Optimal plant density and nitrogen rates for improving off-season corn yields in Brazil

Integrating plant density and nitrogen (N) management is a strategy for improving corn yields, especially for off-season corn production in the tropics. This study tested the hypothesis that increasing plant densities and N rates promotes yield gains for off-season corn production in high-yielding environments. The aim of the study was to investigate the yield performances of two hybrid versions (DKB PRO and DKB PRO3) submitted to three plant densities (55,000; 65,000 and 75,000 plants ha−1) and four N rates (control, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha−1 N). Field trials were undertaken at Uberlândia-MG (site1 and 2) and Pedro Afonso-TO (site 3), Brazil from which data on corn yield parameters were collected and analyzed. Multivariate analysis separated the three trial areas into two groups, presenting high (sites 1 and 2) and low yields (site 3), which were related to weather conditions. There was no influence of a hybrid version or plant densities on crop yields at site 1 or 2. In contrast, there was a positive response to increasing plant densities and the use of DKB PRO3 at site 3. A significant response to N was observed at sites 2 and 3, following a plateau model. Our results suggest that N application rates and plant densities do have the potential to increase off-season corn yields in low yielding environments

Involvement of intrinsic mitochondrial pathway in neosergeolide-induced apoptosis of human HL-60 leukemia cells: The role of mitochondrial permeability transition pore and DNA damage

Context: Quassinoids are biologically active secondary metabolites found exclusively in the Simaroubaceae family of plants. These compounds generally present important biological properties, including cytotoxic and antitumor properties. Objective: In the present study, the cytotoxic effects of neosergeolide, a quassinoid isolated from Picrolemma sprucei Hook. f., were evaluated in human promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL-60). Materials and methods: Cytotoxicity and antiproliferative effects were evaluated by the MTT assay, May-Grünwald-Giemsa's staining, BrdU incorporation test, and flow cytometry procedures. The comet assay and micronuclei analysis were applied to determine the genotoxic and mutagenic potential of neosergeolide. Results: After 24h exposure, neosergeolide strongly inhibited cancer cell proliferation (IC 50 0.1 μM), and its activity seemed to be selective to tumor cells because it had no antiproliferative effect on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) at tested concentrations. Apoptosis was induced at submicromolar concentrations (0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 μM) as evidenced by morphological changes, mitochondrial depolarization, phosphatidylserine externalization, caspases activation, and internucleosomal DNA fragmentation. Additionally, neosergeolide effects were prevented by cyclosporine A (CsA), an inhibitor of the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) pore, which reinforced the participation of intrinsic pathways in the apoptotic process induced by this natural quassinoid. Direct DNA damage was further confirmed by comet assay and cytokinesis-block micronucleus test. Discussion and conclusion: The present study provided experimental evidence to support the underlying mechanism of action involved in the neosergeolide-mediated apoptosis. In addition, no antiproliferative effect or DNA damage effect of neosergeolide was evident in PBMC, highlighting its therapeutic potential. © 2012 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc

Estudo de caso do sistema de gestão e gerenciamento dos resíduos sólidos urbanos em Castanhal-PA: Case study of the urban solid waste management system in Castanhal-PA

