In this study, we investigated the influence of environmental variables (predictor variables) on the species richness, species diversity, functional diversity, and functional redundancy (response variables) of stream fish assemblages in an agroecosystem that harbor a gradient of degradation. We hypothesized that, despite presenting high richness or diversity in some occasions, fish communities will be more functionally redundant with stream degradation. Species richness, species diversity, and functional redundancy were predicted by the percentage of grass on the banks, which is a characteristic that indicates degraded conditions, whereas the percentage of coarse substrate in the stream bottom was an important predictor of all response variables and indicates more preserved conditions. Despite being more numerous and diverse, the groups of species living in streams with an abundance of grass on the banks perform similar functions in the ecosystem. We found that riparian and watershed land use had low predictive power in comparison to the instream habitat. If there is any interest in promoting ecosystem functions and fish diversity, conservation strategies should seek to restore forests in watersheds and riparian buffers, protect instream habitats from siltation, provide wood debris, and mitigate the proliferation of grass on stream banks. Such actions will work better if they are planned together with good farming practices because these basins will continue to be used for agriculture and livestock in the future.

Functional traits are important for understanding the links between species occurrence and environmental conditions. Identifying these links makes it possible to predict changes in species composition within communities under specific environmental conditions. We used functional traits related to habitat use and trophic ecology in order to assess the changes in fish community composition between streams with varying habitat structure. The relationship between the species traits and habitat characteristics was analyzed using an RLQ ordination analysis. Although species were widely distributed in habitats with different structures, physical conditions did favor some species based on their functional characteristics. Eight functional traits were found to be associated with stream habitat structure, allowing us to identify traits that may predict the susceptibility of fish species to physical habitat degradation.Os atributos funcionais são importantes para entender a ligação entre ocorrência das espécies e condições ambientais, permitindo predizer sobre as mudanças na composição de espécies em comunidades submetidas a condições ambientais específicas. Utilizamos atributos funcionais relacionados com o uso de habitat e ecologia trófica para avaliar as mudanças na composição de espécies de peixes em riachos com diferenças na estrutura física. O relacionamento entre os atributos das espécies e as variáveis ambientais foi avaliado por meio da análise de ordenação RLQ. Embora algumas espécies tenham sido amplamente distribuídas em hábitats com diferentes características, outras foram restritas por essas condições e este relacionamento está associado com as características morfológicas. Oito atributos funcionais foram capazes de detectar as variações na estrutura física do hábitat em riachos, permitindo a identificação de atributos que podem predizer a suscetibilidade das espécies de peixes para a degradação física do hábitat.

No abstract

MAGALHÃES, G. A. Nível de aptidão física relacionada à saúde de policiais militares da 17ª companhia do 34º batalhão de polícia militar do estado de minas gerais, 2009.

Fungal infections caused by Candida species has increased significantly in recent years. Additionally, resistance to conventional therapy is an aggravating factor causing high morbidity and mortality, especially in immunocompromised patients or those undergoing treatment with another antimicrobials. During the infection process, Candida species produces metabolites which can self-regulate population density, in addition to controlling several virulence factors and exerting action on other microorganisms. In view of this fact, the present study evaluated the in vitro antifungal activity of the pure culture extract of Candida parapsilosis against Candida albicans, Candida auris and Candida parapsilosis. Fungal culture extracts of C. parapsilosis were prepared in Sabouraud Dextrose Broth, extracted with ethyl acetate and dried in a rotary evaporator. Subsequently, tests were performed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC). The antifungal activity of the extracts against Candida species showed values of MIC ranging between 500 - 2000 µg/mL and a MFC range of 1414 µg/mL - 2000 µg/mL. Future investigations for the identification and composition of this fungal culture extract will provide insights about metabolites are present and involved in the antifungal activity shown here, contributing for the future to new therapeutic approaches in the control of infections caused by Candida.

Onychomycoses are nail infections caused primarily by dermatophytes fungi, yeasts, and other filamentous fungi, characterized by persistent infections, prolonged therapy, and high recurrence rates. In clinical practice, some of these occurrences present two or more microorganisms, and the interactions among them can change the chemical environment mediated by small diffusible molecules, producing a competitive niche. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of individual extracts of pure cultures of Candida albicans and C. parapsilosis against dermatophytes. To obtain the fungal extracts, cultures were filtered through a 0.2 μm membrane and submitted to liquid-liquid extraction using ethyl acetate. The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of each extract was evaluated by broth microdilution method and checkerboard assay with fluconazole against clinical isolates of Trichophyton rubrum and T. mentagrophytes. The invertebrate model of Galleria mellonella was used to evaluate the toxicity of the extracts. As results, the extracts of C. albicans and C. parapsilosis showed antifungal activity with MICs between 31,2 – 2000 μg/mL. In association with fluconazole, synergistic effect was detected for all combinations. The extracts presented low toxicity in G. mellonella. In the future, isolation and identification of the extract compounds may allow new therapeutic approaches in the control of fungal infections.