Federal University from Jequitinhonha and Mucuri's Valleys

The application of variable rate inputs and the monitoring of crops through remote sensing can assist in increasing yields while making rational use of increasingly scarce natural resources. To assess the effect of variable rate application of seeds and fertilizers on yield and spectral-temporal behavior, 28 orbital images from PlanetScope CubeSats were selected at the key phenological stages of common bean cultivation. Seed and fertilizer recommendations were based on the cultivar used, soil analysis, historical yield data for the area, and soil electrical conductivity. Spectral-temporal profiles of vegetation indices (VIs) were generated to identify changes in spectral response throughout the crop cycle, and correlation analysis was conducted between VIs and bean grain yield at different phenological stages. Variable rate seeding and fertilization did not significantly influence bean yield, with average values ranging from 1564.52 to 1922.45 kg ha−1, exceeding the national average but falling below the average for the Northwest region of Minas Gerais. Significant correlations between yield and spectral response were observed during pod filling (R8) and maturation (R9), with maximum correlation values reaching 0.53 between NDVI and SAVI and yield at 80 DAS. The study did not find a significant influence of different seed and fertilizer distribution rates on bean yield; however, the results suggest that, even in the short term, variable-rate input distribution can optimize their use, reducing environmental impact and production costs.

The progression of periodontal disease (PD) involves the action of oxidative stress mediators. Antioxidant agents may potentially attenuate the development of this condition. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effects of different doses of humic acid (HA), extracted from biomass vermicomposting, on redox status and parameters related to PD progression in rats. Fifty-four adult male Wistar rats were distributed into six experimental groups (control; PD; PD + 40 mg/kg of HA; PD + 80 mg/kg of HA; PD + 160 mg/kg of HA; PD + 320 mg/kg of HA). HA was administered by gavage for 28 days, and PD was induced by ligature on the mandibular first molars on the 14th day of treatment. After euthanasia, alveolar bone loss, oxidative stress in the gum and erythrocytes, serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and creatinine were analyzed. Animals treated with HA showed less bone loss at the dose of 80 mg/kg compared to the untreated PD group (p < 0.05). Animals treated with HA at doses higher than 80 mg/kg showed improvements in local and systemic redox status parameters (total antioxidant activity, thiobarbituric reactive substances, carbonyl derivatives, and superoxide dismutase) compared to the PD group (p < 0.05). Treatment with HA reduced serum levels of creatinine (at doses of 80 and 160 mg/kg) and AST (at doses of 40 and 80 mg/kg) compared to the PD group (p < 0.05). HA treatment attenuated alveolar bone loss and improved local and systemic oxidative stress parameters in ligature-induced PD rats. Graphical Abstract

Land use change threatens global biodiversity and compromises ecosystem functions, including pollination and food production. Reduced taxonomic α‐diversity is often reported under land use change, yet the impacts could be different at larger spatial scales (i.e., γ‐diversity), either due to reduced β‐diversity amplifying diversity loss or increased β‐diversity dampening diversity loss. Additionally, studies often focus on taxonomic diversity, while other important biodiversity components, including phylogenetic diversity, can exhibit differential responses. Here, we evaluated how agricultural and urban land use alters the taxonomic and phylogenetic α‐, β‐, and γ‐diversity of an important pollinator taxon—bees. Using a multicontinental dataset of 3117 bee assemblages from 157 studies, we found that taxonomic α‐diversity was reduced by 16%–18% in both agricultural and urban habitats relative to natural habitats. Phylogenetic α‐diversity was decreased by 11%–12% in agricultural and urban habitats. Compared with natural habitats, taxonomic and phylogenetic β‐diversity increased by 11% and 6% in urban habitats, respectively, but exhibited no systematic change in agricultural habitats. We detected a 22% decline in taxonomic γ‐diversity and a 17% decline in phylogenetic γ‐diversity in agricultural habitats, but γ‐diversity of urban habitats was not significantly different from natural habitats. These findings highlight the threat of agricultural expansions to large‐scale bee diversity due to systematic γ‐diversity decline. In addition, while both urbanization and agriculture lead to consistent declines in α‐diversity, their impacts on β‐ or γ‐diversity vary, highlighting the need to study the effects of land use change at multiple scales.

