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This article presents an immediate evaluation of a professional development course in community health literacy for Brazilian nurses. An evaluation based on an applied thematic analysis of the accounts of 63 attendees in three Brazilian cities (January 2020) was guided by the following themes: (a) expansion of understanding about community health literacy as a pillar for planning and providing health care; (b) encouragement of innovation in research and/or practice; and (c) plans to incorporate the information shared in the course into professional projects. The evaluation disclosed the complexity of social contexts for health literacy, which is intertwined with ethnocultural diversity and deep socioeconomic disparities, such as restricted access to essential public health services for socially deprived and vulnerable individuals. Expanded understanding about community health literacy is a pillar for care planning and delivery, as well as innovation in research and practice projects. Participants' evaluations revealed ideas to improve nurses' practice in promoting community health literacy and empowerment, as well as quality of life and social well-being. Future knowledge dissemination may impact nurses' clinical practice and management actions, bringing changes in various areas of practice to redesign more socially inclusive actions for clientele.

With ca. 60 species, Mollinedia is the second most diverse genus of Monimiaceae and the richest genus of the family in the Neotropics. In Brazil, the Atlantic Forest is the richest biome for Mollinedia, with 34 species, most of which are endemic to this biome. Here we describe a new species of Mollinedia endemic to Rio de Janeiro state, based partly on molecular evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Riverside populations in the Amazon are considered vulnerable due to their living conditions, social aspects, and access to health services; therefore, they may be more exposed to sexually transmitted infections. The objective of this study is to analyze knowledge about STI and associated factors in the riverside population of a metropolis from the Brazilian Amazon. A cross‐sectional study carried out in the Combú environmental protection area. The participants were individuals aged at least 18 years old living in the study area. A questionnaire on knowledge about STI was applied, in addition to another one on associated factors. Multiple binary logistic regression was performed in Minitab 22. A total of 325 riverside dwellers participated in the study. Participants with low schooling levels, incomes below one minimum wage and who had never taken any rapid HIV tests are twice as likely to having low knowledge about STI. Those who live with more people in the same household are more likely to presenting low knowledge levels. The social factors exerted a greater impact on low knowledge about STI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The definition of table has not been introduced in Brazilian textbooks for the early years of elementary school. We see that charts and databases have been named but tables are not approached in the same way. This makes it impossible for students to differentiate between them, which may cause learning difficulties. Therefore, it is essential that we reflect on students' knowledge about a table, which is an instrument that systematizes information so that they can visualize reality. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the knowledge students from the 1st to 5th grade of elementary school have about representations in tables. To this end, 325 students (6 to 10 years old from 19 classes from different public schools in Greater Recife) participated. Students were asked to answer six activities individually, four of interpretation of a single and a double entry table with qualitative and quantitative variables, and two activities involving the construction of a table from a database or set of figures that needed to be classified. The results show that students' performance progresses in all activities, and that they present better performance in table interpretation than in table construction. Since the 1st grade the students were able to construct tables with one variable; however, to construct a table with two variables proved to be very difficult even for the 5th graders. In all grades the students had difficulties in making decisions based on the data presented and understanding the function of table representations. This may be due to the absence of teaching practices that focus on the table as a learning object.

The main aim of the paper is to analyze data regarding informality in Brazil from the 2016 coup to the present, considering its connection to the economic cycle and the policies implemented by the different governments in power over those years. Altogether, informality is directly associated with economic dynamics, which increase during a crisis and decrease during economic growth periods. However, over the last years, informality has expanded even in situations where unemployment rates are decreasing. Therefore, the analysis will consider two elements to be investigated: informality as a structural aspect in the Brazilian labor market, and new trends that may explain its increase in conditions of economic recovery or growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant selection conducted in commercial orchards is mainly based on plant features. This study characterizes and selects acerola tree genotypes with promising features for cultivation in the Gurguéia Valley region, Piauí. Twenty-five genotypes were used, consisting of 15 clones (CL 03, CL 08, CL 09, CL 12, CL 13, CL 14, CL 20, CL 23, CL 26, CL 27, CL 30, CL 31, CL 33, CL 36, and CL 38) and 10 cultivars (BRS 235, BRS 236, BRS 237, BRS 238, BRS 366, Sertaneja, Costa Rita, Morena, Tropicana, and Junko). The experiment was set up in a randomized block design with three blocks and three plants per experimental unit in 4 m x 3 m spacing. A total of 40% of the genotypes evaluated showed an umbrella shape, 36% showed a semi-open shape, and 24% showed an open shape. Clones 09, 14, and 12 presented the highest cultivation potential in the region, with monthly production of 5.01, 4.30, and 3.70 kg plant-1 per year and productivity of 4.16, 3.59, and 3. 