Resumo A leishmaniose visceral (LV) é uma doença de natureza infecciosa, predominante em países de zonas tropicais. A predição de ocorrência de doenças infecciosas através da modelagem epidemiológica tem se revelado uma importante ferramenta no entendimento de sua dinâmica de ocorrência. O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver um modelo de previsão da incidência da LV no Maranhão usando o modelo de Média Móvel Integrada Autocorrelacionada Sazonal (SARIMA). Foram coletados os dados mensais de casos de LV através do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) correspondentes ao período de 2001 a 2018. O método de Box-Jenkins foi aplicado para ajustar um modelo de predição SARIMA para incidência geral e por sexo (masculino e feminino) de LV para o período de janeiro de 2019 a dezembro de 2023. Durante o período de 216 meses dessa série temporal, foram registrados 10.431 casos de LV no Maranhão, com uma média de 579 casos por ano. Em relação à faixa etária, houve maior registro no público pediátrico (0 a 14 anos). Houve predominância do sexo masculino, com 6437 casos (61,71%). Os valores do teste de Box-Pierce para incidência geral, sexo masculino e feminino reforçados pelos resultados do teste Ljung-Box sugerem que as autocorrelações de resíduos apresentam um comportamento de ruído branco. Para incidência mensal geral e por sexo masculino e feminino, os modelos SARIMA (2,0,0) (2,0,0), (0,1,1) (0,1,1) e (0,1,1) (2, 0, 0) foram os que mais se ajustaram aos dados, respectivamente. O modelo SARIMA se mostrou uma ferramenta adequada de previsão e análise da tendência de incidência da LV no Maranhão. A determinação da variação temporal e sua predição são determinantes no norteamento de medidas de intervenção em saúde.

Abstract Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an infectious disease predominant in countries located in the tropics. The prediction of occurrence of infectious diseases through epidemiologic modeling has revealed to be an important tool in the understanding of its occurrence dynamic. The objective of this study was to develop a forecasting model for the incidence of VL in Maranhão using the Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average model (SARIMA). We collected monthly data regarding VL cases from the National Disease Notification System (SINAN) corresponding to the period between 2001 and 2018. The Box-Jenkins method was applied in order to adjust a SARIMA prediction model for VL general incidence and by sex (male or female) for the period between January 2019 and December 2013. For 216 months of this time series, 10,431 cases of VL were notified in Maranhão, with an average of 579 cases per year. With regard to age range, there was a higher incidence among the pediatric public (0 to 14 years of age). There was a predominance in male cases, 6437 (61.71%). The Box-Pierce test figures for overall, male and female genders supported by the results of the Ljung-Box test suggest that the autocorrelations of residual values act as white noise. Regarding monthly occurrences in general and by gender, the SARIMA models (2,0,0) (2,0,0), (0,1,1) (0,1,1) and (0,1,1) (2, 0, 0) were the ones that mostly adjusted to the data respectively. The model SARIMA has proven to be an adequate tool for predicting and analyzing the trends in VL incidence in Maranhão. The time variation determination and its prediction are decisive in providing guidance in health measure intervention.

Hematological problems are associated with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Respiratory impairment is the higher point studied, although without experimental studies related to the oxygen transport performed by erythrocytes. Therefore, we decided to investigate if erythrocytes from COVID-19 patients have their functionality changed. The case-control study included hospitalized patients with a positive real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) result admitted to University Hospital. Volunteers (negative RT-PCR results) were recruited as a control group. Thus, we assessed different erythrocytes parameters, oxidative stress markers, and biophysical studies using whole blood and isolated hemoglobin. We found a decrease of 51% in oxygen uptake and reduced antioxidant enzyme activity in COVID-19 patients compared to controls. Raman spectrometry showed structural changes in the hemoglobin and lipids of the erythrocytes from COVID-19 patients; thus, these results were consolidated with an increase in Young’s modulus in erythrocytes followed by morphology changes. Besides, isolated hemoglobin from COVID-19 patients has a distinct interaction profile using a ligand model compared to the control. COVID-19 leads to structural, functional, and morphological damage to human erythrocytes. Our data showed structural and molecular changes and induction of oxidative stress in erythrocytes by COVID-19, a new perspective on the contribution of erythrocytes to a respiratory commitment in COVID-19.

ABSTRACT The functioning of ecosystems or agroecosystems is mainly dependent on the soil-litterfall interaction. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of different soil use and management systems on the dynamics of decomposition of plant residues of Azadirachta indica (neem) and Gliricidia sepium (gliricidia). The study was conducted in four land occupation systems, namely: remaining forest, agroforestry, agricultural mandala, and pasture. The decomposition rate was estimated using nylon bags (litter bags), containing 20 g of leaves of A. indica and G. sepium, which were arranged on the soil surface of each area for 18, 36, 54, 72, 90, and 108 days. A completely randomized design was used for each species, considering each area as one treatment, with four replications for each collection. The data were subjected to regression analysis and the means were compared by the Tukey's test (p<0.05). More than 85% and 90% of A. indica and G. sepium plant matters, respectively, had been decomposed after 108 days, regardless of the system evaluated, denoting that these species present high decomposition rates. The phytomass half-life time varied from 16 to 23 days for G. sepium and from 25 to 37 days for A. indica, depending on the land use system. Edaphic temperature, soil water content, and leaf physical and chemical characteristics are weight loss predictors. The results provide important information to enable forest management practices.

RESUMO O funcionamento dos ecossistemas ou agroecossistemas depende, sobretudo, da interação solo-serapilheira. Assim, objetivouse avaliar a influência de diferentes sistemas de uso e manejo do solo sobre a dinâmica de decomposição dos resíduos vegetais de Azadirachta indica e Gliricidia sepium. O estudo foi conduzido em quatro sistemas de ocupação da terra, sendo eles: remanescente florestal, sistema agroflorestal (SAF), mandala agrícola e pastagem. A taxa de decomposição foi estimada com o uso de sacolas de nylon (litter bags), contendo 20 g de folhas de A. indica e G. sepium, que foram dispostas na superfície do solo de cada área por um período de 18, 36, 54, 72, 90 e 108 dias. Adotou-se um DIC, considerando cada área como um tratamento e quatro repetições a cada coleta, para ambas as espécies. Os dados foram submetidos a uma análise de regressão e as médias foram comparadas pelo teste Tukey (p<0,05). Após 108 dias, mais de 85 e 90% da fitomassa de A. indica e G. sepium, respectivamente, havia sido decomposta, independente do sistema avaliado, indicando que estas espécies apresentam rápida taxa de decomposição. O tempo de meia-vida (T½) do material vegetal variou de 16 a 23 dias no caso da G. sepium e de 25 a 37 dias no caso da A. indica, dependendo do sistema de uso da terra. A temperatura edáfica, o conteúdo de água do solo e as características físico-químicas da fração foliar são preditores da perda de massa. Esses conhecimentos podem fornecer importantes informações que viabilizem práticas de manejo florestal.

Triclosan (TCS) is a chlorinated diphenyl ether and a possible active agent against microorganisms. Due to its probability of reducing dental plaque accumulation, TCS can be added as a substance for oral hygiene. Aim To evaluate the efficacy and antimicrobial capacity of TCS against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus mutans. Methods This work evaluates the percentage of bacteria inhibition of P. aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) and S. mutans (ATCC 25175). TCS concentrations between 2 and 128 µg.mL-1 were tested. Results An inhibitory potential of TCS was found against S. mutans. No percentage of inhibition was detected against P. aeruginosa (technical and biological triplicate). Conclusion TCS, an antimicrobial agent used in dentifrices, can reduce S. mutans levels therefore these dentifrices should be indicated for patients with a high risk of caries. However, further study is needed, including antimicrobial analyses against other microbial conditions.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate the quality of information on gestational syphilis (GS) and congenital syphilis (CS) on the Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN-Syphilis Brazil – Notifiable Diseases Information System) by compiling and validating completeness indicators between 2007 and 2018. METHODS Overall, care, and socioeconomic completeness scores were compiled based on selected variables, by using ad hoc weights assigned by experts. The completeness scores were analysed, considering the region and area of residence, the pregnant woman’s race/colour, and the year of case notification. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to validate the scores obtained by the weighted average method, compared with the values obtained by principal component analysis (PCA). RESULTS Most selected variables presented a good or excellent degree of completeness for GS and CS, except for clinical classification, pregnant woman’s level of education, partner’s treatment, and child’s race/colour, which were classified as poor or very poor. The overall (89.93% versus 89.69%) and socioeconomic (88.71% versus 88.24%) completeness scores for GS and CS, respectively, were classified as regular, whereas the care score (GS-90.88%, and CS-90.72%) was good, despite improvements over time. Differences in the overall, care and socioeconomic completeness scores according to region, area of residence, and ethnic-racial groups were reported for syphilis notifications. The completeness scores estimated by the weighted average method and PCA showed a strong linear correlation (> 0.90). CONCLUSION The completeness of GS and CS notifications has been improving in recent years, highlighting the variables that form the care score, compared with the socioeconomic scores, despite differences between regions, area of residence, and ethnic-racial groups. The weighted average was a viable methodological alternative easily operationalised to estimate data completeness scores, allowing routine monitoring of the completeness of gestational and congenital syphilis records.

ABSTRACT: Salmonella is a relevant pathogen, which causes foodborne outbreaks associated with both high and low moisture foods (LMF). This study evaluated the effect of previous desiccation stress on the acid resistance of S. Typhimurium ATCC 14028 using blanched peanut kernels as an LMF model. Salmonella was recovered from the peanut samples throughout 180 days of blanched peanut kernels storage at 28 ºC. During this period two death rates were verified, 0.04 log cfu/g/day in the first 30 days and 0.007 log cfu/g/day between 30 and180 days.Regarding acid resistance, there was no difference (P > 0.05) in the Salmonella growth/death kinetics between the undesiccated sample (TSB)and the cells recovered from peanut samples over 180 days of storage after 4 h at pHs 3.0, 3.5, 4.5 and 7.2. The average growth rate observed for pH 7.2 was 0.44 log cfu/ml/h. At pH 4.5, the Salmonella counts did not change significantly over 4 h. In contrast, Salmonella populations declined by 0.14 to 0.29 log cfu/ml/h at pH 3.5. At pH 3.0 declines were estimated to be 0.65 log cfu/ml/h for the undesiccated sample and 2.07 log cfu/ml/h for Salmonella recovered from peanuts stored for 120 days. Therefore, our data indicated that desiccation stress caused during the peanut storagedid not influence the Salmonella acid resistance.

RESUMO: Em alimentos de baixa umidade (LMF), o primeiro desafio encontrado por patógenos como a Salmonella é o estresse de dessecação. Neste estudo, o efeito prévio do estresse de dessecação sobre a resistência ácida de S. Typhimurium ATCC 14028 foi avaliado utilizando amendoim blancheado como um modelo de LMF. Salmonella foi recuperada das amostras de amendoim após 180 dias de estocagem a 28 ºC. Durante este período foram verificadas duas taxas de mortalidade, 0,04 log ufc/g/dia nos primeiros 30 dias e 0,007 log ufc/g/dia entre 30 e 180 dias. Com relação à resistência ácida, não houve diferença (P > 0,05) na cinética de crescimento/morte de Salmonella entre a amostra sem estresse dessecativo (TSB) e as amostras de amendoim após 4 h em pHs 3,0, 3,5, 4,5 e 7,2. A taxa média de crescimento observada para o pH 7,2 foi de 0,44 log cfu/ml/h. No pH 4,5, a contagem de Salmonella não mudou significativamente durante 4 h. Em contraste, a população de Salmonella diminuiu de 0,14 a 0,29 log cfu/ml/h no pH 3,5. No pH 3,0, a queda foi estimada em 0,65 log cfu/ml/h para a amostra sem estresse dessecativo e 2,07 log cfu/ml/h para a Salmonella recuperada das amostras de amendoim estocadas por 120 dias. Portanto, nossos dados indicaram que o estresse dessecativo causado durante a estocagem do amendoim não influenciou a resistência ácida de Salmonella.

