Nocardia brasiliensis Pyomyositis in an Immunocompetent Patient Following Gardening Activity.

Nocardia pyomyositis in immunocompetent patients is a rare occurrence. The diagnosis may be missed or delayed with the risk of progressive infection and suboptimal or inappropriate treatment. We present the case of a 48-year-old immunocompetent firefighter diagnosed with pyomyositis caused by Nocardia brasiliensis acquired by direct skin inoculation from gardening activity. The patient developed a painful swelling on his right forearm that rapidly progressed proximally and deeper into the underlying muscle layer. Ultrasound imaging of his right forearm showed a 7-mm subcutaneous fluid collection with surrounding edema. Microbiologic analysis of the draining pus was confirmed to be N brasiliensis by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight (MALDI-TOF) Mass Spectrometry. After incision and drainage deep to the muscle layer to evacuate the abscess and a few ineffective antibiotic options, the patient was treated with intravenous ceftriaxone and oral linezolid for 6 weeks. He was then de-escalated to oral moxifloxacin for an additional 4 months to complete a total antibiotic treatment duration of 6 months. The wound healed satisfactorily and was completely closed by the fourth month of antibiotic therapy. Six months after discontinuation of antibiotics, the patient continued to do well with complete resolution of the infection. In this article, we discussed the risk factors for Nocardia in immunocompetent settings, the occupational risks for Nocardia in our index patient, and the challenges encountered with diagnosis and treatment. Nocardia should be included in the differential diagnosis of cutaneous infections, particularly if there is no improvement of "cellulitis" with traditional antimicrobial regimens and the infection extends into the deeper muscle tissues.

Multiple potentially toxic elements in urban gardens from a Brazilian industrialized city.

Urban agriculture should be promoted as long as the food produced is safe for consumption. Located in the metropolitan region of São Paulo-Brazil, Santo André has intense industrial activities and more recently an increasing stimulus to urban gardening. One of the potential risks associated to this activity is the presence of potentially toxic elements (PTEs). In this study, the concentration of PTEs (As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Ni, Mo, Pb, Sb, Se, V and Zn) was evaluated by soil (n = 85) and soil amendments (n = 19) in urban gardens from this municipality. Only barium was above regulatory limits in agricultural soil ranging from 20 to 112 mg kg-1. Geochemical indexes (Igeo, Cf and Er) revealed moderate to severe pollution for As, Ba, Cr, Cu, Pb Se and Zn, especialy in Capuava petrochemical complex gardens. A multivariate statistical approach discriminated Capuava gardens from the others and correlated As, Cr and V as main factors of pollution. However, carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks were below the acceptable range for regulatory purposes of 10-6-10-4 for adults. Soil amendments were identified as a possible source of contamination for Ba, Zn and Pb which ranged from 37 to 4137 mg kg-1, 20 to 701 mg kg-1 and 0.7 to 73 mg kg-1, respectively. The results also indicated the presence of six pathogenic bacteria in these amendments. Besides that, the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance for Shigella, Enterobacter and Citrobacter isolates suggests that soil management practices improvement is necessary.

Application of soil herbicides in gardening to improve fruit production / Aplicação de herbicidas de solo na jardinagem para melhorar a produção de frutas

The study considered the use of soil herbicides: Begin Turbo, KS; Dual Gold, KE; Euro-Lighting, VRK; Command, KE; Pivot, VK; Proponite, KE; Zenkor Ultra, KS and partially soil action: Demetra, KE, and Dialen Super, KS. We conducted a comparative assessment of the biological effectiveness of the studied herbicides against the main species of weeds present in the experimental plots, annual and perennial dicotyledonous, annual cereal weeds. The effect of soil herbicide treatments on the physiological state of plants of apple, pear, walnut, and black currant was studied. The effect of the use of the studied drugs on the yield of protected crops for three years was evaluated. The tests proved the applicability of soil herbicides in nursery, production gardens, as well as on seedlings with a closed root system. The tested products, despite the principle of their action - penetration into weeds through the soil, did not harm the protected crops, no negative effect on the growth of trees and shrubs was recorded. The study revealed no evidence that drugs had a negative impact on fruit and berry crop productivity. There are suggestions for improving the efficacy of using soil herbicides when planting fruit and berry crops.

O estudo considerou o uso dos herbicidas de solo: Begin Turbo, KS; Dual Gold, KE; Euro-Lighting, VRK; Command, KE; Pivot, VK; Proponite, KE; Zenkor Ultra, KS e ação parcial do solo: Demetra, KE e Dialen Super, KS. Realizou-se uma avaliação comparativa da eficácia biológica dos herbicidas estudados contra as principais espécies de plantas daninhas presentes nas parcelas experimentais, dicotiledôneas anuais e perenes, plantas daninhas de cereais anuais. Estudou-se o efeito de tratamentos com herbicidas de solo sobre o estado fisiológico de plantas de macieira, pera, nogueira e groselha preta. Foi avaliado o efeito do uso das drogas estudadas na produtividade de cultivos protegidos por três anos. Os testes comprovaram a aplicabilidade de herbicidas de solo em viveiros, hortas de produção, bem como em mudas com sistema radicular fechado. Os produtos testados, apesar de seus princípios de ação - penetração em ervas daninhas através do solo, não prejudicou as culturas protegidas, não foi registrado nenhum efeito negativo no crescimento de árvores e arbustos. O estudo não revelou evidências de que as drogas tenham um impacto negativo na produtividade das frutas e bagas. Existem sugestões para melhorar a eficácia do uso de herbicidas de solo ao plantar frutas e bagas.

Exploring feasibility and acceptability of an integrated urban gardens and peer nutritional counselling intervention for people with HIV in the Dominican Republic.

OBJECTIVE: Food security interventions with people living with HIV (PLHIV) are needed to improve HIV outcomes. This process evaluation of a pilot intervention involving urban gardening and peer nutritional counselling with PLHIV assesses feasibility, acceptability and implementation challenges to inform scale-up. DESIGN: Mixed methods were used, including quantitative data on intervention participation and feasibility and acceptability among participants (n 45) and qualitative data from a purposive sample of participants (n 21). Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and coded using a codebook developed iteratively. SETTING: An HIV clinic in the northwest-central part of the Dominican Republic. RESULTS: The intervention was feasible for most participants: 84 % attended a garden workshop and 71 % established an urban garden; 91 % received all three core nutritional counselling sessions; and 73 % attended the cooking workshop. The intervention was also highly acceptable: nearly, all participants (93-96 %) rated the gardening as 'helpful' or 'very helpful' for taking HIV medications, their mental/emotional well-being and staying healthy; similarly, high percentages (89-97 %) rated the nutrition counselling 'helpful' or 'very helpful' for following a healthy diet, reducing unhealthy foods and increasing fruit/vegetable intake. Garden barriers included lack of space and animals/pests. Transportation barriers impeded nutritional counselling. Harvested veggies were consumed by participants' households, shared with neighbours and family, and sold in the community. Many emphasised that comradery with other PLHIV helped them cope with HIV-related marginalisation. CONCLUSION: An urban gardens and peer nutritional counselling intervention with PLHIV was feasible and acceptable; however, addressing issues of transportation, pests and space is necessary for equitable participation and benefit.

Effectiveness of Home Gardening in Improving Food Security and Health in Chacraseca, Nicaragua: A Pilot Study.

We studied the usefulness of home gardening in improving food security and health. One hundred participants were randomized into the control and intervention group of which the intervention group received training in home gardening. Results showed that the percentage of participants with normal body mass index decreased from 24.4% to 20% in the control group whereas it remained unchanged in the intervention group. The number of participants in the very low food security category decreased from 66% (n=33) to 54% (n=27) in the intervention group whereas it increased from 68.8% (n=33) to 70.8% (n=34) in the control group. Results from the present study may be used to guide policymakers in designing or modifying home gardening interventions.

Application of soil herbicides in gardening to improve fruit production.

The study considered the use of soil herbicides: Begin Turbo, KS; Dual Gold, KE; Euro-Lighting, VRK; Command, KE; Pivot, VK; Proponite, KE; Zenkor Ultra, KS and partially soil action: Demetra, KE, and Dialen Super, KS. We conducted a comparative assessment of the biological effectiveness of the studied herbicides against the main species of weeds present in the experimental plots, annual and perennial dicotyledonous, annual cereal weeds. The effect of soil herbicide treatments on the physiological state of plants of apple, pear, walnut, and black currant was studied. The effect of the use of the studied drugs on the yield of protected crops for three years was evaluated. The tests proved the applicability of soil herbicides in nursery, production gardens, as well as on seedlings with a closed root system. The tested products, despite the principle of their action - penetration into weeds through the soil, did not harm the protected crops, no negative effect on the growth of trees and shrubs was recorded. The study revealed no evidence that drugs had a negative impact on fruit and berry crop productivity. There are suggestions for improving the efficacy of using soil herbicides when planting fruit and berry crops.

Uncovering the Yeast Communities in Fungus-Growing Ant Colonies.

