Vasorelaxants Mechanisms of Estriol: Endothelium-Dependent and -Independent Pathways in an Ex Vivo Rat Aortic Model

This study investigated the vasorelaxant effects of estriol (E3) compared to estradiol (E2) in rat thoracic aortic rings, focusing on endothelium-dependent and independent mechanisms. Isolated aortic rings from Wistar rats, with or without endothelium, were pre-contracted with phenylephrine and subjected to cumulative concentration–response curves for E3 and E2. The involvement of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), potassium channels, prostanoids, and calcium influx was assessed using pharmacological inhibitors (L-NAME, TEA, indomethacin) and depolarizing Ca²⁺-free solutions. E3 promoted concentration-dependent vasorelaxation, but with lower potency and efficacy than E2. In endothelium-intact preparations, the relaxation induced by E3 was significantly reduced by L-NAME and TEA, suggesting participation of nitric oxide and potassium channels in its mechanism. Indomethacin did not alter E3-induced relaxation, indicating no significant involvement of prostanoids. In depolarized, calcium-free conditions, both E3 and E2 attenuated CaCl₂-induced contractions, indicating endothelium-independent modulation of calcium influx. These results demonstrate that estriol induces vasorelaxation through multiple mechanisms, including the activation of eNOS, involvement of K⁺ channels, and inhibition of calcium entry. Despite its lower efficacy, E3 shares key signaling pathways with E2 and may represent a vascularly active alternative in hormone replacement therapy with potentially favorable safety profiles.Este estudo investigou os efeitos vasorrelaxantes do estriol (E3) em comparação ao estradiol (E2) em anéis de aorta torácica de ratos, com ênfase nos mecanismos dependentes e independentes do endotélio. Anéis aórticos isolados de ratos Wistar, com ou sem endotélio, foram pré-contraídos com fenilefrina e submetidos a curvas concentração–resposta cumulativas para E3 e E2. A participação da óxido nítrico sintase endotelial (eNOS), de canais de potássio, de prostanoides e do influxo de cálcio foi avaliada por meio do uso de inibidores farmacológicos (L-NAME, TEA, indometacina) e de soluções despolarizantes livres de Ca²⁺. O E3 promoveu vasorrelaxamento de forma dependente da concentração, porém com menor potência e eficácia em relação ao E2. Em preparações com endotélio íntegro, o relaxamento induzido pelo E3 foi significativamente reduzido por L-NAME e TEA, sugerindo a participação do óxido nítrico e dos canais de potássio em seu mecanismo de ação. A indometacina não modificou o relaxamento induzido por E3, indicando ausência de envolvimento relevante dos prostanoides. Em condições despolarizadas e isentas de cálcio, tanto E3 quanto E2 atenuaram as contrações induzidas por CaCl₂, revelando uma modulação endotelial-independente do influxo de cálcio. Esses resultados demonstram que o estriol induz vasorrelaxamento por meio de múltiplos mecanismos, incluindo a ativação da eNOS, o envolvimento de canais de K⁺ e a inibição da entrada de cálcio. Apesar de sua menor eficácia, o E3 compartilha vias de sinalização fundamentais com o E2 e pode representar uma alternativa vascularmente ativa na terapia de reposição hormonal, com potencial perfil de segurança favorável

A Percepção Multiprofissional sobre Cuidados Paliativos em UTI durante a Pandemia de COVID-19: Uma Reflexão Bioética