Abstract Fruits agro-industrial by-products may have a great variety of bioactive compounds that promote health. Thus, the effects of supplementation with acerola, cashew and guava processing by-products for 28 days on retinol level, lipid profile and on some aspects related to intestinal function in rats were investigated. The animals supplemented with different fruit by-products presented similar weight gain, faecal pH values and intestinal epithelial structures; however, they showed higher moisture and Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. counts in faeces compared to the control group. Supplementation with the cashew by-product decreased the blood glucose, acerola and guava by-products reduced serum lipid levels and all fruit by-products tested increased serum and hepatic retinol. The results indicated that acerola and guava by-products possess a potential hypolipidemic effect. The three fruit by-products increase the hepatic retinol deposition and the faecal populations of beneficial bacterial groups and modulated aspects of intestinal function. The findings of this study can contribute to sustainable fruticulture and support future clinical studies with the supplementation of by-products.

Abstract Healthcare workers present an increased risk of contagion for the SARS-CoV-2 virus due to their labor exposure. Here, we describe the clinical, laboratory, and immunological characteristics of healthcare workers, before vaccine application, exposed to SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. We collected sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory information from 50 professionals who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic at the Clinical Hospital of the Northwest in Brazil. The results showed that most workers are women, over 50 years old, and worked as nursing technicians. Approximately 56% of workers were positive for a previous infection by RT-PCR and/or anti-SARS-CoV-2-immunoglobulin tests. Increased levels of hematocrit, neutrophils, NK lymphocytes, and fibrinogen, were found in positive healthcare workers, suggesting a light inflammatory status. The immunological findings showed an increase in IL-17 production and a Th2/Th17/Th22 profile followed by high serology for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG. Those data reveal the importance of studies with healthcare workers to investigate if the continuous exposition to the virus may result in chronic activation of the immune system and/or pulmonary inflammation in this target group.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate the quality of information on gestational syphilis (GS) and congenital syphilis (CS) on the Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN-Syphilis Brazil – Notifiable Diseases Information System) by compiling and validating completeness indicators between 2007 and 2018. METHODS Overall, care, and socioeconomic completeness scores were compiled based on selected variables, by using ad hoc weights assigned by experts. The completeness scores were analysed, considering the region and area of residence, the pregnant woman’s race/colour, and the year of case notification. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to validate the scores obtained by the weighted average method, compared with the values obtained by principal component analysis (PCA). RESULTS Most selected variables presented a good or excellent degree of completeness for GS and CS, except for clinical classification, pregnant woman’s level of education, partner’s treatment, and child’s race/colour, which were classified as poor or very poor. The overall (89.93% versus 89.69%) and socioeconomic (88.71% versus 88.24%) completeness scores for GS and CS, respectively, were classified as regular, whereas the care score (GS-90.88%, and CS-90.72%) was good, despite improvements over time. Differences in the overall, care and socioeconomic completeness scores according to region, area of residence, and ethnic-racial groups were reported for syphilis notifications. The completeness scores estimated by the weighted average method and PCA showed a strong linear correlation (> 0.90). CONCLUSION The completeness of GS and CS notifications has been improving in recent years, highlighting the variables that form the care score, compared with the socioeconomic scores, despite differences between regions, area of residence, and ethnic-racial groups. The weighted average was a viable methodological alternative easily operationalised to estimate data completeness scores, allowing routine monitoring of the completeness of gestational and congenital syphilis records.

