Caatinga biome, located in the Brazilian semi-arid region, is the most populous semi-arid region in the world, causing intensification in land degradation and loss of biodiversity over time. The main ...objective of this paper is to determine and analyze the changes in land cover and use, over time, on the biophysical parameters in the Caatinga biome in the semi-arid region of Brazil using remote sensing. Landsat-8 images were used, along with the Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land (SEBAL) in the Google Earth Engine platform, from 2013 to 2019, through spatiotemporal modeling of vegetation indices, i.e., leaf area index (LAI) and vegetation cover (VC). Moreover, land surface temperature (LST) and actual evapotranspiration (ETa) in Petrolina, the semi-arid region of Brazil, was used. The principal component analysis was used to select descriptive variables and multiple regression analysis to predict ETa. The results indicated significant effects of land use and land cover changes on energy balances over time. In 2013, 70.2% of the study area was composed of Caatinga, while the lowest percentages were identified in 2015 (67.8%) and 2017 (68.7%). Rainfall records in 2013 ranged from 270 to 480 mm, with values higher than 410 mm in 46.5% of the study area, concentrated in the northern part of the municipality. On the other hand, in 2017 the lowest annual rainfall values (from 200 to 340 mm) occurred. Low vegetation cover rate was observed by LAI and VC values, with a range of 0 to 25% vegetation cover in 52.3% of the area, which exposes the effects of the dry season on vegetation. The highest LST was mainly found in urban areas and/or exposed soil. In 2013, 40.5% of the region’s area had LST between 48.0 and 52.0 °C, raising ETa rates (~4.7 mm day−1). Our model has shown good outcomes in terms of accuracy and concordance (coefficient of determination = 0.98, root mean square error = 0.498, and Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient = 0.907). The significant increase in agricultural areas has resulted in the progressive reduction of the Caatinga biome. Therefore, mitigation and sustainable planning is vital to decrease the impacts of anthropic actions.
Several studies have reported the relationship of deforestation with increased incidence of infectious diseases, mainly due to the deregulation caused in these environments. The purpose of this study ...was to answer the following questions: a) is increased loss of vegetation related to dengue cases in the Brazilian Cerrado? b) how do different regions of the tropical savanna biome present distinct patterns for total dengue cases and vegetation loss? c) what is the projection of a future scenario of deforestation and an increased number of dengue cases in 2030? Thus, this study aimed to assess the relationship between loss of native vegetation in the Cerrado and dengue infection. In this paper, we quantify the entire deforested area and dengue infection cases from 2001 to 2019. For data analyses, we used Poisson generalized linear model, descriptive statistics, cluster analysis, non-parametric statistics, and autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models to predict loss of vegetation and fever dengue cases for the next decade. Cluster analysis revealed the formation of four clusters among the states. Our results showed significant increases in loss of native vegetation in all states, with the exception of Piauí. As for dengue cases, there were increases in the states of Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Mato Grosso. Based on projections for 2030, Minas Gerais will register about 4,000 dengue cases per 100,000 inhabitants, São Paulo 750 dengue cases per 100,000 inhabitants, and Mato Grosso 500 dengue cases per 100,000 inhabitants. To reduce these projections, Brazil will need to control deforestation and implement public health, environmental and social policies, requiring a joint effort from all spheres of society.
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Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
We revisit two recent methodologies based on Monin–Obukhov Similarity Theory (MOST), the 2D method and Hybrid-Wind (HW), which are aimed at estimation of the Obukhov length, friction velocity and ...kinematic heat flux within the surface layer. Both methods use wind-speed profile measurements only and their comparative performance requires assessment. Synthetic and observational data are used for their quantitative assessment. We also present a procedure to generate synthetic noise-corrupted wind profiles based on estimation of the probability density functions for MOST-related variables (e.g., friction velocity) and the statistics of the noise-corrupting perturbational amplitude found during an 82-day IJmuiden observational campaign. In the observational part of the study, 2D and HW parameter retrievals from floating Doppler wind lidar measurements are compared against those from a reference mast. Overall, the 2D algorithm outperformed the HW in the estimation of all the three parameters above. For instance, when assessing the friction-velocity retrieval performance with reference to sonic anemometers, determination coefficients of ρ2D2=0.77 and ρHW2=0.33 were found under unstable atmospheric stability conditions, and ρ2D2=0.81 and ρHW2=0.07 under stable conditions, which suggests the 2D algorithm as a prominent method for estimating the above-mentioned surface-layer parameters.
The airflow restriction mask (ARM) is a practical and inexpensive device for respiratory muscle training. Wearing an ARM has recently been combined with high‐intensity interval exercise (HIIE), but ...its effect on neuromuscular fatigue is unknown. The present study investigated the effects of ARM wearing on neuromuscular fatigue after an HIIE session. Fourteen healthy men performed two HIIE sessions (4 × 4 min at 90% HRmax, 3 min recovery at 70% HRmax) with or without an ARM. Neuromuscular fatigue was quantified via pre‐ to post‐HIIE changes in maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), voluntary activation (VA, central fatigue), and potentialized evoked twitch force at 100, 10, and 1 Hz (peripheral fatigue). Blood pH and lactate were measured before and after the HIIE session, while HR, SpO2, dyspnea, physical sensation of effort (P‐RPE), and Task Effort and Awareness (TEA) were recorded every bout. The exercise‐induced decrease in MVC was higher (p < 0.05) in the ARM (−28 ± 12%) than in the Control condition (−20 ± 11%). The VA decreased (p < 0.05) in the ARM (−11 ± 11%) but not in the control condition (−4 ± 5%, p > 0.05). Pre‐ to post‐HIIE declines in evoked twitch at 100, 10, and 1 Hz were similar (p > 0.05) between ARM and control conditions (ARM: −18 ± 10, −43 ± 11 and −38 ± 12%; Control: −18 ± 14, −43 ± 12 and −37 ± 17%). When compared with the control, the HIIE bout wearing ARM was marked by higher heart rate, plasma lactate concentration, dyspnea, P‐RPE and TEA, as well as lower SpO2 and blood pH. In conclusion, ARM increases perceptual and physiological stress during a HIIE, which may lead to a greater post‐exercise central fatigue.
This work presents a parametric-solver algorithm for estimating atmospheric stability and friction velocity from floating Doppler wind lidar (FDWL) observations close to the mast of IJmuiden in the ...North Sea. The focus of the study was two-fold: (i) to examine the sensitivity of the computational algorithm to the retrieved variables and derived stability classes (the latter through confusion-matrix theory), and (ii) to present data screening procedures for FDWLs and fixed reference instrumentation. The performance of the stability estimation algorithm was assessed with reference to wind speed and temperature observations from the mast. A fixed-to-mast Doppler wind lidar (DWL) was also available, which provides a reference for wind-speed observations free from sea-motion perturbations. When comparing FDWL- and mast-derived mean wind speeds, the obtained determination coefficient was as high as that of the fixed-to-mast DWL against the mast (ρ2=0.996) with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.25 m/s. From the 82-day measurement campaign at IJmuiden (10,833 10 min records), the parametric algorithm showed that the atmosphere was neutral (31% of the cases), stable (28%), or near-neutral stable (19%) during most of the campaign. These figures satisfactorily agree with values estimated from the mast measurements (31%, 27%, and 19%, respectively).
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that affects million people worldwide, mostly in developing countries. Ruta graveolens (Rutaceae) is a plant used in folk medicine to treat several ...diseases, including parasitic infections. In this study, we reported the in vitro schistosomicidal activity of the R. graveolens extract (Rg) and its active fraction (Rg-FAE). Also, the characterization of Rg-FAE by UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS analysis and its in vitro antileishmanial activity against Leishmania braziliensis were also performed. In vitro schistosomicidal assays were assessed against adult worms of S. mansoni, while cell viability against peritoneal macrophages was measured by MTT assay. Rg (100 μg/mL) exhibited noticeable schistosomicidal activity, causing 100% mortality and decreasing motor activity of all adult male and female schistosomes, but with low activity against L. braziliensis. After chromatographic fractionation of Rg, fraction Rg-FAE was obtained, showing high activity against adult schistosomes. UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS analysis of Rg-FAE revealed the presence of eleven alkaloids and one furanocoumarin. No significant antileishmanial activity was found for Rg, while Rg-FAE exhibited activity against L. braziliensis promastigotes. We demonstrated, for the first time, that the R. graveolens extract (Rg) and its alkaloid-rich fraction (Rg-FAE) are active against adult worms of S. mansoni, with no significant cytotoxicity on macrophages. Our findings open the route to further antiparasitic studies with the active fraction of R. graveolens and its identified compounds, especially alkaloids.
Human schistosomiasis, caused by trematode worms of the genus Schistosoma, is one of the most significant neglected tropical diseases, affecting more than 200 million individuals worldwide and ...praziquantel is the only available drug to treat this disease. Artemisia absinthium L. and Tanacetum parthenium L. are species popularly used as anthelmintics. We investigated the in vitro schistosomicidal activity of crude extracts of A. absinthium (AA) and T. parthenium (TP) and their isolated compounds. AA and TP, at 200 μg/mL, were active, causing 100% mortality of all adult worms. Chromatographic fractionation of AA leads to isolation of artemetin and hydroxypelenolide, while santin, apigenin, and parthenolide were isolated from TP. Artemetin, hydroxypelenolide, santin, and apigenin, at 100 μM, were inactive against adult worms. Parthenolide (12.5 to 100 μM) caused 100% mortality, tegumental alterations, and reduction of motor activity of all adult worms of S. mansoni, without affecting mammalian cells. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed tegumental morphological alterations and changes on the numbers of tubercles of S. mansoni worms. This report provides the first evidence for the in vitro activity of parthenolide against adult worms of S. mansoni, opening the route to further schistosomicidal studies with this compound.
The bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a highly toxic molecule derived from the outer membrane of gram‐negative bacteria. LPS endotoxin affects the lungs and is used as a model of acute pulmonary ...inflammation affecting the cellular morphology of the organ. Previously, gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have been shown to demonstrate anti‐inflammatory and antioxidative activity in muscle and epithelial injury models. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the intraperitoneal treatment using GNPs on the inflammatory response and pulmonary oxidative stress induced by LPS. Wistar rats were divided into four groups (N = 10): Sham; Sham + GNPs 2.5 mg/kg; LPS; and LPS + GNPs 2.5 mg/kg. Treatment with LPS upregulated the levels of markers of cellular and hepatic damage (CK, LDH, AST, and alanine aminotransferase); however, the group treated with only GNPs exhibited no toxicity. Treatment with GNPs reversed LPS‐induced changes with respect to total peritoneal leukocyte count and the pulmonary levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IFN‐γ and IL‐6). Histological analysis revealed that treatment with GNPs reversed the increase in alveolar septum thickness due to LPS‐induced fibrosis. In addition, treatment with GNPs decreased production of oxidants (nitrite and DCFH), reduced oxidative damage (carbonyl and sulfhydryl), and downregulated activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase. Treatment with GNPs did not showed toxicity; however, it exhibited anti‐inflammatory and antioxidative activity that reversed morphological alterations induced by LPS.
BFS-MK-based alkali-activated materials are well established as an alternative for sustainable and green construction. This work aims to collaborate and encourage the use of biomass ashes, such as ...sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA), as a precursor in alkali-activated materials (AAM). This ash is a rich source of aluminosilicate, which is a primary requirement for this application. In addition, this waste is still an environmental liability, especially in developing countries, and with a large volume of annual production. Thus, in this research, alkali-activated pastes (AA) were produced using sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA), granulated blast furnace slag (BFS) and metakaolin (MK) as precursors. In addition, environmental gains were encouraged with energy savings, with no extra reburn or calcination steps in the SCBA. Thus, the precursors were characterized by laser granulometry, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The pastes were produced by mixing the precursors with the activator, composed of a mixture of sodium hydroxide 8 mol/L and sodium silicate. Aiming to study the incorporation of SCBA, all samples have a precursor/activator ratio and a BFS/(BFS + MK) ratio constant of 0.6. The compressive strength analysis, FTIR, XRD, TGA, SEM and isothermal calorimetry analyses pointed out the occurrence of alkaline activation in all proposed samples for curing times of 7, 28 and 91 days. The sample GM0.6-BA0 (15% SCBA) achieved the highest compressive strength among the samples proposed (117.7 MPa, at 91 days), along with a good development of strength throughout the curing days. Thus, this work presents the properties of alkaline-activated pastes using SCBA as a sustainable and alternative precursor, seeking to encourage the use of raw materials and alternative waste in civil construction.
Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by Schistosoma species, harms over 250 million people in several countries. The treatment is achieved with only one drug, praziquantel. ...Cardamonin, a natural chalcone with in vitro schistosomicidal activity, has not been in vivo evaluated against Schistosoma. In this work, we evaluated the in vivo schistosomicidal activities of cardamonin against Schistosoma mansoni worms and conducted enzymatic apyrase inhibition assay, as well as molecular docking analysis of cardamonin against potato apyrase, S. mansoni NTPDase 1 and S. mansoni NTPDase 2. In a mouse model of schistosomiasis, the oral treatment with cardamonin (400 mg/kg) showed efficacy against S. mansoni, decreasing the total worm load in 46.8 % and reducing in 54.5 % the number of eggs in mice. Cardamonin achieved a significant inhibition of the apyrase activity and the three‐dimensional structure of the potato apyrase, obtained by homology modeling, showed that cardamonin may interact mainly through hydrogen bonds. Molecular docking studies corroborate with the action of cardamonin in binding and inhibiting both potato apyrase and S. mansoni NTPDases.
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