A presente pesquisa justifica-se pela atual forma ambientalmente inadequada do sistema de gestão e gerenciamento dos resíduos e rejeitos no município de Castanhal-PA, e tem como objetivo sintetizar as informações do sistema, objeto desta pesquisa, e subsidiar a tomada de decisão do poder público. O método utilizado nesta pesquisa foi o dedutivo. A abrangência da pesquisa constituiu a observativa, sistemática e direta, associada ao levantamento de dados documentais. Inicialmente foram confeccionados e aplicados formulários semiestruturados por meio do protocolo de ofícios às secretarias diretamente envolvidos no saneamento básico do município: SEMMA e SEMOB, para levantamento de informações quanto a gestão e gerenciamento de RS em Castanhal-PA. Os dados obtidos também indicaram que não existem informações referentes a quantidade (t/dia ou t/mês) e do volume (m³/dia ou m³/mês) de RSU gerados e coletados. Além disso, não existem conhecimentos dos custos de coleta e disposição final no total (por ano) e por tonelada no referido município, o que pode elevar os custos com a prestação destes serviços. Não existe um treinamento completo e específico para os servidores que atuam na coleta de RSU, nem associação a cooperativas e catadores, não há informações quanto a existência de setores e itinerários de coleta e transporte de RSU, nem dos percursos e tempos de coleta produtiva, improdutiva e de transporte, a cobertura de atendimento do serviço e a padronização da frequência. Outros entraves em um contexto geral são referentes a ausência do PMGIRS, a ausência de um aterro sanitário qualificado, a falta de políticas públicas específicas para os RSU, insuficiência da fiscalização da SEMMA sobre as empresas geradoras de RS, ausência de critérios específicos e eficientes no processo de gestão e gerenciamento dos RSU, carências de dados específicos sobre taxas, variedades e composição dos RSU, ausência de suporte para coleta seletiva. Contudo, os entraves mencionados elevam os gastos com os serviços prestados e minimiza o empenho do sistema no município, além de promoverem os danos socioambientais

Relação entre circunferência abdominal e pressão arterial sistólica em policiais militares do estado do Maranhão

Obesity is a non-communicable, complex and multifactorial chronic disease whose main characteristic is the excessive accumulation of fat, increasing the abdominal circumference (WC). The aim of this study was to analyze whether WC is directly related to the increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) in military police (PM) during the operational period. The sample consisted of 415 female and male police officers. Through the physical evaluation, the body mass (kg); height (m); SBP (mmHg) and WC (cm). For data analysis, the sample was stratified into less or more than 60 months (5 years) of military service time (TTM), using Pearson's Correlation to verify the relationship between WC and SBP, with values ​​presented by mean and standard deviation. With TTM less than 60 months, there were 249 police officers aged = 29.95±4.49 years, TTM = 30.79±18.92 months, WC=90.68±9.59 cm and SBP 130.102±15.12 mmHg. With TTM greater than 60 months, there were 166 police officers aged = 44.08±6.99 years, TTM=257.95±93.86 months, WC=97.29±10.16 cm and SBP=133.97± 18.40 mmHg. There was a moderate and significant correlation between WC and PAS for officers with less than five years in the position (r=0.30; p<0.01) and low and significant for officers with more than five years in the position (r=0.27; p<0.01). The WC value does not seem to be an indication that explains the SBP variation in this population and context, suggesting that other factors are more important in this variation.A obesidade é uma doença crônica não transmissível, complexa e multifatorial que tem como característica principal o acúmulo excessivo de gordura, aumentando a circunferência abdominal (CA). O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar se a CA está diretamente relacionada ao aumento da pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) em policiais militares (PM). A amostra foi de 415 policiais dos sexos feminino e masculino. Através da avaliação física foram mensuradas a massa corporal (kg); estatura (m); PAS (mmHg) e CA (cm). Para análise dos dados houve a estratificação da amostra em menos ou mais que 60 meses (5 anos) de tempo de trabalho militar (TTM), utilizando-se da Correlação de Pearson para verificar a relação entre a CA e PAS, com valores apresentados por média e desvio padrão. Com TTM menor que 60 meses foram 249 policiais com idade = 29,95±4,49 anos, TTM=30,79±18,92 meses, CA = 90,68±9,59 cm e PAS 130,102±15,12 mmHg. Com TTM maior que 60 meses, foram 166 policiais com idade = 44,08±6,99 anos, TTM = 257,95±93,86 meses, CA=97,29±10,16 cm e PAS=133,97±18,40 mmHg. Houve correlação moderada e significativa entre CA e PAS para policiais com menos de cinco anos no cargo (r=0,30; p<0,01) e baixa e significativa para policiais com mais de cinco anos no cargo (r=0,27; p<0,01). O valor da CA não parece um indicativo que explique a variação da PAS nessa população e contexto, sugerindo que outros fatores tenham maior importância nesta variação

Resultâncias fisiobiológicas da radiação ultravioleta e suas funções na carcinogênese de pele

