Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso

About: Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso is a education organization based out in Cuiabá, Brazil. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Species richness. The organization has 7748 authors who have published 10181 publications receiving 89994 citations.

18-Des-hydroxy Cytochalasin: an antiparasitic compound of Diaporthe phaseolorum-92C, an endophytic fungus isolated from Combretum lanceolatum Pohl ex Eichler

Abstract: Chemical investigation of the ethyl acetate extract from the endophytic fungus Diaporthe phaseolorum-92C (92C) isolated from the roots of Combretum lanceolatum led to the isolation of 18-des-hydroxy Cytochalasin H (compound 1). The trypanocidal and schistosomicidal activity and cytotoxicity of the extract from 92C were evaluated. The schistosomicidal, leishmanicidal, antimicrobial, and antioxidant actions, as well as the antitumor activity against the breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, and the cytotoxicity towards normal human lung fibroblasts GM07492A of compound 1 was tested. The extract from 92C (20 μg/mL) exerted potent trypanocidal activity, reducing 82% of the number of amastigotes and trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi. Compound 1 at 50 μg/mL killed 50% of Schistosoma mansoni adult worms. Compound 1 reduced the viability of Leishmania amazonenses promastigotes (IC50 = 9.2 μg/mL) and of the cancer cells MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 (IC50 = 17.5 and 8.88 μg/mL, respectively), presented moderate antioxidant activity, and gave IC50 of 2049.7 ± 39.9 μg/mL for the cytotoxicity towards normal cells GM07492A. This knowledge is highly relevant to the search for new promising compounds for therapeutic purposes.

Asymmetric dispersal and colonization success of Amazonian plant-ants queens.

Abstract: Background: The dispersal ability of queens is central to understanding ant life-history evolution, and plays a fundamental role in ant population and community dynamics, the maintenance of genetic diversity, and the spread of invasive ants. In tropical ecosystems, species from over 40 genera of ants establish colonies in the stems, hollow thorns, or leaf pouches of specialized plants. However, little is known about the relative dispersal ability of queens competing for access to the same host plants. Methodology/Principal Findings: We used empirical data and inverse modeling—a technique developed by plant ecologists to model seed dispersal—to quantify and compare the dispersal kernels of queens from three Amazonian ant species that compete for access to host-plants. We found that the modal colonization distance of queens varied 8-fold, with the generalist ant species (Crematogaster laevis) having a greater modal distance than two specialists (Pheidole minutula, Azteca sp.) that use the same host-plants. However, our results also suggest that queens of Azteca sp. have maximal distances that are four-sixteen times greater than those of its competitors. Conclusions/Significance: We found large differences between ant species in both the modal and maximal distance ant queens disperse to find vacant seedlings used to found new colonies. These differences could result from interspecific differences in queen body size, and hence wing musculature, or because queens differ in their ability to identify potential host plants while in flight. Our results provide support for one of the necessary conditions underlying several of the hypothesized mechanisms promoting coexistence in tropical plant-ants. They also suggest that for some ant species limited dispersal capability could pose a significant barrier to the rescue of populations in isolated forest fragments. Finally, we demonstrate that inverse models parameterized with field data are an excellent means of quantifying the dispersal of ant queens.

Vertical and time distribution of Diplopoda (Arthropoda: Myriapoda) in a monodominant forest in Pantanal of Mato Grosso, Brazil

Abstract: In this study different sampling techniques for Diplopoda in soil, tree trunks and canopies were applied in an integrated way in the northern region of the Pantanal of Mato Grosso, Brazil. This was done in order to assess the relationship within the fauna in each forest strata, as well as its richness and temporal distribution. In all these habitats there were a total of 1,354 diplopods, distributed in four taxonomic orders, with Polyxenida being predominant over Polydesmida, Spirostreptida and Spirobolida. The largest representation was found on the trunks of the Vochysia divergens (721 ind.), intercepted by tree photoecletors, whereas in the canopies sampling reached only 65 specimens. In the edaphic stratum 568 diplopods were captured, most with the use of the Winkler extractor, followed by pitfall traps and soil photoecletors. In spite of being an important group in these environments, both in terms of richness and diversity, this was less than has been observed in other Neotropical areas. However, due to seasonal changes in the Pantanal the existence of a relationship between the soil and the tree fauna was found as well as different survival strategies observed during the flood period. Regarding vertical distribution, the greatest richness and variety of taxonomic groups was found in the forest's edaphic environment demonstrating its association mainly with this forest stratum.

Répteis da Estação Ecológica Serra Geral do Tocantins, Brasil Central

Abstract: The South American Cerrado harbors a rich reptilian fauna with high number of endemics. However, knowledge of this diversity is still incipient in front of accelerated transformation of natural landscapes, which makes the domain a "hotspot" for study and conservation of global biodiversity. Studies on the reptile fauna of Cerrado are urgently needed for a better understanding of the processes that led to their origin and distribution and to support conservation planning. We used standard methods to sample two unexplored regions of the Serra Geral do Tocantins Ecological Station (EESGT), located in the Jalapao region of the Cerrado domain. We recorded 45 species of reptiles for the EESGT and surroundings, which represents high species richness, comparable to other well-sampled regions of the Cerrado. Accumulation curves and estimators indicate that sampled richness of lizards and amphisbaenas are close to real values. However, current sampling underestimates snake richness. The non-random distribution of species in the landscape agrees with previous evidence suggesting differential use of habitats by Cerrado reptiles. Combining the results of this study with those of previous surveys conducted in the region, we recorded 88 species of reptiles for the Jalapao region with eight new records, including Bachia oxyrhina, a recent described species of this region. We found three general patterns of distribution: (1) species endemic of the Cerrado domain, (2) species shared with the domains of the South American diagonal of tropical open formations, (3) species widely distributed, also shared with forest ecosystems. Species of wide distribution prevails in the region, but there is large number of species typical of the Cerrado, possibly including five endemics to Jalapao, and there is an important contribution of the Caatinga fauna. The distribution of reptile species in local and regional scales shows the need to consider the landscape heterogeneity for adequate conservation planning in the Cerrado region. Because of the physical and biotic characteristics, EESGT has a key role in the preservation and knowledge of the diversity of Cerrado reptiles.

Convivendo com o câncer: do diagnóstico ao tratamento

Abstract: Aim: to describe the difficulties faced by cancer patients, from diagnosis to treatment. Method: descriptive and exploratory research with, a qualitative approach, developed with six people diagnosed with cancer, in both genders. The data was carried out through individual semi-structured interviews between February and July 2014. In interpreting the data, we used the content analysis. Results: two categories emerged: "the difficulties in discovering the disease" and "difficulties in the treatment of cancer." It is evident that the difficulties faced by cancer patients are influenced by the delay in diagnosis, difficulties in access to tests, side effects and barriers to completion of the treatment. Conclusion: the results confirm the need for continuing education in service of the professionals working in the health care network. Knowing how is the process of illness and treatment of cancer patients can improve the service conditions of the multidisciplinary team