Qualidade fisiológica de sementes de aveia-branca em função da adubação com silício e fósforo

Os fertilizantes silicatados tem sido cada vez mais usados na agricultura devido a inúmeros benefícios, tais como correção da acidez de solos tropicais e efeitos positivos no desenvolvimento de gramíneas. A disponibilidade de nutrientes e a nutrição de plantas desempenham papel importante na produção de sementes e podem influenciar a qualidade fisiológica de sementes de aveia-branca (Avena sativa L.). Avaliou-se a germinação de sementes e o desenvolvimento de plântulas de aveia-branca em função da adubação com silício e fósforo. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 2 x 4, com seis repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram de 20 e 200 mg dm-3 de P2O5, aplicados na forma de superfosfato triplo, combinados com 0, 150, 300 e 450 mg dm-3 de Si na forma de silicato de potássio. O experimento foi realizado em casa de vegetação, conduzindo-se sete plantas por vaso, com capacidade para 15 L de terra. As panículas foram colhidas e debulhadas manualmente e, as sementes, armazenadas em sacos de papel em condições normais de ambiente. As sementes foram avaliadas quanto ao teor de água, massa de sementes, germinação, condutividade elétrica, comprimento e massa da matéria seca de plântulas. Sementes de aveia-branca com qualidade superior são produzidas com 20 mg dm-3 de P2O5, independente da dose de Si. Sementes com maior germinação e vigor são obtidas com 300 e 450 mg dm-3 de K2SiO3, respectivamente. Os comprimentos da raiz e total das plântulas foram inferiores nas doses de Si até 300 kg ha-1, porém a dose de fósforo somente afetou o desenvolvimento das plântulas de maneira distinta quando aplicada junto com a maior dose de silício.Silicon (Si) fertilizers have been increasingly used in agriculture due to several benefits as acidity correction in tropical soils and positive effects on the development of grasses. Nutrient availability and plant nutrition play an important role in seed production and may affect the physiological quality of white oat seeds. The present study had as objective to evaluate seed germination and seedling development of white oat (Avena sativa L.) affected by silicon and phosphorus fertilization. The experimental design was the completely randomized, analyzed as a factorial 2 x 4, with six replications. Treatments consisted of 20 and 200 mg dm-3 of P2O5, applied as triple superphosphate, combined with 0, 150, 300 and 450 mg dm-3 of Si, as potassium silicate. The experiment was carried out in greenhouse, with seven plants per 15-L pot. Panicles were harvested and threshed manually and white oat seeds were stored in paper bags under normal environmental conditions. Seeds were evaluated by moisture content, seed weight, germination, electrical conductivity, seedling length and dry matter. White oat seeds with better quality are produced with 20 mg dm-3 of P2O5 under any Si doses. Higher seed germination and vigor is obtained with 300 and 450 mg dm-3 of K2SiO3, respectively. Silicon doses decreased root and total seedling length similarly up to the dose of 300 kg ha-1 but P dose only influenced seedling development distinctively whenever applied with the higher silicon dose

Introduction of robotic surgery for endometrial cancer into a Brazilian cancer service: a randomized trial evaluating perioperative clinical outcomes and costs

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome and costs after the implementation of robotic surgery in the treatment of endometrial cancer, compared to the traditional laparoscopic approach. METHODS: In this prospective randomized study from 2015 to 2017, eighty-nine patients with endometrial carcinoma that was clinically restricted to the uterus were randomized in robotic surgery (44 cases) and traditional laparoscopic surgery (45 cases). We compared the number of retrieved lymph nodes, total time of surgery, time of each surgical step, blood loss, length of hospital stay, major and minor complications, conversion rates and costs. RESULTS: The ages of the patients ranged from 47 to 69 years. The median body mass index was 31.1 (21.4-54.2) in the robotic surgery arm and 31.6 (22.9-58.6) in the traditional laparoscopic arm. The median tumor sizes were 4.0 (1.5-10.0) cm and 4.0 (0.0-9.0) cm in the robotic and traditional laparoscopic surgery groups, respectively. The median total numbers of lymph nodes retrieved were 19 (3-61) and 20 (4-34) in the robotic and traditional laparoscopic surgery arms, respectively. The median total duration of the whole procedure was 319.5 (170-520) minutes in the robotic surgery arm and 248 (85-465) minutes in the traditional laparoscopic arm. Eight major complications were registered in each group. The total cost was 41% higher for robotic surgery than for traditional laparoscopic surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic surgery for endometrial cancer presented equivalent perioperative morbidity to that of traditional laparoscopic surgery. The duration and total cost of robotic surgery were higher than those of traditional laparoscopic surgery

Functional annotation and distribution overview of RNA families in 27 Streptococcus agalactiae genomes

