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The present study aimed to analyze the application of a seaweed biofertilizer as an attenuator of salt stress on the morphophysiology of scarlet eggplants. The experiment was carried out under protected conditions in Areia, PB, Brazil, using an incomplete factorial arrangement in a randomized block design with four replications and two plants per plot by adopting the Box Central Composite Design with five electrical conductivities of irrigation water – ECiw (0.50 – control, 1.15, 2.75, 4.35 and 5.00 dS m−1) and five concentrations of seaweed biofertilizer (0 – control, 1.45, 5.00, 8.55 and 10 mL L−1). The electrical conductivity of irrigation water at values starting at 0.5 dS m−1 negatively affected the growth of scarlet eggplants. Therefore, the crop is considered sensitive to salt accumulation. The increase in electrical conductivity of irrigation water negatively affected the morphophysiology of scarlet eggplants, with reductions higher than 10% at electrical conductivity values higher than 1.37 dS m−1. Biofertilization at 6.67 mL L−1 mitigates the effects of salt stress on the gas exchange variables and the phytomass accumulation of scarlet eggplants 60 days after sowing. The seaweed biofertilizer can be used to improve the physiological and morphological performance of scarlet eggplants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.)

Salinity has limited conventional vegetable cultivation, especially in semi-arid regions. In this regard, the use of elicitors that act to induce tolerance to salt stress, such as salicylic acid, has emerged as a promising alternative. This study evaluated the effects of foliar spraying with salicylic acid on the mitigation of salt stress on the morphophysiology and production of bell pepper cv. All Big. The study was conducted in a greenhouse in Campina Grande - PB, Brazil, adopting a completely randomized design, in a 4 x 4 factorial arrangement, corresponding to four levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water (0.8; 1.6; 2.4; and 3.2 dS m-1) and four concentrations of salicylic acid (0; 1.2; 2.4 and 3.6 mM), with three replicates. The foliar application of salicylic acid at a concentration of 1.6 mM attenuated the effects of salt stress in gas exchange, growth, mean fruit weight, and total production per plant, and decreased the percentage of intercellular electrolyte leakage of sweet pepper cv. All Big plants, at 80 days after sowing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil stands out as the largest producer of sour passion fruit; however, the water available for irrigation is mostly saline, which can limit its cultivation. This study was carried out with the objective of evaluating the effects of salicylic acid in the induction of tolerance in sour passion fruit to salt stress. The assay was conducted in a protected environment, using a completely randomized design in a split-plot scheme, with the levels of electrical conductivity of the irrigation water (0.8, 1.6, 2.4, 3.2, and 4.0 dS m−1) considering the plots and concentrations of salicylic acid (0, 1.2, 2.4, and 3.6 mM) the subplots, with three replications. The physiological indices, production components, and postharvest quality of sour passion fruit were negatively affected by the increase in the electrical conductivity of irrigation water, and the effects of salt stress were intensified in the second cycle. In the first cycle, the foliar application of salicylic acid at concentrations between 1.0 and 1.4 mM partially reduced the harmful effects of salt stress on the relative water content of leaves, electrolyte leakage, gas exchange, and synthesis of photosynthetic pigments, in addition to promoting an increase in the yield and quality parameters of sour passion fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is sensitive to the salinity of water and soil, a common abiotic stress in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil; however, such sensitivity is variable with water management in the soil-plantatmosphere system. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the fertilization with nitrogen-potassium combinations in okra cultivated under salt stress. Photosynthetic pigments, gas exchange, growth and fruit quality were evaluated. Fertilization with N1:K1 (40% N + 40% K2O) reduced the damage caused by salt stress and increased the chlorophyll contents, while the application of N4:K4 (130% N + 100% K2O) decreased the damage caused by salt stress and increased the carotenoid contents. The combination of N:K fertilization did not affect gas exchange, however, salt stress decreased these variables. Fertilization with N2:K2 (70% N + 60% K2O) reduced the damage caused by salt stress and increased the leaf area of okra. In addition, salt stress decreased the number of fruits and increased the fresh mass of okra fruits. The N:K fertilization also reduced the damage caused by salt stress and in the soluble solids content, titratable acidity, SS/TA ratio, and ascorbic acid content. Thus, N:K fertilization can be seen as an important agronomic strategy to improve the performance of okra quality subjected to saline conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of synthetic drilling fluids, consisting of inverse emulsions, became essential to the routine of the oil industry in Brazil, due to the discovery of the pre-salt carbonate reservoirs. This work aimed to analyze the incorporation of halite in the physical properties and stability of inverse olefin emulsions, which composes synthetic drilling fluids formulation. Therefore, halite was characterized in relation to its wettability, chemical and mineralogical composition. The properties of the emulsions added with halite, in the contents of 5, 10 and 15% by volume, were monitored by microscopic images, rheological tests and gravitational separation, performed before and after dynamic aging of the emulsion. The results showed that the presence of the halite particles promotes an increase in the consistency index, interfering in the viscous nature of the emulsion. In addition, dynamic aging provide changes in the flow behavior of the emulsified system, once there are increases in the behavior index, proportional to the halite content, bringing it closer to Newtonian behavior. It is also noticed that, under these conditions, the addition of this mineral intensifies the separation of the continuous phase of the emulsion, together with the emulsifying agents, especially for the contents of 10 and 15%. [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 effect of hydrogen peroxide has been very studied, but little is known on its effect on seed germination andinitial growth of melon trees under salt stress. In this context, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effectof hydrogen peroxide as a mitigator of salt stress on melon seed germination. The experiment was conductedin the Laboratory of Seeds and Seedlings of the Federal University of Campina Grande, in Pombal, PB, Brazil. Acompletely randomized design was used, in a 4×6 factorial arrangement consisting of times of seed imbibitionin H2O2 (0, 8, 16, and 24 hours) and irrigation water salinity levels (0.3, 1.2, 2.1, 3.0, 3.9, and 4.8 dS m-1), with fourreplications. Melon seeds of the commercial variety Imperial-45 were used. The H2O2 solution was prepared from a 1 mmol L-1 H2O2 solution, which was diluted to reach the concentration of 10 μmol L-1. The seeds wereplaced in a beaker and subjected to imbibition with 100 ml of the solution for the different times studied. Thevariables evaluated were: germination percentage, first germination counting, germination speed index, meangermination speed, mean germination time, and radicle length. The application of H2O2 solution to seeds for 16hours mitigates the negative effects caused by salt stresses by up to 2.2 dS m-1; however, the application of H2O2solution for 24 hours is harmful to the germination process of melon seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia 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 Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia 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.)

