Efeitos da administração sistêmica de corticosteróides sobre propriedades mecânicas do diafragma de coelhos

High doses of systemic corticosteroids might promote metabolic myopathy. The aim of this study was to assess, by means of traction assays, the effects of myopathy induced by systemic corticosteroids on mechanical features of the diaphragm muscle of rabbits. Two groups of 15 female rabbits were studied: the experimental group (EG) received subcutaneous injections of methil-prednisolone (2 mg/Kg/day) during 21 days; the control group (CG) received subcutaneous saline. Traction assays were performed on proof fragments of left hemi-diaphragms. Histological analysis of diaphragm muscles was performed in three rabbits of each group. Mean percentages of variation between initial and final weight were -8.4±2.1% for the EG and 3.1±0.9% for the CG. No significant differences were found in mean values of tension and deformity at the maximum threshold, tension and deformity at the proportional threshold, or elasticity module between the groups. The histological analysis of EG diaphragms showed moderate irregularity in the diameter of myofibrils, with several myofagocitosis and hyaline necrosis fibers. In both groups, the diaphragm muscle showed the same elongation capacity and similar load tolerance. Hence the use of high doses of methilprednisolone does not provoke significant changes in the diaphragm mechanical properties, neither in plastic or elastic phases.Corticosteróides sistêmicos em altas doses podem causar miopatia metabólica. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar, por meio de ensaios de tração, os efeitos da miopatia induzida por corticosteróides nas propriedades mecânicas do músculo diafragma de coelhos. Foram estudados dois grupos de 15 coelhas: o grupo experimental (GE) recebeu injeções subcutâneas de metil-prednisolona (2 mg/kg/dia) por 21 dias; e o grupo controle (GC) recebeu solução fisiológica por via subcutânea. Foram feitos ensaios de tração em corpos de prova dos hemidiafragmas esquerdos, realizando-se análise histológica no diafragma de três coelhas do GE e três do GC. A variação média percentual do peso final em relação ao inicial do GE foi -8,4±2,1% e do GC, 3,1±0,9%. Os valores médios de tensão e deformação do limite máximo, tensão e deformação do limite de proporcionalidade e módulo de elasticidade não mostraram diferençassignificantes entre os grupos. A análise histológica de diafragmas do GE mostrou irregularidade moderada no diâmetro das miofibras, com diversas fibras em miofagocitose e várias em necrose hialina. Conclui-se que o uso de metilprednisolona em altas doses por via sistêmica não levou a alterações significantes das propriedades mecânicas dos diafragmas, tanto na fase plástica como na elástica, havendo manutenção da capacidade de alongamento e tolerância a cargas semelhantes em ambos os grupos

A Independência da Escolha dos Canais de Marketing nas Rendas dos Produtores Orgânicos Americanos

One of the issues related to strategies for capturing value in organic production activities is the decision regarding the appropriate product distribution channel. The literature points out the importance of analyzing the gains of organic small producers concerning the marketing channels for organic products. Research indicates that marketing through direct channels is an advantage for small producers since these channels promote increased value capture and, consequently, increased income. Empirical research was conducted in California, United States, in which 60 organic producers were surveyed to determine whether direct distribution is the preferred type of distribution channel utilized by small producers. The results indicate that the choice of distribution channel, direct or indirect, and the type of channel within this category, is not directly related to producer income. There are indications that the choice of the appropriate channel is more connected to producers’ motives, quality of life, and perspectives on the growth of their business. Moreover, diversification of marketing channels may be an important mechanism to reduce the risks involved in the marketing their products

A Independência da Escolha dos Canais de Marketing nas Rendas dos Produtores Orgânicos Americanos

One of the issues related to strategies for capturing value in organic production activities is the decision regarding the appropriate product distribution channel. The literature points out the importance of analyzing the gains of organic small producers concerning the marketing channels for organic products. Research indicates that marketing through direct channels is an advantage for small producers since these channels promote increased value capture and, consequently, increased income. Empirical research was conducted in California, United States, in which 60 organic producers were surveyed to determine whether direct distribution is the preferred type of distribution channel utilized by small producers. The results indicate that the choice of distribution channel, direct or indirect, and the type of channel within this category, is not directly related to producer income. There are indications that the choice of the appropriate channel is more connected to producers’ motives, quality of life, and perspectives on the growth of their business. Moreover, diversification of marketing channels may be an important mechanism to reduce the risks involved in the marketing their products

A Independência da Escolha dos Canais de Marketing nas Rendas dos Produtores Orgânicos Americanos

Resumo: Uma das atividades relacionadas às estratégias de captura valor na atividade produtiva de orgânico refere-se à escolha dos canais adequados de distribuição dos produtos. A literatura aponta a importância de analisar os ganhos dos pequenos produtores com respeito aos canais de distribuição de produtos orgânicos. A literatura indica que a comercialização em canais diretos pode fazer com que pequenos produtores possam capturar maior valor e, consequentemente, incrementar sua renda. Foi realizada uma pesquisa empírica no estado da Califórnia, nos Estados Unidos da América, por meio de um survey com 60 produtores de orgânicos, a fim de identificar se os canais de distribuição diretos são prioritariamente utilizados por pequenos produtores. Os resultados indicam que a escolha dos canais de distribuição, venda direta ou indireta, além do tipo de canal dentro dessa categorização, não está diretamente relacionado apenas à renda que o produtor pode obter. Há indicações de que a escolha do canal adequado esteja mais relacionada às motivações do produtor rural, em relação à qualidade de vida e perspectivas de crescimento do seu negócio, além da opção pela diversificação dos canais para diminuir os riscos envolvidos na comercialização de seus produtos

