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In breeding programs, the demand for high-throughput phenotyping is substantial as it serves as a crucial tool for enhancing technological sophistication and efficiency. This advanced approach to phenotyping enables the rapid and precise measurement of complex traits. Therefore, the objective of this study was to estimate the correlation between vegetation indices (VIs) and grain yield and to identify the optimal timing for accurately estimating yield. Furthermore, this study aims to employ photographic quantification to measure the characteristics of corn ears and establish their correlation with corn grain yield. Ten corn hybrids were evaluated in a Complete Randomized Block (CRB) design with three replications across three locations. Vegetation and green leaf area indices were estimated throughout the growing cycle using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and were subsequently correlated with grain yield. The experiments consistently exhibited high levels of experimental quality across different locations, characterized by both high accuracy and low coefficients of variation. The experimental quality was consistently significant across all sites, with accuracy ranging from 79.07% to 95.94%. UAV flights conducted at the beginning of the crop cycle revealed a positive correlation between grain yield and the evaluated vegetation indices. However, a positive correlation with yield was observed at the V5 vegetative growth stage in Lavras and Ijaci, as well as at the V8 stage in Nazareno. In terms of corn ear phenotyping, the regression coefficients for ear width, length, and total number of grains (TNG) were 0.92, 0.88, and 0.62, respectively, demonstrating a strong association with manual measurements. The use of imaging for ear phenotyping is promising as a method for measuring corn components. It also enables the identification of the optimal timing to accurately estimate corn grain yield, leading to advancements in the agricultural imaging sector by streamlining the process of estimating corn production.

Objetivo: relatar a experiência da elaboração gráfica do Mapa de Risco realizada em uma Unidade de Saúde. Materiais e Métodos: trata-se de um estudo descritivo, do tipo relato de experiência em uma Estratégia de Saúde da Família de Montes Claros, elaborado pelas acadêmicas do 7º período de Enfermagem de uma instituição de ensino superior da mesma cidade, durante os meses de abril e maio de 2023. Foi realizada a construção visual de um mapa de risco, em que foram identificados, por meio da observação e aplicação de um questionário, todos os riscos existentes no local. Os resultados obtidos foram apresentados aos funcionários da unidade através de um banner, contendo os riscos mapeados, bem como as recomendações para a prevenção de agravos. Resultados: foram diagnosticados os riscos intrínsecos de cada setor da Unidade de Saúde, percebendo-se que os mais prevalentes eram o biológico e físico. Com isso, efetuou-se uma ação educativa, envolvendo os colaboradores, como forma de conscientização e prevenção de possíveis acidentes laborais, alertando para os riscos ocupacionais aos quais estavam expostos e orientando-os com medidas de segurança e proteção. Conclusão: o mapa de risco é um instrumento que reúne informações essenciais sobre os cuidados que os trabalhadores devem ter em cada setor, objetivando a prevenção de acidentes e enfermidades ocupacionais. Dessa forma, a elaboração e ação realizadas foram essenciais para a manutenção da saúde e sensibilização dos funcionários no ambiente laboral.

Ultrasound images are corrupted by a type of signal-dependent noise, called speckle, difficult to remove or attenuate with the classical denoising methods. On the contrary, structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is usually a high resolution low noise image modality that involves complex and expensive equipment and long acquisition times. Herein, a deep learning-based pipeline for speckle removal in B-mode ultrasound medical images, based on cross modality transfer learning, is proposed. The architecture of the system is based on a pix2pix Generative Adversarial Network (GAN), $D$ , able to denoise real B-mode ultrasound images by generating synthetic MRI-like versions by an image-to-image translation manner. The GAN $D$ was trained using two classes of image pairs: i) a set consisting of authentic MRI images paired with synthetic ultrasound images generated through a dedicated ultrasound simulator based on another GAN, $S$ , designed specifically for this purpose, and ii) a set comprising natural images paired with their corresponding noisy counterparts corrupted by Rayleigh noise. The denoising GAN proposed in this study demonstrates effective removal of speckle noise from B-mode ultrasound images. It successfully preserves the integrity of anatomical structures and avoids reconstruction artifacts, producing outputs that closely resemble typical MRI images. Comparative tests against other state-of-the-art methods reveal superior performance of the proposed denoising strategy across various reconstruction quality metrics.

