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The study focused on examining the relationship between well-being and various psychological factors such as loneliness, anxiety, depression, and stress, whilst also considering changes in lifestyle. A total of 108 elderly participants, with an average age of 70.38 years, were enrolled in this quantitative cross-sectional study. The research employed a battery of assessment tools including a Sociodemographic Data Questionnaire, Mini-Mental State Examination, Positive Mental Health Scale, Stress Perception Scale, Geriatric Anxiety Inventory, Geriatric Depression Scale (reduced version), Loneliness Scale, and International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was conducted in order to understand the distribution of scores across these variables, followed by the categorization of participants based on the reported alterations in eating and physical activity behaviors. Correlations between variables were assessed using Spearman correlation and an EBIC-LASSO network analysis. The findings indicated a potential detriment to the well-being of elderly individuals practicing social distancing, evidenced by heightened symptoms of loneliness, depression, anxiety, and stress, alongside the reported changes in dietary patterns and physical activity. The study underscores the importance of understanding the pandemic's impact on the well-being of older adults and advocates for longitudinal investigations to delineate the evolving effects of social distancing measures across different phases of the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copaifera L. is a woody legume genus with 42 species that produce valuable terpenoid oleoresins used in medicine and industrial activities. Copaifera belongs to the Detarieae (Detarioideae) and is part of a clade together with five other genera. We describe the seedling morphology of Copaifera pubiflora Benth. based on plant architectural analysis to shed light on its post‐seminal shoot development. Seeds of this species were collected from a wild population in Roraima State, Brazil. Seedlings of C. pubiflora have preformed shoots with determinate and rhythmic growth. Each growth unit has two reduced leaf scales that correspond to a pair of prophylls followed by two or three scale‐like stipules and one distal eophyll. Besides, C. pubiflora has a monochasial sympodial branching with delayed branches. Current evidence indicates that most Copaifera species, including C. pubiflora, have phanerocotylar, epigeal, reserve seedlings with a cataphyll‐free epicotyl and scale‐like structures on the first internode after the epicotyledonary axis. Based on the available data, a comprehensive view of Copaifera seedlings from both the Old and New Worlds is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to describe the clinical and laboratory findings of patients diagnosed with pleural tuberculosis at two hospitals in southern Brazil. Methods: Patients aged < 18 years were evaluated retrospectively. The patients' medical and epidemiological history, tuberculin skin test results, radiological and pathological findings, and pleural fluid analysis results were retrieved. Results: Ninety-two patients with pleural tuberculosis were identified. The mean age was 10.9 years old. Twenty-one percent were children aged six years or less. The most common symptoms were fever (88%), cough (72%), and chest pain (70%). Unilateral pleural effusion was observed in 96% of the cases. Lymphocyte predominance was found in 90% of the pleural fluid samples. The adenosine deaminase activity of the pleural fluid was greater than 40 U/L in 85% of patients. A diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia with antibiotic prescriptions was observed in 76% of the study population. Conclusions: Tuberculosis etiology must be considered in unilateral pleural effusion in a child with contact with a case of tuberculosis. Pleural fluid biomarkers contribute to the diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis in children and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Práxis Educativa is the property of Revista Praxis Educativa and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The cultivation of pear trees in Brazil started with a larger harvested area than apple trees, however, it did not have the same development. The production of pears has not been as promising as expected, being considered one of the temperate-climate fruits of less commercial interest in Brazil, due to several factors that are discussed in this paper. However, the pear has great economic importance in Brazil as it is the main item in the Brazilian fresh fruit import agenda. Aspects related to the main scientific advances and applied technologies are also described in this paper, mainly regarding rootstocks, cultivars, management techniques and, finally, some considerations about what is missing to produce more pears in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to evaluate the association between periodontitis and different severities of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in predialytic patients. Materials and Methods: Demographic, socioeconomic, and medical data of 139 patients from the nephrology service of one university hospital in Porto Alegre, Brazil, were obtained through interview and clinical records. Full‐mouth six‐sites per tooth periodontal examinations were performed. Associations between periodontitis, stages of CKD, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were estimated by multivariable models adjusted for sex, smoking, vitamin D supplementation, physical activity, and renal treatment duration. CKD was classified based on eGFR (<60 ml/min/1.73 m2) estimated by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation. Results: Patients with severe periodontitis, compared to those without severe periodontitis, had 2.8 (95% CI: 1.25–6.62) and 3.4 (95% CI: 1.27–9.09) times higher risk of being in stages 4 and 5 of CKD, respectively. Having ≥ 2 teeth with clinical attachment loss (CAL) ≥6 mm increased 3.9 times the risk of being in stage 5 of CKD. Patients with severe periodontitis and ≥2 teeth with CAL ≥ 6 mm had 4.4 ml/min/1.732 and 5.2 ml/min/1.732 lower eGFR (p‐values <.05), respectively. Conclusion: Severe periodontitis was associated with poor renal conditions in predialytic CKD patients, strengthening the importance of periodontal evaluation in such patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Seedlings of twelve taxa of Aeschynomene are described and illustrated. • Hypocotyl, cotyledons, epicotyl and eophylls are taxonomically useful. • Seedlings of A. sect. Aeschynomene differ from those of A. sect. Ochopodium. • Cotyledons provide potential diagnostic characters of A. sect. Ochopodium. Although seedling morphology studies have contributed to the systematics of Leguminosae at different taxonomic levels, seedlings are poorly known in Aeschynomene, a pantropical genus with approximately 180 species. Aeschynomene traditionally comprises two sections in the Neotropics, A. sect. Aeschynomene and A. sect. Ochopodium. However, molecular phylogenies have indicated that the genus is probably polyphyletic. In order to evaluate the utility of seeding morphology considered in a taxonomic and phylogenetic context, we examined seedlings of twelve taxa of Aeschynomene from Brazil. Several seedling characters from the hypocotyl, cotyledons, epicotyls, and eophylls were useful in distinguishing the studied taxa from each other, summarized in a dichotomic key. Although all analyzed taxa of Aeschynomene share phanerocotylar, epigeal, foliaceous seedlings, our study showed that taxa of A. sect. Aeschynomene noticeably differ from those of A. sect. Ochopodium by possessing a glabrous hypocotyl (vs. pubescent), medifixed stipules (vs. basifixed), and subsessile, epulvinate cotyledons (vs. petiolate, pulvinate), among other characters. In addition, we discuss the relevance of seedling characters in light of the upcoming splitting of Aeschynomene into two or more genera, with particular emphasis on A. sect. Aeschynomene and related genera as well as the close relationships between A. sect. Ochopodium and the genera Dalbergia and Machaerium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Psicoperspectivas is the property of Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso, Escuela de Psicologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Biociencias is the property of Revista Brasileira de Biociencias and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

• Zornia latifolia is a subshrubby legume species of the tribe Dalbergieae. • This species has the phanerocotylar, hypogeal, foliaceous (PHF) seedling type. • In Z. latifolia, root crowns developed from axillary buds at the cotyledonary node. • Resprouting from a bud bank is a common characteristic of taxa with PHF seedlings. • PHF seedlings couple the benefits of leafy cotyledons with hypogeal germination. Seedling functional types have been studied at lower intensity in savanna forbs because most studies are biased toward woody species in forests. In this study, we investigated the seedling morphology and early morphological development of the basal bud bank structures of Zornia latifolia , which is a widely distributed neotropical legume species (Papilionoideae, Dalbergieae) and a relevant component of the forb legume guild from the Rio Branco savannas, northern Brazil. The unusual combination of phanerocotylar and foliaceous cotyledons with a noticeably short hypocotyl allows to assign the seedlings of Z. latifolia to the phanerocotylar hypogeal foliaceous (PHF) functional type, which is the first reference to the genus. Resprouting capacity from a bud bank is a common characteristic of taxa with PHF seedlings in savannas and depends on the formation and protection of bud bank organs. In Z. latifolia , root crowns are generated early from the seedling stage as a result of the ontogenetic development of axillary buds and their accessory buds at the cotyledonary node. We examined the ecological role of PHF seedlings in savannas, where this functional seedling type appears to combine the benefits of the photosynthetic efficiency of foliaceous cotyledons with the higher protection offered by hypogeal germination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• No signs of degradation were observed in perfectly bonded cement-steel interfaces. • Interfacial defects enabled the degradation of cement and casing by CO 2 -rich brine. • The degradation mechanisms of the cement-casing in CO 2 -rich brine were revised. • Material exchange between the cement-casing-CO 2 -rich brine reduces well integrity. From our work, significant progress has been made in understanding the degradation of cement-casing systems. The CO 2 degradation process was evaluated in specimens with a large interfacial defect, such as large annular spaces, voids and/or channels, which may be the result of a poor cementing