Contrasting Effects of Leaf Litter Quality and Diversity on Oviposition of Mosquitoes.

The quality and diversity of leaf litter are important variables in determining the availability of energy in detritus-based food webs. These factors can be represented by the stoichiometric proportion between carbon and multiple nutrients, and the mixture of litter from different taxonomic and/or functional origins. In aquatic ecosystems, factors that accelerate litter decomposition can influence the secondary productivity of planktonic microbiota, which act as a link between litter and higher trophic levels. This study aimed to analyze the influence of litter quality and diversity on the oviposition behavior of medically important mosquitoes. We hypothesized that both factors would have a positive effect on the attraction of female mosquitoes and would stimulate a greater amount of oviposition. To test this hypothesis, microcosms containing isolated leaf litter leachates from four plant species were used to manipulate gradients of litter quality, and microcosms with all leachates combined were used to test the effects of litter diversity. The results showed a positive effect of litter quality (p < 0.05) on mosquito oviposition rate, with lower C:P ratio litter species (high-quality litter) presenting higher oviposition rates than litter species with high C:P ratios (low-quality litter). However, contrary to our expectations, litter diversity had a negative effect (p = 0.002) on the magnitude of egg-laying by mosquitoes. Our results highlight the importance of litter quality and diversity for insect reproductive behavior. Our data shows that litter quality can serve as a crucial indicator of a suitable environment utilized by female mosquitoes for oviposition. This finding can enhance our ability to understand and develop effective methods for mitigating the reproduction of medically significant mosquitoes, whether by allowing us to predict, based on the composition of vegetation species, areas more prone to mosquito infestation, or by using high-quality litter in oviposition traps. Furthermore, maintaining vegetation diversity can help control mosquito reproduction.

The effects of three different low-volume aerobic training protocols on cardiometabolic parameters of type 2 diabetes patients: A randomized clinical trial.

Objective: To compare the effects of different aerobic training protocols on cardiometabolic variables in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: This study was a parallel clinical trial. Fifty-two men and women with T2DM (>40 years) were randomly allocated into three groups, and 44 (22 males/22 females) were included in the final analysis. Exercise intensity was based on the speed corresponding to the maximum oxygen consumption (v V ˙ O2max). Moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) involved 14 minutes at 70% of v V ˙ O2max; short interval high-intensity interval training (S-HIIT) consisted of 20 bouts of 30 seconds at 100% of V˙O2max with 30 seconds passive recovery; long interval high-intensity training (L-HIIT) consisted of 5 bouts of 2 minutes at 100% of v V ˙ O2max with 2 minutes passive recovery. Training protocols were performed on a motorized treadmill two times per week for eight weeks. Glycated hemoglobin (Hb1Ac), total cholesterol, triglycerides, resting systolic blood pressure (SBP), resting diastolic blood pressure (DBP), resting heart rate (resting HR) and maximum oxygen consumption (V˙O2max) were measured before and after the exercise intervention. The study was registered on the Brazilian clinical trial records (ID: RBR45 4RJGC3). Results: There was a significant difference between groups for changes on V ˙ O2max. Greater increases on V ˙ O2max were achieved for L-HIIT (p = 0.04) and S-HIIT (p = 0.01) in comparison to MICT group, with no significant difference between L-HIIT and S-HIIT (p = 0.9). Regarding comparison within groups, there were significant reductions on HbA1c and triglycerides levels only for L-HIIT (p< 0.05). V ˙ O2max significantly increased for both L-HIIT (MD = 3.2 ± 1.7 ml/kg/min, p< 0.001) and S-HIIT (MD = 3.4 ± 1.7, p< 0.001). There was a significant reduction on resting SBP for L-HIIT group (MD = -12.07 ± 15.3 mmHg, p< 0.01), but not for S-HIIT and MICT. There were no significant changes from pre- to post-training on fasting glycemia, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, resting HR and resting DBP for any group (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Low-volume HIIT promoted greater improvements in cardiorespiratory capacity in comparison with low-volume MICT, independent of the protocols used. There were no other differences between groups. All protocols improved at least one of the variables analyzed; however, the most evident benefits were after the high-intensity protocols, especially L-HIIT.

Prey defence phenotype mediates multiple-predator effects in tri-trophic food webs.

The emphasis on mechanisms governing the interaction among predators (e.g. cooperation, competition or intraguild predation) has driven the understanding of multiple-predator effects on prey survival and dynamics. However, overwhelming evidence shows that prey can adaptively respond to predators, exhibiting multiple defensive phenotypes to cope with predation. Nevertheless, there is still a relatively scarce theory connecting the emergence of prey defences in complex multi-predator scenarios and their ecological consequences. Using a mathematical approach, we evaluated the prevalence of defended prey phenotypes as a function of predator-induced mortality in a two-predator system, and how prey and phenotype dynamics affect trophic cascades. We also evaluated such responses when prey manifests a general defence against both predators (i.e. risk reducing) or a specialized defence against one predator at the expense of defence against the other predator (i.e. risk trade-off), and when such phenotypes induce fitness and foraging costs. We showed that the emergence of defended phenotypes under multiple predators depends on predator-induced mortality rates, the magnitude of phenotype costs and the effect of the defensive phenotype on the performance of all predators. Risk-reducing phenotypes enhance prioritized responses to predators with high killing rates, but prioritized responses are diminished when prey manifest risk trade-off phenotypes. Finally, we showed that resource abundance across the predation gradient directly depends on the prevalence of certain prey phenotypes and their effect on foraging costs. Ultimately, our results depict the implications of prey defences on prey and basal resources abundance in a multiple predators' environment, highlighting the role of the identity of defensive strategies in mediating the strength and nature of trophic cascades, via consumptive or non-consumptive effects.

A ênfase nos mecanismos que governam a interação entre predadores (por exemplo, cooperação, competição ou predação intra-guilda) tem impulsionado a compreensão dos efeitos de múltiplos predadores na sobrevivência e dinâmica de presas. No entanto, fortes evidências mostram que as presas podem responder de forma adaptativa aos predadores, exibindo vários fenótipos de defesa para lidar com a predação. No entanto, ainda há uma teoria relativamente escassa conectando a manifestação de defesas em presas em cenários com múltiplos predadores e suas consequências ecológicas. Usando uma abordagem matemática, avaliamos a prevalência de fenótipos de defesa de presas em função da mortalidade induzida por predadores em um sistema de dois predadores, e como a dinâmica de presas e dos fenótipos afeta a cascata trófica. Também avaliamos tais respostas quando a presa manifesta uma defesa geral contra ambos os predadores (ou seja, redução de risco) ou uma defesa especializada contra um predador em detrimento da defesa contra o outro predador (ou seja, trade-off de risco), e quando tais fenótipos induzem custos ao fitness e ao forrageamento. Nós mostramos que a manifestação de fenótipos de defesa sob múltiplos predadores depende das taxas de mortalidade induzidas pelo predador, da magnitude dos custos do fenótipo e do efeito do fenótipo no desempenho dos predadores. Os fenótipos de redução de risco aumentam as respostas priorizadas aos predadores com altas taxas de predação, mas as respostas priorizadas são reduzidas quando as presas manifestam fenótipos de trade-off de risco. Finalmente, mostramos que a abundância de recursos ao longo do gradiente de predação depende diretamente da prevalência de determinados fenótipos e seus efeitos no forrageamento da presa. Em última análise, nossos resultados retratam as implicações das defesas contra predadores na abundância de presas e recursos basais em um ambiente com múltiplos predadores, destacando o papel da identidade de estratégias de defesa na mediação da força e natureza das cascatas tróficas, via efeitos de consumo ou comportamentais.

O impacto da automação da fenotipagem eritrocitária estendida na rotina de um serviço de hemoterapia / The impact of automation of extended erythrocyte phenotyping in the routine of a blood transfusion center

Objetivos. Avaliar o impacto da automação na fenotipagem eritrocitária expandida e o nível de concordância dessa com a metodologia manual em amostras de doadores de sangue atendidos no hemocentro coordenador da Fundação HEMOPA no período de janeiro a dezembro de 2019. Material e Métodos. Foram analisadas 2.700 fenotipagens eritrocitárias realizadas por metodologia manual e automatizada através do equipamento IH500 da BioRad®. Os resultados foram testados quanto ao nível de concordância através do teste de Coeficiente Kappa. Resultados. Das amostras fenotipadas 98,6% (2.662/2.700) foram concordantes em ambas as metodologias e apenas 1,4% (38/2700) foram discordantes. Das 38 amostras discordantes 31,6% referiram-se ao fenótipo Lu(b); 15,8% ao fenótipo Lu(a); 13,1% ao fenótipo Fy(b); 7,9% aos fenótipos Le(b), E, c; 5,3% aos fenótipos N, S, s, Kp(a), P1; e 2,6% aos fenótipos M, Jk(a), Jk(b), Fy(a). Conclusões. O nível de concordância entre os dados obtidos através das técnicas de fenotipagem eritrocitária manual e automatizada foi de 98,6%. Já a implantação dessa metodologia teve um impacto positivo com o aumento em 1.649 amostras processadas a mais em relação ao mesmo período do ano anterior. [au]

