Ancestral aneuploidy and stable chromosomal duplication resulting in differential genome structure and gene expression control in trypanosomatid parasites.

Aneuploidy is widely observed in both unicellular and multicellular eukaryotes, usually associated with adaptation to stress conditions. Chromosomal duplication stability is a tradeoff between the fitness cost of having unbalanced gene copies and the potential fitness gained from increased dosage of specific advantageous genes. Trypanosomatids, a family of protozoans that include species that cause neglected tropical diseases, are a relevant group to study aneuploidies. Their life cycle has several stressors that could select for different patterns of chromosomal duplications and/or losses, and their nearly universal use of polycistronic transcription increases their reliance on gene expansion/contraction, as well as post-transcriptional control as mechanisms for gene expression regulation. By evaluating the data from 866 isolates covering seven trypanosomatid genera, we have revealed that aneuploidy tolerance is an ancestral characteristic of trypanosomatids but has a reduced occurrence in a specific monophyletic clade that has undergone large genomic reorganization and chromosomal fusions. We have also identified an ancient chromosomal duplication that was maintained across these parasite's speciation, named collectively as the trypanosomatid ancestral supernumerary chromosome (TASC). TASC has most genes in the same coding strand, is expressed as a disomic chromosome (even having four copies), and has increased potential for functional variation, but it purges highly deleterious mutations more efficiently than other chromosomes. The evidence of stringent control over gene expression in this chromosome suggests that these parasites have adapted to mitigate the fitness cost associated with this ancient chromosomal duplication.

Giants of the Amazon: How does environmental variation drive the diversity patterns of large trees?

For more than three decades, major efforts in sampling and analyzing tree diversity in South America have focused almost exclusively on trees with stems of at least 10 and 2.5 cm diameter, showing highest species diversity in the wetter western and northern Amazon forests. By contrast, little attention has been paid to patterns and drivers of diversity in the largest canopy and emergent trees, which is surprising given these have dominant ecological functions. Here, we use a machine learning approach to quantify the importance of environmental factors and apply it to generate spatial predictions of the species diversity of all trees (dbh ≥ 10 cm) and for very large trees (dbh ≥ 70 cm) using data from 243 forest plots (108,450 trees and 2832 species) distributed across different forest types and biogeographic regions of the Brazilian Amazon. The diversity of large trees and of all trees was significantly associated with three environmental factors, but in contrasting ways across regions and forest types. Environmental variables associated with disturbances, for example, the lightning flash rate and wind speed, as well as the fraction of photosynthetically active radiation, tend to govern the diversity of large trees. Upland rainforests in the Guiana Shield and Roraima regions had a high diversity of large trees. By contrast, variables associated with resources tend to govern tree diversity in general. Places such as the province of Imeri and the northern portion of the province of Madeira stand out for their high diversity of species in general. Climatic and topographic stability and functional adaptation mechanisms promote ideal conditions for species diversity. Finally, we mapped general patterns of tree species diversity in the Brazilian Amazon, which differ substantially depending on size class.

Impact of plot size on tropical forest structure and diversity estimation / Impacto del tamaño de la parcela en la estructura y estimación de la diversidad de los bosques tropicales

Abstract Introduction: Inventories are essential for forest management, but, in the Amazon region, the absence of standardization produces information loss, low accuracy, and inconsistent measurements. This prevents valid comparisons and compromises the use of information in networks and software. Sampling unit size is of key importance in the inventory of native forests, particularly regarding accuracy and costs. Objective: To identify a plot size that provides adequate precision for dendrometric parameters in the Amazon. Methods: In Cotriguaçu, Mato Grosso, Brazil, we tested four plot sizes with six repetitions each: 2 500, 5 000, 7 500, and 10 000 m². We measured diameter at breast height, population density, basal area, and biomass. We applied Shannon and Jaccard indexes; Weibull 2P and Gamma functions to fit the diametric distribution; and the Akaike Information Criterion for the best model. Results: There was a directly proportional relationship between plot area and population similarity, but diversity did not indicate significant alterations. Plot size did not affect dendrometric attributes and diametric distribution. Larger plot areas led to lower coefficients of variation and smaller confidence intervals. The Gamma function was the best model to represent the distributions of different plot sizes. Conclusions: For similar forests, we recommend the 2 500 m² plot to evaluate diameter at breast height, population density, basal area, and biomass.

