Natural infection of calves by Anaplasma marginale in dairy herds of the Metalúrgica Region, Minas Gerais

The dynamic of natural infections by Anaplasma marginale in calves was evaluated during a period of one year on two farms located in the Metalúrgica Region, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Blood samples were collected weekly for rickettsemia and packed cell volume (PCV) determination. The animals born from March to July suffered the infection in October and November, independently of their age, whilst calves born from September to December acquired the infection during the first days of life. These animals presented patent rickettsemia from 30 days of life. During the patent period PCV decreased after one week of infection, ranging from 20 to 23%. It was concluded, that in the region studied, the transmission of A. marginale is influenced by climatic conditions, and that calves born during the dry season are more likely to acquire the infection when they are exposed to high transmission levels during the subsequent raining season.

Technological level and epidemiological aspects of sheep husbandry in Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil

Epidemiological and health aspects of sheep husbandry were assessed on 213 sheep flocks in 142 municipalities from the state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. An updated questionnaire was filled out for each flock, requesting data on the farm, the flock and the farmer by the veterinarians of the State Government Agency for Animal Health (Instituto Mineiro de Agropecuária). Thirteen important variables were selected and scored to determine the technological level of the 117 farms; 0.9% of them was classified as high technological level, 45.3% as medium technological level and 53.0% as low technological level. Lamb production was the main objective of the farms and the main features were low-frequencies of individual identification of animals (16.9%), technical assistance (31.9%), use of quarantine for newly acquired animals (0.9%) the separation of animals by age group (3.7%) and requeste the sanitary certificate at purchasing of animals (11.7%). The main health problems reported were abortion (23.9%), keratoconjunctivitis (17.9%), contagious ecthyma (13.6%), pneumonia (10.3%), diarrhea (9.3%) and caseous lymphadenitis (6.1%). Information of the epidemiological situation and the mainly health measures used in the sheep farms are important to improve the productivity and quality of the lamb.

Phytoplankton flora of two rivers in Southeast Brazil: Paraibuna and Pomba Rivers, Minas Gerais

This work is a survey of the phytoplankton communities of the Paraibuna and Pomba Rivers. It aims is to contribute to the existing albeit scarce knowledge of the phytoplankton of Minas Gerais and of lotic phytoplankton in general. The results are based on 32 samples collected from Paraibuna and Pomba Rivers, in Minas Gerais State, during the dry (July and August, 2001) and rainy seasons (February 2002). Forty-eight taxa were identified, 20 from Paraibuna River and 28 from Pomba River, thirty-eight of which are new records for Minas Gerais State. The phytoplankton community of Paraibuna River was strongly influenced by a reservoir close to its source, thus the occurrence of lentic species of cyanobacteria and desmids. However, the phytoplankton community of Pomba River was typical of lotic environments, with great number of diatoms and desmids.

Frequency of 8 CFTR gene mutations in cystic fibrosis patients in Minas Gerais, Brazil, diagnosed by neonatal screening

The nature and frequency of cystic fibrosis mutations in Brazil is not uniform due to the highly varied ethnic composition of the population. The average frequency of the F508del mutation has been reported to be 48.6%. Other common mutations in Brazil are G542X, R1162X, and N1303K. The aim of this study was to analyze the frequency of 8 mutations (F508del, G542X, R1162X, N1303K, W1282X, G85E, 3120+1G>A, and 711+1G>T) in a sample of 111 newborn patients with cystic fibrosis diagnosed by the Cystic Fibrosis Neonatal Screening Program of Minas Gerais State. The mutations were tested by allele-specific oligonucleotide PCR with specially designed primers. An allele frequency of 48.2% was observed for the F508del mutation, and allele frequencies of 5.41, 4.50, 4.05, and 3.60% were found for the R1162X, G542X, 3120+1G>A, and G85E mutations, respectively. The genotypes obtained were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. These data demonstrate that the 8-mutation panel studied here has extensive coverage (68%) for the cystic fibrosis mutations in Minas Gerais. These data improve our knowledge of cystic fibrosis in Brazil, particularly in this region. In addition, this investigation contributed to the establishment of a sensitive and population-specific mutation panel, which can be helpful for molecular diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.

Chemical evaluation and effect of bagging new peach varieties introduced in southern Minas Gerais - Brazil

Brazilian peach production is insufficient for domestic supply. Aiming to increase production in the state of Minas Gerais, 16 new peach tree varieties were introduced in the Serra da Mantiqueira region and their fruit were analyzed for sugar, total phenol and total carotenoid contents by colorimetric methods, and for organic acid content by high-performance liquid chromatography. In addition, we examined the effect of fruit bagging on the levels of such constituents. To do so, the fruit of half the trees of each variety were bagged. The levels of sugars, phenols, carotenoids and organic acids are genotypic characteristics and significantly differed among varieties. Despite being a good form of fruit protection, providing better aspect and reducing the need for pesticides, bagging leads to lower contents of components such as sugars, phenols and organic acids in most varieties. However, it cannot be stated that this practice interferes with sensory characteristics. Knowledge of the chemical constituents of these new varieties allows determining those ideal for fresh consumption (e.g., "Maciel", "Diamante", "T. Beauty", "Ouromel 2" and "C.1056", among others) and those more suitable for industrial processing (e.g., "A. Gold", "C.1122" and "C.1050"), as well as those which serve both purposes.

Paepalanthus hirtellus, a new species of Paepalanthus subsection Actinocephaloides (Eriocaulaceae) from Minas Gerais, Brazil

In this article we describe and illustrate the new species Paepalanthus hirtellus (Eriocaulaceae, Paepalanthoideae). The species is, as far as known, restricted to Pico do Itambe State Park, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Paepalanthus hirtellus occurs on the campos rupestres of the Espinhaco Range. We compare it with P. lombensis and P. chrysophorus, the two morphologically most similar species. We provide additional comments on the morphological variability, habitat, geographic distribution and we provide its conservation status.

Dynamics and cytochemistry of oogenesis in Astyanax fasciatus (Cuvier) (Teleostei, Characiformes, Characidae) from Rio Sapucaí, Minas Gerais State, Brazil

Oogenesis involves a set of transformations which are undergone by female germ cells These cells change into oogonias and then into mature oocytes. Sexually mature female fish were collected monthly, during one year, from the Sapucaí River, a tributary of the Rio Grande, which is part of the Furnas Reservoir in the state of Minas Gerais. During the several stages of maturation, we observed small round oogonias with a large nucleus, a single nucleolus, and weakly stained cytoplasm with eosinophilic granules. The primary oocytes showed a large basophilic nucleus, with a developed peripheral nucleolus and a reduced cytoplasm. The previtellogenic oocytes presented voluminous cytoplasm and nucleus with several small peripheral nucleoli. The oocytes underwent vitellogenesis with the development of the zona radiata and the follicle cells. Their cytochemical reactions indicated that the two layers of the zona radiata of A. fasciatus contained proteins and polysaccharides. The initially squamous follicle cells, became cuboidal. In mature oocytes, the nucleus moved toward the periphery, next to the micropyle, and the yolk granules formed by proteins, fulfilled the cytoplasm. The clear unstained vesicles are likely to be the cortical alveoli in the perivitelline region.

Dynamics and cytochemistry of oogenesis in Leporinus striatus Kner (Teleostei, Characiformes, Anostomidae) from the Rio Sapucaí, Minas Gerais State, Brazil

Oogenesis involves a sequense of transformations which are undergone by female germ cells. These cells change into oogonias and then into mature oocytes. Sexually mature females were collected monthly, during one year, from the Rio Sapucaí, tributary of the Rio Grande, which is part of the Furnas Reservoir system in the state of Minas Gerais. The observed material showed that oogonias were small spherical cells, had a big spherical nucleus, with a single nucleolus, and weakly stained cytoplasm with eosinophilic granules (FG stained), which indicate their protein content. The primary oocytes showed a big basophilic nucleus, with a large peripheral nucleolus, and several smaller nucleoli. They show a reduced cytoplasmic content. The previtellogenic oocytes presented voluminous cytoplasm and nucleus with several small peripheral nucleoli. The oocytes underwent vitellogenesis with the development of the zona radiata and the follicle cells. The zona radiata had two layers, the outer and the inner, which showed its protein content when stained with CM and FG techniques. TB pH 2.5 and pH 4.0 staining showed that oocytes undergoing vitellogenesis presented weakly stained cytoplasm and peripheral cytoplasmic vesicles. The follicle cells that were squamous became cuboidal. In mature oocytes, the yolk granules that filled the cytoplasm became green and blue when stained with FG and CM techniques, indicating their protein content. The perivitclline region showed rosy stained vesicles (TB pH 2.5 and pH 4.0) spread among the weakly stained peripheral vesicles, which seemed to be the cortical alveoli. The zona radiata cells, CM and FG stained, still showed two layers like the oocytes from the previous stage, but thicker.

