Root system morphology of ipê-roxo tree grown in soil subjected to phosphorus application in subtropical climate region

Phosphorus (P) availability in subtropical soils does not often meet the nutritional demand of native tree species such as the ipê-roxo tree (Handroanthus heptaphyllus); therefore, it is necessary to supply P at planting. However, the impact of P on root system growth remains unknown. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of P application on root morphology of H. heptaphyllus plants over a 36-month period in a subtropical climate region. During the experiment, the plants subjected to fertilization with 40 kg P ha−1 were compared to untreated control. Plant roots were scanned through minirhizotron system 18 and 36 months after transplant (MAT), and generated images were used to determine total root length, mean root diameter and total root volume. Plant height and leaf P concentrations were also evaluated. Phosphorus application enhanced root and whole plant growth with a more evident effect at 36 MAT, when soil P availability decreased. The results give important information on the cultivation of H. heptaphyllus plants in soils presenting low P availability

Kinetic parameters govern of the uptake of nitrogen forms in "Paulsen" and "Magnolia" grapevine rootstocks.

Grapevine rootstocks are selected according to graft compatibility, pathogen tolerance and water stress. However, morphological and kinetic parameters of nutrient absorption, such as nitrate (NO3 −) and ammonium (NH4 +), usually are not considered. The study aimed to select, based on morphological and kinetic absorption parameters, grapevine rootstocks with greater efficiency of N-forms absorption. The study was performed with two grapevine rootstocks (?Paulsen 1103? and ?Magnolia?), grown in Hoagland nutrient solution in a greenhouse. After 21 d, they were placed in 0.05 mol L-1 CaSO4 solution for 20 d to exhaust nutrient internal reserves. The rootstock with highest NO3 − and NH4 + uptake efficiency was ?Paulsen 1103?, since it presented lower Cmin and Km values in the two N forms, allowing N extraction by roots, even in low concentrations in solution, due to the higher transporter affinity for NO3 − and NH4 + in roots from rootstock. ?Paulsen 1103? rootstock also presented better photosynthetic performance and root development, collaborating for greater growth and mass production than 'Magnolia' rootstock. On the other hand, ?Magnolia? rootstock showed higher NO3 − and NH4 + Cmin and Km values than ?Paulsen? rootstock, which shows lower transporters affinity for these ions. Results demonstrate the importance of the use of NO3 − and NH4 + uptake kinetic parameters in grapevine rootstock selection programs, since these may serve as indicator of plant's ability to absorb NO3 − and NH4 + in low concentrations

Functional upper airway space endoscopy: A prognostic indicator in obstructive sleep apnea treatment with mandibular advancement devices

Purpose: The use of a mandibular advancement device (MAD) in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a consolidated therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of awake upper airways (UA) functional endoscopy in identifying the outcome of MAD therapy. Methods: This observational prospective study included 30 adult OSA patients, all patients underwent pre-treatment awake UA functional endoscopy, during the exam subjects were instructed to advance their mandible maximally, and they were divided into three different groups according to the response of the soft tissue, group A (expansion), group B (stretch), group C (unchanged). The results of this test were used in combination with other noninvasive indexes to predict the treatment outcome in terms of apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) reduction. Results: We found that a substantial AHI reduction occurred in group A and group B while e slight AHI reduction was measured in group C. Conclusion: Based on our experience the awake UA endoscopy is a valid prognostic exam for discriminating responder and non-responder patients; in addition our results indicate the possibility of predicting a range of post-treatment AHI index values

Humanización en contexto pediátrico: el papel de los payasos en la mejora del ambiente vivido por el niño hospitalizado Interface

Valorizando a importância dos aspetos psicossociais da internação pediátrica, e procurando a criança “por detrás” do corpo doente, vários hospitais têm investido na humanização de espaços, rotinas e atmosfera, procurando promover ambientes acolhedores e atenuantes das experiências negativas vividas pela criança (e família) durante a internação. A par de uma tentativa de sistematização de alguns dos esforços realizados até a data em nível da definição do conceito de “humanização” – nomeadamente em contexto pediátrico –, reflete-se acerca das potencialidades de alguns programas existentes nesse contexto, nomeadamente aqueles que aliam a arte, a recreação, o lazer e o humor como meios privilegiados de comunicação e expressão. Entre estes, destaca-se a intervenção dos palhaços de hospital, como promotora da livre expressão da criança, da sua autonomia, criatividade, exploração e conhecimento do mundo e consequente desenvolvimento psicossocial.In order to place value on the importance of psychosocial aspects of pediatric hospitalization, and to seek the child “behind” the sick body, many hospitals have been investing in humanizing their spaces, routines, and atmospheres aiming welcoming environments that will reduce the negative experiences of the children and their families during the hospital stay. In this paper, an attempt was made to systematize some of the efforts undertaken so far to define the concept of “humanization” specifically in the pediatric context. Reflections on the potential of some existing programs within this context are also provided, specifically those that combine art, recreation, leisure activities and humor as preferred means of communication and expression. Among these, interventions by hospital clowns are highlighted as promoters of free expression among children, along with autonomy, creativity, exploration, and knowledge of the world, with consequent psychosocial development.Valorizando la importancia de los aspectos psicosociales de la internación pediátrica y buscando al niño “por detrás” del cuerpo enfermo, varios hospitales han invertido en la humanización de sus espacios, rutinas y atmósfera, promovendo ambientes acogedores y atenuadores de las experiencias negativas vividas por el niño durante la internación. En el presente artículo, juntamente con un intento de sistematización de esfuerzos hasta la fecha en el ámbito de la definición de “humanización”, principalmente en el contexto pediátrico, se reflexiona sobre las potencialidades de algunos programas existentes, principalmente aquellos que unen el arte, la recreación, el ocio y el humor como medios privilegiados de comunicación y de expresión. Entre ellos, los autores destacan la intervención de los payasos de hospital, como promotora de la libre expresión del niño, de su autonomía, creatividad, exploración y conocimiento del mundo y su desarrollo psicosocial.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio