Recent publications
Objective: To analyze the spatial distribution of neonatal near miss and socioeconomic and healthcare indicators in the state of Paraná.
Methods: Ecological, cross-sectional study of neonatal near miss rates in municipalities in the state of Paraná, from 2020 to 2022, obtained through data from the Live Birth Information System (SINASC) and the Mortality Information System (SIM), connected through deterministic linkage. The spatial distribution of neonatal near miss rates, socioeconomic indicators (maternal age and race/ethnicity), and healthcare indicators (type of delivery and number of prenatal consultations) were performed. Global and Local Moran's Index were used for spatial analysis.
Results: The neonatal near miss rate in Paraná was 28.46 per thousand live births. Health regions (HR) 4th HR - Irati, 3rd HR - Ponta Grossa, 6th HR - União da Vitória, and 17th HR - Londrina stood out with high rates of neonatal near miss. Concerning the indicators, significant rates were evident among women of black, yellow, and indigenous race/color, as well as inadequacies in prenatal.
Conclusions: The results highlight priorities in the Eastern and Northern macro-regions, where high-high clusters indicate an urgent need to assess access and quality of care. Additionally, there is a need to investigate neonatal near miss in Black, Yellow, and Indigenous women, as well as low prenatal adherence or coverage.
Keywords:
Near miss, healthcare; Indicators of morbidity and mortality; Infant, newborn; Information systems
Hypertension is an age-related pathology that causes a decline in the function of all organ systems, including the reproductive system, due to its association with increased oxidative stress and inflammation. The inflammatory cytokine levels increase as a result of hypertension and cause inflammation and tissue injury. Although high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has shown promise as a nondrug treatment for hypertensive individuals, its effects on the reproductive system of hypertensive individuals remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of HIIT on plasma hormone concentrations and the expression of inflammatory mediators in the testes of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Male SHRs were divided into 2 groups: SHR (control, n=8) and HIIT (SHRs subjected to HIIT on a treadmill for 8 weeks, n=9) groups. The expression of inflammatory mediators (TNFα and IL-6) in the testes and testosterone, prolactin, and corticosterone concentrations in plasma were measured. No difference in TNFα expression was found between the groups. The groups also showed no significant differences in hormone levels. However, SHRs that underwent HIIT showed lower immunostaining for IL-6 in their testes than did SHRs that did not undergo HIIT training (P < 0.05) and the HIIT group presented lower lower systolic blood pressure than did the SHR group. We concluded that HIIT for two months reduces the BSP and IL-6 levels in the testes of hypertensive rats.
Intraradicular posts have the potential to induce mechanical stresses within the root structure during masticatory activities, hence contributing to fatigue and ultimately resulting in the fracture of the remaining dental structure. The objective of this work was to compare the stress pattern generated on the root by a computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) milled fiberglass post under occlusal load in a photoelastic simulation and to compare its flexural strength (FS) to other types of posts. A total of 15 simulated roots, produced from photoelastic resins, were created using human canine teeth. These specimens were then separated into three distinct groups: Fiber post conventional, which consisted of fiberglass posts; fiber post customizable, which involved prefabricated fiberglass posts anatomized with composite resin; and fiber post CAD-CAM, which utilized CAD-CAM milled fiberglass posts. Following the application of Relyx ARC cement, the posts underwent photoelastic testing using a polariscope and FS testing using a universal testing machine. The data were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s test at 5% significance level. It was found that the stress was significantly greater (p<0.05) for the customizable post (246.5 MPa ± 218.7) in comparison to both the conventional (135.8 MPa ± 99.3) and CAD-CAM (136.5 MPa ± 68.4) posts; the latter group exhibited the lowest flexural values (50.8 MPa ± 7.9), which were significantly different from both the conventional group (123.0 MPa ± 26.9) and the customized group (230.3 MPa ± 18.9), which also differed from each other. The modulus of elasticity showed statistical differences (p <0.05) among the three different methods: CAD-CAM (0.50 GPa ± 0.06), conventional (1.75 GPa ± 0.13), and custom (3.46 GPa ± 0.19). The FS and elasticity modulus of customized posts were significantly higher than those of CAD-CAM, that exhibited the lowest values. Intermediate values were demonstrated by conventional posts. In comparison, to the customized post, the stress study revealed that conventional and CAD-CAM posts had a lower stress in the apical area and a lower general root stress value; but the cervical stress from CAD-CAM posts were practically twice of conventional and customized posts.