job. From the experiments showing no interfacial defect, no signs of degradation were observed, while from experiments showing interfacial defect, both the cement and steel undergo significant degradation. In the well casing, the CO 2 -rich brine affects the steel phase, leaching Fe2+ ions into solution and promoting FeCO 3 precipitation on the material surface, while on the cement sheath, two processes are occurring: (i) the portlandite dissolution and (ii) the cement carbonation process. Then, iron (Fe2+) starts to migrate into the cement structure, compromising the material's self-healing and pore-blocking features, while calcium (Ca2+) starts to compose the corrosion film from the formation of mixed carbonates (Fe x Ca y CO 3) so reducing the corrosion layer's protection. Finally, both ions (Ca2+ and Fe2+) become so abundant in the material vicinity that they may form calcium carbonate (CaCO 3) on the corrosion layer and iron carbonate (FeCO 3) in the cement matrix. Thus, from our results, the degradation mechanisms of the cement-casing system in CO 2 -rich brine was revised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of new rootstocks combined with different training systems have been studied to increase productivity, fruit quality, and reduce costs. Another important factor is the validation of studies under replanting conditions, due to the growing limitation of new areas for planting commercial apple orchards in Brazil. The present study aimed to evaluate the behavior of 'Fuji Suprema' and 'Maxi Gala' apple trees in two training systems grafted on two rootstocks. The study occurred during the seasons 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2018/19, in an orchard located in southern Brazil in an area previously cultivated with apple trees. A randomized block design consisting of a 2x2 factorial was used, with Tall Spindle and Bi-Axis as the training system and 'M.9' and 'G.213' as rootstocks of Fuji Suprema and Maxi Gala cultivars. Variables were evaluated to determine tree vigor, as well as yield and fruit quality characteristics. It was observed that 'G.213' promoted higher vigor for both cultivars as well as the Bi-Axis training system in the Maxi Gala cultivar. The highest yield was observed in Tall Spindle as well as the rootstock 'G.213' in both cultivars. The most significant changes on fruit quality occurred in the Bi-Axis training system, presenting higher intensity of red color as well as 'Maxi Gala' grafted on 'G.213' rootstock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of seeder furrow opening mechanisms on soil physical characteristics, plant growth, and soybean yield in lowland areas with the presence of compacted layer near the surface. An experiment was conducted in the lowland experimental area of the Federal University of Santa Maria-RS, Brazil, during the 2015/16 and 2016/17 growing season. The experimental design was a randomized block with five replications and four treatments: Planter using shank (S) at 0.23 m depth; S at 0.13 m; Planter using double disk at 0.07 m depth and Raised-bed + S at 0.12 m depth. The use of S at 0.23 m depth allowed reduction of penetration resistance and increase of soil macroporosity in the layers 0-0.1 and 0.1-0.2 m depth in the seeding row. Sowing with S at 0.23 m depth and Raised-bed + S at 0.12 m depth allowed a better development of soybean plants in compacted irrigated rice area (higher nodulation, leaf area index and root growth), as well as higher grain yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Brazil, the country with the highest plant species richness in the world, biodiverse savannas and grasslands – i.e., grassy ecosystems, which occupy 27% of the country – have historically been neglected in conservation and scientific treatments. Reasons for this neglect include misconceptions about the characteristics and dynamics of these ecosystems, as well as inconsistent or regionally restricted terminology that impeded a more adequate communication about Brazil's savannas and grasslands, both within the country and internationally. Toward improved communication and recognition of Brazil's diversity of ecosystems, we present the key drivers that control the main types of grassy ecosystems across Brazil (including in regions of the country where forests dominate). In doing so, we synthesize the main features of each grassy ecosystem in terms of physiognomy and ecological dynamics (e.g., relationships with herbivores and fire). We propose a terminology both for major grassland regions and for regionally relevant vegetation physiognomies. We also discuss terms associated with human land management and restoration of grassy ecosystems. Finally, we suggest key research needs to advance our understanding of the ecology and conservation values of Brazil's grassy ecosystems. We expect that a common and shared terminology and understanding, as proposed here, will stimulate more integrative research that will be fundamental to developing improved conservation and restoration strategies. [Display omitted] • 27% of Brazil's natural vegetation are grasslands and savannas. • Brazil's grassy ecosystems remain undervalued in conservation: 46% have been converted to other uses. • Eleven major regions of grassy ecosystems can be identified across Brazil. • Disturbances (e.g., fire, grazing) are key determinants of Brazil's grassy ecosystems. • Efforts are needed to map grassy ecosystems and develop conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]