Yeast-insect interactions are compelling models to study the evolution, ecology, and diversification of yeasts. Fungus-growing (attine) ants are prominent insects in the Neotropics that evolved an ancient fungiculture of basidiomycete fungi over 55-65 million years, supplying an environment for a hidden yeast diversity. Here we assessed the yeast diversity in the attine ant environment by thoroughly sampling fungus gardens across four out of five ant fungiculture systems: Acromyrmex coronatus and Mycetomoellerius tucumanus standing for leaf-cutting and higher-attine fungicultures, respectively; Apterostigma sp., Mycetophylax sp., and Mycocepurus goeldii as ants from the lower-attine fungiculture. Among the fungus gardens of all fungus-growing ants examined, we found taxonomically unique and diverse microbial yeast communities across the different fungicultures. Ascomycete yeasts were the core taxa in fungus garden samples, with Saccharomycetales as the most frequent order. The genera Aureobasidium, Candida, Papiliotrema, Starmerella, and Sugiyamaella had the highest incidence in fungus gardens. Despite the expected similarity within the same fungiculture system, colonies of the same ant species differed in community structure. Among Saccharomycotina yeasts, few were distinguishable as killer yeasts, with a classical inhibition pattern for the killer phenotype, differing from earlier observations in this environment, which should be further investigated. Yeast mycobiome in fungus gardens is distinct between colonies of the same fungiculture and each ant colony harbors a distinguished and unique yeast community. Fungus gardens of attine ants are emergent environments to study the diversity and ecology of yeasts associated with insects.

Effectiveness of Home Gardening in Improving Food Security and Health in Chacraseca, Nicaragua: A Pilot Study.

We studied the usefulness of home gardening in improving food security and health. One hundred participants were randomized into the control and intervention group of which the intervention group received training in home gardening. Results showed that the percentage of participants with normal body mass index decreased from 24.4% to 20% in the control group whereas it remained unchanged in the intervention group. The number of participants in the very low food security category decreased from 66% (n=33) to 54% (n=27) in the intervention group whereas it increased from 68.8% (n=33) to 70.8% (n=34) in the control group. Results from the present study may be used to guide policymakers in designing or modifying home gardening interventions.

Mixed-Methods Implementation Study of a Home Garden Intervention in Rural Guatemala Using the RE-AIM Framework.

BACKGROUND: Home gardening is a strategy to improve nutrition and food security. More information is needed about optimizing gardens in different contexts. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to identify implementation barriers and facilitators for a home gardening intervention in rural Guatemala and inform future larger-scale interventions in the region. DESIGN: A mixed-methods implementation study using the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) framework was conducted from January 2019 to July 2020. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: Families (n = 70) in rural Guatemala participated in the intervention. Staff (n = 4), families (n = 6), and community stakeholders (n = 3) participated in interviews or focus groups. INTERVENTION: Participating households received seeds and seedlings for 16 crops, garden construction materials, agronomist-delivered education and assistance, and a standard-of-care nutrition program. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Implementation data were collected from program records and observations, participant surveys, and interviews and focus groups. Crop count and nutritional functional diversity of home gardens were assessed. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Descriptive statistics were calculated for quantitative outcomes. Qualitative data were double-coded and organized into overarching themes. RESULTS: Reach: Ninety percent of eligible households participated. Child nutritional eligibility criteria was a barrier to reach. EFFECTIVENESS: Participants and stakeholders felt the intervention improved access to diverse foods. Cultivated crops increased an average of five species (95% confidence interval [CI], 4-6) at 6 months, although not all were consumed. Adoption: The main community adoption barrier was water sourcing for garden irrigation. IMPLEMENTATION: Raised beds were the most common gardening method, with good adoption of agricultural best practices. Gray water filters and flexible implementation were important for participation. Maintenance: Crops failure rates were low. Seed availability was a sustainability challenge. Direct costs were 763 USD per household. CONCLUSIONS: Interest and engagement with a home garden intervention in Guatemala were high. Gaps between garden production and consumption, access to water, and seed sourcing should be addressed in future work.

Phenotypic variation of fruit and ecophysiological traits among maqui (Aristotelia chilensis [Molina] Stuntz) provenances established in a common garden.