Objective: To develop an educational bingo-type game related to the prevention of violence against elderly people and to analyze learning from its application.
Method: Qualitative study, conducted from December 2022 to August 2024 in the Primary Care Network of Marília/SP, Brazil, by undergraduate nursing and medical students, masters and doctoral students, in which a bingo-type game was formulated, consisting of 23 numbered phrases, containing practices of respect and violence prevention, applied to two groups of elderly people, totaling 21 participants. The discussions were recorded and transcribed for later content analysis.
Results: The game allowed for reflection on violence against the elderly, rights, and prevention proposals, with the active participation of those involved, generating exchanges of information and new learnings.
Conclusion: The game allows for the identification of experiences of elderly people and new learnings on the subject, proving to be a relevant strategy for nursing professionals
KEYWORDS:
Elder Abuse; Health Education; Active Learning; Gamification; Educational Technology.
Objective: To develop an educational bingo-type game related to the prevention of violence against elderly people and to analyze learning from its application.
Method: Qualitative study, conducted from December 2022 to August 2024 in the Primary Care Network of Marília/SP, Brazil, by undergraduate nursing and medical students, masters and doctoral students, in which a bingo-type game was formulated, consisting of 23 numbered phrases, containing practices of respect and violence prevention, applied to two groups of elderly people, totaling 21 participants. The discussions were recorded and transcribed for later content analysis.
Results: The game allowed for reflection on violence against the elderly, rights, and prevention proposals, with the active participation of those involved, generating exchanges of information and new learnings.
Conclusion: The game allows for the identification of experiences of elderly people and new learnings on the subject, proving to be a relevant strategy for nursing professionals
KEYWORDS:
Elder Abuse; Health Education; Active Learning; Gamification; Educational Technology.
Objective: To develop an educational bingo-type game related to the prevention of violence against elderly people and to analyze learning from its application.
Method: Qualitative study, conducted from December 2022 to August 2024 in the Primary Care Network of Marília/SP, Brazil, by undergraduate nursing and medical students, masters and doctoral students, in which a bingo-type game was formulated, consisting of 23 numbered phrases, containing practices of respect and violence prevention, applied to two groups of elderly people, totaling 21 participants. The discussions were recorded and transcribed for later content analysis.
Results: The game allowed for reflection on violence against the elderly, rights, and prevention proposals, with the active participation of those involved, generating exchanges of information and new learnings.
Conclusion: The game allows for the identification of experiences of elderly people and new learnings on the subject, proving to be a relevant strategy for nursing professionals
KEYWORDS:
Elder Abuse; Health Education; Active Learning; Gamification; Educational Technology.
Historicamente, a Micologia ou Biologia dos Fungos se construiu com base na Botânica e com forte influência de outras áreas, como a Microbiologia. Tal construção está refletida na estrutura de cursos de formação inicial em Ciências Biológicas. Nesta perspectiva, esta pesquisa buscou investigar a representatividade do conteúdo relacionado à Micologia no conhecimento biológico na formação inicial em Ciências Biológicas. Realizamos análise documental de ementas de disciplinas da área e de materiais utilizados como referências bibliográficas em universidades estaduais de São Paulo. Os resultados evidenciaram ausência de disciplinas específicas para os fungos, bem como, inespecificidade dos materiais indicados na bibliografia. Concluímos que, para superar essas lacunas, há a necessidade de incluir disciplinas específicas de Micologia em cursos de formação inicial e fomentar a integração de conhecimentos com disciplinas como Ecologia e Evolução. Ainda, faz-se necessário o estímulo à produção de materiais didáticos com enfoque nas especificidades do grupo dos fungos.
Historically, Mycology or Biology of Fungi has been built upon Botany, with strong influences from other fields such as Microbiology. This foundation is reflected in the structure of initial training programs in Biological Sciences. From this perspective, this study aimed to investigate the representation of Mycology-related content within biological knowledge in initial training in Biological Sciences. We conducted a documentary analysis of course syllabi in the field and materials used as bibliographic references in state universities in São Paulo. The results revealed the absence of specific courses on fungi, as well as the lack of specificity in the recommended bibliographic materials. We conclude that, to address these gaps, it is necessary to include specific Mycology courses in initial training programs and to promote the integration of knowledge with courses such as Ecology and Evolution. Additionally, encouraging the development of teaching materials focused on the specificities of fungi is essential.