Background: Streptococcus agalactiae, also known as Group B Streptococcus (GBS), is a Gram-positive bacterium that colonizes the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tract of humans. This bacterium has also been isolated from various animals, such as fish and cattle. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) can act as regulators of gene expression in bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes. However, little is known about the genomic distribution of ncRNAs and RNA families in S. agalactiae. Results: Comparative genome analysis of 27 S. agalactiae strains showed more than 5 thousand genomic regions identified and classified as Core, Exclusive, and Shared genome sequences. We identified 27 to 89 RNA families per genome distributed over these regions, from these, 25 were in Core regions while Shared and Exclusive regions showed variations amongst strains. We propose that the amount and type of ncRNA present in each genome can provide a pattern to contribute in the identification of the clonal types. Conclusions: The identification of RNA families provides an insight over ncRNAs, sRNAs and ribozymes function, that can be further explored as targets for antibiotic development or studied in gene regulation of cellular processes. RNA families could be considered as markers to determine infection capabilities of different strains. Lastly, pan-genome analysis of GBS including the full range of functional transcripts provides a broader approach in the understanding of this pathogen.Fil: Wolf, Ivan Rodrigo. Universidade Estadual de Londrina; BrasilFil: Paschoal, Alexandre Rossi. Universidade Federal do Paraná; BrasilFil: Quiroga, Cecilia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica; ArgentinaFil: Domingues, Douglas Silva. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: de Souza, Rogério Fernandes. Universidade Estadual de Londrina; BrasilFil: Pretto Giordano, Lucienne Garcia. Universidade Estadual de Londrina; BrasilFil: Vilas Boas, Laurival Antonio. Universidade Estadual de Londrina; Brasi

Modelos alométricos na determinação da área foliar de Bauhinia monandra Kurz

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the adjustment of mathematical models for determining Bauhinia monandra leaf area using the length and/or width of the leaves as independent variables. Leaves from plants with three years were used to the estimative of equations in linear, quadratic and potential models. The validation from the estimated leaf area as a function of the observed leaf area showed that the linear model based on the product of length and width of the largest leaf surface is the model that best fits. However, the leaf area determination can be represented by using only the length or width of the leaves with little loss of accuracy. A representation that better estimates Bauhinia monandra leaf area with easy application is the potential model in which xi represents the length of one of the symmetrical leaf lobes.O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficiência do ajuste de modelos matemáticos, para determinação da área foliar de Bauhinia monandra, utilizando o comprimento e/ou a largura das folhas como variáveis independentes. Foram analisadas folhas de plantas de três anos de idade para estimativa de equações nos modelos linear, quadrático e potencial. A validação a partir da área foliar estimada pelos modelos em função da área foliar observada mostrou que o melhor ajuste é para o modelo linear em função do produto entre comprimento e maior largura do limbo foliar; no entanto, a determinação da área foliar pode ser representada pelo uso apenas do comprimento ou da largura das folhas, com pouca perda de precisão. A representação que estima melhor a área foliar de Bauhinia monandra com maior simplicidade para aplicação é pelo modelo potencial em que xi representa o comprimento de um dos lóbulos foliares simétricos

Sleep pattern in transgender men on short-term cross-sex hormone therapy with testosterone

It is believed that hormone therapy with testosterone in transgender men may interfere in the sleep quality of these patients, since testosterone may induce worsening of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in hypogonadal cisgender men receiving testosterone replacement therapy. This study aims to evaluate the association between testosterone therapy and risk of sleep disorders, including OSAS, in transgender men. Eighteen transgender men in a regular and supervised use of testosterone (mean treatment time: 3 ± 1.6 years) were evaluated regarding the risk of sleep disorders through questionnaires already validated in the medical literature. Anthropometric, laboratory and clinical data were collected. According to the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), 50% of transgender men presented a risk of daytime sleepiness, while 22% and 23% of the participants were at high risk for OSAS according to the Berlin and updated STOP-Bang questionnaires, respectively. No significant association was found between risk of sleep disorders and testosterone type or therapy duration. However, there was a significant and negative correlation between androgen treatment time and ESS score. Regarding the clinical and laboratory profile of the patients, a high risk of sleep disorders was associated with lower levels of HDL cholesterol (HDL-c) and higher blood pressure values. Short-term treatment with testosterone in young transgender men is not associated with an increased risk of sleep disorders and may even improve daytime sleepiness in long-term. Blood pressure and HDL-c should be monitored in transgender men on androgen therapy as, when altered, they may indicate a higher risk of sleep disorders and OSAS

Prediction of weight and percentage of salable meat from Brazilian market lambs by subjective conformation and fatness scores

This study assessed the use of conformation and fatness scores of the EUROP sheep carcass grading system to predict weight and percentage of salable meat from Brazilian market lambs. Data were collected from in vivo, carcass, and retail production from 252 uncastrated lambs. Evaluated models included single regressions, two multivariate models, and one determined by the stepwise procedure. Conformation was moderately correlated with weight of salable meat. Fatness scores were correlated with rump perimeter, carcass width, and thoracic depth with coefficients of -0.33, -0.32, and -0.23, respectively. Body weight was the best single predictor for weight of salable meat and cold carcass yield for percentage of salable meat. All multivariate models for weight of salable meat prediction were significant. Stepwise regression with body weight, leg perimeter, thoracic depth, rump perimeter, and fatness scores predicted 98% of weight of salable meat variation. For percentage of salable meat prediction, stepwise regression with cold carcass yield, leg perimeter, and conformation score was significant. The EUROP conformation and fatness scores can be used in Brazil for the prediction of lamb meat production.</p

