Beneficial Effect of Exogenously Applied Calcium Pyruvate in Alleviating Water Deficit in Sugarcane as Assessed by Chlorophyll a Fluorescence Technique.

The growing demand for food production has led to an increase in agricultural areas, including many with low and irregular rainfall, stressing the importance of studies aimed at mitigating the harmful effects of water stress. From this perspective, the objective of this study was to evaluate calcium pyruvate as an attenuator of water deficit on chlorophyll a fluorescence of five sugarcane genotypes. The experiment was conducted in a plant nursery where three management strategies (E1-full irrigation, E2-water deficit with the application of 30 mM calcium pyruvate, and E3-water deficit without the application of calcium pyruvate) and five sugarcane genotypes (RB863129, RB92579, RB962962, RB021754, and RB041443) were tested, distributed in randomized blocks, in a 3 × 5 factorial design with three replications. There is dissimilarity in the fluorescence parameters and photosynthetic pigments of the RB863129 genotype in relation to those of the RB041443, RB96262, RB021754, and RB92579 genotypes. Foliar application of calcium pyruvate alleviates the effects of water deficit on the fluorescence parameters of chlorophyll a and photosynthetic pigments in sugarcane, without interaction with the genotypes. However, subsequent validation tests will be necessary to test and validate the adoption of this technology under field conditions.

Aprendizagem significativa na educação em enfermagem: uma revisão integrativa / Meaningful learning in nursing education: an integrative review / Aprendizaje significativo en la formación de enfermería: una revisión integrativa

Objetivo: Analisar a produção científica acerca das estratégias educativas, baseadas em evidências, utilizadas no processo de ensino aprendizagem em enfermagem à luz da abordagem da aprendizagem significativa. Método: Revisão integrativa desenvolvida de acordo com as etapas: identificação do tema e seleção da hipótese de pesquisa; estabelecimento dos critérios de elegibilidade; identificação dos estudos nas bases científicas/categorização dos estudos; avaliação dos estudos selecionados; análise crítica e interpretação dos resultados; apresentação dos dados na estrutura da revisão integrativa. Resultados: Diferentes estratégias educativas baseadas na aprendizagem significativa foram identificadas tais como: mapa conceitual, estudo de caso, uso de simulador, cursos on-line e jogos. Como principais resultados das intervenções, observou-se a promoção da aprendizagem significativa e o desenvolvimento do raciocínio reflexivo e crítico em estudantes e profissionais de enfermagem, atuando como sujeitos de sua própria práxis. Conclusão: A aprendizagem significativa é uma linha pedagógica fundamental, devendo ser inserida no processo de educação em diversas áreas do saber. Dessa maneira, foi possível identificar que a mesma ancorou estratégias de ensino que se mostraram eficazes, com destaque para o uso de mapas conceituais e as tecnologias educacionais digitais.

Objective: To analyze the scientific production about educational strategies, based on evidence, used in the teaching-learning process in nursing in the light of the meaningful learning approach. Method: Integrative review developed according to the steps: identification of the theme and selection of the research hypothesis; establishment of eligibility criteria; identification of studies in scientific bases/categorization of studies; evaluation of selected studies; critical analysis and interpretation of results; presentation of data in the framework of the integrative review. Results: Different educational strategies based on meaningful learning were identified, such as: conceptual map, case study, use of simulator, online courses and games. As main results of the interventions, it was observed the promotion of meaningful learning and the development of reflective and critical reasoning in students and nursing professionals, acting as subjects of their own praxis. Conclusion: Meaningful learning is a fundamental pedagogical line and should be inserted in the education process in several areas of knowledge. In this way, it was possible to identify that it anchored teaching strategies that proved to be effective, with emphasis on the use of concept maps and digital educational technologies.

Objetivo: Analizar la producción científica sobre estrategias educativas basadas en la evidencia utilizadas en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje en enfermería a la luz del enfoque del aprendizaje significativo. Método: Revisión integrativa desarrollada de acuerdo con los siguientes pasos: identificación del tema y selección de la hipótesis de investigación; establecimiento de criterios de elegibilidad; identificación de estudios en bases de datos científicas/categorización de estudios; evaluación de los estudios seleccionados; análisis crítico e interpretación de los resultados; presentación de los datos en la estructura de revisión integrativa. Resultados: Se identificaron distintas estrategias educativas basadas en el aprendizaje significativo como: mapa conceptual, estudio de casos, uso de simulador, cursos online y juegos. Los principales resultados de las intervenciones fueron la promoción del aprendizaje significativo y el desarrollo del pensamiento reflexivo y crítico en estudiantes y profesionales de enfermería, actuando como sujetos de su propia praxis. Conclusión: El aprendizaje significativo es una línea pedagógica fundamental y debe insertarse en el proceso educativo en diversas áreas del conocimiento. Así, fue posible identificar que ancló estrategias de enseñanza que se mostraron eficaces, con énfasis en el uso de mapas conceptuales y tecnologías educativas digitales.

Screening for Dementia and Cognitive Decline in Adults With Down Syndrome: A Novel Approach Using the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to examine the psychometric properties of the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE) as a diagnostic tool to screen for dementia in aging individuals with Down syndrome (DS). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 92 individuals with DS 30 y or above of age) evaluated with the IQCODE. Using the informant questionnaire of the Cambridge Examination for Mental Disorders of Older People with Down's Syndrome and Others with Intellectual Disabilities, we divided the subjects into 3 diagnostic groups: stable cognition; prodromal dementia; and dementia. The ability of the IQCODE to discriminate between diagnostic groups was analyzed by calculating the areas under the receiver operator characteristic curves (AUCs). RESULTS: The optimal IQCODE cutoffs were 3.14 for dementia versus stable cognition (AUC=0.993; P<0.001) and 3.11 for prodromal dementia+dementia versus stable cognition (AUC=0.975; P<0.001), with sensitivity/specificity/accuracy of 100%/96.8%/97.3%, and 93.3%/91.9%/92.4%, respectively. The IQCODE showed a weak-to-moderate correlation with cognitive performance (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The IQCODE is a useful tool to screen for cognitive decline in individuals with DS and is suitable for use in a primary care setting.

Oxido- and Dioxido-Vanadium(V) Complexes Supported on Carbon Materials: Reusable Catalysts for the Oxidation of Cyclohexane.

Oxidovanadium(V) and dioxidovanadium(V) compounds, [VO(OEt)L] (1) and [Et3NH][VO2L] (2), were synthesized using an aroylhydrazone Schiff base (5-bromo-2-hydroxybenzylidene)-2-hydroxybenzohydrazide (H2L). They were characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), (1H and 51V) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Both complexes were immobilized on functionalized carbon nanotubes and activated carbon. The catalytic performances of 1 and 2, homogenous and anchored on the supports, were evaluated for the first time towards the MW-assisted peroxidative oxidation (with tert-butylhydroperoxide, TBHP) of cyclohexane under heterogeneous conditions. The immobilization of 1 and 2 on functionalized carbon materials improved the efficiency of catalytic oxidation and allowed the catalyst recyclability with a well-preserved catalytic activity.

Alcohol-impaired Walking in 16 Countries: A Theory-Based Investigation.

Alcohol is a global risk factor for road trauma. Although drink driving has received most of the scholarly attention, there is growing evidence of the risks of alcohol-impaired walking. Alcohol-impaired pedestrians are over-represented in fatal crashes compared to non-impaired pedestrians. Additionally, empirical evidence shows that alcohol intoxication impairs road-crossing judgements. Besides some limited early research, much is unknown about the global prevalence and determinants of alcohol-impaired walking. Understanding alcohol-impaired walking will support health promotion initiatives and injury prevention. The present investigation has three aims: (1) compare the prevalence of alcohol-impaired walking across countries; (2) identify international groups of pedestrians based on psychosocial factors (i.e., Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and perceptions of risk); and (3) investigate how segments of pedestrians form their intention for alcohol-impaired walking using the extended TPB (i.e. subjective norm, attitudes, perceived control, and perceived risk). A cross-sectional design was applied. The target behaviour question was "have you been a pedestrian when your thinking or physical ability (balance/strength) is affected by alcohol?" to ensure comparability across countries. Cluster analysis based on the extended TPB was used to identify groups of countries. Finally, regressions were used to predict pedestrians' intentions per group. A total of 6,166 respondents (Age M(SD) = 29.4 (14.2); Males = 39.2%) completed the questionnaire, ranging from 12.6% from Russia to 2.2% from Finland. The proportion of participants who reported never engaging in alcohol-impaired walking in the last three months ranged from 30.1% (Spain) to 83.1% (Turkey). Four groups of countries were identified: group-1 (Czech Republic, Spain, and Australia), group-2 (Russia and Finland), group-3 (Japan), and group-4 (final ten countries including Colombia, China, and Romania). Pedestrian intentions to engage in alcohol- impaired walking are predicted by perceptions of risk and TPB-psychosocial factors in group-1 and group-4. Favourable TPB-beliefs and low perceived risk increased alcohol-impaired walking intentions. Conversely, subjective norms were not significant in group-2 and only perceived risk predicted intention in group-3. The willingness of pedestrians to walk when alcohol-impaired differs significantly across the countries in this study. Perceived risk was the only common predictor among the 16 countries.

Concepções sobre saúde mental infantojuvenil de enfermeiros da Estratégia Saúde da Família / Family health strategy nurses'conceptions of child-adolescent mental health / Concepciones sobre la salud mental de niños y adolescentes de las enfermerías de la estrategia de salud familiar

Visando analisar as concepções sobre a saúde mental infantojuvenil de enfermeiros da Estratégia Saúde da Família, este estudo, de natureza descritivo qualitativa, foi realizado com 47 enfermeiras, nas Unidades de Saúde da Família de João Pessoa PB, e partiu dos pressupostos das Políticas Públicas de Atenção à Saúde Mental para crianças e adol escentes Para coletar os dados utilizaram se um questionário sociodemográfico e entrevistas semiestruturadas, analisadas por meio da Análise Categorial Temática de Bardin, das quais emergiram uma classe temática, três categorias e sete subcategorias. Os resultados apontaram que as concepções sobre a SMI se pautam no modelo biomédico, sem ênfase na promoção da saúde e com pouca especificidade e familiaridade com questões relativas à saúde mental dessa população.

In order to analyze Family Health Strategy nurses' conceptions of child adolescent mental health, this descriptive qualitative study was conducted with 47 nurses, in the Family Health Units of João Pessoa PB, and started from the assumptions of the Public Policies of Mental Health Care for children and adolescents. Data were collected using a questionnaire, which captured the sociodemographic data, and semi structured interviews were analyzed through Bardin's Thematic Categorical Analysis, which originated a thematic class, three categories and seven subcategories. The results showed that the conceptions a re based on the biomedical model, with no emphasis on health promotion and with little specificity and familiarity with issues related to the mental healt h of this population.

Con el fin de analizar las concepciones sobre la salud mental de niños y adolescentes en las enfermer í as de la Estrategia de Salud Familiar, este estudio descriptivo cualitativo se llevó a cabo con 47 enfermeras, en Unidades de Salud Familiar de Joao Pesso a PB, a partir de los supuestos de las Políticas Públicas de Atención de Salud Mental para niños y adolescentes. Para recopilar los datos, se utilizó un cuestionario, que capturó los datos sociodemográficos, y entrevistas semiestructuradas, analizadas a tr avés del Análisis Categórico Temático de Bardin, de la que surgieron una clase temática, tres categorías y siete subcategorías. Los resultados mostraron que las concepciones sobre SMNA se basan en el modelo biomédico, sin énfasis en la promoción de la salu d y con poca especificidad y familiaridad con los temas relacionados con la salud mental de esta población.

Inhibition of nitric oxide production of activated mice peritoneal macrophages is independent of the Toxoplasma gondii strain.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasma gondii causes toxoplasmosis and is controlled by activated macrophages. However, infection of macrophages by tachyzoites induces TGF-ß signaling (TGF-s) inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) production. NO inhibition may be a general escape mechanism of distinct T. gondii strains. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate in activated macrophages the capacity of T. gondii strains of different virulence and genetics (RH, type I; ME-49, type II; VEG, type III; P-Br, recombinant) to evade the NO microbicidal defense system and determine LC3 loading to the parasitophorous vacuole. METHODS: Activated peritoneal macrophages were infected with the different T. gondii strains, NO-production was evaluated by the Griess reagent, and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression, TGF-s, and LC3 localisation assayed by immunofluorescence. FINDINGS: Only RH persisted in macrophages, while VEG was more resistant than P-Br and ME-49. All strains induced TGF-s, degradation of inducible nitric oxide synthase, and NO-production inhibition from 2 to 24 h of infection, but only RH sustained these alterations for 48 h. By 24 h of infection, TGF-s lowered in macrophages infected by ME-49, and P-Br, and NO-production recovered, while VEG sustained TGF-s and NO-production inhibition longer. LC3 loading to parasitophorous vacuole was strain-dependent: higher for ME-49, P-Br and VEG, lower for RH. All strains inhibited NO-production, but only RH sustained this effect probably because it persisted in macrophages due to additional evasive mechanisms as lower LC3 loading to parasitophorous vacuole. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: These results support that T. gondii can escape the NO microbicidal defense system at the initial phase of the infection, but only the virulent strain sustain this evasion mechanism.

Severe mammary fibroepithelial hyperplasia due to single injection of medroxyprogesterone acetate in two male cats / Hiperplasia fibroadenomatosa mamária felina secundária à aplicação única de acetato de medroxiprogesterona em dois felinos machos

ABSTRACT: Thirty and forty days after a 50 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate injection, respectively, two mixed-breed, 7 and 8-month-old entire male cats presented diffuse enlargement of thoracic and abdominal mammary glands, with ulceration, abscessation and necrosis. One patient was treated with 10 mg/kg aglepristone, antibiotic therapy, analgesic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compound; however a worse enlargement of mammary glands, necrosis and clinical condition was noted two days after antiprogestin injection. The second patient was submitted to surgical procedure without previous medical treatment. A partial bilateral mastectomy and conventional orchiectomy were performed, and both patients presented no clinical abnormalities 10 days after surgical treatment. In the male cat, the interruption of progesterone associated mammary fibroepithelial hyperplasia cannot be based in gonadectomy, being antiprogestin treatment the primary approach. Mastectomy can be a treatment option in selected cases, such as the two cases presented here, in case of antiprogestin treatment failure or in case of extensive ulceration, necrosis and risk of sepsis.

RESUMO: Trinta e quarenta dias após aplicação de acetato de medroxiprogesterona, dois gatos SRD machos não castrados, de sete e oito meses respectivamente, apresentaram aumento difuso de volume em glândulas mamárias torácicas e abdominais, com ulceração, abscedação e necrose. Um paciente foi tratado com 10 mg/kg de aglepristone, terapia antimicrobiana, analgésicos e anti-inflamatório não-esteroidal. Entretanto, apresentou piora dos sinais clínicos, da abscedação e necrose dois dias após a aplicação. O outro paciente foi submetido a procedimento cirúrgico sem tratamento clínico prévio. Mastectomia parcial bilateral e orquiectomia convencional foram realizadas e, ambos os pacientes se apresentaram sem alterações clínicas e receberam alta após 10 dias do procedimento cirúrgico. No felino macho, a interrupção da ação da progesterona associada à ocorrência de hiperplasia fibroadenomatosa mamária, não pode ser obtida por meio de gonadectomia, portanto, o tratamento de eleição deve ser realizado com utilização de antiprogestágeno. Em alguns casos, mastectomia parcial ou total é recomendada quando o tratamento clínico com antiprogestágeno falha ou, em casos de sepse, ulceração extensa e necrose, como nos pacientes deste relato.

Inhibition of nitric oxide production of activated mice peritoneal macrophages is independent of the Toxoplasma gondii strain

BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii causes toxoplasmosis and is controlled by activated macrophages. However, infection of macrophages by tachyzoites induces TGF-β signaling (TGF-s) inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) production. NO inhibition may be a general escape mechanism of distinct T. gondii strains. OBJECTIVES To evaluate in activated macrophages the capacity of T. gondii strains of different virulence and genetics (RH, type I; ME-49, type II; VEG, type III; P-Br, recombinant) to evade the NO microbicidal defense system and determine LC3 loading to the parasitophorous vacuole. METHODS Activated peritoneal macrophages were infected with the different T. gondii strains, NO-production was evaluated by the Griess reagent, and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression, TGF-s, and LC3 localisation assayed by immunofluorescence. FINDINGS Only RH persisted in macrophages, while VEG was more resistant than P-Br and ME-49. All strains induced TGF-s, degradation of inducible nitric oxide synthase, and NO-production inhibition from 2 to 24 h of infection, but only RH sustained these alterations for 48 h. By 24 h of infection, TGF-s lowered in macrophages infected by ME-49, and P-Br, and NO-production recovered, while VEG sustained TGF-s and NO-production inhibition longer. LC3 loading to parasitophorous vacuole was strain-dependent: higher for ME-49, P-Br and VEG, lower for RH. All strains inhibited NO-production, but only RH sustained this effect probably because it persisted in macrophages due to additional evasive mechanisms as lower LC3 loading to parasitophorous vacuole. MAIN CONCLUSIONS These results support that T. gondii can escape the NO microbicidal defense system at the initial phase of the infection, but only the virulent strain sustain this evasion mechanism.

Deteção precoce do cancro infantojuvenil nos cuidados de saúde primários: possibilidades e limitações / Early detection of childhood and adolescent cancer in Primary Health Care: possibilities and limitations / Detección precoz del cáncer infantojuvenil en la atención primaria de salud: posibilidades y limitaciones

Enquadramento: A deteção precoce do cancro tem grande impacto na vida de crianças e adolescentes, uma vez que estes iniciam o tratamento em melhores condições, influenciando, assim, no seu prognóstico e na sobrevida. Objetivo: Investigar as possibilidades e limitações no que diz respeito à deteção precoce do cancro infantojuvenil, a partir de relatos de profissionais que atuam nos Cuidados de Saúde Primários. Metodologia: Estudo exploratório, desenvolvido em 3 unidades básicas de saúde. Participaram no estudo 11 profissionais de saúde. A colheita de dados foi realizada por meio de entrevista semiestruturada. O material empírico foi analisado qualitativamente, de acordo com a Técnica de Análise de Conteúdo. Resultados: Apresentaram-se como possibilidades - a contextualização e interpretação dos resultados clínicos, além de uma assistência sistematizada e interdisciplinar. Como limitações - a falta de especificidade dos sinais e sintomas do cancro infantojuvenil, não observância do princípio de acessibilidade, assim como a necessidade de formação/capacitação. Conclusão: Sendo assim, constatou-se que este estudo possibilitará uma melhor atuação destes profissionais a respeito do diagnóstico precoce do cancro em crianças e adolescentes assistidos nos CSP.

Background: The early detection of cancer has a major impact on the lives of children and adolescents because they start treatment in better conditions, thus influencing their prognosis and survival. Objective: To investigate the possibilities and limitations regarding the early detection of childhood and adolescent cancer, based on reports from professionals working in Primary Health Care. Methodology: Exploratory study conducted in three basic health units. Eleven health professionals participated in the study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The empirical material was qualitatively analyzed based on the Content Analysis Technique. Results: The possibilities found were contextualization and interpretation of clinical findings, as well as systemized and interdisciplinary care. The limitations found were lack of specificity of the signs and symptoms of childhood and adolescent cancer, non-compliance with the principle of accessibility, and need for training/capacity building. Conclusion: This study will contribute to improving the performance of these professionals regarding the early diagnosis of cancer in children and adolescents receiving care in PHC.

Marco contextual: La detección precoz del cáncer tiene un gran impacto en la vida de los niños y adolescentes, ya que estos comienzan el tratamiento en mejores condiciones, lo que influye en el pronóstico y la supervivencia. Objetivo: Investigar las posibilidades y limitaciones respecto a la detección precoz del cáncer infantojuvenil, a partir de informes de profesionales que trabajan en la atención primaria de salud. Metodología: Estudio exploratorio, desarrollado en tres unidades básicas de salud. Once profesionales de la salud participaron en el estudio. La recopilación de datos se llevó a cabo mediante una entrevista semiestructurada. El material empírico se analizó cualitativamente, de acuerdo con la técnica de análisis de contenido. Resultados: Se presentaron como posibilidades, la contextualización e interpretación de los hallazgos clínicos, así como la asistencia sistemática e interdisciplinaria. Como limitaciones, la falta de especificidad de los signos y síntomas del cáncer infantojuvenil, el incumplimiento del principio de accesibilidad, así como la necesidad de formación/capacitación. Conclusión: Por lo tanto, se constató que este estudio permitirá un mejor desempeño de estos profesionales en cuanto al diagnóstico precoz del cáncer de niños y adolescentes atendidos en los CSP.

Doença crônica e cuidados paliativos pediátricos: saberes e práticas de enfermeiros à luz do cuidado humano / Chronic disease and pediatric palliative care: nurses' knowledge and practice in light of human care / Enfermedad crónica y cuidados paliativos pediátricos: saberes y prácticas de enfermeros a la luz del cuidado humano

Objetivo: Analisar saberes e práticas de enfermeiros assistenciais sobre cuidados paliativos à criança com doença crônica, à luz da Teoria do Cuidado Humano. Método: Estudo qualitativo desenvolvido com doze enfermeiras de dois hospitais de referência em pediatria. Os dados foram coletados mediante entrevista semiestruturada e analisados a partir de Análise de Conteúdo e Teoria do Cuidado Humano. Resultados: Da análise do material empírico emergiram as categorias: Saberes de enfermeiras assistências sobre cuidados paliativos, Situações elegíveis para promoção de cuidados paliativos pediátricos e Cuidados paliativos a criança com doença crônica na prática assistencial de enfermeiras. Conclusão: Existem fragilidades no saber das participantes que dificultaram a definição de cuidados paliativos, influenciando na adoção desses cuidados na prática assistencial. A medicalização foi descrita como a principal ação paliativa desempenhada pelas participantes. Contudo, medidas de conforto, comunicação e cuidado espiritual também foram abordados como meios para amenizar o sofrimento de crianças com doenças crônicas

Objective: The study's main goal has been to analyze knowledge and practices of care nurses about palliative care for children with chronic disease, in the light of the Theory of Human Caring. Method: It is a qualitative study developed with twelve nurses from two refence hospitals in pediatrics. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed from Content Analysis and Theory of Human Caring. Results: From the analysis of the empirical material, the following categories emerged: Knowledge of assistant nurses on palliative care; Situations eligible for the promotion of pediatric palliative care and Palliative care for children with chronic disease in nurses' care practice. Conclusion: There are weaknesses in the knowledge of participants that made it difficult to define palliative care, influencing the adoption of such care in caring practice. Medicalization was described as the main palliative action performed by the participants. However, measures of comfort, communication, and spiritual care were also approached as means to relieve the suffering of children with chronic diseases

Objetivo: El propósito del trabajo es analizar el conocimiento y las prácticas de las enfermeras asistentes sobre cuidados paliativos para niños con enfermedades crónicas, a la luz de la Teoría del Cuidado Humano. Método: Este es un estudio cualitativo desarrollado con doce enfermeras de dos hospitales de referencia en pediatría. Los datos fueron recogidos a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas y analizados a partir de análisis de contenidos y Teoría del Cuidado Humano. Resultados: Del análisis del material empírico, surgieron las siguientes categorías: Conocimiento de las enfermeras asistentes sobre cuidados paliativos; Situaciones elegibles para la promoción de cuidados paliativos pediátricos; y Cuidados paliativos para niños con enfermedades crónicas en la práctica de cuidados de enfermería. Conclusión: Existen debilidades en el conocimiento de los participantes que dificultaron la definición de cuidados paliativos, lo que influyó en la adopción de estos cuidados en la práctica asistencial. La medicalización se describió como la principal acción paliativa realizada por los participantes. Sin embargo, las medidas de comodidad, comunicación y cuidado espiritual también se abordaron como medios para aliviar el sufrimiento de los niños con enfermedades crónicas

Effectiveness of an intervention with mothers to stimulate children under two years.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effectiveness of an educational intervention with mothers to stimulate children under two years of age at risk for neuropsychomotor development. METHOD: Before-after intervention study, conducted with 52 mothers of children under two years old, enrolled in reference centers in early childhood education. Initially, maternal knowledge regarding child development and stimulation was assessed through a structured instrument. Then, workshops were held with the mothers and, after three months, maternal knowledge was revised, reapplying the data collection instrument. In the analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics were used, applying the McNemar and Wilcoxon tests and the Rasch Model from the Item Response Theory. RESULTS: after the intervention, there was a significant increase in scores regarding the following aspects: knowledge of mothers about child development and stimulation from 5.77 ± 1.85 to 18.60 ± 1.94 (p <0.001); reduction of the maternal difficulty index in answering the instrument questions from 1.17 ± 0.57 to -1.98 ± 1.63 (p 0.01). CONCLUSION: the educational intervention contributed to the improvement of maternal knowledge regarding the development and forms of child stimulation, corroborating the importance of this action to advance the health of children at risk under maternal care at home.

Effectiveness of an intervention with mothers to stimulate children under two years / Efetividade de uma intervenção com mães para a estimulação de crianças menores de dois anos / Efectividad de una intervención con madres para la estimulación de niños menores de dos años

Objective: To analyze the effectiveness of an educational intervention with mothers to stimulate children under two years of age at risk for neuropsychomotor development. Method: Before-after intervention study, conducted with 52 mothers of children under two years old, enrolled in reference centers in early childhood education. Initially, maternal knowledge regarding child development and stimulation was assessed through a structured instrument. Then, workshops were held with the mothers and, after three months, maternal knowledge was revised, reapplying the data collection instrument. In the analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics were used, applying the McNemar and Wilcoxon tests and the Rasch Model from the Item Response Theory. Results: after the intervention, there was a significant increase in scores regarding the following aspects: knowledge of mothers about child development and stimulation from 5.77 ± 1.85 to 18.60 ± 1.94 (p <0.001); reduction of the maternal difficulty index in answering the instrument questions from 1.17 ± 0.57 to -1.98 ± 1.63 (p 0.01). Conclusion: the educational intervention contributed to the improvement of maternal knowledge regarding the development and forms of child stimulation, corroborating the importance of this action to advance the health of children at risk under maternal care at home.

Objetivo: analisar a efetividade de uma intervenção educativa com mães para a estimulação de crianças menores de dois anos em situação de risco para o desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor. Método: estudo de intervenção do tipo antes-depois, realizado com 52 mães de crianças menores de dois anos e matriculadas em centros de referências em educação infantil. Inicialmente, foram avaliados os conhecimentos maternos quanto ao desenvolvimento e à estimulação infantil por meio de instrumento estruturado. Em seguida, realizou-se oficinas com as mães e, após três meses, os conhecimentos maternos foram reavaliados, reaplicando o instrumento de coleta de dados. Na análise, utilizou-se estatística descritiva e inferencial, sendo aplicados teste de McNemar, de Wilcoxon e o modelo de Rash da Teoria da Resposta ao Item. Resultados: após intervenção, houve aumento significativo dos escores quanto aos aspectos: conhecimento das mães sobre o desenvolvimento e estimulação infantil de 5,77 ± 1,85 para 18,60 ± 1,94 (p < 0,001); e redução do índice de dificuldade materna em responder as questões do instrumento de 1,17 ± 0,57 para −1,98 ± 1,63 (p < 0,01). Conclusão: a intervenção educativa contribuiu para a melhora dos conhecimentos maternos quanto ao desenvolvimento e às formas de estimulação infantil, corroborando a importância desta ação para o avanço da saúde da criança com risco sob os cuidados maternos no domicílio.

Objetivo: analizar la efectividad de una intervención educativa con madres para la estimulación de niños menores de dos años en situación de riesgo, para el desarrollo neuropsicomotor. Método: estudio de intervención del tipo antes-después, que fue realizado con 52 madres de niños menores de dos años, inscriptos en centros de referencias en educación infantil. Inicialmente, fueron evaluados los conocimientos maternos cuanto al desarrollo y la estimulación infantil por medio de instrumento estructurado. Luego, fueron realizados talleres con las madres y, después de tres meses, los conocimientos maternos reevaluados, reaplicando el instrumento de recogida de datos. En el análisis, se utilizó estadística descriptiva e inferencial, siendo aplicadas pruebas McNemar, Wilcoxon y Modelo de Rash de la Teoría de la Respuesta al Ítem. Resultados: después de la intervención, hubo incremento significativo de los escores cuanto a los aspectos: conocimiento de las madres sobre el desarrollo y la estimulación infantil de 5,77±1,85 para 18,60±1,94 (p<0,001); reducción del índice de dificultad materna en responder las cuestiones del instrumento de 1,17 ± 0,57 para -1,98 ± 1,63 (p<0,01). Conclusión: la intervención educativa contribuyó para la mejora de los conocimientos maternos cuanto al desarrollo y a las formas de estimulación infantil, corroborando la importancia de esta acción para el avance de la salud del niño con riesgo bajo los cuidados maternos en el domicilio.

Upright balance control strategies during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Morphological and physiological changes during pregnancy are considered to interfere with the mechanisms of postural control and potentially increase the risk of falling. A clear understanding of these mechanisms is important to improve pre-natal care and reduce the fall risk in this population. OBJECTIVES: This study focused on investigating how pregnancy affects postural control in each trimester of pregnancy by analyzing pelvic inclination and body sway behavior. Our main hypothesis was that balance control and posture would change during pregnancy. More specifically, pregnancy would increase sway amplitude, anterior pelvic tilt, and body sway regularity in time. STUDY DESIGN: Forty women formed four groups: non-pregnant women (NP) and women at their first, second, and third trimester of pregnancy (P1, P2, and P3, respectively). All participants performed (1) postural evaluation of the pelvic inclination using a digital system of postural analysis and (2) instrumented posturography using a force platform to collect the coordinates of the body's center of pressure (COP) during quiet bipedal stance for 120 s. Kruskal-Wallis H test and post-hoc Mann-Whitney U tests were used to investigate the effects of pregnancy (NP, P1, P2, and P3) on pelvic inclination angle and postural indices computed from the COP signals. RESULTS: Results revealed significant larger body sway accompanied by a more regular medial-lateral pattern of oscillation and a more synchronized anterior-posterior and medial-lateral sway already at the first trimester of pregnancy. The averaged COP migrated posteriorly at third trimester of pregnancy and the anterior pelvic tilt increased at second and third trimesters. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate the existence of changes in posture and balance metrics even at early stages of pregnancy. We suggest the use of posturography as one of screening tools for postural instability and fall risk during pregnancy.

