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Group B Streptococcus sequence type 103 is known primarily as a bovine mastitis pathogen. In Brazil, it has circulated in cattle and humans since the 1990s. It lacks scpB and, in humans, was found only among carriage isolates. Bovine-human interspecies transmission may have contributed to its evolution and spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a major cause of contagious bovine mastitis (CBM) in Brazil. The GBS population is composed of host-generalist and host-specialist lineages, which may differ in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and zoonotic potential, and the surveillance of bovine GBS is crucial to developing effective CBM control and prevention measures. Here, we investigated bovine GBS isolates (n = 156) collected in Brazil between 1987 and 2021 using phenotypic testing and whole-genome sequencing to uncover the molecular epidemiology of bovine GBS. Clonal complex (CC) 61/67 was the predominant clade in the 20th century; however, it was replaced by CC91, with which it shares a most common recent ancestor, in the 21st century, despite the higher prevalence of AMR in CC61/67 than in CC91, and high selection pressure for AMR from indiscriminate antimicrobial use in the Brazilian dairy industry. CC103 also emerged as a dominant CC in the 21st century, and a considerable proportion of herds had two or more GBS strains, suggesting poor biosecurity and within-herd evolution due to the chronic nature of CBM problems. The majority of bovine GBS belonged to serotype Ia or III, which was strongly correlated with CCs. Ninety-three isolates were resistant to tetracycline (≥8 μg/mL; tetO = 57, tetM = 34 or both = 2) and forty-four were resistant to erythromycin (2.0 to >4 μg/mL; ermA = 1, ermB = 38, mechanism unidentified n = 5). Only three isolates were non-susceptible to penicillin (≥8.0 μg/mL), providing opportunities for improved antimicrobial stewardship through the use of narrow-spectrum antimicrobials for the treatment of dairy cattle. The common bovine GBS clades detected in this study have rarely been reported in humans, suggesting limited risk of interspecies transmission of GBS in Brazil. This study provides new data to support improvements to CBM and AMR control, bovine GBS vaccine design, and the management of public health risks posed by bovine GBS in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subtropical environments, are the regions with the largest area of wheat cultivation in Brazil, however, events, such as frost formation in the period of flowering and grain filling negatively influence the production, due to direct loss in grain formation. Identifying cultivars, which have a higher genetic resistance to frost damage, can provide strategies for maintaining the productive potential in commercial crops in subtropical region in Brazil. The study aimed to evaluate the linear relationships among characters and the agronomic performance of wheat cultivars of different cycles, under the influence of frost stress in a subtropical low altitude region. The experiment was conducted in a subtropical climate triticultural region in the South of Brazil (Santa Maria, RS). A randomized block design with seven cultivars and four repetitions was used, totaling 28 experimental units. The cultivar cycle from the emergence stage to physiological maturity was recorded, as was the recording of the phenological stage on the day of frost formation. The characters evaluated were: plant height, number of fertile tillers, number of spikelets per plant, number of grains per plant, whole grains in the main stem, damaged grains in the main stem, whole grains in the tillers, damaged grains in the tillers, thousand-grain mass, hectoliter weight, grain yield, harvest index, and number of spikes per m². Analysis of variance, test for comparison of means between treatments with significant effect, Pearson linear correlation analysis, and trail analysis were performed. The results show that the cultivars and phenological stages of the plants have different degrees of sensitivity to frost damage, with the early anthesis stage being less sensitive to frost damage than the late milky grain stage. Therefore, the linear relationships indicate that the characters plant height, number of fertile tillers, number of grains per plant, whole grains and hectoliter weight, have positive relationship with grain yield. There is a genetic effect for tolerance to frost damage. The use of cultivars with similar cycle behavior are not indicated, as they increase the risk of frost losses when sowing in only one growing season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Agronomía Colombiana is the property of Universidad Nacional de Colombia 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 Journal of Nursing & Health is the property of Journal of Nursing & Health (JONAH) 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.)