Avaliação da funcionalidade de idosos com osteoartrite utilizando o Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS)

Introdução: A osteoartrite é uma doença crônico-degenerativa muito prevalente em idosos, a qual desencadeia limitações funcionais e pior qualidade de vida. Embora existam questionários para avaliação da funcionalidade destes pacientes, a busca por instrumentos específi cos para avaliação de membros inferiores apresenta relevância na prática fi sioterapêutica. Objetivos: Avaliar a correlação do Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) com a funcionalidade e componentes físicos e mentais da qualidade de vida em idosos com osteoartrite. Método: Estudo transversal, no qual a funcionalidade foi avaliada pelos questionários WOMAC, Lequesne e LEFS e a qualidade de vida foi avaliada pelo questionário SF-36. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 105 idosos (Idade: 68,80± 6,3 anos) com osteoartrite de joelho ou quadril, sendo 31homens e 74 mulheres. Não foi observada associação entre a idade (p>0,05) e o comprometimento funcional avaliado tanto pelo índice WOMAC quanto Lequesne (p>0,05) na população estudada. Foi observada correlação negativa entre o indice WOMAC e o LEFS (rS=-0,81) e o Lequesne e o LEFS (rS=-0,86). Além disso, foi verifi cada associação entre os escores do LEFS e a capacidade funcional (rS=0,80), limitação por aspectos físicos (rS=0,44), dor (rS=0,55) e estado geral de saúde (rS=0,44). Ainda, foi verifi cada correlação entre o escore do LEFS e a vitalidade (rS=0,60), aspectos sociais (rS=0,38), limitação por aspectos emocionais (rS=0,38) e saúde mental (rS=0,41). Conclusão: Concluise que o LEFS apresenta boa correlação com os índices WOMAC e Lequesne e com os componentes físicos e mentais da qualidade de vida, podendo constituir um instrumento clínico para avaliação do impacto funcional da osteoartrite em idosos. Introduction: Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative disease very prevalent in the elderly, which triggers functional limitations and poorer quality of life. Although there are already established instruments to evaluate the functional status of these patients, the search for specific instruments for assessment of lower limbs has relevance in physical therapy practice. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between LEFS with functional status and physical and mental components of quality of life of older adults with osteoarthritis. Methods: At this cross-sectional study, the functional status was assessed by WOMAC, Lequesne and LEFS indexes and the quality of life was assessed by SF-36. Results: This study included 105 elderly (age: 68.80 ± 6.3 years) with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip, being 31 men and 74 women. It was not observed a correlation between age and functional status (p>0.05) analyzed by WOMAC and Lequesne indexes. However, negative correlations between WOMAC and LEFS(rS=- 0.81) as well as Lequesne and LEFS(rS= -0.86) were observed according to Spearman’s correlation. Moreover, there was a correlation between the LEFS’ score and functional capacity (rS = 0.80), limitation by physical aspects (rS= 0.44), pain (rS= 0.55) and general health (rS = 0.44). Moreover, it was also observed a positive correlation between the LEFS’ score and vitality (rS=0.60), social status (rS= 0.38), limitation for emotional aspects (rS=0.38) and mental health (rS= 0.41). Conclusion: LEFS correlates well with the WOMAC and Lequesne indexes as well as the physical and mental components of quality of life and it may be an alternative clinical tool for assessing the functional impact of osteoarthritis in the elderly

Sub-Bandgap Sensitization of Perovskite Semiconductors via Colloidal Quantum Dots Incorporation

ABSTRACT: By taking advantage of the outstanding intrinsic optoelectronic properties of perovskite-based photovoltaic materials, together with the strong near-infrared (NIR) absorption and electronic confinement in PbS quantum dots (QDs), sub-bandgap photocurrent generation is possible, opening the way for solar cell efficiencies surpassing the classical limits. The present study shows an effective methodology for the inclusion of high densities of colloidal PbS QDs in a MAPbI3 (methylammonium lead iodide) perovskite matrix as a means to enhance the spectral window of photon absorption of the perovskite host film and allow photocurrent production below its bandgap. The QDs were introduced in the perovskite matrix in different sizes and concentrations to study the formation of quantum-confined levels within the host bandgap and the potential formation of a delocalized intermediate mini-band (IB). Pronounced sub-bandgap (in NIR) absorption was optically confirmed with the introduction of QDs in the perovskite. The consequent photocurrent generation was demonstrated via photoconductivity measurements, which indicated IB establishment in the films. Despite verifying the reduced crystallinity of the MAPbI3 matrix with a higher concentration and size of the embedded QDs, the nanostructured films showed pronounced enhancement (above 10-fold) in NIR absorption and consequent photocurrent generation at photon energies below the perovskite bandgap.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio