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Although new data and methodologies are gaining prominence in the field of taxonomy, the vast majority of terrestrial isopod species are still described solely based on morphology. The genus Benthana was recently revised and currently comprises 30 species found in South America. However, the broad geographic distribution of some species, coupled with the presence of few diagnostic characters, raises doubts about the validity of the described species. This study aimed to test the applicability of DNA Barcoding to assess the congruence between morphological and molecular identification of Benthana species. We analyzed 72 individuals belonging to 13 species from the scientific collection of the UFRGS Crustacean Laboratory. We obtained 24 sequences from ten Benthana species. The molecular phylogenies demonstrated that Benthana forms a paraphyletic group. Even at the species level, paraphyletic taxa were observed. Species delimitation methods revealed the presence of eight molecular entities within Benthana. Regarding genetic distances, we observed low intra-specific distances and significantly high inter-specific distances. Our results show that molecular analysis does not support the current taxonomy of Benthana. Therefore, a reassessment of the genus systematics based on integrative taxonomy is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of the present study were to: i) analyse the between-session reliability of dry-land and in-water swimming tests, and ii) investigate the prevalence of meaningful asymmetries in swimming athletes. Twenty-eight swimmers (21 males, 7 females) performed anthropometric, shoulder range of motion (ROM), countermovement jump, shoulder isokinetic torque, and 15-s tethered swimming tests two times, 1 week apart. Inter-limb asymmetries were calculated for each variable. Raw data reliability was determined using the intraclass coefficient correlation (ICC) and the typical error of measurement (TEM), and effect size (ES) was used to determine systematic bias between test sessions. At an individual level, inter-limb asymmetries were compared to the coefficient of variation (CV) to determine whether they were real. The between-session reliability was good to excellent (0.75 to 1.00) for most of the raw data, except for ROM. Between-session ES was predominately "trivial" or "small" for raw data and asymmetries, reinforcing that the values did not change significantly between the sessions. In addition, real asymmetries were seen in some tested metrics, depending on the test. In conclusion, the tested variables presented good levels of between-session reliability and were able to detect real and consistent asymmetries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: This research aimed to identify the agroclimatic zones in Brazil, excluding Rio Grande do Sul, that are suitable for olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivation, considering both climatic and topographical factors. Olives require specific conditions: moderate winter temperatures (7–15 °C), warmer summers (25–35 °C) and sufficient water during growth and fruit maturation. They can endure some drought, making them a viable option for agricultural diversification. Using daily meteorological data from 1989 to 2023 from NASA‐POWER, this study analyzed variables like air temperature (minimum and maximum) and rainfall. Key climate variables were the mean air temperature in winter (T_w), spring (T_s), summer (T_su) and autumn (T_a) and total annual precipitation (Prec). Criteria for suitability included: T_w between 5 and 20 °C, T_s between 15 and 23 °C, T_su between 15 and 30 °C, T_a between 15 and 22 °C, annual precipitation over 900 mm and altitude below 900 m. Geographic information system software and Python 3.8 were employed for data analysis and zoning. RESULTS: Results indicated that only 1.92% of the analyzed area, mainly in Minas Gerais, was suitable for olive cultivation. High temperatures and low rainfall in Brazil, particularly in the North and Midwest, make 59.56% of the country unsuitable for olive farming. Additionally, 18.58% of the land, mainly in the Northeast, faces challenges due to extreme heat (T_w) and insufficient water supply. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants led to subsequent waves of COVID-19 worldwide. In many countries, the second wave of COVID-19 was marked by record deaths, raising the concern that variants associated with that wave might be more deadly. Our aim was to compare outcomes of critically-ill patients of the first two waves of COVID-19. Methods: This retrospective cohort included critically-ill patients admitted between March-June 2020 and April-July 2021 in the largest academic hospital in Brazil, which has free-access universal health care system. We compared admission characteristics and hospital outcomes. The main outcome was 60‐day survival and we built multivariable Cox model based on a conceptual causal diagram in the format of directed acyclic graph (DAG). Results: We included 1583 patients (1315 in the first and 268 in the second wave). Patients in the second wave were younger, had lower severity scores, used prone and non-invasive ventilatory support more often, and fewer patients required mechanical ventilation (70% vs 80%, p<0.001), vasopressors (60 vs 74%, p<0.001), and dialysis (22% vs 37%, p<0.001). Survival was higher in the second wave (HR 0.61, 95%CI 0.50–0.76). In the multivariable model, admission during the second wave, adjusted for age, SAPS3 and vaccination, was not associated with survival (aHR 0.85, 95%CI 0.65–1.12). Conclusions: In this cohort study, patients with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU in the second wave were younger and had better prognostic scores. Adjusted survival was similar in the two waves, contrasting with record number of hospitalizations, daily deaths and health system collapse seen across the country in the second wave. Our findings suggest that the combination of the burden of severe cases and factors such as resource allocation and health disparities may have had an impact in the excess mortality found in many countries in the second wave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is limited contemporary prospective real-world evidence of patients with chronic arterial disease in Latin America. The Network to control atherothrombosis (NEAT) registry is a national prospective observational study of patients with known coronary (CAD) and/or peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in Brazil. A total of 2,005 patients were enrolled among 25 sites from September 2020 to March 2022. Patient characteristics, medications and laboratorial data were collected. Primary objective was to assess the proportion of patients who, at the initial visit, were in accordance with good medical practices (domains) for reducing cardiovascular risk in atherothrombotic disease. From the total of patients enrolled, 2 were excluded since they did not meet eligibility criteria. Among the 2,003 subjects included in the analysis, 55.6% had isolated CAD, 28.7% exclusive PAD and 15.7% had both diagnoses. Overall mean age was 66.3 (± 10.5) years and 65.7% were male patients. Regarding evidence-based therapies (EBTs), 4% were not using any antithrombotic drug and only 1.5% were using vascular dose of rivaroxaban (2.5 mg bid). Only 0.3% of the patients satisfied all the domains of secondary prevention, including prescription of EBTs and targets of body-mass index, blood pressure, LDL-cholesterol, and adherence of lifestyle recommendations. The main barrier for prescription of EBTs was medical judgement. Our findings highlight that the contemporary practice does not reflect a comprehensive approach for secondary prevention and had very low incorporation of new therapies in Brazil. Large-scale populational interventions addressing these gaps are warranted to improve the use of evidence-based therapies and reduce the burden of atherothrombotic disease. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04677725 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Emergency Contraception (EC) is available in Brazil since 1996, when it was adopted as one if the family planning strategies and, in 1998, for use in services assisting victims of sexual violence. In the country, its use is regulated by guidelines. Its access through SUS (Unified Health System), however, does not seem to occur in a standardized manner. Methods: The aim of the study was to analyze the availability and barriers to accessing emergency contraception (levonorgestrel) in Brazilian municipalities with more than 500 thousand inhabitants. The survey was carried out by a form sent to the Municipal Health Departments (SMS) managers and a search on the list of standardized medicines by the hospitals in the same municipalities. Results: The Basic Health Units were identified as the standard access places to EC. However, one of the obstacles mentioned is the need for a prescription for dispensing in almost 80% of the analyzed cities. Access in emergency situations at night and on weekends is also uncertain, since although 67% of the places stated that they dispense at the hospital level, the item was only standardized in 21% of the hospital lists. Discussion: The difficult access this drug in the public system essentially tends to harm the poorest women, who are the ones who suffer most from the consequences of an unwanted pregnancy [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of possible endocrine disruptors in surface and wastewater using a cell proliferation assay in an estrogen-responsive cell line (MCF-7). This study was conducted in the Sinos River (Brazil). The residual water was collected from a Pilot Treatment Plant (using Typha domingensis) and surface waters of the Luis Rau stream, the Sinos River, and the Water Treatment Station (WTS). After exposures (24–120 h), a Sulforhodamine B assay was performed to determine the proliferation rate. The higher increase in proliferation rate was observed with the Luiz Rau stream and the sewage treated by macrophytes in a flotation filter. The results from WTS water remained with a proliferation rate similar to the negative control at all times, suggesting that the conventional treatment is partially effective for the withdrawal of endocrine-disrupting agents. The study demonstrated the efficiency of the MCF-7 line in assessing endocrine disruption caused by wastewater and surface water samples. Our results indicate that conventional water treatment can partially remove the polluting load of endocrine disruptors, minimizing their environmental and public health impacts. Besides, it demonstrates the need to expand sanitary services to improve the population's quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the bases of a Brazilian secondary school teacher's contradictory conceptions of the nature of science. It includes findings from a group interview based on methodology developed by J. Piaget with this teacher and four other experienced physics teachers. The interview helped clarify the teacher's views. (SLD)

Objective: To realize the value stream mapping proposing improvements of the intensive care unit discharge process. Methods: A descriptive, prospective and exploratory study that compared two moments of a process. The value stream mapping tool was used in an intensive care unit of a hospital located in the city of São Paulo with the purpose of identifying critical points and proposing improvement actions. Results: The unit's care team carried out the mapping of the initial value flow, identifying opportunities for improvement such as the implementation of actions to change flows, training and task review. With the elaboration of the current value flow map, a reduction in the time of discharge from the intensive care unit of 97 minutes can be highlighted, which represented approximately 26.7% of the total time. Conclusion: The use of the Value Stream Map tool had positive implications for process management due to the possibility of a systemic view of all stages, identification of opportunities and improvement in care practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The tick Rhipicephalus microplus (Ixodida: Ixodidae, Canestrini, 1888) causes substantial economic and health losses in cattle production and is the main vector of Babesia bigemina (Piroplasmidae: Babesidae, Smith & Kilborne, 1893). Babesia bigemina is responsible for a tick-borne disease known as babesiosis that can cause hemolytic anemia, fever and death. In the study reported here, we investigated the relationship between the number of ticks per animal and the number of B. bigemina cytochrome b gene (cbisg) copies in the blood of Brangus and Nellore cattle reared without acaricidal treatment in the Brazilian Cerrado biome over a 1-year period. Methods: Ticks on 19 animals (9 Brangus and 10 Nellore cattle) were counted every 18 days, and blood was collected every 36 days for 12 months. Serological samples were analyzed with an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and genomic DNA was analyzed by conventional PCR and quantitative PCR. The PCR products were sequenced by the Sanger method. Results: The Brangus and Nellore breeds showed similar weight development and no clinical signs of babesiosis. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) between the breeds were observed for the number of ticks and the number of B. bigemina cbisg gene copies. Conclusions: No correlation between the number of ticks and the number of circulating copies of cbisg was observed, although Nellore cattle presented with fewer ticks than Brangus cattle and the number of cbisg copies was higher for Nellore cattle than for Brangus cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ilha River is one of the main tributaries of the Sinos River, consequently contributing to its ecological impact. The present study aimed to associate the use of different biomarkers in vitro and in vivo to assess the water quality of three points along the Ilha River during 2019. For this purpose, water samples were collected at the source and mouth of the river, and in an intermediate section. In the laboratory, samples were used for in vitro toxicity tests with the V79 cell line, in which we evaluated the protein content and mitochondrial activity through the MTT assay. The results indicated a possible disruption in cellular mitochondrial activity. Acute toxicity tests were also carried out in Danio rerio and Daphnia magna , and a chronic toxicity test was performed in C. elegans. No significant differences were observed in the antioxidant defense enzymes (SOD, CAT and GPx); however, the point of greatest agricultural impact inhibited the activity of muscle AChE in zebrafish. All samples delayed the development of C. elegans , characterizing toxicity. Phosphorus was above the limit established by Brazilian legislation at the three sampling points in two of the three collections, indicating the probable presence of agricultural components in the water. The results alert to the need for the association of different bioindicators and, whenever possible, the use of chronic toxicity tests for the best environmental diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research goal was to analyze the built environment dimensions, namely appearance, comfort, configuration, functionality, and the relationship with customer satisfaction, service quality, and product price at a winery in Brazil. A survey was applied to customers, and data analyses were performed using Exploratory Factor Analysis to identify the dimensions and related attributes, followed by Multiple Linear Regression statistical analysis to test the relationships among the dimensions. The findings demonstrate the positive and significant impact of functionality and configuration on service quality and customer satisfaction, whereas functionality positively impacted the product price. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substances derived from bioactive plants of the Atlantic Forest can potentially be used for agricultural pest control, with fewer environmental consequences than other measures. Baccharis species present several biological properties, including insecticidal action. The present study aimed to characterize and evaluate the insecticidal activity of the following essential oils (EOs) obtained from native species of the Atlantic Forest: Baccharis articulata (Lam.) Pers., Baccharis calvescens DC., and Baccharis milleflora (Less.) DC. (Asteraceae), the last two of which are endemic to Brazil. EOs were obtained by steam extraction in a vat for 3 h, and the constituents were identified by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Insecticidal activity was evaluated against Anticarsia gemmatali s, Sitophilus oryzae , Sitophilus zeamais , and Lucilia cuprina. A total of 7, 16, and 27 compounds were identified in EO samples from B. articulata , B. calvescens , and B. milleflora , respectively. All EOs caused 100 % mortality to A. gemmatalis , and 76.67 %, 98.33 %, and 95 % mortality to L. cuprina using EOs of B. milleflora , B. calvescens , and B. articulata , respectively. Only B. articulata caused mortality greater than 80 % to S. zeamais (83.88 %) and S. oryzae (86.03 %) by fumigation. The present study provides information on the use of EOs from Baccharis species as natural alternative substances to chemical pesticides, contributing to more sustainable production in Brazilian agriculture. • Essential oils of Baccharis species have different chemical compositions. • Among the EOs, Baccharis milleflora was higher toxic for Anticarsia gemmatalis. • Only Baccharis articulata was efficient in control Sitophilus sp. by fumigation. • All Baccharis EOs showed insecticidal and sublethal effects against Lucilia cuprina. • Baccharis EOs from Atlantic Forest are a promising solution for pest control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global comparison of planning systems faces several theoretical and normative challenges. Against the background of ongoing debates on the comparability of emerging and existing ideas and practices of planning in the Global North and South, we propose a comparative approach based on field theory. Comparisons of planning systems often focus on the institutional dimension or are mere juxtapositions of cases studies. A comparison based on field theory is more appropriate for the comparative study of planning cultures as the approach allows to interpret planning as an emerging practice influenced (or not) by globalized or European knowledge communities. The two planning systems under scrutiny in this paper are Germany and Brazil. Germany presents a mature field of planning while Brazil's field of planning is emergent. The paper is based on a literature review that supports the formulation of assumptions and tests the approach through a comparison of Brazil and Germany. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Polis (07176554) is the property of Polis - Revista Academica Universidad Bolivariana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental - Agriambi is the property of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The analysis of metal concentrations in bird feathers and genotoxicity tests are tools used to evaluate anthropogenic impacts on ecosystems. We investigated the response of birds, used as bioindicators, to disturbances observed in three areas with distinctive environmental characteristics (natural, agricultural, and urban) in southern Brazil. For this purpose, we quantified metals (Mn, Cu, Cr, and Zn) in feathers and determined the number of micronuclei (MN) and other nuclear abnormalities (NA) in 108 birds from 25 species and 17 families captured in the study area. No significant differences was found in the metal concentrations and the number of MN and NA between the sampling areas. Zn and Cu concentrations were significantly higher in insectivorous than those in omnivorous birds. The Zn concentration was significantly different between some species, and the Cu concentration was significantly higher in juveniles than that in adults. The best generalized linear models showed that omnivorous birds had more MN and NA and that juveniles and birds with better body condition index had increased NA numbers. This study demonstrates that the analyzed variables contribute in different ways to the result of each biomarker, mainly due to particular ecological and physiological characteristics of each species. We conclude that wild birds have the potential to be used as environmental bioindicators in the study area, but future studies should focus on one or a few species whose ecological and physiological habits are well known. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies assessing the toxicity of glyphosate and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid mixture are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the mixture of these herbicides using Allium cepa. Roots were exposed to glyphosate (1.56 and 11.66 mg mL−1), 2,4-D (0.28 and 17.5 mg mL−1) and mixture for 24 h, based on the average concentration applied in the field and the acute reference dose (ARfD) established in Brazil. Both isolated and associated herbicides induced a significative decrease in mitotic index (MI) (P < 0.0001) in all tested concentrations. Regarding the genotoxicity results, 2,4-D and the mixture showed, at concentrations applied in the field, a significative increase of chromosomal anomalies (CA) index compared to control (P < 0.0001) and glyphosate (P = 0.024 and P = 0.0002, respectively). All tested groups from the ARfD showed a significative difference compared to the control group (P < 0.0001), as well as glyphosate and 2,4-D isolated compared to the mixture (P = 0.0005 and P < 0.0001, respectively). The most observed CA were apoptotic bodies, giant cells, and nuclear erosions. We emphasize the need for further studies assessing the toxicity of these herbicides' mixture due to the distinct effects caused in different organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to compare the prevalence of dental caries between crack cocaine users and a control group. The study included 106 participants in each group matched for age, sex, and exposure to tobacco. Crack cocaine users were selected from institutions for the treatment of chemical dependency, and the control group was recruited from a public school and among patients who sought dental care. A calibrated examiner determined dental caries experience [Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index]. The severity of tooth decay was determined using the Significant Caries Index (SiC). The prevalence of dental caries (DMFT ≥ 1) was 96.2 and 81.1% among the crack cocaine users and nonusers, respectively. Crack users had higher mean DMFT values (7.16 versus 4.92) for the decayed and missing components as well as a higher percentage of individuals with highly severe caries compared to nonusers. After the adjustments in the multivariate model, the prevalence of caries was 18% higher among the crack users (prevalence ratio: 1.18; 95% confidence interval: 1.08–1.30). Age, family income, crack cocaine use, and dental calculus were associated with the occurrence of dental caries. In conclusion, the prevalence of caries was higher among the crack users compared with the control group and remained associated with dental caries in the multivariate analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• There was a 16.7% increase in the number of hospital deaths in 2020 compared with 2019 in Brazil. • More than 19% of hospital deaths in 2020 were related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which was the leading cause of hospital death. • Forty percent of COVID-19 deaths were in individuals of black/brown ethnicity and 75% were among adults aged ≥60 years. • Brazil experienced a high death toll due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Objectives: To describe the profile of hospital deaths in Brazil according to cause of admission during the pre-pandemic (2019) and pandemic periods (2020). Methods: Descriptive study based on individual-level records of all hospital admissions with death outcomes reimbursed by the Brazilian National Health System in 2019 and 2020. Results: The number of hospital deaths increased by 16.7% in 2020 compared with 2019 (522,686 vs 609,755). Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was associated with 19.5% (118,879) of all hospital deaths in 2020, surpassing diseases of the circulatory system (15.4%, 93,735) and diseases of the respiratory system (14.9%, 91,035). Conclusions: COVID-19 was the main cause of death in public hospitals in Brazil in 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Motricidade is the property of Silabas Didaticas LDA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper presents a study about using colors in maps that present information related to the Covid-19 pandemic. A sample was collected from two different governmental websites of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. An analysis framework was developed based on the sample and drew from a literature review about the use of colors and maps in data visualization. The analysis showed that one of the examples collected presents an inconsistent use of colors, which could prompt difficulties in visualizing the data; the other example uses color more consistently, potentially being more effective in communicating information. In addition, the study showed potential for continuity and expansion due to the relevance of information design applied to health information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The landscape approach and the ecosystem services (ES) framework have been widely used to investigate human-nature relationships and orient landscape planning and management. However, ecosystem disservices (EDS) and their influence on how people interact with ecosystems have received less attention. Objective: We aimed at assessing people's preferences and perceptions of forest ES and EDS in three contrasted case studies. In the meantime, it aims at discussing the potential of considering both ES and EDS in landscape preference and sociocultural valuation studies. Methods: Interviews with stakeholders were conducted in an agroforestry landscape (France), in the Atlantic Forest and in the Pampa grasslands (Brazil). Identified ES and EDS were classified into a common typology and analyzed through discourse analysis and quantitative methods to assess the variability in ES/EDS perceptions among respondents and among forest types. Results: Respondents cited 19 ES classes and 11 EDS classes, with strong variability among case studies. Contrasted perceptions and preferences among respondents were revealed. In the agroforestry landscape, EDS were particularly emphasized by