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Bioregulatory substances, such as acetylcholine (ACh) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), have shown promise in mitigating water deficit effects on plants. Their action on plant physiology, particularly in stomatal regulation and osmoprotection, contributes to enhanced agricultural productivity. Regarding soybean plants, changes in the metabolic profile that could justify the improvement in physiological performance and growth are still unknown. This study investigated the impact of combined ACh:GABA application during soybean V4 and R2 stages using physiological assessments and NMR-based metabolomics. Two equimolar doses (2 and 8 mM) of ACh:GABA were applied to soybean plants subjected to two water regimes: 100 % of field capacity (continuously irrigated) and water deficit (water suspension). Results demonstrated enhanced gas exchange, biomass, and chlorophyll content, alongside favorable enzymatic activity. NMR analysis revealed metabolites countering oxidative stress, supporting osmoprotection, and contributing to soybean development and energy supply. The 8 mM ACh:GABA application notably improved plant performance, showcasing potential for water deficit mitigation in soybeans.

Water management has a direct impact on plant development, and under deficit conditions, it often results in reduced yields. Silicon (Si), however, has the potential to alleviate stress and enhance plant performance under unfavorable conditions. This study aimed to analyze the performance of tomato plants cultivated under different water replacement depths and forms of silicon application. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement represented by two water replacement depths (60% and 100% of crop evapotranspiration - ETc) and four forms of silicon application (without application, soil application - full dose, soil application - split dose, and foliar applications). Four replications were used. The plants were cultivated in a protected environment using drip irrigation for water replacement, and silicon oxide served as the source of the element. The analyzed parameters included daily evapotranspiration, leaf spectral reflectance, mass accumulation (root, stem, and leaf), yield indices (fruit weight, plant yield, and defective fruits), water productivity, and post-harvest fruit weight loss. The imposition of water deficit (60% of ETc) in tomato leads to reduced crop development and yield, with the effects partially mitigated by the application of silicon. Conversely, under conditions of adequate water replacement (100% of ETc), silicon application contributes to increased development and yield of tomato. The application of silicon in the soil, whether in a full or split dose, demonstrates a more favorable response in vegetative indices and yield for tomato.

Abstract The Urticaceae family, circumscribed within the Rosales, was investigated in this study with an overview of the current literature about phytochemical studies using the Liquid Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) technique. The aim of this study was to review the secondary metabolites identified in the Urticaeae using LC-MS analysis. A systematic review was performed using Scifinder and ScienceDirect databases. Phenolic substances are the most abundant in the Urticaceae family, especially flavones, phenolic acids, and flavonols. We have shown that flavonoids are important chemotaxonomic markers of the chemical composition of the Urticaeae. Following chemical attributes, the C-glycosylated and O-glycosylated flavones stand out as the main skeletons. Our results revealed the chemical profile and structural variability of micromolecules from each genus of Urticaceae. This approach demonstrates a greater use of reversed-phase and liquid chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer with a negative mode electrospray ionization (ESI) source. In addition, the mobile phase is usually composed of binary systems and eluted by gradient systems. Finally, this paper presents the identification of molecular ion patterns and fragmentation of chemical markers in Urticaceae, identified and isolated using LC-MS, which has been proven to be a valuable tool in several areas, such as phytochemistry, chemosystematics, and chemophenetics. In conclusion, this review is expected to help identify and separate phenolic compounds from the Urticaceae family.

Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar os desafios e as aprendizagens vivenciadas pelos estudantes-estagiários durante o estágio supervisionado no período do ensino remoto na Licenciatura em Educação do Campo (LEdoC). A metodologia utilizada foi a abordagem qualitativa, por meio da pesquisa participante. Para produção dos dados, adotamos o levantamento da literatura, a análise das resoluções e aplicação do instrumento questionário aos estudantes-estagiários do curso de Licenciatura em Educação do Campo, Campus Professora Cinobelina Elvas no munícipio de Bom Jesus, Piauí. Os resultados apontaram para a fragilidade do ensino remoto nas escolas básicas do campo pela impossibilidade de realização de uma proposta emergencial sem atender as condições mínimas de acesso às tecnologias e plataformas digitais. Os dados também revelaram que, mesmo com esse condicionante do ensino remoto em caráter emergencial, o estágio supervisionado como componente curricular possibilitou aprendizagens sobre a docência e sobre os processos pedagógicos.

Growing conditions such as water supply and soil fertility influence oregano morphological development and physiological responses. Our study aimed to analyse the physiological responses of oregano plants grown under different water conditions and bokashi application rates. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse under a randomized block design and a 3 x 4 factorial scheme. Treatments encompassed three water replacement levels (60, 80, and 100% crop evapotranspiration - ETc) and four bokashi rates (0, 100, 200, and 300 g m-2), with five replications each. Oregano seedlings were transplanted and grown in a spacing of 0.3 m between plants and 1 m between bed rows. After 60 days, treatments were evaluated for photosynthetic rate (A), stomatal conductance (Gs), internal CO2 rate (Ci), transpiration (E), and water-use efficiency (WUE). Data underwent variance analysis by F-teste, multivariate analysis, and Pearson's linear correlation. Oregano physiological responses were significantly influenced by water replacement level and the application rate of fermented bokashi compost. The multivariate analysis allowed us to analyse the interaction effect between water replacement level and bokashi rate on photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, internal CO2, and transpiration.

