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In Maranhão State, Brazil, soils are naturally acidic, nutrient-deficient, and prone to cohesion and erosion. Removing the natural cover to establish pastures causes physical, chemical, and biological changes in the soil. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the contents and stocks of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and particle-size fractions of soil organic matter (SOM) in pastures with different years of recovery, and compare them with a secondary forest in the Legal Amazon. Four treatments were evaluated: secondary forest, perennial pasture, and perennial pastures recovered for five years and eight years, both of the latter through corn + brachiaria intercropping. The contents and stocks of total organic carbon, total nitrogen, C, and N from the soil organic matter particle-size fractions, as well as the carbon management indexes (CMI) of the 0.00-0.10, 0.10-0.20, 0.20-0.30, and 0.30-0.40 m layers were evaluated. The perennial pasture environment presented the highest total soil C and N contents; however, when observing the granulometric fractions and CMI, these increases were qualitative in relation to the secondary forest. Pasture recovery over eight years contributed to an improvement of soil quality similar to secondary forest, indicating that an increase in SOM quality, quantity, and recovery time related to increased pasture capacity to accumulate C and N in the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The herbaceous vine Tropaeolum pentaphyllum (crem) is an endangered geophyte with great economic potential as its tubers and flowers are used for human nutrition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phenophases of T. pentaphyllum under the influence of the climatic conditions of southern Brazil, contributing to its conservation and cultivation. The study was conducted on a natural population from Brazilian Mixed Ombrophilous Forest (Sertão municipality, Southern Brazil) and 130 tubers were planted and kept under field conditions in an area close to the natural population. We monitored phenology on a weekly basis throughout the growing season and analysed the relationship between phenology and environmental parameters (temperature, day-length and precipitation). We quantified the activity and intensity indices of the following phenophases: tuber sprouting, flower bud, flower, unripe fruit, and ripe fruit. In order to test the seasonality of phenophases, we analysed each one using Rayleigh test statistics. The species showed very similar activity and intensity peaks for all phenophases. All phenophases occurred once a year and were seasonal. Tuber sprouting and the number of shoots were associated with photoperiod (less than 13 h) and temperature (between 13.2 and 20.2°C). The life cycle of T. pentaphyllum was short, with average duration of only 17.5 ± 4.7 weeks, from tuber sprouting to aerial stem senescence. The plant senescence occurred before fruit ripening compromising its sexual reproduction. Based on our findings, we recommend planting the tubers in January, collecting tubers in December and collecting flowers in September. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Baiana de Enfermagem is the property of Universidade Federal da Bahia 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 discussion about greenhouse gas emissions and changes in the global system are themes frequently debated by national and international literature. Thus, this article sought to examine the determinants of net emissions of greenhouse gases in Brazil, for the period from 1990 to 2017, inserting variables not considered until then. The time series approach was used and the elements analyzed were population, GDP per capita, cattle herd and vehicle fleet. First, the unit root tests revealed that the variables are integrated in order (I (1)). Subsequent results indicated that there was cointegration, and therefore a VEC model was estimated. The VEC model revealed that there was no short-term relationship between the variables, but in the long term, the 1% increase in the herd of cattle increased net greenhouse gas emissions by 4.41% in the period, whereas the increase of 1 % in the vehicle fleet reduced emissions by 2.62%. Although the negative effect of the vehicle fleet was contrary to expectations, it was stated that the reduction in emissions outweighed the effect of fleet size in the period due to the relatively short period of analysis, the recent economic crisis and the introduction of electronic injection and three-way catalytic converter in vehicles. Even so, the evidence points to the need for long-term economic and energy policies in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hypertension is a chronic disease that requires continuous and long‐term care to prevent or delay the development of associated complications. Although various interventions for hypertension exist, case management in Brazil's primary healthcare is understudied. We examined nursing case management effectiveness for controlling blood pressure among Brazilian adults with hypertension in the public healthcare system. Method: A randomized controlled trial with a 12‐month follow‐up was conducted at a primary healthcare clinic in southern Brazil. Adult patients with hypertension were randomly allocated to intervention (n = 47) and usual care groups (n = 47). The nursing case management model includes nursing consultations, telephone contact, home visits, health education, and appropriate referrals. Patient outcomes (blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, quality of life, treatment adherence) were assessed at baseline and 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up for the intervention group and at baseline and 12‐month follow‐up for the usual care group. Data were collected from only the intervention group at T6 to avoid contact between the researcher and the usual care group, and to check the care plan and modify it if necessary. Results: After the intervention, the intervention group's blood pressure decreased significantly compared to the usual care group. The differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressure between the groups was −8.3 (intervention)/1.1 (usual care) mmHg (p =.004) and −7.4/−0.6 mmHg (p =.007), respectively. The intervention group had significantly greater improvement in waist circumference (−2.0/1.2 cm), body mass index (− 0.4/0.3), and treatment adherence (4.8/−1.1) than the usual care group (all p <.05). Conclusion: Nursing case management in primary healthcare may be effective for improving outcomes among patients with hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Scientia Agraria Paranaensis is the property of Revista Scientia Agraria Paranaensis 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 Direito da Cidade is the property of Editora da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (EdUERJ) 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.)