The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented clinical, ethical, and organizational challenges to healthcare professionals, particularly in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). This qualitative and exploratory field study aimed to understand the perception of the multidisciplinary team (physicians, nurses, physiotherapists) in a university ICU regarding the promotion of palliative care during the pandemic, informed by principlist bioethics. Findings revealed intense physical, emotional, and moral overload, exacerbated by resource scarcity, lack of protocols, and insufficient palliative care training, impacting care quality and the application of bioethical principles. Family communication was a fragile point, remotely mediated and lacking connection. Shared decision-making, though conceptually valued, was undermined by practical obstacles. Palliative care was often narrowly associated with terminality, reinforcing stigmas. Nevertheless, ethical virtues like compassion and responsibility emerged, sustaining patient dignity. The study underscores the urgent need for public and institutional policies integrating palliative care into ICUs, with ethical and technical training, advance planning, and valuing listening.A pandemia de COVID-19 impôs desafios clínicos, éticos e organizacionais sem precedentes aos profissionais de saúde, especialmente nas Unidades de Terapia Intensiva (UTIs). Este estudo de campo qualitativo e exploratório objetivou compreender a percepção da equipe multiprofissional (médicos, enfermeiros, fisioterapeutas) de uma UTI universitária sobre a promoção de cuidados paliativos durante a pandemia, sob a ótica da bioética principialista. Os resultados revelaram intensa sobrecarga física, emocional e moral, exacerbada pela escassez de recursos, ausência de protocolos e capacitação insuficientes em cuidados paliativos, impactando a qualidade da assistência e a aplicação dos princípios bioéticos. A comunicação com familiares foi identificada como um ponto frágil, mediada remotamente e carente de vínculo. A tomada de decisão compartilhada, embora valorizada, foi comprometida por entraves práticos. Observou-se uma associação restrita dos cuidados paliativos à terminalidade, reforçando estigmas. Contudo, virtudes éticas como compaixão e responsabilidade emergiram, sustentando a dignidade dos pacientes. A pesquisa destaca a urgência de políticas públicas e institucionais que integrem sistematicamente os cuidados paliativos às UTIs, com formação ética e técnica, planejamento antecipado e valorização da escuta

Caracterização e Análise da Gestão Integral na Qualidade do Serviço Comprador e Fornecedor na Cadeia de Tilápia no Distrito Federal - Brasil

Within the agribusiness sector, this research aims to help Brazil reach 4th place in the world ranking of the largest producers of this species. Due to the significant importance of the species and the potential consumer market for fish, this study analyzes the buyer-supplier relationship in the quality management of tilapia consumed in the Federal District. This research is characterized as applied and descriptive and uses qualitative research resources. As a research method, 12 semi-structured interviews were conducted in fish markets and restaurants in the Federal District. Subsequently, triangulation was performed between the interview data and data from previously obtained non-participant observation scripts of a face-to-face nature. The results indicate that a successful partnership, from the buyers' point of view, is highly influenced by trust, commitment, and communication, leading buyers to be satisfied with the relationship and want to maintain a long-term relationship with their main tilapia supplier.Dentro do agronegócio, para que o Brasil alcance o 4º lugar no ranking mundial dos maiores produtores desta espécie. Devido à significativa importância da espécie e ao potencial mercado consumidor de pescado, esta pesquisa analisa a relação comprador-fornecedor na gestão da qualidade da tilápia consumida no Distrito Federal. Esta pesquisa caracteriza-se como aplicada e descritiva e faz uso de recursos de pesquisa qualitativa. Como método de pesquisa, aplicou-se 12 entrevistas semiestruturadas em peixarias e restaurantes no Distrito Federal, em seguida promoveu-se a triangulação entre os dados das entrevistas e os dados dos roteiros de observação não participante de caráter presencial, previamente obtidos.  Os resultados indicam que uma parceria bem-sucedida, do ponto de vista dos compradores, é altamente influenciada quando existe confiança, compromisso e comunicação, fazendo com que os compradores se tornem satisfeitos com a relação e queiram manter um relacionamento a longo prazo com o seu principal fornecedor de tilápia

Interferência da Mato-Competição no Cultivo do Maracujazeiro: Fatores Determinantes do Crescimento sob Estresse Hídrico e Nutricional na Baixada Fluminense