08-ton ha-1, respectively. Clone 27, cultivars BRS 236 and BRS 235, and clone 14 were the earliest genotypes, requiring 1,503.3, 1,535.6, 1,686.6, and 1,686.6 DD; respectively, to complete their cycle. Clones 09 and 14 stood out from the others and are potentially promising for cultivation in the Gurgueia Valley region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil is a continent-size country with 203 million inhabitants, classified as a developing upper-middle-income country, although inequities remain significant. Most of the population is assisted by the public Unified Health System (SUS), along with a thriving private health sector. Congenital malformations are the second leading cause of infant mortality and chronic/genetic disorders and a significant burden in hospital admissions. The past two decades have been crucial for formalizing medical genetics as a recognized medical specialty in the SUS, as well as for implementing a new health policy by the Ministry of Health for comprehensive care for rare diseases. These public health policies had the broad support of the Brazilian Society of Medical Genetics and Genomics and patient organizations. Most comprehensive genetic services are concentrated in large urban centers in the South and Southeast regions of Brazil; with this new policy, new services throughout the country are progressively being integrated. The number of medical geneticists increased by 103% in a decade. Details on the policy and an overview of the availability of services, testing, human resources, newborn screening, research projects, patient organizations, and relevant issues regarding medical genetics in this vast and diverse country are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Preterm birth and prolonged neonatal hospitalization are potential sources of stress for mothers of preterm and low birth weight infants. Aim: To evaluate maternal stress and its association with neurobehavioral indicators of preterm infants during hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a neonatal intensive care unit of a hospital in Goiânia, Brazil. The study included preterm and low birth weight infants of both genders and their mothers. The Parental Stressor Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the Neurobehavioral Assessment of the Preterm Infant were respectively applied to mothers and infants in the neonatal intensive care unit. Results: The study involved 165 premature infants and their mothers. The mean age of the mothers was 26.3 years and most had a high school education level (57.6%). Mothers perceived the experience of having an infant in the neonatal intensive care unit as moderately stressful (2.96 ± 0.81). The parental role alteration (4.11 ± 1.03) and sights and sounds (2.15 ± 0.90) subscales exhibited the highest and lowest stress levels, respectively. Significant correlations (rho < −0.3; p < 0.05) were found between maternal stress and neurobehavioral indicators of infants. In the multivariate analysis, low leg tone was a predictor of higher maternal stress. Low tone and limited arm movement were predictors of higher maternal stress in the maternal role item. Conclusions: The experience of having a preterm infant hospitalized was considered moderately stressful for mothers. Maternal stress levels were significantly correlated with low scores on neonatal neurobehavioral indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal diseases are often linked to poverty, which is associated with poor hygiene and sanitation conditions that have been severely worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, COVID-19 patients are treated with Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid that promotes an immunosuppressive profile, making patients more susceptible to opportunistic fungal infections, such as those caused by Candida species. In this study, we analyzed the prevalence of Candida yeasts in wastewater samples collected to track viral genetic material during the COVID-19 pandemic and identified the yeasts using polyphasic taxonomy. Furthermore, we investigated the production of biofilm and hydrolytic enzymes, which are known virulence factors. Our findings revealed that all Candida species could form biofilms and exhibited moderate hydrolytic enzyme activity. We also proposed a workflow for monitoring wastewater using Colony PCR instead of conventional PCR, as this technique is fast, cost-effective, and reliable. This approach enhances the accurate taxonomic identification of yeasts in environmental samples, contributing to environmental monitoring as part of the One Health approach, which preconizes the monitoring of possible emergent pathogenic microorganisms, including fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gold standard diagnosis of sporotrichosis is the isolation of Sporothrix sp. in culture media, but this is a time-consuming test that is susceptible to contamination and can be affected by the fungal load. Molecular methods such as nested PCR are gaining more ground in the management of several infections as they are tools for the rapid and accurate identification of microorganisms from pure cultures or directly from biological samples. This study aimed to apply a nested PCR molecular protocol for the rapid detection of Sporothrix spp. directly from clinical samples. Thirteen samples—six from skin biopsies, five from skin exudates, and two from conjunctival secretions—were obtained from patients diagnosed with sporotrichosis due to S. brasiliensis. Calmodulin gene sequencing identified all the isolates as S. brasiliensis. Nested PCR was able to detect all the Sporothrix sensu lato directly from clinical samples as well as the CBS 120339 reference strain. The nested PCR protocol stands out as a diagnostic alternative, as it allows the identification of Sporothrix spp. directly from clinical samples without the need for fungal isolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic determinism can be described as the attribution of the formation of traits to genes, where genes are ascribed more causal power than what scientific consensus suggests. Belief in genetic determinism is an educational problem because it contradicts scientific knowledge, and is a societal problem because it has the potential to foster intolerant attitudes such as racism and prejudice against sexual orientation. In this article, we begin by investigating the very nature of belief in genetic determinism. Then, we investigate whether knowledge of genetics and genomics is associated with beliefs in genetic determinism. Finally, we explore the extent to which social factors such as gender, education, and religiosity are associated with genetic determinism. Methodologically, we gathered and analyzed data on beliefs in genetic determinism, knowledge of genetics and genomics, and social variables using the "Public Understanding and Attitudes towards Genetics and Genomics" (PUGGS) instrument. Our analyses of PUGGS responses from a sample of Brazilian university freshmen undergraduates indicated that (1) belief in genetic determinism was best characterized as a construct built up by two dimensions or belief systems: beliefs concerning social traits and beliefs concerning biological traits; (2) levels of belief in genetic determination of social traits were low, which contradicts prior work; (3) associations between knowledge of genetics and genomics and levels of belief in genetic determinism were low; and (4) social factors such as age and religiosity had stronger associations with beliefs in genetic determinism than knowledge. Although our study design precludes causal inferences, our results raise questions about whether enhancing genetic literacy will decrease or prevent beliefs in genetic determinism.

