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Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco 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.)

Innovation by health service organizations can enable adaptation to and transformation of challenges caused by health shocks. Drawing on results from case studies in Brazil, Canada, and Japan, this study looked at innovations the study hospitals introduced in response to challenges caused by COVID-19 to identify: 1) attributes of the innovations that make them conducive to adoption; and 2) organizational factors that facilitate the creation and implementation of innovative health care approaches during health system shocks. Qualitative information was gathered using key informant interviews, participatory observations at the study hospitals and a review of relevant documentation. A thematic approach was used for analysis, and a cross-country comparison framework was prepared to synthesize findings from the case studies in the three countries. In response to the disruptions caused by COVID-19, the study hospitals undertook innovative changes in services, processes, organizational structures, and operational policy. The driving force behind the innovations was the need and urgency generated by the unprecedented nature of the pandemic. With COVID-19, if an innovation met the perceived needs of hospitals and provided an operational advantage, some level of complexity in the implementation appeared to be acceptable. The study findings suggest that for hospitals to create and implement innovations in response to health shocks, they need to: have adaptive and flexible organizational structures; build and maintain functioning communication systems; have committed leadership; ensure all staff share an understanding of hospital organizational and professional missions; and establish social networks that facilitate the creation and implementation of new ideas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the water–energy–food (WEF) nexus approach has been widely used as a framework in the context of urban Sustainability. However, some elements of the approach are normative, leading to a technical view of resources and technocratic policy implementation. To avoid such tendencies, this study uses the framework of 'nexus of humility'. We used insights from the Science and Technology Studies to better assess the interactions between water, energy, and food, and consider the social construction aspects of the nexus itself. The approach of Pathways to Sustainability is combined with this framework to analyze two government programs in the cities of São Paulo and Guarulhos, Brazil; namely, the Green and Healthy Environments Program and the Environmental Health Program, respectively. We interviewed 20 individuals linked to these policies and analyzed narratives inductively and deductively. The results showed six groups of narratives, namely: environmental and social determinants of health, health prevention and promotion, intersectorality, politics and economy, territory, learning, and participation. Moreover, we concluded that narratives related to the WEF nexus, even if not explicitly part of the government guidelines, are present within the existing axes of action. Public health was understood as an important support pillar for the development of synergies related to Sustainability in urban areas. Finally, we sought to contribute to the literature by showing how this new framework can 'open up' avenues for sustainability within the contexts of high urban vulnerability and social inequality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cultivation of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is trending in an upward expansion at Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Due this growth, the breeding program has been demanded for the knowledge about the genetic diversity and correlation between morpho-agronomic traits, to start interesting crosses. The objective of this work was to study the genetic diversity and the correlation network between morpho-agronomic traits of cotton genotypes. Two cotton accessions and five commercial cultivars: FM993, FMT701, FM910, DP604 and DP604BG were evaluated for 16 traits. The results revealed divergence between the genotypes. Unweighted pair-group method arithmetic average (UPGMA) analysis allocated the genotypes in three clusters, with DP604 and Accession 2 being the most divergent. The correlation network helped to visualize the association between traits, presenting a negative correlation between anthracnose with plant height (-0.465), plant vigor (-0.486) and main root length (-0.437). Also, even with some genotypes presenting a higher number of reproductive branches, the correlation for this trait with number of bolls showed a high significant value (0.68). Thus, the genotypes showed wide genetic diversity for the composition of future crosses in cotton breeding programs. The correlation network allowed the visualization of a medium to high correlation pattern for the morpho-agronomic traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest encroachment into savannas is a widespread phenomenon, the rate of which may depend on soil conditions, species composition or changes in stand structure. As savanna specialist trees are replaced by generalist species, rates of stand development may increase. Because generalists can persist in forests, they are likely to grow more quickly and survive longer in dense stands, compared to savanna specialists. Furthermore, the faster growth rates of generalists may allow them to overtop and outcompete savanna specialists, causing rapid species turnover.We measured growth and survival of 6,147 individuals of 112 species of savanna and generalist tree species over a period of 10 years in an ecological reserve in Assis, São Paulo State, Brazil. We modelled growth and mortality as a function of soil texture and nutrients, tree size, competitive neighbourhood, and membership in savanna or generalist (species which can persist in forests and savannas) functional groups.Tree growth and survival was strongly influenced by competition, as estimated by the basal area of trees taller than a focal tree. At the stand level, savanna species are unable to contribute basal area growth in closed stands, while generalist species continue to increase in basal area even at high stand basal area. This phenomenon is driven by differences in growth and mortality. Generalists grew faster than savanna species, both in height and diameter. This difference in growth rates led to savanna species becoming suppressed more rapidly than generalists. When suppressed, savanna species were more than twice as likely to die than were generalists. Soils had inconsistent and mostly weak effects which were difficult to separate from gradients of stand structure.Synthesis. We demonstrate that the presence of generalist trees accelerates the rates of basal area accumulation due to their greater growth rates and tolerance of shading. Generalists outcompete savanna trees by growing faster in the open and overtopping savanna specialists. Due to the slow growth and high mortality of savanna species in the shade, they are unable to form closed‐canopy stands. Accounting for differences among functional types and development of vegetation structure is critical for modelling forest