Plant hormesis: Revising of the concepts of biostimulation, elicitation and their application in a sustainable agricultural production.

Current research in basic and applied knowledge of plant science has aimed to unravel the role of the interaction between environmental factors and the genome in the physiology of plants to confer the ability to overcome challenges in a climate change scenario. Evidence shows that factors causing environmental stress (stressors), whether of biological, chemical, or physical origin, induce eustressing or distressing effects in plants depending on the dose. The latter suggests the induction of the "hormesis" phenomenon. Sustainable crop production requires a better understanding of hormesis, its basic concepts, and the input variables to make its management feasible. This implies that acknowledging hormesis in plant research could allow specifying beneficial effects to effectively manage environmental stressors according to cultivation goals. Several factors have been useful in this regard, which at low doses show beneficial eustressing effects (biostimulant/elicitor), while at higher doses, they show distressing toxic effects. These insights highlight biostimulants/elicitors as tools to be included in integrated crop management strategies for reaching sustainability in plant science and agricultural studies. In addition, compelling evidence on the inheritance of elicited traits in plants unfolds the possibility of implementing stressors as a tool in plant breeding.

Elicitores: implicaciones bioéticas para la agricultura y la salud humana / Elicitors: bioethical implications for agriculture and human health / Elicitores: implicações bioéticas para a agricultura e a saúde humana

Resumen Los compuestos agroquímicos se han utilizado en la agricultura en las últimas décadas para evitar pérdidas por plagas, nutrir la tierra, aumentar el rendimiento y la calidad de los cultivos. Sin embargo, el uso de estas sustancias en muchas ocasiones representa una fuente de contaminación ambiental y riesgos a la salud. Por ello, han surgido nuevas alternativas en la producción alimentaria, como el uso de elicitores, para consolidar una agricultura más sostenible y sin efectos adversos a la salud del consumidor. Los elicitores pueden estimular el metabolismo propio de las plantas para producir compuestos que resultarán en rasgos agronómicos deseados, como metabolitos secundarios de uso nutracéutico. En el presente artículo se muestra la perspectiva científica y ética de proyectos de investigación en los cuales se emplean diferentes elicitores para sustituir el uso de agroquímicos.

Abstract In recent decades, agrochemicals have been used in agriculture to increase crop yields and quality and avoid losses due to pests. However, the use of these substances often imply environmental contamination and potential health risks. To move towards a more sustainable agriculture with less undesirable effects to human health, a novel line of research has recently emerged, proposing alternatives for the use of agrochemicals, such as elicitors. Elicitors, either biotic or abiotic, can stimulate plants biochemical mechanism to produce compounds that will result in desired agronomic traits, such as secondary metabolites to be used as nutraceuticals. This article shows the scientific and the ethic perspective of research projects evaluating the role of different elicitors in replacing the use of agrochemicals.

Resumo Nas últimas décadas, compostos agroquímicos têm sido utilizados na agricultura para evitar pragas, nutrir o solo e aumentar a produtividade e a qualidade das plantas. No entanto, o uso dessas substâncias muitas vezes contamina o meio ambiente e traz riscos à saúde. Por isso, novas alternativas, como os elicitores, surgiram na produção alimentar a fim de consolidar uma agricultura mais sustentável, sem efeitos adversos para a saúde do consumidor. Os elicitores podem estimular o próprio metabolismo das plantas para produzir compostos que resultarão em características agronômicas desejadas, como metabólitos secundários para uso nutracêutico. Este artigo mostra a perspectiva científica e ética de projetos de pesquisa em que diferentes elicitores substituem agroquímicos.

Whole-Genome DNA Methylation Analysis in Hydrogen Peroxide Overproducing Transgenic Tobacco Resistant to Biotic and Abiotic Stresses.

Epigenetic regulation is a key component of stress responses, acclimatization and adaptation processes in plants. DNA methylation is a stable mark plausible for the inheritance of epigenetic traits, such that it is a potential scheme for plant breeding. However, the effect of modulators of stress responses, as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), in the methylome status has not been elucidated. A transgenic tobacco model to the CchGLP gene displayed high H2O2 endogen levels correlated with biotic and abiotic stresses resistance. The present study aimed to determine the DNA methylation status changes in the transgenic model to obtain more information about the molecular mechanism involved in resistance phenotypes. The Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing analysis revealed a minimal impact of overall levels and distribution of methylation. A total of 9432 differential methylated sites were identified in distinct genome regions, most of them in CHG context, with a trend to hypomethylation. Of these, 1117 sites corresponded to genes, from which 83 were also differentially expressed in the plants. Several genes were associated with respiration, energy, and calcium signaling. The data obtained highlighted the relevance of the H2O2 in the homeostasis of the system in stress conditions, affecting at methylation level and suggesting an association of the H2O2 in the physiological adaptation to stress functional linkages may be regulated in part by DNA methylation.