Reverse osmosis desalination is a solution for water supply in rural communities in the semi-arid region. However, the disposal of waste generated in the process has been a challenge. Thus, a study was conducted to evaluate the economic viability and development of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) cultivated in nurseries using water support, the rejected brine from the brackish water treatment plant. The study was conducted in the rural community of Serra Mossoró, Mossoró, RN, Brazil, benefited by the "Água Doce" program with a desalination plant. For this, two nurseries were built for fish farming and a tank to receive fish effluent. Each nursery was populated with 700 male Nile tilapia fingerlings. To determine fish growth, biometric analyses of head length, partial length, total length, height, width, and average weight were performed every 30 days after stocking. The economic analysis consisted of identifying the financial inflows and outflows. The results showed that all biometric parameters increased linearly with the time of cultivation, indicating that tilapia development and production using reject brine were satisfactory, making this waste feasible in fish farming. Economically, the project proved to be unfeasible in the short term, requiring a longer execution time of the generated cash flows to cover the initial investment. Despite this, the project generated positive social and environmental impacts. The raising of tilapia is a viable alternative for draining saline waste and ensuring food and nutritional security for family farming. Highlights: The use of rejected brine from desalination plants for the rearing of tilapia was tested. The economic viability of the activity can only be achieved after 2 years. The activity is a positive alternative to dispose of rejected brine properly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thick and heterogeneous salt section in the Santos Basin, offshore Brazil, imposes great challenges in accessing the pre-salt hydrocarbon reservoirs, especially in relation to seismic imaging, signal quality and depth positioning. Some problems arise from the current velocity models for the salt section, which, for the majority, assume that the salt is a homogeneous halite layer. In the Santos Basin, the commonly assumed salt – halite – only makes up to 80% of the mineral in this section. The inclusion of other salts as stratification in the velocity models, based on seismic attributes, has achieved good results in the last decade, especially for depth resolution. In this work, we analyse the benefits of different velocity models, considering presence/absence of salt stratification and comparing the gross rock volume above the oil–water contact. The results show a significant effect on the depth resolution of the events, as well as on volume estimation, indicating that the greater the reliability captured by the complex velocity models, the greater the confidence in the resulting volumetric information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Avances en Enfermería is the property of Editorial Universidad Nacional de Colombia 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.)

Seawater desalination has been considered an important solution for the water scarcity in coastal areas. Brazil has an 8,000 km long coastline where population and tourism have grown tremendously in the last years. Fortaleza is the fifth-largest city in Brazil with nearly 2.6 million inhabitants, representing an important economic, recreational and touristic area in the Northeast. In addition, it is the city with the greatest gross domestic product (GDP) in the region, and ninth in the country. In the past 7 y, the dams that supply water to the Metropolitan Region of Fortaleza have undergone droughts. This led the government to start a large-scale seawater desalination project that shall produce desalinated water at about 1.0 m3/s, for which plant location, water intake and brine disposal studies were performed. The most common environmental impact associated with desalination plants is the high concentration brine discharge. Aiming to evaluate the possible impact of such discharges, environmental modeling has become an important tool for projects, environmental management and studies, due to the complexity of these environments. With this tool, it is possible to integrate a large number of variables and processes to obtain a dynamic vision of those systems and evaluate present and future conditions. This work presents outcomes from brine discharge modeling in the water quality of the coast of Fortaleza, in particular, increased salinity, using Visual Plumes to evaluate near-field dilution and SisBaHiA (Environmental Hydrodynamic Base System) software to generate a hydrodynamic model and evaluate far-field dilution. Hydrodynamic models, forced by wind and tide, were coupled with a wave propagation model and then used in a Lagrangian transport model, which was fed by the outcomes of the near-field model. From the results generated, it was identified that the installation of the proposed desalination plant in Fortaleza does not compromise water quality and is consistent with the results reported in the literature, regarding the reduced impact caused by the disposal of this type of concentrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urochloa brizantha is the main forage grass to raise cattle in Brazil, but salt stress can reduce yield. Physiological and molecular mechanisms of adaptation to salt stress remain poorly understood in this species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the responses of three cultivars of U. brizantha to in vitro salt stress. Seeds of three cultivars (Piatã, Marandu, and Xaraés) germinated in filter paper and then transferred to growth on culture media in vitro containing 0, 50, 100, and 200 mg L-1 of sodium chloride (NaCl). Biometric parameters and proline content were determined after 28 days. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and the separation of means was performed by the LSD test (p<0.05). Semiquantitative expression of the Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthase (P5CS1) gene was performed. In all cultivars, increase of NaCl concentration in the media affected roots and shoots growth. Xaraes cultivar presented the greater biomass reduction while Marandu cultivar was the least affected. Salt stress increased by approximated 0.6 folds transcription of the P5CS1 gene in all cultivars. However, Marandu cultivar presented a higher proline content and least biomass reduction suggesting a better response to in vitro to salt stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluid-inclusion studies were conducted on amethyst quartz from three different geological environments: basalt cavities; hydrothermal veins; and granitic pegmatites of Eastern Brazil, to understand the conditions of amethyst crystallisation in each of these environments. In samples from basalt cavities, fluid inclusions are exclusively one-phase aqueous types suggesting a low-temperature formation environment. Crystals from the two other environments show that fluid inclusions can be either one-phase aqueous, two-phase aqueous, three-phase aqueous carbonic, or three-phase aqueous with the presence of precipitated solid halite. The carbonic composition of the system H2O–CO2–NaCl was confirmed by Raman spectroscopic analysis and suggests a metamorphic or magmatic fluid source. Fluid inclusions trapped in samples from hydrothermal veins reveal at least two different fluid generations based on homogenisation temperatures. The first generation has minimum trapping temperatures between 249°C and 391°C. The second generation of lower temperature fluids has minimum trapping temperatures varying from 82°C to 203°C. Fluid inclusions of this group record eutectic temperatures that indicate the presence of Ca and Fe cations in addition to Na. Fluid inclusions trapped in amethyst from a pegmatite body have moderate salinity values between 15 and 25 eq. wt.