A Independência da Escolha dos Canais de Marketing nas Rendas dos Produtores Orgânicos Americanos

<p></p><p>Abstract: One of the issues related to strategies for capturing value in organic production activities is the decision regarding the appropriate product distribution channel. The literature points out the importance of analyzing the gains of organic small producers concerning the marketing channels for organic products. Research indicates that marketing through direct channels is an advantage for small producers since these channels promote increased value capture and, consequently, increased income. Empirical research was conducted in California, United States, in which 60 organic producers were surveyed to determine whether direct distribution is the preferred type of distribution channel utilized by small producers. The results indicate that the choice of distribution channel, direct or indirect, and the type of channel within this category, is not directly related to producer income. There are indications that the choice of the appropriate channel is more connected to producers’ motives, quality of life, and perspectives on the growth of their business. Moreover, diversification of marketing channels may be an important mechanism to reduce the risks involved in the marketing their products.</p><p></p

A Independência da Escolha dos Canais de Marketing nas Rendas dos Produtores Orgânicos Americanos

<p></p><p>Abstract: One of the issues related to strategies for capturing value in organic production activities is the decision regarding the appropriate product distribution channel. The literature points out the importance of analyzing the gains of organic small producers concerning the marketing channels for organic products. Research indicates that marketing through direct channels is an advantage for small producers since these channels promote increased value capture and, consequently, increased income. Empirical research was conducted in California, United States, in which 60 organic producers were surveyed to determine whether direct distribution is the preferred type of distribution channel utilized by small producers. The results indicate that the choice of distribution channel, direct or indirect, and the type of channel within this category, is not directly related to producer income. There are indications that the choice of the appropriate channel is more connected to producers’ motives, quality of life, and perspectives on the growth of their business. Moreover, diversification of marketing channels may be an important mechanism to reduce the risks involved in the marketing their products.</p><p></p

Seo Pacheco em: Dar o presente

Formato: Animação em stop motion com papel - Duração: 2 minutos - Produzido na Oficina de Vídeo-História de 2010-1.Um indivíduo enxerga a realidade do Brasil pela ótica da Ditadura Militar implantada em 1964, até que um dia a sua antiga visão de mundo é quebrada

Brazilian Flora 2020: Leveraging the power of a collaborative scientific network

International audienceThe shortage of reliable primary taxonomic data limits the description of biological taxa and the understanding of biodiversity patterns and processes, complicating biogeographical, ecological, and evolutionary studies. This deficit creates a significant taxonomic impediment to biodiversity research and conservation planning. The taxonomic impediment and the biodiversity crisis are widely recognized, highlighting the urgent need for reliable taxonomic data. Over the past decade, numerous countries worldwide have devoted considerable effort to Target 1 of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC), which called for the preparation of a working list of all known plant species by 2010 and an online world Flora by 2020. Brazil is a megadiverse country, home to more of the world's known plant species than any other country. Despite that, Flora Brasiliensis, concluded in 1906, was the last comprehensive treatment of the Brazilian flora. The lack of accurate estimates of the number of species of algae, fungi, and plants occurring in Brazil contributes to the prevailing taxonomic impediment and delays progress towards the GSPC targets. Over the past 12 years, a legion of taxonomists motivated to meet Target 1 of the GSPC, worked together to gather and integrate knowledge on the algal, plant, and fungal diversity of Brazil. Overall, a team of about 980 taxonomists joined efforts in a highly collaborative project that used cybertaxonomy to prepare an updated Flora of Brazil, showing the power of scientific collaboration to reach ambitious goals. This paper presents an overview of the Brazilian Flora 2020 and provides taxonomic and spatial updates on the algae, fungi, and plants found in one of the world's most biodiverse countries. We further identify collection gaps and summarize future goals that extend beyond 2020. Our results show that Brazil is home to 46,975 native species of algae, fungi, and plants, of which 19,669 are endemic to the country. The data compiled to date suggests that the Atlantic Rainforest might be the most diverse Brazilian domain for all plant groups except gymnosperms, which are most diverse in the Amazon. However, scientific knowledge of Brazilian diversity is still unequally distributed, with the Atlantic Rainforest and the Cerrado being the most intensively sampled and studied biomes in the country. In times of “scientific reductionism”, with botanical and mycological sciences suffering pervasive depreciation in recent decades, the first online Flora of Brazil 2020 significantly enhanced the quality and quantity of taxonomic data available for algae, fungi, and plants from Brazil. This project also made all the information freely available online, providing a firm foundation for future research and for the management, conservation, and sustainable use of the Brazilian funga and flora