Influence of different Eucalyptus hybrids on soil macrofauna.

The present work aimed to evaluate the influence of different eucalyptus hybrids on the edaphic macrofauna community. It is hypothesized that the density and diversity of edaphic fauna are influenced by the quantity and quality of the litter deposited by the different hybrids on the soil surface. The study area is in the city of Vitória da Conquista (BA) and consists of seven eucalyptus hybrids, one from sexual reproduction (seminal) and six from asexual (clonal) reproduction. Sampling of the soil macrofauna was performed by the Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility method. All visible invertebrates were collected and identified at the level of large taxonomic groups. The relative density, group richness, and diversity index were calculated. Hybrids did not influence the total density and richness of the soil macrofauna. However, it was possible to observe changes in litter accumulation and composition, and as a result in the diversity indexes and in the presence or absence of macrofauna groups. Among the studied hybrids, those from Eucalyptus urophylla (seminal, 1335 and 1249) promote greater macrofauna diversity and favor the occurrence of detritivores organisms, suggesting the occurrence of better quality and more palatable litter for the edaphic fauna.

Squaraine dyes as serum albumins probes: Synthesis, photophysical experiments and molecular docking studies.

Three barbiturate squaraine dyes derived from indolenine or benzothiazole, with different barbituric acid derivatives were prepared, characterized and photophysically evaluated by standard spectroscopic methods. As expectable for squaraines, these dyes showed narrow and intense absorption and emission bands in the Vis/NIR region. The interaction of synthesized dyes with bovine and human serum albumins (BSA and HSA) was also evaluated in phosphate buffer (PB). The results revealed that upon the addition of BSA or HSA the complex dye-protein emit more fluorescence, and the emission intensity is directly proportional to the concentration of protein used (0-3.5 µM). The titration tests allowed to calculate the binding constants, in an order of magnitude of 104-106 M, as well as the limits of detection and quantification in the nanomolar tens range. All dyes showed a good response to the interaction with both proteins, but the most pronounced envisioning their use as protein labeling was observed for the squaraine dye derived from the indolenine with a 1,3-dimethylbarbituric acid moiety. The molecular docking studies revealed the existence of a binding between the compounds and four sites on the HSA molecule, where one of these four locations is a new binding site with which this series of dye interacts.

Cross-amplification of microsatellite loci in the cacti species from Brazilian Chaco.

Cactaceae species are an important component of the Brazilian Chaco landscape. Sixteen species are reported to this region, including 13 genera representing three Cactaceae subfamilies. All these species are native and have been locally threatened by the advance of the deforestation, which can negatively impact their genetic diversity. In order to test genetic markers that can potentially be used to screen the population diversity of these species, we checked the cross-amplification performance of 27 nuclear and 23 plastid microsatellite loci in all 16 cacti species from Brazilian Chaco. We tested the cross-amplification of the 50 microsatellite (SSR) loci in one specimen of each cacti species and considered it successful when at least one band of the expected size was generated. Thirteen species (81%) had at least 18 nuclear microsatellite loci amplified, while seven species (43%) had at least 11 chloroplast microsatellite loci amplified. We also reviewed current knowledge of SSR studies with Cactaceae in 50 studies available in the Web of Science®, and found that only five cacti species that occur in the Brazilian Chaco have representatives of the same genus with described SSR loci. The high cross-amplification rates indicated that these microsatellites markers can be helpful for future population genetic studies with cacti species from the Brazilian Chaco. Since their diversity levels and gene flow patterns are still poorly known, analyses with universal and transferable markers provide important tools to guide conservation efforts on this highly neglected region.

Xanthosoma sagittifolium is resistant to Meloidogyne spp. and controls Meloidogyne enterolobii by soil biofumigation.