Objective: To verify the performance of the Net Promoter Score (NPS) as a tool to assess parental satisfaction in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). Methods: The authors conducted an observational cross-sectional multicenter study in the PICUs of 5 hospitals in Brazil. Eligible participants were all parents or legal guardians of PICU-admitted children, aged 18 years or over. The NPS was administered together with the EMpowerment of PArents in THe Intensive Care (EMPATHIC-30), used as the gold standard, and a sociodemographic questionnaire. For analysis, the results were dichotomized into values greater than or equal to the median of the tests. The associations between the 2 tools were evaluated and the distribution of their results was compared. Results: The parents or legal guardians of 78 PICU-admitted children were interviewed. Of the respondents, 85% were women and 62% were in a private hospital. The median NPS was 10 (IQR, 10-10), and the median EMPATHIC-30 score was 5.7 (IQR, 5.4-5.9). Compared with the gold standard, the NPS had a sensitivity of 100% at all cutoff points, except at cutoff 10, where the sensitivity was slightly lower (97.5%). As for specificity, NPS performance was poorer, with values ranging from 0% (NPS-5) to 47.4% (NPS = 10). TagedEndTagedPConclusions: NPS proved to be a sensitive tool to assess parental satisfaction, but with poor ability to identify dissatisfied users in the sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: There are no validated instruments to measure education-related stress in Brazilian university students. Thus, we aimed to translate and test the internal reliability, convergent/discriminant validity, and measurement equivalence of the Higher Education Stress Inventory (HESI). Methods: The translation protocol was carried out by two independent translators. The instrument was culturally adapted after a pilot version was administered to 36 university students. The final version (HESI-Br) was administered to 1,021 university students (mean age = 28.3, standard deviation [SD] = 9.6, 76.7% female) via an online survey that lasted from September 1 to October 15, 2020. The factor structure was estimated using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) on the first half of the dataset. We tested the best EFA-derived model with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on the second half. Convergent/ discriminant validity was tested using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Sex, age groups, period of study, family income and area of study were used to test measurement equivalence. Results: EFA suggested five factors: career dissatisfaction; faculty shortcomings; high workload; financial concerns; and toxic learning environment. CFA supported the five-factor model (15 items), but not a higher order factor, suggesting multidimensionality. All five factors presented acceptable internal reliabilities, with Cronbach's α ≥ 0.72 and McDonald's ω ≥ 0.64. CFA models indicated that the HESI-Br and DASS-21 assess different but correlated underlying latent constructs, supporting discriminant validity. Equivalence was ascertained for all tested groups. Conclusion: The 15-item HESI-Br is a reliable and invariant multidimensional instrument for assessing relevant stressors among university students in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The rise in mental health problems in the population directly or indirectly because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a major concern. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare independent predictors of symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Brazilians one month after the implementation of measures of social distancing.Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed using a web-based survey. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) were the outcomes. Data were gathered regarding demographics, social distancing, economic problems, exposure to the news of the pandemic, psychiatric history, sleep disturbances, traumatic situations, and substance use. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test - Consumption (AUDIT-C) was also administered. The predictors of the symptoms were investigated using hierarchical multiple linear regression.Results: Of a sample of 3587 participants, approximately two-thirds considered that their mental health worsened after the beginning of the social restriction measures. The most important predictors of the symptoms investigated were the intensity of the distress related to the news of the pandemic, younger age, current psychiatric diagnosis, trouble sleeping, emotional abuse or violence, and economic problems.Conclusions: These results confirmed the hypothesis that the pandemic impacted the mental health of the population and indicated that the level of distress related to the news was the most important predictor of psychological suffering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the skills necessary for the accounting professional and a guide (framework) to guide the formation of work teams that enhance the development of skills in Accounting students submitted to active teaching methodologies. A systematic literature review was carried out to identify the relevant skills to be investigated in research in Accounting students. After the execution of a pilot test, a controlled quasiexperiment was carried out, based on the active teaching methodology of Challenge Based Learning (CBL), and questionnaires were applied to groups of Accounting students. A total of 251 students from five Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the southern region of Brazil participated in the research. In the analysis of the results, tests of variance (ANOVA), chi-square, Tukey's test and descriptive analyzes were performed to confirm the research hypothesis. A systematic review of the literature presents the skills that must be developed in accounting training, and the results of the article present the main variables