Abstract Oral candidiasis is a common fungal infection that affects the oral mucosa, and happens when Candida albicans interacts with bacteria in the oral microbiota, such as Streptococcus mutans, causing severe early childhood caries. C. albicans and S. mutans mixed biofilms are challenging to treat with conventional antimicrobial therapies, thus, new anti-infective drugs are required. Objective This study aimed to test a drug delivery system based on chitosan microparticles loaded with geranium and lemongrass essential oils to inhibit C. albicans and S. mutans mixed biofilms. Methodology Chitosan microparticles loaded with essential oils (CM-EOs) were obtained by spray-drying. Susceptibility of planktonic were performed according CLSI at 4 to 2,048 µg/mL. Mixed biofilms were incubated at 37ºC for 48 h and exposed to CM-EOs at 256 to 4,096 µg/mL. The antimicrobial effect was evaluated using the MTT assay, with biofilm architectural changes analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. RAW 264.7 cell was used to evaluate compound cytotoxicity. Results CM-EOs had better planktonic activity against C. albicans than S. mutans. All samples reduced the metabolic activity of mixed C. albicans and S. mutans biofilms, with encapsulated oils showing better activity than raw chitosan or oils. The microparticles reduced the biofilm on the slides. The essential oils showed cytotoxic effects against RAW 264.7 cells, but encapsulation into chitosan microparticles decreased their toxicity. Conclusion This study demonstrates that chitosan loaded with essential oils may provide an alternative method for treating diseases caused by C. albicans and S. mutans mixed biofilm, such as dental caries.

Abstract This article aims to analyze residential segregation by race (racial segregation) and income (economic segregation) in Brazil and explore its relationship with socioeconomic and socio-spatial factors. Residential segregation was assessed using the dissimilarity index based on the 2010 demographic census and considering urban census tracts since segregation is sociologically considered an urban problem. The results for racial segregation showed that it is more evident in cities in the South and Southeast of Brazil and mainly affects the self-declared black population. The approach used to calculate economic segregation involved examining the income level of different low-income groups. Therefore, we consider families that earned between 0 and 1 minimum wage as the group with the greatest social vulnerability. We did not find significant correlations between racial and income segregation indices with aspects such as urbanization (urban population size). Finally, we present the racial segregation indices stratifying families by income thresholds for the 27 Brazilian capitals and conclude that per capita household income is a preponderant factor for the segregation of the poorest, especially in families whose residents self-identify as black.

Resumen Este artículo tiene como objetivo analizar la segregación residencial por raza (segregación racial) y renta (segregación económica) en Brasil y explorar su relación con factores socioeconómicos y socioespaciales. La segregación residencial se evaluó utilizando el índice de disimilitud con base en el censo demográfico de 2010 y considerando las secciones censales urbanas ya que la segregación es considerada sociológicamente como un problema urbano. Los resultados para la segregación racial mostraron que esta es más evidente en ciudades del sur y del sudeste de Brasil y que afecta principalmente a la población autodeclarada negra. El enfoque usado para calcular la segregación económica implicó examinar el nivel de ingresos de diferentes grupos de bajos ingresos. Por lo tanto, consideramos que las familias que ganaban entre cero y un salario mínimo son el grupo con mayor vulnerabilidad social. No encontramos correlaciones significativas entre los índices de segregación racial y los de ingresos con factores como la urbanización (tamaño de la población urbana). Finalmente, presentamos los índices de segregación racial estratificando a las familias por umbrales de renta para las 27 capitales brasileñas y concluimos que la renta per cápita de los hogares es un factor preponderante para la segregación de los más pobres, en especial en las familias cuyos habitantes se autodeclaran negros.