The aim of this study is to expose the effects that solar radiation causes to the human body and identify its role in skin carcinogenesis. This is a narrative review, where a search for articles was carried out in the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrievel System Online (MEDLINE) and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) databases, with the following Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS): Cancer; Skin; Radiation; combined with each other using the Boolean operators "AND" and "OR". Selecting articles between the periods of 2011 and 2022, in English, Portuguese and Spanish, to increase the level of relevance and quality of the review, in addition to the technical-scientific basis coming from literary works renowned in history. In relation to skin cancer , UV radiation plays a complete role in oncogenesis, after all it modifies the physiobiological functions of cells and their architecture. Changes in the DNA of cells, the frequency and amount of sun exposure, are the factors that lead to cancer over time, especially in regions with greater exposure. Therefore, there is a need to change lifestyle habits, such as using chemical sunscreens and thick clothing, increasing skin protection. In addition to raising awareness among the population about the warning signs of the tumor and its characteristics, so that early access to health units and therapy can minimize its effects. Scientific research should also be encouraged, after all, cancer continues to be a disease that needs to be radicalized.El objetivo de este estudio es exponer los efectos que la radiación solar provoca en el cuerpo humano e identificar su papel en la carcinogénesis cutánea. Se trata de una revisión narrativa, donde se realizó una búsqueda de artículos en las bases de datos Medical Literature Analysis and Retrievel System Online (MEDLINE) y Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), con los siguientes Descriptores en Ciencias de la Salud (DeCS): Cáncer; Piel; Radiación; combinados entre sí mediante los operadores booleanos "Y" y "O". Seleccionar artículos entre los períodos de 2011 y 2022, en inglés, portugués y español, para incrementar el nivel de relevancia y calidad de la reseña, además de la base técnico-científica proveniente de obras literarias de renombre en la historia. En relación con el cáncer de piel, la radiación UV juega un papel completo en la oncogénesis, al fin y al cabo modifica las funciones fisiobiológicas de las células y su arquitectura. Los cambios en el ADN de las células, la frecuencia y cantidad de exposición al sol, son los factores que conducen al cáncer con el tiempo, especialmente en regiones con mayor exposición. Por ello, surge la necesidad de cambiar hábitos de vida, como el uso de protectores solares químicos y ropa gruesa, aumentando la protección de la piel. Además de concientizar a la población sobre las señales de alerta del tumor y sus características, para que el acceso temprano a las unidades de salud y la terapia puedan minimizar sus efectos. También se debe fomentar la investigación científica, al fin y al cabo, el cáncer sigue siendo una enfermedad que hay que radicalizar.Objetiva-se, neste estudo, expor os efeitos que a radiação solar provoca ao organismo humano e identificar o seu papel na carcinogênese de pele. Trata-se de uma revisão narrativa, onde foi realizada  uma  pesquisa  de  artigos  nas  bases  de  dados  Medical Literature Analysis and Retrievel System Online (MEDLINE) e Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), com os  seguintes  Descritores  em  Ciências  da  Saúde (DeCS): Câncer; Pele; Radiação; combinados entre si utilizando os operadores booleanos  "AND"  e "OR". Selecionando artigos entre os períodos de 2011 a 2022, nos idiomas Inglês, Português e Espanhol, para ampliar o nível de relevância e a qualidade da revisão, além do embasamento técnico-científico advindo de obras literárias conceituadas pela história.Com relação ao câncer de pele, a radiação UV tem total papel na oncogênese, afinal modifica as funções fisiobiológicas das células e sua arquitetura. As alterações de DNA das células, a frequencia e quantidade de exposição solar, são os fatores que proporcionam, com o tempo, o câncer, sobretudo, em regiões com maior exposição. Logo, há necessidade de alterar hábitos de vida, como utilizar protetores químicos contra os raios solares e roupas grossas, aumentando a proteção da pele. Além de conscientizar a população sobre os sinais de alerta do tumor e sobre suas características, para que o acesso precoce a unidades de saúde e a terapêutica consiga minimizar seus efeitos. Pesquisas científicas também deveriam ser incentivadas, afinal, o câncer continua sendo uma doença que necessita ser radicalizada.&nbsp