Introduction: Despite the long-lasting efforts to promote the quality of obstetric care, Brazil requires robust changes in the care practices throughout the prenatal-labour-postpartum continuum. The ongoing National Program for the Humanization of Prenatal and Childbirth (PHPN) efforts address the fight against obstetric violence (OV), the improvement in the quality of obstetric care, but its implementation has faced obstacles and difficulties, such as responding to cultural values and operating with a weak infrastructure. This research explored Brazilian health and social service professionals' perceptions of the PHPN's recommendations regarding innovation, policy and practice changes necessary to respect women's human rights to receive a high quality, dignifying obstetric care. Methods: An online multi-site survey in which data were collected (Jun 2019-Mar 2020) from health professionals working in the public health system in Brazil. Data analysis used descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Analytical themes were Perceptions of Program effectiveness to minimize obstetric violence and Program's gaps, inadequacies and needed changes. Results: Respondents (n=369) disclosed their perceptions about the Program's nature, utility, and gaps towards an improved implementation. Key issues were rooted in the outdated university education, reduced accountability, and governance in services' management; unfavourable work conditions and climate; professional power-imbalance; population's lack of information about the Program; underutilization of obstetric nurses' and midwives' skills; neglect of professional development; no denunciation & re-education, and culture of quality improvement. Conclusions: Firmness, hope and determination will be needed to transform society's culture of silence about OV, awakening the public awareness and mobilizing to enhance collective health and political literacy to ensure professional accountability while protecting women and newborns. There is a need for a realignment of work processes, an investment in professional education, and education within women's social networks for women to become partners in the active process of improvement of quality of obstetric care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane is an important crop in Brazilian agribusiness due to its diversified use. Crop forecast models are important tools for planning and making decisions regarding crop management. These models can be simple or complex, and choosing them will depend on the knowledge level of those using them. Thus, this study aimed to compare different methods for estimating sugarcane yield in three crop cycles. Data collection occurred in a sugarcane field in the municipality of Santo Antônio de Goiás, Brazil. The sugarcane variety evaluated was CTC-04. This variety was cultivated under dryland conditions, in cane plant, ratoon 1, and ratoon 2 cycles. Agrometeorological, biometric, and crop yield data were analyzed. Five crop models were used to estimate sugarcane yield: (i) FAO-Agroecological Zone (AEZ), (ii) agrometeorological-spectral (AEZs), (iii) Monteith (M), (iv) Scarpari (S), and (v) Martins and Landell (ML). Models AEZ, AEZs, M, and S showed average yield differences of about 15%, with the largest difference recorded by the ML model (39%). All models detected yield decline as a function of the number of harvests (kdec = − 0.70). The multi-model approach reduced the differences between estimated and actual values, especially for the combinations "AEZ + AEZs" and "AEZ + AEZs + M." The present findings contribute to the investigation of different models with the potential to estimate sugarcane productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five mycobacterial isolates from sewage were classified as members of the genus Mycobacterium but presented inconclusive species assignments. Thus, the isolates (MYC017, MYC098, MYC101, MYC123 and MYC340) were analyzed by phenotypical, biochemical, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) and genomic features to clarify their taxonomic position. Phenotypic analysis and biochemical tests did not distinguish these isolates from other non-pigmented mycobacteria. In contrast, MALDI-TOF MS analysis showed that isolates were not related to any previously described Mycobacterium species. Comparative genomic analysis showed values of ANI and dDDH between 81.59-85.56% and 24.4-28.8%, respectively, when compared to the genomes of species of this genus. In addition, two (MYC101 and MYC123) presented indistinguishable protein spectra from each other and values of ANI = 98.57% and dDDH = 97.3%, therefore being considered as belonging to the same species. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the five isolates within the Mycobacterium terrae complex (MTC) but in a specific subclade and separated from the species already described and supported by 100% bootstrap value, confirming that they are part of this complex but different from earlier described species. According to these data, we propose the description of four new species belonging to the Mycobacterium genus: (i) Mycobacterium defluvii sp. nov. strain MYC017T (= ATCC TSD-296T = JCM 35364T), (ii) Mycobacterium crassicus sp. nov. strain MYC098T (= ATCC TSD-297T = JCM 35365T), (iii) Mycobacterium zoologicum sp. nov. strain MYC101T (= ATCC TSD-298T = JCM 35366T) and MYC123 (= ATCC BAA-3216 = JCM 35367); and (iv) Mycobacterium nativiensis sp. nov. strain MYC340T (= ATCC TSD-299T = JCM 35368T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Ciencia, Cuidado e Saude is the property of Universidade Estadual de Maringa 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.)

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Copyright of Enfermagem em Foco is the property of Conselho Federal de Enfermagem 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.)