in the formation of work teams that promote the development of these skills through the use of active teaching methodologies. The contributions, in addition to the literature review, are to provide a guide to subsidize and guide the formation of work teams to boost the development of these skills. In the practical field, the article indicates which variables, in the formation of work teams, can boost the development of skills with a satisfactory degree of intensity, guiding educational initiatives based on active teaching methodologies, serving in the academic field as a reference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Brasileira em Promoção da Saúde is the property of Revista Brasileira em Promocao da Saude 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 PSICO is the property of PSICO 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 Gaucha de Enfermagem is the property of Revista Gaucha de Enfermagem 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 aim of the present study was to compare the prevalence of dental caries between crack cocaine users and a control group. The study included 106 participants in each group matched for age, sex, and exposure to tobacco. Crack cocaine users were selected from institutions for the treatment of chemical dependency, and the control group was recruited from a public school and among patients who sought dental care. A calibrated examiner determined dental caries experience [Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index]. The severity of tooth decay was determined using the Significant Caries Index (SiC). The prevalence of dental caries (DMFT ≥ 1) was 96.2 and 81.1% among the crack cocaine users and nonusers, respectively. Crack users had higher mean DMFT values (7.16 versus 4.92) for the decayed and missing components as well as a higher percentage of individuals with highly severe caries compared to nonusers. After the adjustments in the multivariate model, the prevalence of caries was 18% higher among the crack users (prevalence ratio: 1.18; 95% confidence interval: 1.08–1.30). Age, family income, crack cocaine use, and dental calculus were associated with the occurrence of dental caries. In conclusion, the prevalence of caries was higher among the crack users compared with the control group and remained associated with dental caries in the multivariate analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chrysanthemum is one of the most commercialized flower species in Brazil, however, there is little information related to the correct water management of the crop. Thus, the work seeks to determine the crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and obtain the cultural coefficients (Kc) of the pot chrysanthemum, in addition to assessing the water use efficiency (EUA) of the crop under different irrigation managements. The experiment was conducted in a protected environment in Santa Maria-RS, which a completely randomized design (DIC) was used, with five treatments based on the capacity of water retention in the vessel (CRV) (40, 60, 80, 100 and 120% CRV), with 16 repetitions, each pot was considered one repetition. ETc was determined by weighing Lysymetry, ETo was calculated by six different equations: Benevides-Lopez, Camargo, Linacre, Jensen-Haise, Hargreaves and Ivanov. Kc was obtained by the relationship between ETc and ETo. The evapotranspiration of the culture ranged between 153 and 264 mm. There was no significant difference in the EUA between the treatments studied. The average Kc was 0.98 for the vegetative phase, 1.29 from the beginning of the reproductive phase to the point of commercialization and 0.85 until the end of the reproductive phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Estudos Feministas is the property of Revista Estudos Feministas 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.)

Objective: To determine the prevalence of life support limitation (LSL) in patients who died after at least 24 h of a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) stay, parent participation and to describe how this type of care is delivered. Methods: Retrospective cohort study in a tertiary PICU at a university hospital in Brazil. All patients aged 1 month to 18 years who died were eligible for inclusion. The exclusion criteria were those brain death and death within 24 h of admission. Results: 53 patients were included in the study. The prevalence of a LSL report was 45.3%. Out of 24 patients with a report of LSL on their medical records only 1 did not have a donot-resuscitate order. Half of the patients with a report of LSL had life support withdrawn. The length of their PICU stay, age, presence of parents at the time of death, and severity on admission, calculated by the Pediatric Index of Mortality 2, were higher in patients with a report of LSL. Compared with other historical cohorts, there was a clear increase in the prevalence of LSL and, most importantly, a change in how limitations are carried out, with a high prevalence of parental participation and an increase in withdrawal of life support. Conclusions: LSLs were associated with older and more severely ill patients, with a high prevalence of family participation in this process. The historical comparison showed an increase in LSL and in the withdrawal of life support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to identify self-incompatibility (S) alleles of advanced breeding selections of apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.). The