AVANÇOS RECENTES NO DIAGNÓSTICO PRECOCE DO CÂNCER DE PULMÃO: UMA ANÁLISE DE REVISÕES SISTEMÁTICAS

The high mortality rate from lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer death in Brazil, highlights the urgent need for effective screening and early diagnosis policies. Late detection, often in advanced stages, compromises treatment options. The aim of this study was to reflect on the importance of recent advances in the early diagnosis of lung cancer. A systematic literature review was carried out using the Scielo, Lilacs and Medline databases. After a qualitative analysis of the results, it was concluded that early identification of the disease allows for more effective therapeutic interventions, resulting in greater survival and better clinical outcomes for patients.A alta taxa de mortalidade pelo câncer de pulmão, principal causa de óbito por câncer no Brasil, ressalta a urgência de políticas efetivas de rastreamento e diagnóstico precoce. A detecção tardia, frequentemente nos estágios avançados, compromete as opções de tratamento. Este estudo teve como objetivo refletir sobre a importância do avanços recentes no diagnóstico precoce do câncer de pulmão. Para isso, foi desenvolvida uma revisão sistemática da literatura, utilizando as bases de dados Scielo, Lilacs e Medline. Após análise qualitativa dos resultados, concluiu-se que a identificação precoce da doença permite intervenções terapêuticas mais eficazes, resultando em maior sobrevida e melhores resultados clínicos para os pacientes

TransOdara study: the challenge of integrating methods, settings and procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) disproportionately affect transgender women and travestis (TGW), who often lack access to healthcare due to stigma and discrimination. We describe the approach and methodology of a study investigating the prevalence of syphilis, HIV, hepatitis A, B, and C, Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), and human papillomavirus (HPV) among TGW, as well as their knowledge and perceptions regarding syphilis, to better inform policies to curb STIs among this vulnerable population. METHODS: TransOdara was a multicentric, cross-sectional study conducted among TGW in five capital cities from major Brazilian regions between December 2019 and July 2021. Self-identified transgender women and travestis aged >18 years were recruited using respondent-driven sampling after a qualitative formative phase, completed an interviewer-led questionnaire, were offered a physical examination, and were also asked to provide samples from multiple sites to detect various STIs, starting vaccination and treatment when indicated. RESULTS: A total of 1,317 participants were recruited from the five study locations: Campo Grande (n=181, 13.7%), Manaus (n=340, 25.8%), Porto Alegre (n=192, 14.6%), Salvador (n=201, 15.3%), and São Paulo (n=403, 30.6%). The recruitment period varied at each study location due to logistic constraints imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION: Despite the enormous challenges posed by the co-occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic and field work targeting a vulnerable, elusive, and scattered population, the TransOdara project has been effectively implemented. Caveats did not preclude 1,300 TGW from being interviewed and tested, amid a significant epidemic that disrupted health services and research projects in Brazil and worldwide

Pervasive gaps in Amazonian ecological research

Biodiversity loss is one of the main challenges of our time,1,2 and attempts to address it require a clear un derstanding of how ecological communities respond to environmental change across time and space.3,4 While the increasing availability of global databases on ecological communities has advanced our knowledge of biodiversity sensitivity to environmental changes,5–7 vast areas of the tropics remain understudied.8–11 In the American tropics, Amazonia stands out as the world’s most diverse rainforest and the primary source of Neotropical biodiversity,12 but it remains among the least known forests in America and is often underrepre sented in biodiversity databases.13–15 To worsen this situation, human-induced modifications16,17 may elim inate pieces of the Amazon’s biodiversity puzzle before we can use them to understand how ecological com munities are responding. To increase generalization and applicability of biodiversity knowledge,18,19 it is thus crucial to reduce biases in ecological research, particularly in regions projected to face the most pronounced environmental changes. We integrate ecological community metadata of 7,694 sampling sites for multiple or ganism groups in a machine learning model framework to map the research probability across the Brazilian Amazonia, while identifying the region’s vulnerability to environmental change. 15%–18% of the most ne glected areas in ecological research are expected to experience severe climate or land use changes by 2050. This means that unless we take immediate action, we will not be able to establish their current status, much less monitor how it is changing and what is being lostinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio