológica reprodutiva foi mensurada pelo cálculo do índice de Shannon-Wiener; a ANOVA testou possíveis diferenças nas médias de diversidade entre os diferentes anos. As fenofases reprodutivas das espécies de Miconia estudadas ocorreram de forma sequencial (M. alborufescens, M. holoserica e M. prasina, respectivamente), na transição entre as estações seca e chuvosa, com pouca sobreposição entre as espécies. No geral, as espécies apresentaram padrões fenológicos sazonais e sincrônicos, com algumas variações que coincidiram com eventos de El Niño e/ou La Niña, e.g., demonstrando mudanças na periodicidade, sincronia e intensidade de suas fenofases. A intensidade da frutificação, por exemplo, apresentou aumento nos anos de ocorrência de La Niña. A diversidade fenológica reprodutiva parece responder às alterações climáticas decorrentes dos eventos de El Niño e a períodos de seca prolongada, com valores elevados do índice de Shannon-Wiener. Os resultados sugerem, ainda, que os efeitos de fenômenos climáticos globais (El Niño e La Niña), que alteram a sazonalidade climática regional, também podem causar variações nos ritmos fenológicos reprodutivos das espécies de Miconia estudadas.

RESUMO O entendimento da suscetibilidade de solos à erosão é crucial para o planejamento de uso da terra visando uma agricultura sustentável. O estudo teve como objetivo determinar a variabilidade espacial do potencial natural de erosão para o Estado de Mato Grosso, um importante centro agrícola do Brasil. O potencial natural de erosão foi calculado usando a Equação Universal de Perda de Solo, que considera a erosividade, erodibilidade e o fator topográfico. Para cada um desses três fatores foi criado um mapa em formato raster, que foi combinado em um Sistema de Informação Geográfica e usado para criar o mapa de potencial natural de erosão. O mapa foi, então, utilizado para separar classes do potencial natural de erosão para o Estado de Mato Grosso. O Estado predominantemente apresentou níveis médios de potencial natural de erosão (58,38% da área), seguido por altos (21,67%) e baixos (19,57%) níveis. As áreas de baixo potencial natural de erosão estão predominantemente localizadas nas partes mais planas do Estado. O fator topográfico apresentou forte correlação com o potencial natural de erosão, sendo um importante componente para auxiliar o planejamento do uso da terra e práticas de conservação do solo. Regiões consideradas com maiores potenciais naturais de erosão são mais comuns nas macrorregiões noroeste (46,69% da área), norte (32,7%) e oeste (30,05%).

ABSTRACT Understanding the susceptibility of soils to erosion is crucial for planning land use towards sustainable agriculture. This study aimed to determine the spatial variability of natural erosion potential for the state of Mato Grosso, an important agricultural center of Brazil. Natural erosion potential was calculated using the Universal Soil Loss Equation, which accounts for erosivity, erodibility, and the topographic factor. For each of these three factors, a map was generated in raster format that was combined into a Geographic Information System and used to create a map of natural erosion potential. This map was then used to separate classes of natural erosion potential for the state of Mato Grosso. The state predominantly has medium levels of natural erosion potential (58.38% in area), followed by high (21.67%) and low (19.57%) levels. Areas of low natural erosion potential are predominantly located in the flatter sections of the state. The topographic factor was strongly correlated with natural erosion potential. It is an important component to support land use planning and soil conservation practices. Regions considered to have high natural erosion potential are most commonly in the northwest (46.69% in area), north (32.7%), and west (30.05%) macro-regions.

Abstract: COVID-19 rapidly spread across the world in an unprecedented outbreak with a massive number of infected and fatalities. The pandemic was heavily discussed and searched on the internet, which generated big amounts of data related to it. This led to the possibility of attempting to forecast coronavirus indicators using the internet data. For this study, Google Trends statistics for 124 selected search terms related to pandemic were used in an attempt to find which keywords had the best Spearman correlations with a lag, as well as a forecasting model. It was found that keywords related to coronavirus testing among some others, such as “I have contracted covid”, had high correlations (≥0.7) with few weeks of lag (≤4 weeks). Besides that, the ARIMAX model using those keywords had promising results in predicting the increase or decrease of epidemiological indicators, although it was not able to predict their exact values. Thus, we found that Google Trends data may be useful for predicting outbreaks of coronavirus a few weeks before they happen, and may be used as an auxiliary tool in monitoring and forecasting the disease in Brazil.