Abordamos as transformações dos ordenamentos do consumo a partir das mudanças ocorridas na passagem da cidade moderna para a pós-moderna. Temos como objetivo problematizar as inter-relações comunicação, consumo e cidade, à luz da noção de biopolítica, buscando evidenciar como emergem os modos de vida em cada um dos referidos momentos sócio-históricos. Para tanto, analisamos, a partir das representações teóricas do flâneur, do transeunte e do cidadão conectado global, os modos de vida e a constituição dos sujeitos. Essas reflexões permitem observar o engendramento das lógicas do capitalismo nos ordenamentos da vida, sobretudo na produção de subjetividades implicadas nas transformações da cidade.

Objetivo: Refletir sobre a sífilis e o cenário epidemiológico atual de sífilis em gestantes no Distrito Sanitário Subúrbio Ferroviário da cidade de Salvador-BA. Método: Reflexão teórica a partir dos dados sobre sífilis em gestantes apresentados no Plano Municipal de Saúde de Salvador 2022-2025 e no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação, voltados para o Distrito Sanitário Subúrbio Ferroviário de Salvador/Ba. Resultados: De acordo com o Plano Municipal de Saúde, a taxa de incidência de sífilis em gestantes no Subúrbio Ferroviário aumentou nas últimas décadas. Esses dados apontam para um crescimento exponencial dos casos de sífilis em gestantes, e um grave caso de saúde da região em questão. Sabendo que é uma doença de rápido diagnóstico, fácil tratamento e amplo conhecimento do agente etiológico, é possível pensar em estratégias eficazes para a redução das taxas de incidência de sífilis em gestantes sob a perspectiva da educação em saúde. Considerações Finais: A sífilis em gestantes no Subúrbio Ferroviário tem aumentado nos últimos anos, em concordância com o cenário nacional, o que demanda dos serviços de atenção primária e seus trabalhadores a construção de estratégias e ferramentas para assistir essa população, como a realização de ações de educomunicação que sensibilizem a população para a importância do teste rápido, a adesão às consultas de pré-natal e também do tratamento da sífilis, tanto das gestantes quanto de seus parceiros.

Dois projetos de otimização, promovidos globalmente, visam responder aos desafios da vida urbana na contemporaneidade. O primeiro é o das Cidades Inteligentes, estruturadas a partir de um aparato tecnológico e informacional que passa a mediar a gestão da cidade, seu consumo e eficiência. O segundo é o das Cidades Amigas do Idoso, estruturadas a partir de ambientes que visam capacitar o crescente contingente idoso para o envelhecimento ativo na cidade. Moldados em um sistema neoliberal, ambos os projetos se apresentam como instâncias emancipadoras do cidadão para o exercício de uma cidadania participativa. Este artigo propõe que as cidades inteligentes demandem novas competências para o envelhecimento ativo na cidade, resultando em desafios para as cidades amigas do idoso no que toca à exclusão e literacia digital. Situando essa discussão no contexto brasileiro, propomos que para os idosos nem um projeto nem outro se realiza integralmente. Entretanto, a partir de uma perspectiva etnográfica, mapeamos como um grupo de idosos de São Paulo constrói uma rede informacional própria, centrada no WhatsApp, que viabiliza instâncias participativas e de pertencimento a partir de uma perspectiva “de baixo”. É nesse descompasso entre projeto e experiência urbanos que apontamos para a emergência de uma cidade acidental, informal, mas inteligente e amiga do idoso.

Abstract Background C4 plants have been classified into three subtypes based on the enzymes used to decarboxylate C4 acids in the bundle sheath cells (NADP-ME, NAD-ME and PEPCK pathways). Evidences indicate that, depending on environmental factors, C4 plants may exhibit a certain degree of flexibility in the use of the decarboxylation mechanisms. In this context, the objective was to extend the knowledge on the degree of flexibility between the pathways of decarboxylation in sugarcane, a NADP-ME species, at different levels of water deficit. Results An experiment was carried out with two cultivars - RB92579 (tolerant to water deficit) and SP80–3280 (susceptible to water deficit) subjected to moderate level (− 1.5 to − 1.8 MPa), severe level (below − 2.0 MPa) and recovery (48 h after rehydration) and changes in the activities of the enzymes involved in the three C4 mechanisms and in gene expression were investigated. Our results showed that sugarcane uses the PEPCK pathway as a decarboxylation mechanism in addition to the NADP-ME, which was more evident under water deficit conditions for both cultivars. Conclusions The results obtained here, show that sugarcane increases the use of the PEPCK pathway as a decarboxylation mechanism, in addition to the NADP-ME pathway, under conditions of water deficit, particularly in the tolerant cultivar.