Análise dos parâmetros morfométricos da bacia do Rio Preto, Serra do Espinhaço (Minas Gerais, Brasil)

The Rio Preto Hydrographic Basin (RPHB) is located in the North-central portion of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, 30 km ENE of the city of Diamantina. The sources of the stream of that name are found in the Rio Preto State Park, which has an area of 10,755 hectares. The total area, perimeter, extension, and axial length of the RPHB, as well as other morphometric characteristics, with emphasis on shape indexes, were obtained with the help of the ArcGis 9.2 program. The cartographic data were taken from digitalized topographic charts in a scale of 1:100,000 of the Brazilian Geographical Institute (IBGE). The measured drainage area is of 389.3 km2 and the perimeter is 136.9 km. Due to structural influence, the shape of the RPHB is irrgular and elongated, with drainage developed in a dendritic and parallel pattern. Those characteristics were checked by means of the compaxity coefficient and the shape factor. The first one was estimated in 1.94, what implies that the basin is not subject to fast flooding in years with normal precipitation. The high degree of fluvial downcutting of the basin is confirmed by the fact that it is a 5th order basin, it presents a significant branching rate and a medium drainage density.

Survey of Minas frescal cheese from Southwest Minas Gerais for virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli isolates

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Natural parasitism of lepidopteran eggs by Trichogramma species (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) in agricultural crops in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

The genus Trichogramma Westwood (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) includes insect egg parasitoids that are widely used throughout the world as control agents of pest insects. The aim of this study was to identify the species of Trichogramma naturally associated with the eggs of lepidopteran pests of the following agricultural and horticultural crops: collards, Brassica oleracea L. (Brassicales: Brassicaceae); papaya, Carica papaya L. (Capparales: Caricaceae); tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. (Solanales: Solanaceae); cassava, Manihot esculenta Crantz (Malpighiales: Euphorbiaceae); banana, Musa sp. L. (Zingiberales: Musaceae); passion fruit, Passiflora sp. Degener (Malpighiales: Passifloraceae); sugarcane, Saccharum sp. L. (Poales: Poaceae); and corn (maize), Zea mays L. (Poales: Poaceae); and an invasive species (Sodom?s apple milkweed, Calotropis procera Aiton; Gentianales: Apocynaceae) in the semiarid region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. We report natural parasitism by Trichogramma in eggs of Agraulis vanillae vanillae (L.) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), Antichloris eriphia F. (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae), Danaus sp. (L.) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), Diatraea saccharalis F. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), Erinnyis ello L. (Lepidopera: Sphingidae), and Protambulyx strigilis L. (Lepidopera: Sphingidae). In total, 2,242 specimens of Trichogramma were obtained, belonging to the species T. pretiosum Riley, T. manicobai Brun, Moraes & Soares, T. marandobai Brun, Moraes & Soares, and T. galloi Zucchi. These species of Trichogramma may be candidates for biological control programs of lepidopteran pests in the semiarid region of Minas Gerais and in other semiarid regions.

Situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Estado de Minas Gerais

Realizou-se um estudo para caracterizar a situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Estado de Minas Gerais. O Estado foi estratificado em sete circuitos produtores. Em cada circuito foram amostradas aleatoriamente cerca de 300 propriedades e, dentro dessas, foi escolhido, de forma aleatória, um número pré-estabelecido de animais, dos quais foi obtida uma amostra de sangue. No total, foram amostrados 20.643 animais, provenientes de 2.204 propriedades. Em cada propriedade visitada aplicou-se um questionário epidemiológico para verificar o tipo de exploração e as práticas zootécnicas e sanitárias que poderiam estar associadas ao risco de infecção pela doença. O protocolo de testes utilizado foi o da triagem com o teste do antígeno acidificado tamponado e a confirmação dos positivos com o teste do 2-mercaptoetanol. O rebanho foi considerado positivo, se pelo menos um animal foi reagente às duas provas sorológicas. As prevalências de focos e de animais infectados do Estado foram de 6,0% [5,0-7,1%] e 1,1% [0,78-1,4%], respectivamente. Os resultados para os circuitos pecuários da prevalência de focos e de animais foram: circuito 1, 4,7% [2,7-7,7%] e 0,82% [0,06-1,6%]; circuito 2, 7,2% [4,6-10,6%] e 1,2% [0,53-1,8%]; circuito 3, 6,8% [4,3-10,0%] e 1,5% [0,47-2,4%]; circuito 4, 6,5% [4,1-9,8%] e 1,1% [0,39-1,7%]; circuito 5, 3,8% [2,0-6,5%] e 0,40% [0,11-0,69%]; circuito 6, 6,2% [3,8-9,6%] e 0,66% [0,29-1,0%]; circuito 7, 11,0% [7,7-15,0%] e 1,7% [0,92-2,6%], respectivamente. Os fatores de risco (odds ratio, OR) associados à condição de foco foram: compra de reprodutores (OR = 1,66 [1,13-2,44]), ocorrência de aborto nos últimos 12 meses (OR = 1,81 [1,26-2,60]) e presença de cervídeos na propriedade (OR = 1,56 [1,08-2,27]). A vacinação contra brucelose foi identificada como fator protetor (OR = 0,38 [0,19-0,79]). Concluiu-se que o programa obrigatório de vacinação de bezerras, iniciado na década de 1990, está sendo eficaz ao reduzir a prevalência em todo o Estado e em todos os sistemas de produção animal. As autoridades sanitárias devem priorizar o controle da compra de animais para reprodução, que não apresentem garantias sanitárias e incorporar essa medida às ações de educativas.

Inova????o na administra????o p??blica estadual: o 1o pr??mio excel??ncia em gest??o p??blica do estado de Minas Gerais

O texto apresenta as oito experi??ncias vencedoras do 1o Pr??mio Excel??ncia em Gest??o P??blica do Estado de Minas Gerais, realizado em 2006, procurando destacar suas diferen??as e semelhan??as. Tem como par??metro de refer??ncia os principais temas do movimento internacional te??rico e pr??tico de renova????o da administra????o p??blica conhecido como Gest??o P??blica: descentraliza????o e horizontaliza????o de estruturas, foco no usu??rio-cidad??o, maior participa????o e responsabiliza????o de agentes p??blicos, formas de controle n??o-hier??rquico, uso adequado dos recursos p??blicos. Para concluir, comenta o potencial de concursos que valorizam a excel??ncia no setor p??blico para permitir a inova????o, promover a a????o e n??o o imobilismo, desenvolver o campo de conhecimento da administra????o p??blica, valorizar os servidores p??blicos e colocar o tema da melhoria da gest??o p??blica na agenda de mudan??as da sociedade e dos governos.

Avalia????o de impacto do Programa de Fortalecimento e Melhoria da Qualidade dos Hospitais do SUS/ Minas Gerais (Pro-Hosp)

Este estudo avaliou o impacto do Programa de Fortalecimento e Melhoria da Qualidade dos Hospitais do SUS-MG (Pro-Hosp). Para tanto, foi empregado o m??todo diferen??as-em-diferen??as, que permite avaliar o impacto de pol??ticas p??blicas quando o indicador avaliado ?? observado em mais de um per??odo no tempo. Foram selecionados quatro indicadores de desempenho hospitalar: a propor????o m??dia de ces??rea, a taxa m??dia de ocupa????o, a taxa m??dia de mortalidade e o tempo m??dio de perman??ncia. Constatou-se que o Pro-Hosp teve impacto na propor????o m??dia de ces??reas no sentido esperado, ou seja, de reduzi-las

Mobilidade social e empoderamento: a percep????o das mulheres benefici??rias do programa Bolsa Fam??lia em Minas Gerais

Esse trabalho teve como objetivo analisar os efeitos relacionados ?? mobilidade social e ao empoderamento das benefici??rias do Programa Bolsa Fam??lia em Minas Gerais. Foram utilizados procedimentos metodol??gicos anal??ticos, em um estudo de caso m??ltiplo com abordagem quantitativa. Foi realizada a valida????o dos constructos de mobilidade social e empoderamento, permitindo-se mensurar a intensidade da rela????o entre essas diferentes dimens??es. Os resultados demonstram a melhoria significativa na vida das benefici??rias, o que pode possibilitar ascend??ncia social. Contudo, observou-se, como fator limitante, o baixo grau de escolaridade das benefici??rias, mostrando-se a necessidade de conex??o dos programas sociais com atividades educacionais e de gera????o de trabalho e renda, para inser????o das mulheres no mercado de trabalho. Dessa forma, considera-se que o Programa Bolsa Fam??lia pode influenciar significativamente tanto no empoderamento quanto na mobilidade social das benefici??rias. Ademais, a articula????o com atividades educacionais e produtivas pode avigorar os resultados de pol??ticas p??blicas que defendam a justi??a social e a diminui????o das desigualdades existentes entre g??neros e classes sociais.