Background
The genus Steindachneridion , which includes large-sized freshwater pimelodid species, is endemic to the southeastern coastal drainages of South America, specifically the Paraná River and Uruguay River basins.
Methods
In this study, genetic analyses of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop were conducted on four species within this genus across their respective distributions: Steindachneridion scriptum (from the Tibagi and Uruguay rivers), S. melanodermatum (from the Iguaçu River), S. doceanum (from the Doce River), and S. parahybae (from the Paraíba do Sul River). Zungaro zungaro and Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii were employed as outgroups, and the topology was inferred using Bayesian Inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) phylogenetic reconstruction techniques. Additionally, the sequences were analyzed to assess genetic diversity levels.
Results
In contrast to the remaining species, which exhibited distinct species-specific clades, our data suggests that S. scriptum formed two sister clades, potentially representing distinct operational taxonomic units. Novel haplotypes were identified for each of the four species, further supporting the conclusions derived from the phylogenetic analysis. Overall, Steindachneridion species displayed high haplotype diversity paired with low nucleotide diversity, indicating a demographic expansion event after reduced effective population size. Nevertheless, genetic structure indexes were notably high. These findings suggest that the genetic diversity within these species may be underestimated, which has implications for both taxonomic classification and biological conservation strategies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study of genetic diversity in four Steindachneridion species has revealed distinct molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs), which highlights the necessity for conservation efforts. The detection of new haplotypes and intraspecific variability emphasizes the urgency of implementing systematic conservation measures in the face of looming extinction threats.
Like a coin, the impacts of screens on children’s development have two sides, as reflected in current scientific knowledge. This narrative review aimed to explore the dual-faceted state of the art regarding screen use, highlighting both positive and negative aspects on neurodevelopment, intervention proposals, and future perspectives for appropriate screen use. Recent scientific findings emphasize two central points: on the one hand, the benefits of appropriate use, such as co-viewing and the use of educational content; on the other hand, the negative impacts of excessive screen use, passive, and non-educational use on the development of neural networks. In this sense, with the advent of the digital age and in light of current scientific results, it is clear that eliminating screens from daily life is unrealistic. Therefore, implementing strategies to ensure a healthy balance between screen time and other activities important for child development is essential.
Keywords:
Screen Time; Environment; Child Guidance; Child Development
Recently Latin American countries have developed a dairy sheep industry with an increasing number of specialized dairy-sheep flocks. The objective of this study was to evaluate the goodness of fit of empirical and mechanistic models and sampling interval to model the lactation curve of F1 dairy sheep with different shape of lactation curves in an intensively managed flock of the central highlands of Mexico. A total of 4,494 weekly (7D) test day records (TDR) from 156 lactations were analyzed. Three datasets were generated from the original 7D data set, setting TDR at different sampling intervals: 14 (14D), 21 (21D) and 28 (28D) days. Lactation curves were fitted using two empirical (Wood and Wilmink) and two mechanistic models (Dijkstra and Pollott). The parameters of the empirical and mechanistic models were estimated using the iterative non-linear curve fitting procedure in R. The results showed that the estimation of TMY was not affected by the sampling interval. However, the estimation of peak yield (PY) and day at peak yield (TPY) was affected by sampling interval (P < 0.05), with better estimates for 7D and 14D. Estimates of PY and TPY differed between the empirical and mechanistic models with both methods failing to estimate PY and TPY in atypical curves. The Dijkstra model showed the best fit for typical curves and the Pollott model for atypical curves in all the sampling intervals evaluated.
Wood density is a critical control on tree biomass, so poor understanding of its spatial variation can lead to large and systematic errors in forest biomass estimates and carbon maps. The need to understand how and why wood density varies is especially critical in tropical America where forests have exceptional species diversity and spatial turnover in composition. As tree identity and forest composition are challenging to estimate remotely, ground surveys are essential to know the wood density of trees, whether measured directly or inferred from their identity. Here, we assemble an extensive dataset of variation in wood density across the most forested and tree-diverse continent, examine how it relates to spatial and environmental variables, and use these relationships to predict spatial variation in wood density over tropical and sub-tropical South America. Our analysis refines previously identified east-west Amazon gradients in wood density, improves them by revealing fine-scale variation, and extends predictions into Andean, dry, and Atlantic forests. The results halve biomass prediction errors compared to a naïve scenario with no knowledge of spatial variation in wood density. Our findings will help improve remote sensing-based estimates of aboveground biomass carbon stocks across tropical South America.