Meloidogyne is a relevant plant-parasitic nematode that causes enormous damage. It is very challenging to control, and there are not many chemicals available on the market for that. As an alternative method of nematode control, biofumigation is increasingly gaining space. This research aimed to study the reaction of Xanthosoma sagittifolium to Meloidogyne enterolobii, M. incognita, and M. javanica and soil biofumigation with X. sagittifolium leaves for M. enterolobii control. The reaction test was performed in the populations 0 (control), 333, 999, 3,000, 9,000, 27,000 eggs and eventual juveniles. X. sagittifolium did not host the Meloidogyne species studied, even in a high population. X. sagittifolium leaves incorporated in soil at concentrations 0 (control), 0.45, 0.9, 1.8, 3.6 g were also studied to control M. enterolobii, and they were able to reduce galls and eggs. The number of galls and egg masses was reduced to a concentration of 1.8 g. In the maximum concentration, the number of galls was less than 15 galls, and the eggs were also reduced to less than 200 eggs. As these macerates emitted nematicidal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) against M. enterolobii, it reduced the infectivity and reproduction of nematodes.

Symptoms and Vocal Risk Factors in Individuals with High and Low Anxiety.

AIMS: To assess the frequency of vocal symptoms and risk factors in individuals with high and low anxiety and to investigate the relationships among vocal symptoms, risk factors, and anxiety levels. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 201 patients of both sexes with a mean age of 42.88 years (SD = 15.78) served as participants. The patients were divided into two groups according to the level of trait anxiety: a low-anxiety group (n = 108) and a high-anxiety group (HAG, n = 93). Data were collected using three self-assessment instruments: the Vocal Screening Protocol, the Voice Symptom Scale (VoiSS), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). RESULTS: The HAG presented higher scores in all VoiSS domains. There were positive correlations between the total and emotional scores on the VoiSS and the STAI Trait subscale. There were significant associations between 13 vocal risk factors and anxiety levels. CONCLUSION: Individuals with high anxiety present a higher frequency of vocal symptoms related to either vocal limitation, physical aspects, or the emotional impact of dysphonia. The higher the trait anxiety, the greater the total and emotional scores on the VoiSS. Anxiety levels are associated with certain vocal risk factors.

Haemodialysis, nutritional disorders and hypoglycaemia in critical care.

This study aimed to determine hypoglycemia incidence and associated factors in critically ill patients. It looked at a retrospective cohort with 106 critically ill adult patients with 48 hours of glycaemic control and 72 hours of follow up. The dependent variable, hypoglycaemia (≤70 mg/dl), was assessed with respect to independent variables: age, diet, insulin, catecholamines, haemodialysis, nursing workload and the Simplified Acute Physiology Score. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test, Fisher's exact test and logistic regression at 5% significance level. Incidence of hypoglycaemia was 14.2%. Hypoglycaemia was higher in the group of patients on catecholamines (p=0.040), with higher glycaemic variability (p<0.001) and death in the intensive care unit (p=0.008). Risk factors were identified as absence of oral diet (OR 5.11; 95% CI 1.04-25.10) and haemodialysis (OR 4.28; 95% CI 1.16-15.76). Patients on haemodialysis and with no oral diet should have their glycaemic control intensified in order to prevent and/or manage hypoglycaemic episodes.

Efficient removal of mercury from aqueous solutions and industrial effluent.

The objective of this study was to examine the ability of a solid waste produced during beneficiation of ornamental rocks to remove mercury (Hg) from an industrial effluent and aqueous solutions under various conditions. Batch studies have been carried out by observing the effects of pH, concentration of the adsorbate, contact time, and so on. Various sorption isotherm models such as Langmuir, Freundlich, and Tóth have been applied for the adsorbent. Film and intraparticle diffusion were both found to be rate-limiting steps. Adsorption was properly described by the Freundlich model (capacity constant of 0.3090 (mg g(-1))(mg L(-1))(-1/n) and adsorption intensity indicator of 2.2939), which indicated a favorable sorption and encouraged subsequent studies for treatment of Hg-containing industrial effluent. Industrial effluent treatment efficiency reached Hg removals greater than 90% by using ornamental rock solid waste (ORSW). Besides, desorption studies indicated that the maximum recovery of mercury was 100 ± 2% for 1 mol L(-1) HNO3 and 74 ± 8% for 0.1 mol L(-1) HNO3. The ORSW could be reused thrice without significant difference on the Hg removal rate from industrial effluent. These findings place ORSW as a promising efficient and low-cost adsorbent for the removal of Hg from aqueous solutions and industrial effluent.