Resumen Introducción: Los inventarios son fundamentales para la gestión forestal, pero en la Amazonía la ausencia de estandarización produce pérdida de información, baja precisión y mediciones inconsistentes. Esto impide comparaciones válidas y compromete el uso de información en redes y programas. El tamaño de la unidad de muestreo es de importancia clave en el inventario de bosques nativos, particularmente en lo que respecta a la precisión y los costos. Objetivo: Identificar un tamaño de parcela que proporcione una precisión adecuada para los parámetros dendrométricos en la Amazonía. Métodos: En Cotriguaçu, Mato Grosso, Brasil, probamos cuatro tamaños de parcela con seis repeticiones cada una: 2 500, 5 000, 7 500 y 10 000 m². Medimos diámetro a la altura del pecho, densidad de población, área basal y biomasa. Se aplicaron los índices de Shannon y Jaccard; Funciones Weibull 2P y Gamma para adaptarse a la distribución diametral; y el Criterio de Información de Akaike para el mejor modelo. Resultados: Hubo una relación directamente proporcional entre el área de parcela y la similitud poblacional, pero la diversidad no indicó alteraciones significativas. El tamaño de la parcela no afectó los atributos dendrológicos y la distribución diametral. Las áreas de parcela más grandes dieron lugar a coeficientes de variación más bajos e intervalos de confianza más pequeños. La función Gamma fue el mejor modelo para representar las distribuciones de diferentes tamaños de parcela. Conclusiones: Para bosques similares, recomendamos la parcela de 2 500 m² para evaluar diámetro a la altura del pecho, densidad de población, área basal y biomasa.

Accessing the Variability of Multicopy Genes in Complex Genomes using Unassembled Next-Generation Sequencing Reads: The Case of Trypanosoma cruzi Multigene Families.

Repetitive elements cause assembly fragmentation in complex eukaryotic genomes, limiting the study of their variability. The genome of Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease, has a high repetitive content, including multigene families. Although many T. cruzi multigene families encode surface proteins that play pivotal roles in host-parasite interactions, their variability is currently underestimated, as their high repetitive content results in collapsed gene variants. To estimate sequence variability and copy number variation of multigene families, we developed a read-based approach that is independent of gene-specific read mapping and de novo assembly. This methodology was used to estimate the copy number and variability of MASP, TcMUC, and Trans-Sialidase (TS), the three largest T. cruzi multigene families, in 36 strains, including members of all six parasite discrete typing units (DTUs). We found that these three families present a specific pattern of variability and copy number among the distinct parasite DTUs. Inter-DTU hybrid strains presented a higher variability of these families, suggesting that maintaining a larger content of their members could be advantageous. In addition, in a chronic murine model and chronic Chagasic human patients, the immune response was focused on TS antigens, suggesting that targeting TS conserved sequences could be a potential avenue to improve diagnosis and vaccine design against Chagas disease. Finally, the proposed approach can be applied to study multicopy genes in any organism, opening new avenues to access sequence variability in complex genomes. IMPORTANCE Sequences that have several copies in a genome, such as multicopy-gene families, mobile elements, and microsatellites, are among the most challenging genomic segments to study. They are frequently underestimated in genome assemblies, hampering the correct assessment of these important players in genome evolution and adaptation. Here, we developed a new methodology to estimate variability and copy numbers of repetitive genomic regions and employed it to characterize the T. cruzi multigene families MASP, TcMUC, and transsialidase (TS), which are important virulence factors in this parasite. We showed that multigene families vary in sequence and content among the parasite's lineages, whereas hybrid strains have a higher sequence variability that could be advantageous to the parasite's survivability. By identifying conserved sequences within multigene families, we showed that the mammalian host immune response toward these multigene families is usually focused on the TS multigene family. These TS conserved and immunogenic peptides can be explored in future works as diagnostic targets or vaccine candidates for Chagas disease. Finally, this methodology can be easily applied to any organism of interest, which will aid in our understanding of complex genomic regions.

ASCVac-1, a Multi-Peptide Chimeric Vaccine, Protects Mice Against Ascaris suum Infection.

Control of human ascariasis, the most prevalent neglected tropical disease globally affecting 450 million people, mostly relies on mass drug administration of anthelmintics. However, chemotherapy alone is not efficient due to the high re-infection rate for people who live in the endemic area. The development of a vaccine that reduces the intensity of infection and maintains lower morbidity should be the primary target for infection control. Previously, our group demonstrated that immunization with crude Ascaris antigens in mice induced an IgG-mediated protective response with significant worm reduction. Here, we aimed to develop a multipeptide chimera vaccine based on conserved B-cell epitopes predicted from 17 common helminth proteomes using a bioinformatics algorithm. More than 480 B-cell epitopes were identified that are conserved in all 17 helminths. The Ascaris-specific epitopes were selected based on their reactivity to the pooled sera of mice immunized with Ascaris crude antigens or infected three times with A. suum infective eggs. The top 35 peptides with the strongest reactivity to Ascaris immune serum were selected to construct a chimeric antigen connected in sequence based on conformation. This chimera, called ASCVac-1, was produced as a soluble recombinant protein in an Escherichia coli expression system and, formulated with MPLA, was used to immunize mice. Mice immunized with ASCVac-1/MPLA showed around 50% reduced larvae production in the lungs after being challenged with A. suum infective eggs, along with significantly reduced inflammation and lung tissue/function damage. The reduced parasite count and pathology in infected lungs were associated with strong Th2 immune responses characterized by the high titers of antigen-specific IgG and its subclasses (IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG3) in the sera and significantly increased IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 levels in lung tissues. The reduced IL-33 titers and stimulated eosinophils were also observed in lung tissues and may also contribute to the ASCVac-1-induced protection. Taken together, the preclinical trial with ASCVac-1 chimera in a mouse model demonstrated its significant vaccine efficacy associated with strong IgG-based Th2 responses, without IgE induction, thus reducing the risk of an allergic response. All results suggest that the multiepitope-based ASCVac-1 chimera is a promising vaccine candidate against Ascaris sp. infections.

Genetic and chemical control of coffee rust (Hemileia vastatrix Berk et Br.): impacts on coffee (Coffea arabica L.) quality.

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of diseases can alter coffee (Coffea arabica L.) metabolism, causing changes in the composition of coffee beans and beverage quality. However, little is known about which aspects of coffee quality are actually altered by rust (Hemileia vastatrix Berk et Br.) and by its main control methods. The effect of chemical and genetic methods for the control of coffee rust on the quality of coffee beans and beverage was investigated. RESULTS: Both genetic and chemical control reduce the damage caused by the disease in the composition of coffee beans. Genotypes with resistant ancestry, even with resistance breakdown, respond better to chemical control. The combination of genetic and chemical control favors an increase in the sugar content in the beans. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the fact that both genetic and chemical control are effective in reducing disease damage regarding the chemical composition of beans, the quality potential of Timor Hybrid genotypes associated with the cancellation of rust expression through the joint action of genetic and chemical control favors the composition of beans and, consequently, the quantitative assessment of sensory attributes, adding value to the final product. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

ASCVac-1, a multi-peptide chimeric vaccine, protects mice against Ascaris suum infection / ASCVac-1, uma vacina quimérica multipeptídica, protege camundongos contra a infecção por Ascaris suum

Control of human ascariasis, the most prevalent neglected tropical disease globally affecting 450 million people, mostly relies on mass drug administration of anthelmintics. However, chemotherapy alone is not efficient due to the high re-infection rate for people who live in the endemic area. The development of a vaccine that reduces the intensity of infection and maintains lower morbidity should be the primary target for infection control. Previously, our group demonstrated that immunization with crude Ascaris antigens in mice induced an IgG-mediated protective response with significant worm reduction. Here, we aimed to develop a multipeptide chimera vaccine based on conserved B-cell epitopes predicted from 17 common helminth proteomes using a bioinformatics algorithm. More than 480 B-cell epitopes were identified that are conserved in all 17 helminths. The Ascaris-specific epitopes were selected based on their reactivity to the pooled sera of mice immunized with Ascaris crude antigens or infected three times with A. suum infective eggs. The top 35 peptides with the strongest reactivity to Ascaris immune serum were selected to construct a chimeric antigen connected in sequence based on conformation. This chimera, called ASCVac-1, was produced as a soluble recombinant protein in an Escherichia coli expression system and, formulated with MPLA, was used to immunize mice. Mice immunized with ASCVac-1/MPLA showed around 50% reduced larvae production in the lungs after being challenged with A. suum infective eggs, along with significantly reduced inflammation and lung tissue/function damage. The reduced parasite count and pathology in infected lungs were associated with strong Th2 immune responses characterized by the high titers of antigen-specific IgG and its subclasses (IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG3) in the sera and significantly increased IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 levels in lung tissues. The reduced IL-33 titers and stimulated eosinophils were also observed in lung tissues and may also contribute to the ASCVac-1-induced protection. Taken together, the preclinical trial with ASCVac-1 chimera in a mouse model demonstrated its significant vaccine efficacy associated with strong IgG-based Th2 responses, without IgE induction, thus reducing the risk of an allergic response. All results suggest that the multiepitope-based ASCVac-1 chimera is a promising vaccine candidate against Ascaris sp. infections.

Bivariate and generalized models for taper stem representation and assortments production of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.).

Modeling is an important statistical tool to Forest Science, especially to forest planning by predicting the forest's yield and assortments, for instance. This paper evaluated the accuracy of bivariate and generalized linear mixed modeling in the representation of the Pinus taeda L. trunk taper and the estimation of its assortments. To compose the fitting data, 558 trees from plantations located in the Southern region of Santa Catarina, Brazil, were scaled. Initially, the data's bivariate normality was evaluated, and the bivariate standard normal distribution was fitted. Six generalized linear mixed models were fitted for the bivariate representation of diameter and height in the trunk. Afterwards, some statistical indices were obtained to verify the quality of the fitted models and, in a complementary way, of the bivariate graphs of the residuals. Even with the application of Box-Cox transformation, the results indicate the non-normality of the variables, but the transformation contributed to improve the model fitting in 50%. The ordinal and exponential models obtained the best statistics for height representation, with the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) value being reduced from 16,430.13 to 5,686.78 when considering normal distribution. When evaluating the assortments prediction, there were high discrepancies in the estimated values (246 logs for sawmill and 120 logs for veneers) versus the observed ones (881 logs for sawmill and 628 logs for veneers), which corresponds to a 75% underestimation of total logs per hectare. Thus, the generalized linear mixed modeling improved the trunk taper representation, and the bivariate modeling was not efficient to predict assortments production.

Qualidade de vida no trabalho da equipe de enfermagem do centro cirúrgico / Quality of life in the work of the surgi cal center nursing team

Objetivo: avaliar a qualidade de vida no trabalho da equipe de enfermagem do centro cirúrgico. Metodologia: estudo descritivo, de corte transversal e com abordagem quantitativa, desenvolvido com 70 profissionais de enfermagem do centro cirúrgico em um hospital de referência em Teresina (PI), com a aplicação dos questionários sociodemográfico e Quality Working Life Questionnaire-bref. A análise foi realizada com o SPSS versão 21.0, utilizando a correlação de Pearson e os testes alfa de Cronbach, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Qui-quadrado e regressão linear múltipla, com intervalo de confiança de 95%. Resultados: a maioria dos participantes (62,9%) tiveram menor impacto na qualidade de vida no trabalho, entretanto a renda familiar e a formação acadêmica foram bastante significativas. Conclusão: apesar do trabalho no centro cirúrgico apresentar baixo impacto na qualidade de vida, o domínio psicológico demonstrou impacto considerável, destacando que a preocupação com a saúde do trabalhador e a valorização da equipe de enfermagem ainda precisam avançar.

Objective: to evaluate the quality of life in the work of the nursing staff of the surgical center. Methodology: a descriptive, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach developed with 70 nursing professionals from a surgical center at a reference hospital in Teresina (PI), with the application of the sociodemographic and Quality Working Life Questionnairebref questionnaires. The analysis was performed with the SPSS version 21.0, using the Pearson correlation and the Cronbach, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Chi-square and multiple linear regression alpha tests with a 95% confidence interval. Results: the majority of the participants (62.9%) had a lower impact on the quality of life at work, however the family income and academic training were quite significant. Conclusion: Although the work in the surgical center has a low impact on the quality of life, the psychological domain has shown considerable impact, emphasizing that the concern with the health of the worker and the appreciation of the nursing team still need to move forward.

Objetivo: Evaluar la calidad de vida del personal de enfermería que trabaja en la sala de operaciones. Metodología: enfoque descriptivo, transversal y cuantitativo desarrollado con 70 enfermeras en el quirófano de un hospital de referencia en Teresina (PI), con la aplicación de un cuestionario sociodemográfico y Calidad de Vida Cuestionario de Trabajo-BREF. El análisis se realizó con el programa SPSS versión 21.0 mediante la prueba de correlación de Pearson y alfa de Cronbach, prueba de Kolmogorov-Smirnov, regresión lineal chi-cuadrado y múltiple con un intervalo de confianza del 95%. Resultados: La mayoría de los participantes (62,9%) tenían un menor impacto en la calidad de la vida laboral, aunque el ingreso familiar y la formación académica eran bastante significativa. Conclusión: Aunque el trabajo en la sala de operaciones tiene un bajo impacto en la calidad de vida, el dominio psicológico mostró un impacto considerable, teniendo en cuenta que la preocupación por la salud de los trabajadores y la apreciación del equipo de enfermería todavía tienen que seguir adelante.

Combined effect of pulse density and grid cell size on predicting and mapping aboveground carbon in fast-growing Eucalyptus forest plantation using airborne LiDAR data.