encroachment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrographic network maps produced by government institutions have been used to delimit Permanent Preservation Areas (PPAs) in Brazil. However, problems arising from discrepancies between those maps and field survey are frequent. To characterize and quantify such discrepancies, whether methodological or due to the scale of the maps or temporal changes, we mapped the springs and watercourses in five rural properties (adding up to 10,860 ha, in the municipalities of Brotas and Ribeirão Bonito, SP). Those maps were then compared with the regional hydrographic network mapped by IBGE and IGC. We verified, for the study area, an oversizing of 157% in the number of springs and 83% in the length of watercourses by IBGE, and 209% in the number of springs and 84% in the length of watercourses by IGC. Consequently, there was an oversizing of PPAs. We therefore consider that such maps can be used as an approximate reference for the hydrographic network, although they cannot provide a basis for legal decisions or environmental planning if they are not duly corrected by field verification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of growth rings dimensional parameters has been an important tool for the understanding of growth, biomass allocation and climatic characterisation of forest species. However, its potential is unknown in perennial crops of socio‐economic importance, such as coffee. This work aimed to understand how the analysis of the growth rings can be used as a proxy to understand the climatic determinants of vegetative growth and biomass allocation in the different organs of coffee trees. The work was carried out in the southern region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The structure of the growth rings of cross sections of the orthotropic stem of coffee trees (Coffea arabica L. cv. Arara) were analysed from 2011 to 2018, using standard dendrochronological techniques. Each year in that period was characterised climatically and by its bienniality. Pearson correlation statistical analysis was used for mapping the relation among annual radial growth rates of the trees and other assessed parameters as primary growth data, accumulated biomass and the climatic characteristics of the region on an annual and intra‐annual scale. During the study the water balance (conditioned by its components, Prec and ETo) and the maximum temperature were the main determinants of the characteristics of the formed ring and the plant biomass allocation. These growing characteristics were also influenced by the phenology that modulates the vegetative/reproductive growth cycles and in turn the biennial production cycles. The results show the potential of tree rings and dendrochronology as a tool that allows indirect, but long‐term, assessment of biomass allocation and growth in coffee trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Arquivos Brasileiros de Oftalmologia is the property of Arquivos Brasileiros de Oftalmologia 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.)

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability worldwide. The purpose of this analysis was to determine the internal consistency reliability of eight language versions of the Family Management Measure (FaMM) and compare family management of DS across cultures. A total of 2,740 parents of individuals with DS from 11 countries completed the FaMM. The analysis provided evidence of internal consistency reliability exceeding.70 for four of six FaMM scales for the entire sample. Across countries, there was a pattern of positive family management. Cross-cultural comparisons revealed parents from Brazil, Spain, and the United States had the most positive family management and respondents from Ireland, Italy, Japan, and Korea had the least positive. The rankings were mixed for the four remaining countries. These findings provide evidence of overall strong internal consistency reliability of the FaMM. More cross-cultural research is needed to understand how social determinants of health influence family management in families of individuals with DS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Paulista de Enfermagem is the property of Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Escola Paulista 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.)

Introduction: Ethnobotanical studies that include participatory methods aim to engage residents in different steps to promote the strengthening and perpetuation of local culture, and empowerment in making decisions about the use of available environmental resources. Thus, the aim of this project was to perform an ethnobotanical survey based on traditional knowledge of medicinal plants with the active participation of residents living in Bairro do Cambury, Ubatuba, São Paulo State, Brazil. Materials and methods: During meetings held between the researchers and community members, locally used plants were regarded as an important means for preserving local knowledge for future generations. Some residents showed interest in participating as local partners, and training courses for collecting ethnobotanical data were offered. Local partners and researchers from São Paulo Federal University (Universidade Federal de São Paulo) utilized ethnobotanical methods to select and interview the specialists in medicinal plants for 80 days between 2016 and 2018. Data on plant use were recorded, and plants were collected and deposited in two herbaria. Furthermore, participant observation and fieldwork diaries were used by the researchers, aiding the data analysis. Results: Three local partners participated in objective definitions, data collection, analysis and publication. Nine local specialists were interviewed by the local partners and indicated the use of 82 plant species in 90 recipes for 55 therapeutic uses. These uses were grouped into 12 categories. In addition, a video and booklet were created. Conclusions: Data obtained during participatory research show that training local communities in the registration of their own knowledge is feasible and necessary since they register knowledge based on local perceptions, as well as valuing knowledge and approaching the current discussion about intellectual property is a global concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although multiple studies advocate the advantages of participatory research approaches for ethnoscience, few provide solid contributions from case studies that involve residents in all of the project phases. We present a case study of a participatory approach whose aim is to register ethnobotanical knowledge on the use of plants in two quilombola communities (maroon communities), an important biodiversity hotspot in the Atlantic Forest, Southeast Brazil. Our aim is to provide tools that will empower decision-making related to sustainable use and management among residents. Methods: In phase I, the objectives and activities were defined in meetings with residents to carry out ethnobotanical surveys between two quilombola communities—the Quilombo da Fazenda (QF) and Quilombo do Cambury (QC). In phase II, we offered community partners training courses on how to collect plants and ethnobotanical data. In coordination with the university team and using ethnobotanical methods, community partners interviewed specialists on plants and their uses. In phase III, using the participatory mapping method, residents