Relação entre o acúmulo de serapilheira sobre o solo e variáveis dendrométricas em povoamento híbrido de Eucalyptus urophylla x E. globulus maidenii, em Eldorado do Sul/RS

In a 5.5 years old Eucalyptus urophylla x E. globulus maidenii stand with 5.5 years old, in Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul/Brazil, the litter accumulation and its relation with dendrometric variables were studied. In 4 (four) plots (20 m x 20 m each), 3 (three) sub-plots (3 m x 2 m each) were installed for branches (diameter > 1 cm) and the fine litter (leaves, branches with diameter ≤ 1 cm, barks, fruits, seeds, etc.) collection. The dendrometric variables were obtained (Diameter at breast height-DBH, and the total height-TH 3 (three) plots (20 m x 30 m each). Fine litter accumulated was 18.4 Mg ha-1 (CV% 29.6%). Coarse branches accumulation was 1.06 Mg ha-1 (CV% 49.5%), totalizing 19.5 Mg ha-1 of organic material accumulated. The average DBH was 17 cm and the TH 21.6 m, with basal area of 22.7 m² ha-1. The correlation between litter accumulation, coarse branches and total organic matter was positive to the number of trees and negative to DBH and Ht and out to the basal area. It demonstrates the higher litter accumulation in areas with more trees (even smaller ones), which can be related to higher litter production in these areas and to low decomposition rate, in general associated to low productivity sites.Em um povoamento de Eucalyptus urophylla x E. globulus maidenii, com 5,5 anos, no município de Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul/Brasil, estudou-se o acúmulo de serapilheira e sua relação com parâmetros dendrométricos. Na área de estudo foram alocadas 4 (quatro) parcelas de 20 m x 20 m e dentro destas 3 (três) sub-parcelas de 3 m x 2 m cada, coletando-se todos os galhos (diâmetro > 1 cm) e a serapilheira fina (folhas, galhos com diâmetro ≤ 1 cm, cascas, frutos, sementes, etc.) em 04 amostras/parcela. As variáveis dendrométricas foram medidas (Diâmetro a Altura do Peito (DAP) e a altura total (Ht)) em 03 parcelas de 20 m x 30 m. A serapilheira acumulada alcançou 18,4 Mg ha-1 (CV% 29,6%). O acúmulo de galhos grossos foi de 1,06 Mg ha-1 (CV% 49,5%), totalizando 19,5 Mg ha-1 de material orgânico acumulado. O DAP médio foi de 17,0 cm, a altura total média 21,6 m e a área basal de 22,7 m2 ha-1. A correlação entre acúmulo de serapilheira, galhos grossos e material orgânico total foi positiva quanto ao número de árvores/ha, negativa em relação ao DAP e Ht e inexistente para área basal. Isso demonstra maior acúmulo de serapilheira em locais com mais árvores, porém menores, o que pode estar relacionado a uma maior produção de serapilheira nestes locais e uma menor velocidade de decomposição, geralmente associada a sítios de menor produtividade. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.13086/2316-980x.v01n01a0

Caracterização do uso de serviços de saúde por idosos de um centro de convivência

Objetivos: Caracterizar a utilização de serviços de saúde por idosos que frequentam um Centro de Convivência. Método: Estudo descritivo, transversal, de natureza quantitativa, realizado com n=106 (100%) idosos. Utilizou-se, para a análise dos dados, o questionário multidimensional traduzido e validado BOAS (Brazil Old Age Schedule). Resultados: Verificou-se que a maioria dos idosos (79,2%) utilizam os serviços públicos de saúde e referem satisfação com a utilização deles (69,8%). Contudo, observou-se que, entre os principais motivos referidos para não procura dos serviços médicos estão: a dificuldade financeira (42,4%) e o medo (25,4%). Já para não procura do serviço odontológico estão a dificuldade financeira (48,8%) e com transporte/locomoção (79,2%). Nos últimos três meses, 51,8% consultaram o médico, 46% foram ao dentista, 65,1% foram ao hospital para receber medicação e 42,4% necessitaram de hospitalização. Conclusão: Torna-se pertinente uma ampliação relativa ao acesso dos idosos aos serviços de saúde (médicos e odontológicos), bem como o planejamento de ações de promoção da saúde e prevenção de doenças/complicações, pelos profissionais, com vistas a contornar as principais barreiras identificadas na utilização dos serviços

Caracterização do uso de serviços de saúde por idosos de um centro de convivência

Objetivos: Caracterizar a utilização de serviços de saúde por idosos que frequentam um Centro de Convivência. Método: Estudo descritivo, transversal, de natureza quantitativa, realizado com n=106 (100%) idosos. Utilizou-se, para a análise dos dados, o questionário multidimensional traduzido e validado BOAS (Brazil Old Age Schedule). Resultados: Verificou-se que a maioria dos idosos (79,2%) utilizam os serviços públicos de saúde e referem satisfação com a utilização deles (69,8%). Contudo, observou-se que, entre os principais motivos referidos para não procura dos serviços médicos estão: a dificuldade financeira (42,4%) e o medo (25,4%). Já para não procura do serviço odontológico estão a dificuldade financeira (48,8%) e com transporte/locomoção (79,2%). Nos últimos três meses, 51,8% consultaram o médico, 46% foram ao dentista, 65,1% foram ao hospital para receber medicação e 42,4% necessitaram de hospitalização. Conclusão: Torna-se pertinente uma ampliação relativa ao acesso dos idosos aos serviços de saúde (médicos e odontológicos), bem como o planejamento de ações de promoção da saúde e prevenção de doenças/complicações, pelos profissionais, com vistas a contornar as principais barreiras identificadas na utilização dos serviços

Contexto brasileiro da Doença de Chagas: Perspectivas atuais sobre epidemiologia, vetores e diagnóstico

Este estudo discorre sobre os dados epidemiológicos mais recentes da doença de Chagas no Brasil, conforme apresentados no Boletim Epidemiológico do Ministério da Saúde de abril de 2022. Os resultados revelam uma ampla gama de informações, desde a prevalência da doença em diferentes regiões do país até os índices de vulnerabilidade. Notavelmente, há variações significativas nos indicadores entre estados e macrorregiões de saúde. Além disso, os dados destacam desafios no controle da doença, como a necessidade de intensificar as ações preventivas e de vigilância em áreas mais vulneráveis. Compreender esses padrões epidemiológicos é crucial para orientar políticas públicas direcionadas e estratégias de intervenção, visando reduzir a transmissão da doença e mitigar seus impactos na saúde pública. Essa análise aprofundada dos dados epidemiológicos fornece uma base sólida para o desenvolvimento de medidas eficazes de prevenção, diagnóstico e tratamento da doença de Chagas, contribuindo assim para o avanço no controle dessa enfermidade no Brasil

Recombinant probiotic Lactococcus lactis delivering P62 mitigates moderate colitis in mice

Introduction and objectivep62 is a human multifunctional adaptor protein involved in key cellular processes such as tissue homeostasis, inflammation, and cancer. It acts as a negative regulator of inflammasome complexes. It may thus be considered a good candidate for therapeutic use in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as colitis. Probiotics, including recombinant probiotic strains producing or delivering therapeutic biomolecules to the host mucosal surfaces, could help prevent and mitigate chronic intestinal inflammation. The objective of the present study was to combine the intrinsic immunomodulatory properties of the probiotic Lactococcus lactis NCDO2118 with its ability to deliver health-promoting molecules to enhance its protective and preventive effects in the context of ulcerative colitis (UC).Material and methodsThis study was realized in vivo in which mice were supplemented with the recombinant strain. The intestinal barrier function was analyzed by monitoring permeability, secretory IgA total levels, mucin expression, and tight junction genes. Its integrity was evaluated by histological analyses. Regarding inflammation, colonic cytokine levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and expression of key genes were monitored. The intestinal microbiota composition was investigated using 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing.Results and discussionNo protective effect of L. lactis NCDO2118 pExu:p62 was observed regarding mice clinical parameters compared to the L. lactis NCDO2118 pExu: empty. However, the recombinant strain, expressing p62, increased the goblet cell counts, upregulated Muc2 gene expression in the colon, and downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines Tnf and Ifng when compared to L. lactis NCDO2118 pExu: empty and inflamed groups. This recombinant strain also decreased colonic MPO activity. No difference in the intestinal microbiota was observed between all treatments. Altogether, our results show that recombinant L. lactis NCDO2118 delivering p62 protein protected the intestinal mucosa and mitigated inflammatory damages caused by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). We thus suggest that p62 may constitute part of a therapeutic approach targeting inflammation

Rationale, study design, and analysis plan of the Alveolar Recruitment for ARDS Trial (ART): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with high in-hospital mortality. Alveolar recruitment followed by ventilation at optimal titrated PEEP may reduce ventilator-induced lung injury and improve oxygenation in patients with ARDS, but the effects on mortality and other clinical outcomes remain unknown. This article reports the rationale, study design, and analysis plan of the Alveolar Recruitment for ARDS Trial (ART). Methods/Design: ART is a pragmatic, multicenter, randomized (concealed), controlled trial, which aims to determine if maximum stepwise alveolar recruitment associated with PEEP titration is able to increase 28-day survival in patients with ARDS compared to conventional treatment (ARDSNet strategy). We will enroll adult patients with ARDS of less than 72 h duration. The intervention group will receive an alveolar recruitment maneuver, with stepwise increases of PEEP achieving 45 cmH(2)O and peak pressure of 60 cmH2O, followed by ventilation with optimal PEEP titrated according to the static compliance of the respiratory system. In the control group, mechanical ventilation will follow a conventional protocol (ARDSNet). In both groups, we will use controlled volume mode with low tidal volumes (4 to 6 mL/kg of predicted body weight) and targeting plateau pressure <= 30 cmH2O. The primary outcome is 28-day survival, and the secondary outcomes are: length of ICU stay; length of hospital stay; pneumothorax requiring chest tube during first 7 days; barotrauma during first 7 days; mechanical ventilation-free days from days 1 to 28; ICU, in-hospital, and 6-month survival. ART is an event-guided trial planned to last until 520 events (deaths within 28 days) are observed. These events allow detection of a hazard ratio of 0.75, with 90% power and two-tailed type I error of 5%. All analysis will follow the intention-to-treat principle. Discussion: If the ART strategy with maximum recruitment and PEEP titration improves 28-day survival, this will represent a notable advance to the care of ARDS patients. Conversely, if the ART strategy is similar or inferior to the current evidence-based strategy (ARDSNet), this should also change current practice as many institutions routinely employ recruitment maneuvers and set PEEP levels according to some titration method.Hospital do Coracao (HCor) as part of the Program 'Hospitais de Excelencia a Servico do SUS (PROADI-SUS)'Brazilian Ministry of Healt

Measuring the Labile and Recalcitrant Pools of Carbon and Nitrogen in Forested and Agricultural Soils: A Study under Tropical Conditions

Soil organic carbon and nitrogen can be divided into labile and recalcitrant pools according to the time it takes to be cycled. The way in which carbon and nitrogen pools are cycled and distributed between labile and recalcitrant pools can directly relate to soil quality. This paper tested the hypothesis that labile and recalcitrant pools of carbon and nitrogen vary between agricultural soils with different species and fertilization management systems (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium need) under tropical conditions. This study aimed to examine the impact of land-uses on stocks and losses of carbon and nitrogen under tropical conditions. We explored labile (soil microbial biomass and labile carbon) and recalcitrant carbon pools (humin, humic acid, and fulvic acid) in forested and agricultural soils, defined as latosol (forest, fertilized pasture, and unfertilized pasture) and cambisol (forest, coast pasture, sugarcane, and silage corn). Forested soil was used as an appropriate use to soil conservation in tropical that presents levels adequate of carbon and nitrogen stocks and biological condition in soil. Results showed that pools of labile and recalcitrant carbon are different on soil layers and the use of soil. Forest use in cambisol and latosol promoted higher labile and recalcitrant pools of carbon and nitrogen due to the greater environmental stability without human intervention. On the other hand, human intervention occurred in fertilized pasture and coast pasture; however, both uses presented similar recalcitrant carbon and nitrogen pools when compared to forested soil on the soil surface due to fertilizer uses and the high volume of the grass root system. Overall, our findings reveal that under tropical conditions, agriculture and forested soil can present similar recalcitrant pools of carbon and nitrogen if agricultural soils are associated with the appropriate fertilizer management. Pasture with adequate fertilization management systems can be used as an alternative to recover degraded areas with low levels of recalcitrant carbon and nitrogen pools

Rationale, study design, and analysis plan of the Alveolar Recruitment for ARDS Trial (ART): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with high in-hospital mortality. Alveolar recruitment followed by ventilation at optimal titrated PEEP may reduce ventilator-induced lung injury and improve oxygenation in patients with ARDS, but the effects on mortality and other clinical outcomes remain unknown. This article reports the rationale, study design, and analysis plan of the Alveolar Recruitment for ARDS Trial (ART). Methods/Design: ART is a pragmatic, multicenter, randomized (concealed), controlled trial, which aims to determine if maximum stepwise alveolar recruitment associated with PEEP titration is able to increase 28-day survival in patients with ARDS compared to conventional treatment (ARDSNet strategy). We will enroll adult patients with ARDS of less than 72 h duration. The intervention group will receive an alveolar recruitment maneuver, with stepwise increases of PEEP achieving 45 cmH(2)O and peak pressure of 60 cmH2O, followed by ventilation with optimal PEEP titrated according to the static compliance of the respiratory system. In the control group, mechanical ventilation will follow a conventional protocol (ARDSNet). In both groups, we will use controlled volume mode with low tidal volumes (4 to 6 mL/kg of predicted body weight) and targeting plateau pressure <= 30 cmH2O. The primary outcome is 28-day survival, and the secondary outcomes are: length of ICU stay; length of hospital stay; pneumothorax requiring chest tube during first 7 days; barotrauma during first 7 days; mechanical ventilation-free days from days 1 to 28; ICU, in-hospital, and 6-month survival. ART is an event-guided trial planned to last until 520 events (deaths within 28 days) are observed. These events allow detection of a hazard ratio of 0.75, with 90% power and two-tailed type I error of 5%. All analysis will follow the intention-to-treat principle. Discussion: If the ART strategy with maximum recruitment and PEEP titration improves 28-day survival, this will represent a notable advance to the care of ARDS patients. Conversely, if the ART strategy is similar or inferior to the current evidence-based strategy (ARDSNet), this should also change current practice as many institutions routinely employ recruitment maneuvers and set PEEP levels according to some titration method.13Hospital do Coracao (HCor) as part of the Program 'Hospitais de Excelencia a Servico do SUS (PROADI-SUS)'Brazilian Ministry of Healt