Abstract: Rio Grande do Sul (RS) is the second highest state with respect to sporotrichosis incidence in Brazil, with most cases occurring in the southern region. Given the importance of epidemiologic monitoring in hyperendemic areas, this study evaluated the spatial, geographical and annual sporotrichosis incidence over a period of 7 years in the southern region of RS, as well as the disease evolution over the last two decades. Data were collected from the Mycology Laboratory of the Federal University of Rio Grande (FAMED‐FURG) and from the Centre for Zoonosis Control (CZC) of the Prefeitura Municipal of Pelotas city. All feline cases of sporotrichosis diagnosed between 2010 and 2016 were included and analysed. In addition, cases of human and canine sporotrichosis were accounted for. Over the 7‐year period (2010–2016), 372 feline, 34 canine and 83 human cases of sporotrichosis were diagnosed, being the mean number of cases/year 18.33 in the first 3 years of the study and 116.33 in the last 3 years. Cases were distributed among 34 and 28 neighbourhoods in Rio Grande and Pelotas city, respectively. Socioeconomic features reinforced the result that the disease is already spreading across a major part of the southern region. In addition, the study demonstrated the intensification and expansion of the high endemicity areas. Therefore, given that the number of feline sporotrichosis cases in southern RS reached alarming proportions, we suggested that this region will promptly face an epidemic of sporotrichosis if no preventive or control measures are undertaken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Investigacion & Educacion en Enfermeria is the property of Universidad de Antioquia, Facultad de Enfermeria 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 Ciencia, Cuidado e Saude is the property of Universidade Estadual de Maringa 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.)

Origin and agenda of Brazilian new developmentalism. The debate regarding Brazil's development model returned again to the public arena in the first decade of 21st century after two decades of orthodox economic policies which encouraged non-developed countries to adopt liberal economic policies as their preferred growth strategies. As Brazil achieved neither economic stability nor development, the discussion of new development strategies returned as a popular research topic. It is in this context that a new development theory - New Developmentalism - emerges. The objective of this article is to review the origins of this debate and the main propositions defended by the group aiming to implement a new development model policy in the country. The main conclusions are that this group has had an important contribution in maintaining the development debate in the public agenda as well as proposing a new theoretical approach called "structuralist macroeconomic development". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Higher intakes of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids that are abundant in marine fishes have been long described as a 'good nutritional intervention' with increasing clinical benefits to cardiovascular health, inflammation, mental, and neurodegenerative diseases. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of daily fish oil (FO-10 mg EPA/kg body weight (BW) and 7 mg DHA/kg BW) intake by oral gavage associated with the antioxidant astaxanthin (ASTA-1 mg/kg BW) on the redox metabolism and the functional properties of lymphocytes from rat lymph nodes. Methods: This study was conducted by measurements of lymphocyte proliferation capacity, ROS production [superoxide (O) and hydrogen peroxide (HO)], nitric oxide (NO) generation, intracellular calcium release, oxidative damage to lipids and proteins, activities of major antioxidant enzymes, GSH/GSSG content, and cytokines release. Results: After 45 days of FO + ASTA supplementation, the proliferation capacity of activated T- and B-lymphocytes was significantly diminished followed by lower levels of O, HO and NO production, and increased activities of total/SOD, GR and GPx, and calcium release in cytosol. ASTA was able to prevent oxidative modification in cell structures through the suppression of the oxidative stress condition imposed by FO. l-selectin was increased by FO, and IL-1β was decreased only by ASTA supplementation. Conclusion: We can propose that association of ASTA with FO could be a good strategy to prevent oxidative stress induced by polyunsaturated fatty acids and also to potentiate immuno-modulatory effects of FO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Estudos Sociedade e Agricultura is the property of Revista Estudos Sociedade e Agricultura 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 ConScientiae Saúde is the property of Nove de Julho University 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.)