Objective. Evaluate the impact of automation on expanded erythrocyte phenotyping and the level of agreement between it and the manual methodology in samples from blood donors treated at the blood center coordinating the Fundação HEMOPA from january to december 2019. Material and Methods. 2,700 erythrocyte phenotyping performed by manual and automated methodology using BioRad® IH500 equipment was analyzed. The results were tested for the level of agreement using the Kappa Coefficient test. Results. Of the phenotyped samples, 98,6% (2,662 / 2,700) were in agreement in both methodologies and only 1,4% (38/2700) were in disagreement. Of the 38 discordant samples, 31,6% referred to the Lu(b) phenotype; 15,8% to the Lu(a) phenotype; 13,1% to the Fy phenotype (b); 7,9% to Le(b), E, c phenotypes; 5,3% to N, S, s, Kp (a), P1 phenotypes; and 2,6% for phenotypes M, Jk(a), Jk(b), Fy(a). Conclusions. The level of agreement between data obtained through manual and automated erythrocyte phenotyping techniques was 98.6%. The implementation of this methodology had a positive impact, with an increase of 1,649 more processed samples compared to the same period of the previous year. [au]

Birdshot retinochoroiditis in Brazil: a multicenter review of 40 patients.

BACKGROUND: Birdshot retinochoroiditis (BRC) is a rare and chronic bilateral uveitis mostly found in Caucasians. As few data are available about the clinical course of BRC in Hispanic patients, we aimed to report the clinical findings and the evolution of BRC in Brazilian patients. METHODS: This retrospective cohort multicenter nationwide study was performed by analyzing the records of patients with BRC diagnoses from Brazilian ophthalmological centers from April 1995 to May 2020. RESULTS: Forty patients (80 eyes) with a diagnosis of BRC were evaluated. The mean age was 53 years, and there was no sex predominance. All tested patients (34/40) were positive for HLA-A29. The diagnosis of BRC was made following the Levinson et al. criteria, and all ancillary tests were performed to exclude differential diagnoses. Clinical signs and symptoms, such as complications and treatment, were described. CONCLUSIONS: BRC evolution in Brazilian patients seems to have some peculiarities that diverge from the published literature available about Caucasians, as AS inflammation is higher in this population.

Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Mucopolysaccharidoses: Evidence from Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study

Abstract Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are rare inborn errors of metabolism, leading to the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) in distinct tissues. We investigated oropharyngeal dysphagia using the videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) in patients with different MPS types. Since there is a lack of studies systematically evaluating this disorder in this population, the use of a standard technique should contribute to better evaluate individuals with MPS. A cross-sectional and observational study enrolling patients followed by an outpatient service for lysosomal diseases at the Genetics Service of the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (SGM/HCPA) was conducted. Patients underwent semi-structured interviews, clinical evaluation and VFSS. Nineteen patients were evaluated, including patients with MPS types I (16%), II (42%), IIIb (10%) and IVa (32%). Nearly all patients (95%) presented with oropharyngeal dysphagia in the VFSS. The most frequent findings were impaired chewing during oral phase (94%) and reduced laryngeal elevation in the pharyngeal phase (72%). Oropharyngeal dysphagia constituted a prevalent symptom in the studied cohort regardless of MPS type. Our data reinforces the notion that this disorder should be objectively assessed since it can significantly compromise the nutrition and the hydration of these patients as well as lead to tracheobronchial aspiration, thus resulting in aspiration pneumonia and even death eventually.

Os significados de um projeto de lazer para mulheres idosas: o caso do IFATI / The meanings of a leisure project for elderly women: the case of IFATI

Este artigo apresenta os resultados de uma pesquisa desenvolvida com um grupo de 16 mulheres idosas do projeto Instituto Federal Aberto à Terceira Idade (IFATI), executado na Estância Turística de Avaré (São Paulo) durante o ano de 2019. O estudo, qualitativo e exploratório, teve como objetivo principal identificar as percepções das participantes quanto aos significados deste projeto de lazer em suas vidas. Para tanto, foram aplicadas entrevistas estruturadas e, em seguida, utilizada a técnica de Análise de Conteúdo. A partir da revisão bibliográfica sobre o tema e com a análise das respostas apresentadas, pode-se concluir que há uma satisfação generalizada em relação ao projeto devido aos impactos positivos em sua saúde física e mental bem como na interação social, o que contribui, em última instância, para a sensação de um envelhecer com mais qualidade de vida.

This article presents the results of a research developed with a group of 16 elderly women from the Federal Institute Open to the Third Age (IFATI), executed in Avaré (São Paulo) during 2019. The study, qualitative and exploratory, had as main objective to identify the perceptions of the participants regarding the meanings of this leisure project in their lives. For this, structured interviews were applied and then the Content Analysis technique was used. From the literature review on the subject and with the analysis of the answers presented, it can be concluded that there is a generalized satisfaction about the project due to the positive impacts on physical and mental health as well as on social interaction, which ultimately contributes to the feeling of aging with a higher quality of life.

Prevalência e fatores de risco para retinopatia diabética em pacientes diabéticos atendidos por demanda espontânea: um estudo transversal / Prevalence and risk factors of diabetic retinopathy in patients with diabetes seen by unscheduled demand: a cross-sectional study

RESUMO Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência da retinopatia diabética em pacientes diabéticos de uma capital brasileira e correlacioná-la com fatores de risco presentes na população estudada. Métodos: Estudo observacional transversal, realizado a partir do relatório de atendimentos prestados em mutirão ocorrido em 2018. O relatório foi preenchido pelos médicos oftalmologistas durante a campanha, com informações referentes a sexo do paciente, idade, classificação do diabetes mellitus, tempo de doença, uso de insulina, índice de massa corporal, hábitos de vida (tabagismo e atividade física) e história de hipertensão arterial sistêmica, dislipidemia, infarto agudo do miocárdio e acidente vascular cerebral, além de exame clínico oftalmológico realizado na ação. Resultados: Dentre os 219 participantes do estudo, a prevalência da retinopatia diabética foi de 31,96%. As variáveis que se apresentaram como fator de risco com significância estatística foram sexo masculino, idade de 51 a 70 anos, mais de 10 anos de diabetes mellitus, insulinoterapia, índice de massa corporal ≥40kg/m2 e história prévia de infarto agudo do miocárdio. Atividade física mostrou-se como fator protetor significativo. Conclusão: Estudos populacionais ao longo dos anos comprovaram a variabilidade geográfica na prevalência da retinopatia diabética justificada pela diferente exposição aos fatores de risco. Dentro de tal conjuntura, ressalta-se o quão fundamental é o conhecimento das características regionais, de modo a orientar as políticas de saúde pública, permitindo atuar com impacto na redução das estatísticas de cegueira evitável.

ABSTRACT Objective: To estimate the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in patients with diabetes, from a Brazilian capital city, and to correlate with the risk factors present in the studied population. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study, based on the report of care provided by a campaign, in 2018. The report was filled out by ophthalmologists during the joint effort, with information on patient's gender, age, classification of diabetes mellitus, duration of illness, use of insulin, body mass index, lifestyle (smoking and physical activity), history of hypertension, dyslipidemia, myocardial infarction, stroke, and the clinical ophthalmic examination. Results: Among the 219 study participants, the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was 31.96%. The variables considered risk factors with statistical significance were male sex, age 51-70 years, diabetes mellitus for over 10 years, insulin therapy, body mass index ≥40 kg/m2, and previous history of myocardial infarction. The physical activity proved to be a significant protective factor. Conclusion: Over the years, population studies have proven the geographical variability in prevalence of diabetic retinopathy justified by different exposure to risk factors. Therefore, knowledge of regional characteristics is crucial and emphasized in the text, since it can guide public health policies, aiming to have an impact on reduction of preventable blindness statistics.

Canola agronomic performance in three sowing dates in Jataí-GO / Desempenho agronômico da canola em três épocas de semeadura em Jataí-GO

Canola (Brassica napus L. var oleifera) is a potential crop due to the growing world demand for vegetable oil. This work aims to evaluate the performance of five canola hybrids in three sowing dates in Jataí-GO. The experiment was conducted in the year of 2017, in a randomized block design, with subdivided plots and four replications. Plots were composed by three sowing dates (03/03, 03/10 and 03/17) and subplots by the canola hybrids Hyola 50, Hyola 61, Hyola 433, Hyola 571CL and Hyola 575CL. Seedling emergence, inicial and final plant population, flowering, maturation, plant height, plant survival index and grain yield were evaluated. The thermal sum calculation was performed with the phenological data. Results were submitted to analysis of variance and means were compared by Scott Knott test at 5% of probability. The plants survival index highlighted Hyola 433, Hyola 571CL and Hyola 575CL hybrids. Grain yield varied according to hybrid and sowing date. In the edaphoclimatic conditions of this study, in the year of 2017, the best agronomic performance was observed in the first sowing date for the canola hybrids Hyola 433 and Hyola 575CL and in the second sowing date for the canola hybrid Hyola 571CL. (AU)