Increased genetic damage found in waste picker women in a landfill in Paraguay measured by comet assay and the micronucleus test.

Cateura landfill located in Asunción-Paraguay is the site of final disposal of tons of garbage of all kinds coming from urban, industrial and commercial areas. Due to an inadequate waste management system, there is a big concern in our country on how it can affect people working within the landfill as waste pickers. When a high risk of exposure affecting workers in their work places is supposed, defining biomarkers of genotoxic damage is obligatory. The principal aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic damage in occupationally exposed women in their work environments through two established biomarkers: the single-cell gel electrophoresis assay (SCGE) accomplished in peripheral blood and the micronucleus test performed in exfoliated cells from oral mucosa (BMCyT). This is an analytical observational cohort study involving 50 women occupationally exposed and 34 unexposed women. A statistically significant increase (p < 0.05) in the parameters to measure genotoxicity was observed in the garbage recyclers of the landfill, compared to the control group. The frequency of Micronuclei (MN) and other nuclear abnormalities such as karyolytic and karyorrhectic cells were higher in exposed women. In addition, significant differences in the % of DNA in the tail of comets between exposed and control groups were found. Our results suggest that the increase in DNA damage and nuclear alterations found in exposed-waste pickers women can be explained as a result to their direct contact with chemicals, many of them identified as genotoxic and other alleged mutagens. This chronic exposure could be diminished by using safety procedures and suitable personal protective equipment inside the workplace. The burden of morbidity due to occupational exposure to genotoxic agents in this place is unknown, therefore, these types of studies should be addressed in order to advice to authorities on social policies of protection of landfills workers.

Desigualdade Social e Câncer: questões para o debate / Social Inequality and Cancer: questions for debate

"O adoecimento por câncer na atualidade constitui-se num complexo problema de saúde pública, dada a sua multiplicidade de fatores. Dentre eles, os aspectos sociais relacionados às condições de vida e trabalho da população. Esta Revisão Bibliográfica buscou investigar a associação entre os temas 'desigualdade social e câncer' objetivando demonstrar como essa é tratada em artigos científicos. Os resultados demonstram a escassez de estudos sobre a temática e as poucas produções encontradas tecem reflexões sobre a relação entre fatores socioeconômicos e a ocorrência de adoecimento e morbimortalidade por câncer; acesso a exames específicos e tratamento e o impacto da desigualdade racial para a saúde, não abordando de forma específica à temática da Desigualdade Social. Evidencia-se a necessidade de estudos que estabeleçam correlações entre a desigualdade social e o câncer"(AU)

"The illness from cancer today becomes a complex public health problem, given the multiplicity of factors. Among them, the social aspects related to the conditions of life and work of the population. This Literature Review sought to investigate the association between the subjects 'social inequality and cancer' aiming demonstrate how this is handled in scientific articles. The results demonstrate the lack of studies on the subject and the few productions found weave reflections on the relationship between socioeconomic factors and the occurrence of illness and mortality from cancer; access to specific exames and treatment and the impact of racial inequality to health and does not address specifically the issue of Social Inequality. Highlights the need for studies to establish correlations between social inequality and cancer"(AU)

Estrategia educativa sobre sexualidad sana en adolescentes / Educative strategy on healthy sexuality in teenagers

Se realizó un estudio de intervención con el objetivo de elaborar una estrategia educativa para incrementar conocimientos sobre sexualidad sana en un grupo de adolescentes de la escuela Secundaria Básica Alfredo Gómez del Municipio Camagüey entre octubre de 2012 y febrero de 2013. La muestra fue de 37 estudiantes. Se aplicó una encuesta que se convirtió en el registro primario de datos, confeccionada según criterios de expertos y la bibliografía. Una vez analizados los resultados se procedió a diseñar la estrategia educativa y posteriormente a su evaluación. Los datos se procesaron de forma automatizada. Antes de aplicar la estrategia educativa se comprobó que los adolescentes no tenían un adecuado conocimiento sobre la sexualidad sana. Los resultados demuestran la importancia de los estudios de intervención(AU)