Yellow passionfruit (Passiflora edulis) accounts for 90% of Brazil’s national production, yet its shallow root system makes it highly vulnerable to weed competition. This study evaluated the effects of Panicum maximum interference, water stress, and nutrient limitation on passionfruit seedling growth under greenhouse conditions. A 2×2×2 factorial design was used, with treatments combining presence/absence of weeds, water restriction (50% vs. 80% field capacity), and nutrient limitation (25% vs. 200% recommended fertilization). Soil moisture was monitored via pot weighing, and growth parameters were assessed. Results demonstrated that weed competition significantly reduced passionfruit development, particularly under concurrent water and nutrient stress. Seedlings in weed-free treatments with adequate resources (200% nutrients, 80% field capacity) showed 40% greater biomass compared to stressed conditions. Water limitation alone reduced leaf area by 30%, while nutrient restriction alone impaired root growth by 25%. The combined stress of weeds, low water, and low nutrients led to a 60% decline in overall plant vigor, highlighting synergistic negative effects. These findings emphasize the critical need for weed control during orchard establishment, especially in resource-limited regions like Baixada Fluminense. Optimizing irrigation and fertilization can mitigate weed interference, enhancing passionfruit productivity. This study provides actionable insights for tropical fruit farming and aligns with global goals for sustainable agriculture.O maracujá-amarelo (Passiflora edulis) responde por 90% da produção nacional brasileira, porém seu sistema radicular superficial o torna altamente vulnerável à competição com plantas daninhas. Este estudo avaliou os efeitos da interferência do capim-colonião (Panicum maximum), estresse hídrico e limitação nutricional no crescimento de mudas de maracujazeiro em condições de casa de vegetação. Utilizou-se delineamento fatorial 2×2×2, combinando presença/ausência de plantas daninhas, restrição hídrica (50% vs. 80% da capacidade de campo) e limitação nutricional (25% vs. 200% da adubação recomendada). A umidade do solo foi monitorada por pesagem dos vasos e parâmetros de crescimento foram avaliados. Os resultados demonstraram que a competição com plantas daninhas reduziu significativamente o desenvolvimento do maracujazeiro, especialmente sob estresse hídrico e nutricional combinados. Mudas em tratamentos sem plantas daninhas e com recursos adequados (200% de nutrientes, 80% de capacidade de campo) apresentaram 40% mais biomassa que as sob condições estressantes. A limitação hídrica isolada reduziu a área foliar em 30%, enquanto a restrição nutricional isolada prejudicou o crescimento radicular em 25%. O estresse combinado de plantas daninhas, baixa disponibilidade hídrica e nutricional resultou em 60% de declínio no vigor geral das plantas, evidenciando efeitos sinérgicos negativos. Estes resultados destacam a necessidade crítica do controle de plantas daninhas durante o estabelecimento de pomares, especialmente em regiões com limitação de recursos como a Baixada Fluminense. A otimização da irrigação e adubação pode mitigar a interferência de plantas daninhas, aumentando a produtividade do maracujazeiro. Este estudo fornece subsídios importantes para a fruticultura tropical e alinha-se com os objetivos globais de agricultura sustentável

Evolução da Gestão dos Resíduos Sólidos no Âmbito da Gestão Ambiental do Município de Aracati – CE