Salleles of 42 apple genotypes were analyzed by markers using allele-specific PCR amplification and amplicons digested with restriction endonucleases. Among the screened genotypes were cultivars, advanced selections, and accessions of the Apple Germplasm Bank of Epagri (Caçador, Santa Catarina, Brazil). Two S-alleles were identified in 36 genotypes, and only one S-allele was determined in the other six genotypes. In all, eleven S-alleles were identified among all the genotypes evaluated. The S3 and S5 alleles were most frequent (30.2% and 18.6%, respectively). The identification of S-alleles using molecular markers in important apple tree genotypes is useful for determination of compatible parents for breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the objectification of women's bodies in the discursive regularities present in the musical compositions of Chiquinha Gonzaga, a late nineteenth and early twentieth century composer from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Guided by Foucauldian discourse analysis, the paper argues that enunciations emerging from Gonzaga's songs are triggered by the devices of sexuality, racial whitening, resistance, confession and marriage. Based in a musical discourse that references women with terms such as maiden, seducer, flirt, tasty and mulatto, these enunciations are demarcated by hierarchies of gender, ethnicity and social class. Even though the enunciations under investigation are associated with a particular musical era in Rio de Janeiro's history, they are not far removed from dominant enunciations about women in contemporary Brazil. This suggests the difficulty of breaking away from representations that subjugate women, particularly when the patriarchal power relations that enabled these representations remain prominent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) is the third largest sunflower producer in Brazil. This study verified the existence of linear relationships between grain yield, oil content, and oil yield in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) genotypes evaluated in RS. The data on grain yield (GY), oil content (OC), and oil yield (OY) were obtained from 73 sunflower cultivar trials in 21 municipalities in RS from 1999 to 2018. Scatter diagrams were createdto investigate the relationships between the variables GY, OC, and OY. Then, Pearson's linear correlation coefficient (r) was calculated between the variables, and the Student's t-test was performed at a 5% significance level. There is a positive and significant linear relationship between PG and OY. However, no linear relationship was found between grain yield and oil content in sunflower genotypes. Additionally, a positive linear association of high magnitude (r = 0.9672) was observed between grain yield and oil yield, while a low magnitude (r = 0.2245) was found between oil content and oil yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The model was fitted to six soybean cultivars used in the State of Rondônia. • First-ever systematic use of soil, crop and climate data in SCRO region. • Model accurately simulates vegetative and reproductive stages, and crop yield. Agricultural models are useful tools for predicting phenology, biomass, and crop yield under different environmental conditions during the growth period. Notwithstanding their use in the Southern Cone of Rondônia (southern Amazon, Brazil) is still limited. Thus, the objective in this work was to calibrate and validate the CROPGRO-Soybean model with soybean data collected in harvests of 2017 to 2019, being the data from the first growing period devoted to model calibration, and crop data from 2018/2019 to model validation. Six soybean cultivars were planted at the municipality of Vilhena, State of Rondônia, Brazil. The model was parameterized using climatic, hydric and physical soil properties, and growth data of the evaluated soybean cultivars. To evaluate the accuracy of model prediction we used the coefficient of determination (r2), percentage difference (Pd), root mean square error (RMSE), and Willmott's index of agreement (d-value). The model accurately simulates the vegetative and reproductive stages, and the yields of the soybean cultivars under the climatic conditions of the Southern Cone of Rondônia. However, the CROPGRO-Soybean model tended to overestimate soil moisture content especially in upper soil layer (0.0–0.1 m depth). Taking the observed data, as the baseline, the model predicted the time to flowering, first pod, seeding, and physiological maturity, with a discrepancy of just one to seven days. In most of the soybean cultivars (five of the six cultivar evaluated), the differences between observed and simulated yields (growing cycle of 2018/2019 – validation harvest) ranged from –6 % to (underestimation) to 27 % (overestimation). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) is a questionnaire designed to assess the auditory experience and quantify hearing disabilities in realistic communication situations, with particular attention to binaural hearing. Objective To determine the test-retest reliability of the SSQ in Brazilian Portuguese. Method A total of 35 individuals with mean age of 61 years and mean education of 7 years were interviewed. Themean auditory threshold was 44.29 dBNA in the best ear and 58.04 dBNA in theworst ear. The SSQ in Portuguesewas applied at two time points, test and retest. An interval of 7 to 20 days between interviews was established. The level of significance adopted was 0.05, or 5%. Results The analysis revealed a high Cronbach α coefficient for the three domains and for the general component of the scale, demonstrating good internal consistency between the items. In addition, a significant strong correlation was detected between test and retest of the SSQ on the analysis by domain and for the general component of the scale. A significant moderate-to-strong correlation between test and retest by question was found, except for question 2 of Part I. Conclusion The test-retest reliability indicators showed good stability of the Portuguese version of the SSQ, indicating that the scale is suitable for use in the hearingimpaired population in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of risk factors for acute rejection (AR) may lead to strategies to improve success of kidney transplantation. Ectonucleotidases are ectoenzymes that hydrolyze extracellular nucleotides into nucleosides, modulating the purinergic signaling. Some members of the Ectonucleotidase family have been linked to transplant rejection processes. However, the association of Ectonucleotide Pyrophosphatase / Phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1) with AR has not yet been evaluated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the K121Q polymorphism of ENPP1 gene and AR in kidney transplant patients. We analyzed 449 subjects without AR and 98 with AR from a retrospective cohort of kidney transplant patients from Southern Brazil. K121Q polymorphism was genotyped using allelic discrimination-real-time PCR. Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate freedom of AR in kidney transplant patients according to genotypes. Q allele frequency was 17.6% in recipients without AR and 21.9% in those with AR (P = 0.209). Genotype frequencies of the K121Q polymorphism were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in non-AR patients (P = 0.70). The Q/Q genotype (recessive model) was associated with AR (HR = 2.83, 95% CI 1.08–7.45; P = 0.034) after adjusting for confounders factors. Our findings suggest a novel association between the ENPP1 121Q/Q genotype and AR in kidney transplant recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Trends in Psychiatry & Psychotherapy is the property of Associacao de Psiquiatria do Rio Grande do Sul 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 RAIMED: Revista de Administração IMED is the property of RAIMED: Revista de Administracao IMED 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 Brazilian Journal of Agricultural Sciences / Revista Brasileira de Ciências Agrárias is the property of Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco 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 entrepreneurship education in Brazil has been providing new challenges to the High Education Institutions (HEI) and to the actors that are involved in the education process (SEBRAE; ENDEAVOR, 2016). In this regard, this study aims to identify the students from a South Brazil University profile and entrepreneurial potential. This research is classified as quantitative and descriptive and it was realized through the application of a survey that was done with Accounting students of a public HEI in 2016 and 2018, with a total of 394 respondents. Among the results obtained, it was observed that the male gender respondents have demonstrated greater entrepreneurial intentions, and the group that have shown more entrepreneurial intentions has the higher confidence level to manage and to solve business problems. Although it is in a weak manner, it was found in 2018 a major interest of the participants concerning the entrepreneurship theme, since the ones that attended one or more subjects about the theme also have sought to participate of other extracurricular courses to know more about the University's activities. The study contributes by highlighting that students of Accounting Sciences have entrepreneurial skills, with the potential to use their technical skills to start and run a business. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Scutia buxifolia has been widely used in Brazilian folk medicine as an anti-hypertensive agent. We evaluated the vascular effects and mechanism involved in the relaxation of aorta induced by an n-butanolic fraction (BuOH) from Scutia buxifolia. Materials and Methods: Rat aortic rings precontracted by phenylephrine (1μM) were exposed to cumulative concentrations (3–3000μg/ml) of crude extracts or fractions obtained from bark or leaves of Scutia buxifolia. Classical receptor antagonists, channel and enzymatic inhibitors were used to check the mechanisms involved. Results: The crude extracts of both leaves and bark of Scutia buxifolia, as well as several fractions, were able to induce partial or total relaxation of rat aortic rings. The BuOH fraction of bark of Scutia buxifolia was the most potent in endothelium-intact (E+) preparations, and also induced a partial, but very significant relaxation in endothelium-denuded (E−) vessels. The non-selective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME, as well as the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ, vanished the relaxation in E+. In E− preparations, K+ channel blockers, such as tetraethylammonium, glibenclamide, 4-aminopyridine, and the large-conductance calcium-activated K+ channel blocker iberiotoxin, were able to significantly reduce the maximum relaxation elicited by BuOH fraction. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that BuOH fraction obtained from barks of Scutia buxifolia induced both endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxation in rat aortic rings. The endothelium-dependent relaxation is fully dependent on NO/cGMP system, while direct activation of K+ channels may explain, at least in part, the endothelium-independent relaxation induced by BuOH fraction of Scutia buxifolia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