% NaCl, thus reflecting the elevated salt content in pegmatite-forming fluids. In this sample, the first fluid generation is represented by aqueous fluid inclusions with minimum trapping temperatures ranging from 268°C to 375°C. The estimated eutectic temperatures, generally below –50°C, indicate the presence of Ca cations in addition to Na. Minimum trapping temperatures correspond to temperatures of late-to-post-pegmatitic hydrothermal stages. The second generation records minimum trapping temperatures between 125°C and 247°C. Amethyst from both hydrothermal veins and pegmatite environments contain solid inclusions of hematite, an indication that the mineralising fluid was Fe rich and thus, possibly magmatic in origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Improper levels or excess of iodine may present a greater risk to health, for this reason, this paper aims to assess the iodine content present in salt and estimate the iodine concentration in school meals in a Brazilian northeast region. Design/methodology/approach: Six samples of different salt brands sold in the city of Lagarto, Sergipe, Brazil were gathered for analyzing iodate concentration. The amounts of salt added to meals of four schools in the city and the weight of the provided meals were recorded during two consecutive days of gathering, thus obtaining data to estimate the iodine content of these meals. The rest of the meals and the nutritional composition of school meals were analyzed. A questionnaire for participants on the perception of salt was applied. For data analysis, α = 5% was used. Findings: The iodine concentration in all salt samples followed legislation (15 to 45 mg of iodine/kg of salt), with the average of iodine ranged between 26.5 ± 1.29 and 33.9 ± 2.49 mg/kg (p < 0.001). The estimated iodine content in consumed school meals was 0.025 mg (25 µg), in meals of schools A and C, it was 0.03 ± 0.02 mg, and to schools B and D, it was 0.02 ± 0.01 mg (p < 0.001). Percentages of rest of the meals greater than 10% were found and the assessed food preparation showed low caloric and nutritional values. Originality/value: The iodine content is in accordance with the salt iodization policy in Brazil, and that the average iodine estimate in school meals was considered adequate for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While soil salinization is a major concern for agriculture worldwide, the application of sodium (Na) can stimulate growth in many plant species, due to its ability to replace potassium (K) in some physiological functions. We present an overview of the potential and risks associated with replacing KCl fertilizer with a mixture of KCl and NaCl in tropical plantations, with a focus on Eucalyptus. A wide range of responses of Eucalyptus species to the salinization of the soil is well documented and the planting of Eucalyptus rows in salinity-damaged landscapes has been used in Australia to lower the water table and reduce soil salinization. A positive effect of NaCl application on Eucalyptus growth in K-deficient environments has been demonstrated in hydroponics, which is consistent with comprehensive studies conducted on entire rotations in Brazil. The addition of NaCl to K-deficient soils increased above-ground biomass at harvest in E. grandis plantations by a factor of 1.4, whereas the addition of the same amount of KCl increased biomass by a factor of 2. A comparison between KCl and K 2 SO 4 applications suggested a positive response of E. grandis to Cl, in addition to the response to Na. The effects of Na application on the physiology of E. grandis support the hypothesis of a functional role for Na in K-deficient soils. Consistent results have been reported on the physiology of olive tree, coconut palm and cocoa tree. Atmospheric inputs of Na depend on the distance from the ocean, ranging from approximately 30 to 5 kg ha-1 yr-1 in coastal and inland forests, respectively. Na is an essential nutrient for animals, maintaining homeostasis and playing a crucial role in neural networks. Substantial quantities of Na are routinely fed to animals in extensive livestock farming. A growing body of evidence suggests that a shortage of Na can limit the activity of insects, particularly plant decomposers. The application of Na in tropical plantations could therefore accelerate the release of nutrients during litter decomposition, thereby promoting tree growth. However, Na application could also stimulate herbivory and lead to leaf area losses. We recommend setting up multi-location experiments covering a wide range of soils and climates in tropical regions, for perennial species of commercial interest. In-depth studies should be carried out on certain sites to understand how tree physiology, soil functioning and herbivory are influenced by the addition of NaCl. • The application of NaCl greatly enhances Eucalyptus growth in K-deficient soil. • Consistent results were reported for Eucalyptus , coconut, olive and cocoa trees. • A shortage of Na can limit insect activity and influence litter decay and herbivory. • Multi-site experiments are needed to understand the response of perennial species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Enfermagem Brasil is the property of Atlantica Editora 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.)

Objective: to verify an association between income and eating habits of hypertensive people in Health Multicenter (Multicentro de Saúde in Portuguese) in the city of Salvador, Bahia. Method: cross-sectional study with 221 hypertensive patients. Sociodemographic and eating habits data were collected through interviews and a standardized instrument from July to December 2017. Bivariate analysis was performed using Pearson's Chi-square test. The level of statistical significance adopted was 5%. Results: predominance of consumption of vegetables (69.1%) and fruits (57.6%) less than five days/week, and use of salt substitute products (69.6%) by people with an income of less than one minimum wage; statistically significant associations were found (p=0.027, p=0.003, p=0.043, respectively). Conclusion: the association between income and eating habits of hypertensive people showed that those with income lower than a minimum wage consumed fruits and vegetables less frequently and used salt substitute products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional is the property of Universidade Estadual de Campinas - Portal de Periodicos Eletronicos Cientificos 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.)

