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Restinga formations are defined as the vegetation covering sandy coastal sediments deposited during the Quaternary period, regardless their physiognomy. They are usually characterized as areas of confluence between plant species associated with diverse phytogeographical domains. However, detailed floristic and biogeographic studies are still required to better define their distribution patterns, the origins of their plant species, and their biogeographical affinities. In this study, we investigate the floristic similarities among restingas in Northern and Northeastern Brazil and diverse ecosystems from different Brazilian phytogeographical domains (Caatinga, Cerrado, Atlantic Forest and Amazonia). We employed multivariate analyses to investigate differences in species composition and identify floristically similar groups. While sharing species with other ecosystems, restingas exhibit unique floristic composition, representing a coastal flora. Furthermore, the restingas of Northern and Northeastern Brazil are biogeographically subdivided according to previously recognized sectors of the coast of the country. These findings underscore the complex nature of restinga ecosystems, influenced by environmental factors such as geographic distance, geology and climate. These insights contribute to a nuanced understanding of the complex relationships between restingas and their surrounding ecosystems, facilitating informed conservation efforts in the face of escalating urban and industrial expansion along the Brazilian coast.

Objectives. To investigate associations between COVID-19-related factors and depressive symptoms among primary care workers (PCWs) in São Paulo, Brazil, and to compare the prevalence of probable depression among PCWs before and during the pandemic. Methods. In a random sample of primary care clinics, we examined 6 pandemic-related factors among 828 PCWs. We used multivariate Poisson regression with robust variance to estimate prevalence ratios for probable depression. We assessed the prevalence of probable depression in PCWs before and during the pandemic in 2 comparable studies. Results. Adjusted prevalence ratios were substantial for insufficient personal protective equipment; experiences of discrimination, violence, or harassment; and lack of family support. Comparisons between PCWs before and during the pandemic showed that the prevalence of probable depression among physicians, nurses, and nursing assistants was higher during the pandemic and that the prevalence among community health workers was higher before the pandemic. Conclusions. Our findings indicate domains that may be crucial to mitigating depression among PCWs but that, with the exception of personal protective equipment, have not previously been examined in this population. It is crucial that governments and communities address discriminatory behaviors against PCWs, promote their well-being at work, and foster family support. ( Am J Public Health . 2022;112(5):786-794. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2022.306723).

Objective: To determine whether people with a Sardinian genetic background who live in the megacities of South America have a higher frequency of hypomania than residents of Sardinia., Methods: A community survey of Sardinian immigrants was carried out in four Brazilian metropoles (n=218) and Buenos Aires (n=306). The results were compared with those of a study involving a similar methodology (Mood Disorder Questionnaire [MDQ] as a screening tool) conducted in seven Italian regions, including a sub-sample from Sardinia., Results: There was a higher prevalence of lifetime hypomania among Sardinians living in the Brazilian metropoles than among those living in Sardinia. This result was also consistent with Sardinian immigrants in Buenos Aires. After stratification by sex and age, the lifetime prevalence of MDQ scores ≥ 8 among Sardinians in South-American megacities and Sardinia was 8.6% vs. 2.9%, respectively (p < 0.0001)., Conclusions: The higher frequency of hypomania in migrant populations appears to favor an evolutionary view in which mood disorders may be a maladaptive aspect of a genetic background with adaptive characteristics.