Water stress is one important abiotic stress with negative impacts on plant productivity. In order to ameliorate abiotic stress, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), such as Bacillus subtilis, can be used due to their positive effects on plant physiology. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of B. subtilis on the performance of maize and common bean under water deficit conditions. The study was performed in a plant growth chamber and the growth, gas exchange parameters and antioxidant activity were evaluated. B. subtilis promoted the growth of common bean and maize, and also increased the water use efficiency. The inoculation with B. subtilis increased leaf water content and the regulation of stomata, without damaging photosynthetic rates. Overall, B. subtilis decreased antioxidant activities in both plants. The results suggest that B. subtilis could be used as inoculants for common bean and maize to protect against water stress.

Dialogando com reflxão de Canclini na quarentena da Cidade do México em 2009 pela epidemia de H1N1, nosso artigo aborda as cidades de São Paulo e Rio de Janeiro para discutir desdobramentos da pandemia da Covid-19. O agravamento da crise denuncia e expõe as flgrantes desigualdades sociais fomentadas pelo modelo de gestão dos espaços urbanos que associa o político ao econômico, favorecendo a concentração de renda e limitando o acesso a recursos de toda ordem. Comunicação, vigilância, sociabilidade e cidadania são os eixos temáticos da discussão apresentada. Ao fial, argumentamos sobre a urgência em constituirmos um revigorado horizonte comum de debate e ação coletiva unindo o político ao social.

Aim of study: Soils contaminated by heavy metals, such as cadmium, may reduce plant development. Exogenous application of plant growth regulators (PGR), are used for optimizing the crops production in stressful environments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Cd concentrations on the development of soybean seedlings under exogenous application of a commercial PGR. Area of study: Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil. Material and methods: Soybean seeds were pre-treated in distilled water (control treatment) and in solution with plant growth regulator (PGR treatment) and then germinated with distillated water. The germinated seeds were transferred to different levels of Cd (0, 100, 500 and 900 mg of Cd). Main results: Cd exposure at increasing concentrations, decreased root development, (area, length and volume of roots) and activity of enzymatic antioxidants (SOD, CAT and APX) and enhanced MDA. These responses were accentuated by the PGR exposition. The root morphology and activity of antioxidant enzymes presented "hormesis" responses until 500 mg L-1 of Cd, and the proline content may have played a fundamental role in the maintenance of metabolic activities and biomass. Research highlights: The results indicate that the use of PGR intensified the toxicity responses caused by exposure to increased Cd level. In addition, stress indicators such as MDA content and antioxidant activity in different organs (root and shoot) of soybean seedlings, responded differently according with the use of PGR under exposure of Cd.

Abordamos, neste artigo, o consumo da cidade a partir da produção de sentidos e de discursos presentes em projetos de reurbanização da região central da cidade de São Paulo, lugar que propicia diálogos, debates e embates característicos do nosso espaço-tempo histórico e nos permite descortinar os discursos institucionalizados sobre áreas urbanas de interesse de várias ordens. Definimos como questão a ser debatida a produção de sentidos sobre a cidade de São Paulo, notadamente aquela promovida no âmbito de projetos de reurbanização, bem como a concepções de cidade que justificam intervenção no centro desta metrópole brasileira. Para tanto, o corpus a ser analisado é formado por três propostas de reurbanização na região central da cidade de São Paulo: Projeto Nova Luz, 2011; Projeto Centro Novo, 2017; e Projeto Campos Elísios Vivo, 2018. Tendo como principal inspiração teórico-metodológica a análise de discurso de linha francesa, mobilizamos estudiosos do campo da comunicação, dos estudos do consumo e da cidade que fundamentam teoricamente nossas reflexões.

No abstract present.

In this work, excitation and emission spectra were evaluated in order to elucidate the properties of quinguangulin and rubrofusarin in water/ethanol mixture. The study demonstrates that the maximum excitation wavelength can be significantly modulated changing the proportion of organic solvent in the water/organic solvent system. Quinquangulin presented the higher wavelength of maximum excitation in an ethanol-water mixture containing 70% of water. Probably, the organization between ethanol and water molecules in this condition favors the formation of strong polar interactions with the π* orbitals of naphthopyrones. It is interesting to register that the additional methyl group in quinquangulin seems to develop a decisive function related to the ability to formation of hydrogen bonds, altering significantly the mechanism of solute-solvent interaction. This work, which involves theoretical and experimental analyses, demonstrates the relevance of the studies focused on solvent mixtures as well as emphasizes the potential of quinguangulin and rubrofusarin as photosensitizers. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17807/orbital.v9i4.1043