BACKGROUND: LiDAR remote sensing is a rapidly evolving technology for quantifying a variety of forest attributes, including aboveground carbon (AGC). Pulse density influences the acquisition cost of LiDAR, and grid cell size influences AGC prediction using plot-based methods; however, little work has evaluated the effects of LiDAR pulse density and cell size for predicting and mapping AGC in fast-growing Eucalyptus forest plantations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of LiDAR pulse density and grid cell size on AGC prediction accuracy at plot and stand-levels using airborne LiDAR and field data. We used the Random Forest (RF) machine learning algorithm to model AGC using LiDAR-derived metrics from LiDAR collections of 5 and 10 pulses m-2 (RF5 and RF10) and grid cell sizes of 5, 10, 15 and 20 m. RESULTS: The results show that LiDAR pulse density of 5 pulses m-2 provides metrics with similar prediction accuracy for AGC as when using a dataset with 10 pulses m-2 in these fast-growing plantations. Relative root mean square errors (RMSEs) for the RF5 and RF10 were 6.14 and 6.01%, respectively. Equivalence tests showed that the predicted AGC from the training and validation models were equivalent to the observed AGC measurements. The grid cell sizes for mapping ranging from 5 to 20 also did not significantly affect the prediction accuracy of AGC at stand level in this system. CONCLUSION: LiDAR measurements can be used to predict and map AGC across variable-age Eucalyptus plantations with adequate levels of precision and accuracy using 5 pulses m-2 and a grid cell size of 5 m. The promising results for AGC modeling in this study will allow for greater confidence in comparing AGC estimates with varying LiDAR sampling densities for Eucalyptus plantations and assist in decision making towards more cost effective and efficient forest inventory.

Depressão em idosos na estratégia saúde da família: uma contribuição para a atenção primária / Depression among the elderly in the family health strategy: a contribution to primary care / Depresión en adultos mayores del programa estrategia salud de la familia: una contribución a la atencióm primaria

Objetivo: estimar a prevalência de depressão em idosos em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde, identificar os quadros de depressão na população deidosos que realiza acompanhamento nesta UBS e o uso de medicação para tratamento dos transtornos. Metodologia: pesquisa exploratória edescritiva com abordagem quantitativa, realizada com 241 idosos cadastrados na ESF do município de Teresina – PI. Os dados da pesquisa foramcoletados com base na Escala de Depressão Geriátrica e analisados no software SPSS (versão 11.0). A pesquisa foi aprovada pelo CEP do CentroUniversitário UNINOVAFAPI. Resultados: encontrou-se alta percentagem de casos de depressão nos idosos. Houve mais prevalência no sexofeminino, faixa etária maior de 70 anos, viúvos, aposentados e sem escolaridade. Em relação ao quadro de gravidade, 26,6% foram caracterizadoscomo tendo indícios de depressão leve e 2,5% como provável depressão grave. Quanto ao uso de medicação, a maioria dos idosos com depressãograve não faz uso de antidepressivos e 10,9% dos casos de indícios de quadro depressivo leve fazem apenas uso de ansiolíticos. O estudo comprovasignificativo índice de depressão entre os idosos. As variáveis analisadas demonstram a relevância de uma investigação mais acurada na consultado idoso, para detectar prováveis fatores de risco para a depressão. Conclusão: o reconhecimento da depressão no idoso parece ser mais difícil doque em idades anteriores, uma vez que os profissionais de saúde atribuem o aparecimento de sinais e sintomas ao envelhecimento.

Objective: The present study sought to estimate the prevalence of depression in the elderly at a Basic Health Unit (BHU) in order to identifycases of depression in the elderly patients that undergo follow-up treatment at this BHU and the use of drugs for the treatment of such disorders.Methodology: This was an exploratory and descriptive research with a quantitative approach, conducted with 241 elderly patients registered in theFamily Healthcare Service (FHS) in the city of Teresina, PI, Brazil. Survey data were collected through the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and analyzedusing the SPSS software (version 11.0). The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee at the UNINOVAFAPI University Center. Results: Ahigh percentage of cases of depression in the elderly were identified. A higher prevalence was observed in females, of above 70 years of age, as well asin the widow/widower, retired, and no formal education categories. Regarding the severity of the situation, 26.6% were characterized as showing signsof mild depression, while 2.5% showed signs of probable severe depression. As for medication, most elderly people with severe depression do not useantidepressants, whereas 10.9% of the cases of elderly patients with mild depression reported only using anxiolytics. This study shows a significantrate of depression among the elderly. The analyzed variables demonstrate the need for more accurate research in the medical care provided to elderlypatients in order to detect possible risk factors for depression. Conclusion: The recognition of depression in the elderly appears to be more difficultthan at earlier ages, since healthcare professionals tend to attribute the onset of signs and symptoms to aging.

El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar la prevalencia de la depresión en adultos mayores de una Unidad Básica de Salud, identificar los casos dedepresión y el uso de medicación para tratar los trastornos. Se trata de una investigación exploratorio descriptiva de enfoque cuantitativo realizadacon 241 adultos mayores inscritos en la ESF de la ciudad de Teresina, PI. Los datos de la encuesta fueron recogidos a través de la Escala de DepresiónGeriátrica y analizados por medio del software SPSS (versión 11.0). El estudio fue aprobado por el CEI del Centro Académico UNINOVAFAPI. Fueencontrado un alto porcentaje de casos de depresión entre dichos adultos, con mayor prevalencia en el sexo femenino, edad superior a los 70 años,viudos, jubilados y sin educación. En cuanto a su gravedad, un 26,6% tenía indicios de depresión ligera y un 2,5% probable depresión severa. Con respectoal uso de medicación , la mayoría de aquéllos con depresión severa no tomaba antidepresivos y un 10,9% de los casos de indicios de depresión ligeratomaba sólo ansiolíticos. El estudio señala un alto índice de depresión entre los adultos mayores. Las variables analizadas demuestran la pertinencia deun estudio más a fondo en la consulta de los adultos mayores con miras a detectar posibles factores de riesgo para la depresión. Reconocer la depresiónen la tercera edad parece ser más difícil que en otras edades porque los profesionales atribuyen la aparición de sus señales y síntomas al envejecimiento.

Avaliação da qualidade de vida em idosos vítimas de queda / Evaluation of the quality of life in elderly people victims of fall

Objetivo ­ Avaliar o impacto da queda na qualidade de vida dos idosos. Métodos ­ Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva, de corte transversal, com abordagem quantitativa. O estudo foi realizado com 70 idosos de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde (UBS), localizada na zona norte de Teresina-PI. Os idosos foram divididos em dois (2) grupos para efeitos de comparação: Grupo 1, composto dos idosos referidos vítimas de queda, e o Grupo 2, idosos sem histórico de queda. A coleta dos dados ocorreu através da aplicação de um questionário socioeconômico-demográfico e o WHOQOL-Bref, para mensurar a qualidade de vida. A análise dos dados foi realizada por meio de estatística descritiva (média, desvio padrão, mediana, mínimos e máximos, teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov e teste t student). Resultados ­ A amostra foi composta por 75,7% de idosos do sexo feminino, 41,4% com idade entre 70 e 79 anos (média de idade 72,8 anos), 44,3% são casados, 64,3% aposentados, sendo que 75,8% vivem com um salário mínimo e 48,6% não chegaram a completar o Ensino Fundamental. Dentre os participantes, 40% (n = 28) referiram ter sofrido algum tipo de queda, causada principalmente por outras causas, com deslizes e desequilíbrios (32,1%, n = 09), mas sem nenhuma consequência (35,7%, n = 07). Não houve associação significativa entre a ocorrência de queda e a qualidade de vida em nenhum dos domínios do Whoqol-bref. Conclusão ­ Os idosos vítimas de queda não tiveram prejuízo na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde.

Objective ­ To evaluate the impact of falling in the quality of life of elderly. Methods ­ This is a descriptive and cross-sectional research, with a quantitative approach. The study was conducted with 70 elderly of a Basic Health Unit (BHU), located in the north of Teresina, PI. The elderly were divided into two (2) groups for comparison: Group 1 consists of elderly people who have suffered fall and Group 2 represented by the elderly with no history of falls. Data collection occurred by applying a socio-economic-demographic questionnaire and the WHOQOL-Bref, to measure quality of life. Data analysis was performed by descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, median, minimum and maximum, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and t student test). Results ­ The sample consisted of 75.7% of older women, 41.4% aged 70 to 79 years (average age 72.8 years), 44.3% are married, 64.3% retired, and 75.8% live on minimum wage and 48.6% did not complete elementary education. Among the participants, 40% (n = 28) reported having experienced some sort of fall, mainly caused by stumbling (25%, n = 07) and other causes (32.1%, n = 09), but without any consequence (35.7%, n = 07). There was no significant association between the occurrence of fall and the quality of life in any of the WHOQOL-bref domains. Conclusion ­ The elderly victims of fall had no loss of quality of life related to health.

Augmenting iron accumulation in cassava by the beneficial soil bacterium Bacillus subtilis (GBO3).

Cassava (Manihot esculenta), a major staple food in the developing world, provides a basic carbohydrate diet for over half a billion people living in the tropics. Despite the iron abundance in most soils, cassava provides insufficient iron for humans as the edible roots contain 3-12 times less iron than other traditional food crops such as wheat, maize, and rice. With the recent identification that the beneficial soil bacterium Bacillus subtilis (strain GB03) activates iron acquisition machinery to increase metal ion assimilation in Arabidopsis, the question arises as to whether this plant-growth promoting rhizobacterium also augments iron assimilation to increase endogenous iron levels in cassava. Biochemical analyses reveal that shoot-propagated cassava with GB03-inoculation exhibit elevated iron accumulation after 140 days of plant growth as determined by X-ray microanalysis and total foliar iron analysis. Growth promotion and increased photosynthetic efficiency were also observed for greenhouse-grown plants with GB03-exposure. These results demonstrate the potential of microbes to increase iron accumulation in an important agricultural crop and is consistent with idea that microbial signaling can regulate plant photosynthesis.

[Urban work profile among adolescents aged 14-15 years: a population-based study in Southern Brazil]. / Perfil de trabalho urbano de adolescentes de 14-15 anos: um estudo populacional no Sul do Brasil.

The scope of this article was to describe the urban work patterns among 14 to 15-year-old youths from Southern Brazil. Child labor was characterized as any activity that resulted in retribution in the form of goods, services or money. The analyses were stratified by sex and economic level. Of the 4325 adolescents interviewed, the proportion of labor in the last year was 22.2%, namely 27.7% for the male sex, and 17% for the female sex. This proportion was also higher among the poorer strata of the population (30.0%) than the more affluent (14.3%). The majority of adolescents worked away from home and approximately half of them began working before 14 years of age, and around 80.0% reported that they worked by choice. Only 1.0% had a labor contract or work booklet, 30.0% worked more than six hours per day, and the average income was less than US$85/month. Domestic work predominated among the poorest teenagers. There is a need for greater surveillance of child labor and of interventions seeking to enforce prevailing legislation.

Perfil de trabalho urbano de adolescentes de 14-15 anos: um estudo populacional no Sul do Brasil / Urban work profile among adolescents aged 14-15 years: a population-based study in Southern Brazil

The scope of this article was to describe the urban work patterns among 14 to 15-year-old youths from Southern Brazil. Child labor was characterized as any activity that resulted in retribution in the form of goods, services or money. The analyses were stratified by sex and economic level. Of the 4325 adolescents interviewed, the proportion of labor in the last year was 22.2%, namely 27.7% for the male sex, and 17% for the female sex. This proportion was also higher among the poorer strata of the population (30.0%) than the more affluent (14.3%). The majority of adolescents worked away from home and approximately half of them began working before 14 years of age, and around 80.0% reported that they worked by choice. Only 1.0% had a labor contract or work booklet, 30.0% worked more than six hours per day, and the average income was less than US$85/month. Domestic work predominated among the poorest teenagers. There is a need for greater surveillance of child labor and of interventions seeking to enforce prevailing legislation.

O objetivo deste artigo foi descrever os padrões de trabalho urbano em jovens de 14-15 anos do Sul do Brasil. O trabalho infantil foi caracterizado como qualquer atividade que resultasse em retribuição na forma de bens, serviços ou dinheiro. As análises foram estratificadas por sexo e nível econômico. Dos 4325 adolescentes entrevistados, a proporção de trabalho no último ano foi de 22,2%, sendo 27,7% para o sexo masculino e 17,0% para o sexo feminino. Essa proporção também foi maior para as classes D/E (30,0%) do que para as classes A/B (14,3%). A maioria dos adolescentes trabalhava fora de casa, aproximadamente metade começou a trabalhar antes dos 14 anos e cerca de 80,0% referiram trabalhar por interesse próprio. Apenas 1,0% tinha contrato ou carteira de trabalho, 30,0% trabalhavam mais de seis horas por dia, e a renda média foi menor do que R$ 150/mês. Os serviços domésticos predominaram entre os mais pobres. Existe a necessidade de maior monitoramento do trabalho infantil e de intervenções que busquem o cumprimento da legislação vigente.

Correlações genotípicas, fenotípicas e ambientais entre caracteres de mamoneira / Genotypic, phenotypic and environmental correlations among castor bean variables

Um dos grandes desafios atuais da pesquisa agrícola é a produção de cultivares melhoradas de mamoneira, com estabilidade genética, alta qualidade e potencial produtivo. Objetivou-se, no presente trabalho, estimar as correlações genotípica, fenotípica e de ambiente entre caracteres de mamona para facilitar a caracterização dos acessos. Foram avaliados em Lavras, MG, no delineamento de blocos casualizados com três repetições, quinze acessos de mamona. Os caracteres avaliados foram altura da planta, altura do caule, número de internódios, diâmetro do caule, número de cachos, estande final e peso de 100 sementes. Observou-se que houve correlação fenotípica positiva do número de internódios e altura do caule, altura do caule e altura da planta, altura da planta e diâmetro do caule e por fim entre diâmetro do caule e peso de 100 sementes. Houve também correlação ambiental positiva entre as correlações altura de caule e altura de planta, altura de planta e diâmetro do caule, altura da planta e estande final e diâmetro do caule e número de cachos, concluindo que as correlações estimadas possibilitaram conhecer as associações entre os caracteres, fornecendo importantes informações para o estabelecimento de um plano de melhoramento genético da mamona, a partir dos acessos avaliados.

One of the great current challenges of agricultural research is the production of improved castor bean cultivars, with genetic stability, high quality and high yielding potential. The objective this work was to estimate genotypic, phenotypic and environmental correlations among traits of the castor bean plant to make the characterization of the accessions easy. They were evaluated in Lavras, MG, Brazil, in a randomized block design with three replicates, fifteen castor bean accessions. The traits evaluated were: plant height, stem height, number of nodes, stem diameter, final number of clusters, stand and 100-seed weight. It was observed that there was a positive phenotypic correlation of the node number and stem height, stem height and plant height, plant height and stem diameter and at last between stem diameter and 100-seed weight. There was also a positive environmental correlation among the correlations stem height and plant height, plant height and stem diameter, plant height and final stand and stem diameter and number of clusters, concluding that the estimated correlations make it possible to know the associations among the traits, giving important information to the establishment of a genetic improvement plan of castor bean from the accessions evaluated.

Bioethics, culture and infanticide in Brazilian indigenous communities: the Zuruahá case.

This article analyzes the practice of infanticide in indigenous communities in Brazil. Taking as a reference point a specific case involving two children of the Zuruahá people, it takes a broader look at the issue and discusses how infanticide is understood among other indigenous peoples. A debate focusing specifically on this topic that took place during a public hearing held in the Brazilian National Congress in December 2005 has also been taken into consideration in this discussion. In view of the positions adopted as a result of the hearing, this paper seeks to identify the ethical problems and moral dilemmas relating to the subject, by putting them into context and analyzing them in the light of respect for cultural pluralism. Seeking to contribute to the debate, the authors analyze the possibilities for intervention in the traditional practices of infanticide, while rejecting those positions that are not anchored in an attitude of profound respect for other people's cultures or that do not create conditions for dialogue between individuals or groups with different moralities.

Bioethics, culture and infanticide in Brazilian indigenous communities: the Zuruahá case / Bioética, cultura e infanticídio em comunidades indígenas brasileiras: o caso Zuruahá

This article analyzes the practice of infanticide in indigenous communities in Brazil. Taking as a reference point a specific case involving two children of the Zuruahá people, it takes a broader look at the issue and discusses how infanticide is understood among other indigenous peoples. A debate focusing specifically on this topic that took place during a public hearing held in the Brazilian National Congress in December 2005 has also been taken into consideration in this discussion. In view of the positions adopted as a result of the hearing, this paper seeks to identify the ethical problems and moral dilemmas relating to the subject, by putting them into context and analyzing them in the light of respect for cultural pluralism. Seeking to contribute to the debate, the authors analyze the possibilities for intervention in the traditional practices of infanticide, while rejecting those positions that are not anchored in an attitude of profound respect for other people's cultures or that do not create conditions for dialogue between individuals or groups with different moralities.

O artigo analisa a prática do infanticídio em comunidades indígenas brasileiras. Tomando como referência um caso específico envolvendo duas crianças do povo Zuruahá, focaliza o tema sob uma abordagem mais abrangente e discute como o infanticídio é interpretado em outros povos indígenas. Foram considerados, na discussão, os debates ocorridos durante a Audiência Pública realizada no Congresso Nacional Brasileiro, em dezembro de 2005, que analisou o tema, além de revisão bibliográfica. Diante dos posicionamentos assumidos naquela audiência, procurou-se identificar os problemas éticos e os dilemas morais, contextualizando-os e analisando-os à luz do respeito ao pluralismo cultural. A fim de contribuir com o debate, os autores analisam as possibilidades de intervenção nas práticas tradicionais de infanticídio, recusando qualquer opção que não esteja ancorada numa atitude de profundo respeito pela cultura de outros povos ou que não apresente condição de dialogar com indivíduos ou grupos com diferentes moralidades.