Plants cope with the environment by displaying large phenotypic variation. Two spectra of global plant form and function have been identified: a size spectrum from small to tall species with increasing stem tissue density, leaf size, and seed mass; a leaf economics spectrum reflecting slow to fast returns on investments in leaf nutrients and carbon. When species assemble to communities it is assumed that these spectra are filtered by the environment to produce community level functional composition. It is unknown what are the main drivers for community functional composition in a large area such as Amazonia. We use 13 functional traits, including wood density, seed mass, leaf characteristics, breeding system, nectar production, fruit type, and root characteristics of 812 tree genera (5211 species), and find that they describe two main axes found at the global scale. At community level, the first axis captures not only the ‘fast-slow spectrum’, but also most size-related traits. Climate and disturbance explain a minor part of this variance compared to soil fertility. Forests on poor soils differ largely in terms of trait values from those on rich soils. Trait composition and soil fertility exert a strong influence on forest functioning: biomass and relative biomass production.
The species Psidium guajava L., commonly known as guava, is distinguished in the genus Psidium for its economic importance and medicinal properties. This study aimed to assess the population structures in 247 guava genotypes, which were organized into 11 full-sib families (FSF), and to explore the differentiation of these FSF based on phenotypic traits and single nucleotide polymorphism molecular markers. The study utilized a randomized block design to evaluate 10 phenotypic variables and 7,784 polymorphic markers, derived from leaf samples through genetic sequencing using DArTseq technology. The diversity among individuals was quantified using the Mahalanobis’ generalized distance. The UPGMA clustering method identified three homogenous clusters in the families. Excoffier’s analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) demonstrated significant variability both between and in these clusters, with inter-group variability accounting for about 20% of the total variation. The genetic distance between individuals, calculated using molecular markers, was determined by the arithmetic complement of the unweighted similarity index. Ward’s method delineated five subpopulations. AMOVA further verified significant variability both between and in these subpopulations, attributing 89% of the total variation to differences between the groups formed. Eleven FSF could not be differentiated based on the analyzed data. Nevertheless, the analyses confirmed substantial genetic diversity, endorsing the continuity of the breeding program through selection and future crosses.
Key words genetic diversity; genetic distance; full-sib families
The addition of adjuvants to herbicides to improve the effectiveness of spray solutions for weed control has been widely adopted. This research aimed to determine the spread, contact angle, and evaporation time of glufosinate, with and without adjuvants, on the leaf surfaces of four weed species Digitaria insularis (L.) Fedde, Cenchrus echinatus L., Amaranthus viridis L., and Bidens pilosa L.). We used a completely randomized design and a 4 x 4 factorial scheme, with ten replications. The surfaces of four weed species were the first factor and the applied solutions (distilled water, glufosinate herbicide, glufosinate + surfactant, and glufosinate + mineral oil) were the second factor. Concerning droplet deposition, the wide-leaved weeds showed a broader spread and a greater contact angle in contrast to the narrow-leaved ones. The droplet spreading area was negatively correlated with evaporation time and contact angle. We conclude that the spreading area and evaporation time of herbicide droplets depend on the characteristics of each surface area and vary among different weed species. The addition of adjuvants to spray solutions is essential for glufosinate herbicide, particularly on leaf surfaces with higher wax content.
Index terms: Application technology; wetting area; surfactant; drop-target interaction
The rootstock Poncirus trifoliata var. monstrosa flying dragon (FD) induces dwarfism to citrus trees. Dwarfism provides several positive aspects: allows dense planting, reduces the pruning frequency, improves productivity efficiency, and makes cultural practices easier. Evaluating the compatibility of the rootstock with different scion varieties is crucial for recommending this rootstock and requires many years of field observations. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the vigor and graft compatibility of Citrus × sinensis L. Osbeck and Citrus × latifolia Tanaka grafted onto FD. The experimental was a randomized block design, with five treatments, four replications, and each plot consisting of one tree. The cultivar Tahiti acid lime IAC-5 and Seleta, Lima, Bahia, and Folha Murcha oranges were the evaluated plants. Biometric measurements of canopy and graft incompatibility were assessed, and viables spacing were estimated. No signs of incompatibility were observed in any graft combination. After 12.5 years, FD induced dwarfism in all evaluated cultivars, but not to Tahiti acid lime. In the edaphoclimatic conditions of North Fluminense, we suggest planting densities of 511, 1,387, 1,486, 792 and 1,644 plants.ha⁻¹ to Tahiti, Seleta, Lima, Bahia, and Folha Murcha oranges trees, respectively, when these are grafted onto the FD.