An interventional study was developed with the objective of designing an educational strategy to increase the knowledge about healthy sexuality in a group of teenagers from Alfredo Gómez Secondary School in Camagüey municipality between October 2012 and February 2013. The sample included 37 students. The applied survey became the primary data register. It was designed according to the experts´ criteria and the bibliography. Once the results were analyzed the educative strategy was designed and evaluated. The data was computerized. Before applying the educative strategy it was evident that the students did not have an appropriate knowledge about healthy sexuality. The results show the importance of interventional studies(AU)

Estrategia educativa sobre sexualidad sana en adolescentes / Educative strategy on healthy sexuality in teenagers

Se realizó un estudio de intervención con el objetivo de elaborar una estrategia educativa para incrementar conocimientos sobre sexualidad sana en un grupo de adolescentes de la escuela Secundaria Básica Alfredo Gómez del Municipio Camagüey entre octubre de 2012 y febrero de 2013. La muestra fue de 37 estudiantes. Se aplicó una encuesta que se convirtió en el registro primario de datos, confeccionada según criterios de expertos y la bibliografía. Una vez analizados los resultados se procedió a diseñar la estrategia educativa y posteriormente a su evaluación. Los datos se procesaron de forma automatizada. Antes de aplicar la estrategia educativa se comprobó que los adolescentes no tenían un adecuado conocimiento sobre la sexualidad sana. Los resultados demuestran la importancia de los estudios de intervención.

An interventional study was developed with the objective of designing an educational strategy to increase the knowledge about healthy sexuality in a group of teenagers from Alfredo Gómez Secondary School in Camagüey municipality between October 2012 and February 2013. The sample included 37 students. The applied survey became the primary data register. It was designed according to the experts´ criteria and the bibliography. Once the results were analyzed the educative strategy was designed and evaluated. The data was computerized. Before applying the educative strategy it was evident that the students did not have an appropriate knowledge about healthy sexuality. The results show the importance of interventional studies.

Percepções de gestantes e puérperas acerca da sala de espera em uma unidade básica de saúde integrada à estratégia saúde da familia / Percepciones de mujeres embarazadas y puérperas acerca de la sala de espera en una Unidad Básica de Salud Integrada em la Estrategia Salud para la Familia / Pregnant and postpartum women perceptions about waitingroom in a Primary Health Care Unit included in the Family Health Strategy

Objetivo: Analisar a percepção de gestantes e puérperas acerca de suas experiências vivenciadas em sala de espera. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, analítico, de abordagem qualitativa, realizado em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde integrada à Estratégia Saúde daFamília (ESF), em um município do interior do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Os dados foram coletados no mês de dezembro de 2011, mediante entrevistas com questõesabertas e fechadas analisadas pela técnica de análise de conteúdo. Os sujeitos compreenderam 10 mulheres, sendo sete gestantes e três puérperas, que realizaram pré-natal e participaram das atividades em sala de espera no período de setembro a dezembro de 2011. Resultados: Segundo a percepção das participantes, a sala de espera é um espaço atencioso, promotor de tranquilidade, conhecimento e esclarecimento de dúvidas relacionadas ao processo gravídico puerperal. Conclusões: A formação de grupos de educação em saúde intermediados pelo diálogo problematizador, visando promover a reciprocidade do aprender e ensinar, tendo como foco a concepção ampliada de saúde, é um ponto relevante no espaço sala de espera. Ainda é importante destacar a necessidade de que sejam efetivadas ações de educação permanente junto aos profissionais de saúde, tendo como eixo a problematização da realidade social e dos serviços, bem como a integração de aspectos gerenciais, pedagógicos e políticos. Isso pode contribuir para a verdadeira construção do conhecimento politizado em saúde,como anunciam os documentos oficiais da esfera da saúde e da educação.

Objective: To analyze the perception of pregnant and postpartum women about their experiences in the waiting room. Methods: A descriptive analytic study, of qualitative approach, conducted in a Primary Health Care Unit integrated into the Family Health Strategy (Estratégia Saúde da Família-PSF) in a municipality of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The data was collected in December 2011, through interviews with open and closed questions, and was analyzed using content analysis technique. The sample consisted of 10 women, seven of them being pregnant and three in postpartum period; all having received prenatal care and taken part in waiting room activities from September to December 2011. Results: According to the participants? perception, the waiting room is a space of attentiveness, promoter of tranquility, understanding and clarification of questions related to pregnancy and childbirth process. Conclusions: The formation of health education groups intermediated by problem-based dialogue, aiming to promote reciprocal learning and teaching, with focus on the extensive concept of health, is a relevant issue in the waiting room. It is also important to highlight the need to accomplish continuing education initiatives involving healthcare professionals, centered on a questioning approach of social reality and services, along with the integration of managerial, educational and political aspects. This shall contribute to the real construction of politicized knowledge in health, as report the official documents of health and education sphere.

Objetivos: Analizar las percepciones de las mujeres embarazadas y puérperas acerca de sus experiencias en la sala de espera. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, analítico, de abordaje cualitativo realizado en una Unidad Básica de Salud integrada en La Estrategia Salud para la Familia (ESF) en un municipio del interior del estado de Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Los datos fueron recopilados en diciembre de 2011 a través de entrevistas com preguntas abiertas y cerradas analizadas mediante el análisis de contenido. La muestra estuvo formada por 10 mujeres, siendo siete embarazadas y tres puérperas que tuvieron atención prenatal y participaron en las actividades de la sala de espera durante El período de septiembre a diciembre de 2011. Resultados: Según las percepciones de las participantes, la sala de espera es um espacio atento y promotor de la tranquilidad, del conocimiento y esclarecimiento de las dudas relacionadas con el embarazo y el proceso del parto y posparto. Conclusiones: La formación de grupos de educación en salud intermediados por el dialogo problematizado, promoviendo la reciprocidad del aprendizaje y la enseñanza centrándose en el concepto ampliado de salud, ES un aspecto relevante en el espacio de la sala de espera. También es importante destacar la necesidad de que las acciones de educación permanente sean realizadas junto con los profesionales sanitarios teniendo como eje la problemática de la realidad social y de los servicios, así como la integración de los aspectos administrativos, pedagógicos y políticos. Esto puede contribuir a la verdadera construcción del conocimiento politizado en salud, como anuncian los documentos oficiales de la esfera de la salud y la educación.

Early thyroid hormone-induced gene expression changes in N2a-ß neuroblastoma cells.

Thyroid hormone has long been known to regulate neural development. Hypothyroidism during pregnancy and early postnatal period has severe neurological consequences including even mental retardation. The purpose of this study was to characterize gene expression pattern during thyroid hormone-induced differentiation of neuro-2a ß cells in order to select "direct response genes" for further analysis. In this neuroblastoma cell line, thyroid hormone blocks proliferation and induces differentiation. Changes in gene expression level were examined after a T3 treatment of 3 and 24 h using cDNA arrays. Sixteen genes were significantly up-regulated and 79 down-regulated by T3 treatment. Five up-regulated genes not previously described as regulated by thyroid hormone and selected for their putative significance to understand T3 action on cell differentiation, were verified by RT-PCR analysis. The transcription factors Phox2a and basic helix-loop-helix domain containing, class B2 mRNAs exhibited a clear increase after 3- and 24-h treatment. The guanine-nucleotide exchange factor RalGDS was greatly up-regulated after 3-h treatment but not 24 h after. The results suggest an early involvement of these genes in T3 action during neuroblastoma cell differentiation probably mediating later changes in gene expression pattern.

Resección transuretral de prostata: experiencia sobre 300 casos / Prostatic trans-urethral resection: experience on 300 cases

Se presenta un estudio retrospectivo sobre 300 pacientes internados en el Servicio de Urologia del HCIPS, en un periodo de tiempo que comprende desde abril de 1987 a diciembre de 1988, ambos inclusive, a quienes se los había diagnosticado un sindrome de obstrucción urinaria de etiología prostática, y en los cuales se consideró que el tratamiento indicado era RTU. Se realiza una breve introducción histórica, se describen los pacientes y método, las patologias coexistentes, los resultados y las complicaciones. La edad media de los pacientes era de 75 años. Siendo el más jóven de 47 años y el mayor de 99 años. El tiempo transcurrido entre el inicio de los síntomas y la cirugia varió entre 1 mes y 21 años, siendo más frecuente de 1 a 2 años. Se hace referencia a los resulta os que consideramos satisfactorios por la baja incidencia de complicaciones, y las ventajas que la técnica ofrece: permite tratar pacientes de elevada edad o elevado riesgo quirurgico, pronta retirada de la sonda vesical y rápida movilización del paciente, menor estancia hospitalaria y menor traumatismo quirúrgico