Carajasia cangae (Rubiaceae) is a narrow endemic species from the canga ecosystems of the Carajás National Forest that is facing extinction due to a limited range and habitat disturbance from hydroclimatological changes and mining activities. This study examines the influence of rhizospheric and endophytic bacteria on C. cangae seed germination to support conservation efforts. Soil samples, both rhizospheric and non-rhizospheric, as well as plant root tissues, were collected. Bacteria from these samples were subsequently isolated, cultured, and identified. DNA sequencing revealed the presence of 16 isolates (9 rhizospheric and 7 endophytic), representing 19 genera and 6 phyla: Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Chloroflexi. The endophytic isolates of Bacillus and the rhizospheric isolates of Planococcus and Lysinibacillus reduced the median germination time and initiation time, while the rhizospheric isolates Serratia and Comamonas increased the germination time and decreased the germination percentage in comparison to the control sample. These findings emphasize the crucial role of endophytic bacteria in the germination of C. cangae and highlight isolates that could have beneficial effects in the following stages of plant growth. Understanding the impact of endophytic and rhizospheric bacterial isolates on seed germination can enhance conservation efforts by shortening the germination period of this species and thereby improving seedling production. Additionally, this knowledge will pave the way for future research on the role of bacteria in the establishment of C. cangae.

Introdução: A entorse de tornozelo é uma lesão comum na população geral e, principalmente, em atletas. O diagnóstico e tratamento adequados permitem o retorno precoce às atividades habituais, evitando recorrência, instabilidade crônica e artrose pós-traumática. O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar a abordagem diagnóstica e terapêutica desta lesão por ortopedistas do estado de Minas Gerais. Métodos: Esse trabalho foi conduzido pela Comissão Científica da Sociedade Brasileira de Ortopedia e Traumatologia-SBOT/MG em 2023. Foi criado um questionário na plataforma Google Forms com perguntas sobre a abordagem não cirúrgica da entorse de tornozelo. Esse questionário foi distribuído por e-mail e WhatsApp aos membros titulares da SBOT de Minas Gerais. Resultados: 116 ortopedistas responderam ao questionário, sendo 27,6% especialistas em pé e tornozelo. A maioria trabalha em Belo Horizonte e realiza entre 10 e 30 atendimentos relacionados à entorse de tornozelo por mês. A maior parte dos profissionais solicita radiografias e prescreve anti-inflamatórios. A maior divergência de respostas ocorreu quanto ao uso de imobilização. O encaminhamento para tratamento fisioterapêutico variou com o grau da lesão. Discussão: Os dados coletados apontam que a abordagem inicial nas entorses de tornozelo é heterogênea, porém a maioria utiliza protocolos de reabilitação convencionais, apesar da abordagem funcional ser preconizada pela literatura científica. Conclusão: Em Minas Gerais, o protocolo convencional de imobilização e reabilitação é utilizado com maior frequência.

RNA editing is a post-transcriptional process that challenges the central dogma of molecular biology by modifying RNA sequences, introducing nucleotide changes at specific sites, and generating functional diversity beyond the genomic code, especially when it concerns organellar transcripts. In plants, this phenomenon is widespread, but its extent varies significantly among species and organellar genomes. Among land plants, the heterosporous lycophytes (i.e., Isoetes and Selaginella) stand out for their exceptionally high numbers of RNA-editing sites, despite their morphological stasis and ancient lineage. In this study, we explore the complete set of organellar protein-coding genes in the aquatic plant group Isoetes, providing a detailed analysis of RNA editing in both the mitochondrial and plastid genomes. Our findings reveal a remarkable abundance of RNA editing, particularly in the mitochondrial genome, with thousands of editing sites identified. Interestingly, the majority of these edits result in non-silent substitutions, suggesting a role in fine-tuning protein structure and function. Furthermore, we observe a consistent trend of increased hydrophobicity in membrane-bound proteins, supporting the notion that RNA editing may confer a selective advantage by preserving gene functionality in Isoetes. The conservation of highly edited RNA sequences over millions of years underscores the evolutionary significance of RNA editing. Additionally, the study sheds light on the dynamic nature of RNA editing, with shared editing sites reflecting common ancestry whereas exclusive edits matching more recent radiation events within the genus. This work advances our understanding of the intricate interplay between RNA editing, adaptation, and evolution in land plants and highlights the unique genomic features of Isoetes, providing a foundation for further investigations into the functional consequences of RNA editing in this enigmatic plant lineage.