people and contributed to the variability in people's perceptions. In the Atlantic forest landscape, forested areas tended to contrast based on cultural ecosystem services. In the Pampa case study, EDS were particularly salient in people's preferences concerning exotic forest plantations. Conclusions: This study suggests that different types of forested areas produce specific ES/EDS, suggesting their complementarity at the landscape scale. The combination of ES and EDS therefore offers a promising research avenue for more consistent ES sociocultural valuations and for improving management recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Almost 200,000 deaths from COVID-19 were reported in Brazil in 2020. The case fatality rate of a new infectious disease can vary by different risk factors and over time. We analysed the trends and associated factors of COVID-19 case fatality rates in Brazilian public hospital admissions during the first wave of the pandemic. Methods: A retrospective cohort of all COVID-19-related admissions between epidemiological weeks 10–40 in the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS) was delimited from available reimbursement records. Smoothing time series and survival analyses were conducted to evaluate the trends of hospital case fatality rates (CFR) and the probability of death according to factors such as sex, age, ethnicity, comorbidities, length of stay and ICU use. Results: With 398,063 admissions and 86,452 (21.7%) deaths, the overall age-standardized hospital CFR trend decreased throughout the period, varying from 31.8% (95%CI: 31.2 to 32.5%) in week 10 to 18.2% (95%CI: 17.6 to 18.8%) in week 40. This decreasing trend was observed in all sex, age, ethnic groups, length of stay and ICU admissions. Consistently, later admission (from July to September) was an independent protective factor. Patients 80+ year old had a hazard ratio of 8.18 (95% CI: 7.51 to 8.91). Ethnicity, comorbidities, and ICU need were also associated with the death risk. Although also decreasing, the CFR was always around 40–50% in people who needed an ICU admission. Conclusions: The overall hospital CFR of COVID-19 has decreased in Brazilian public hospitals during the first wave of the pandemic in 2020. Nevertheless, during the entire period, the CFR was still very high, suggesting the need for improving COVID-19 hospital care in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Motricidade is the property of Silabas Didaticas LDA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study compares the content of basic nutrients (proteins, fats, digestible carbohydrates, dietary fiber and ash), steviol glycosides, selected antioxidants (vitamin C, total polyphenols) and antioxidant activity in dried leaves of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni cultivated in Poland, Paraguay and Brazil and available in the direct sale. The basic chemical composition was determined by standard AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Chemists) methods. Content of steviol glycosides was determined by the UHPLC-UV chromatographic method. Total polyphenols content was expressed as gallic acid equivalent (GAE) and catechins equivalent (CE). Antioxidant activity was measured as ABTS●+ free radical scavenging activity. Dried leaves of S. rebaudiana grown in Poland had significantly higher contents of dietary fiber, and lower protein and ash content, compared to those derived from Paraguay and Brazil. The former had, however, considerably higher contents of total steviol glycosides, stevioside and rebaudioside D, compared to the remaining two plants. In the Paraguay-derived dried leaves, the content of rebaudioside A, C, E and rubusoside was found to be significantly lower. Dried leaves of S. rebaudiana Bertoni, cultivated in Poland, contained substantially more vitamin C and a similar content of total polyphenols, compared to those from Brazil and Paraguay. The examined material from Brazil and Paraguay plantations showed similar antioxidant activity, while that obtained from Polish cultivation was characterized by a significantly lower value of this parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Horizontal transmission between distantly related species has been used to explain how Wolbachia infect multiple species at astonishing rates despite the selection for resistance. Recently, a terrestrial isopod species was found to be infected by an unusual strain of supergroup F Wolbachia. However, only Wolbachia of supergroup B is typically found in isopods. One possibility is that these isopods acquired the infection because of their recurrent contact with termites—a group with strong evidence of infection by supergroup F Wolbachia. Thus, our goals were: (1) check if the infection was an isolated case in isopods, or if it revealed a broader pattern; (2) search for Wolbachia infection in the termites within Brazil; and (3) look for evidence consistent with horizontal transmission between isopods and termites. We collected Neotroponiscus terrestrial isopods and termites along the Brazilian coastal Atlantic forest. We sequenced and identified the Wolbachia strains found in these groups using coxA, dnaA, and fpbA genes. We constructed phylogenies for both bacteria and host taxa and tested for coevolution. We found the supergroup F Wolbachia in other species and populations of Neotroponiscus, and also in Nasutitermes and Procornitermes termites. The phylogenies showed that, despite the phylogenetic distance between isopods and termites, the Wolbachia strains clustered together. Furthermore, cophylogenetic analyses showed significant jumps of Wolbachia between terrestrial isopods and termites. Thus, our study suggests that the horizontal transmission of supergroup F Wolbachia between termites and terrestrial isopods is likely. Our study also helps understanding the success and worldwide distribution of this symbiont. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the launch of the public statewide tele(oral)medicine service in Brazil during Covid-19 pandemic. It mentions about the adoption of the asynchronous interaction between healthcare professionals, although the system supports video conferencing-based teleconsultations.