In this work is presented a spectrophotometry investigation focused on the solvatochromic effects upon Methylene Blue (MB). Measurements were carried out in four different water/organic solvent mixtures: low polarity protic solvent (ethanol), polar non-protic solvent (acetonitrile), highly polar protic solvent (glycerol), and non-polar solvent (dioxane). The results showed that the photophysical behavior of MB is highly affected by self-aggregates formation at 80% of water/organic solvent blends. Besides polarity, the protic character and the coordinating properties of the solvent molecules are the key parameters for its photophysical behavior, since the sulfur atom of the cationic structure can act as a coordination center due to its Lewis acid character. In fact, water and acetonitrile coordinating properties have proved to be important to determine MB interactions intensity and its spectroscopic properties as singlet oxygen emission. It was observed that an increase of the amount of the organic solvent resulted in an enhancement of the singlet oxygen emission intensity. The presence of the water increases the dielectric constant of the medium and favors the self-aggregation process. Besides, the water molecules can act as a quencher and it decreases the quantum yield of the fluorescence of MB. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17807/orbital.v9i4.996

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a inclusão de níveis de lisina e metionina protegidos, sobre os parâmetros nutricionais e metabólitos proteicos de borregas em crescimento. O experimento foi realizado na Fazenda Experimental Capim Branco, da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, durante os meses de setembro e outubro de 2016. Utilizou-se cinco borregas ½ sangue Dorper x ½ Santa Inês, com aproximadamente oito meses de idade e peso médio de 50±5 kg, distribuídas em esquema quadrado latino 5x5 (cinco tratamentos e cinco repetições). Os tratamentos consistiram na inclusão de diferentes níveis de lisina e metionina protegidos da degradação ruminal (MicroPEARLS LM®) na ração, sendo: 0g, 8g, 16g, 24g e 32g. A dieta era composta por silagem de milho e concentrado na relação 30V:70C. O experimento foi divido em cinco fases. Cada fase teve duração de quinze dias (dez dias de adaptação dos animais e cinco de coleta de dados). Os animais foram mantidos em gaiola metabólicas individuais. Realizou-se um ensaio de digestibilidade para determinar o consumo e digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca (CMS/DGMS), balanço de nitrogênio e metabólitos proteicos. O CMS (kg dia -1) e em relação ao peso metabólico apresentaram equação linear positiva, assim como o nitrogênio ingerido e balanço de nitrogênio, sendo positivo em todos tratamentos. Não houve diferença (P > 0,05) para digestibilidade da MS. As concentrações de proteína bruta e ureia mantiveram-se acima do recomendado, enquanto creatinina, manteve-se abaixo. A inclusão de aminoácidos protegidos até 32g aumenta o CMS e excreção de nitrogênio urinário, sem afetar negativamente a digestibilidade. O metabolismo proteico foi alterado, sem causar danos ao desempenho dos animais.

Lipid droplets (lipid bodies, LDs) are dynamic organelles that have important roles in regulating lipid metabolism, energy homeostasis, cell signaling, membrane trafficking, and inflammation. LD biogenesis, composition, and functions are highly regulated and may vary according to the stimuli, cell type, activation state, and inflammatory environment. Increased cytoplasmic LDs are frequently observed in leukocytes and other cells in a number of infectious diseases. Accumulating evidence reveals LDs participation in fundamental mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions, including cell signaling and immunity. LDs are sources of eicosanoid production, and may participate in different aspects of innate signaling and antigen presentation. In addition, intracellular pathogens evolved mechanisms to subvert host metabolism and may use host LDs, as ways of immune evasion and nutrients source. Here, we review mechanisms of LDs biogenesis and their contributions to the infection progress, and discuss the latest discoveries on mechanisms and pathways involving LDs roles as regulators of the immune response to protozoan infection.

Silicon is a nutrient that can provide better development of rice plants grown in environments with water deficit. This element reduces water loss by transpiration, increases photosynthetic rate and acts as an activator of the enzyme defense system. The purpose of this research was analyse the effect of silicon in two rice cultivars (Curinga and IAC 202) submitted to water deficit under the enzymatic parameters, physiological and productive. We used four strains of soil water (-10, –30, –50 and –70 kPa) combined with two ways of correcting the soil saturation (absence and presence of silicon). We measured the enzymatic activity of Superoxide dismutase, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase, the rate of CO2 assimilation and yield. The experimental design was randomized in blocks 4 x 2 factorial with four replications, and the means compared by Tukey test (p

The use of alternatives that promote increase in the activity of the nitrate reductase (NR) enzyme in the beginning of plant development could allow the introduction of upland rice in the no-tillage (NT). This paper aimed to evaluate the interference of cover crops and rates of N in the nitrate reductase activity and biomass accumulation by rice plants on NT. The experiment was conducted in Botucatu (SP), in an area under NT for six years. Plots consisted of six species of cover crops (Urochloa brizantha, U. decumbens, U. humidicola, U. ruziziensis, Pennisetum americanum and Crotalaria spectabilis), and the split plots seven forms of nitrogen fertilizer management at 0 and 30 days after rice emergence, respectively [(1- control, no N, 2- calcium nitrate (40+40 kg ha-1 ), 3- calcium nitrate (0+80 kg ha-1 ), 4- ammonium sulfate (40+40 kg ha-1 ), 5- ammonium sulfate (0+80 12 Colloquium Agrariae, v. 11, n.1, Jan-Jun. 2015, p.11-22. DOI: 10.5747/ca.2015.v11.n1.a114 kg ha-1 ), 6- ammonium sulfate + dicyandiamide (40+40 kg ha-1 ) e 7- ammonium sulfate + dicyandiamide (0+ 80 kg ha-1 )]. C. spectabilis and U. ruziziensis provided the highest nitrate redutase enzyme activity in rice and P. americanum and U. humidicola the lowest. The nitrate redutase enzyme activity in rice plants was higher when all the nitrogen was applied at 30 days after emergence. The supply of nitrogen as ammonium with nitrification inhibitor showed higher biomass accumulation on rice plants. The forms of nitrogen fertilization showed the highest biomass accumulation were the splitting. The millet was showed the highest biomass accumulation on rice.