Abstract UVB-irradiation increases the risk of various skin disorders, therefore leading to inflammation and oxidative stress. In this sense, antioxidant-rich herbs such as Rosmarinus officinalis may be useful in minimizing the damage promoted by reactive oxygen species. In this work, we report the efficacy of a R. officinalis hydroethanolic extract (ROe)-loaded emulgel in preventing UVB-related skin damage. Total phenols were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu assay, and the main phytocomponents in the extract were identified by UHPLC-HRMS. Moreover, in vitro sun protection factor (SPF) value of ROe was also assessed, and we investigated the in vivo protective effect of an emulgel containing ROe against UVB-induced damage in an animal model. The ROe exhibited commercially viable SPF activity (7.56 ± 0.16) and remarkable polyphenolic content (24.15 ± 0.11 mg (Eq.GA)/g). HPLC-MS and UHPLC-HRMS results showcased that the main compounds in ROe were: rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid and carnosol. The evaluation of the in vitro antioxidant activity demonstrated a dose-dependent effect of ROe against several radicals and the capacity to reduce iron. Therefore, we demonstrated that topical application of the formulation containing ROe inhibited edema formation, myeloperoxidase activity, GSH depletion and maintained ferric reducing (FRAP) and ABTS scavenging abilities of the skin after UVB exposure.

Resumo Objetivo Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar a correlação entre medidas murinométricas e tecido adiposo retroperitoneal em ratos expostos à dieta hiperlipídica. Material e métodos: Foram utilizados ratos Wistar machos adultos, descendentes de mães que consumiram dieta hiperlipídica durante a gestação e lactação e alimentados com a mesma dieta após o desmame. Aos 60 dias de vida, foram medidos o peso corporal, o eixo longitudinal e a circunferência da cintura (CC). O Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) e o Índice de Lee foram calculados para posterior análise da correlação com a quantidade de tecido adiposo retroperitoneal dissecado no mesmo dia. Para análise dos dados, utilizou-se o teste de correlação de Pearson, considerando significância estatística para p <0.05. Resultados: O peso corporal apresentou uma correlação fraca (r= 0,31; p= 0,38) com o tecido adiposo retroperitoneal. Enquanto o longitudinal correlacionou moderadamente e negativo (r= -0,40; p= 0,25). A circunferência abdominal (r = 0,62; p = 0,05), índice de massa corporal (r= 0,61; p= 0,03) e Lee (r=0,69; p= 0,03) correlacionaram-se moderada e positivamente com o tecido adiposo. Conclusão: Entre as medidas murinométricas, o peso e o eixo longitudinal não foram bons indicadores para representar o acúmulo de tecido adiposo retroperitoneal em ratos. No entanto, o índice de Lee parece ser o melhor indicador murinométrico para diagnosticar o acúmulo de gordura retroperitoneal. O IMC, índice de Lee e CA foram parâmetros murinométricos com maior correlação.

Abstract Aim This study aimed to verify the correlation between murine measurements and retroperitoneal adipose tissue in rats exposed to the high-fat diet. Material and methods: Wistar male adult rats, descendants of mothers who consumed a high-fat diet during pregnancy and lactation and fed the same diet after weaning were used. At 60 days of life, body weight, longitudinal axis and waist circumference (WC) were measured. The Body Mass Index (BMI) and the Lee Index were calculated for a posterior analysis of the correlation with the amount of retroperitoneal adipose tissue dissected on the same day. For analysis of the data, the Pearson correlation test was used, considering statistical significance for p <0.05. Results: Body weight had a weak correlation (r= 0.31; p= 0.38) with retroperitoneal adipose tissue. While the longitudinal correlated moderately and negative (r= -0.40; p= 0.25). Abdominal circumference (r= 0.62; p= 0.05), body mass index (r= 0.61; p= 0.03) and Lee (r= 0.69; p= 0.03) correlated moderately and positively with adipose tissue. Conclusion: Among the measured murine measurements, weight and longitudinal axis were not good indicators to represent accumulation of retroperitoneal adipose tissue in rats. However, Lee's index seems to be the best murine marker to diagnose the accumulation of retroperitoneal fat. BMI, CA and Lee index were murine parameters with higher correlation.

RESUMO O aumento da demanda por mudas de espécies arbóreas nativas torna importante a determinação de suas necessidades hídricas e de luminosidade, que são fatores importantes na otimização dos custos e do tempo de produção. O uso e a produtividade da água no crescimento de mudas de Dalbergia nigra (Vell.) Allemão ex Benth., Apuleia leiocarpa (Vogel) J.F.Macbr e Hymenaea courbaril L. foram determinados em quatro níveis de luminosidade (três níveis de sombreamento e controle), utilizando delineamento em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. A altura, o diâmetro do coleto, a área foliar e a biomassa foram avaliadas, assim como o índice de qualidade de Dickson (IQD). As mudas foram transplantadas em tubetes de 280 cm3, preenchidos com biossólido puro, e irrigadas por gotejamento com manejo automático. Os maiores volumes totais aplicados 3,1 L por muda de D. nigra (com 37 e 58% de sombreamento), 2,5 L por muda de A. leiocarpa (37% de sombreamento) e 3,8 L por muda de H. courbaril (a pleno sol). Os índices de crescimento, confirmados pelo IQD, indicam que os sombreamentos de 37 e 58 % para D. nigra, 37 % para A. leiocarpa e a pleno sol para H. courbaril são os mais recomendados. Os maiores volumes de irrigação promoveram maior desenvolvimento das espécies, em geral com sombreamento intermediário, os quais proporcionaram os maiores valores de IQD e produtividade da água de irrigação.

ABSTRACT The increase in the demand for seedlings of native tree species makes it important to determine their water and light requirements, which are important factors in their production, in terms of costs and time. Water use and productivity in the growth of seedlings of Dalbergia nigra (Vell.) Allemão ex Benth., Apuleia leiocarpa (Vogel) J.F. Macbr and Hymenaea courbaril L. were determined under four light levels (three shading levels and control), using a randomized block design with four replicates. Height, stem diameter, leaf area and biomass, as well as Dickson quality index (DQI) were evaluated. The seedlings were transplanted into 280-cm3 plugs, filled with substrate composed of pure biosolids, and irrigated by a drip system with automatic management. The highest total volumes applied were 3.1 L per D. nigra seedling (in 37 and 58% shading), 2.5 L per A. leiocarpa seedling (in 37% shading) and 3.8 L per H. courbaril seedling (in full sun). Growth indices, confirmed by the DQI, indicate that shading levels of 37 and 58% for D. nigra, 37% for A. leiocarpa, and full sun for H. courbaril are the most recommended. The highest volumes of irrigation promoted the greatest development of the species, in general for intermediate shading, which provided the highest values of DQI and irrigation water productivity.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the MORPHEOS (Morbidity in patients with uncontrolled HTN and OSA) trial, and describe the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: MORPHEOS is a multicenter (n=6) randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the blood pressure (BP) lowering effects of treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or placebo (nasal strips) for 6 months in adult patients with uncontrolled hypertension (HTN) and moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Patients using at least one antihypertensive medication were included. Uncontrolled HTN was confirmed by at least one abnormal parameter in the 24-hour ABPM and ≥80% medication adherence evaluated by pill counting after the run-in period. OSA was defined by an apnea-hypopnea index ≥15 events/hours. The co-primary endpoints are brachial BP (office and ambulatory BP monitoring, ABPM) and central BP. Secondary outcomes include hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD) to heart, aorta, eye, and kidney. We pre-specified several sub-studies from this investigation. Visits occur once a week in the first month and once a month thereafter. The programmed sample size was 176 patients but the pandemic prevented this final target. A post-hoc power analysis will be calculated from the final sample. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02270658. RESULTS: The first 100 patients are predominantly males (n=69), age: 52±10 years, body mass index: 32.7±3.9 kg/m2 with frequent co-morbidities. CONCLUSIONS: The MORPHEOS trial has a unique study design including a run-in period; pill counting, and detailed analysis of hypertension-mediated organ damage in patients with uncontrolled HTN that will allow clarification of the impact of OSA treatment with CPAP.