The domestication of forest species has traditionally relied on productivity issues. However, today there are concerns about the potential responses of natural populations and new cultivars to extreme climatic conditions derived from climate change and how to incorporate this knowledge into the domestication programs. Aristotelia chilensis (Molina) Stuntz ('Maqui') is a widely distributed native species in Chile. Its berry is considered a "super fruit" with an increasing interest in the food industry. This study investigated the phenotypic variation of growth, fruit, and ecophysiological traits of 20 A. chilensis clones originated from six provenances along the latitudinal gradient and established in a common-garden experiment in the Mediterranean zone of central Chile (center part of the species distribution). Differences among provenances were observed for most of the traits under study, especially between the northern and southernmost provenances (i.e., San Fernando versus Entre Lagos). Northern provenances showed higher development of vegetative tissue and fruit yield but lower intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEint) compared with southern ones. Clonal variation within provenances was found significant for the ripening index, WUEint, and fruit number and weight but not significant for traits related to the crown and leaf morphology. A genetic differentiation due to latitudinal cline was not evident in this study, but differences among provenances suggest local adaptation for some traits. The genotypic variation in productive traits must be considered in the outgoing domestication of the species and future selection programs.

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Nutrition Research Network: A Home Garden Intervention Improves Child Length-for-Age Z-Score and Household-Level Crop Count and Nutritional Functional Diversity in Rural Guatemala.

Home gardens may help address childhood malnutrition in low- and middle-income countries. In this quasi-experimental pilot study, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, in collaboration with Maya Health Alliance, evaluated the feasibility of augmenting a standard-of-care nutrition-specific package for Maya children with length-for-age z score ≤-2 (stunting) in rural Guatemala with a nutrition-sensitive home garden intervention. Two agrarian municipalities in Guatemala were included. Families of 70 children with stunting from 1 municipality received the standard-of-care package (food supplementation, multiple micronutrient powders, monthly nutrition home visits, group nutrition classes). Families of 70 children with stunting from another municipality received the standard-of-care package plus a home garden intervention (garden materials, monthly agricultural home visits, agriculture classes). Maternal and child dietary diversity, household food insecurity, child growth, and agricultural indicators were collected at baseline and 6 months later and were analyzed using mixed linear and logistic regression models. Compared with the standard-of-care group, the garden intervention group had improved child (odds ratio [OR] 3.66, 95% CI 0.89-15.10, P = 0.07) and maternal dietary diversity (OR 2.31, 95% CI 0.80-6.65, P = 0.12) and decreased food insecurity (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.11-1.35, P = 0.14); however, these effects were not statistically significant. Participation in gardens predicted a higher length-for-age z-score (change difference [CD] 0.22 SD, 95% CI 0.05-0.38, P = 0.009), greater crop species count (CD 2.97 crops, 95% CI 1.79-4.16, P < 0.001), and greater nutritional functional diversity (CD 0.04 points, 95% CI 0.01-0.07, P = 0.006) than standard-of-care alone. Home garden interventions are feasible in rural Guatemala and may have potential benefits for child growth when added to other nutrition-specific interventions.

Projetos pessoais de idosos a partir de uma política pública de moradia / Personal projects for the elderly from a public housing policy / Proyectos personales de personas mayores desde una política de vivienda pública

A compreensão sobre suporte e qualidade ambiental torna-se de fundamental importância para intervenções e melhoria das condições e qualidade de vida da população idosa. Este estudo objetivou identificar a percepção do suporte ambiental e suas implicações na elaboração de projetos pessoais na velhice. A pesquisa se caracterizou como exploratória, descritiva e de abordagem quantiqualitativa. Participaram 76 idosos residentes em três condomínios do Programa Cidade Madura do estado da Paraíba. Para a coleta de dados foram utilizados os questionários sociodemográfico e o de projetos pessoais. As análises foram realizadas por meio da análise de conteúdo pela perspectiva de Bardin. A média de idade encontrada no estudo foi de 71,01 anos, com predomínio: de mulheres (56,6%); de estado civil casado (31,6%); de baixa escolaridade; de renda de até um salário mínimo mensal (76,3%); e de aposentados (73,7%). A análise dos Projetos Pessoais resultou em 8 categorias de atividades: Vínculos afetivos, Atividades domésticas, Lazer, Atividades de compromisso, Religião, Saúde, Jardinagem, Informação/distração. O ambiente (físico e contextual) é um importante aliado na concretização dessas atividades, que refletem em um bem-estar global. O estudo concluiu que potencialidades do ambiente como segurança, tranquilidade, socialização e acessibilidade, dão suporte favorável à realização de atividades cotidianas, o que, consequentemente, reflete em um bem-estar geral e melhor qualidade de vida. Algumas fragilidades do ambiente, como falta de acessibilidade urbana, ineficiência e insuficiência de serviços de saúde e transporte público, também foram citadas pelos idosos como limitações na realização de seus projetos pessoais.(AU)

The understanding about support and environmental quality becomes of fundamental importance for interventions and improvement of conditions and quality of life of the older population. This study aimed to identify the perception of environmental support and its implications in the development of personal projects in old age. This is an exploratory, descriptive, and quantitative qualitative study. A total of 76 older adults residents in three condominiums of the Cidade Madura Program of the state of Paraíba participated in the study. Sociodemographic and personal projects questionnaires were used for data collection. The analyzes were performed by content analysis from Bardin's perspective. The average age found in the study was 71.01 years, with a predominance of women (56.6%), of marital status married (31.6%), low educational level, up to a minimum monthly wage of earnings (76.3%), and retirees (73.7%). The analysis of Personal Projects resulted in 08 activity categories: Affective bonding, Domestic activities, Leisure, Commitment Activities, Religion, Health, Gardening, Information/distraction. The environment (physical and contextual) is an important ally in the accomplishment of these activities, which reflect on a global well-being. The study concluded that potentialities of the environment such as safety, tranquility, socialization, and accessibility provide favorable support in the performance of daily activities, which, consequently, reflects in a general well-being and better quality of life. Some environmental weaknesses, such as lack of urban accessibility, inefficiency and insufficiency of health services and public transportation were also cited by the older adults as limitations in carrying out their personal projects.(AU)

La comprensión sobre el soporte y calidad ambiental es clave para las intervenciones y mejoría de las condiciones y calidad de vida de la población anciana. Este estudio tiene como objetivo identificar la percepción del soporte ambiental y sus implicaciones en la elaboración de proyectos personales en la vejez. Se trata de una investigación exploratoria, descriptiva y de abordaje cualicuantitativo. Participaron 76 ancianos que viven en tres habitaciones del Programa Ciudad Madura del Estado de Paraíba (Brasil). Para la recolección de datos se utilizaron los cuestionarios sociodemográficos y de proyectos personales. Se aplicó el análisis de contenido de Bardin. La edad media en el estudio fue de 71,01 años, con predominancia de mujeres (56,6%); estado civil casado (31,6%); bajo nivel educativo; renta de hasta un salario mínimo mensual (76,3%) y de jubilados (73,7%). El análisis de los proyectos personales dio como resultado 8 categorías de actividades: Vinculación afectiva, Actividades del hogar, Ocio, Actividades de compromiso, Religión, Salud, Jardinería, Información/distracción. El ambiente (físico y contextual) fue un importante aliado en la concretización de esas actividades, que conducen a un estado de bienestar general. Se concluyó que potencialidades del ambiente como seguridad, tranquilidad, socialización y accesibilidad dan soporte favorable en la realización de actividades diarias que, consecuentemente, reflejan en un bienestar general y mejor calidad de vida. Algunas fragilidades del ambiente como falta de accesibilidad urbana, ineficiencia e ineficacia de servicios de salud y transporte público también fueron citados por los ancianos como limitaciones en la realización de sus proyectos personales.(AU)

Social-ecological filters drive the functional diversity of beetles in homegardens of campesinos and migrants in the southern Andes.

Homegardens are coupled social-ecological systems that act as biodiversity reservoirs while contributing to local food sovereignty. These systems are characterized by their structural complexity, while involving management practices according to gardener's cultural origin. Social-ecological processes in homegardens may act as filters of species' functional traits, and thus influence the species richness-functional diversity relationship of critical agroecosystem components like beetles (Coleoptera). We tested the species richness-functional diversity relationship of beetle communities and examined whether habitat structure across different levels, sociodemographic profiles, and management practices act as filters in homegardens in a Global Biodiversity Hotspot, Chile. For 100 homegardens (50 campesino and 50 migrant), we sampled beetles and habitat attributes, and surveyed gardeners' sociodemographic profiles and management practices. We recorded 85 beetle species and found a positive relationship between species richness and functional richness that saturated when functionally similar species co-occur more often than expected by chance, indicating functional redundancy in species-rich homegardens. Gardener origin (campesino/migrant), homegarden area (m2), structural complexity (index), and pest control strategy (natural, chemical, or none) were the most influential social-ecological filters that selectively remove beetle species according to their functional traits. We discuss opportunities in homegarden management for strengthening local functional diversity and resilience under social-environmental changes.

An Integrated Urban Gardens and Peer Nutritional Counseling Intervention to Address Food Insecurity Among People With HIV in the Dominican Republic.

Food insecurity negatively affects HIV prevention and care, and sustainable interventions are needed. Here we describe the development of an integrated urban gardens and peer nutritional counseling intervention to address food insecurity and nutrition among people with HIV, which included: (1) peer nutritional counseling, (2) gardening training, and (3) garden-based nutrition and cooking workshops. The intervention was developed using community-based participatory research over multiple years and stages of data gathering and implementation and evaluation. Lessons learned include the importance of cross-sectoral partnerships to achieve multifaceted, integrated, and sustainable interventions and a shared commitment among partners to an ongoing cycle of action-oriented research, and the need for home-based and community-based gardens to enhance food security and social support. The development process successfully combined an evidence-based framework and community engagement to yield a multicomponent yet integrated food security and nutrition intervention appropriate for people with HIV and potentially adaptable for other chronic conditions.

Carbon and phosphorus biogeochemical cycles in native forest and horticultural areas in the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba, Brazil / Ciclos biogeoquímicos de carbono e fósforo em áreas de floresta nativa e horticultura na Região Metropolitana de Curitiba, Brasil

This study was carried out to understand the dynamics of carbon and phosphorus biogeochemical cycles in native forest and horticultural areas. Soilsamples were collected from native forest and horticultural areas, in four municipalities in the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba, Brazil, and evaluated for: carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus of soil microbial biomass (MBC, MBN and MBP, respectively), total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), inorganic phosphorus (iP), organic phosphorus (oP) and available phosphorus (aP. Soil suspensions diluted at 10-4were spread on plates and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) were counted. The analyses showed that horticultural areas soils accumulated 43% more TP whereas they lost 23% of TOC and 19% of TN comparing to native areas. 69% of TP in the native areas was organic (oP) whereas 59% of TP in the horticultural areas was inorganic (iP). Horticultural areas had lower numbers of colony forming unities of PSB than native areas. PSB was positively correlated with the ratio of MBC to TOC (qMic), which in turn, was negatively correlated with TOC and TN. Changes in the soil P fractions suggested a shift inthe soil community bacterial structure and in the values of soil microbial biomass of the two different soil ecosystems. The excessive P addition may stimulate soil microbial attack to soil organic matter reserves, whichmay have consequences for maintenance of soil quality and agriculture sustainability.

Este estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de compreender a dinâmica dos ciclos biogeoquímicos do carbono e do fósforo em áreas de floresta nativa e horticultura. Amostras de solo foram coletadas em áreas de floresta nativa e horticultura, em quatro municípios da Região Metropolitana de Curitiba, Brasil, e avaliadas quanto a: carbono, nitrogênio e fósforo da biomassa microbiana (MBC, MBNe MBP, respectivamente), carbono orgânico total (TOC), nitrogênio total (TN), fósforo total (TP), fósforo inorgânico (iP), fósforo orgânico (oP) e fósforo disponível (aP).As suspensões de solo foram diluídas até10-4eespalhadas em placasde Petri,e,as bactérias solubilizadoras de fosfato (PSB) foram contadas. As análises mostraram que os solos das áreas de horticultura acumularam 43% a mais de TP enquanto perderam 23% de TOC e 19% de TN,em comparação com as áreas nativas. 69% do TP nas áreas nativas era orgânico (oP) enquanto 59% do TP nas áreas de horticultura era inorgânico (iP). As áreas de horticultura apresentaram menor número de unidades formadoras de colônias de PSB do que as áreas nativas. PSB foi positivamente correlacionado com a razão de MBC para TOC (qMic), que por sua vez, foi negativamentecorrelacionado com TOC e TN. Mudanças nasfraçõesde Pdo solo podem ter levado auma mudança na estrutura bacteriana da comunidade do solo e nos valores de biomassa microbiana do solo. A adição excessiva de P pode estimular o ataque microbiano do solo àsreservas de matéria orgânica do solo, o que pode ter consequências para a manutenção da qualidade do solo e sustentabilidade da agricultura.

Carbon and phosphorus biogeochemical cycles in native forest and horticultural areas in the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba, Brazil / Ciclos biogeoquímicos de carbono e fósforo em áreas de floresta nativa e horticultura na Região Metropolitana de Curitiba, Brasil

This study was carried out to understand the dynamics of carbon and phosphorus biogeochemical cycles in native forest and horticultural areas. Soilsamples were collected from native forest and horticultural areas, in four municipalities in the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba, Brazil, and evaluated for: carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus of soil microbial biomass (MBC, MBN and MBP, respectively), total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), inorganic phosphorus (iP), organic phosphorus (oP) and available phosphorus (aP. Soil suspensions diluted at 10-4were spread on plates and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) were counted. The analyses showed that horticultural areas soils accumulated 43% more TP whereas they lost 23% of TOC and 19% of TN comparing to native areas. 69% of TP in the native areas was organic (oP) whereas 59% of TP in the horticultural areas was inorganic (iP). Horticultural areas had lower numbers of colony forming unities of PSB than native areas. PSB was positively correlated with the ratio of MBC to TOC (qMic), which in turn, was negatively correlated with TOC and TN. Changes in the soil P fractions suggested a shift inthe soil community bacterial structure and in the values of soil microbial biomass of the two different soil ecosystems. The excessive P addition may stimulate soil microbial attack to soil organic matter reserves, whichmay have consequences for maintenance of soil quality and agriculture sustainability.(AU)

Este estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de compreender a dinâmica dos ciclos biogeoquímicos do carbono e do fósforo em áreas de floresta nativa e horticultura. Amostras de solo foram coletadas em áreas de floresta nativa e horticultura, em quatro municípios da Região Metropolitana de Curitiba, Brasil, e avaliadas quanto a: carbono, nitrogênio e fósforo da biomassa microbiana (MBC, MBNe MBP, respectivamente), carbono orgânico total (TOC), nitrogênio total (TN), fósforo total (TP), fósforo inorgânico (iP), fósforo orgânico (oP) e fósforo disponível (aP).As suspensões de solo foram diluídas até10-4eespalhadas em placasde Petri,e,as bactérias solubilizadoras de fosfato (PSB) foram contadas. As análises mostraram que os solos das áreas de horticultura acumularam 43% a mais de TP enquanto perderam 23% de TOC e 19% de TN,em comparação com as áreas nativas. 69% do TP nas áreas nativas era orgânico (oP) enquanto 59% do TP nas áreas de horticultura era inorgânico (iP). As áreas de horticultura apresentaram menor número de unidades formadoras de colônias de PSB do que as áreas nativas. PSB foi positivamente correlacionado com a razão de MBC para TOC (qMic), que por sua vez, foi negativamentecorrelacionado com TOC e TN. Mudanças nasfraçõesde Pdo solo podem ter levado auma mudança na estrutura bacteriana da comunidade do solo e nos valores de biomassa microbiana do solo. A adição excessiva de P pode estimular o ataque microbiano do solo àsreservas de matéria orgânica do solo, o que pode ter consequências para a manutenção da qualidade do solo e sustentabilidade da agricultura.(AU)

A Multi-Sectoral Approach Improves Early Child Development in a Disadvantaged Community in Peru: Role of Community Gardens, Nutrition Workshops and Enhanced Caregiver-Child Interaction: Project "Wawa Illari".

Background: Multi-dimensional monitoring evaluation and learning strategies are needed to address the complex set of factors that affect early child development in marginalized populations, but few studies have explored their effectiveness. Objective: To compare improvement of health and development of children 0-3 years between intervention communities (IC) and control communities (CC) from peripheral settlements of Lima. Sequential interventions included: (1) home and community gardens, (2) conscious nutrition, and (3) parenting workshops following the International Child Development Program (ICDP). Methods: Interventions were delivered by community health promoters (CHPs) using a "step-by-step" learning system. Both IC and CC were monitored before the interventions began, at 8 and 12 months (n = 113 IC and 127 CC children). Data were collected on household characteristics, diet, food security, health indicators (history of diarrhea and respiratory infections, hemoglobin, intestinal parasites, anthropometry), caregiver-child interactions and stress, and achievement of Pan-American Health Organization age-specific developmental milestones. Stepwise multiple logistic regressions were used to determine if the interventions affected food insecurity, as well as motor, social/cognitive and language delays. Results: At baseline, 2.6% were categorized as "suspected developmental delay" and 14.2% were on "alert for development delay." Food insecurity, diarrhea and respiratory infections were lowered following the interventions. Through the "step-by-step" approach, caregivers in IC gained skills in gardening, conscious nutrition and parenting that reduced the risk of food insecurity [Adjusted Risk Ratio = 0.20 (95% CI: 0.08-0.51)] and language delay [0.39 (0.19-0.82)] but not motor or social/cognitive delay. Use of a multiple micronutrient supplement decreased the risk of motor delay [0.12 (0.03-0.56)], but more pets were associated with higher risk of motor [3.24 (1.47-7.14)] and social/cognitive delay [2.72 (1.33-5.55)], and of food insecurity [1.73 (1.13-2.66)]. Conclusion: The combined interventions delivered by CHPs helped to mitigate the impact of adversity on food insecurity and language delay. Additional improvements may have been detected if the interventions had continued for a longer time. Our results indicate that control of infections and pets may be needed to achieve measurable results for motor and social/cognitive development. Continuous monitoring facilitated adjusting implementation strategies and achieving positive developmental outcomes.

Urban gardening and neglected and underutilized species in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Urban agriculture has been evidenced as a food production and environmental sustainability strategy, although it faces many obstacles in Latin American countries. Additionally, in urban areas, low consumption of fruit and greenery is noticeable, along with loss in food diversity, including the neglected and underutilized species (NUS), which involve potential to strengthen local food systems. For this reason, this work has sought to map urban gardens in the city of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, characterizing their gardeners, and to systematize information regarding food produced and the use of NUS. METHODS: The municipality's urban gardens were mapped and data was collected from the gardeners. The study included two steps: (i) garden localization; (ii) on-site visits for interviews with gardeners and verification of cultivated food, destination of production, availability, and use of NUS. RESULTS: Eighteen active food gardens were located, seventeen of which participated in the study: eight (8) communal (UCG) and nine (9) private (UPG). Respondents were on average 55.76 years old, mostly (52.9%) male, working at UPG (88.9%). Women predominated in the UCG (87.5%), with higher levels of education. For 52.9% of the interviewees, the garden was their main source of income. Food produced at the urban gardens was consumed by 82.4% of the gardeners and their families. In 70.6% of the gardens, production was also sold, while 47.1% donated. During the survey, 59 NUS were found and 76.5% of respondents reported consuming 19 of the species. NUS leaves, fruits, and seeds were found to be eaten raw, boiled, or sautéed in various preparations, especially Coleus amboinicus Lour. (76.5%), Eryngium foetidum L. (35.3%), Talinum fruticosum (L.) Juss., and Pereskia aculeata Mill (both 29.4%). Occurrence and utilization of NUS did not present significant associations with the gardens or gardeners (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Salvador urban gardens, even in small numbers and without government support, have produced affordable food for the local population, preserved food diversity, and the tradition of NUS cultivation and use. Thus, urban gardens are reaffirmed as relevant spaces that should be included in public policies in order to promote food and nutritional security, biodiversity, and urban environmental sustainability.

Home gardens' agrobiodiversity and owners' knowledge of their ecological, economic and socio-cultural multifunctionality: a case study in the lowlands of Tabasco, México.

BACKGROUND: Home gardens (HGs) are hotspots of in situ agrobiodiversity conservation. We conducted a case study in Tabasco, México, on HG owners' knowledge of HG ecological, economical and socio-cultural multifunctionality and how it relates to agrobiodiversity as measured by species richness and diversity. The term multifunctionality knowledge refers to owners' knowledge on how HGs contribute to ecological processes, family economy, as well as human relations and local culture. We hypothesized a positive correlation between owners' multifunctionality knowledge and their HGs' agrobiodiversity. METHODS: We inventoried all perennial species in 20 HGs, determined observed species richness, calculated Shannon diversity indexes and analysed species composition using non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS). Based on literature, semi-structured interviews and a dialogue of knowledge with HG owners, we catalogued the locally recognized functions in the ecological, economic and socio-cultural dimensions. We determined the score of knowledge on each function in the three dimensions on explicit scales based on the interviews and observed management. We determined Spearman rs correlations of HGs' observed species richness, Shannon diversity index (H) and of HGs' scores on NMDS-axis and multifunctionality knowledge scores. We dialogued on the results and implications for agrobiodiversity conservation at workshops of HG owners, researchers and local organizations. RESULTS: HG agrobiodiversity and owners' multifunctionality knowledge in the study area showed large variation. Average richness was 59.6 perennial species, varying from 21 to 107 species, and total observed richness was 280 species. A total of 38 functions was distinguished, with 14, 12 and 12 functions in the ecological, economic and socio-cultural dimensions. Total multifunctionality knowledge scores varied from 64.1 to 106.6, with an average of 87.2. Socio-cultural functionality knowledge scores were the highest, followed by scores in the ecological and economic dimensions. Species richness and Shannon H were significantly correlated with ecological functionality knowledge (rs = 0.68 and P < 0.001 in both cases), and species richness was also correlated with economic functionality knowledge (rs = 0.47, P = 0.03). Species composition scores on the first and second axes of NMDS was significantly correlated with knowledge of ecological multifunctionality, with rs = 0.49 resp-0.49 and P = 0.03 in both cases. Other functionality knowledge scores showed no correlation with NMDS scores. Dialogue in workshops confirmed the interwovenness of multifunctionality knowledge and agrobiodiversity. CONCLUSION: The rich agrobiodiversity of home gardens cherished by rural families in Tabasco relates with the knowledge about HG functionality in the ecological and economic dimensions. Also, species composition relates with ecological functionality knowledge. The socio-cultural functionality knowledge, which includes many elements beyond the individual HG, is not correlated with agrobiodiversity, but had the highest scores. Our results show that multifunctionality knowledge provides many opportunities for the participative conception and planning of policies and actions necessary to conserve agrobiodiversity.