The lowest grain yield of rice under no-tillage system (NTS) in relation to the conventional system may be due to the predominance nitrate in the soil and the low nitrate reductase activity. Another reason may be caused by micronutrient deficiency because of superficially soil acidity corrections. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the changes caused by soil pH in the N forms in the soil, micronutrients concentration in rice plants, nitrate reductase activity, yield of rice and its components. The experiment was performed in a greenhouse conditions. The experimental design was a completely randomized in a factorial three (levels of soil acidity) x five (micronutrients sources) with four replications. The addition of micronutrients does not affect levels of nitrate and ammonium in the soil; soil acidity significantly affects levels of nitrate and ammonium in the soil, concentration of micronutrients in rice plants and crop yield and its components; medium soil acidity (pH 5.5) result in medium to high levels of Cu and Fe, medium level of Zn and Mn, high nitrate reductase activity, resulting in higher dry matter, tillers, panicles, spikelets, weight of 100 grains and hence grain yield.

O uso de alternativas que proporcionem aumento da atividade da enzima nitrato redutase (NR) no início do desenvolvimento das plantas pode viabilizar a introdução do arroz de terras altas no sistema plantio direto (SPD). O objetivo foi determinar a interferência das plantas de cobertura e de doses e fontes de nitrogênio na atividade da enzima nitrato redutase e no acúmulo de biomassa por plantas de arroz de terras altas em SPD. O experimento foi realizado na Fazenda Experimental Lageado, Botucatu (SP), em área cultivada há seis anos no SPD. As parcelas foram constituídas por seis espécies de plantas de cobertura do solo (Urochloa brizantha, U. decumbens, U. humidicola, U. ruziziensis, Pennisetum americanum e Crotalaria spectabilis) e as subparcelas por sete formas de manejo da adubação nitrogenada aplicados ao 0 e 30 dias após a emergência do arroz, respectivamente [(1- controle, sem N, 2- nitrato de cálcio (40+40 kg ha-1), 3-nitrato de cálcio (0+80 kg ha-1), 4-sulfato de amônio, (40+40 kg ha-1), 5- sulfato de amônio (0+80 kg ha-1), 6- sulfato de amônio + dicianodiamida (40+40 kg ha-1) e 7-sulfato de amônio + dicianodiamida (0+ 80 kg ha-1)]. As plantas de cobertura C. spectabilis e a U. ruziziensis proporcionaram as maiores atividades da enzima nitrato redutase nas plantas de arroz, enquanto que milheto e U. humidicola as menores; A atividade da enzima nitrato redutase nas plantas de arroz foi maior com aplicação de todo o nitrogênio aos 30 dias após a emergência do arroz, independentemente da fonte; O fornecimento de nitrogênio na forma amoniacal com inibidor de nitrificação proporcionou maior acúmulo de biomassa por plantas de arroz; As formas de manejo de nitrogênio que proporcionaram os maiores acúmulos de biomassa foram as parceladas; O milheto foi a planta de cobertura que proporcionou o maior acúmulo de biomassa pelas plantas de arroz.

As a common problem in long-term care facilities (LTCFs), anemia affects 25-63% of the elderly. The aim of the present study was to describe the prevalence and characteristics of anemia and its associated factors in the institutionalized elderly. The cross-sectional study was carried out with three hundred thirteen individuals aged ≥ 60 years, of both genders, living in long-term care facilities for the elderly in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Poisson regression (PR) with robust variance estimates was used to assess the factors related to anemia. The prevalence of anemia was 38%. Mild anemia was predominant in both genders (male: 26.8%; female: 21.1%), as normocytic and normochromic anemia, with no anisocytosis (69.75%). Anemia was associated with thinness (PR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.04-2.72) and with moderate (PR: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.07-3.63) and total (PR: 2.61; 95% CI: 1.34-5.07) dependence in the final model. Severe dependence exhibited borderline significance (PR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.00-3.77). The prevalence of anemia was high in the institutionalized elderly in both genders, with characteristics suggesting chronic diseases as the causal factor, and the frequency of occurrence was higher in thinness elderly with moderate to total dependence.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162240.].