First report of Meloidogyne graminis on golf courses turfgrass in Brazil.

Plant-parasitic nematodes of the genus Meloidogyne, known as root-knot nematodes (RKN), have an important economic impact on golf course turfgrasses. The most prevalent RKN species associated with grasses are M. chitwoodi, M. graminicola, M. graminis, M. incognita, M. marylandi, M. microtyla, M. minor, M. naasi and M. sasseri. In 2010, slight thickening of the roots and RKN females with unusual features were observed in turfgrass roots on golf courses in Araras, São Paulo state, Brazil. This population (MgARA) was maintained in the lab and studied including morphological, morphometrical, biochemical and molecular markers. Morphology and morphometry were variable and not useful for identification, although perineal pattern morphology showed highly similarity with M. graminis description. Concerning to biochemical characterisation, the esterase phenotype Mg1, characterised by a very slow and fainter band, was detected in some protein homogenates. Regarding to molecular analysis, D2-D3 region of 28S rDNA gene and cytochrome oxidase subunit II region from mitochondrial DNA were amplified by PCR and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Brazilian isolate, found associated with turfgrass, grouped with M. graminis isolates (98-99% bootstrap; variation of 8-11 and 0-24 bp, respectively), close to M. marylandi, supporting its identification as M. graminis. This is the first report of M. graminis on golf courses in Brazil.

Evaluation of nutritional and chemical composition of yacon syrup using 1H NMR and UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MSE.

A complete characterization of yacon syrup was performed by analytical techniques, including NMR and UPLC-QTOF-MSE. The effect of the different stages of yacon syrup production on fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and chlorogenic acid (CGA) contents were also evaluated. As a result, in addition to higher levels of FOS and CGA, some mineral elements, such as K, Ca and P, and essential amino acids, such as tryptophan, valine, and threonine, were determined in yacon syrup. Twenty-five compounds were putatively identified, and the main compounds were phenolics derived from quinic and trans-cinnamic acids. Considering the different stages of yacon syrup production, the results indicate that the contents of FOS and CGA were maintained in the pulping, enzymatic maceration and microfiltration, leading to a concentration of these components in the last stage of processing (vacuum concentration). These results will be used to fortify this innovative and promising product in the area of functional foods.

Autoeficácia em amamentação e fatores interligados / Breastfeeding self-efficacy and interrelated factors

Objetivo: verificar a apresentação da autoeficácia materna relacionada à amamentação entre puérperas. Métodos: pesquisa analítica e transversal com 385 puérperas. Utilizou-se a Escala de Autoeficácia na Amamentação - Forma Abreviada e questionário autoral com variáveis obstétricas e socioeconômicas. Os dados foram analisados pelo teste t de student no programa Minitab versão Windows 17. Resultados: os fatores com significação estatística foram: gestação planejada (p=0,003), orientações recebidas no pré-natal (p=0,003), parto vaginal (p=0,021), sucção na primeira hora de vida (p=0,003), renda maior que um salário mínimo (p=0,029) e não uso de drogas ilícitas (p=0,023). Conclusão: as participantes apresentaram escore alto para autoeficácia em amamentar relacionado a planejamento da gravidez, orientações recebidas durante o pré-natal, via de parto vaginal, tempo para a primeira sucção antes da primeira hora de vida, não oferecer à criança outros leites antes da apojadura, conhecimento da mãe sobre tempo mínimo de aleitamento materno exclusivo e o não uso de drogas ilícitas. (AU)

Yacon syrup: Food applications and impact on satiety in healthy volunteers.

Syrup obtained from yacon roots could be well positioned as a nutritional product due to its high fructooligosaccharides (FOS) content. Considering this, we examined the potential food applications of yacon syrup, using the focal group methodology, and its sensorial acceptability when incorporated in yogurt. The beneficial effects of the consumption of yacon syrup were studied over a 2-week period in a double-blind placebo-controlled experiment (namely Test A) and other consistent of only one day of yacon syrup consumption (namely Test B) were also evaluated. The doses of yacon syrup for both experiments were 8.74g of FOS/day. Energy intake, hunger, satiety, fullness and prospective food consumption were assessed with analogue scales at the end of each test. The results indicate that the yogurt was the food most suggested by the focus group, and the average of the scores given to the attributes when the yacon syrup was incorporated into a yogurt were: 7.78 for appearance; 7.72 for aroma; 7.02 for flavor and 6.96 for overall acceptability, corresponding to "like very much" and "like moderately". Furthermore, the results indicate that yacon syrup has a positive effect on appetite and its effect was dependent on gender and period of intervention, being statistically significant (P<0.05) in women, after 2-week period. These findings suggested that increasing FOS intake could help to increase satiety, and consequently, be helpful in the management of type 2-diabetes or control of the current high prevalence of overweight or obesity.