Solid waste management represents one of the greatest environmental challenges, especially in small and medium-sized municipalities, due to financial and structural limitations. This study aimed to analyze the evolution of environmental management in the municipality of Aracati, Ceará, Brazil, with an emphasis on solid waste management. A bibliographic review was conducted, supported by official documents, municipal and state legislation, and publications from governmental agencies. Data collection took place between May 2019 and July 2020.The results indicate that, although Aracati has a significant set of laws and initiatives aimed at environmental protection, including the creation of municipal policies and awareness programs, the effectiveness of these actions remains limited. The municipality lacks a Municipal Solid Waste Management Plan, does not implement selective waste collection, has no sanitary landfill, and continues to use an open-air dump as the final destination for waste, which is inconsistent with the National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS). Despite regulatory advances between 2017 and 2019, there is a clear gap between legislation and its practical implementation, highlighting the need for integrated actions and investments to align local management with national environmental standards.A gestão de resíduos sólidos representa um dos maiores desafios ambientais, especialmente em municípios de pequeno e médio porte, devido à limitação de recursos financeiros e estruturais. Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar a evolução da gestão ambiental no município de Aracati – CE, com ênfase no gerenciamento de resíduos sólidos. Para isso, foi realizado um levantamento bibliográfico, consulta a documentos oficiais, legislações municipais e estaduais, bem como publicações de órgãos governamentais, com coleta de dados entre maio de 2019 e julho de 2020.Os resultados indicam que, embora Aracati possua um conjunto significativo de leis e iniciativas voltadas à proteção ambiental, incluindo a criação de políticas municipais e programas de conscientização, a efetividade dessas ações ainda é limitada. O município não dispõe de Plano Municipal de Resíduos Sólidos, não executa coleta seletiva, não possui aterro sanitário e ainda utiliza lixão a céu aberto como destino final dos resíduos, em desacordo com a Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos (PNRS). Apesar de avanços normativos ocorridos entre 2017 e 2019, observa-se uma lacuna entre a legislação e sua aplicação prática, evidenciando a necessidade de ações integradas e investimentos para adequar a gestão local aos padrões ambientais estabelecidos

Territorial Management in the Amazon from the Perspective of Ecological Economics: Proposition of a Conceptual Model

The Amazon region faces intense ecological and sociopolitical pressures resulting from a development model based on the intensive exploitation of natural resources and unidimensional economic metrics. In this context, it is necessary to develop analytical instruments compatible with the complexity of the region’s socioecological systems. This article proposes a conceptual model of ecological territorial management for the Amazon, grounded in the principles of Ecological Economics and operationalized through the Multicriteria Sustainability Index (MSI). The methodology consisted of a systematic literature review covering studies published between 2020 and 2025 on territorial management, multicriteria methods, and sustainability in Amazonian contexts. The analysis of 51 articles allowed the identification of three core analytical categories: normative values, sustainability dimensions, and substantive criteria. As the main result, the paper presents a model structured into five dimensions—environmental, social, economic, governance, and sustainable productive practices—articulated with substantive criteria and normative values such as environmental justice, equity, and ecological metabolism. The MSI was selected as the operational axis due to its methodological flexibility, territorial adaptability, and participatory validation processes. The results indicate that the model constitutes an analytical alternative applicable to territorial planning in complex regions such as the Amazon. Its implementation, however, requires institutional capacity, availability of local data, and qualified participatory processes. Future research should explore its empirical application and compare it with other multicriteria approaches to assess its effectiveness in formulating territorially sensitive public policies.The Amazon region faces intense ecological and sociopolitical pressures resulting from a development model based on the intensive exploitation of natural resources and unidimensional economic metrics. In this context, it is necessary to develop analytical instruments compatible with the complexity of the region’s socioecological systems. This article proposes a conceptual model of ecological territorial management for the Amazon, grounded in the principles of Ecological Economics and operationalized through the Multicriteria Sustainability Index (MSI). The methodology consisted of a systematic literature review covering studies published between 2020 and 2025 on territorial management, multicriteria methods, and sustainability in Amazonian contexts. The analysis of 51 articles allowed the identification of three core analytical categories: normative values, sustainability dimensions, and substantive criteria. As the main result, the paper presents a model structured into five dimensions—environmental, social, economic, governance, and sustainable productive practices—articulated with substantive criteria and normative values such as environmental justice, equity, and ecological metabolism. The MSI was selected as the operational axis due to its methodological flexibility, territorial adaptability, and participatory validation processes. The results indicate that the model constitutes an analytical alternative applicable to territorial planning in complex regions such as the Amazon. Its implementation, however, requires institutional capacity, availability of local data, and qualified participatory processes. Future research should explore its empirical application and compare it with other multicriteria approaches to assess its effectiveness in formulating territorially sensitive public policies