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The Atuba Complex occurs in the eastern region of Paraná State, located in the Southern Ribeira Belt. It is comprised of the Curitiba Terrane, northward of the Luís Alves Terrane, and southward of the Apiaí Terrane. This research was carried out by means of detailed petrography, microtectonics, and brittle and ductile structural analysis. The Atuba Complex is composed of migmatites, felsic granulites, granitoids, quartzites, phyllonites, schists, amphibolites, and cataclasites. The lithotypes are cut by diabase or gabbro dikes, lamprophyre dikes, pseudotachylites, and quartz, epidote, carbonate, or chlorite veins. The migmatites are characterized by two migmatization phases, the first composed of tonalitic leucosomes and the second formed by granitic leucosomes. The stromatic and mylonitized migmatites suggest dislocation creep mechanisms and dynamic recrystallization processes, mainly in quartz and feldspars. During the initial phase, melting reactions took place through dehydration, while in the subsequent phase, melting was facilitated by the presence of water-fluxed. The Atuba Complex comprises two foliations, Sn-1 (Dn-1 phase) and Sn (Dn phase). The Sn-1 surface (compositional banding) presents a ductile and anastomosed aspect with an N45W/55NE attitude, whereas the Sn mylonitic foliation is defined by the presence of mineral flattening or stretching and by the orientation of amphibole and biotite shapes, with a maximum plane of N45E/85NW. The observed faults and fractures strike in the NE-SW and NW-SE main directions. The paleostress study provided the recognition of a NE-SW sigma 1 associated with a NW-SE-striking sigma 3 for the left-lateral strike-slip faults and an E-W compressive SHMAX and an N-S distensive SHMIN for the right-lateral strike-slip faults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify the teleost fish species sold in Bragança, a major fishing hub on the north coast of Brazil. The COI gene analysis was performed for the identification of fish species. The local market uses common names that are not accurate and do not reflect the diversity of the species. 204 sequences were obtained, with 119 haplotypes. 83 species were identified by comparing with public databases and constructing phylogenetic trees, with Carangidae being the most prevalent family. The study also found Haemulon atlanticus, Menticirrhus cuiaranensis and Hoplias misioneira, a newly described species from the Amazon basin, among the samples. Additionally, 73 commercial names were recorded, including 10 categories, and the illegal trade of Epinephelus itajara was detected. The DNA Barcode method proved to be effective for discriminating the species. The study highlights that common and commercial names are vague and underestimate the fish diversity, and that Brazil needs to revise its regulations for commercial and scientific names. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to analyze the perceptions of female sex workers in the city of Porto Murtinho (MS) on the concepts of self-care and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and how their opinions on the subject can affect decision-making in health. The research is based on a qualitative approach developed through semi-structured interviews recorded in audio and analyzed according to the epistemology of emergence. Data collection took place in Porto Murtinho, a city that makes up the Bioceanic Route under construction to connect Brazil to Paraguay as part of a regional socioeconomic development project. In all, 8 women were interviewed who, despite revealing a sexual prevention routine and professional autonomy, reinforced the role of critical health literacy as a tool for permanent self-care and health promotion. In addition, the relationship between the implementation of the Bioceanic Route and its possible negative impact on safety and social determinants in health is highlighted, since the consequent increase in the flow of people and services in the region corroborates the growth of prostitution and sex tourism. With this, it is concluded that more effective public health policies must be taken to ensure greater health literacy for these women, as well as the need to encourage academic debate on the subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil has been standing out as one of the worst places on Earth to be during a global health crisis, especially for those whose struggle for basic humanitarian rights is already routine. How do the political environment and historical inequalities in countries like Brazil affect the ways in which public policy and technologies are framed as responses for the pandemic crisis? In this paper we aim to present the sequence of actions and omissions in the fight against sars-cov2 in Brazil, concentrating on measures based on the use of digital technologies and the sociotechnical arrangements unfolding in materialities that give shape to such measures. We will also discuss possible repercussions of the widespread adoption of surveillance technologies as a quick fix to the effects of the pandemic. Our focus is to explain how the materiality of the virus and its political as well as territorial effects are combined with digital technologies as responses (or lack of them) in the fields of healthcare, education, communication and labour in the context of the Global South. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Dental Sciences is the property of Turkiye Klinikleri 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 occurrence of acute paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) in urban areas of the Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, has emerged in recent years. Therefore, young populations, including pregnant women, are at a higher risk of infection. Furthermore, young women undergoing itraconazole treatment for PCM have increased chances to get pregnant because this medication may reduce the effectiveness of contraceptives. Acute PCM is invasive, reaching abdominal organs, posing a maternal-fetal risk. PCM treatment in pregnant women is also challenging due to the teratogenicity associated with the currently available oral drugs. There are scarce studies on PCM and pregnancy, mainly consisting of case reports and experimental murine models that highlight the severity of this association. We conducted a database research at a PCM reference center in Rio de Janeiro state from 1980 to 2020. We included patients diagnosed with PCM who were pregnant shortly before, at admission, or at any moment of their PCM follow-up care. Data related to pregnancy, childbirth, and the newborn were obtained from the Brazilian official public databases. We also reviewed the epidemiological and clinical features of these patients. During the study period, we identified 18 pregnant patients, with a median age of 26 years (range: 16–38). Among these cases, six (33.3%) were detected in the last 5 years, and 14 (77.8%) presented acute PCM, supporting the recent shift in the epidemiological profile towards acute PCM. Most pregnancies occurred during PCM treatment (n = 11, 61.1%), which led to challenges in the therapeutic management. Maternal-fetal complications occurred