Key words Poncirus trifoliata var. monstrosa; Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck; Citrus × latifolia Tanaka ; late incompatibility; high planting density
Resumo O presente artigo teve como objetivo apresentar uma análise do romance A mocinha do Mercado Central, de Stella Maris Rezende (2011), que, voltado ao público juvenil, tem a potencialidade de oportunizar que temas contemporâneos, integrantes da vida social dos alunos, possam ser explorados no ambiente escolar, colaborando para a sua formação integral. Destacam-se, por exemplo, questões relacionadas à representação feminina, as quais podem incitar os alunos a (re)pensar discursos e figurações estereotipadas em relação ao gênero feminino. Para tanto, consideraram-se os documentos norteadores da educação básica brasileira, entre eles a Base Nacional Comum Curricular (Brasil, 2017) e o Referencial Curricular do Paraná (Paraná, 2018), que indicam a necessidade de inserir no âmbito escolar temáticas contemporâneas; estudiosas (Schmidt, 1995; Dalcastagnè, 2005; Zolin, 2015) que apontam para a invisibilidade da mulher na produção literária brasileira; bem como Candido (1972; 1995), que mostra a relevância da literatura para a formação humana. Como processo para a educação literária via leitura na escola, concluiu-se que a obra de Stella Maris Rezende (2011) pode contribuir para que o jovem leitor vivencie e compreenda o texto literário como potencial educativo, de conhecimento do mundo e do ser e fonte de humanização.
The rumen microbiome is central to feed digestion and host performance, making it an important target for improving ruminant productivity and sustainability. This study investigated how feed composition influences rumen microbial abundance and phenotypic traits in beef cattle. Fifty-nine Angus bulls were assigned to forage- and grain-based diets in a randomized block design, evaluating microbial dynamics, methane emissions, and feed efficiency. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) quantified bacterial, archaeal, fungal, and protozoal populations. Grain-based diets reduced bacterial and fungal counts compared to forage diets (1.1 × 10¹¹ vs. 2.8 × 10¹¹ copies of 16S rRNA genes and 1.5 × 10³ vs. 3.5 × 10⁴ copies of 18S rRNA genes/mL, respectively), while protozoan and methanogen populations remained stable. Microbial abundance correlated with feed intake metrics, including dry matter and neutral detergent fiber intakes. Methane emissions were lower in grain-fed bulls (14.8 vs. 18.0 L CH4/kg DMI), though feed efficiency metrics showed no direct association with microbial abundance. Comparative analysis revealed adaptive microbial shifts in response to dietary changes, with functional redundancy maintaining rumen stability and supporting host performance. These findings provide insights into how feed composition shapes rumen microbial dynamics and host phenotypes, highlighting the functional adaptability of the rumen microbiome during dietary transitions.
Characterizing and predicting genetic diversity within the genus Passiflora is critical for promoting diversified strategies in genetic improvement programs. The present study aimed to characterize the morphology of pollen grains and seeds, and to infer the 2C DNA content using flow cytometry in species of the genus Passiflora with ornamental potential. For the morphological characterization of pollen grains and seeds, 11 and 12 descriptors were used, respectively. The data obtained were analyzed using ANOVA and grouped according to the Scott-Knott method. To study genetic diversity, the Mahalanobis distance matrix, and the UPGMA agglomerative method were used. For the morphological characterization of pollen and seeds, the results indicated significant differences across all descriptors. Four descriptors were particularly remarkably divergent: colpus width, equatorial axis, polar axis length, and the number of ornaments on the seeds. The species were grouped into three clusters in the dendrogram using the clustering method. 2C DNA content values demonstrated high interspecific variability, possibly due to chromosomal number and size. These results enabled the detection of genetic diversity, the significance of the biological trait values, and a better knowledge of interspecific gene interactions, all of which aid the selection of ornamental parent plants.
Index terms: Morphological characterization; flow cytometry; germoplasm; ornamental passion flower.
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