FUNDAMENTO: A obesidade androgênica está associada a um risco maior de distúrbios metabólicos, favorecendo assim a ocorrência de doenças cardiovasculares e outras morbidades. OBJETIVO: Verificar a influência da área de tecido adiposo visceral (ATAV), medida pela tomografia computadorizada, sobre alterações metabólicas em adultos e idosos. MÉTODOS: Tomografias computadorizadas e valores de lipoproteínas: o colesterol total e frações, os triglicérides, a glicemia e o ácido úrico foram obtidos de 194 indivíduos estratificados por sexo, grupo etário e massa corporal, e analisados utilizando os testes de correlação e de média. RESULTADOS: Os idosos apresentaram maiores valores da ATAV, glicemia, ácido úrico e colesterol total. As maiores correlações foram encontradas entre a ATAV, os triglicérides e o VLDL-c (r > 0,5; p < 0,01), em ambos os grupos etários. A média da área de tecido adiposo visceral mostrou-se sempre mais elevada quando os valores de triglicérides e de glicemia estavam alterados, em ambos os grupos etários. CONCLUSÃO: A maioria dos exames apresentou forte correlação com a ATAV considerada de risco para alterações metabólicas. Em idosos, a área de tecido adiposo visceral de risco parece ser superior a de adultos.FUNDAMENTO: La obesidad androgénica está asociada a un riesgo mayor de disturbios metabólicos, favoreciendo así la ocurrencia de enfermedades cardiovasculares y otras morbilidades. OBJETIVOS: Verificar la influencia del área de tejido adiposo visceral (ATAV), medida por la tomografía computarizada, sobre alteraciones metabólicas en adultos y adultos mayores. MÉTODOS: Tomografías computarizadas y valores de lipoproteínas: el colesterol total y fracciones, los triglicéridos, la glucemia y el ácido úrico se obtuvieron de 194 individuos estratificados por sexo, grupo de edad y masa corporal, y se analizaron utilizando las pruebas de correlación y de promedio. RESULTADOS: Los adultos mayores presentaron mayores valores de la ATAV, glucemia, ácido úrico y colesterol total. Las mayores correlaciones se encontraron entre la ATAV, los triglicéridos y el VLDL-c (r > 0,5; p < 0,01), en ambos grupos de edad. La media del área de tejido adiposo visceral se evidenció siempre más elevada cuando los valores de triglicéridos y de glucemia estaban alterados, en ambos grupos de edad. CONCLUSIÓN: La mayoría de los exámenes presentó fuerte correlación con la ATAV considerada de riesgo para alteraciones metabólicas. En adultos mayores, el área de tejido adiposo visceral de riesgo parece ser superior a la de adultos.BACKGROUND: Androgenic obesity is associated with a higher risk of metabolic disorders, thus favoring the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases and other morbidities. OBJECTIVE: To verify the influence of the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area, measured by computed tomography (CT), on the metabolic alterations in adult and elderly individuals. METHODS: CT results and lipoprotein levels, total cholesterol and fractions, triglycerides, glycemia and uric acid levels, were obtained from 194 individuals stratified by sex, age group and body mass and analyzed using the tests of correlation and means. RESULTS: The elderly individuals presented higher VAT area, glycemia, uric acid and total cholesterol levels. The most important correlations were observed between VAT area, triglycerides (TG) and VLDL-c (r > 0.5; p < 0.01), in both age groups. The mean VAT area was always higher when TG and glycemia levels were altered, in both age groups. CONCLUSION: Most tests showed a strong correlation with VAT area, which was considered as risk for metabolic alterations. In elderly individuals, the risk VAT area seems to be higher than that of adult individuals.

Objetivo: evaluar un material educativo utilizado como recurso didáctico para apoyo a la enseñanza de la valoración cardiovascular. Metodología: el material educativo fue analizado por enfermeros expertos en cardiovascular y se aplicó a 30 estudiantes de enfermería de la Universidad Federal del Ceará (Brasil), en el período de enero a junio de 2006. Para el análisis de la consistencia interna fue calculado el coeficiente alfa de Cronbach. Para estudiar el rendimiento de los alumnos, se compararon los puntajes de una prueba que evaluaba el tema enseñado, antes y después de la intervención. Resultados: todos los expertos destacaron que el juego presenta consonancia, interactividad, coherencia, validez pedagógica y que motiva al alumno a participar en su proceso de aprendizaje. La diferencia de las medias de las evaluaciones pre y post intervención fue estadísticamente significativa. Conclusión: Se confirmó la validez y aplicabilidad del uso del juego como recurso pedagógico.Objetivo: avaliar um material educativo utilizado como recurso didático para apoio ao ensino da valoração cardiovascular. Metodologia: o material educativo foi analisado por enfermeiros experientes em cardiovascular e se aplicou a 30 estudantes de enfermagem da Universidade Federal do Ceará (Brasil) no período de janeiro a junho de 2006. Para análise da consistência interna foi calculado o coeficiente alfa de Cronbach. Para analisar o rendimento dos alunos se compararam as pontuações de uma prova que avaliava o tema ensinado antes e depois da intervenção. Resultados: todos os experientes destacaram que o jogo apresenta consonância, interatividade, coerência, validez pedagógica e que fazia participar ao aluno em seu processo de aprendizagem. A diferença das médias das avaliações pré e pós intervenção foi estatisticamente significante. Conclusão: confirmou-se a validez e aplicabilidade do uso do jogo como recurso pedagógico.Objective: to evaluate an educational material used as a didactic resource to support the teaching of cardiovascular assessment. Methodology: the educational material was analyzed by experts in cardiovascular nursing and applied to 30 nursing students at the Federal University of Ceara (Brazil) in the period January - June of 2006. To analyze the internal consistency Cronbach alpha coefficient was calculated. To analyze the student’s performance the scores of a test that evaluated the taught topic applied before and after the intervention were compared. Results: all the experts highlighted that the game features are consistent, is interactive, coherent, has pedagogic validity and allowed the student to participate in his learning process. The direffence in the means of the pre and post intervension assessment was statistically significant. Conclusion: the validity and applicability of the game as a pedagogic resource was confirmed.