VARIABILIDADE ESPACIAL DE ATRIBUTOS DO SOLO EM ÁREA SOB PLANTIO DIRETO DE SOJA E MILHO

The use of tools such as mapping the spatial variability of soil attributes makes it possible to rationalize management and promote sustainable agriculture, in addition to gains in production. The objective of this work was to perform a detailed analysis of the physical and chemical properties of the soil in a study area located in the municipality of Itapaci - GO. A sampling grid with 50 points spaced at 100 m was used, 44 points in the established grid and 6 points randomly. The cone index (IC) was sampled at depths of 0.00-0.10 m, 0.10-0.20 m, 0.20-0.30 m and 0.30-0.40 m, and samples of silt, clay, sand, organic matter and pH were sampled at 0.00-0.20 m, 0.20-0.40 m, with the points georeferenced with a GNSS receiver. The data were submitted to geostatistical analysis in the QGIS program with the Smart-Map plugin. The adoption of a 1 ha sampling grid with random points was effective in determining spatial dependence and mapping the studied variables. The IC values were high, exceeding 2 MPa, which may limit root development. The soil organic matter content (between 15 and 20 g kg-1) was considered adequate for cultivation, promoting a healthy production system. The slightly acidic pH and clayey texture benefit nutrient retention and support capacity for crops, and it is important to monitor these parameters regularly to ensure optimal conditions for agricultural production.O uso de ferramentas como o mapeamento da variabilidade espacial de atributos do solo, possibilitam racionalizar o manejo e promover uma agricultura sustentável, além de ganhos na produção. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma análise detalhada das propriedades físicas e químicas do solo em uma área de estudo localizada no município de Itapaci - GO. Foi utilizada uma malha amostral com 50 pontos espaçados em 100 m, sendo 44 pontos na malha estabelecida e 6 pontos de forma aleatória. O índice de cone (IC) foi amostrado nas profundidades de 0,00-0,10 m, 0,10-0,20 m, 0,20-0,30 m e 0,30-0,40 m, e as amostras de silte, argila, areia, matéria orgânica e pH foram amostradas de 0,00-0,20 m, 0,20-0,40 m, sendo os pontos georreferenciados com receptor GNSS. Os dados foram submetidos à análise geoestatística no programa QGIS com o complemento Smart-Map. A adoção de uma malha amostral de 1 ha, com pontos aleatórios, foi eficaz para determinar a dependência espacial e mapear as variáveis estudadas. Os valores de IC foram elevados, ultrapassando 2 MPa, o que pode limitar o desenvolvimento das raízes. O teor de matéria orgânica do solo (entre 15 a 20 g kg-1) foi considerado adequado para o cultivo, promovendo um sistema produtivo saudável. O pH levemente ácido e a textura argilosa beneficiam a retenção de nutrientes e a capacidade de suporte para as culturas, sendo importante monitorar esses parâmetros regularmente para assegurar condições ótimas para a produção agrícola

Innovations in Environmental Risk Assessment and Life Cycle Analysis for Ecotourism Sustainability

The objective of this research is to come up with an integrated environmental framework that incorporates Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) and Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) to improve ecotourism sustainability. It aims at bridging theoretical and practical approaches by incorporating digitalization, data-driven decision-making, and collaborative governance in the context of ecotourism. This study is qualitative and thematic merging research design from secondary data collected from previous literature. The paper presents five merging themes interconnected dimensions, digitalization of ERA, integration of LCA, data-driven decision support and predictive analysis, governance, collaboration and policy alignment, socio environmental and economic co benefits relate them to the major theoretical developments, such as the evolution of the Smart Ecotourism Sustainability Theory. The results show that sustainable ecotourism management is reinforced by environmental assessment tools and technological innovation, and the collaboration of policy makers. The suggested framework offers destination managers, policymakers, and tourism operators with a systematic framework to evaluate and improve ecotourism sustainability. This paper will add value to the existing body of literature on ecotourism sustainability because it provides an in-depth synthesis of ERA and LCA that shows how their combination contributes to theoretical knowledge as well as the practical implementation. The research creates a new interdisciplinary framework, which facilitates adaptive, technology-based, and governance-focused solutions to the sustainable development of ecotourism.The objective of this research is to develop an integrated environmental framework that combines Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) and Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) to improve ecotourism sustainability. It aims at bridging theoretical and practical approaches by incorporating digitalization, data-driven decision-making, and collaborative governance in the context of ecotourism. This study is qualitative and thematic, merging a research design based on secondary data from previous literature. The paper presents five merging themes, interconnected dimensions, digitalization of ERA, integration of LCA, data-driven decision support and predictive analysis, governance, collaboration and policy alignment, and socio-environmental and economic co-benefits, and relates them to the significant theoretical developments, such as the evolution of the Smart Ecotourism Sustainability Theory. The results show that environmental assessment tools, technological innovation, and policymakers’ collaboration reinforce sustainable ecotourism management. The suggested framework offers destination managers, policymakers, and tourism operators a systematic framework to evaluate and improve ecotourism sustainability. This paper adds value to the existing body of literature on ecotourism sustainability by providing an in-depth synthesis of ERA and LCA that demonstrates how their combination contributes to theoretical knowledge and practical implementation. All data used in this study were derived from publicly available secondary sources, and no human participants or sensitive personal information were involved. The research develops a new interdisciplinary framework that facilitates adaptive, technology-based, and governance-focused solutions for sustainable ecotourism development.

Crescimento e Produtividade Comercial da Cultura da Cebola Submetida a Diferentes Lâminas de Irrigação

Onion exhibits high sensitivity to water deficit, especially during the bulb development stage. In organic systems, this characteristic is intensified, making irrigation management decisive for growth and yield. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different irrigation depths on onion growth and commercial yield under organic management, across two field experiments conducted in 2014 and 2015. The experimental design was a randomized block, with five replications and four irrigation depths (42%, 50%, 83%, and 100% of the total depth, controlled by an Automatic Irrigation Trigger – AIT). Plant dry biomass (PDB), leaf area index (LAI), leaf area (LA), crop growth rate (CGR), net assimilation rate (NAR), and commercial bulb yield were evaluated. In 2015, the higher irrigation depths (83% and 100% of AIT) significantly promoted greater biomass accumulation, leaf area, and growth rate. Although in 2014 no significant effects of irrigation depths were observed on vegetative growth parameters, in both years, commercial bulb yield was higher with the use of greater irrigation depths. Reduced depths (42% and 50% of AIT) resulted in lower crop growth and substantial reductions in yield. It is concluded that the application of adequate irrigation depths is essential to optimize onion growth and yield in organic systems, with water deficit being a severe limiting factor.A cebola apresenta alta sensibilidade ao déficit hídrico, principalmente na fase de bulbificação. Em sistemas orgânicos, essa característica é intensificada, tornando o manejo da irrigação decisivo para o crescimento e a produtividade. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o impacto de diferentes lâminas de irrigação no crescimento e na produtividade comercial da cebola em sistema orgânico, ao longo de dois experimentos de campo conduzidos em 2014 e 2015. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com cinco repetições e quatro lâminas de irrigação (42%, 50%, 83% e 100% da lâmina total, controladas por Acionador Automático para Irrigação - AAI). Foram avaliadas a biomassa seca de planta (BSP), o índice de área foliar (IAF), a área foliar (AF), as taxas de crescimento da cultura (TCC) e de assimilação líquida (TAL), e a produtividade comercial de bulbos. Em 2015, as maiores lâminas de irrigação (83% e 100% do AAI) promoveram significativamente maior acúmulo de biomassa, área foliar e taxa de crescimento. Embora em 2014 não tenham sido observados efeitos significativos das lâminas sobre os parâmetros de crescimento vegetativo, em ambos os anos, a produtividade comercial de bulbos foi superior com o uso das maiores lâminas de irrigação. As lâminas reduzidas (42% e 50% do AAI) resultaram em menor crescimento da cultura e reduções expressivas na produtividade. Conclui-se que a aplicação de lâminas de irrigação adequadas é fundamental para otimizar o crescimento e a produtividade da cebola em sistemas orgânicos, sendo o déficit hídrico um fator limitante severo