in some of these cases, including vaginal bleeding (n = 1), preeclampsia (n = 1), prematurity (n = 2), low birth weight (n = 4), and fetal deaths (n = 2). PCM during pregnancy presents a significant public health concern in the context of the emergence of acute PCM in urban areas. Author summary: Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a fungal infection that is common in Brazil and other parts of Latin America. There are two clinical forms: the chronic, which affects rural workers and the acute, which is usually more severe and tends to affect young people. The Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, is endemic for PCM, and juvenile cases have increased in the recent years. This is concerning for pregnant women since they could also be affected. In addition, young women could get pregnant during the PCM treatment because itraconazole, the main medication to treat PCM, may reduce the effectiveness of contraceptives. This could represent a risk to both mother and fetus because acute PCM is more invasive, reaching abdominal organs. PCM treatment in pregnant women is a challenge because the available oral drugs to treat this mycosis can be harmful to the fetus. There is little information about this important issue in the literature. Therefore, we investigated cases of PCM in pregnancy performing a search in the databases of a PCM specialized center in Rio de Janeiro state. We found 18 pregnant patients in the period of 1980–2020, most of them presenting acute PCM (n = 14, 77.8%) with a moderate to severe clinical profile. Most pregnancies occurred during PCM treatment (n = 11, 61.1%), which created difficulties in the management of both conditions. Some of these cases experienced complications, including prematurity, low birth weight, and two fetal deaths. PCM in pregnancy is an important public health issue and the authors hope to contribute with the knowledge of this subject, to improve care for this vulnerable population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies about the genetic diversity, connectivity and demographic history in Lutjanidae fishes have reported a common pattern of genetic homogeneity and expansion in populations from Western South Atlantic. In the present work, we inferred the population structure, the levels of genetic diversity and the demographic history of the Brazilian snapper Lutjanus alexandrei, a recently described and endemic species from Northeastern coast of Brazil. Five different fragments, including mitochondrial DNA (Control Region, Cyt b and ND4) and nuclear DNA (Myostatin and S7) regions were analyzed in 120 specimens of L. alexandrei from four localities in Northeastern Brazil, representing the first study of population genetics in this species. High levels of genetic diversity were observed following a panmictic pattern, probably related to the larval dispersal by the current tides along the Brazilian coast. In addition, both demographic history and neutrality tests indicated that L. alexandrei has undergone population expansion during Pleistocene. In this sense, the sea level variation from this period could have increased the available resources and suitable habitats for the Brazilian snapper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses public funding of the development of Brazilian audiovisual production and the main agents involved in its conception and implementation. Public policies impacted the total revenue of US$ 4.5 billion of the national audiovisual industry in 2014, representing approximately 0.45% of the national GDP and surpassing the percentage participation of sectors such as the pharmaceutical industry. This article addresses the question of whether this innovative Brazilian policy for promoting audiovisual production can be considered to be wellconsolidated, with a well-structured active production chain. It discusses how the policy originated, how it became institutionalized, and the contribution provided by those who played a key role in its development and implementation (2009–2016). The analysis draws on theories relating to the political economy of communication. The research methods and techniques adopted include analysis of data from Brazilian government agencies, exhibitors, professional and trade-union associations, and media groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This is the first record of the alien shrimp Mierspenaeopsis sculptilis in Brazil. The invasion was detected within Marine Extractive Reserves based on eight specimens accidentally caught by local fishermen using trawlnets focused on fisheries of native species. These specimens were transported to the Laboratory of Applied Genetics and morphologically identified as Mierspenaeopsis sculptilis (rainbow shrimp). The taxonomic status of analyzed samples was confirmed by DNA barcoding using a 627-bp fragment of the Cytochrome C Oxidase Subunit I (COI) gene. Results: A single haplotype was recovered from the eight specimens, being identical to a haplotype reported in India, where this species naturally occurs, and in Mozambique, where the rainbow shrimp is considered an invasive species. The present analyses indicated a putative invasive route (i.e., India-Mozambique-Brazil) mediated by shipping trade. Conclusions: This study presents the first record of Mierspenaeopsis sculptilis in Brazil, in areas of extractive reserves on the Amazon coast. Notably exotic species can cause imbalance in the ecosystem, harming native species. In view of this, the registration of new invasions is essential as they contribute to the implementation of control plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Antibiotics are present in the environment and can be bioaccumulated by organisms and transferred through the food chain, which poses a problem when considering fish meat consumption. The study focused on lambari, a fish with potential in aquaculture because of its ease of rearing in small-scale operations. The objective of the study was to measure the bioaccumulation and clearance of the antibiotic sulfadiazine (SDZ) in lambaris. The tests were divided into two phases: exposure and depletion. During exposure, the fish were fed medicated feed for seven days, and during depletion they were transferred to clean tanks and fed uncontaminated feed for another seven days. SDZ concentrations increased in the fish over the days, with the greatest accumulation occurring on day seven. After the depletion phase, SDZ concentrations decreased. The results showed that there was little bioaccumulation of SDZ in the fish, but that the compound was more present in the water. The results also indicated that the concentrations of SDZ were below the established maximum limit. This study contributes to the understanding of the dynamics of SDZ in an aquatic species native to Brazil. Antibiotics are present in the environment, primarily due to their release through wastewater treatment plants, agricultural practices, and improper disposal of unused medications. In the environment, these drugs can be bioaccumulated by organisms and transferred along the food chain. This is a problem when considering the consumption of fish meat. In the United States, legislation stipulates that the maximum residue limit for