Resumo Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar a segregação residencial por raça (segregação racial) e renda (segregação econômica) no Brasil e explorar sua relação com fatores socioeconômicos e socioespaciais. A segregação residencial foi avaliada pelo índice de dissimilaridade baseado no Censo Demográfico de 2010 e considerando setores censitários urbanos, uma vez que a segregação é entendida sociologicamente como um problema urbano. Os resultados mostram que a segregação racial é mais evidente nas cidades do Sul e Sudeste do Brasil, atingindo principalmente a população autodeclarada preta. A abordagem utilizada para calcular a segregação econômica envolveu examinar o nível de renda de diferentes grupos de baixa renda. Portanto, consideramos as famílias que ganham entre 0 e 1 salário mínimo - o grupo de maior vulnerabilidade social. Não encontramos correlações significativas entre os índices de segregação racial e de renda com fatores como a urbanização (tamanho da população urbana). Por fim, apresentamos os índices de segregação racial estratificando as famílias por faixas de renda para as 27 capitais brasileiras e concluímos que a renda domiciliar per capita é fator preponderante para a segregação dos mais pobres, principalmente nas famílias cujos moradores se autodeclaram pretos.

Aim The purpose of this study was to investigate the biofilm effect on the hybrid ceramic-resin cement bond strength (BS) by comparing two methods. Methods Teeth were distributed into groups (n=5), according to the resin cement (Maxcem Elite-(MC) or NX3 Nexus-(NX)) and degradation method (24h or 7 days in distilled water; 7 or 30 days incubated with biofilm and 30 days in sterile media). Treated surfaces of Vita Enamic blocks (5x6x7mm) were luted to treated or no treated dentin surfaces and light-cured. After 24h, beams were obtained (1x1x10mm) and stored accordingly. The flexural bond strength (FBS) was assessed by four-point bending test. Additional beams were obtained from new teeth (n=5), stored for 24h or 7 days in distilled water, and submitted to a microtensile bond strength (µTBS) assay. Failure modes were determined by scanning electron microscopy (100X). The flexure strength of the cements (n=10) was assessed by a four-point bending test. Data were analyzed by 1 and 2-ways ANOVA, and Tukey’s test (α=0.05). Results There was no significant difference between the degradation methods for the FBS groups. For the µTBS, the significant difference was as follows: NX 7days > NX 24h > MC 7days = MC 24h. Failure mode was mainly adhesive and mixed, but with an increase of cohesive within cement and pre-failures for the MC groups assessed by µTBS. NX had better performance than MC, regardless of the method. Conclusions The biofilm had no effect on the materials BS and FBS test was a useful method to evaluate BS of materials with poor performance.

In this study, the interaction between benzothiazole (BTA, concentration of a drug required for 50% inhibition in vitro (IC50) = 0.77 mM) and benzimidazole (BIA, IC50 = 2.14 mM) with urease was quantitatively assessed, using UV-Vis, molecular fluorescence, and circular dichroism. The results showed that both compounds interact with urease by a static fluorescence quenching mechanism with a non-fluorescent complex formation. The main forces responsible for stabilizing the supramolecular complex between BTA and urease were hydrophobic while, for BIA, van der Waals interactions and hydrogen bonds were the main ones. Urease conformation changes due to the interaction process were analyzed by circular dichroism and synchronous fluorescence. Besides, a competitive assay with substrate and inhibitors was used to evaluate the preferential urease site of interaction with BTA and BIA. Our experimental and theoretical studies supported that both, BTA and BIA, are mixed-inhibitors of ureases with a slight preference to the active site of such enzymes. Finally, both BTA and BIA showed to possess anti-Helicobacter pylori (one reference strain and six clinical isolates) activity, presenting minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 38-150 and 20-164 µM, respectively. The urease inhibitors omeprazole and hydroxyurea showed MIC values in the range of 46-185 µM and 1683-> 3366 µM, respectively.