Vivência de crianças com câncer sob assistência paliativa em uma casa de apoio / Experience of children with cancer under palliative care in a support house / La experiencia de niños con cáncer en cuidados paliativos en una casa de apoyo

O diagnóstico de câncer desencadeia uma série de experiências estressantes e cheias de sofrimentos para a criança e sua família, pois envolve tratamento prolongado e doloroso. Nessa perspectiva, morar numa casa de apoio torna-se uma opção para garantir e facilitar o acesso de crianças ao tratamento curativo e paliativo, quando suas famílias não residem próximas do hospital. Desse modo, objetivou-se com este estudo compreender a vivência de crianças com câncer sob assistência paliativa em uma casa de apoio, à luz da teoria do cuidado humano. Trata-se de estudo de campo de natureza qualitativa do qual participaram 11 crianças elegidas por critério de suficiência e as quais se encontravam acolhidas no Núcleo de Apoio à Criança com Câncer. Para a coleta de dados utilizou-se uma adaptação da técnica do desenho-história, cujos depoimentos foram gravados e posteriormente transcritos. A análise se deu por meio da técnica de análise de conteúdo e à luz da teoria do cuidado humano. A partir dessa emergiram duas categorias. Concluiu-se, a partir desses resultados, que o brincar, o carinho, a atenção e o diálogo, bem como um ambiente acolhedor, tornam-se ferramentas fundamentais no enfrentamento da doença pela criança, auxiliado-a durante toda a sua vivência na casa de apoio.

The diagnosis of cancer triggers a series of stressful and painful experiences for the child and his/her family as it involves prolonged and painfultreatment. In this perspective, living in a support house becomes an option to guarantee and facilitate the access of children to curative andpalliative treatment, when their families do not live near the hospital. Thus, this study aimed to understand the experience of children with cancerin palliative care in a support house in the light of Human Caring Theory. A qualitative field study carried out with eleven children, chosen bysufficiency criteria, who were hosted at the Support Center for the Child with Cancer. For the data collection, an adaptation of the technique ofthe story drawing was used, in which the statements were recorded and later transcribed. The analysis was done through the content analysistechnique and in light of Human Caring Theory. From this, two categories emerged. These results allow concluding that play, caress, attention,and dialogue, as well as a welcoming environment, become fundamental tools in coping with the disease by the child, aiding him/her during all the experience in the support house.

El diagnóstico de cáncer desencadena estrés y mucho sufrimiento para el niño y su familia, pues es un tratamiento prolongado y doloroso. Desde esta perspectiva, vivir en una casa de apoyo es una opción para garantizar y facilitar el acceso de los niños a un tratamiento curativo y paliativo cuando sus familias no viven cerca del hospital. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue comprender la experiencia de niños con cáncer en cuidados paliativos en una casa de apoyo a la luz de la teoría del cuidado humano. Estudio de campo de naturaleza cualitativa con la participaciónde once niños alojados en un centro de apoyo a niños con cáncer, elegidos por criterio de suficiencia. Para la recogida de datos se utilizó una adaptación de la técnica dibujo – cuento, donde se registraron las entrevistas, posteriormente transcritas. El análisis se realizó utilizando la técnicade análisis de contenido a la luz de la teoría del cuidado humano. A partir de este análisis surgieron dos categorías. Estos resultados permiten concluir que los juegos, el cuidado, la atención y el diálogo, así como el ambiente acogedor, se convierten en herramientas clave en la lucha contrala enfermedad y que ayudan al niño en su experiencia en la casa de apoyo.

Selamectin for the prevention of canine Dirofilaria immitis infection: field efficacy in client-owned dogs in a high risk area.

BACKGROUND: Dog owners and veterinarians in small animal practices began to waive prevention of canine heartworm disease after heartworm infections seemed to have disappeared in Brazil. After 2013, infection rates rebounded, and an evaluation of the efficacy of chemoprophylactic drugs became necessary. Included in this re-evaluation was the efficacy of selamectin in client-owned dogs residing in a high infection-risk area. METHODS: The preventive efficacy of selamectin was evaluated by the topical application of selamectin to 24 client-owned dogs at the recommended rate (minimum of 6 mg/kg) by a veterinarian monthly for 36 months. Blood samples were collected before the first treatment and at the end of the study for testing to detect microfilariae by the modified Knott's test and Dirofilaria immitis antigens using a commercial antigen test. Exposure to risk of heartworm infection was confirmed by the presence of infection in dogs living in low-income communities within a 2 km radius from the homes of dogs in the study. The dogs were managed according to routine practice by the owners within each household throughout the study. RESULTS: All dogs tested negative by both tests after receiving topical treatment with selamectin monthly for 36 months. Testing of 204 dogs from the communities confirmed the presence of heartworm in the area by detection of microfilariae or D. immitis antigen in 44 dogs (21.6 %). CONCLUSIONS: Topical selamectin was 100 % effective for D. immitis prevention in 24 dogs that received monthly treatments by a veterinarian. Detection of heartworm infections in untreated dogs in the area suggests that clients need to be better informed regarding the prevalence of D. immitis and the importance of maintaining regular preventive treatments.