sulfadiazine (SDZ) should not exceed 100 μg kg−1. Lambari fishes have potential economic importance in aquaculture, as they are relatively easy to breed and can be raised in small-scale operations. Finally, studying the biology and ecology of lambari could provide valuable information about freshwater ecosystems and their inhabitants. The current work aimed to measure the bioaccumulation and depletion of the antibiotic SDZ 14C in lambari (Astyanax bimaculatus). For this purpose, the tests were divided into two stages; seven days of exposure and seven days of depletion, where one fish was randomly selected and sampled every day. In the exposure phase, the fish were fed the medicated feed three times a day at a concentration of 2.5 mg·g−1. The control fish were fed uncontaminated feed. For the depletion phase, the remaining lambari were transferred to clean tanks and fed uncontaminated feed three times a day. The fish samples were burned in the Oxidizer and the reading of radioactivity was performed in a liquid scintillation spectrometer. It is worth noting that on day 7 and day 14, the water in the aquariums was filtered through filter paper to collect the metabolic excrement. SDZ concentrations increased over the days and accumulation occurred in the fish, with day seven presenting the maximum accumulation value of 91.7 ng·g−1 due to feeding uptake. After the depletion phase on day 13, the value found was 0.83 ng·g−1. The bioconcentration factor calculated was 20 L·kg−1. After the bioaccumulation period, the concentrations of SDZ in the water and excreta were 4.5 µg·L−1 and 363.5 ng·g−1, respectively. In the depletion period, the concentrations in the water and excreta were 0.01 µg·L−1 and 5.96 ng·g−1, respectively. These results imply that there was little SDZ bioaccumulation in the fish, but that it was distributed in larger amounts in the water. This is due to the physicochemical properties of the molecule with the low Log P value. Regarding the maximum residue limit, the value was below the established value. This study contributes to understanding SDZ dynamics in an aquatic species native to Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the direct and indirect pathways between verbal bullying and adverse oral conditions among school-aged children. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 8- to 10-year-old children, enrolled in public schools in Southern Brazil. Verbal bullying was collected by self-reports. Independent variables included sociodemographic characteristics (sex, age, household income, and caregivers' educational level) and oral conditions (anterior open bite, anterior teeth crowding, upper anterior diastema, large overjet, untreated dental caries, and PUFA index). The pathways between verbal bullying and the independent variables were analysed through structural equation modelling. Results: 1369 children were included. The prevalence of verbal bullying was 26.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 23.9–28.6%). Verbal bullying was directly influenced by large overjet (standard coefficient [SC] 0.13, P < 0.01), untreated dental caries (SC 0.63, P = 0.01) and PUFA index (SC 0.75, P = 0.02). Sex (SC − 0.005, P =.04) and age (SC − 0.006, P < 0.01) indirectly influenced verbal bullying via untreated dental caries. Conclusions: Verbal bullying was directly influenced by large overjet, untreated dental caries and PUFA index. Sex and age indirectly impacted verbal bullying through untreated dental caries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining the plant architecture of Psidium guajava L. (guava tree) is essential for enhancing capture and distribution in the plant, directly affecting the fruit quality. The lifespan of the harvest period can be extended by proper pruning. Both timeliness and proper pruning play crucial roles in achieving high-quality fruit production and in maintaining a consistent fruit size while stimulating ascorbic acid levels, sugar content, total soluble solids (TSS), and titratable acidity. From this perspective, this study aimed to characterize the influence of different intensities of fruit pruning and thinning on guava trees grown under a seasonal tropical climate in two growing seasons in Currais, Piauí, Brazil. The experiment was set up in a randomized block design with a 3 × 3 × 2 factorial arrangement corresponding to short, medium, and long pruning intensities and 0%, 10%, and 20% thinning intensities during the two growth seasons, respectively. An analysis was performed to discriminate the treatment groups according to the physicochemical variables of the guava tree cv. Paluma and canonical discriminant analysis. There was significant variation in the SS, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, and pH contents. Cluster analysis of all treatments allowed division into five different groups for the two pruning times. Canonical discriminant analysis showed that the first two canonical variables explained 91% of the total variance. The fruits of the second harvest exhibited a lower level of acidity, higher levels of soluble solids, and higher levels of ascorbic acid contents. In addition, these fruits also obtained better nutrient contents. Short pruning with up to 20% thinning, medium pruning with up to 10%, and long pruning without thinning favored better levels of macronutrients and micronutrients and, consequently, better fruit quality. Medium or long pruning with up to 20% thinning resulted in higher average fruit weights and nutrient contents (especially of Fe and Cu), lower acidity, and higher ascorbic acid contents. Thus, in general, the importance of production pruning in guava plants is evidenced and thinning of 20% is recommended to improve the fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current climate change scenario caused by anthropogenic activities has resulted in novel environmental pressures, increasing the occurrence and severity of fungal infections in the marine environment. Research on fungi in several taxonomic groups is widespread although not the case for elasmobranchs (sharks and rays). In this context, the aim of the present study was to screen the oral fungal microbiota present in artisanally captured Rioraja agassizii, a batoid that, although endangered, is highly fished and consumed worldwide. Oropharyngeal samples were obtained by swabbing and the samples were investigated using morphological and phenotypic methods by streaking on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and subculturing onto CHROMagar Candida (BD Difco) and CHROMagar Candida Plus (CHROMagarTM), as well as molecular techniques by amplification of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 ribosomal DNA region and a MALDI-TOF MS assessment. The findings indicated the presence of Candida parapsilosis (seven isolates), Candida duobushaemulonii (one isolate) and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (three isolates), several of these reported for the first time in Rioraja agassizii. In addition, a 100% agreement between the MALDI-TOF results and partial ITS region sequencing was noted, demonstrating that the MALDI-TOF MS is a rapid and effective alternative for yeast identification in Rioraja agassizii isolates and potentially in other elasmobranch species. These findings highlight the need for further research to determine the potential impact on elasmobranch health, ecology, and commercial fisheries. Furthermore, this research is paramount in a One Health framework and may be employed to predict elasmobranch responses to an evolving ocean, keep healthy populations in check, monitor species, and assess the public health consequences of consuming these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the impact of the fourth dose with ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 (AstraZeneca) in the humoral immune response to SARS‐CoV‐2 during a 9‐month follow‐up period in which Omicron was the predominant variant in Brazil. IgG for the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins were analyzed in samples collected before and after the fourth dose. All participants were tested monthly for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection by RT‐qPCR. The antibody response induced by the fourth dose of the coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine was evaluated and compared with the response induced by the second and third doses. The additional antibody response to the viral S protein after the fourth dose was smaller than those after the third vaccine dose. In contrast, an increase in the N IgG levels could be observed after the fourth dose compared to other vaccine doses. In the comparison of the antibody response before and after the fourth dose, an increase in both S‐and‐N IgG was noted, mainly in the positive qPCR group. We did not observe a significant decline in IgG levels after the fourth dose, as observed after the second and third doses, therefore, a sustained humoral response to both S and N proteins seems to be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Basal values of hematological and serum biochemical parameters are necessary for health and animal production performance evaluation. Therefore, considering the importance of cattle production in the Brazilian savannah area and the lack of regional data, we aimed to know the differences related to age, breed group, the influence of the productive system, and geographic region. We established baseline values for beef calves at weaning age. Jugular blood samples were collected in a single instant from 30 calves from each of the following breeds: Nellore, Senepol, Nellore × Aberdeen Angus cross, Nellore × Senepol cross, and Nellore × Aberdeen Angus × Senepol cross. Hematological and serum biochemical evaluations and a proteinogram were performed according to routine techniques. In conclusion, the available reference intervals for healthy animals can be used routinely without interference from the geographic region for animals produced without nutritional failures since changes are registered in pathological, infectious, metabolic, or nutritional deficiency situations. Furthermore, these results will help to understand the adaptation advantages and the possible physiological processes of those breeds and their crosses in the savannah biome of Brazil. The Brazilian savannah region, characterized by high average temperatures, well-defined rainy and dry seasons, soil with low productive potential, and high pressure for parasitic diseases, is home to the highest percentage of the beef herd, which is the world's largest commercial beef producer. Therefore, breeds that present rusticity combined with productivity are the focus of research in cattle breeding in the region. Considering their geographic particularities and their effects on the animals' blood parameters, the objective was to study the behavior of hematological variables, serum biochemistry, and acute phase proteins in beef calves at weaning age. Jugular blood samples were collected in a single day from 30 weaning calves (about eight months old and 200 kg of body weight) from the following breeds: Nellore, Senepol, Nellore × Aberdeen Angus cross, Nellore × Senepol cross, and Nellore × Aberdeen Angus × Senepol cross. Hematological data were obtained using an automatic cell counter, serum biochemical measurements were obtained using commercial kits, and the electrophoretogram was obtained using the SDS-page technique. In general, the results were consistent with data already published in similar situations regarding health status, age, and level of metabolic activity. However, differences observed between groups can be explained by differences observed in other concurrent variables like temperament. The pure zebu breed was more reactive than pure taurine. While crossbreds showed intermediate values, and parasitic infestation, the pure taurine breed with higher parasite infestation, while the zebu breed had lower values, which produced effects in some laboratory tests, and generated differences between breeds. In conclusion, the reference intervals available for healthy animals can be routinely used without interference from the geographic region for animals produced without nutritional failures as long as changes are recorded in pathological, infectious, metabolic, or nutritional deficiency situations. However, it is suggested that a study covering a larger number of herds may demonstrate a greater geographic effect on the studied variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human activity directly or indirectly causes climate change, promoting changes in the composition of the atmosphere. This change is beyond the variation of the natural climate. In this manner, climate change could create an environmental pressure which is enough to trigger new fungal diseases. In addition to climate alterations, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has also been associated with the emergence of fungal pathogens. Fungi showed that an inability to grow at high temperatures limits the capacity of fungi to infect mammals. However, fungi can develop thermotolerance, gradually adapting to rising temperatures due to climate change, and generating a greater number of disease-causing organisms. In the present study, we reported the detection and identification of Candida palmioleophila isolates recovered from raw sewage samples in Niteroi city, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, during a monitoring program for measuring SARS-CoV-2 presence and concentration. Using polyphasic taxonomy to identify the species and evaluating some virulence aspects of this species, such as biofilm formation and extracellular enzyme production, our data highlight this species as a possible emerging pathogen in Brazil, especially in the pandemic context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mozambique is a country located in the southwest of the African continent. The country has great climatic diversity. The tropical monsoon (Am), tropical savanna (Aw), hot semiarid (BSh), and humid subtropical (Cwa and Cfa) and subtropical highland (Cwb) climates stand out. The regions classified a subtropical have climatic potential for the rational exploitation low and medium chill requirement of peach trees. There are already technologies for the cultivation of peach trees in subtropical regions in Brazil. The objective of this study was to identify the zoning of suitable areas and provide bases for the establishment and expansion of peach cultivation in Mozambique. Meteorological data from 108 stations and the geotechnological tool ArcGIS 10.1 were used to spatialize temperature, rainfall, and humidity data and then reclassify them for the generation of maps using the Geostatistical Analyst extension. In parallel, maps of mean annual temperatures and climate classification were used. Regions in the subtropical areas of Mozambique with suitable temperature and rainfall are viable for peach plantations. The results showed the Northwest, Central and South regions is more suitable for the economic exploitation of peaches trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate some mechanisms of the immune response of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 in both acute infection and early and late convalescence phases. Methods: This is a cohort study of 70 cases of COVID-19, confirmed by RT-PCR, followed up to 60 days. Plasma Samples and clinical data were. Viral load, blood count, indicators inflammation were the parameters evaluated. Cellular immune response was evaluated by flow cytometry and Luminex immunoassays. Results: In the severe group, hypertension was the only reported comorbidity. Non severe patients have activated memory naive CD4+ T cells. Critically ill patients have central memory CD4+ T cell activation. Severe COVID-19 patients have both central memory and activated effector CD8+ T cells. Non-severe COVID-19 cases showed an increase in IL1β, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF and severely ill patients had higher levels of the cytokines IL-6, IL-10 and CXCL8. Conclusions: The present work showed that different cellular responses are observed according to the COVID-19 severity in patients from Brazil an epicenter the pandemic in South America. Also, we notice that some cytokines can be used as predictive markers for the disease outcome, possibility implementation of strategies effective by health managers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is an analysis of state management of Primary Health Care in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Bahia. It is a qualitative case study with interviews with managers and regulatory documents analyzed according to the categories of government project and government capacity. State PHC proposals were debated in the Bipartite Intermanagerial Commission and in the Public Health Operational Emergency Committee. The scope of the PHC project focused on the definition of specific actions to manage the health crisis with the municipalities. The institutional support of the state to the municipalities modulated inter-federative relations and was decisive in the elaboration of municipal contingency plans, training of teams and production and dissemination of technical standards. The capacity of the state government was dependent upon the degree of municipal autonomy and the availability of state technical references in the regions. The state strengthened institutional partnerships for dialogue with municipal managers, but mechanisms for articulation with the federal level and social control were not identified. This study contributes to the analysis of the role of states in the formulation and implementation of PHC actions mediated by inter-federative relationships in emergency public health contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

French lavender (Lavandula dentata L.) is an ornamental, aromatic and medicinal plant. Potassium (K) is an essential macronutrient for plants and its complementation is a routine practice in crops in weathered soils. The most used source of potassium in Brazil is potassium chloride (KCl), which is often questioned by the presence of the Cl- ion. This study tested the performance of L. dentata plants grown under five levels (0, 50, 100, 200 and 300 mg.dm−3) of K supplied from: KCl and potassium sulfate (K2SO4). Rooted stem cuttings were transplanted in pots, in a greenhouse, with a random arrangement of blocks in a double factorial scheme. At the full blooming, plants were collected and evaluated for morphological characteristics. After, analyzes of the shoot mineral nutrients contents were carried out. The material was also used for the essential oils extractions. The only plant morphological characteristic that showed influence of the treatments was the number of inflorescences, where the plants fertilized with KCl showed superior results, being possible to calculate the maximum flower spikes production when applied an estimated level of 230 mg.dm−3 of K, as KCl. Among the contents of 14 nutrients evaluated, plants grown under KCl fertilizer showed changes in 12 nutrients contents, while plants from K2SO4 treatments showed only six altered nutritional contents. The essential oil yield was higher when K2SO4 was applied, with the maximum calculated yield (1.44%) achieved when the estimated level of 206 mg.dm−3 of K is applied (as K2SO4). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Reintroduction is a procedure used to reestablish wild animal populations. Objective: To evaluate the success of reintroducing Amazona aestiva and investigate whether abiotic factors (temperature, humidity, and luminosity) interfere with the search for food supplementation in feeders installed in the release area. Methods: Pre-release evaluations were initiated with 59 Amazonas spp. Tests were run to stool parasitological tests, leukocytes, flight capacity, and level of animal-human interaction. In all, 33 animals were selected and sent to the release area, which is an ecotone between the Atlantic Forest and the Caatinga biomes. After release, visits to the feeders and survival in the area were monitored for a year. Abiotic factors were also recorded in these periods. Results: The stool parasitological tests revealed the presence of Heterakis spp. and Eimeira spp. The leukocyte parameters were within the reference values for the species. At least 50 % of the released animals survived after one year, with recordings of reproductive events. Abiotic factors did not interfere with the animal visits to the feeder. However, the variable humidity best explained visits in the morning, while the variables temperature and luminosity most influenced visits in the afternoon. Conclusion: The reintroduction observed and presented here is on the threshold of being classified as successful. The installed feeders and artificial nests caused the animals to stay in the area for monitoring. Abiotic factors may influence daily behavioral decision-making related to the use of supplementary feeding in reintroduced parrots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents an update on the occurrence of the genus Brittonodoxa in Brazil with diagnosis, taxonomic comments, illustrations, and geographical distribution data. We recognized three species from Brazil and the geographical distribution of two of them is being expanded: B. cataractae is being reported here for the first time the states of ES, RJ, and RS, and B. lithophila in the Amazon Forest and Pampa biome, occurring in the states of AM, ES, MA, MS, MT, PA, PR, RJ, RS, and TO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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