Resumen: Schinuses un género muy conocido, ecológica y económicamente importante en Argentina. Un estudio filogenético molecular reciente propuso una nueva clasificación infragenérica deSchinusen secciones. La secciónMyrtifoliase ha definido como un clado de ca. 11 especies de las Yungas, cinco de las cuales se encuentran en Argentina (S. gracilipes,S. huynganvar.subtridentata,S. meyeri,S. myrtifoliayS. venturii). El objetivo de este trabajo fue presentar una síntesis actualizada de la diversidad deSchinussecciónMyrtifoliaen Argentina. Se revisaron y realizaron nuevas colecciones. La metodología fue la tradicional de estudios taxonómicos, con observaciones morfológicas. Se analizaron protólogos, tipos y se registraron distribuciones geográficas. Nuestros resultados apoyan la existencia de solo cuatro especies en Argentina, porque proponemos la sinonimia deS. meyericonS. venturiiy deS. gracilipesvar.pilosaconS. gracilipes.Schinus huynganvar.subtridentataes una nueva cita. Se presenta un mapa de distribución de las cuatro especies y una clave taxonómica.Schinus gracilipesyS. huynganvar.subtridentatason las especies más fáciles de identificar;S. myrtifoliayS. venturiimuestran la mayor variación morfológica foliar. Las especies se diferencian entre sí por su distribución latitudinal.

Summary: Schinusis a well known ecologically and economically important genus in Argentina. A recent molecular phylogenetic study proposed a new infrageneric classification ofSchinusin sections. SectionMyrtifoliahas been defined as a clade of ca. 11 species from the Yungas, five of which occurring in Argentina (S. gracilipes,S. huynganvar.subtridentata,S. meyeri,S. myrtifolia, andS. venturii). The objective of this work was to present an updated synthesis of the diversity ofSchinussectionMyrtifoliain Argentina. New collections were revised and made. The traditional methodology for taxonomic studies, including morphological observations, was followed. Protologues and types were analyzed, and geographic distributions were recorded. Our results support the existence of only four species in Argentina, because we propose the synonymy ofS. meyeriwithS. venturiiand ofS. gracilipesvar.pilosawithS. gracilipes.Schinus huynganvar.subtridentatais a new mention. A distribution map of the four species and a taxonomic key are presented.Schinus gracilipesandS. huynganvar.subtridentataare the most easily identified species;S. myrtifoliaandS. venturiishow the highest leaf morphological variation. Species are differentiated from one another by their latitudinal distribution.

ABSTRACT The objective of the study was to evaluate the phytoremediation potential of eight native plants sown with the support of amendments, on the mine tailings from the La Prieta mine in Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico, to phytostabilize heavy metals and metalloid-As in their roots. The concentration of the elements, in the aerial part, root, and soil, was determined following the criterial established by the NOM-147-SEMARNAT/SSA1-2004 standard. The species S. macrostachya and S. aireoides showed the highest copper concentrations with values between 150 and 400 mg/kg, whereas in the rest of the species ranged between 50 and 380 mg/kg. The species S. aireoides, A. Canescens, S. Daysilirium, and S. Macrostachia presented phytostabilization potential by showing Translocation Factor values <0.5, for As, Cu, Pb, and Zn. The species were adapted to the in situ experiment, showing tolerance to heavy metals, metalloid, and potential for phytostabilization.

RESUMEN El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el potencial fitorremediador de ocho plantas nativas sembradas con apoyo de enmiendas, sobre el jal de la mina La Prieta en Hidalgo del Parral, Chihuahua, México, para fitoestabilizar los metales pesados y metaloide-As en sus raíces. La concentración de los elementos, en la parte aérea, raíz y suelo, se determinó siguiendo los criterios establecidos por la Norma NOM-147-SEMARNAT/SSA1-2004. Las especies S. macrostachya y S. aireoides mostraron las mayores concentraciones de cobre con valores entre 150 y 400 mg/kg, mientras que las demás especies oscilaron con valores entre 50 y 380 mg/kg. Las especies S. aireoides, A. Canescens, S. Daysilirium y S. Macrostachia presentaron potencial de fitorremediación al mostrar valores de Factor Traslocación <0.5 para As, Cu, Pb y Zn. Las especies antes mencionadas se adaptaron al experimento in situ, mostrando tolerancia a los metales pesados, metaloide y potencial de fitoestabilización.