There has been a strong demand for oat genotypes that contain caryopsis with high chemical quality which can suit the different market niches. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to assess the general (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) of white oat cultivars through diallelic crosses providing information about the genetic effects on expression of grain chemical quality components. Also, it was aimed to estimate the heterosis on F and F generations and the vigor loss due to inbreeding. During 2008, 21 hybrid populations F and F were obtained from artificial crossing among seven Brazilian white oat cultivars, following the complete diallel design, without considering the reciprocals. These populations and their parents were evaluated in the 2009 season in the experimental field in Capão do Leão, RS, Brazil. The higher values of mean squares associated to GCA indicates a strong contribution of additive genetic effects to the expression of grain chemical components. The parents tested showed a tendency to develop progeny with negative heterosis regarding protein, lipid, β-glucan and soluble dietary fiber in the grain, and positive for the content of nitrogen-free extract, total and insoluble dietary fiber. IAC 7 features a potential parent for obtaining grains with high protein and dietary fiber content, and low caloric content, fit to human diet. Meanwhile, UPF 15 and FAPA Louise can represent donors of alleles to increase lipid contents, while FAPA Louise and URS Guapa can be used to raise the grain nitrogen-free extract contents of lines intended for animal feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pineapple(Ananas comosus (L.) Merril), fruit-symbol of tropical and subtropical regions, originated in the Americas, was widespread throughout the world mainly by european navigators because of its aroma and flavor, and lush appearance. Named as "King of Colonial Fruits", pineapple is one of the eleven most produced fruit in the world, growing consumed in every continent, with Brazil as the largest producer. Then, the objective of this literature review is to approach the pineapple history, contemplating its botany, origin and dispersion in the world and its current scenario and issues related to germplasm conservation and breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Scutia buxifolia , a native tree popularly known as “coronilha”, is widely used in Brazilian folk medicine for diuretic and anti-hypertensive purposes. Aim of the study We investigated the effects of a butanolic (BuOH) soluble fraction of the hydroethanolic extract (HESB) of bark of Scutia buxifolia on both blood pressure and urinary excretion of rats. The involvement of the nitric oxide/guanylate cyclase pathway in the hypotensive effect found was also explored. Material and methods We tested the effect of the BuOH soluble fraction of HESB on the mean arterial pressure (MAP) of anesthetized rats. The fraction was administered at doses of 1, 3 and 10 mg/kg (i.v.) in normotensive rats during continuous infusion of vehicle (10 μl/min), or phenylephrine (4 μg/kg/min), or l -NAME (7 mg/kg/min), two approaches able to induce a sustained hypertensive state. In some experiments, a bolus injection of ODQ (2 mg/kg) was administered in animals infused with phenylephrine before the administration of the BuOH soluble fraction of HESB. We also measured the effects of the BuOH soluble fraction on the MAP of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Separate groups of rats were treated orally with either HESB (10, 30 or 100 mg/kg), or its BuOH soluble fraction (3, 10 or 30 mg/kg), and were subjected to measurement of diuresis and blood pressure. Results The BuOH soluble fraction of HESB (10 mg/kg, i.v.) reduced the MAP of both phenylephrine-infused and SHR rats by 20.6±6.0 and 41.8±8.3 mm Hg, respectively. However, no hypotensive effect was found in normotensive animals infused with l -NAME, a non-selective inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, or animals previously treated with the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ. The urinary excretion was increased by 70% at 6–8 h after a single oral administration of the BuOH soluble fraction of HESB (10 mg/kg), without change in urinary density, pH, or Na + and K + concentrations. In addition, MAP was lower 3 h after the acute oral treatment with the BuOH soluble fraction (82.1±3.8 mm Hg), compared with MAP of animals from the control group (97±3.2 mm Hg). Conclusion This study demonstrates that the BuOH soluble fraction of the hydroethanolic bark of Scutia buxifolia , which has its bark used in folk medicine for the treatment of hypertension mainly by its presumed diuretic properties, possesses both diuretic and hypotensive effects in rats, and that at least the hypotensive effect is fully dependent on activation of the nitric oxide/guanylate cyclase pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ruminants vary their walking trajectory according to the positioning of the trees