This work focus on the influence of solvent on the photophysical properties of chlorophyll α and pheophytin. Both compounds are related to the photosynthesis process and are considered prototypes of photosensitizers in Photodynamic Therapy. Fluorescence measurements were developed using water/ethanol mixtures at different compositions, since both solvents could be employed in biological applications. The spectroscopic properties of these compounds undergo profound changes depending on water content in the ethanol due to auto-aggregation processes. The major hydrophobicity and the lower dielectric constant of ethanol when compared with water precluded significantly the auto-aggregation process of these compounds.

Adriana Lima Vallochi1, Anna Carla Goldberg2, Angela Falcai3, Rajendranath Ramasawmy4, Jorge Kalil4, Cláudio Silveira5, Rubens Belfort Jr5, Luiz Vicente Rizzo31Oswaldo Cruz Institution (IOC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; 2NUCEL – Cellular and Molecular Therapy Center, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; 3Department of Immunology, Biomedical Science Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; 4Laboratory of Immunology, Heart Institute, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; 5Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, BrazilAbstract: Infection with Toxoplasma gondii results in retinochoroiditis in 6% to 20% of immunocompetent individuals. The outcome of infection is the result of a set of interactions involving host genetic background, environmental, and social factors, and the genetic background of the parasite, all of which can be further modified by additional infections or even reinfection. Genes that encode several components of the immune system exhibit polymorphisms in their regulatory and coding regions that affect level and type of expression in response to stimuli, directing the immune response into different pathways. These variant alleles have been associated with susceptibility to immune-mediated diseases and with severity of pathology. We have investigated polymorphisms in several of these genes, identified as candidates for progression to retinochoroiditis caused by toxoplasmosis, namely chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 5 (CCR5), toll-like receptor-2 (TLR2), and TLR4. Furthermore, because interleukin-12 (IL-12) has been shown to be fundamental both in mice and in man to control a protective response against T. gondii, molecules that have a key function in IL-12 production will be emphasized in this review, in addition to discussing the importance of the genetic background of the parasite in the establishment of ocular disease.Keywords: ocular toxoplasmosis, IL-12, TLR, CCR5, immunity

OBJECTIVE: To report on the life and works of Prof. Antonio Branco Lefèvre and the relevance that led him to be considered the Forefather of Child Neurology in Brazil. METHOD: The method utilized was the historical documents research; bibliographical. RESULTS: Antonio Branco Lefèvre (1916-1981) was born in São Paulo city; graduated in 1941 from the São Paulo Medical School. The date - 1950 - can be considered when Child Neurology took shape for a fully specialty, when Lefèvre presented his two internationally acclaimed thesis. Lefèvre was recognized as he founder of Child Neurology in Brazil since the early years of his brilliant academic activities. In 1967 achieved the title of professor in the Child Neurology Clinic. His numerous trainees and Residents - from -1950 to 1981 - held today key positions in Brazilian Child Neurology. CONCLUSION: The extension and importance of the Child Neurology School of which he is the legitimate founder is recognized.OBJETIVO: Relatar a vida e obra do Prof. Antonio Branco Lefèvre e a relevância que leva a ser denominado o Pai da Neurologia Infantil no Brasil. MÉTODO: Pesquisa de documentos históricos e bibliográfica. RESULTADOS: Antonio Branco Lefèvre (1916-1981) nascido em São Paulo; formou-se na Faculdade de Medicina de São Paulo em 1941. A data de 1950 pode ser considerada quando a Neurologia Infantil tornou-se uma especialidade completa quando Lefèvre defendeu suas duas teses aclamadas internacionalmente. Lefévre foi reconhecido como o Pai da Neurologia Infantil no Brasil desde os primeiros anos de sua carreira acadêmica brilhante. Em 1967 atingiu o título de Professor de Neurologia Clínica Infantil. Seus numerosos estagiários e Residentes - de 1950 a 1981 - têm hoje posições de destaque na Neurologia Infantil brasileira. CONCLUSÃO: É reconhecida a extensão e a relevância da escola de Neurologia Infantil da qual Lefèvre é o legítimo fundador.

OBJETIVO: avaliar a prevalência da colonização pelo estreptococo do grupo B (EGB) em gestantes em pródromos ou em trabalho de parto. MÉTODOS: foram colhidas culturas vaginal e retal de 201 gestantes atendidas no setor de admissão de maternidade pública da região Nordeste do Brasil (São Luís, Maranhão). As amostras obtidas foram inoculadas em meio seletivo de Todd Hewith e, posteriormente, subcultivadas em placas de ágar sangue. O teste de CAMP (Christie, Atkins, Munch-Petersen) foi utilizado para identificação do EGB, confirmado sorologicamente pelo sistema de microteste kit Api 20 Strep da BioMérieux. As amostras positivas para EGB foram submetidas ao teste de sensibilidade para antibióticos. Foram estudadas as variáveis sociodemográficas, antecedentes gineco-obstétricos e desfechos perinatais. Na análise estatística foram utilizados os programas Epi-Info 3.3.2, da Organização Mundial de Saúde e o Statistical Package for Social Sciences, versão 14.0. A razão de prevalência foi utilizada como medida de risco, considerando como nível de significância pPURPOSE: to assess the prevalence of group B streptococcus colonization (GBS) in pregnant women in prodrome or in labor. METHODS: vaginal and rectal cultures were collected from 201 pregnant women, in the admission sector of a public maternity center in the northeast region of Brazil (São Luís, Maranhão). The samples obtained were inoculated in a Todd-Hewith's selective culture medium and after that they were sub-cultivated in blood-agar plates. The CAMP (Christie, Atkins, Munch-Petersen) test was used to identify GBS, which was then serologically confirmed by the BioMérieux Api 20 Strep kit microtest. GBS positive samples were submitted to an antibiotic sensitivity test. Sociodemographic variables, gynecological-obstetrical antecedents, and perinatal outcomes were studied. The Epi-Info 3.3.2 programs from World Health Organization and Statistical Package for Social Sciences 14.0 version were used for the statistical analysis. The prevalence ratio was used as risk measure, considering p

La evaluación del estado nutricional es un procedimiento complejo, sobre todo en el nordeste brasileño donde preponderan dos realidades distintas: la desnutrición y el sobrepeso / obesidad. Esta situación se complica cuando citamos embarazadas, donde la calidad de las consultas de prenatal realizadas por enfermeros es de gran importancia. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar los indicadores clínicos contenidos en los registros de enfermería, de embarazadas que presentaron los diag- nósticos de enfermería nutrición desequilibrada y que realizaron el prenatal en un Centro de Parto Natural. Se evaluaron 116 prontuarios, en los que se encontraron 90 registros de los diagnósticos en cuestión. Los resultados demostraron que los académicos y profesionales utilizaron inadecuadamente la taxonomía de la NANDA, construyendo los diagnósticos de forma incorrecta, dejando de utilizar características consideradas importantes. Se concluye que es necesario prestar más atención al registro de las características determinantes de estos diagnósticos.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate quality of life (QL) and sleep quality impairment of cocaine chronic dependents in use of cocaine. METHOD: 40 patients, chronic cocaine dependents were evaluated (37 M; 3 F), with mean age of 28.92 years, along with 40 controls paired for gender and age. The following instruments were used: a) the semi-structured clinical interview; b) the Brazil Economic Classification; c) the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; d) World Heath Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). RESULTS: The cocaine dependents showed QL impairment, with deficits in the physical, psychological and social relations domains. Impaired sleep quality was also observed in the cocaine dependents. However, the QL impairment was not directly due to sleep deficit. CONCLUSION: Chronic cocaine dependents showed impairment in QL and sleep impairment. However, for the cocaine dependent group, sleep impairment was not regarded as compromising QL probably because cocaine, rather than sleep, was the main factor negatively influencing QL.OBJETIVO: Avaliar a qualidade de vida (QV) em dependentes de cocaína na fase de uso de droga e comprometimento da qualidade do sono. MÉTODO: Foram avaliados 40 pacientes dependentes de cocaína (37 M; 3 F), com média de idade de 29,92 anos; e 40 controles, equiparando-se as variáveis de gênero e idade e utilizando-se os seguintes instrumentos: a) Entrevista clínica semi-dirigida; b) Classificação Econômica Brasil; c) Índice de Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh; d) World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-Breve). RESULTADOS: Os dependentes de cocaína apresentaram prejuízo na QV, com alterações nos domínios físico, psicológico e também das relações sociais. No grupo estudo não houve associação entre QV e qualidade do sono, ou seja, para os sujeitos desta amostra, a qualidade do sono não afetou a QV. CONCLUSÃO: No grupo estudo a QV foi considerada prejudicada, mas não devida de forma primordial ao comprometimento da qualidade do sono. Nestes pacientes a cocaína é provavelmente o fator primordial negativo sobre a QV e não o comprometimento do sono.