This study aimed to evaluate the competitive interaction between maize hybrids in the presence of Digitaria insularis through experiments in a series of substitutions. The experiments were conducted in a randomized block design with four replicates. Six maize hybrids were used, and the plant density of maize and D. insularis hybrids was set for constant final production of 463 plants m⁻². Competition had a detrimental effect on plant growth in both species. Competition and demand for environmental resources were the same for maize hybrids competing with D. insularis. Digitaria insularis had a negative effect on the physiological characteristics of maize hybrids, regardless of the plant density in the association. The hybrids showed greater relative growth than the weed. However, the increase in weed density decreased the nutrient concentration, especially P and K, in maize hybrids. There was competition between maize and D. insularis for the same resources in the environment. Interspecific competition was more pronounced for nutrients N, P, and K, whereas intraspecific competition was more pronounced for Ca and Mg. Keywords: Zea mays; Competitive ability; Sourgrass

Recent evidence indicates that statins have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, leading to several investigations of whether statins have a neuroprotective effect and may benefit patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the potential mechanisms of this class of medications as modifiers of the course of PD in already diagnosed patients is still unclear. To assess the effectiveness of statins as modifiers of established PD. Two investigators systematically searched for randomized clinical trials and observational studies comparing PD patients treated with statins versus those treated without statins. The search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science. The outcome of interest was the change in the MDS-UPDRS III (Movement Disorder society—Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III) and UPDRS III scores from baseline. Statistical analysis was performed using R Studio 4.3.2. Four studies, totaling 472 patients, were included. The standardized mean difference for the MDS-UPDRS Part III and UPDRS Part III scales between statin and non-statin groups was − 0.13 (95% CI − 0.44 to 0.17; p = 0.39; I2 = 58%), and there was no statistical significant difference regarding this outcome. There was no statistical significance for the potential clinical benefit of statins as modifiers of the disease course in PD patients.

The main tactics of soybean integrated pest management combine plant resistance and biological control. The impact of insect resistant IAC-24 soybean cultivar [caterpillars of Anticarsia gemmatalis Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in UFVS-2006 soybean cultivar susceptible to insects and water compared to A. gemmatalis in IAC-24 soybean cultivar resistant to insects and water] on the nymphal and adult stages of the predator Podisus nigrispinus Dallas (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) was evaluated. The duration and survival of the instars and nymphal stage and the body mass of nymphs, males and females of this predator were similar between treatments. The periods of pre-oviposition, oviposition, post-oviposition and egg incubation; interval between egg clutch; number of egg clutch per female, eggs per egg clutch, eggs per female, nymphs per female, nymphs per egg clutch and percentage of nymph eclosion and male and female longevity were also similar between treatments. The use of insect resistant IAC-24 soybean cultivar on P. nigrispinus was found to be safe because that legume did not have any deleterious effects on the referred predator.

Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) frequently infects crops in the Cucurbitaceae family, posing a significant challenge in their production. Managing viruses in crops remain a challenge, primarily due to the limited number of available strategies. The most effective strategy for controlling WMV is to prevent its introduction into regions currently free of the disease. To achieve this, it is necessary to map the locations where the WMV is present and identify areas at risk of invasion. This can be achieved through maximum entropy modeling (Maxent). This study aimed to map the countries with potential distribution for WMV and determine the environmental factors related to its ecological niche. The generated model was robust and reliable according to the 21 metrics used to evaluate it. The response curves of the selected variables revealed that the survival of WMV is directly linked to specific conditions of temperature, precipitation, and altitude, with the virus having a higher probability of survival in warm regions, at altitudes below 1000 m, and with good rainfall availability. The suitability map showed that 46.08% of the planet presents some probability of WMV survival, with the areas of highest probability located in countries in southern Europe, as well as in the United States, Brazil, Argentina, China, Turkey, and Iran. Additionally, the climate zoning map indicated that WMV occurs most frequently in areas classified as Cfa (humid subtropical), Csa (Mediterranean), Aw (tropical savanna), and BSk (cold semi-arid) according to the Köppen-Geiger classification.

Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) are a group of developing countries with shared economic, healthcare, and scientific interests. These countries navigate multiple syndemics, and the COVID-19 pandemic placed severe strain on already burdened BRICS’ healthcare systems, hampering effective pandemic interventions. Genomic surveillance and molecular epidemiology remain indispensable tools for facilitating informed pandemic intervention. To evaluate the combined manner in which the pandemic unfolded in BRICS countries, we reviewed the BRICS pandemic epidemiological and genomic milestones, which included the first reported cases and deaths, and pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions implemented in these countries. To assess the development of genomic surveillance capacity and efficiency over the pandemic, we analyzed the turnaround time from sample collection to data availability and the technologies used for genomic analysis. This data provided information on the laboratory capacities that enable the detection of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and highlight their potential for monitoring other pathogens in ongoing public health efforts. Our analyses indicated that BRICS suffered >105.6M COVID-19 infections, resulting in >1.7M deaths. BRICS countries detected intricate genetic combinations of SARS-CoV-2 variants that fueled country-specific pandemic waves. BRICS’ genomic surveillance programs enabled the identification and characterization of the majority of globally circulating Variants of Concern (VOCs) and their descending lineages. Pandemic intervention strategies first implemented by BRICS countries included non-pharmaceutical interventions during the onset of the pandemic, such as nationwide lockdowns, quarantine procedures, the establishment of fever clinics, and mask mandates- which were emulated internationally. Vaccination rollout strategies complemented this, some representing the first of their kind. Improvements in BRICS sequencing and data generation turnaround time facilitated quicker detection of circulating and emerging variants, supported by investments in sequencing and bioinformatic infrastructure. Intra-BRICS cooperation contributed to the ongoing intervention in COVID-19 and other pandemics, enhancing collective capabilities in addressing these health challenges. The data generated continues to inform BRICS-centric pandemic intervention strategies and influences global health matters. The increased laboratory and bioinformatic capacity post-COVID-19 will support the detection of emerging pathogens.

(1) Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are characterized by chronic and complex inflammatory processes of the digestive tract that evolve with frequent relapses and manifest at any age; they predominantly affect young individuals. Diet plays a direct role in maintaining the gut mucosal integrity and immune function. Regarding the diet, the administration of probiotics stands out. The use of probiotics for IBD treatment has shown promising effects on consumers’ quality of life. (2) Methods: This study aimed to conduct a literature review on the effects of probiotic and smart probiotic ingestion on IBD and analyze the available literature based on the searched keywords using boxplot diagrams to search for scientific data in the online literature published up to October 2024. (3) Results: Google Scholar (containing ~6 × 106 articles) and Science Direct (containing ~5 × 106 articles) were the databases with the highest number of articles for the keywords used in the study. When analyzing the content of the articles, although probiotic microorganisms are currently not part of the standard treatment protocol for IBD, these live biotherapeutics have proven to be an effective treatment option, considering the adverse effects of conventional therapies. Furthermore, the development of genetically engineered probiotics or smart probiotics is a promising treatment for IBD. (4) Conclusions: Probiotics and smart probiotics could represent the future of nutritional medicine in IBD care, allowing patients to be treated in a more natural, safe, effective, and nutritious way. However, although many studies have demonstrated the potential of this biotherapy, clinical trials standardizing dosage and strains are still necessary.

Background/Aim Urban violence represents a significant public health issue globally due to its profound impact on daily life and the high prevalence of victims seeking care in health services. This study aims to evaluate sex differences in victimization patterns, using maxillofacial trauma as a marker for urban violence. Material and Methods This cross‐sectional study analyzed data from medical records of patients treated for traumatic injuries at a referral hospital for traumatology in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, between January 2008 and December 2022. Statistical analysis included both descriptive and multivariate methods, with logistic regression used to examine the association between epidemiological variables and sex in cases of urban violence leading to maxillofacial trauma, especially those resulting from interpersonal violence and traffic accidents. Results A total of 6447 records were reviewed, with 32.5% of the cases involving female patients. Among female victims, the age group of 30 to 59 years was the most frequently affected. Violence predominantly occurred at night (75.8%) and on weekdays (52.8%), with most cases classified as naked aggression (71.4%). Women were less likely to sustain multiple fractures than men (OR = 0.72, 95% CI 0.57–0.92) when compared to dentoalveolar trauma. Additionally, female patients with facial trauma were more likely to receive conservative treatment compared to male patients (OR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.31–1.91). Conclusion Sex differences are an important parameter in understanding victimization patterns associated with maxillofacial injuries resulting from urban violence. Is the findings suggest that men are more frequently victims of severe trauma and are more likely to undergo surgical treatment for maxillofacial fractures than women.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous condition with airflow limitation and obstructive characteristics of respiratory function. In addition, musculoskeletal dysfunction and negative changes in body composition, among other comorbidities associated with this disease, result in a low quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), which includes physical exercise, can positively contribute to improving the clinical conditions in individuals with COPD. Objective: This systematic review aims to summarize the scientific evidence on the impact of physical exercise on body composition and functionality in individuals with COPD. Methods: Through Boolean searches, which were carried out in the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, 989 studies were identified. Among these studies, six were selected based on the eligibility criteria. Results: These studies presented a level of evidence II according to National Health and Medical Research Council criteria, with a predominance of regular methodological quality of regular according to the PEDro scale. Four studies presented a high risk of bias, and two presented a low risk of bias according to the criteria of the RoB instrument. The isolated assessment of each domain (2.0 Cochrane) presented a prevalence of 57% with a low risk of bias, followed by 23% with high risk and 20% with an uncertain risk of bias. According to the data regarding outcomes of different studies, an improvement in functional capacity through physical exercise by individuals with COPD was observed. Simultaneously there were reports regarding body composition demonstrating no significant improvement in fat-free mass and fat mass. Conclusions: Improvements in the body composition and functionality in individuals with COPD can promote a better quality of life, favoring the management of this population. This systematic review presents evidence of the potential benefit of improving the functionality of individuals with COPD. Other aspects of the health of this population were also improved, such as quality of life. However, the results related to body composition are inconclusive regarding a decrease in fat mass and an increase in fat-free mass. Therefore, studies of higher quality should be developed to evaluate the effects of physical exercise on the body composition of individuals with COPD.

The interface between epilepsy and religiosity has been a long-standing matter of debate. Epilepsy has affected several religious leaders throughout history. Hyperreligiosity may be observed in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy as a component of the so-called Gastaut-Geschwind syndrome which involves other behavioral and personality traits such as hyposexuality, viscosity, philosophical concerns, sense of personal destiny, hypergraphy, emotionality, and irritability. Saint Paul, the Apostle, probably had temporal lobe epilepsy. He was a genius man of intellectual excellence and refined culture, whose life and writings exerted a decisive influence on Western history. The current paper investigates the elements of Gastaut-Geschwind syndrome in Saint Paul’s life and Epistles and discusses the potential influence of these traits on Pauline theology. Keywords: Epilepsy; Personality; Behavior

This study investigated the association of biological (muscle strength and functioning) and behavioral factors (level of physical activity and fear of falling) with the history of falls in community-dwelling older adults. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 173 older adults. Handgrip strength and functioning were assessed using the timed up and go (TUG) and gait speed tests. Behavioral factors were assessed by physical activity (Minnesota Leisure Time Activities Questionnaire) and fear of falling (Falls Efficacy Scale-International) instruments. The history of falls was assessed by self-reporting of falls that occurred in the last six months. Data were analyzed by the biserial point correlation test (r b ) and by a binomial regression analysis. The biological, handgrip strength (r b =−0.282, p<0.001), gait speed test (r b =−0.082, p=0.151) and TUG (r b =0.167, p=0.018) and behavioral factors, fear of falling (r b =0.098, p=0.162), physical activity (r b =−0.149, p=0.039), were included in the regression model. Only biological factors, handgrip strength (p<0.001; OR: 0.891; 95% CI: 0.885 – 0.898) and functioning by TUG (p<0.001; OR: 1.031; 95% CI: 1.018 – 1.043) explained the history of falls. Lower values of muscle strength and worse performance in the TUG were associated with a history of falls. Keywords Accidental Falls; Aged; Physical Functional Performance

This study investigated the association of biological (muscle strength and functioning) and behavioral factors (level of physical activity and fear of falling) with the history of falls in community-dwelling older adults. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 173 older adults. Handgrip strength and functioning were assessed using the timed up and go (TUG) and gait speed tests. Behavioral factors were assessed by physical activity (Minnesota Leisure Time Activities Questionnaire) and fear of falling (Falls Efficacy Scale-International) instruments. The history of falls was assessed by self-reporting of falls that occurred in the last six months. Data were analyzed by the biserial point correlation test (r b ) and by a binomial regression analysis. The biological, handgrip strength (r b =−0.282, p<0.001), gait speed test (r b =−0.082, p=0.151) and TUG (r b =0.167, p=0.018) and behavioral factors, fear of falling (r b =0.098, p=0.162), physical activity (r b =−0.149, p=0.039), were included in the regression model. Only biological factors, handgrip strength (p<0.001; OR: 0.891; 95% CI: 0.885 – 0.898) and functioning by TUG (p<0.001; OR: 1.031; 95% CI: 1.018 – 1.043) explained the history of falls. Lower values of muscle strength and worse performance in the TUG were associated with a history of falls. Keywords Accidental Falls; Aged; Physical Functional Performance

The aim of this study was to investigate factors related to performance in daily activities, mobility, social/cognitive skills, and responsibility of Brazilian children/adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP). Multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were performed. A total of 190 children/adolescents participated. Most participants performed below expected in mobility, which could be explained by age, locomotion ability, and anatomical distribution of motor impairment (R2 = 0.50). Performance in daily activities (R2 = 0.44) and responsibility (R2 = 0.23) were explained by age and locomotion ability. This study contributes to understanding the factors that explain the functioning of children/adolescents with CP in Brazil, a low/middle-income country.

Integration of systems with pastures, using silvopastoral systems, can increase soil carbon levels, optimize land use, improve the quality and productivity of agricultural products, and promote the conservation of environmental resources. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of management practices of marandu grass at eucalyptus shading levels in a silvopastoral systems, on organic carbon and nitrogen stocks, and soil chemical properties in the Brazilian Cerrado. Environments with different light availability in the plots (SPS 55-60, SPS 50-55, SPS 45-50, and SPS 40-45 % shading) and a treatment with marandu grass in full sun were allocated. The pre-grazing management of marandu grass was 0.30, 0.40, 0.50 and 0.60 m in height. Soil chemical properties, organic carbon and nitrogen stocks were analyzed. The management of marandu grass at 0.50 m height in the silvopastoral systems provided higher levels of organic carbon, nitrogen, and organic matter in the soil and an increase in fertility, compared to monoculture pasture, with repercussions in two years. Due to greater nutrient cycling, the integration of eucalyptus and marandu grass pasture contributes to greater stocks of organic carbon and nitrogen in the soil strips closest to the tree row. Research on forage productivity, together with the soil quality of this study, will provide more data to ensure the sustainability of these ecosystems. Keywords Cerrado; Eucalyptus spp.; greenhouse gases; pasture degradation; sustainability; Urochloa brizantha