in integrated systems, which can determine the concentration of dung deposition at certain locations. The aim of this study was to map the distribution of feces and the behavior of dairy heifers in sunny and shaded areas. This experiment was carried out in Mato Grosso, Brazil, where the main grazing conditioner is shade due to the presence of trees in the pastures. Shading levels used were: full sunlight (control), moderate shade (338 trees ha-1) and intensive shade (714 trees ha-1) in randomized complete blocks. The experimental period was divided into three evaluation periods based on rainfall distribution: rainy period = December 2012; transition period = March 2013 and dry period = June 2013. Animal behavior assessments and dung distribution mapping were performed. The full sunlight system displayed a higher concentration of feces patches at sites near the gate, cow drinkers and fences opposite the gate. Heifers picked shaded places for ruminating and idleness. The major concentration was reported in the central area and under trees, in shaded systems. There were places with greater feces concentrations, but when the pasture had trees, deposition did not only happen underneath trees but also in places under their influence. The distribution was more homogeneous when trees were present in large quantities. The shaded area available in pastures affects spatial distribution of dung, stimulating uniformity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Although Maytenus ilicifolia is used in Brazilian folk medicine as a diuretic drug, no study has been conducted to this date in order to evaluate this ethnopharmacological statement. So, the aim of this study was to evaluate possible mechanisms involved in acute diuretic activity of the ethanolic supernatant of the infusion (SEI) obtained from Maytenus ilicifolia and to assess its relationship with a hypotensive activity by a bioassay-guided fractionation using normotensive Wistar rats. Material and methods: The preparation obtained from the infusion (SEI) and their respective fractions (Fr·H2O and Fr·EtOAc) were orally administered in a single dose to rats. The urine excretion rate, pH, density, conductivity and content of Na+, K+, Cl− and HCO3 − were measured in the urine of saline-loaded animals. Samples of the concentration of electrolytes, urea, creatinine, aldosterone, vasopressin and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity were evaluated in collected serum. The hypotensive activity and the involvement of nitric oxide, bradykinin and prostaglandin/cAMP pathway in the hypotensive and diuretic effects were also determined. Results: Water and Na+ excretion rate were significantly increased by Fr·EtOAc and the arterial pressure was significantly reduced, while the urinary excretion of potassium and chloride were reduced. Pre-treatment with indomethacin or DDA (2′,5′-dideoxyadenosine) significantly reduced the hypotensive and diuretic activity observed. All other parameters evaluated were not affected by any treatment. Conclusion: The present study reveals that Fr·EtOAc obtained from Maytenus ilicifolia may present compounds responsible for diuretic and hypotensive activities, and this effect, could involve the prostaglandin/cAMP pathway. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Pereskia grandifolia Haw. (Cactaceae), popularly known as “ora-pro-nobis” is well recognized in Brazilian traditional medicine as a diuretic agent, although no scientific data have been published to support this effect. The aim of this work is to evaluate the diuretic and hypotensive activities of the infusion (INFPG) and the ethanol extract (HEPG) of Pereskia grandifolia and possible mechanism of action. Materials and methods: The infusions (2.5–10%) and the HEPG (3–100mg/kg) were orally administered in a single dose or daily (for seven days) to rats. The urine excretion rate, pH, density, conductivity and content of Na+, K+, Cl− and HCO3 − were measured in the urine of saline-loaded animals. In collected serum samples the concentration of electrolytes, urea, creatinine, aldosterone, vasopressin and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity were evaluated. The involvement of V2 vasopressin receptor in the diuretic activity and the hypotensive effect of HEPG were also determined. Results: Water excretion rate was significantly increased by HEPG, while the urinary K+ and Cl− excretion was significantly reduced in acute and prolonged treatment. The oral administration of the HEPG (30mg/kg) significantly reduced serum levels of vasopressin and the mean arterial pressure (MAP) in normotensive rats. All other evaluated parameters have not been affected by any treatment. Conclusion: The results showed that HEPG could present compound(s) responsible for aquaretic activities with no signs of toxicity, and this effect could involve a reduction in the arginine-vasopressin release. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Tropaeolum majus L. (Tropaeolaceae) is a medicinal herb popularly used in Brazil for treatment of inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases. Despite some published data on its efficacy, there are still few toxicological data describing the safety of this plant. The aim of this study was to evaluate the (anti)estrogenic and (anti)androgenic activity of the hydroethanolic extract obtained from Tropaeolum majus L. (HETM), as well as its possible effects on uterine contractility. Materials and methods: Three experimental protocols were performed, (a) uterotrophic assay, (b) Hershberger assay and (c) an ex vivo test to investigate the effects of maternal administration of HETM on uterine contractility at the end of pregnancy. In all protocols three doses of the HETM were administered to Wistar rats: 3, 30 and 300mg/kg. Results: In vivo tests for detection of (anti)androgenic and (anti)estrogenic activities did not show any significant alterations. Similarly, no alterations were observed on uterine contractility induced by oxytocin and arachidonic acid. Conclusions: HETM was unable to produce (anti)estrogenic or (anti)androgenic activities in the short-term in vivo screening assays performed. In addition, there was no evidence that HETM can affect uterine contractility following gestational exposure of rats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aim of the study: Previous studies have shown that the extracts obtained from Tropaeolum majus L. exhibit pronounced diuretic properties. In the present study, we assessed whether the hypotensive and/or antihypertensive mechanism of hydroethanolic extract (HETM), semi-purified fraction (TMLR) obtained from T. majus and the flavonoids isoquercitrin (ISQ) and kaempferol (KPF) can be mediated by their interaction with angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). Methods and methods: Firstly, to evaluate changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP), different groups of normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were orally and intraduodenally treated with HETM (10–300mg/kg) and TMLR (12.5–100mg/kg) and intravenously treated with ISQ and KPF being later anesthetized with ketamine (100mg/kg) and xylazine (20mg/kg). The left femoral vein and the right carotid artery were isolated, and polyethylene catheters were inserted for ISQ and KPF (0.5–4mg/kg) administration and blood pressure recording, respectively. The plasmatic ACE activity was evaluated to indirect fluorimetry, in serum samples after orally treatment with HETM, TMLR, ISQ and KPF. Results: The oral administration of the HETM and its TMLR significantly reduced, in a dose-dependent manner, the MAP in both normotensive and SHR. In addition, these preparations significantly decreased the MAP for up to 3h after the administration of the extract. Additionally, the intravenous administration of ISQ, but not KPF, decreased MAP in rats. Otherwise, neither the extracts nor ISQ affected the heart rate. The oral administration of the HETM, TMLR or ISQ reduced ACE activity in serum samples at 90min after administration. Finally, the intravenous administration of ISQ caused a significant reduction in the hypertensive response to angiotensin I, but not angiotensin II in normotensive rats. Conclusion: Our results show that the hypotensive effects caused by the HETM, as well as by its TMLR, may be associated with the high levels of the flavonoid ISQ found in this plant. In addition, ISQ-induced hypotension in rats is an event dependent on the inhibition of angiotensin II generation by ACE. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Most cardiovascular (CV) events stem from modifiable risk factors, but it remains uncertain whether their impact on mortality has decreased in recent years as a result of treatment, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. We evaluated the temporal trends in the population attributable fraction (PAF) of modifiable risk factors to CV mortality in patients undergoing myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) for suspected coronary artery disease in a large city in Brazil., Methods: The cohort comprised 25,127 patients without established CV disease undergoing MPI in a referral center in Curitiba, Brazil, from 2010 to 2018. Baseline demographic, clinical and risk factors were prospectively collected. Modifiable risk factors encompassed hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and smoking. The primary outcome was CV death occurring up to 4 years of follow-up. The PAF of each risk factor was calculated for each triennium using multivariable Cox proportional regression models, adjusting for age, sex and family history of premature coronary disease., Results: Over 9 years, there were 1438 deaths, 444 due to CV causes. In the first triennium, sedentary lifestyle exhibited the highest PAF (49%) for CV death, followed by hypertension (17%), diabetes mellitus (8%) and smoking habit (6%). The PAF for all risk factors combined remained relatively stable thorough the triennia (2010-2012: 57% vs 2013-2015: 64% vs 2016-2018: 47%, p = NS)., Conclusion: In this large cohort of patients referred to MPI, the PAF of modifiable CV risk factors did not diminish in the last decade, with sedentary lifestyle having the largest contribution for CV mortality., Condensed Abstract: This study examinated temporal trends in the impact of modifiable cardiovascular (CV) risk factors on CV and overall mortality in a cohort of 25,127 patients undergoing myocardial perfusion imaging from 2010 to 2018. Sedentary behavior consistently had the greatest impact on both CV and overall mortality, followed by hypertension and diabetes. Smoking had a lesser effect, while obesity showed no independent association with the outcomes. The contributions of these modifiable CV risk factors remained stable over the study period, suggesting that interventions promoting physical activity may be essential in mitigating the burden of CV disease., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)