indicated plot locations and collected plants to calculate the Conservation Priority Index for native species recorded in phase II. Results: In 178 days of fieldwork, two community partners from the QF and three from the QC selected 8 and 11 respondents who reported 175 and 195 plant species, respectively, corresponding to 9 ethnobotanical categories. Based on requests from the local community, booklets and videos with these data were collaboratively produced. A large percentage of species were found to be of great conservation priority—82.1% in the QC and 62.5% in the QF. Virola bicuhyba, Cedrela fissilis, Plinia edulis, and Tabebuia cassinoides are the species most at risk and will be the focus of phase IV, when a participatory management plan will be carried out. Additionally, we present both challenges and opportunities with the hope that others can learn from our successes and failures. Conclusions: Our experience shows that it is possible to train community members who wish to document their knowledge to support the process of ensuring that local knowledge is highly regarded, further ensuring its perpetuation. In this context, the project may be of great interest to development programs in promoting community-based management strategies for useful plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lichens are sources of numerous biologically active compounds and many of these have demonstrated antitumor potential. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the antiproliferative activity and selectivity of the following compounds isolated from lichens: atranorin and diffractaic, divaricatic, perlatolic, psoromic, norstictic, and protocetraric acids. Cytotoxicity tests based on sulforhodamine B were performed on normal cells (NIH/3T3, fibroblast) and cancer cell lines 786-0 (renal), MCF7 (breast), HT-29 (colon), PC-3 (prostate), and HEp2 (laryngeal). Diffractaic acid exhibited GI50 values in the 58.6-98.9 µM range. Divaricatic and perlatolic acids were the most active compounds, with GI50 values of 9.8 and 15.5 µM for PC-3 and MCF7 cells, respectively. Protocetraric acid proved active only against HEp2 cells (GI50 = 41.4 µM). Atranorin, psoromic acid, and norstictic acids were inactive against all the cells tested. Chemometrics was used to evaluate the effect of the compounds against the cell lines tested. PCA (Principal Component Analysis) based on GI50 values separated compounds into two groups compared to doxorubucin, while HCA (Hierarchical Cluster Analysis) separated them into three groups based on SI values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We evaluated the effectiveness of a school-based intervention on the promotion of physical activity among high school students in Brazil: the Saude na Boa project. Methods: A school-based, randomized trial was carried out in 2 Brazilian cities: Recife (northeast) and Florianopolis (south). Ten schools in each city were matched by size and location, and randomized into intervention or control groups. The intervention included environmental/organizational changes, physical activity education, and personnel training and engagement. Students age 15 to 24 years were evaluated at baseline and 9 months later (end of school year). Results: Although similar at baseline, after the intervention, the control group reported significantly fewer d/wk accumulating 60 minutes+ moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in comparison with the intervention group (2.6 versus 3.3, P < .001). The prevalence of inactivity (0 days per week) rose in the control and decreased in the intervention group. The odds ratio for engaging at least once per week in physical activity associated with the intervention was 1.83 (95% CI = 1.24-2.71) in the unadjusted analysis and 1.88 (95% CI = 1.27-2.79) after controlling for gender. Conclusion: The Saude na Boa intervention was effective at reducing the prevalence of physical inactivity. The possibility of expanding the intervention to other locations should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista em Agronegócio e Meio Ambiente is the property of Revista em Agronegocio e Meio Ambiente 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 Kineanthropometry & Human Performance is the property of Brazilian Journal of Kineanthropometry & Human Performance 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.)

Stemflow is a hydrological flux that largely influences the input of rainwater to the soil and its spatial distribution. Here, we aimed to identify the factors influencing this hydrological flux by quantifying the stemflow of 129 trees in the Brazilian savannah. The attributes of individual trees were investigated as predictor variables influencing either stemflow volume or tree efficiency in generating stemflow-proportion of rainfall over the canopy flowing down the stem. The volume of stemflow was higher in trees that were large, had perennial leaves, and exhibited monopodial growth. However, the efficiency of a tree in generating stemflow was negatively correlated to its dimensions. The most efficient trees had a smooth bark surface, monopodial growth, and straight stems. There was large variation in efficiency among individuals, which is related to the high diversity of attributes among the studied trees. The small size of Cerrado trees explains the lower stemflow volume in comparison with trees in forest ecosystems. The efficiency observed in the Cerrado trees was also lower when compared to trees from other ecosystems, even in arid environments. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lichens produce a wide range of phenolic substances, mostly depsides and depsidones. As part of our ongoing study of lichens from the Cerrado biome in Mato Grosso do Sul state, the present article reports novel findings on the radical-scavenging activity of two depsides, five depsidones, usnic acid, and lichexanthone that were evaluated against 0.1 and 0.3 mM 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical concentrations. These substances were isolated from the lichens Parmotrema tinctorum (Nyl.) Hale, Parmotrema dilatatum (Vain.) Hale, Pseudoparmelia sphaerospora (Nyl.) Hale, Parmotrema lichexanthonicum Eliasaro & Adler, Ramalina anceps Nyl. Usnea subcomosa Vain. and Usnea jamaicensis Ach. Usnic acid (EC50 = 3.34 ± 1.44 and 5.97 ± 1.91 mM, respectively) and atranorin (2.48 ± 1.18 and 10.10 ± 1.18 mM, respectively) proved the most active unmodified compounds. Lecanoric and protocetraric acids exhibited significant EC50 differences between DPPH concentrations. Besides these, nine 9'-O-alkyl protocetraric acid derivatives were also evaluated. 9'-O-methyl protocetraric and 9'-O-iso-propyl protocetraric acids (with respective EC50 values of 1.74 ± 0.83 and 1.03 ± 1.0 mM, both against 0.1 mM DPPH) were the most active compounds evaluated. Except for 9'-O-methyl protocetraric acid, chain elongation correlated with increased scavenging activity in the linear series from 9'-O-ethyl to 9'-O-n-hexyl protocetraric acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Kineanthropometry & Human Performance is the property of Brazilian Journal of Kineanthropometry & Human Performance 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 Kineanthropometry & Human Performance is the property of Brazilian Journal of Kineanthropometry & Human Performance 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.)