Canola (Brassica napus L. var oleífera) é uma cultura de potencial devido a crescente demanda mundial por óleo vegetal. Diante disso, objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o desempenho de cinco híbridos de canola, em três épocas de semeadura em Jataí-GO. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento de blocos casualizados, com parcelas subdivididas com quatro repetições. Nas parcelas foram avaliadas as três épocas de semeadura (03/03, 10/03 e 17/03) e nas subparcelas os híbridos (Hyola 50, Hyola 61, Hyola 433, Hyola 571CL e Hyola 575CL) no ano de 2017. Foram avaliadas: emergência de plântulas, populações inicial e final, florescimento, maturação, altura de planta, índice de sobrevivência de plantas e produtividade de grãos. Com os dados fenológicos foi realizado o cálculo da soma térmica. Foram efetuadas as análises de variância e as médias foram comparadas pelo teste de Scott Knott a 5% de probabilidade. Para o índice de sobrevivência, destacaram-se os híbridos Hyola 433, Hyola 571CL e Hyola 575CL. A produtividade variou de acordo com híbrido e época. Nas condições edafoclimáticas deste estudo, no ano de 2017, o melhor desempenho agronômico foi observado na primeira época de semeadura para os híbridos de canola Hyola 433 e Hyola 575CL e na segunda época de semeadura para o híbrido de canola Hyola 571CL. (AU)

Precipitation, landscape properties and land use interactively affect water quality of tropical freshwaters.

Globally, conversion of pristine areas to anthropogenic landscapes is one of the main causes of ecosystem service losses. Land uses associated with urbanization and farming can be major sources of pollution to freshwaters promoting artificial inputs of several elements, leading to impaired water quality. However, how the effects of land use on freshwater quality are contingent on properties of the local landscape and climate is still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of landscape properties (morphometric measurements of lakes and their catchments), precipitation patterns, and land use properties (extent and proximity of the land use to freshwaters) on water quality of 98 natural lakes and reservoirs in northeast Brazil. Water quality impairment (WQI) was expressed as a composite variable incorporating parameters correlated with eutrophication including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and Chlorophyll-a concentration. Regression tree analysis showed that WQI is mainly related to highly impacted "buffer areas". However, the effects of land use in these adjacent lands were contingent on precipitation variability for 13% of waterbodies and on surface area of the buffer in relation to the volume of waterbody (BA:Vol) for 87% of waterbodies. Overall, effects on WQI originating from the land use in the adjacent portion of the lake were amplified by high precipitation variability for ecosystems with highly impacted buffer areas and by high BA:Vol for ecosystems with less impacted buffer areas, indicating that ecosystems subjected to intense episodic rainfall events (e.g. storms) and higher buffer areas relative to aquatic ecosystem size (i.e. small waterbodies) are more susceptible to impacts of land use. Land use at the catchment scale was important for the largest ecosystems. Thus, our findings point toward the need for considering a holistic approach to managing water quality, which includes watershed management within the context of climate change.

Effects of the introduction of an omnivorous fish on the biodiversity and functioning of an upland Amazonian lake

The introduction of nonnative species is one of the main threats to freshwater ecosystems. Although omnivory and intraguild predation are common in those systems, little is known about the effects of introduced omnivorous fish on pelagic and littoral communities. This study tested predictions of food-web theory regarding the effects of omnivorous fish introduction on previously fishless lakes in the Amazonian uplands of Serra dos Carajás, Pará, Brazil. The trophic structure of two similar lakes, one with and the other without the introduced omnivorous fish Astyanax bimaculatus, was compared using a data series of biotic variables collected from both lakes twice a year from 2010 to 2013. Zooplankton was more abundant in the lake with fish, and the zooplankton composition differed between lakes. Phytoplankton richness and chlorophyll-a were higher in the lake with the introduced fish than in the fishless lake regardless of phosphorus limitation. For the benthic macroinvertebrate communities, species richness and biomass were higher in the fishless lake. Our results also indicate that A. bimaculatus has the potential to link pelagic and littoral habitats through nutrient cycling. The differences observed between the studied lakes are consistent with predictions from food-web theory regarding the effects of multichain omnivorous fish on trophic dynamics. Despite limitations regarding replication at the ecosystem level, it is possible to infer from our findings that the introduction of an omnivorous fish might have changed lake overall functioning. (AU)

Performance and Profitability of Fungicides for Managing Soybean White Mold: A 10-Year Summary of Cooperative Trials.

White mold, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is a yield-limiting disease of soybean in Brazil. Uniform fungicide trials have been conducted annually since 2009. Data from 74 cooperative field trials conducted over a 10-year period were assembled. We selected five fungicides applied two times around flowering: dimoxystrobin plus boscalid (DIMO+BOSC), carbendazim plus procymidone (CARB+PROC), fluazinam (FLUZ), fluopyram (FLUO), and procymidone (PROC). For comparison, thiophanate-methyl (TMET) applied four times was also included as a low-cost treatment. Network models were fitted to the log of white mold incidence (percentages) and log of sclerotia mass data (grams/hectare) and to the nontransformed yield data (kilograms/hectare) for each treatment, including the untreated check. Back-transformation of the meta-analytic estimates indicated that the lowest and highest mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) percent reductions in incidence and sclerotia mass were 54.2 (49.3 to 58.7) and 51.6% (43.7 to 58.3) for TMET and 83.8 (79.1 to 87.5) and 87% (81.9 to 91.6) for CARB+PROC, respectively. The overall mean (95% CI) yield responses ranged from 323 kg/ha (247.4 to 400.3) for TMET to 626 kg/ha (521.7 to 731.7) for DIMO+BOSC, but the variance was significantly reduced by a binary variable (30% threshold) describing disease incidence in the untreated check. On average, an increment of 352 kg/ha was estimated for trials where the incidence was >30% compared with the low-disease scenario. Hence, the probability of breaking even on fungicide costs for the high-disease scenario was >65% for the more effective, but more expensive fungicide (FLUZ) than TMET. For the low-disease scenario, profitability was less likely and depended more on variations in fungicide cost and soybean price.

Comparison of stress in freshman and senior nursing students.

OBJECTIVE: To compare stress levels in freshman and senior nursing students. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a public federal university of the state of Bahia, with students who answered questionnaires about sociodemographic variables, academic life, and a scale for assessing stress in nursing students. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were applied to analyze the relationship between variables. To assess proportional trends between ordinal variables and groups, a chi-square test for linear trend was applied. The significance level was 5%. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-four students participated in the study. There was a tendency to higher stress levels among students in the last year compared to those in the first year, in four out of six domains: Performance of Practical Activities (p=0.00), Professional Communication (p=0.00), Environment (p=0.00) and Professional Education (p=0.00). CONCLUSION: High levels of stress were observed in students taking the last year. There is a need for broader research that includes other years of the course, an institutional reflection on stress factors and the adoption of an institutional policy that favors a better confrontation of stress factors.

FOXK2 Transcription Factor and Its Emerging Roles in Cancer.

Forkhead box (FOX) transcription factors compose a large family of regulators of key biological processes within a cell. FOXK2 is a member of FOX family, whose biological functions remain relatively unexplored, despite its description in the early nineties. More recently, growing evidence has been pointing towards a role of FOXK2 in cancer, which is likely to be context-dependent and tumour-specific. Here, we provide an overview of important aspects concerning the mechanisms of regulation of FOXK2 expression and function, as well as its complex interactions at the chromatin level, which orchestrate how it differentially regulates the expression of gene targets in pathophysiology. Particularly, we explore the emerging functions of FOXK2 as a regulator of a broad range of cancer features, such as cell proliferation and survival, DNA damage, metabolism, migration, invasion and metastasis. Finally, we discuss the prognostic value of assessing FOXK2 expression in cancer patients and how it can be potentially targeted for future anticancer interventions.

Effects of seasonality, trophic state and landscape properties on CO2 saturation in low-latitude lakes and reservoirs.

The role of tropical lakes and reservoirs in the global carbon cycle has received increasing attention in the past decade, but our understanding of its variability is still limited. The metabolism of tropical systems may differ profoundly from temperate systems due to the higher temperatures and wider variations in precipitation. Here, we investigated the spatial and temporal patterns of the variability in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) and its drivers in a set of 102 low-latitude lakes and reservoirs that encompass wide gradients of precipitation, productivity and landscape properties (lake area, perimeter-to-area ratio, catchment size, catchment area-to-lake area ratio, and types of catchment land use). We used multiple regressions and structural equation modeling (SEM) to determine the direct and indirect effects of the main in-lake variables and landscape properties on the water pCO2 variance. We found that these systems were mostly supersaturated with CO2 (92% spatially and 72% seasonally) regardless of their trophic status and landscape properties. The pCO2 values (9-40,020 µatm) were within the range found in tropical ecosystems, and higher (p < 0.005) than pCO2 values recorded from high-latitude ecosystems. Water volume had a negative effect on the trophic state (r = -0.63), which mediated a positive indirect effect on pCO2 (r = 0.4), representing an important negative feedback in the context of climate change-driven reduction in precipitation. Our results demonstrated that precipitation drives the pCO2 seasonal variability, with significantly higher pCO2 during the rainy season (F = 16.67; p < 0.001), due to two potential main mechanisms: (1) phytoplankton dilution and (2) increasing inputs of terrestrial CO2 from the catchment. We conclude that at low latitudes, precipitation is a major climatic driver of pCO2 variability by influencing volume variations and linking lentic ecosystems to their catchments.

Comparison of stress in freshman and senior nursing students / Comparación del estrés en universitarios de enfermería de primer año y egresos de la carrera / Comparação do estresse em universitários de enfermagem ingressantes e concluintes do curso

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare stress levels in freshman and senior nursing students. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a public federal university of the state of Bahia, with students who answered questionnaires about sociodemographic variables, academic life, and a scale for assessing stress in nursing students. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were applied to analyze the relationship between variables. To assess proportional trends between ordinal variables and groups, a chi-square test for linear trend was applied. The significance level was 5%. Results: One hundred and fifty-four students participated in the study. There was a tendency to higher stress levels among students in the last year compared to those in the first year, in four out of six domains: Performance of Practical Activities (p=0.00), Professional Communication (p=0.00), Environment (p=0.00) and Professional Education (p=0.00). Conclusion: High levels of stress were observed in students taking the last year. There is a need for broader research that includes other years of the course, an institutional reflection on stress factors and the adoption of an institutional policy that favors a better confrontation of stress factors.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Comparar el nivel de estrés de universitarios de enfermería de primer año y egresos de la carrera. Método: Estudio transversal, desarrollado en una universidad pública federal, del Estado de Bahía, con estudiantes que respondieron a cuestionarios acerca de variables sociodemográficas, vida académica y la escala para la Evaluación de Estrés en Estudiantes de Enfermería. Para valorar las relaciones entre las variables, se emplearon las pruebas de Chi cuadrado de Pearson y Exacta de Fisher. A fin de verificar tendencias proporcionales entre variables del tipo ordinal y los grupos, se utilizó la Prueba Chi cuadrado de Tendencia Lineal. El nivel de significación estadística fue del 5%. Resultados: Participaron 154 estudiantes. Hubo tendencia a un mayor nivel de estrés en estudiantes del último año comparados con los del primero, en cuatro de los seis dominios: Realización de las actividades prácticas (p=0,00), Comunicación profesional (p=0,00), Ambiente (p=0,00) y Formación profesional (p=0,00). Conclusión: Se constataron niveles elevados de estrés en el último año. Se subraya la necesidad de ampliación de la investigación a otros años de la carrera, la reflexión institucional acerca de los factores de estrés y la adopción de una política institucional que facilite un mejor enfrentamiento de dichos factores.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar o nível de estresse de universitários de enfermagem ingressantes e concluintes do curso. Método: Estudo transversal, desenvolvido em uma universidade pública federal, do estado da Bahia, com estudantes que responderam a questionários sobre variáveis sociodemográficas, vida acadêmica e a escala para Avaliação de Estresse em Estudantes de Enfermagem. Para avaliar as relações entre as variáveis empregaram-se os testes do Qui-quadrado de Pearson e Exato de Fisher. Para verificar tendências proporcionais entre variáveis do tipo ordinal e os grupos utilizou-se do Teste Qui-Quadrado de Tendência Linear. O nível de significância estatística foi de 5%. Resultados: Participaram 154 estudantes. Houve tendência a maior nível de estresse em estudantes do último ano comparados aos do primeiro, em quatro dos seis domínios: Realização das atividades práticas (p=0,00), Comunicação profissional (p=0,00), Ambiente (p=0,00) e Formação profissional (p=0,00). Conclusão: Constatou-se níveis elevados de estresse no último ano. Ressalta-se a necessidade de ampliação da investigação para outros anos do curso, a reflexão institucional sobre os fatores estressores e a adoção de uma política institucional que propicie melhor enfrentamento dos estressores.

Educação profissional em lazer no Instituto Federal De São Paulo (Campus Avaré) / Professional education in leisure at the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Sao Paulo (Avaré)

Este artigo apresenta os resultados de um estudo de caso sobre a formação profissional oferecida à primeira turma do Curso Técnico em Lazer Integrado ao Ensino Médio do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de São Paulo (IFSP - Campus Avaré/ SP- Brasil) entre os anos de 2015 e 2017. O principal objetivo é analisar se os alunos percebem que receberam uma formação integral, cientes de seu papel de cidadãos no contexto em que vivem e com potencial para ir além de uma atuação meramente mercadológica. A metodologia utilizada foi revisão bibliográfica e documental, seguida de pesquisa de campo. A primeira versou sobre a análise do Projeto Pedagógico do Curso (PPC) em questão e de livros e artigos científicos sobre a formação e educação profissional para e pelo lazer. Já a pesquisa de campo foi feita por meio de uma roda de conversa com os vinte e um alunos concluintes do Curso Técnico em Lazer Integrado ao Ensino Médio. Considera-se que os egressos do Curso Técnico em Lazer do IFSP (Campus Avaré) se percebem educados para e pelo lazer de modo que, além de possuírem saberes teóricos e práticos, se consideram capazes de disseminar valores e conceitos sobre ludicidade na comunidade que os cercam, além de respeitar seus costumes, reconhecendo a importância do lazer enquanto direito constitucional e instrumento de transformação social. Os alunos afirmaram ainda que a formação oriunda do Curso Técnico em Lazer ampliou sua visão de mundo e sua percepção de sujeito ativo pertencente a uma sociedade...(AU)

This article presents the results of a case study on the vocational training offered to the first class of the technical course in leisure integrated to the high School of the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Sao Paulo (IFSP-Campus Avaré/SP-Brasil) between the years 2015 and 2017. The main objective is to analyze whether students perceive that they have received an integral formation, aware of their role as citizens in the context in which they live and with the potential to go beyond a purely market act. The methodology used was bibliographical and documentary revision, followed by field research. The first versed on the analysis of the pedagogical project of the course (PPC) in question and of books and scientific articles on training and professional education for and by leisure. The field research was done by means of a conversation wheel with the twenty-one students completing the technical course in leisure integrated into the high school. The graduates of the technical leisure course of the IFSP (Campus Avaré) are considered to be educated for and for leisure so that, in addition to possessing theoretical and practical know-how, they consider themselves able of disseminating values and concepts about playfulness in the community that they surround them, besides respecting their customs, recognizing the importance of leisure as a constitutional right and an instrument of social transformation. The students also stated that the formation of the technical course at leisure broadened their worldview and their perception of an active subject belonging to society...(AU)

Meta-Analytic Modeling of the Decline in Performance of Fungicides for Managing Soybean Rust after a Decade of Use in Brazil.

An apparent decline of fungicide performance for the control of soybean rust in Brazil has been reported but the rate at which it has occurred has not been formally quantified. Control efficacy and yield response to three fungicides applied as single active ingredients (a.i.)-azoxystrobin (AZOX), cyproconazole (CYPR), and tebuconazole (TEBU)-and four applied as mixtures-AZOX+CYPR, picoxystrobin + CYPR, pyraclostrobin + epoxiconazole, and trifloxystrobin + prothioconazole (TRIF+PROT)-were summarized using network meta-analytic models fitted to mean severity and yield data from 250 trials (10-year period). The effect of year was tested on both variables in a meta-regression model. Overall control efficacy ranged from 56 to 84%; the three single-a.i. fungicides performed the poorest (56 to 62%). Yield increase for single-a.i. fungicides was as low as 30% but ranged from 47 to 65% for the premixes. Significant declines in both variables were detected for all fungicides except TRIF+PROT. For TEBU, control efficacy (yield response) declined the most: 78% (18%) to 54% (8%) from 2004-05 to 2013-14. The recent surge of resistant populations of Phakopsora pachyrhizi to both demethylation inhibitor and quinone outside inhibitor fungicides is likely the driving force behind a significant decline after 4 years of fungicide use.

A global database of nitrogen and phosphorus excretion rates of aquatic animals.

Animals can be important in modulating ecosystem-level nutrient cycling, although their importance varies greatly among species and ecosystems. Nutrient cycling rates of individual animals represent valuable data for testing the predictions of important frameworks such as the Metabolic Theory of Ecology (MTE) and ecological stoichiometry (ES). They also represent an important set of functional traits that may reflect both environmental and phylogenetic influences. Over the past two decades, studies of animal-mediated nutrient cycling have increased dramatically, especially in aquatic ecosystems. Here we present a global compilation of aquatic animal nutrient excretion rates. The dataset includes 10,534 observations from freshwater and marine animals of N and/or P excretion rates. These observations represent 491 species, including most aquatic phyla. Coverage varies greatly among phyla and other taxonomic levels. The dataset includes information on animal body size, ambient temperature, taxonomic affiliations, and animal body N:P. This data set was used to test predictions of MTE and ES, as described in Vanni and McIntyre (2016; Ecology DOI: 10.1002/ecy.1582).

Interactive effects of predation risk and conspecific density on the nutrient stoichiometry of prey.

The mere presence of predators (i.e., predation risk) can alter consumer physiology by restricting food intake and inducing stress, which can ultimately affect prey-mediated ecosystem processes such as nutrient cycling. However, many environmental factors, including conspecific density, can mediate the perception of risk by prey. Prey conspecific density has been defined as a fundamental feature that modulates perceived risk. In this study, we tested the effects of predation risk on prey nutrient stoichiometry (body and excretion). Using a constant predation risk, we also tested the effects of varying conspecific densities on prey responses to predation risk. To answer these questions, we conducted a mesocosm experiment using caged predators (Belostoma sp.), and small bullfrog tadpoles (Lithobates catesbeianus) as prey. We found that L. catesbeianus tadpoles adjust their body nutrient stoichiometry in response to predation risk, which is affected by conspecific density. We also found that the prey exhibited strong morphological responses to predation risk (i.e., an increase in tail muscle mass), which were positively correlated to body nitrogen content. Thus, we pose the notion that in risky situations, adaptive phenotypic responses rather than behavioral ones might partially explain why prey might have a higher nitrogen content under predation risk. In addition, the interactive roles of conspecific density and predation risk, which might result in reduced perceived risk and physiological restrictions in prey, also affected how prey stoichiometry responded to the fear of predation.