Synthetic conditions were evaluated to intercalate norbixin into layered double hydroxides (LDH). Norbixin was isolated from a hydrosoluble commercial annatto extract. LDH samples comprising M2+/Al3+ (M = Mg, Zn) were synthesized by coprecipitation and characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis coupled to mass spectrometry, vibrational spectroscopies, and solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance. Radical scavenging activity of LDH hybrids was monitored by electron paramagnetic resonance towards the stable radical DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl). LDH hosts presented more than 50 wt.% of norbixin and d-spacing (003) values of about 2.5 or 3.0 nm depending of the cation LDH composition. Vibrational spectra assignment (supported by density functional theory calculations) confirmed the chemical integrity of norbixin after intercalation into LDH. The inorganic layers were found to enhance the thermal stability of norbixin upon intercalation. The free radical scavenging capacity of norbixin was retained when immobilized into LDH. Considering that zinc and magnesium-LDH matrices are biocompatible and that norbixin presents biological activity, the hybrid materials appear as promising systems for biomedical assessment.

ABSTRACT Objective Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a recognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with NAFLD in women with PCOS and evaluate noninvasive indices of hepatic fibrosis in patients with PCOS and NAFLD. Subjects and methods Patients with PCOS (n = 87) and women without PCOS (n = 40; controls) were included. NAFLD was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasonography after exclusion of alcohol consumption and viral or autoimmune liver disease. Anthropometric, clinical and metabolic variables, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, lipid accumulation product (LAP), FIB-4 index, NAFLD score, and transient elastography (TE; FibroScan) were obtained in subsets of patients with PCOS and NAFLD. Results A total of 87 patients with PCOS were included (mean age: 34.4 ± 5.7 years, mean body mass index [BMI]: 34.7 ± 4.7 kg/m 2 ). NAFLD was present in 67 (77.0%) patients with PCOS versus 21 of 40 (52.5%) controls (p = 0.005). Women with PCOS and liver steatosis, compared with their NAFLD-free counterparts, had higher values of BMI, waist circumference, triglycerides, total cholesterol, alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, and γ-glutamyltransferase, along with higher frequencies of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance. NAFLD was independently associated with waist circumference, serum triglycerides, and alanine aminotransferase levels. The FIB-4 index was not compatible with advanced fibrosis in any of the evaluated patients, while NAFLD score and TE were compatible with advanced liver fibrosis in 1 of 26 (3.8%) and 3 of 25 (12%) patients, respectively. Conclusion Women with PCOS had a high risk of NAFLD, and a combination of both was associated with central obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome. Noninvasive methods suggested low rates of severe hepatic fibrosis in Brazilian women with PCOS. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2020;64(3):235-42

ABSTRACT The use of new wood species in construction requires knowledge of their properties for safer and more economical structural sizing. In Brazil, structural projects are carried out according to the standard document ABNT NBR 7190:1997. Tests required by this standard for the complete characterization of species require large machines with high costs, which are present only in large research centers. Considering the lack of experimental determination, this study aimed, with the help of analysis of variance of regression models, to investigate the possibility of estimating, through apparent density, wood properties obtained in tests where failure is considered fragile, allowing the estimation of properties of species still little used. Ten wood species belonging to the hardwood group (cambara, cedro, cedrorana, copaiba, angelim-araroba, castelo, oiticica-amarela, guarucaia, guaicara, and garapa), covering all strength classes established in the standard ABNT NBR 7190:1997, were used. The results showed that shear strength parallel to the grain (fv0) was the only property that could be estimated by apparent density (ρ12), with an R2 above 50%. Tensile strength normal to the grain (ft90) and splitting strength (fs0) showed poor fit quality.