"I don't know who you are": anomia for people's names in Alzheimer's disease.

It is well known that difficulty in the retrieval of people's names is an early symptom of Alzheimer's Disease Dementia (ADD), but there is a controversy about the nature of this deficit. In this study, we analyzed whether the nature of the difficulty in retrieving proper names in ADD reflects pre-semantic, semantic, or post-semantic difficulties. To do so, 85 older adults, 35 with ADD and 50 cognitively healthy (CH), completed a task with famous faces involving: recognition, naming, semantic questions, and naming with phonological cues. The ADD group scored lower than the CH group in all tasks. Both groups showed a greater capacity for recognition than naming, but this difference was more pronounced in the ADD group. Additionally, the ADD group showed significantly fewer semantic errors than the CH group. Overall results suggest that the difficulties people with ADD have in naming reflect a degradation at semantic level.

Efficacy of supervised exercise on sleep of women who survived breast cancer: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To analyze the efficacy of supervised exercise (SE) compared with control protocols on sleep parameters of women who survived breast cancer. METHODS: This systematic review with meta-analysis searched studies using the following electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Cochrane Library, and EMBASE. The PEDro scale assessed the bias risk, and the study protocol was registered in the PROSPERO (no. CRD42023420894). RESULTS: Of 3,566 identified studies, 13 randomized clinical trials involving 847 women diagnosed with breast cancer were included. Interventions consisted of SE in an outpatient setting (62%) or combined protocols with supervised and home exercises. Most interventions (85%) used multicomponent protocols with aerobic and resistance exercises. Usual care and health education were the most reported controls. SE decreased the sleep disturbance score (- 31.61 [95% confidence interval = - 39.40 to - 23.83]) of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaire and daytime dysfunction score (- 0.41 [95% confidence interval = - 0.73 to - 0.09]) of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Also, SE presented a tendency to improve the self-reported sleep quality score of the PSQI (p = 0.06). CONCLUSION: SE increased the subjective sleep quality and immobility time and decreased sleep disturbance and daytime dysfunction symptoms in women who survived breast cancer. Most SE protocols were multicomponent, with aerobic and resistance exercises ranging from moderate to high intensity. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Supervised exercise may improve sleep quality and reduce symptoms of sleep disorders, contributing to survival outcomes.

Glycerol-based sterilization bioindicator system from Bacillus atrophaeus: development, performance evaluation, and cost analysis.

The development of new value-added applications for glycerol is of worldwide interest because of the environmental and economic problems that may be caused by an excess of glycerol generated from biodiesel production. A novel use of glycerol as a major substrate for production of a low-cost sterilization biological indicator system (BIS; spores on a carrier plus a recovery medium) was investigated. A sequential experimental design strategy was applied for product development and optimization. The proposed recovery medium enables germination and outgrowth of heat-damaged spores, promoting a D (160 °C) value of 6.6 ± 0.1 min. Bacillus atrophaeus spores production by solid-state fermentation reached a 2.3 ± 1.2 × 10(8) CFU/g dry matter. Sporulation kinetics results allowed this process to be restricted in 48 h. Germination kinetics demonstrated the visual identification of nonsterile BIS within 24 h. Performance evaluation of the proposed BIS against dry-heat and ethylene oxide sterilization showed compliance with the regulatory requirements. Cost breakdowns were from 41.8 (quality control) up to 72.8 % (feedstock). This is the first report on sterilization BIS production that uses glycerol as a sole carbon source, with significant cost reduction and the profitable use of a biodiesel byproduct.

Evaluation of Antifungal Activity and Potential Application as Fluorescent Probes of Indolenine and Benzo[e]Indole-Based Squarylium Dyes.

