Poeira continental soprada pelo vento como combustível para paleoprodutividade ao longo do sudoeste do Oceano Atlântico durante o último período glacial

Glaciogenic dust has a strong relationship with global climate and ocean biogeochemical processes especially during glacial periods, being a major source of nutrients, mainly iron, that increase marine productivity. Different studies have attributed higher marine paleoproductivity along the southwestern Atlantic during the last glacial period to fluvial inputs and upwelling, but the possible influence of continental dust on that process is still unknown. This paper presents evidence suggesting that eolian-sourced glaciogenic dust favored higher ocean productivity during the last glacial, recorded in three sediment cores obtained on the lower continental slope off southern Brazil (~29°-30°S, ~47°W) at water depths between 1,514 and 2,091 m. The sampled sediments are silt-dominated terrigenous siliciclastics, but higher proportions of sand-sized biogenic carbonate (mostly foraminifer tests) at intervals corresponding to the stadials MIS 4 and 2 and parts of the interstadial MIS 3 point to intervals of increased productivity, correlated with pulses of higher deflation of dust from southern South America as recorded in the EPICA Dome C ice core in Antarctica. It is proposed that glacial climate-driven increased eolian processes transported iron-bearing dust produced by the expanded Patagonian ice sheet up to the southwestern Atlantic, fueling higher phytoplankton productivity and thus favoring the proliferation of planktonic and benthic foraminifera recorded in the cores. Eventual anthropogenically-driven reduction of tropical-sourced summer rainfall reaching southern South America, driven by equatorial ocean warming and deforestation in the Amazon region, may increase dust deflation and thus affect ocean productivity along the southwestern Atlantic in the future.A poeira glaciogênica tem forte relação com o clima global e os processos biogeoquímicos oceânicos, principalmente durante os períodos glaciais, sendo uma importante fonte de nutrientes, como o ferro, que aumentam a produtividade marinha. Diferentes estudos tenham atribuído a maior paleoprodutividade marinha ao longo do Atlântico sudoeste durante o último período glacial a aportes fluviais e ressurgência, mas a possível influência da poeira continental nesse processo ainda é desconhecida. Este artigo apresenta evidências sugerindo que a poeira glaciogênica de origem eólica favoreceu maior produtividade oceânica durante a última glaciação, registrada em três testemunhos sedimentares obtidos no talude continental inferior no sul do Brasil (~29°-30°S, ~47°W) em profundidades da lâmina d'água entre 1.514 e 2.091 m. Os sedimentos amostrados são siliciclásticos terrígenos dominados por silte, mas maiores proporções de carbonato biogênico de tamanho areia (principalmente testes de foraminíferos) em intervalos correspondentes aos estadiais MIS 4 e 2 e partes do interestadial MIS 3 indicam intervalos de maior produtividade, correlacionados com pulsos de maior deflação de poeira do sul da América do Sul, conforme registrado no testemunho de gelo antártico obtido no EPICA Domo C. Propõe-se que os processos eólicos intensificados devido ao clima glacial transportaram para o Atlântico sudoeste poeira contendo ferro produzida pela expansão do manto de gelo da Patagônia, alimentando uma maior produtividade do fitoplâncton eassim favorecendo a proliferação de foraminíferos planctônicos e bentônicos registrados nos testemunhos. A eventual redução antrópica das chuvas de verão de origem tropical que atingem o sul da América do Sul, impulsionada pelo aquecimento do oceano equatorial e pelo desmatamento na região amazônica, pode aumentar a deflação de poeira, assim afetar a produtividade do oceano ao longo do Atlântico sudoeste no futuro

Assessment of splanchnic perfusion with gastric tonometry in the immediate postoperative period of cardiac surgery in children

OBJECTIVE - A prospective, nonrandomized clinical study to assess splanchnic perfusion based on intramucosal pH in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery and to check the evolution of patients during hospitalization. METHODS - We studied 10 children, during the immediate postoperative period after elective cardiac surgery. Sequential intramucosal pH measurements were taken, without dobutamine (T0) and with 5mcg/kg/min (T1) and 10 (T2) mcg/kg/min. In the pediatric intensive care unit, intramucosal pH measurements were made on admission and 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours thereafter. RESULTS - The patients had an increase in intramucosal pH values with dobutamine 10mcg/kg/min [7.19± 0.09 (T0), 7.16±0.13(T1), and 7.32±0.16(T2)], (p=0.103). During the hospitalization period, the intramucosal pH values were the following: 7.20±0.13 (upon admission), 7.27±0.16 (after 4 hours), 7.26±0.07 (after 8 hours), 7.32±0.12 (after 12 hours), and 7.38±0.08 (after 24 hours), (p=0.045). No deaths occurred, and none of the patients developed multiple organ and systems dysfunction. CONCLUSION - An increase in and normalization of intramucosal pH was observed after dobutamine use. Measurement of intramucosal pH is a type of monitoring that is easy to perform and free of complications in children during the postoperative period of cardiac surgery.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de MedicinaUNIFESP, EPMSciEL

Humoral immune response to Shiga Toxin 2 (Stx2) among Brazilian urban children with hemolytic uremic syndrome and healthy controls

Background: Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection is associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), the main cause of acute renal failure in early childhood. Stx is essential in the pathogenesis of HUS, which has been mostly related to Stx2-producing isolates. Very limited data exist on the immune response to STEC in the Brazilian population. in this study, the prevalence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to Stx2 was investigated in sera of children diagnosed with HUS and of healthy children in the city of São Paulo, Brazil.Methods: IgG-antibody reactivity to Stx2 was determined by immunoblotting (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in sera from 13 children with HUS aged 8 months to 6 years and 54 healthy urban children aged 5 months to 7 years.Results: A positive immune response to the A and B subunits of Stx2 was observed in 46.1% HUS patients and in 16.6% healthy individuals by WB. All HUS patients and 62.9% healthy children showed IgG antibodies to the Stx2 A subunit. the frequency of antibodies to both subunits or only to the A subunit of Stx2 was significantly higher in HUS patients than controls (p < 0.05). Also, the mean OD value obtained by ELISA was higher in that group. Considering children's age, the frequency of reactivity to either the A subunit or both subunits of Stx2 was considerably higher in HUS children up to three years old compared to controls in the same age range. Moreover, in almost 37% of healthy children, no immune response to Stx2 was detected independently of the child's age.Conclusions: the seroepidemiolgy of anti-Stx2 antibodies was described for the first time in healthy children and children with HUS in Brazil. the percentage of individuals showing antibodies against Stx2 was higher among HUS patients than controls, and in spite of the low number of notified HUS cases, STEC strains are circulating in our settings. in addition, the results obtained also corroborated previous data on the increased sensitivity and specificity of WB compared to toxin-based enzyme immunoassays.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista Med, Dept Microbiol Immunol Parasitol, São Paulo, BrazilInst Butantan, Bacteriol Lab, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista Med, Dept Pediat, Pediat Intens Care Unit, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista Med, Dept Microbiol Immunol Parasitol, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista Med, Dept Pediat, Pediat Intens Care Unit, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Application of controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer in irrigated common bean crops

The use of adequate management practices and high nitrogen fertilizer rates have contributed to increase the common bean grain yield, however, the application of nitrogen fertilizer at sowing still requires evaluations for irrigated crops in the Brazilian Cerrado biome region. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of application of different rates of controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer—dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP)—at sowing and as top-dressing on agronomic performance and leaf area index of irrigated common bean crops grown in the Brazilian Cerrado biome region. A randomized block design in a 4×3 factorial arrangement with four replications was used. The treatments consisted of four nitrogen rates (0, 60, 120, and 180 kg ha-1) and three application forms (100% at sowing, 100% as top-dressing, and 50% at sowing + 50% as top-dressing). Irrigation was managed with class A tanks and two-day intervals. The nitrogen applied at the different stages of the crop did not affect the production components of the common bean plants. The highest grain yields were found with the nitrogen rates of 180 kg ha-1 in 2015 (1,756.37 kg ha-1), and 123.98 kg ha-1 in 2016 (1,799.63 kg ha-1).The use of adequate management practices and high nitrogen fertilizer rates have contributed to increase the common bean grain yield, however, the application of nitrogen fertilizer at sowing still requires evaluations for irrigated crops in the Brazilian Cerrado biome region. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of application of different rates of controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer—dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP)—at sowing and as top-dressing on agronomic performance and leaf area index of irrigated common bean crops grown in the Brazilian Cerrado biome region. A randomized block design in a 4×3 factorial arrangement with four replications was used. The treatments consisted of four nitrogen rates (0, 60, 120, and 180 kg ha-1) and three application forms (100% at sowing, 100% as top-dressing, and 50% at sowing + 50% as top-dressing). Irrigation was managed with class A tanks and two-day intervals. The nitrogen applied at the different stages of the crop did not affect the production components of the common bean plants. The highest grain yields were found with the nitrogen rates of 180 kg ha-1 in 2015 (1,756.37 kg ha-1), and 123.98 kg ha-1 in 2016 (1,799.63 kg ha-1)

Plano Diretor Participativo do Município de Petrolina e Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS): um diálogo necessário para o desenvolvimento territorial sustentável

This paper aims to analyze the Participatory Manager Plan of the Petrolina's Municipality as a local development policy, and its dialogue with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) present in the 2030 Agenda with a view to achieving sustainable territorial development. Through a qualitative bibliographical study and document analysis, it was possible to understand and identify convergences of the themes of sustainable development and territorial development policies, as well as crossings of the SDGs and proposals of the analyzed Manager Plan. It was evidenced that, of the 17 (seventeen) objectives agreed upon in the 2030 Agenda, 13 (thirteen) are included in the drafting of the Master Plan, although, by the analysis of the Sustainable Development Index of Cities - Brazil (IDSC-BR), only 2 (two) were fully achieved. The study revealed that most SDGs are present in the Municipality management planning, but have not been effectively implemented at the municipal level. In this perspective, it will be necessary to deepen this dialogue between the Manager Plan of the Municipality and practical actions for the effective fulfillment of the SDGs with the participation of government, civil society and private initiative.Este trabajo tiene como objetivo analizar el Plan Gestor Participativo del Municipio de Petrolina como política de desarrollo local, y su diálogo con los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS) presentes en la Agenda 2030 con miras a lograr un desarrollo territorial sostenible. A través de un estudio bibliográfico cualitativo y análisis de documentos, fue posible comprender e identificar convergencias de los temas de desarrollo sostenible y políticas de desarrollo territorial, así como cruces de los ODS y propuestas del Plan Gerente analizado. Se evidenció que, de los 17 (diecisiete) objetivos acordados en la Agenda 2030, 13 (trece) se incluyen en la redacción del Plan Director, aunque, por el análisis del Índice de Desarrollo Sostenible de las Ciudades - Brasil (IDSC-BR), solo 2 (dos) se lograron en su totalidad. El estudio reveló que la mayoría de los ODS están presentes en la planificación de la gestión del Municipio, pero no se han implementado de manera efectiva a nivel municipal. En esta perspectiva, será necesario profundizar este diálogo entre el Plan Director del Municipio y las acciones prácticas para el efectivo cumplimiento de los ODS con la participación del gobierno, la sociedad civil y la iniciativa privada.O presente trabalho tem como objetivo analisar o Plano Diretor Participativo do Município de Petrolina (PE), enquanto política de desenvolvimento local, e seu diálogo com os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS) presentes na Agenda 2030 com vistas ao alcance do desenvolvimento territorial sustentável. Por meio de estudo qualitativo de caráter  bibliográfico e análise documental foi possibilitada a compreensão e identificação de convergências das temáticas de desenvolvimento sustentável e políticas de desenvolvimento territorial, bem como cruzamentos dos OSD e proposições do Plano Diretor analisado. Evidenciou-se que, dos 17 (dezessete) objetivos pactuados na Agenda 2030, 13 (treze) estão contemplados na redação Plano Diretor, embora, pela análise do Índice de Desenvolvimento Sustentável das Cidades - Brasil (IDSC-BR), apenas 2 (dois) foram integralmente atingidos. O estudo revelou que a grande maioria dos ODS estão presentes no planejamento da gestão municipal, mas não foram implementados efetivamente no âmbito do Município. Nessa perspectiva, far-se-á necessário aprofundar esse diálogo entre o Plano Diretor do Município e ações práticas para o efetivo cumprimento dos ODS com participação do governo, sociedade civil e iniciativa privada

Absorção das Tarefas de Processamento de Linguagem Natural (NLP) pela Ciência da Informação (CI):

Um dos recentes desafios da abordagem denominada Big Data tem sido extrair informações relevantes, de grandes quantidades de dados não estruturados, como por exemplo de textos escritos em diversos idiomas. A principal abordagem de análise de texto e linguagem por meio computacional é dado o nome de Processamento de Linguagem Natural (Natural Language Processing - NLP). Identificar como as áreas do conhecimento estão utilizando as evoluções em seus domínios, no que tange à NLP, especialmente a Ciência da Informação, por fornecer os principais conceitos de tratamento de dados, informações e conhecimento, são o cerne desse estudo. Para encontrar respostas a essa relevante questão, esse estudo foi estruturado tendo como base uma Revisão Sistemática da Literatura, entendendo ser essa uma abordagem capaz de fundamentar noções iniciais ao mesmo tempo consistente para a análise da questão central que motivou esse trabalho. Dentre os resultados encontrados está a pouca utilização dos recursos de NLP pela Ciência da Informação

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in Pediatric Intensive Care Units in São Paulo, Brazil

The hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) caused by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is one of the most frequent causes of pediatric acute renal failure. The aim of this study was to report the clinic and microbiologic features associated with 13 post-diarrheal HUS cases identified in pediatric intensive care units in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, from January 2001 to August 2005. Epidemiologic, clinic, and laboratorial information, along with fecal and serum samples, were collected for identifying the genetic sequences of Stx and for studying antibodies directed against LPS O26, O111 and O157. STEC was isolated from three patients, and serotypes O26:H11, O157:H7 and O165:H- were identified. In nine patients, high levels of IgM against LPS O111 (n=2) and O157 (n=7) were detected. Dialysis was required in 76.9% of the patients; arterial hypertension was present in 61.5%, neurological complications were observed in 30.7%, and only one patient died. During a 5–year follow-up period, one patient developed chronic kidney disease. The combined use of microbiologic and serologic techniques provided evidence of STEC infection in 92.3% of the HUS cases studied, and the importance of O157 STEC as agents of HUS in São Paulo has not been previously highlighted

Estrutura de uma Floresta Ombrófila Densa Montana com dominância de Euterpe edulis Mart.

The current article analyzed the horizontal, vertical, internal and parametric structures of a Dense Montana Ombrophilous Forest with a dominance of Euterpe edulis Mart. species. Twenty (20) sections of 10 x 50 m were inventoried contingently, totaling 1.0 ha of sampling area. The criteria for inclusion was the diameter at the breast height, measured 1.30 m above ground level (DBH), equal or greater than 5.0 cm, which resulted in 2,394 indiviuals.ha-1; 2,594 boles.ha-1, total dominance of 42.20 m2.ha-1, wherein 7.81 m2.ha-1 corresponded to 642 individuals.ha-1 of Euterpe edulis. The average diameters were 12.33 cm and 11.48 cm for the community and the population of Euterpe edulis, respectively. The medium extract of the forest, defined at a height of 5 to 12 m total size revealed 65% Euterpe edulis individuals. The diametric structure of the forest community showed distribution in the form of “inverted-J”, but unbalanced. As for the internal structure, 96.4% of the individuals showed epiphytes, 57.8% without creepers, and 62.5% of individuals without lianas. These characteristics associated to the edaphoclimatic effect of the studied area and absence of a deciduousness phenomenon, permitted classifying the fragment as Dense Montana Ombrophilous Forest in an intermediated-advanced stage of regeneration. As for the Euterpe edulis population, the species representation by the basal area demonstrated its dominance in the forest community, showing a mature population in spite of underestimated adult individuals.O presente trabalho analisou as estruturas horizontal, vertical, interna e paramétrica de uma Floresta Ombrófila Densa Montana, com dominância da espécie Euterpe edulis Mart. Foram inventariadas, aleatoriamente, 20 parcelas de 10 m x 50 m, totalizando 1,0 ha de área amostral. O critério de inclusão foi o diâmetro do tronco, medido a 1,30 m do solo (DAP) igual ou superior a 5,0 cm, que resultou em 2.394 indivíduos.ha-1, 2.594 fustes.ha-1, dominância total de 42,20 m2.ha-1, sendo que 7,81 m2.ha-1 corresponderam a 642 indivíduos.ha-1 de Euterpe edulis. Os diâmetros médios foram de 12,33 cm e de 11,48 cm para a comunidade e para a população de Euterpe edulis, respectivamente. No estrato médio da floresta, definido entre 5 a 12 metros de altura total, encontram-se 65% dos indivíduos de Euterpe edulis. A estrutura diamétrica da comunidade florestal apresentou distribuição em forma de "J-invertido", mas desbalanceada. No tocante à estrutura interna, 96,4% dos indivíduos apresentaram epífitas, 57,8% com ausência de trepadeiras e 62,5% dos indivíduos com ausência de cipós. Essas características, associadas ao efeito edafoclimático da área de estudo e à ausência do fenômeno de caducifoliedade, permitiram classificar o fragmento em Floresta Ombrófila Densa Montana em estágio médio avançado de regeneração. Quanto à população de Euterpe edulis, a representação da espécie pela área basal demonstrou sua dominância na comunidade florestal, sendo observada uma população madura, apesar da subestimação dos indivíduos adultos

Total plasmatic homocysteine and von Willebrand factor in experimental diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVES: To determine the plasma homocysteine and von Willebrand factor levels as markers of endothelial dysfunction in rats with diabetes mellitus induced by streptozotocin. METHODS: Thirty-five adult male rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) (weight between 180-200g) were randomized into three groups: control group (n=10), which received no drugs or vehicles; sham group (n=10), which received streptozotocin solution; and diabetic group (n=15), which received streptozotocin. Eight weeks after diabetes mellitus induction, the animals were weighed and anesthesized; blood samples were collected from abdominal aorta for plasma total homocysteine, von Willebrand factor and glucose levels. RESULTS: The experimental model was reproducible in 100% of animals. The mean plasma homocysteine levels were: 7.9 µmol/l (control), 8.6µmol/l (sham) and 6.1µmol/l (diabetic), with difference among the groups (p<0.01). Multiple comparison analysis among the groups showed that values in the diabetic group were lower than in the sham group (p<0.01). The mean von Willebrand factor values were 0.15 U/l (control), 0.16U/l (sham) and 0.18 U/l (diabetic), with difference among the groups (p=0.03). The mean value was higher in the diabetic group than in the control group (p<0.05). Correlation between homocysteine and von Willebrand factor was not observed in the diabetic group. CONCLUSION: Reduced homocysteine levels and increased von Willebrand factor levels were observed in diabetes mellitus induced by streptozotocin; nevertheless, there were no correlations between them and with final glucose levels.OBJETIVOS: Determinar os valores plasmáticos de homocisteína e fator von Willebrand, como marcador de disfunção endotelial, em ratos com diabete melito induzido por estreptozotocina. MÉTODOS: Trinta e cinco ratos (rattus norvegicus albinus), machos, adultos (180-200 g), randomizados em três grupos: controle (n=10) não receberam agente ou veículo; sham (n=10) receberam solução veículo da estreptozotocina; e diabético (n=15) receberam estreptozotocina. Após oito semanas de indução do diabete melito, os animais foram pesados, anestesiados e tiveram sangue colhido da aorta abdominal para determinação dos valores de homocisteína plasmática total, fator von Willebrand e glicemia. RESULTADOS: O modelo experimental foi reprodutível em 100% dos animais. A média das concentrações plasmáticas de homocisteína foi: 7,9 µmol/l (controle); 8,6 µmol/l (sham) e 6,1 µmol/l (diabético), com diferença entre os grupos (p<0,01). Pelo método de comparações múltiplas entre os grupos, observou-se que os valores no grupo diabético foram menores que no sham (p<0,01). A média dos valores do fator von Willebrand foi 0,15 U/l (controle), 0,16 U/l (sham) e 0,18 U/l (diabético), com diferença entre os grupos (p=0,03). A média dos seus valores no grupo diabético foi maior que no grupo controle (p<0,05). No grupo diabético não houve correlação entre homocisteína e fator von Willebrand. CONCLUSÃO: No diabete melito induzido por estreptozotocina constataram-se valores reduzidos de homocisteína e elevados de fator von Willebrand, sem, contudo, haver correlações entre si e com níveis de glicemia final.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) EPMUNIFESP, EPMSciEL