Our objective was to evaluate the physicochemical parameters of waste brine from reverse osmosis desalination plants and to evaluate the physicochemical parameters of soils where it is discharged in rural communities in the western Potiguar region of the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Soil samples of two types (Eutrophic Red Argisol and Fluvic Neosol) were collected in the dry and rainy seasons in two communities at two distances from the discharge point (1 and 2 m) and at the point itself, in two layers for each point (0–20 and 20–40 cm). In addition, samples of waste brine were taken from the desalination plants for the evaluation of the physicochemical quality and contamination risks. All brine samples were classified as C3 or C4, which is, extremely high risk of salinization, needing special practices for salinity control. The two soils that received the brine presented significant alterations of their attributes and quality throughout the periods. This was more pronounced in the dry season and the layers of soils with a greater amount of clay, which resulted in the soil receiving different classifications, which were influenced directly by the brine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical composition and the impacts of reject brine disposal from desalination plants on soils of the west of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, were evaluated. Soil samples in the 0.0-0.2 and 0.2-0.4 m profiles were collected at three points of reject brine influences (0, 0.8 and 1.6 m of reject brine site) and a point in the native forest (without the influence of reject brine) for chemical characterization. The analysis showed that 25% of the native forest soils have problems of salinity and/or sodicity, suggesting that salt-affected soils already existed in some communities even without the disposal of brine. The variability between the results on analysis of soil chemical properties from study lands suggests an individual assessment of potential risk of soil salinization due to the disposal of reject brine from desalination plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Channel‐bend expansion and downstream translation, as well as vertical movements by aggradation and incision, set the stratigraphic architecture of channelized depositional systems. Early work on submarine‐channel evolution has suggested that downstream translation is rare. It is proposed here that downstream translation of bends might be common in deep‐water salt‐tectonic provinces, where complex topography can localize channel pathways that promote meander cutoffs and the generation of high‐curvature bends. Three‐dimensional seismic‐reflection data from a region with salt‐influenced topography in the Campos Basin, offshore Brazil, is used to characterize the structural geometry of a salt diapir and stratigraphic architecture of an adjacent submarine‐channel system that extends for 18 km. The combined structural and stratigraphic evolution is interpreted, including meander‐cutoff development near the salt diapir followed by ~10 km of downstream translation of a channel bend. The stratigraphic evolution is tested with a simple numerical model of channel meandering. This integrated subsurface characterization and stratigraphic modelling study sheds light on the processes and controls of submarine‐channel downstream translation, which might be common in rapidly deforming settings, such as salt basins, that promote localized subsidence, meander cutoffs, and rapidly translating, high‐curvature bends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is believed that the commercial production of pangasius is viable in ponds or tanks supplied with saline water, as an alternative for the semi-arid region in Brazil, known for its scarcity of drinking water. In this sense, the objective of this experiment was to evaluate the acute and chronic tolerance of juvenile pangasius submitted to different salinities. 216 juveniles pangasius (17.30 ± 5.26 g) were distributed in a completely randomized design, with four treatments and four replicates. For the acute toxicity test, four salinities (5; 10; 12.5, and 15‰) and a control treatment (fresh water - 0‰) were tested. Based on the results obtained in the acute toxicity test, saline concentrations for the chronic tolerance test were determined: 5; 7.5 and 10‰ and control (0‰). In this trial, fish growth parameters (weight, length, weight gain, feed intake, and mortality rate) and water physicochemical parameters (temperature, pH, and toxic ammonia) were evaluated. Additionally, visual observations were made in order to observe morphological or behavioral changes due to exposure to different salinities. Mean lethal salinity (SL50) for pangasius under the study conditions was estimated at 10.76‰ (95% CI = 10.22-11.33‰). Higher weight gain rates (p <0.05) were observed between 5 and 7.5‰ salinity ranges. No differences (p≥0.05) were observed among average weight, final length and physicochemical parameters of water at the salt concentrations studied. Morphological and behavioral changes were detected in fish from control treatment and salinities 7.5 and 10‰. Results suggest that pangasius presents a relative tolerance to salinity. However, it is necessary to deepen field studies on the real influence of salinity on this species, aiming at evaluating the possible effects on growth throughout productive cycle, so that it is possible to determine the real potential of cultivation under these conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Processed foods have been part of the human diet from the very earliest times. Recently, processed foods have come under scrutiny, particularly the category ultraprocessed foods as defined in the NOVA classification of foods. The basic tenet behind this renewed concern about ultraprocessed foods is that it is processing per se, which matters in diet and health, not nutrients or foods. Notwithstanding this, the literature on ultraprocessed foods is almost entirely focused around nutrients and obesity. However, not all studies have found positive links between obesity and ultraprocessed food intake. The category, ultraprocessed foods, is large, accounting for approximately 60% of energy intake and 90% of added sugar intake. The advocates of the NOVA system advise that the intakes of these foods should be avoided, but the scientific basis for this advice is very weak. Thus, a reduction in ultraprocessed foods has been advocated covering 16 foods to reduce US intakes of added sugar. However, when US food consumption data are examined on a food-by-food basis, only 6 of these 16 foods are associated with high added sugar intakes. Data from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Brazil fail to show a relationship between percent energy from ultraprocessed foods and the intakes of fats, saturated fatty acids, or sodium. There is a positive association between ultraprocessed food intake and the intake of added sugar. A negative correlation with dietary fiber is found. This is not surprising, because almost all added sugar is found in the category, ultraprocessed foods, while the majority of dietary fiber is excluded. When compared with the scientific literature, there is little scientific basis for limiting the use of infant foods, fat spreads, or commercially prepared breads in the present diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the optimal parameters for the photodynamic inactivation (PDI) of Staphylococcus aureus in bacterial suspensions and in cheese were assessed using a water-soluble curcumin salt as the photosensitizer (PS). The in vitro study aimed at finding the optimal concentration and light dose to promote S. aureus photokilling. Four main groups were proposed: CONTROL (L−C−), LIGHT (L+C−), CUR (L−C+) and PDI (L+C+). A fixed light dose (LED, 450 ± 10 nm, 10 J cm−2) was applied using four different PS concentrations (0.75, 1.0, 1.5 and 3.0 mg mL−1). The dose also varied from 10–100 J cm−2 for a fixed concentration. High inactivation rates were observed for all light doses, with a maximum reduction of 7.58 log10 at 100 J cm−2 (p ≪ 0.05). Saturation of the PDI effect was observed after a 10 minute illumination time, as well as a slight decrease in the S. aureus population for increasing illumination times in the L+C− group. As an application, the concentration showing the best decontamination performance in vitro (0.75 mg mL−1) was applied to decontaminate cheese in loco. PDI in two types of coalho cheese, a rennet-coagulated cheese commonly consumed in Brazil, was investigated. The results showed no significant inactivation in unpasteurized cheese, but a 4.34 log10 reduction for t > 5 min in pasteurized specimens. In conclusion, the present PDI-catalyzed curcumin photosensitizer inactivated S. aureus at statistically significant levels in vitro, in pasteurized cheese, but not in unpasteurized specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Food has a prominent role in providing iodine and one of the best strategies is salt iodization. The Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency has reduced iodine content in table salt since 2014. Therefore, there is a need for evaluating urinary iodine concentration in our population, especially after the modified recommendations. Based on the above, we sought to assess urinary iodine concentration in pregnant women, associating it with frequency of maternal goiter, abortion and neonatal weight. Methods: This observational, cross-sectional study included 37 patients seen at the Obstetrics Service of Barbacena Medical School and a private clinic in Juiz de Fora, both in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Iodine concentration was determined in 24- hour urine through chromatography. Results: The mean 24-hour urine iodine was 213.6 µg/l, with minimum and maximum measures of 29 µg/l and 437 µg/l, respectively. The thyroid gland was assessed by prenatal clinical examination (palpation of the gland). In 24 patients (38.1%) it was considered normal. Palpation of the thyroid gland was associated with 24-hour urine iodine concentration, although a higher iodine concentration was identified in pregnant women with non-palpable gland (p = 0.004; T = 14.13). There was no association between 24-hour urine iodine concentration and history of abortion or birth weight (p > 0.05). Conclusions: This study, although based on a small sample of the population, was important to identify that even in areas where iodine is considered sufficient there may be patients exposed to iodine deficit. However, urinary iodine concentration does not appear to be associated with birth weight or abortion frequency but is associated with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level and thyroid gland size, suggesting that clinical evaluation of the thyroid gland is an important element for predicting urinary iodine concentration. Thus, palpation of the thyroid gland could be used as an indirect measure of urinary iodine concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess salt intake and its dietary sources using biochemical and self-report methods and to characterize salt intake according to sociodemographic and disease-related variables in a sample of the Brazilian population.Design: Population-based cross-sectional survey.Setting: Salt intake was assessed by biochemical (24 h urinary Na excretion) and self-report methods (sodium FFQ, 24 h dietary recall, seasoned-salt questionnaire, discretionary-salt questionnaire and total reported salt intake).ParticipantsAdults and older people (n 517) aged 20-80 years, living in Artur Nogueira, São Paulo, Brazil.Results: Mean salt intake based on 24 h urinary Na excretion and total reported salt intake was 10·5 and 11·0 g/d, respectively; both measures were significantly correlated. Discretionary salt and seasoned salt were the most important sources of salt intake (68·2 %). Men in the study consumed more salt than women as estimated by 24 h urinary Na excretion (11·7 v. 9·6 g salt/d; P<0·0001). Participants known to be hypertensive added more salt to their meals but consumed less salty ultra-processed foods. Waist circumference in both sexes and BMI were positively correlated with salt intake estimated by 24 h urinary Na excretion. In addition, regression analysis revealed that being a young male or having a high waist circumference was a predictor of higher salt intake.Conclusions: Salt intake in this population was well above the recommended amount. The main source of salt intake came from salt added during cooking. Salt intake varied according to sex and waist circumference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To describe healthy and unhealthy dietary behaviors among young and older Brazilian adults.Design: Cross-sectional study based on secondary data from the Brazilian National Health Survey 2013/2014, conducted by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE).Settings: Brazil.Participants: 59,402 Brazilian adults (18 years or over), representative of the whole community-dwelling Brazilian adult population.Measurements: Frequency of regular (5 days/week or more) consumption of food considered of a healthy diet (fruit, vegetables, greens, cooked vegetables, beans, milk, chicken, fish) and unhealthy diet (red meat, soda and sweets, meal replacement for fast food and high salt consumption) was investigated. Differences among young adults (18-39 years), middle-aged adults (40-59 years) and older adults (60+ years) were assessed through 95% confidence intervals and logistic regression models with contrast function, considering the complexity of the sample and the sample weight of the research.Results: Less than half of the population reported consuming fruit regularly (41.3%, 95% CI = 40.5 - 42.2) and only one quarter reported consuming vegetables regularly (25.4%, 95% CI = 24.7-26.1). Regular consumption of soft drinks was cited by 26.6% (95% CI = 25.5 - 27.6) for men and 20.6% (95% CI = 19.8 - 21.4) for women. Young adults presented, in general, lower frequency of regular consumption of healthy food and higher frequency of unhealthy food when compared to middle-aged and the older adults.Conclusion: Current dietary behaviors adopted by the Brazilian population is characterized by a high prevalence of inadequate food intake, mainly among young adults calling the attention to the necessity for age-specific public health interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: to identify the average direct cost of maintaining the patency of totally implanted central venous catheter with heparin at a Day Hospital of a public hospital of high complexity specialized in the treatment of cancer patients, and estimate the average direct cost of replacing heparin with sodium chloride 0.9%. Method: quantitative, exploratory-descriptive study, with a sample of 200 non-participant observations of the maintenance of totally implanted central venous catheters with heparin. The average direct cost was calculated by multiplying the (clocked) time spent by professionals to complete the procedure by the direct unit cost of workforce, added to the cost of materials and solutions. Results: the estimated total direct cost of catheter maintenance with heparin was US$ 9.71 (SD=1.35) on average, ranging from US$ 7.98 to US$ 23.28. The estimated total direct cost of maintenance with 0.9% sodium chloride in the place of heparin was US$ 8.81 (SD=1.29) on average, resulting in a reduction of US$ 0.90 per procedure. Conclusion: the results contributed to propose strategies to assist in cost containment/minimization in this procedure. The replacement of heparin by 0.9% sodium chloride proved to be an option to reduce the total average direct cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study estimates oil production curves applying single and multi-cycle Hubbert models and Hubbert variants for the case of Brazil. The application of a top-down modeling approach is necessary, as the size of oil fields discoveries is usually confidential data and therefore not disclosed in Brazil. Despite fragilities of curve fitting methodologies, this approach therefore continues being widely used, due to its simplicity and relatively low data requirement. The classic Hubbert methodology was improved in this study by considering the asymmetry of production. Additionally, a hybrid model considering techno-economic aspects explains the deviation of the crude oil production rate from the prediction of the Hubbert curve by means of regression analysis. This analysis indicates that the deviation of the crude oil production rate from the Hubbert curve follows, with a four-to five-year lag, changes in oil price. The findings show that the URR of Brazil's post-salt offshore basins hover between 15 and 21 billion barrels of oil. An annual average growth rate of 8% in the pre-salt oil fields can compensate for the decline in post-salt offshore oil production for the period 2016-2025. Error and URR estimates stabilize after peak production for single and multi-cycle Hubbert curves, though the single cycle model proved to be more unstable before peak production than the multi-cycle models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ketamine has been used as part of the multimodal analgesia technique in the acute perioperative period. The effect of perioperative intravenous small-dose ketamine on the quality of recovery from the patient point-of-view has not been assessed. We hypothesized that low-dose ketamine would enhance recovery following laparoscopic cholecystectomy under total intravenous anesthesia.Methods: One hundred thirty five patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups: saline, ketamine 0.2 mg/kg, or ketamine 0.4 mg/kg immediately following the induction of anesthesia and before skin incision. The primary endpoint was assessed using the Quality of Recovery Questionnaire (QoR-40), a 40-item quality of recovery scoring system. In addition, early clinical recovery variables, such as time to eye opening, occurrence of nausea and vomiting, pain score, analgesic use, and length of PACU stay were assessed.Results: No differences were detected in the total or individual dimension scores of the QoR-40 questionnaire. The incidence of nausea, vomiting, and other complications did not differ among the three groups.Conclusions: Small doses of ketamine do not improve the quality of recovery after remifentanil-based anesthesia for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the effects of temperature and pressure on the supercritical CO 2 degradation of wellbore cement with NaCl content is essential for cementing oil wells in Brazil's deepwater pre-salt basin. The behavior of the cement paste used in cementing oil wells in this environment is very complex, with significant amounts of CO 2 and a thick salt layer that requires a high demand on special wellbore cement capable of adequately sealing and assuring stability to the oil wells. For these reasons, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of NaCl in cement on oil wells exposed to supercritical CO 2 simulating pre-salt reservoir conditions. Cement slurry samples were prepared using Class G Portland cement (API 10 A), NaCl, water-to-cement (w/c) ratio of 0.46, and deionized water with (0 and 10% NaCl content). Supercritical CO 2 experimental runs were carried out under different conditions for 7 h. Before and after exposure to CO 2 , the material was characterized by multiple analytical techniques. The results indicate that salt under temperature and pressure and the scCO 2 environment accelerates the carbonation process by decomposing the hydrated product, increasing the CaCO 3 content. In this scenario, investigations of the effect of adding NaCl to cement pastes are limited. [Display omitted] • The NaCl alters cement matrix microstructure and causes attack by chloride. • Quantitative analysis is an efficient method, indicated increasing CaCO 3 formation. • The temperature effect on cement degradation is boosted by the presence of NaCl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the Na content reported on the labels of processed foods sold in Brazil that are usually consumed as snacks by children and adolescents.Design: Cross-sectional study that assessed Na content and serving size reporting on processed food labels.Setting: A supermarket that is part of a large chain in Brazil.Subjects: All foods available for sale at the study's location and reported in the literature as snacks present in the diets of Brazilian children and adolescents.Results: Of the 2945 processed foods, 87 % complied with the reference serving sizes, although variability in reporting was observed in most of the food subgroups. In addition, 21 % of the processed foods had high Na levels (>600 mg/100 g) and 35 % had medium Na levels (>120 and ≤600 mg/100 g). The meats, oils, fats and seeds groups as well as the prepared dishes had higher percentages of foods classified as high Na (81 %, 58 % and 53 %, respectively).Conclusions: Most of the processed foods had high or medium Na content. We emphasize the importance of revising Brazilian nutrition labelling legislation to standardize reference serving sizes to avoid variation. Besides, we point out the potential for reducing Na levels in most processed foods, as evidenced by the variability in Na content within subgroups. Finally, we have identified the need to develop a method to classify Na levels in processed foods with specific parameters for children and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Excessive salt intake has been directly associated with cardiovascular diseases, especially hypertension, and non-cardiovascular diseases. Despite the current recommendations, salt intake remains high, indicating the need to develop theory-based interventions aimed at reducing this intake. Aim: The purpose of this study was to test the impact of a theory-based intervention - the SALdável Program – to promote the use of less than 4 g of salt/day during cooking. Methods: This was a two-arm parallel-group randomized study. A total of 92 hypertensive women were randomly assigned to an intervention or control group. The intervention was aimed at motivating participants to reduce salt addition by increasing self-efficacy and counteracting the negative influence of habit. Primary outcomes were the behavioral question of salt addition and total salt addition, secondary outcomes were overall salt intake, provided by 24-hour urinary sodium excretion, and psychosocial variables (intention, self-efficacy, and habit). Results: At three-month follow-up, the intervention group improved significantly more than the control group regarding salt addition measures (p-values between 0.05 and 0.001) and psychosocial variables (all p-values ⩽0.001). The reduction in 24-hour urinary sodium excretion was not significant. Conclusion: The findings showed that this theory-based intervention was effective to motivate and change the behavior of hypertensive women regarding daily salt use in cooking meals. This was accomplished by means of improvements in intention and self-efficacy and reduction of the habit of using more than 4 g of salt/day during cooking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gulf of Mexico and the offshore Campos and Santos basins of Brazil provide good examples of sub-salt detachments, by shearing in the presence of overpressure. We have developed new physical models of such situations, including layers of ductile silicone putty, which simulated an evaporite, and fluid overpressure in porous brittle layers. We studied two configurations, in which the maximal overpressure was either beneath a single ductile layer of silicone (simulating salt), or between two such layers of silicone (simulating an evaporite sequence). The results of our analogue modelling showed that detachment faults appeared and persisted at the bases of the ductile layers, even though some ductile deformation occurred simultaneously within these layers. For models where maximal overpressure was between two ductile layers, detachment occurred mainly at the base of the upper silicone layer. On comparing our models with structures in the Gulf of Mexico or offshore Brazil, we find strong similarities, which lead us to suspect that detachment is indeed possible at the base of an evaporite sequence in nature. This conclusion has strong implications, not only for the understanding of petroleum systems, but also for better management of petroleum production in sedimentary basins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-quality 3D seismic reflection and well data are used to investigate the distribution, evolution history and significance of tectonic faulting in a salt minibasin offshore Espírito Santo, SE Brazil. Displacement-length (D max -L) plots, displacement-depth (D-Z) plots and structural maps are compiled to understand the growth history of distinct fault families. Interpreted structures include crestal, corridor, listric and keystone faults. Their geometry, orientation and relative distribution reveal important differences. In detail, listric faults were formed in the investigated salt withdrawal basin following a NW to WNW strike, and show multiple bright spots and pockmarks around them. The strata into which listric faults sole out have similar seismic, lithological and petrophysical characters to known Cenomanian to Turonian source rocks, which comprise shales and marls with high gamma-ray values. Low-amplitude to transparent seismic facies further indicate the presence of ductile, highly likely organic-rich shales and marls. As a result, three evolutionary stages can be identified: a) Stage 1 is characterised by the formation of NW- or WNW-striking listric faults, keystone faults and the onset of reactive diapirism; b) Stages 2 and 3 record active diapirism due to a relative increase in sediment loading, documenting the formation of many crestal, corridor and keystone faults. Importantly, normalised leakage factor analyses reveal keystone faults to be the most favourable pathways to fluid migrating in the investigated salt minibasin. Conversely, listric faults are likely to form barriers and baffles to fluid in their lower parts. • Listric faults can mark the presence of hydrocarbon source rocks in salt minibasins. • Formation and evolution of faults are strongly influenced by halokinesis in salt minibasins. • Leakage factor analyses indicate keystone faults are favourable fluid pathways. • Listric faults are likely to form barriers and baffles to fluid in their lower parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive sodium intake has been related to high blood pressure, a central risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In the present work, updated estimates of sodium intake, the main food sources, and the prevalence of excessive intakes in a nationwide multi-ethnic sample of Brazilian adults (2017-2018 Brazilian National Dietary Survey) were presented. Based on two 24-h recalls adjusted for the within-person variation, the overall median of sodium intake was 2432 mg. The prevalence of adults exceeding the recommended limits (tolerable upper limit, UL, and the chronic disease risk reduction cut-off point, CDRR) was 61% and 56%, respectively. The median sodium intake and proportion of individuals above the limits varied according to the subgroups evaluated. Males and adults (20-29 years) presented the highest excessive sodium intakes, and consequently, lowest adherence rates to UL and CDRR recommendations. The top food sources of sodium were white bread and toast (12.3%), beans (11.6%), white rice (10.6%), beef (7.7%), and poultry meat (5.5%). Given the health benefits of dietary sodium reduction, it would be advisable to enhance the current national initiatives of awareness and educational campaigns' combined efforts to reduce sodium in processed foods to effectively decrease this micronutrient intake across the Brazilian population.

In this article author talks about Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) that is a common chronic condition. Topics include considered that research regarding the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the occurrence of OSA as well as effective alternative approaches that can alleviate the severity of the sleep-related breathing disorder.

Abstract: Salt structures in linked extensional–contractional systems of passive margin sedimentary basins and deepwater fold belts play an important role in the evolution of rifted continental margins. The 100 km wide Jequitinhonha Basin with its salt-detached deepwater fold belt provides insight in the post-rift salt deformation processes in deepwater fold belts of the central Brazilian continental margin. Seismic interpretation and kinematic analysis of basin-scale 2D sections provide insights into the salt tectonic processes, related depositional systems, salt basin geometry, and kinematic evolution of the deepwater fold belt. Several salt kinematic domains have been identified; the most evident is the long-term contractional domain in the distal basin, which formed impressive salt-cored anticlines, salt walls and salt massifs reaching 4 km in thickness. The post-rift basin evolution was dominated by thin-skinned deformation and was initiated by differential loading of early post-rift shallow marine carbonates. Subsequently, the system was mainly driven by gravity-gliding of the overburden on the Aptian salt detachment. The depocenters were controlled by early post-rift salt mobilization and ranged from asymmetric grabens and rollovers to minibasins with vertically-stacked or shifting depocenters and formed the basis of the deepwater fold belt architecture in the Jequitinhonha Basin. The structural styles and kinematic evolution of the deepwater fold belt were strongly controlled by the original salt thickness, the distribution of Albian–Campanian depocenters and thickness variations in the overburden sediments. Early Cretaceous short-wavelength folds have been overprinted by long-wavelength folding owing to increased strength and thickness of the overburden since Paleogene times. Large-amplitude salt-cored folds developed in the deepwater basin due to contraction of pre-existing salt walls and formed margin-parallel, NNW–SSE trending narrow structural highs separated by wide depocenters. Ongoing uplift with reduced sediment accumulation over contractional diapirs or crestal erosion of the deepwater anticlines supported long-term strain localization and positive feedback in the active deepwater contractional deformation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: Inadequate iodine intake may result in iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). Thus, for more than 50 years, policies for the regulation of salt fortification with iodine have existed in Brazil. In 2003, a study on 6-14-year-old schoolchildren from regions of the state of São Paulo showed a median urinary iodine concentration of 360 μg/L. The objective of the present study was to assess the iodine nutrition status among schoolchildren. Methods: The study was conducted on 828 schoolchildren aged 4-13 years from eight schools in the interior of the state of São Paulo. A casual urine sample was collected from each volunteer for iodine determination by the adapted method of Sandell-Kalthoff. Results: Only 1.9% ( n = 16) of the children evaluated had low values of urinary iodine (<100 μg/L), while 24.6% had urinary iodine excretion values between 200 and 300 μg/L, and 67.1% had values above >300 μg/L. Conclusions: The results show that the iodine nutritional status of the schoolchildren studied is characterized by a high urinary iodine excretion, which might reveal an increase in iodine consumption by this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cornélio M.E., Gallani M.-C.B.J., Godin G., Rodrigues R.C.M., Nadruz Jr W. & Mendez R.D.R. (2012) Behavioural determinants of salt consumption among hypertensive individuals. J Hum Nutr Diet. 25, 334-344 Abstract Background: High salt consumption among populations remains a challenge for health professionals dealing with prevention and control of hypertension. The present study aimed to identify the psychosocial predictors of salt consumption among hypertensive individuals, based on an extended version of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). Three salt consumption behaviours were studied: Behaviour 1- using <4 g of salt per day during cooking; Behaviour 2- avoiding adding salt/table salt use to the prepared foods; and Behaviour 3- avoiding the consumption of foods with high salt content. Methods: At baseline ( n = 108), TPB and additional variables (self-efficacy, habit, past behaviour, hedonic determinant, self-perceived diet quality) were measured. At 2-month follow-up ( n = 95), the three behaviours were assessed. Behaviour and intention were sequentially regressed on the study variables, using polytomous logistic regression and hierarchical linear regression with rank transformation, respectively. Results: Behaviour 1 was predicted by intention [odds ratio (OR) = 6.23; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.81-21.52], whereas self-efficacy and habit predicted intention. Behaviour 2 exhibited high score mean and low variation and was predicted by self-perceived diet quality (OR = 2.56; 95% CI = 1.03-6.36). Behaviour 3 was predicted by the hedonic determinant (OR = 1.42; 95% CI = 1.01-1.98). Conclusions: The results indicate that salt-related behaviours are explained by a variety of determinants. Among these determinants, special consideration should be given to motivational and hedonic aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This cross-sectional study, based in implementation intention theory, describes action plans developed by women with hypertension (n=49) to add no more than 4g of salt per day to food and to reduce consumption of salty foods, as well as describing the barriers perceived and the coping strategies adopted for putting the action plans into practice. The plans were categorized according to similarities and were submitted to frequency analysis. The majority of the action and coping plans had to do with the effectuation of the behavior involving adding up to 4g of salt per day per person to food. The action strategies were aimed at quantifying the salt added, and the main obstacles were related to the reduced palatability of the food made with less salt. The coping plans have to do with preparing foods separately and to using natural seasonings instead of salt. This data can help the nurse to design activities for clinical education, with a view to reducing salt consumption among patients who prepare their own food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To study the effects of a diet rich in salt and/or saturated fat on atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)-granules, hypertension, renin expression, and cardiac structure in C57Bl/6 mice. Methods: Young adult male mice were separated into four groups ( n = 12) and fed one of the following for 9 weeks: standard chow/normal salt (SC-NS), high-fat chow/normal salt (HF-NS), standard chow/high salt (SC-HS) and high-fat chow/high salt (HF-HS). Alterations in the serum ANP, ultrastructural analysis of cardiomyocytes that produce ANP, structural analysis of the left ventricle, blood pressure, renin expression, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), feed efficiency, and lipid and glucose parameters were examined. Results: The HF-NS diet showed a small increase in ANP production and left ventricular hypertrophy, increased food efficiency, and abnormal lipid and glucose parameters. The SC-HS diet showed a large increase in ANP granules in myocytes and corresponding elevation in ANP serum levels, left ventricular hypertrophy, hypertension, decrease in renin levels, and increase in GFR. The combination of the two diets (HF-HS) had an additive effect. Conclusion: The incorporation of a high-fat high-salt diet induced ultrastructural changes in cardiomyocytes, increased the production of ANP and increased its serum level, and reduced the amount of renin in the kidney. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Sociologias is the property of Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul 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.)

Abstract: Contrasting responses of Eucalyptus trees to K fertilizer applications have been reported on soils with low K contents. A complete randomized block experiment was set up in Brazil to test the hypothesis that large atmospheric deposits of NaCl in coastal regions might lead to a partial substitution of K by Na in Eucalyptus physiology and enhance tree growth. Treatments with application of 1.5, 3.0, 4.5kmolKha−1 (K1.5, K3.0, K4.5, respectively) as KCl, 3.0kmolKha−1 applied as K2SO4, 3.0kmolNaha−1 (Na3.0) as NaCl commercialized for cattle feeding, and a mixture of 1.5kmolK+1.5kmolNaha−1 (K1.5 +Na1.5) were compared to a control treatment (C) with no K and Na applications. All the plots were fertilized with large amounts of the other nutrients. A positive effect of NaCl applications on the growth of E. grandis trees was observed. NaCl and KCl additions in treatments Na3.0 and K3.0 increased above-ground biomass by 56% and 130% three years after planting, respectively, in comparison with the C treatment. By contrast, accumulated litterfall up to age 3 years was not significantly modified. NaCl applications in the Na3.0 treatment significantly increased Na accumulation in above-ground tree components but did not modify K accumulation, whatever the sampling age. A partial substitution of K by Na in tree physiology, as observed for various agricultural crops, might explain this behaviour. Our results suggest the possibility of applying inexpensive K fertilizers, which are less purified in Na, and explain why high yields are achieved without K fertilizer applications in areas with large dry depositions of marine aerosols. Further investigations are necessary to identify the processes involving Na in Eucalyptus tree physiology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]