Estimativa da área superficial de frutos de pupunheira por relações alométricas

A área superficial do fruto é de importância fundamental em estudos relacionados à fisiologia do desenvolvimento, bem como em pesquisas entomológicas e fitopatológicas, onde o dano causado por insetos e/ou microorganismos precisa ser quantificado. No entanto, a medição direta dessa característica é difícil, além de não muito precisa e destrutiva. Neste estudo foram estabelecidas relações alométricas visando estimar a área superficial de frutos de pupunheira (Bactris gasipaes Kunth). Foram colhidos cinco frutos por planta, em diferentes estádios de maturação, de 18 plantas matrizes. A metodologia baseada em digitalização e edição de imagens foi adequada ao presente estudo e comparada com o método gravimétrico. Com base em análise de regressão e ajuste de curvas, os dois métodos foram comparados, determinando-se ainda relações alométricas entre área superficial e peso e dimensões do fruto. O método de digitalização de imagens mostrou-se duas vezes mais rápido que o gravimétrico, obtendo-se bom ajuste para todos os pares testados. Para a maioria das relações estabelecidas o modelo de melhor ajuste foi a potência da variável independente (Y = ax b). No entanto, pela simplicidade, recomenda-se também o modelo linear. Para a variável (x) obtida pela multiplicação do comprimento e largura máxima do fruto, as equações que permitiram estimar a área superficial (Y) foram: Y = 2,077 x 1,189 (R² = 94,8%); e Y = - 6,261 + 3,961 x (R² = 94,5%). As características necessárias para a estimativa são de fácil mensuração e apresentam caráter não destrutivo. Essas equações requerem validação quando usadas em outras populações ou raças.Fruit surface area is an important trait in studies of developmental physiology, as well as in entomological and phytopathological research, where damage caused by insects and/or microorganisms needs to be quantified. Nonetheless, direct measurement of this trait is difficult, not very precise and destructive. This study establishes allometric relationships to estimate the surface area of peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth, Palmae) fruits. Five fruits were harvested, at different maturation stages, from each of 18 plants. Image digitalization and edition methodology was adapted and compared with the traditional gravimetric method. Regression analysis and curve fitting were used to compare the two methods and establish allometric relationships among fruit surface area and fruit weight and size. The method based on image digitalization was twice as fast as the gravimetric method. Curve fitting for all pairs of independent and dependent variables was better with the image method. For most relationships, the best model was the exponential function (Y = ax b), although, due to its simplicity, the linear model is also adequated. The best allometric estimates of fruit surface area (Y) were obtained using the product of fruit length by maximum width (x) were: Y = 2.077 x 1.189 (R² = 94.8%); and Y = - 6.261 + 3.961 x (R² = 94.5%). Traits needed to establish this relationship are easily measured and non-destructive in nature. Validation of the allometric equations is essential when applied to other populations or landraces

Results of a healthcare worker (HCW) survey on environmental awareness as an instrument for the preparation of an environmental report for the University Medicine Greifswald

Background: Environmental reporting is increasingly important for medical facilities. Currently, hospitals can determine the content of an environmental report as they see fit

Results of a healthcare worker (HCW) survey on environmental awareness as an instrument for the preparation of an environmental report for the University Medicine Greifswald

Background: Environmental reporting is increasingly important for medical facilities. Currently, hospitals can determine the content of an environmental report as they see fit

Variação estacional do crescimento em pupunheiras cultivadas em recipientes em condição subtropical

A pupunheira (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) é cultivada no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, sob condições de variação estacional do clima, particularmente temperatura e precipitação pluviométrica, com possíveis efeitos na fisiologia das plantas. Recentemente, devido ao crescente interesse em se realizar experimentos sobre a fisiologia da espécie, tem havido necessidade de cultivá-la sob condições experimentais mais controladas. Com o objetivo de estudar a variação estacional do crescimento de pupunheiras, bem como a possibilidade de cultivá-las em recipientes até a colheita, para a realização de futuros experimentos fisiológicos, foi executado este trabalho, em Campinas, SP, com 40 pupunheiras inermes. Um ano após a germinação, as mudas foram transplantadas em recipientes plásticos de 80 L, em espaçamento 2 x 1 m, dispostos em quatro linhas de dez plantas. O desenvolvimento vegetativo foi avaliado mensalmente, em todas as plantas, por medidas de altura da haste principal, número de folhas funcionais, número de perfilhos e comprimento da ráquis. Foi observada estacionalidade de crescimento em altura e diâmetro, bem como em comprimento da folha mais jovem e na evolução do número de folhas. Após dois anos, as plantas apresentavam altura média de 230 cm, e média de 6 folhas e 11,7 perfilhos. Correlações positivas (P < 0.001) foram observadas entre variáveis de crescimento e as médias de temperatura, precipitação pluviométrica, bem como insolação vigente nos 30, 60, 90 ou 120 dias anteriores às mensurações. As pupunheiras puderam ser cultivadas em recipientes até a primeira colheita, sem restrições ao crescimento.Peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) is grown in the São Paulo State, Brazil, under climate seasonal variation conditions, mainly temperature and rainfal with possible effects on plant physiology. Recently, due to a higher interest in carrying out physiological experiments on the species, there has been a requirement for more controlled experimental conditions. Therefore, with the aim of studying the seasonal variation of peach palm growth for heart-of-palm production, as well as the possibility of growing them until harvest in pots, for future utilization in physiological experiments, this work was carried out in Campinas, SP, Brazil, with 40 spineless peach palms. One year after seed germination, seedlings were transplanted to 80 L plastic pots, spaced 2 x 1 m, arranged in four rows of ten plants. All plants had vegetative growth evaluated monthly by measurements of main stem height, number of functional leaves, number of offshoots and length of leaf raquis. Seasonal variations were observed in terms of height and diameter growth as well as raquis length of the youngest leaf and in the evolution of the number of leaves. After two years, plants had an average height of 230 cm, six functional leaves and 11.7 offshoots. Positive correlations (P < 0.001) were observed between growth variables and the average temperatures, rainfall as well as insolation of the 30, 60, 90 or 120 days previous to the measurements. Peach palms could be grown in containers until first harvest, without restrictions to growth

Respostas de crescimento da pupunheira à adubação NPK

Palms have high nutrient demand. For this reason, the effects of NPK fertilization on the initial growth of peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) were studied in a field experiment, from November 1990 to April 1993. The trial was set up on an allic, previously limed soil, in Ubatuba, SP, Brazil (23º27'S, 45º04'W, 6 m asl; "Cfa" climate). A fractional factorial experimental design (½ of 4³) was utilized, with two blocks, one replication, 24 inner plants per plot and double border rows. Treatments were composed of four rates of nitrogen (0 to 400 kg N ha-1 year-1), phosphorus (0 to 200 kg P2O5 ha-1 year-1) and potassium (0 to 200 kg K2O ha-1 year-1), applied in stripes and divided in five annual applications. The fertilizers used were: calcium nitrate, triple super phosphate and potassium chloride. Plants were cultivated in a 2 × 1 m array, and periodically evaluated in relation to diameter of main stem, number of offshoots and percentage of plants with offshoots. In this sandy and low fertility soil, peach palm growth responses in relation to N and K amendments were linear and positive. Initial responses were observed three months after fertilizer application. No isolated effects of P fertilization, nor significant interactions among fertilizers were observed. Maximum growth responses were reached with 400 kg N ha-1 year-1, 0 kg P2O5 ha-1 year-1 and 200 kg K2O ha-1 year-1.As palmeiras apresentam grande demanda por nutrientes. Por este motivo, o efeito da adubação NPK no crescimento de pupunheiras (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) foi estudado durante 30 meses (11/90 a 04/93) em experimento conduzido a campo em solo Aluvial álico (corrigido por meio de calagem) em Ubatuba, SP (clima "Cfa"). Utilizou-se o delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com uma repetição, em esquema fatorial fracionado (½ de 4³), com tratamentos dispostos em dois blocos, parcelas úteis de 24 plantas e bordaduras duplas ao redor. Foram testadas quatro doses de nitrogênio (0, 100, 200 e 400 kg ha-1 ano-1 de N), fósforo (0, 50, 100 e 200 kg ha-1 ano-1 de P2O5) e potássio (0, 50, 100 e 200 kg ha-1 ano-1 de K2O), aplicadas em faixa e divididas em cinco aplicações anuais, utilizando como fontes nitrocálcio, superfosfato triplo e cloreto de potássio. As plantas foram cultivadas no espaçamento de 2 × 1 m, e avaliadas periodicamente quanto ao diâmetro da haste principal, número de perfilhos e porcentagem de plantas perfilhadas. Em solo arenoso e de baixa fertilidade, a pupunheira apresenta resposta linear, positiva e significativa de crescimento às adubações com nitrogênio (N) e potássio (K) e ausência de resposta ao fósforo (P). As primeiras respostas significativas ocorreram três meses depois de iniciadas as adubações diferenciadas. Não houve interações significativas entre N, P e K. O crescimento máximo foi obtido com doses anuais de 400 kg de N, 0 kg de P2O5 e 200 kg de K2O por hectare

Not again! Effect of previous test results, age group and reason for testing on (re-)infection with Chlamydia trachomatis in Germany

Background: Infection with Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) is the most commonly reported sexually transmitted infection in Europe. In Germany, Ct screening is offered free of charge to pregnant women since 1995 and to women < 25 years of age since 2008. For symptomatic individuals, testing is covered by statutory health insurance. Study results have shown that repeat Ct infection occurs in 10–20% of previously infected women and men. Our aim was to describe persons tested for Ct and to investigate the determinants of (repeat) Ct infection in women and men in Germany. Methods: We analysed Ct test results from men and women tested between 2008 and 2014 in laboratories participating in the German Chlamydia trachomatis Laboratory Sentinel surveillance. Reinfection was defined as at least 2 positive laboratory tests within more than 30 days. We performed logistic regression stratified by sex and, for women, reason for testing to determine the effect of previous test results and age group on subsequent test results. Results: In total, 2,574,635 Ct tests could be attributed to 1,815,494 women and 123,033 men. 5% of women and 14% of men tested positive at least once. 15–19- and 20–24-year-old women tested positive at least once respectively in 6.8 and 6.0%, while men respectively in 16.6 and 21.2%. Altogether, 23.1% of tested women and 11.9% of tested men were tested repeatedly between 2008 and 2014. Among those who previously tested positive, reinfection occurred in 2.0% of women and 6.6% of men. Likelihood to be tested Ct positive was higher in women and men with a positive Ct test in the past compared to previously tested Ct negative, odds ratios 4.7 and 2.6 (p < 0.01) respectively. Odds ratios ranged by age group and test reason. Conclusion: A history of Ct infection increased the likelihood of infection with Ct in women and men taking into account the result of the previous test. Health education, safer sex and treatment of partners are necessary for women and men who have tested positive to prevent reinfection and complications and to interrupt the chain of transmission. To identify potential reinfection repeat testing after treatment should be performed.Peer Reviewe

Increasing Number of Individuals Receiving Hepatitis B nucleos(t)ide Analogs Therapy in Germany, 2008–2019

Background: Germany is a low prevalence country for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with higher prevalence in vulnerable groups. The number of treated chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients is unknown. We aimed to determine the number of CHB patients treated with nucleos(t)ide analogs (NUCs), the treatment costs within the statutory health insurance (SHI) in Germany and per patient per month. Methods: Data on pharmacy bills of NUCs to patients with SHI between 2008 and 2019 were purchased from Insight Health™ and described. Negative binomial regression was used for trend analysis. Results: Number of patients increased between 2008 and 2019 (4.9% per year) with little changes in treatment options. Overall prescription costs were increasing (6.7% per year on average) until the introduction of tenofovir and entecavir generics in 2017 after which costs decreased by 31% in 2019. Average therapy costs peaked at 498 Euro per patient per month in 2016 and decreased to 214 Euro in 2019. Prescriptions changed from 30 to 90 pills per pack over time. HBV therapy was prescribed to 97% by three medical specialist groups, mainly specialists in internal medicine (63%), followed by hospital-based outpatient clinics (20%) and general practitioners (15%). Contrary to guideline recommendation, adefovir was still prescribed after 2011 for 1–5% of patients albeit with decreasing tendency. Prescriptions per 100,000 inhabitants were highest in Berlin and Hamburg. Conclusion: Our data shows, that the number of treated CHB patients increased steadily, while NUC therapy costs decreased. We recommend continued testing and treatment for those eligible to prevent advanced liver disease and possibly decrease further transmission of HBV.Peer Reviewe

Diabetic foot : a case report and endocrinology unit of Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre assistance protocol

A infecção do pé é uma importante causa de morbidade em pacientes com diabetes melito, sendo responsável pela maioria dos casos de amputação não traumática de membros inferiores. A ulceração, secundária principalmente à neuropatia diabética, deformidade e trauma, é o principal fator de risco para infecção. Prevenção e identificação precoce dessas alterações, com tratamento apropriado, constituem ferramentas essenciais para diminuir a morbidade relacionada. Neste artigo, relatamos o caso de um paciente com diabetes melito tipo 2 e infecção de pé diabético, com predominância de componente neuropático, e descrevemos o protocolo assistencial recomendado pelo Serviço de Endocrinologia do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA).Infection of the foot is a major cause of morbity in patients with diabetes mellitus and is responsible for most cases of nontraumatic amputation of lower limbs. The ulceration, mainly secondary to diabetic neuropathy, deformity and trauma, is the main risk factor for infection. Prevention and early identification of these changes, along with its appropriate treatment are essential tasks to reduce morbidity related. We report a case of a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus and infection of diabetic foot, mainly presenting neuropathy, and describe the protocol of care recommended by the Endocrinology Unit of the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA)

Correlações fenotípicas entre caracteres vegetativos e de produção de palmito da palmeira real australiana

Indirect selection is a common practice in perennial crop breeding and has been frequently utilized for palms. Traits related to plant growth and heart-of-palm yield of the Australian king palm (Archontophoenix alexandrae Wendl. & Drude) were studied in a 30 months old population, cultivated in Pariquera-Açu, SP, Brazil. The objective was to identify traits that can be subsequently used for the indication of plant prones to be harvested, as well as in the selection of superior palms. Correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were performed on the data. Among the twelve studied traits, the weights of edible basal stem, premium heart-of-palm, and heart-of-palm plus edible apical leaf presented the largest variability (CV above 53%). Smaller variability was observed for heart-of-palm diameter and length of the fourth leaf (CV between 26 and 22%). Highly positive correlation coefficients were found between heart-of-palm components (weight, diameter and length) and plant height and diameter. Among the vegetative traits, plant height contributed the most to the variation presented by the heart-of-palm total weight. It is a useful character, easily measurable and of non-destructive nature, that can be utilized to indicate the adequate timing for heart-of-palm harvesting, and for the selection of superior genotypes.A seleção indireta é prática corrente no melhoramento de plantas perenes e vem sendo usada com sucesso em programas de melhoramento genético de palmeiras visando a produção de palmito. O objetivo do trabalho foi auxiliar na identificação dos caracteres de natureza não destrutiva que possam ser utilizados futuramente na indicação de palmeiras aptas à colheita e na seleção indireta de plantas superiores de palmeira real australiana (Archontophoenix alexandrae Wendl. & Drude). Em uma população de palmeiras com 30 meses de cultivo, foram estudados seis caracteres relacionados ao crescimento e seis caracteres componentes da produção de palmito através de análises de variabilidade, correlação e regressão múltipla. Entre os doze caracteres, o peso do coração, o peso do palmito, e palmito mais banda, mostraram maior variabilidade (CV acima de 53%). Menor variabilidade foi encontrada para os caracteres diâmetro do palmito e comprimento da quarta folha (CV entre 26 e 22%). O peso, o diâmetro e o comprimento do palmito mostraram-se positivamente correlacionados com a altura e o diâmetro da planta. Entre os caracteres vegetativos não destrutíveis avaliados, a altura da planta foi o que mais contribuiu para a variação apresentada pelo peso total do palmito. Constitui assim um caráter útil, facilmente mensurável e de natureza não destrutiva que pode ser usado tanto para indicação de ponto ótimo de corte, quanto para a seleção de genótipos superiores dessa palmeira