Chromosome evolution in Cophomantini (Amphibia, Anura, Hylinae)

The hylid tribe Cophomantini is a diverse clade of Neotropical treefrogs composed of the genera Aplastodiscus, Boana, Bokermannohyla, Hyloscirtus, and Myersiohyla. The phylogenetic relationships of Cophomantini have been comprehensively reviewed in the literature, providing a suitable framework for the study of chromosome evolution. Employing different banding techniques, we studied the chromosomes of 25 species of Boana and 3 of Hyloscirtus; thus providing, for the first time, data for Hyloscirtus and for 15 species of Boana. Most species showed karyotypes with 2n = 2x = 24 chromosomes; some species of the B. albopunctata group have 2n = 2x = 22, and H. alytolylax has 2n = 2x = 20. Karyotypes are all bi-armed in most species presented, with the exception of H. larinopygion (FN = 46) and H. alytolylax (FN = 38), with karyotypes that have a single pair of small telocentric chromosomes. In most species of Boana, NORs are observed in a single pair of chromosomes, mostly in the small chromosomes, although in some species of the B. albopunctata, B. pulchella, and B. semilineata groups, this marker occurs on the larger pairs 8, 1, and 7, respectively. In Hyloscirtus, NOR position differs in the three studied species: H. alytolylax (4p), H. palmeri (4q), and H. larinopygion (1p). Heterochromatin is a variable marker that could provide valuable evidence, but it would be necesserary to understand the molecular composition of the C-bands that are observed in different species in order to test its putative homology. In H. alytolylax, a centromeric DAPI+ band was observed on one homologue of chromosome pair 2. The band was present in males but absent in females, providing evidence for an XX/XY sex determining system in this species. We review and discuss the importance of the different chromosome markers (NOR position, C-bands, and DAPI/CMA3 patterns) for their impact on the taxonomy and karyotype evolution in Cophomantini

PRODUCTION AND POSTHARVEST QUALITY OF IRRIGATED PASSION FRUIT AFTER N-K FERTILIZATION

<div><p>ABSTRACT Studies with nitrogen and potassium in yellow passion fruit cultivars with high yield potential are scarce in semiarid regions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence the N and K doses on productivity and fruit quality of different passion fruit cultivars in irrigated conditions in the northern of Minas Gerais state. The study was installed at experimental farm located in Janaúba-MG. This area was located at 15º 47’ S and 43º 18’ W, 516 m above sea level. The experiment was in completely randomized block with four replications, arranged in 4 x 6 factorial design consisting of four Passion Fruit cultivars (BRS Sol do Cerrado, BRS Ouro Vermelho, BRS Gigante Amarelo, IAC 275) and six N and K doses, which corresponded to 0-0, 50-125, 100-250, 150-375, 200 -500 and 250-625 kg ha-1 yr-1 of N and K2O, respectively. BRS Gigante Amarelo and BRS Sol do Cerrado cultivars showed higher productivity. Total fruit yield and average fruit weight were higher for BRS Sol do Cerrado and IAC 275, BRS Gigante Amarelo and BRS Ouro Vermelho cultivars, respectively. IAC 275 showed the highest pulp yield and along with BRS Sol do Cerrado, showed the higher soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio. BRS Sol do Cerrado, BRS Gigante Amarelo and IAC 275 cultivars showed higher pulp productivity, indicating that they are more promising for passion fruit juice industry.</p></div

Nitrogen and plant density in the economic evaluation and fruit quality of pineapple

The appropriate use of nitrogen fertilization and higher population densities increase the pineapple yield and can improve economic returns. This study aimed to evaluate the economic return and postharvest characteristics of irrigated Vitória pineapple under different nitrogen (N) sources and doses, as well as the increase in population density. A randomized blocks design with three replications was installed in a 2 x 5 x 4 factorial scheme, corresponding to two N sources (urea and cattle manure), five N doses (0 g plant-1, 5 g plant-1, 10 g plant-1, 15 g plant-1 and 20 g plant-1) and four densities (51,282 plants ha-1, 76,923 plants ha-1, 90,909 plants ha-1 and 126,984 plants ha-1). The N sources did not affect the pH, total titratable acidity and total soluble solids/total titratable acidity ratio (TSS/TTA). However the TSS content was higher in plants fertilized with cattle manure. The plants density did not affect the quality of postharvest fruit. The increase of N doses supplied by urea and cattle manure influenced only the total titratable acidity of the fruits. The combination of 20 g plant-1 of N-manure and a population of 126,984 plants ha-1 resulted in the maximum partial net income of R$132,096.48, however, the dose of 19.75 g plant-1of N-urea, in the population of 119,686.00 plants ha-1, reached a partial net income of R$ 154,997.15

Macronutrient uptake, accumulation and export by the irrigated 'vitória' pineapple plant

The nutritional state of the pineapple plant has a large effect on plant growth, on fruit production, and fruit quality. The aim of this study was to assess the uptake, accumulation, and export of nutrients by the irrigated 'Vitória' pineapple plant during and at the end of its development. A randomized block statistical design with four replications was used. The treatments were defined by different times of plant collection: at 270, 330, 390, 450, 510, 570, 690, 750, and 810 days after planting (DAP). The collected plants were separated into the following components: leaves, stem, roots, fruit, and slips for determination of fresh and dry matter weight at 65 ºC. After drying, the plant components were ground for characterization of the composition and content of nutrients taken up and exported by the pineapple plant. The results were subjected to analysis of variance, and non-linear regression models were fitted for the significant differences identified by the F test (p N > S > Ca > Mg > P, which corresponded to 898, 452, 134, 129, 126, and 107 kg ha-1, respectively, of total accumulation. The export of macronutrients by the pineapple fruit was in the following decreasing order: K > N > S > Ca > P > Mg, which was equivalent to 18, 17, 11, 8, 8, and 5 %, respectively, of the total accumulated by the pineapple. The 'Vitória' pineapple plant exported 78 kg ha-1 of N, 8 kg ha-1 of P, 164 kg ha-1 of K, 14 kg ha-1 of S, 10 kg ha-1 of Ca, and 6 kg ha-1 of Mg by the fruit. The nutrient content exported by the fruits represent important components of nutrient extraction from the soil, which need to be restored, while the nutrients contained in the leaves, stems and roots can be incorporated in the soil within a program of recycling of crop residues

Management of acute low back pain in emergency departments in São Paulo, Brazil: a descriptive, cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a prospective cohort study

Objective To describe management strategies used in public emergency departments in a middle-income country for patients with acute non-specific low back pain. Design A descriptive, cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a prospective cohort study. Setting and participants A study with 600 patients with low back pain presenting in four public emergency departments from São Paulo, Brazil was conducted. Outcome measures Diagnostic tests, pharmacological interventions, and/or referral to other healthcare professionals were collected. Descriptive analyses were used to report all outcomes. Results Of all patients, 12.5% (n=75) underwent some diagnostic imaging tests. Medication was administered to 94.7% (n=568) of patients. The most common medications were non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (71.3%; n=428), opioids (29%; n=174) and corticosteroids (22.5%; n=135). Only 7.5% (n=45) of patients were referred to another type of care. Conclusion There is a need for research data on low back pain from middle-income countries. There was an acceptable rate of prescription for diagnostic imaging tests. However, there were high medication prescriptions and small rates of referrals to other healthcare services. Our findings indicate that there is still a need to implement best practices in the management of acute low back pain at public emergency departments in Brazil.publishedVersio

MICRONUTRIENT CONCENTRATION AND CONTENT IN PASSION FRUIT LEAVES UNDER SAMPLING METHODS AND N-K FERTILIZATION RATES

<div><p>ABSTRACT Balanced uptake of micronutrients by the passion fruit plant is essential for increased production and fruit quality. However, similar fertilizer management in varieties with different productive capacities and high levels of nitrogen and potassium can cause nutritional disorders in plants. The objective of this study was to evaluate leaf micronutrient concentrations and contents in passion fruit as affected by two different sampling methods, different N-K fertilization proportions, and different cultivars. The study was conducted in a randomized block design, with three replications, following a 4 × 6 factorial arrangement consisting of four cultivars of yellow passion fruit (BRS Gigante Amarelo, IAC 275, BRS Ouro Vermelho, and BRS Sol do Cerrado) and six application rates ofN-K2O fertilizer (0-0, 50-125, 100-250, 150-375, 200-500, and 250-625 kg ha-1 year-1). Two leaf sampling methods (leaf located at a position adjacent to the fruit, and leaf located at the end of the fruit-bearing branch) were adopted for nutritional assessment. At 240 days after planting passion fruit seedlings in the experimental area, 20 leaves per plot were sampled. Higher accumulated micronutrient contents were obtained in the adjacent leaves, possibly because of greater leaf weight (more fully developed leaf) compared to the standard leaf. The cultivar IAC 275 had lower concentration and content of Cu, Fe, e Mn in the adjacent leaf, indicating variations in the levels of micronutrients among the cultivars and different micronutrient demands by the cultivars studied. N and K fertilization had less effect on leaf micronutrient concentration and content, but the Zn concentration and content decreased in the standard leaf of the BRS Gigante Amarelo cultivar, and Cu decreased in the standard leaf of the BRS Ouro Vermelho cultivar.</p></div

Empoderamento das mulheres beneficiárias do Programa Bolsa Família na percepção dos agentes dos Centros de Referência de Assistência Social

Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar o empoderamento das mulheres beneficiárias do Programa de Transferência de Renda, conhecido como "Programa Bolsa Família", na percepção dos agentes sociais dos Centros de Referência de Assistência Social (Cras). Para tanto, realizou-se um estudo de caso múltiplo, tendo como sujeitos de pesquisa 11 gestores de diferentes Cras do estado de Minas Gerais. A partir da técnica de análise de conteúdo, as respostas das perguntas, que compuseram as entrevistas, foram agrupadas de acordo com as categorias Bolsa Família, Cras e Mulher. Os resultados apontam a importância do Cras na execução do Programa Bolsa Família e no processo de empoderamento, pois a convivência e a participação neste local têm contribuído para a conscientização sobre direitos, para a inserção social e para a melhoria do bem-estar das mulheres, fatores evidenciados por intermédio do interesse das mulheres por cursos, oficinas, informações sobre programas sociais e atendimento psicológico. Na percepção dos agentes, foi possível observar melhoria nas condições de vida, nas relações familiares, conscientização e autoestima, implicando reflexos sobre o empoderamento feminino. Portanto, embora sendo um processo lento e embrionário, pode-se dizer que o ciclo do empoderamento das mulheres beneficiárias do Bolsa Família pode ser completado, pois consegue atingir as três dimensões (individual, familiar e comunitária)