Biochar represents a promising alternative for enhancing substrates and remediating contaminants in mining areas. Given that arsenic (As) and phosphorus (P) share similar chemical forms, the combination of biochar and P fertilizers may reduce As uptake, thereby mitigating As-related impacts. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of biochar-based P fertilizers in improving soil fertility and mitigating human health risks from gold mining tailings in the eastern Brazilian Amazon. Biochar from açaí palm (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) seeds was produced through enrichment with single and triple superphosphate at a ratio of 1:4, at 400 °C, and applied to mining tailings at 0.5%, 1%, and 2%. After one year of incubation, lettuce plants were grown for 70 days. Biochar reduced As absorption by lettuce and improved biomass and nutrient accumulation, resulting in improved vegetation indices. Biochar was effective in reducing non-carcinogenic As risks via ingestion of soil and plants to acceptable levels. Regression equations explained the As absorption behavior as affected by the biochar and the importance of biochar-related nutrients in reducing As stress. This study demonstrates the potential of P-enriched biochar as an amendment for As-contaminated soils, reducing As absorption, increasing P availability, and improving plant growth.

Crossing the analysis of court rulings on domestic violence produced in Portuguese courts and semi-structured interviews of men convicted of this same crime, this article emphasizes the transversality of gender categories as social markers in the different dimensions of Portugal’s social and institutional life, as well as the processes through which an inseparability between gender and state is built. From the comparative analysis of our research, we have identified the presence and relevance of these moral models that ascribe meanings and expectations to gender-based violence in different contexts—in courts and in prisons, with judges and inmates.

Objetivo: relatar a experiência de uma educação em saúde sobre a baixa adesão ao monitoramento da pressão arterial nos adultos com hipertensão em uma unidade de saúde. Materiais e Métodos: trata-se de um relato de experiência em uma estratégia de Saúde da Família de Montes Claros-MG, entre os meses de agosto e setembro de 2022, elaborado pelas acadêmicas do 6º período do curso de Enfermagem de uma instituição de ensino superior da mesma cidade, onde foi realizado um rastreamento dos pacientes hipertensos através do relatório de monitoramento do Previne Brasil. O programa define metas a serem cumpridas pelos munícipios, dentre elas o indicador 6, que determina a cobertura de 50% da população de hipertensos com consulta e aferição de pressão arterial semestralmente. Foi realizado um levantamento dos hipertensos adultos que não teriam passado pelas consultas como critério de escolha para os que estivessem há mais tempo sem monitoramento e com baixa adesão ao tratamento. Foram escolhidos, a partir dos critérios apresentados, 10 hipertensos adultos, aos quais foram feitas visitas domiciliares, consulta de enfermagem e educação em saúde, utilizando-se folder informativo como recurso educacional, com foco no autocuidado, na importância do tratamento e na melhora dos hábitos de vida. Resultados: foi perceptível, na prática realizada, a prevalência dos mesmos hipertensos sem monitoramento em anos subsequentes, o que favorece diretamente para o aumento do risco de doenças cardiovasculares e diversas complicações. Durante a realização da educação em saúde com ações direcionadas aos hipertensos, constatou-se o aumento do interesse dos pacientes ao acompanhamento. Conclusão: a atividade realizada foi positiva uma vez que os participantes demonstraram comprometimento e compreensão da importância do autocuidado e do monitoramento da hipertensão, favorecendo a participação ativa no próprio tratamento e mudanças no estilo de vida.

Objetivo: relatar a experiência na elaboração de um panfleto informativo contendo orientações sobre cuidados com o pé diabético. Materiais e Métodos: trata-se de um relato de experiência vivenciado pelas acadêmicas do 6º período do curso de Enfermagem de uma instituição de ensino superior. A atividade foi realizada em uma Estratégia de Saúde da Família de Montes Claros-MG durante os meses de agosto e setembro de 2022. Foram realizadas consultas de enfermagem voltadas para o rastreamento do pé diabético, acompanhadas da distribuição de panfletos informativos acerca da temática como meio de conscientizar a população adscrita. Resultado: notou-se a existência de dúvidas quanto à prevenção do pé diabético pelos pacientes, mostrando a necessidade de um instrutivo com as devidas informações de maneira explicativa, clara e objetiva, que foi solucionado através da distribuição dos panfletos. Conclusão: os pacientes envolvidos na atividade mostraram-se atentos às informações fornecidas de forma clara e objetiva, quanto aos cuidados que devem ter com o pé diabético. A intervenção da equipe proporcionou que os participantes assumissem o compromisso de cuidar-se adequadamente para que não ocorram ferimentos ou lesões graves.

Desiccation tolerance in vegetative tissues enables resurrection plants to remain quiescent under severe drought and rapidly recover full metabolism once water becomes available. Barbacenia graminifolia is a resurrection plant that occurs at high altitudes, typically growing on rock slits, exposed to high irradiance and limited water availability. We analyzed the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants, carotenoids and its cleavage products, and stress-related phytohormones in fully hydrated, dehydrated, and rehydrated leaves of B. graminifolia. This species exhibited a precise adjustment of its antioxidant metabolism to desiccation. Our results indicate that this adjustment is associated with enhanced carotenoid and apocarotenoids, α-tocopherol and compounds of ascorbate-glutathione cycle. While α-carotene and lutein increased in dried-leaves suggesting effective protection of the light-harvesting complexes, the decrease in β-carotene was accompanied of 10.2-fold increase in the content of β-cyclocitral, an apocarotenoid implicated in the regulation of abiotic stresses, compared to hydrated plants. The principal component analysis showed that dehydrated plants at 30 days formed a separate cluster from both hydrated and dehydrated plants for up to 15 days. This regulation might be part of the protective metabolic strategies employed by this resurrection plant to survive water scarcity in its inhospitable habitat.

O presente artigo discute as percepções de docentes de uma escola pública amazônica a respeito das identidades/diferenças culturais entrelaçadas ao desenvolvimento profissional. Toma-se como principal referência o campo teórico dos Estudos Culturais (Hall, 1997; 2015) e sua articulação com a educação (Candau 2008; 2012; Fleuri, 2000), com foco na formação de professores, considerando-se o conceito de desenvolvimento profissional (Novoa, 2009; Tardif, 2012). Os procedimentos metodológicos da pesquisa se baseiam nos pressupostos da bricolagem (Kincheloe; Berry; 2007; Nelson; Treichler; Grassberg, 2013), articulando entrevistas semiestruturadas, grupos de discussão on-line, além de análise documental. A análise dos dados, em especial aqueles emergidos por meio das narrativas dos/as professores/as, aponta práticas educativas que reforçam a invisibilidade e/ou silenciamento das diferentes culturas e identidades consideradas “inferiores” e/ou “sem cultura”, indicando, portanto, a necessidade do desenvolvimento profissional docente com abordagem para as temáticas das identidades/diferenças, a fim de contribuir para a ressignificação de práticas educativas voltadas para a educação intercultural.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001334.].

Abstract Isoëtes is a cosmopolitan genus of aquatic lycophytes, containing more than 200 species. In Brazil, the genus comprises 29 species, with three occurring in Pará state, Amazon. Isoëtes cangae and I. serracarajensis are endemic to the ferruginous outcrops of Serra dos Carajás, and I. amazonica occurs on the inundated shores of the Tapajós River. Despite the great diversity of quillworts in South America, their anatomy remains unknown. This study discusses Brazilian Amazon species’ leaf and root anatomical traits in relation to habitat and genetic diversity. The amphibious I. amazonica and I. serracarajensis were observed to have similar stomata and cuticular ornamentations. Isoëtes cangae, a fully aquatic species, had smaller epidermal cells and a smooth cuticle and showed slight differences regarding the lacuna diaphragm. The genetically closer species from Carajás both lacked peripheral fiber strands on the leaves. Our study complements current knowledge regarding the morphoanatomy of Amazonian species and provides a better understanding of their biology, contributing to the development of conservation strategies for these species.

Mais de meio milhão de portugueses são fumadores ligeiros, consumindo até dez cigarros diariamente, associando-se a dependência de nicotina e risco aumentado de patologias relacionadas com o tabaco. Neste contexto, foi realizada uma revisão da evidência existente relativa ao tratamento para cessação tabágica em fumadores ligeiros, com pesquisa sistemática de estudos que analisassem e comparassem a farmacoterapia e/ou intervenção breve na obtenção de cessação tabágica. Incluíram-se seis ensaios clínicos aleatorizados, que demonstraram que a bupropiona e a terapêutica de substituição nicotínica não são mais eficazes do que o aconselhamento isolado, mas que a terapêutica com vareniclina é mais eficaz do que o aconselhamento isolado na obtenção de cessação tabágica em fumadores ligeiros e na manutenção da abstinência a pelo menos 6 meses, pelo que a sua utilização pode ser benéfica, com uma força de recomendação SORT B.

Carajasia cangae (Rubiaceae) is a narrow endemic species from the canga ecosystems of the Carajás National Forest that is facing extinction due to a limited range and habitat disturbance from hydroclimatological changes and mining activities. This study examines the influence of rhizospheric and endophytic bacteria on C. cangae seed germination to support conservation efforts. Soil samples, both rhizospheric and non-rhizospheric, as well as plant root tissues, were collected. Bacteria from these samples were subsequently isolated, cultured, and identified. DNA sequencing revealed the presence of 16 isolates (9 rhizospheric and 7 endophytic), representing 19 genera and 6 phyla: Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Chloroflexi. The endophytic isolates of Bacillus and the rhizospheric isolates of Planococcus and Lysinibacillus reduced the median germination time and initiation time, while the rhizospheric isolates Serratia and Comamonas increased the germination time and decreased the germination percentage in comparison to the control sample. These findings emphasize the crucial role of endophytic bacteria in the germination of C. cangae and highlight isolates that could have beneficial effects in the following stages of plant growth. Understanding the impact of endophytic and rhizospheric bacterial isolates on seed germination can enhance conservation efforts by shortening the germination period of this species and thereby improving seedling production. Additionally, this knowledge will pave the way for future research on the role of bacteria in the establishment of C. cangae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open pit mining can cause loss in different ecosystems, including damage to habitats of rare and endemic species. Understanding the biology of these species is fundamental for their conservation, and to assist in decision-making. Sporobolus multiramosus is an annual grass endemic to the Amazon canga ecosystems, which comprise rocky outcrop vegetation covering one of the world’s largest iron ore reserves. Here, we evaluated whether nitric oxide aids S. multiramosus in coping with water shortages and examined the physiological processes behind these adaptations. nitric oxide application improved the water status, photosynthetic efficiency, biomass production, and seed production and germination of S. multiramosus under water deficit conditions. These enhancements were accompanied by adjustments in leaf and root anatomy, including changes in stomata density and size and root endodermis thickness and vascular cylinder diameter. Proteomic analysis revealed that nitric oxide promoted the activation of several proteins involved in the response to environmental stress and flower and fruit development. Overall, the results suggest that exogenous nitric oxide has the potential to enhance the growth and productivity of S. multiramosus. Enhancements in seed productivity have significant implications for conservation initiatives and can be applied to seed production areas, particularly for the restoration of native ecosystems.