Background: Inadequate nutrition support is common among critically ill patients, and identification of risk factors for such inadequacy might help in improving nutrition support. Objective: To determine how often daily calorie goals are met and the factors responsible for inadequate nutrition support. Methods: A single-center prospective cohort study. Each patient's demographic and clinical characteristics, the need for ventilator support, the use and dosage of medications, the number of nursing staff per bed, the time elapsed from admission to the intensive care unit until the effective start of enteral feeding, and the causes for nonadministration were recorded. Achievement of daily calorie goals was determined and correlated with risk factors. Results: A total of 262 daily evaluations were done in 40 patients. Daily calorie goal was achieved in only 46.2% of the evaluations(n = 121), with a mean of 74.8% of the prescribed volume of enteral nutrition infused daily. Risk factors for inadequate nutrition support were the use of midazolam (odds ratio, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.18-2.11) and fewer nursing professionals per bed (odds ratio, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.43-4.57). Conclusion: Achievement of daily calorie goals was inadequate, and the main factors associated with this failure were the use and dosage of midazolam and the number of nurses available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies show that both low physical activity (PA) and adiposity are associated with a higher risk of hypertension. However, the relationship between PA and blood pressure in adolescents is controversial and other studies have reported that no association was observed. Of particular interest is the evaluation of whether the association between PA and high blood pressure is independent of adiposity. A sample of 3764 Brazilian adolescents who attend high schools was selected using random cluster sampling. Data were collected using the Global School-based Student Health Survey, anthropometry, and blood pressure readings. The prevalence of high blood pressure was 14.6% (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 13.5–15.7), higher amongst males (20.0%; 95%CI 18.0–22.1) compared with females (10.9%; 95%CI 9.7–12.3). Sixty-six per cent of the adolescents were reported to be insufficiently active. The prevalence of high blood pressure was 12.8% (95%CI 11.0–14.7) amongst active compared with 15.4% (95%CI 14.0–16.9) amongst insufficiently active adolescents. The association between PA and high blood pressure was observed only amongst females after adjusting for waist circumference (odds ratio (OR) 1.67; 95%CI 1.21–2.31) and body mass index (OR 1.71; 95%CI 1.23–2.37). Notwithstanding levels of adiposity, higher PA levels are associated with a lower prevalence of high blood pressure amongst females, although not amongst males. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Kineanthropometry & Human Performance is the property of Brazilian Journal of Kineanthropometry & Human Performance 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 assess the impact of omalizumab as an add-on therapy to standard treatment with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting beta-2 agonists (LABA) on asthma-related quality of life (QoL) in patients with severe allergic asthma. Methods. This was a 20-week, randomized, open-label, study involving Brazilian patients (>12 years) with severe persistent allergic asthma inadequately controlled despite regular treatment with, at least, ICS (≥500 μg/day fluticasone or equivalent) + LABA. The primary objective was to assess the mean change from baseline in overall Asthma-related Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) score in omalizumab-treated patients compared with the control group. Secondary outcome measures included rescue medication use, incidence of asthma exacerbations, perception of treatment efficacy among patients, mean change from baseline in AQLQ score, and >1.5-point increase in overall AQLQ score. Results. In the omalizumab group, overall AQLQ score was 3.2 (0.9) (mean [SD]) at baseline and 4.4 (1.3) at week 20 versus 3.0 (1.0) at baseline and 3.0 (1.1) at week 20 in the control group. Mean change from baseline on overall AQLQ score at week 20 in the omalizumab group was 1.2 (0.2) versus 0 (0.1) in the control group, showing a significant increase in scores from baseline in the omalizumab group (p < .001). There was also a statistically significant difference (p < .001) in the number of patients who showed a >1.5-point increase from baseline in overall AQLQ score after 20 weeks, thus indicating a better QoL in the omalizumab group. There was no significant difference with respect to the use of rescue medication, incidence of asthma exacerbation, and adverse events between treatment groups. The global evaluation of treatment effectiveness was significantly better for omalizumab (p < .001). Conclusion. Omalizumab was well tolerated and significantly improved the overall AQLQ score. Hence, it is a potential add-on therapy for severe persistent allergic asthma not controlled by standard prescribed treatment in Brazilian patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article seeks to discuss the social housing in medium-sized cities in Brazil, thinking on its implementation characteristics in urban structure and its residents. The study case is the city of Presidente Prudente, in São Paulo, state, taking one of the projects implemented with funding coming from the Federal program "Programa de Arrendamento Residencial (PAR)", the Residential Atalaia. The post-occupational survey.supports the analysis whose methodology was on-site survey. It is evident the neglect on the specific guidelines of the program, also fails to show directions of expansion and urban concentration. It reproduces the processes of implementation of social housing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to make a comparison of the mental health status between Japanese-Brazilian children in Japan and in Brazil. A total of 331 Japanese-Brazilian children at five Brazilian schools in Japan (Japanese Group), and 172 Japanese-Brazilian children at one private school in São Paulo (Brazilian Group) were enrolled in statistical analyses. The Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire was applied for parents, teachers, and students who were aged over 11 years old. The total comparison of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire scores between the two groups demonstrated that all the average symptom scores except prosocial behavior were significantly higher in the Japanese Group by parent report. By teacher report, the average symptom scores of conduct problems, hyperactivity, peer problems and total difficulties were significantly higher in the Japanese Group, while that of the prosocial behavior was significantly higher in the Brazilian Group. Dividing parent and teacher reports into two age ranges, similar results to the total comparison were seen in the parent report in the age range of 4-10-year-olds and both parent and teacher reports in that of 11-16-year-olds, while in the teacher report for 4-10-year-olds, only conduct problems and total difficulties score showed significantly higher average scores in the Japanese Group. By self-report, the average symptom scores of emotional symptoms, peer problems and total difficulties score were significantly higher in the Japanese Group. The results indicate poorer mental health status in the Japanese Group than the Brazilian Group, and suggest the adverse circumstances of the former group both at their homes and schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can be classified into nine genotypes (A-I) defined by sequence divergence of more than 8% based on the complete genome. This study aims to identify the genotypic distribution of HBV in 40 HBsAg-positive patients from Rondônia, Brazil. A fragment of 1306 bp partially comprising surface and polymerase overlapping genes was amplified by PCR. Amplified DNA was purified and sequenced. Amplified DNA was purified and sequenced on an ABI PRISM® 377 Automatic Sequencer (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA, USA). The obtained sequences were aligned with reference sequences obtained from the GenBank using Clustal X software and then edited with Se-Al software. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted by the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) approach using BEAST v.1.5.3. Results: The subgenotypes distribution was A1 (37.1%), D3 (22.8%), F2a (20.0%), D4 (17.1%) and D2 (2.8%). Conclusions: These results for the first HBV genotypic characterization in Rondônia state are consistent with other studies in Brazil, showing the presence of several HBV genotypes that reflects the mixed origin of the population, involving descendants from Native Americans, Europeans, and Africans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cyanobacterial population in the Cajati waste stabilization pond system (WSP) from São Paulo State, Brazil was assessed by cell isolation and direct microscope counting techniques. Ten strains, belonging to five genera ( Synechococcus, Merismopedia, Leptolyngbya, Limnothrix, and Nostoc), were isolated and identified by morphological and molecular analyses. Morphological identification of the isolated strains was congruent with their phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rDNA gene sequences. Six cyanobacterial genera ( Synechocystis, Aphanocapsa, Merismopedia, Lyngbya, Phormidium, and Pseudanabaena) were identified by direct microscope inspection. Both techniques were complementary, since, of the six genera identified by direct microscopic inspection, only Merismopedia was isolated, and the four other isolated genera were not detected by direct inspection. Direct microscope counting of preserved cells showed that cyanobacteria were the dominant members (>90%) of the phytoplankton community during both periods evaluated (summer and autumn). ELISA tests specific for hepatotoxic microcystins gave positive results for six strains ( Synechococcus CENA108, Merismopedia CENA106, Leptolyngbya CENA103, Leptolyngbya CENA112, Limnothrix CENA109, and Limnothrix CENA110), and for wastewater samples collected from raw influent (3.70 μg microcystins/l) and treated effluent (3.74 μg microcystins/l) in summer. Our findings indicate that toxic cyanobacteria in WSP systems are of concern, since the treated effluent containing cyanotoxins will be discharged into rivers, irrigation channels, estuaries, or reservoirs, and can affect human and animal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fast process of urbanization in Brazil in recent decades has generated great discussions on urban reform, public policy and urban management. With 1988 Federal Constitution, these topics are in the spotlight, articulated by the city council as an equal federal entity and common jurisdiction in matters of urban policy. In this area, the question of housing policy becomes central and strategic for the city, as one of the main problems is the provision of adequate housing to the majority of the population. The Statute of the Cities (Estatuto das Cidades) in 2001, confirms this view. According to the National Housing Plan (Plano Nacional de Habitação) (Ministério das Cidades, 2004), with the decentralization process, the management of social programs, among them the housing, either by themselves or by joining a federal program becomes responsibility of the state and city councils. It is in this context that new sources of financing are created sponsored by the federal government through Caixa Econômica Federal, benefiting both the state and local governments and also a share of the private sector. Therefore, this article will outline the path of housing policies in Brazil, through a survey of policies, plans and federal government programs, observing the neglect given to the planning of cities and the problems caused by unplanned urban expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research pertaining to exposure of humans to per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) has received considerable public and regulatory attention in recent years. Although several studies have reported exposure to PFASs by populations in North America and western Europe, such information is still scarce in Latin America, including Brazil. In this study, concentrations of thirteen PFASs were determined in whole blood collected during the second trimester from 252 pregnant Brazilian women. This is a nested case-control study within the Brazilian Ribeirao Preto and Sao Luiz Birth Cohort Study (BRISA) with selected birth outcomes cases (n = 63) and matched controls (n = 189). PFASs concentrations were associated with conditions including preeclampsia, birth weight (BW), preterm birth, and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Among PFASs measured, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was found at the highest concentration (range: 1.06–106 ng mL−1 with a median value of 3.41 ng mL−1) which was followed by perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, range: 0.11–2.77 ng mL−1 with a median value of 0.20 ng mL−1). A significant positive association of PFOS and PFOA concentrations with fetal growth restriction (p < 0.05) was found. This is the first study to assess whole blood concentrations of PFASs and their effect on fetal growth in pregnant Brazilian women. • Thirteen PFASs were measured in whole blood samples of pregnant women from Brazil. • The median PFOS and PFOA concentrations were 3.41 and 0.2 ng mL−1, respectively. • A significant association between PFOS/PFOA concentrations and IUGR was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tityus serrulatus (Ts) is the main scorpion species of medical importance in Brazil. Ts venom is composed of several compounds such as mucus, inorganic salts, lipids, amines, nucleotides, enzymes, kallikrein inhibitor, natriuretic peptide, proteins with high molecular mass, peptides, free amino acids and neurotoxins. Neurotoxins are considered the most responsible for the envenoming syndrome due to their pharmacological action on ion channels such as voltage-gated sodium (Nav) and potassium (Kv) channels. The major goal of this review is to present important advances in Ts envenoming research, correlating both the crude Ts venom and isolated toxins with alterations observed in all human systems. The most remarkable event lies in the Ts induced massive releasing of neurotransmitters influencing, directly or indirectly, the entire body. Ts venom proved to extremely affect nervous and muscular systems, to modulate the immune system, to induce cardiac disorders, to cause pulmonary edema, to decrease urinary flow and to alter endocrine, exocrine, reproductive, integumentary, skeletal and digestive functions. Therefore, Ts venom possesses toxins affecting all anatomic systems, making it a lethal cocktail. However, its low lethality may be due to the low venom mass injected, to the different venom compositions, the body characteristics and health conditions of the victim and the local of Ts sting. Furthermore, we also described the different treatments employed during envenoming cases. In particular, throughout the review, an effort will be made to provide information from an extensive documented studies concerning Ts venom in vitro , in animals and in humans (a total of 151 references). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Urban Ethnoveterinary should be further explored because of its value as it resists conventional medical care. In addition, the comparison between the resources used by Ethnoveterinary and Ethnopharmacology should be investigated in depth, increasing the availability of new bioactive potential in human and veterinary medicines. This project aimed to determine whether plants are used in the health care of dogs and/or cats in urban area and to compare its uses with other ethnoveterinary and ethnopharmacological data. Materials and methods Three veterinary clinics from east area of São Paulo city were selected, in order to record the offering of plants to pets by their owners. Individual interviews were conducted from May to November 2012 and consisted of application of semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. A literature search was performed to compare our findings with other ethnopharmacological and ethnoveterinarian data from the literature. Results A total of 273 people were interviewed and 46 (16.84%) of them utilize medicinal plants for their pets. Most plant species are exclusively home grown (57.9%). The plants most cited were Plectranthus barbatus Andrews, Matricaria chamomilla L. and Foeniculum vulgare Mill. The most frequent route of administration, part utilized and mode of preparation was oral (80.35%), leaves (89.47%) and infusion (61.90%), respectively. From 19 cited plants, 14 (73.7%) are mentioned in ethnoveterinary literature, whereas 11 (57.9%) are used for the same purposes. All plants reported in our study have at least one common use with ethnopharmacology. Conclusion The survey provided evidence of ethnoveterinary use of medicinal plants for dogs and/or cats in urban area of São Paulo, complementarily with the official veterinary, and showed that the plants used in pets are also used in humans with the same purposes and routes of administration, as well as in other animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Cedrela odorata L. (Meliaceae) is a native plant of the Amazon region and its inner stem bark is used in the treatment of diabetes in the form of maceration in Brazilian popular medicine. Until now, there is no scientific study on this activity. The present study was aimed at evaluating the anti-hyperglycemic activity, anti-diabetic, toxicity, antioxidant and potential mechanism of action of hydroethanolic extract of the inner stem bark of Cedrela odorata . Material and methods The inner stem bark extract of Cedrela odorata was prepared by maceration in 70% ethanol for 7 days to obtain hydroethanolic extract of Cedrela odorata (HeECo). The preliminary phytochemical analysis was performed according to procedures described in the literature. Selected secondary metabolites detected were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Acute toxicity of HeECo was investigated in male and female mice with oral administration of graded doses of HeECo from 10 to 5000 mg/kg. Subchronic oral toxicity study was done by oral administration of HeECo (500 mg/kg) and vehicle for 30 days to both sexes of Wistar rats. Clinical observations and toxicological related parameters were determined. Blood was collected for biochemical and hematological analyses, while histological examinations were performed on selected organs. Anti-hiperglycemic and antidiabetic effects were evaluated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. In acute evaluation, the animals received pretreatment with 250 and 500 mg/kg of HeECo, before carbohydrate overload. For subchronic effect, the antidiabetic activity of HeECo was evaluated using the same doses for 21 days. At the end of the treatments, the levels of triacylglycerols, malondialdehyde, total antioxidant status, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were evaluated in the plasma. Results The extract showed low acute toxicity. HeECo exhibited inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase and caused a lowering in the peak levels of blood glucose in animals that received glucose overload by 36.7% and 24.1% in the area under the glucose curve (AUC). When the overload was sucrose, HeECo reduced the blood glucose level by 44.4% without affecting AUC. Treatment with HeECo of the blood glucose of the diabetic animals for 21 days did not lead to improvement in weight gain and regularization of the blood glucose level, but reduced the triacylglycerol and malondialdehyde levels by 36.6% and 48.1%, respectively. The activity of the antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly increased when compared to diabetic control rats. HPLC analysis showed the presence of polyphenols, such as gallic acid, (−)- gallocatechin and (+)- catechin, the latter is present in higher quantity. Conclusions Collectively, these data showed that HeECo could blunt the postprandial glycemic surge in rats; possibly through inhibition of alpha-glucosidase and positive modulation of antioxidant enzymes. Our findings confirmed the anti-hiperglycemic activity of HeECo in STZ- diabetic rats. Cedrela odorata is effective in diminishing glucose levels in vitro and in vivo and in ameliorating oxidative damage that occurs in diabetes and/or due to hyperglycemia in rats. According to our results, the efficacy of Cedrela odorata preparation could be due to the presence of active principles with different mode of actions at the molecular level, including α-glycosidases and glucose transporter inhibitors and antioxidant property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted in a rural region where there are conventional and organic farms, the agricultural production includes more than 20 million people, and the effect on environmental quality is still poorly known in terms of indicators. Our objectives were: (1) compare soils attributes to reference areas, (2) verifying if cultivated areas under different farm systems presented differences in the soils attributes, (3) evaluate the attributes of quality water of watersheds and comparing the results with limiting values established by environmental legislation, and (4) analyze the values considering three criterion: watersheds, climatic season, and region of the landscapes. The study was conducted in two rural watersheds that have similar biophysical features and located in the Ibiúna municipality, São Paulo State, Brazil. However, one watershed encompasses farms where landowners largely use conventional agricultural systems. In the other watershed approximately 25% of the farms there are using an organic farm system. In the two watersheds soil samples were collected in sites covered with natural forest and in sites with agriculture (one watershed being organic and other being conventional). The attributes analyzed were soil bulk density (BD), concentrations of Carbon (C) and Nitrogen (N), C:N ratio, C Management Index, and the abundance of 13 C and 15 N in the soil organic matter. Water attributes were analyzed onsite or in laboratory after analysis of samples. Analyses included: air and water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, total of dissolved solids, total solids, electric conductivity, turbidity, total chloride, nitrate, total phosphorus and potassium. Regarding the soil attributes our database revealed that (1) the soils from cultivated sites of both watersheds presented significant differences from their respective forested areas, (2) Soil attributes are of equal quality in both farm systems. Concerning water attributes: (1) almost all attributes presented values better than the limiting values stipulated by Brazilian legislation; (2) the watersheds did not present significant differences of most of the attributes; (3) in the criteria climatic season data showed some significant differences. The data showed that the soils from the areas used for agricultural ends present belief that significantly worse soil quality in comparison to soils from sites still covered with natural forest. Neither the land cover nor farming system are altering the superficial water quality of the studied watershed and this appears to be related to the extensive percentage of natural remaining vegetation that still exists in both watersheds. The seasonality is an important force that drives the quality characteristics of the water. We highlight that the principles of organic agriculture should be practiced more efficiently and influences such as deforestation should be rigorously avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We developed of a system for rapid detection and quantitation of HDV. [•] We designed primers and FRET probes were capable of binding to 8 genotypes. [•] We produce two calibration standards. [•] The amplification efficiency of HDV RT-qPCR was 99.8%. [•] Is the first HDV RT-qPCR assay developed in the western Amazon region in Brazil. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim of the study: Previous studies in our laboratory have demonstrated that the treatment of diabetic rats during 21 days with V. macrocarpa stem-bark ethanolic extract (VmE), reduced glycemia, urinary glucose and urea, increased liver glycogen content and improved other parameters diabetes related. The objective of this study was to evaluate if the anti-hyperglicemic mechanisms of VmE could be caused by improvement in the insulin signaling pathway in the peripheral tissues (liver, adipose and skeletal muscle). Material and methods: Streptozotocin-diabetic rats were separated into two groups: diabetic control (DC) and diabetic treated with VmE (DT) during 21 days. The alterations on the insulin signaling in liver, retroperitoneal adipose tissue (RET) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles were investigated through determination of insulin receptor (IR), protein kinase B/AKT content and AKT phosphorylation levels using Western blotting analysis. This same methodology was used to evaluate the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) levels in the liver from these animals. Results: The treatment with the extract increased the content of IR and the basal phosphorylation of AKT in the three tissues. In the liver from diabetic treated group, the insulin-stimulated AKT phosphorylation was higher and the PEPCK protein levels were reduced. Conclusions: Data from this work suggest that the anti-hyperglycemic activity of stem-bark extract of V. macrocarpa can occur through stimulation of insulin signaling pathways in peripheral tissues from diabetic rats, mainly in liver and adipose tissue, probably promoting increase in the glucose uptake and liver glycogen synthesis. The concomitant decreasing in hepatic PEPCK levels could be associated to inhibition of gluconeogenesis, which can also contribute to glycemia reduction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective. To analyze the association between religiousness and exposure to alcohol consumption and smoking in adolescence. Methods. The sample included 4 210 high-school students from state schools in Pernambuco, Brazil, selected through two-stage cluster sampling. Information was collected using the Global school-based student health survey (GSHS). Exposure to alcohol consumption and smoking was defined as consumption of either substance at least 1 day in the past 30 days, regardless of intensity. Religious affiliation and practice were analyzed as religiousness-related variables. Results. The prevalence of exposure to alcohol consumption was 30.3% (95%CI: 28.9-31.7). Alcohol consumption was significantly higher in males (38.6%) than females (24.8%). The prevalence of exposure to smoking was 7.8% (IC95%: 7.0-8.7), higher in males (9.8%) than females (6.2%). Crude analyses revealed that regardless of sex, exposure to alcohol consumption and smoking was inversely proportional to religious affiliation or practice. Logistic regression adjustment revealed that the likelihood of reporting exposure to alcohol consumption (OR = 0.71; 95%CI: 0.60-0.83) and smoking (OR = 0.61; 95%CI: 0,46-0,79) was lower in adolescents who reported religious practice, independently of affiliation. Conclusions. The present results suggest that religiousness may act as a modulator for the exposure to alcohol consumption and smoking in adolescence. Further studies should be carried out to analyze how the protective effect of religiousness can be enhanced through health interventions and campaigns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: assess reproducibility and concurrent validity of the questionnaire focusing on a typical physical activity and food intake day (DAFA) to measure physical activity and food intake in children between seven and ten years old. Methods: sixty nine children recruited in a public school located in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina participated of the survey. Reproducibility was determined by comparing measures of two DAFA applications in a two week interval while concurrent validity of physical activity was assessed by comparing DAFA with a questionnaire filled by parents/teachers. As for food intake, the reference method was a 24 hour recordatory. Analysis included concordance coefficient determination, intraclass correlation, adjusted kappa coefficient and Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: concordance coefficient was of 88% (school commuting) and 68% (physical activity related attitude) while intraclass correlation was of 0.85 for the general measure for physical activity. Using the report of parents/teachers, the children were broken into three groups of physical