Created in 2003 by the unification of four earlier initiatives, Bolsa Família currently provides cash transfers to 13 million people and supports more than one-third of the children that go to primary school in Brazil. This article extends and expands previous reviews on the origins, development and impact of the programme. The authors consider the political and economic dimensions in their evaluation of Bolsa Família’s contribution to the reduction of poverty and inequality. They argue that Bolsa Família’s ultimate impact will partly depend on a reduction of inequalities in public provision of health and education, which in turn may require a more active political role for the poor. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Clinical cases of feline sporotrichosis, originating in the Pelotas region and diagnosed at the Laboratory of Infectious Diseases (UFPel), were studied in the period from 2002 to 2006. The animals were evaluated according to the clinical forms of the mycosis, time of lesion appearance, severity of the clinical diagnosis and evolution of cutaneous lesions throughout the treatment period. Mycological analyses, carried out through direct examination, cultivation of tissue samples and exudates of feline lesions all confirmed the diagnosis of sporotrichosis in the 15 animals under study. The cutaneous dissemination form was observed in 10 animals, of which three showed prostration, anorexia and dehydration. The zoonosis occurred in 20% of case studies, and the pet owners and one attendant at a veterinary clinic were infected, developing the fixed and disseminated cutaneous forms. The treatment of mycosis was carried out with itraconazole, 10 mg kg−1, once a day, on 12 animals. The cure of the clinical symptoms was observed on 50% of the felines. This study demonstrates a good clinical response of felines with sporotrichosis, when they were treated itraconazole and calls the attention for the incidence of human sporotrichosis on people related to the veterinary activity as well as for pet owners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Economia e Sociologia Rural is the property of Sociedade Brasileira de Economia e Sociologia Rural 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 make the translation, cross-cultural adaption and content and face validation of the Hypertension Knowledge-Level Scale for use in Brazil. Methods: methodological research carried out in six stages: translation, synthesis, back-translation, expert committee's assessment, pretest and validation. Validation was performed through the Delphi technique in two rounds. The participants were two translators and two back-translators, eight professionals in the expert committee, 40 adult participants in the pre-test, 35 experts in the first validation round and 28 in the second validation round. Data analysis included Cronbach's alpha, content validity index and one-tailed t-test. Results: the translation and cross-cultural adaptation allowed for language adjustments so that the items were comprehensible and suitable for use in Brazil. The content validity index of the Brazilian version of Hypertension Knowledge-Level Scale was 0.96 and Cronbach's alpha was 0.92. Conclusions: the scale was translated, cross-culturally adapted to Brazilian Portuguese, had its content and face validated and proved reliable to evaluate the knowledge of adults about hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim of the study: Aniba rosaeodora is an aromatic plant which has been used in Brazil folk medicine due to its sedative effect. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the sedative effect of linalool-rich rosewood oil in mice. In addition we sought to investigate the linalool-rich oil effects on the isolated nerve using the single sucrose-gap technique. Materials and methods: Sedative effect was determined by measuring the potentiation of the pentobarbital-induced sleeping time. The compound action potential amplitude was evaluated as a way to detect changes in excitability of the isolated nerve. Results: The results showed that administration of rosewood oil at the doses of 200 and 300mg/kg significantly decreased latency and increased the duration of sleeping time. On the other hand, the dose of 100mg/kg potentiated significantly the pentobarbital action decreasing pentobarbital latency time and increasing pentobarbital sleeping time. In addition, the effect of linalool-rich rosewood oil on the isolated nerve of the rat was also investigated through the single sucrose-gap technique. The amplitude of the action potential decreased almost 100% when it was incubated for 30min at 100μg/ml. Conclusions: From this study, it is suggested a sedative effect of linalool-rich rosewood oil that could, at least in part, be explained by the reduction in action potential amplitude that provokes a decrease in neuronal excitability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]