Background Patient Competency Rating Scale (PCRS-R-BR) is a clinical tool to evaluate the degree of competence in cognitive skills perceived by patients with brain injuries. However, no studies have investigated the influence of sociodemographic variables on self-report and self-awareness of healthy individuals. Aim This study aimed to (1) present normative data from the PCRS-R-BR in a healthy adult Brazilian sample; and (2) investigate psychometric properties of the scale Method One hundred and fifty-four adults that were divided in three age groups and two education groups and their informants completed the PCRS-R-BR. Results Score on the PCRS-R-BR Patient's Form differed as a function of age with younger adults reporting less competency than older individuals. An education effect was found on Attention/Working memory Factor on the Informant's PCRS-R-BR with informants of higher education adults reporting better competency than lower education individuals. A gender effect was observed on the Informant's Form. The Informant's Form scores of informants of women were higher than the scores provided by the informants of men. PCRS-R-BR showed adequate consistency coefficients and six factors. Conclusion PCRS-R-BR scores showed acceptable validity evidence and provides information regarding how age and gender effects may influence ratings in a Brazilian sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Rodriguésia is the property of Revista Rodriguesia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: This paper investigates the effect of the fit between supply and demand uncertainty (SDU) and supply chain responsiveness (SCR) (SC fit) on business and innovation performance in Brazilian companies. Design/methodology/approach: The study presented an analysis carried out on an empirical study based on a sample of 150 manufacturing companies. Business and innovation performance of companies with different types of SC fit (high–high and low–low fits) and misfit (positive and negative) are compared and discussed. Findings: The results indicated that SC fit had a positive effect on both business and innovation performance. Further analyses suggested that companies with SC fit present similar business performance, independent of the level of SDU that characterizes the environment where they compete, while companies in environments with higher levels of uncertainty tend to present superior innovation performance. Companies with positive and negative misfit present similar performance. Originality/value: An analysis of the literature showed that there is no consensus when it comes to the definitions and measurements of SC fit. The paper investigates the effects of SC fit on business and innovation performance, while previous empirical studies have mainly addressed its impact on financial performance. Moreover, this study compares the effects of two types of fit and two types of misfit and assesses SC fit in Brazilian manufacturing companies, analyzing the context of an under-researched reality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify the prevalence of alcohol and tobacco drug use among pregnant women and investigate their perceptions regarding advice from health professionals during prenatal care. Method: We used a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design for this cross-sectional study; the study period was January 2017 to December 2018. Multistage random sampling resulted in the selection of 255 pregnant women assisted in primary care units and through the Family Health Strategy in a city in southern Brazil. Trained interviewers collected data on the use of alcohol and tobacco drugs and socioeconomic characteristics via a questionnaire. Qualitative interviews were performed with pregnant women identified as alcohol and tobacco drug users in the quantitative phase. Interviews proceeded consecutively until saturation was reached, followed by a thematic analysis of interview content based on Braun and Clarke. Results: The prevalence of smoking and alcohol use was 12.55% and 14.12%, respectively. From the 14 interviews conducted, five categories emerged from the discourses: prenatal care from the perspective of pregnant women, habits and knowledge regarding smoking during pregnancy, habits and knowledge regarding alcohol use during pregnancy, previous experiences and empirical knowledge, and pregnant women's preferences for talking about their habits. Conclusion for Practice: Study findings identified smoking and alcohol use as habits among some women during pregnancy and, consequently, the need for improving care because of their superficial knowledge regarding tobacco and alcohol use. The findings underscore the importance of strengthening measures and establishing new strategies that ensure women's understanding, empowerment, and choices—from the beginning of childbearing age—regarding habits during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Its distinguished the contribution of the 'Maison Familiales Rurales - MFRs' (France) and 'Casas Familiares Rurais - CFRs' (Brazil) to the young adults' lives and also the families who experience Pedagogy of Alternation's proposal. The aim is to discuss the subject formation in rural areas, in Brazil and France, on educational processes characterized by distinctive territorialities whether by historical-social and cultural peculiarities of each country in question or the necessities and possibilities imposed by the economic structure of such realities. In this qualitative research, interviews, observations in rural family houses of the two countries and bibliographical research were used. In France, the country of origin, there is a wide spectrum of formations with resources from both public ministries of agriculture and education. In Brazil, it is prioritized the agricultural formation and elements that produce real changes are identified since knowledge is thought and organized alongside with the actors/subjects who live in these rural areas, and is also based on their interests and their reality, usually with no government funding. It is perceived that the pedagogical process of the brazilian CFRs has efectivated many individual and collective transformations which converge to more active subjects on rural resistance movements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Caderno de Educação Física e Esporte is the property of Caderno de Educacao Fisica e Esporte and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of this study was to monitor the water quality of three rivers of the Sinos River Basin (SRB), southern Brazil. Five sites were selected to evaluate physicochemical and microbiological parameters and genotoxic and histopathological effects in the fish species Astyanax jacuhiensis. Eight water samples were collected from March 2012 to May 2013 at sites located in the upper, middle and lower sections of the SRB. After collection, 35 water quality parameters were analyzed and fish were exposed to water samples under laboratory conditions. Five-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD 5), thermotolerant coliforms, ammoniacal nitrogen, dissolved oxygen, aluminum, iron and manganese values exceeded the permissible limits in some samples of the three sections and the cluster analysis showed three distinct groups composed by sites located in the same section of SRB. The micronuclei (MN) and other nuclear abnormalities (NA) frequencies did not differ from the control group in any sample. Higher frequencies of lamellae with alterations, such as hypertrophy and hyperplasia of epithelial cells, epithelial lifting, aneurysm, edema and necrosis were observed in fish exposed to some water samples of the five sites. The most frequent histopathological alteration was hypertrophy of epithelial cells. Therefore, in this study, the analysis of gill histopathological alterations showed higher sensitivity than the MN test under the conditions studied. The physicochemical and microbiological parameters and histopathological analysis indicate deterioration of water quality at sites located in the three sections of the Sinos River Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Metropolitana de Sustentabilidade is the property of Revista Metropolitana de Sustentabilidade - RMS and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study investigates the role of aligning tariff adjustments and quality incentives in a Price cap regulatory regime. According to theory costs and quality are positively related. If additional resources are needed to improve service quality, a high cost high quality utility could be at a disadvantage when tariffs are adjusted by an X-factor that does not include quality. The regulator of the electricity distribution sector of Brazil has set up a public ranking of utilities according to quality compliance at the same time that a quality component is added to the X-factor, in 2013. We develop a stochastic cost frontier integrating all components of the X-factor to rank the utilities based on this integrated efficiency. Comparing this rank with the regulator's public rank we argue that the resulting differences highlight the importance of using the same factors to rank and adjust tariffs in the sector. Otherwise, incentives would be misplaced with respect to factors used in cost adjustments. In addition, our findings reveal that the utilities' cost behavior with respect to quality depends on the volume of energy delivered. We believe these results could be considered by the regulator when setting incentives and considering factors to adjust tariffs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Ciência & Saúde Coletiva is the property of Associacao Brasileira de Pos-Graduacao em Saude Coletiva and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Sinos River basin is impacted by industrial and agricultural activities, as well as by low rates of urban wastewater treatment. The purpose of this study was to monitor de Sinos River water quality using the micronucleus test in fish and the analysis of water physicochemical parameters. Bryconamericus iheringii specimens were captured in December 2013 (summer) and July 2014 (winter) at two sites located in the Sinos River: Caraá, in the upper section of the basin, and Parobé, in the middle section. After capture, animals were immediately killed and blood samples were collected for the micronucleus test. No significant differences were observed in micronucleus frequencies between sites and sampling periods. However, in the summer, nuclear abnormalities frequencies observed in Parobé were significantly higher than in Caraá. A higher frequency of nuclear abnormalities was also found in fish captured in Caraá during winter, in comparison with frequencies found in the summer. The results for the water physicochemical analysis showed values of total phosphorous, aluminum, lead, copper and iron above the allowed limits established by the Brazilian legislation. The nuclear abnormalities induction found in the present study may be associated to the presence of cytogenotoxic substances in the water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Brazil, inclusion and exclusion of health technologies within the Unified Health System (SUS) is the responsibility of the National Committee for Health Technology Incorporation (CONITEC). A recent Cochrane systematic review demonstrated that intramuscular interferon beta 1a (IFN-β-1a-IM) was inferior to the other beta interferons (IFN-βs) for multiple sclerosis (MS). As a result, CONITEC commissioned an analysis to review possible disinvestment within SUS. The objective of this paper is to describe the disinvestment process for IFN-β-1a-IM in Brazil. The first assessment comprised a literature review and mixed treatment comparison meta-analysis. The outcome of interest was the proportion of relapse-free patients in 2 years. This analysis confirmed the inferiority of IFN-β-1a-IM. Following this, CONITEC recommended disinvestment, with the decision sent for public consultation. More than 3000 contributions were made on CONITEC's webpage, most of them against the preliminary decision. As a result, CONITEC commissioned a study to assess the effectiveness of IFN-β-1a-IM among Brazilian patients in routine clinical care. The second assessment involved an 11-year follow-up of a non-concurrent cohort of 12,154 MS patients developed by deterministic-probabilistic linkage of SUS administrative databases. The real-world assessment further demonstrated that IFN-β-1a-IM users had a statistically higher risk of treatment failure, defined as treatment switching or relapse treatment or death, with the assessment showing that IFN-β-1a-IM was inferior to the other IFN-βs and to glatiramer acetate in both direct and indirect analysis. In the drug ranking with 40,000 simulations, IFN-β-1a-IM was the worst option, with a success rate of only 152/40,000. Following this, CONITEC decided to exclude the intramuscular presentation of IFN-β from the current MS treatment guidelines, giving patients who are currently on this treatment the option of continuing until treatment failure. In conclusion, we believe this is the first example of this new disinvestment process in action, providing an exemplar for other treatments in Brazil as well as other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Kineanthropometry & Human Performance is the property of Brazilian Journal of Kineanthropometry & Human Performance and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Gestational SARS-CoV-2 affects maternal and neonatal health. At birth, neonates are isolated and tested as recommended by the national health council. During this period, universal neonatal hearing screening is performed in the maternity ward, before hospital discharge, through examinations of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TOAE) and brainstem auditory evoked potential in automatic mode (BERA-a). Objective: To verify the results of newborn hearing screening