activities (low/medium/high), it should be considered that DAFA scores differed significantly. As for food intake measuring, 80% of concordance was determined between DAFA applications. Inter-instrument convergence was substantial/moderate in relation to 17 food items. Conclusions: DAFA allows for physical activity and food intake measures in children with good reproducibility and moderate validation evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Several blooms of cyanobacteria naturally occurring in freshwater reservoirs have been associated to numerous fatalities and cases of livestock and human poisoning. Microcystins (Mcs) are the most frequently found cyclic heptapeptide toxins in the cyanobacterial extracts. In previous work, Radiocystis fernandoi (strain SPC 714) lyophilized extracts were found to be hepatotoxic to mice with LD100 of about 60mgkg−1 and Mc LR was suggested as responsible for that toxicity. Here, we describe the isolation of four oligopeptides from R. fernandoi methanol extract by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The major component, which eluted with 65% acetonitrile from acetonitrile/water gradient, was identified as Mc-LR and its structure was confirmed by the presence of molecular related ion species [M+H]+ at m/z 996.3, ([M+H-Adda])+ at m/z 861.5, [Arg-Adda-Glu+H]+ at m/z 599.8, and [PhCH2CH(OMe)]+ at m/z 135.1 in the ESI spectra. Two components corresponding to small signals eluted from C18 column, respectively, with 44 and 45% acetonitrile had their structures proposed as isomers of aeruginosin derivatives showing molecular ions at m/z 651.7 and a [CHOI]+ immonium at m/z 140.1. Finally, the structure of the third minor and most hydrophobic component (68% acetonitrile elution) isolated from R. fernandoi extract seemed to correspond to a cyclic cyanopeptolin like micropeptin K139, a trypsin inhibitor firstly isolated from Microcystis aeruginosa, showing similar ions fragmentation pattern and [M+H]+ at m/z 987.6 in its ESI spectra. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

During the monitoring of toxic cyanobacteria in the Utinga Reservoir, which is the main drinking water supply for the city of Bele´m, PA, Brazil, a Radiocystis fernandoi strain (SPC714) was isolated. This non-axenic strain was submitted to a toxicity bioassay with mice and microcystin production analyzed by HPLC-DAD. The species was identified based on cultured and natural preserved material. Morphometric, developmental and reproductive characteristics were analyzed. The strain was cultured in liquid ASM-1 medium, at 25±1 °C, at an incident irradiance of 20 μmol photon m−2 s−1 and constant aeration. At the end of the exponential growth phase, cells were lyophilized and submitted to toxicity tests. The strain showed high toxicity to mice, by intraperitoneal route, with an approximate LD100 of 60 mg kg−1 of body weight, producing characteristic symptoms of hepatotoxicity. Analyses performed by HPLC-DAD confirmed the production of microcystins, in a concentration of 3.83 μg mg−1 of lyophilized cells. This is the first reference related to the toxicity of the genus Radiocystis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Participatory research can help to broaden the understanding of medical systems and beliefs of traditional communities. An ethnopharmacological survey in collaboration with local people focused on plants used in quilombos located in Southeast Region in Brazil identified cultural factors that influence plant and recipe choice. To investigate the factors related to the therapeutic efficiency of medicinal plants from the perspective of Quilombo da Fazenda residents. University researchers collaborated with community residents for both aims and methods of the study. The local partners were trained in the gathering of ethnopharmacological data and then selected and interviewed the residents considered experts on the use of medicinal plants. Data on the use of each species were supported by voucher specimens collected by the local partners and university researchers. Participant observations and field diaries by the university researchers supplemented the data. Eight interviewees mentioned 92 medicinal species with 60 therapeutic uses, applied in 208 recipes or remedies. Asteraceae (13 species), Lamiaceae (5) and Urticaceae (5) contributed most medicinal plant species. Of the 12 etic categories of use, the circulatory system category had the highest number of plants mentioned. Decoction was the most commonly used preparation method (66.8%), and most remedies were administered orally (76.4%). Eighty-six recipes included more than one plant species and/or the addition of other components, such as sugar, salt or animal products. Several cultural factors influence medicinal plant use. Popular beliefs on the quality of blood or the humoral properties of plants and illnesses, characteristics of the plants and other factors determine which plant is used and why. The participatory method identified a large number of factors that influence medicinal plant use: the patient's blood type ; the condition of the plant and the disease (hot-cold system); the route of administration and dosage; the preventive uses of the plants; and the influence of other factors, such as the sun, the moon and dew. The participatory approach is useful for gaining insight on the decision processes of medicinal plant use in traditional societies, and also for those communities wanting to document their knowledge with or without the participation of the academy. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: All prevention efforts currently being implemented for COVID-19 are aimed at reducing the burden on strained health systems and human resources. There has been little research conducted to understand how SARS-CoV-2 has affected health care systems and professionals in terms of their work. Finding effective ways to share the knowledge and insight between countries, including lessons learned, is paramount to the international containment and management of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this project is to compare the pandemic response to COVID-19 in Brazil, Canada, China, France, Japan, and Mali. This comparison will be used to identify strengths and weaknesses in the response, including challenges for health professionals and health systems., Methods: We will use a multiple case study approach with multiple levels of nested analysis. We have chosen these countries as they represent different continents and different stages of the pandemic. We will focus on several major hospitals and two public health interventions (contact tracing and testing). It will employ a multidisciplinary research approach that will use qualitative data through observations, document analysis, and interviews, as well as quantitative data based on disease surveillance data and other publicly available data. Given that the methodological approaches of the project will be largely qualitative, the ethical risks are minimal. For the quantitative component, the data being used will be made publicly available., Discussion: We will deliver lessons learned based on a rigorous process and on strong evidence to enable operational-level insight for national and international stakeholders.