RESUMO Nós investigamos a variação espacial das assembleias de moluscos em função de diferentes habitats formados por fauna séssil e substrato rochoso em uma zona entre marés rochosa no nordeste do Brasil. O substrato da zona entre marés superior era predominantemente recoberto por cracas [Chthamalus bisinuatus (Pilsbry, 1916)], da zona entre marés média por mexilhões [Brachidontes exustus (Linnaeus, 1758)] e da zona entre marés inferior por macroalgas clorofíceas [Gayralia oxysperma (Kützing) K. L. Vinogradova ex Scagel et al., 1989 and Ulva lactuca Linnaeus, 1753], feofíceas [Sargassum vulgare C. Agardh, 1820] e rodofíceas [Palisada flagellifera (J. Agardh) K. W. Nam, 2007]. Foram registrados 3861 moluscos pertecentes às classes Gastropoda (9 espécies; 3800 indivíduos), Bivalvia (3 spp.; 54 ind.), e Polyplacophora (1 sp.; 7 ind.). A diversidade funcional foi analisada através da estrutura trófica, na qual identificamos as guildas alimentares: suspensívoros, raspadores, herbívoros e carnívoros. Abundância, riqueza de espécies, diversidade de Shannon, uniformidade de Pielou e diversidade trófica variaram em função dos habitats formados por cracas, mexilhões, algas e substrato rochoso. Habitats formados por algas e mexilhões apresentaram elevada riqueza de espécies e diversidade trófica, entretanto, apresentaram baixa abundância. Ao contrário, o habitat formado por cracas registrou baixa riqueza e diversidade trófica e elevado número de indivíduos. O substrato rochoso apresentou valores baixos em todos os índices investigados. Esse resultado mostra o efeito da modificação ambiental provocada pela fauna séssil nesse sistema. Esses organismos aumentam a complexidade ambiental e viabilizam o estabelecimento de organismos por meio de processos de facilitação. As diferentes guildas alimentares encontradas neste estudo reafirmam o papel dos substratos biológicos no fornecimento de nichos capazes de suportar diferentes padrões de ocupação.

ABSTRACT We investigated the spatial variation of molluscan assemblages with different habitat-forming species and bare rock habitat in a rocky intertidal zone in northeastern Brazil. The high intertidal zone substrate was covered predominantly of barnacles [Chthamalus bisinuatus (Pilsbry, 1916)], the mid-intertidal of mussels [Brachidontes exustus (Linnaeus, 1758)] and the low intertidal of macroalgae chlorophytes [Gayralia oxysperma (Kützing) K. L. Vinogradova ex Scagel et al., 1989 and Ulva lactuca Linnaeus, 1753], phaeophytes [Sargassum vulgare C. Agardh] and rhodophytes [Palisada flagellifera (J.Agardh) K. W. Nam, 2007]. A total of 3,861 mollusks were recorded, belonging to the classes Gastropoda (9 species; 3,800 individuals), Bivalvia (3 spp.; 54 ind.), and Polyplacophora (1 sp.; 7 ind.). Functional diversity was accessed through the trophic structure, in which we identified food guilds: suspension feeders, grazers, herbivores, and carnivores. The analysis revealed significant differences in mollusk abundance, species richness, diversity indices, and trophic diversity among barnacle belts, mussel beds, algae habitat, and bare rock habitats. The highest species richness and trophic diversity were detected in algae habitat and mussel beds, which showed low abundance. In contrast, barnacle belts registered low species richness and trophic diversity and a high number of individuals. Bare rock recorded low values in all surveyed indices. This result points to the effect of environmental modification caused by habitat-forming species in this system. These species increase environmental complexity and enable the establishment of organisms through facilitation processes. The various food guilds found in this study reaffirm the role of habitat-forming species in providing niches that support different occupation patterns.