of newborns born to SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers. Method: This is a cross-sectional, retrospective, analytical and descriptive study with data obtained from records from the speech therapy service of a public maternity hospital in southern Brazil. The study refers to newborns born to mothers diagnosed with Covid-19, confirmed by PCR-RTC, who underwent hearing screening between January 2022 and May 2022. Results: Of 2,593 newborns screened during the study period, 39 were children of mothers diagnosed with Covid-19. Of the 39 (1.50%) newborns who tested for Covid-19, 36 (92.30%) passed bilaterally and 3 (7.70%) failed TANU, with 2 neonates who failed in the left ear (LE) and 1 bilaterally. After the retest, 1 (2.56%) was referred for audiological diagnosis, as the left ear continued to fail. Conclusion: The TANU results demonstrate that the ante and perinatal presence of the maternal diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 in isolation does not suggest as an indicator of risk for hearing loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strawberry is one of the most socially and economically important small fruits in Brazil, with strong demand by the food industry driving high levels of production. However, phytosanitary problems, especially insect damage, can hamper strawberry cultivation. A pest of great concern is the strawberry sap beetle, Lobiopa insularis (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), which damages the fruits. Chemical control has not been effective against L. insularis, as it makes harvesting and marketing the product unfeasible. Parasitoids have been effectively utilized to control various strawberry pests and support sustainable production. We report the occurrence of the wasp Cerchysiella insularis (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) as a parasite of L. insularis on strawberries in São José dos Pinhais, Paraná, Brazil. Samples of strawberries (San Andreas cultivar) attacked by L. insularis were collected from February to March, 2019. Lobiopa insularis larvae were individually placed in rearing pots, fed on San Andreas strawberries, and checked weekly for symptoms of parasitism or parasitoid emergence. Parasitism rates were 33.85% in March and 45.90% in February. The sex ratio varied between 0.88 and 0.86. All parasitized larvae were infested by C. insularis. The natural parasitism rate above 33% and high sex ratio of C. insularis in strawberry crops indicated that it may have the potential in the control of L. insularis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of RSBO: Revista Sul-Brasileira de Odontologia is the property of UNIVILLE and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Primary objective: This study aimed to identify and characterize profiles of executive functions (EF) following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Research design: The sample was comprised of 84 adult outpatients with mild and moderate/severe TBI who were assessed by means of a battery of EF tasks. A Hierarchical Cluster analysis was performed with tasksZ-scores. Clusters were compared by means of ANOVA and Chi-square analyses. Main outcomes and results: Three clusters were characterized by deficits in: (1) inhibition, flexibility and focused attention; (2) inhibition, flexibility, working memory and focused attention; and (3) no expressive executive deficits. Clusters did not differ in clinical or demographical variables. Conclusions: The first cluster replicated findings of previous studies on TBI EF profiles. IT is suggested that TBI rehabilitation studies of EF must select participants by their EF profile rather than for clinical or demographical variables. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aim This study evaluated the effects of scaling and root planing ( SRP) on gingival crevicular fluid ( GCF) and serum levels of adipokines in patients with chronic periodontitis ( CP) with or without obesity. Methods Twenty patients with obesity and 20 patients without obesity, all with CP, received SRP. Serum and GCF levels of resistin, adiponectin, leptin, tumour necrosis factor [ TNF]- α and interleukin [ IL]-6 were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months post-therapy. Results SRP reduced the amounts of TNF- α in deep sites and increased the concentration of adiponectin in shallow sites of non-obese patients ( p < 0.05). SRP increased the concentrations of TNF- α and leptin in patients with obesity ( p < 0.05). GCF levels of TNF- α were higher in patients with obesity than in patients without obesity at all time-points ( p < 0.05). There were no changes in serum levels of any adipokines for any group after therapy ( p > 0.05). Patients with obesity exhibited higher serum levels of leptin at all time-points and IL-6 at 3 months post-therapy ( p < 0.05). Conclusions Obesity may modulate systemic and periodontal levels of adipokines in favour of pro-inflammation, independently of periodontal therapy. SRP did not affect the circulating levels of adipokines in patients with or without obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze the access and use of dental services among 6-to-12-year-old children in Brazil. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted based on micro-data from the National Household Sample Survey carried out by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics in 2008. A total of 48,854 children were included and confidence intervals of 99% (CI 99%) were considered for the prevalence rates of the outcomes. The statistical significance of differences was analyzed using these intervals, level of 1%. Results: A total of 79.3% (CI 99%: 79.3%-79.3%) of children had been to the dentist at least once in their lives. A total of 62.1% (99% CI: 62.1%-62.1%) of children from families earning up to one quarter the monthly per capita household income and 95.5% (99% CI: 95.4-95.5) of those from families earning two or more times the minimum wage were among the 25,161 children that had been to the dentist in the previous year. Regarding region of residence, 68.2% (CI 99%: 68.2%-68.2%) of children from the northeastern region of the country and 89.5% (CI 99%: 89.5%-89.6%) of those from the southern region had been to the dentist. Conclusion: A considerable number of Brazilian children had never been to the dentist by the year 2008. In addition, individuals living in the southern region and from families with greater monthly household income were among those who had already been to the dentist. These data provide evidence for guiding public policies and actions aimed at minimizing the lack of dental follow up among Brazilian children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]