The antifungal performance and the possible use as fluorescent probes of a series of squarylium dyes derived from indolenine and benzo[e]indole previously synthesized was evaluated. Some photophysical properties were performed in ethanol and phosphate buffer, and the type of aggregates form in phosphate buffer was analyzed. Using the 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran assay, a qualitative assessment of the capacity of dyes to produce singlet oxygen after irradiation was performed. Regarding the antifungal activity, this was studied through a broth microdilution assay using Saccharomyces cerevisiae PYCC 4072 as a biological model. The effect of irradiation of the dyes, with an appropriate light emitting diode system, on the antifungal activity was also evaluated, and it was verified that some of the dyes improve their activity after irradiation. Using fluorescence microscopy techniques, the colocalization of dyes in S. cerevisae cells was investigated and it was possible to verify that some of the squarylium dyes with a barbituric moiety in the four-membered central ring stained and accumulated preferentially in the mitochondrial web and perinuclear membrane of the cells. The possible use as a fluorescent probe for the detection of HSA was also evaluated for one of the dyes of the series, demonstrating a linear variation in the fluorescence intensity accompanied by the increase in the protein concentration.

A clinical model to predict successful renal replacement therapy (RRT) discontinuation in patients with Acute Kidney Injury (AKI).

INTRODUCTION: Ideal timing of Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT) discontinuation in Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is still unknown. We aimed to study the role of creatinine-related variables in predicting RRT successful discontinuation and to propose a clinical predictive score. METHODS: In this single-centre retrospective study, we evaluated all AKI patients in whom RRT was interrupted for at least 48 hours. Patients who were still RRT-independent 7 days after initial RRT cessation were included in the "Success" group and opposed to the "Failure" group. We evaluated baseline characteristics and variables collected at the time of RRT interruption, as well as the Kinetic estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (KeGFR), the simple variation in serum Creatinine (ΔsCr), and the incremental creatinine ratio on the first three days after RRT interruption. Multivariable analysis was performed to evaluate prediction of success. Internal validation using a simple binomial generalized regression model with Lasso estimation and 5-fold cross validation method was performed. RESULTS: We included 124 patients, 49 in the "Failure" group and 75 in the "Success" group. All creatinine-related variables predicted success in simple and multiple logistic regression models. The best model generated a clinical score based on the odds ratio obtained for each variable and included urine output, non-renal SOFA score, fluid balance, serum urea, serum potassium, blood pH, and the variation in sCr values after RRT discontinuation. The score presented an area under the ROC of 0.86 (95% CI 0.76‒1.00). CONCLUSION: Creatinine variation between the first 2 consecutive days after RRT discontinuation might predict success in RRT discontinuation. The developed clinical score based on these variables might be a useful clinical decision tool to guide hemodialysis catheter safe removal.

Irrigation level and substrate type on the acclimatization and development of mandacaru (Cereus jamacaru DC.): an emblematic cactus from Brazilian semiarid region.

Mandacaru is a cactus with great socioeconomic potential, but lack of information about its cultivation hinders its domestication. Here, we aimed to evaluate the acclimatization and vegetative development of mandacaru under different substrates and irrigation levels. For this, seeds inoculated in vitro were grown for 120 days, being transplanted to pots containing four types of substrate (S1-caatinga soil + gravel; S2-washed sand + organic matter + soil + charcoal; S3-washed sand + cattle manure + soil + sand; S4-commercial organic substrate). Pots were irrigated with 100% of the field capacity (FC) once-a-week, or with 50% FC twice-a-week, and kept in a greenhouse for six months. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 4 × 2 factorial scheme, with six replications. Plant height and diameter, axial and radial growth rate, fresh and dry mass of stem and root, water content, and photosynthetic pigments were determined. Growth was affected mainly by the substrate, with S4 resulting in higher growth and pigment content, while S1 was impaired and S2 and S3 resulted in intermediate growth. The use of S4 and 100% FC once per week was the best condition for mandacaru.

The accuracy of computerized biophotogrammetry in diagnosing changes in the cervical spine and its reliability for the cervical lordosis angle.

BACKGROUND: Accuracy studies of biophotogrammetry protocols require standardization similar to radiography. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the diagnostic accuracy of a biophotogrammetric assessment protocol for cervical hyperlordosis, compared to radiography, and its intra- and inter-examiner reliability for measuring the cervical lordosis angle. METHODS: A study of diagnostic accuracy in women complaining of cervical pain. Two photos were taken using the CorelDraw biophotogrammetric protocol and one radiograph using the Cobb C1-C7 method. The Intra- and Inter-examiner reliability was calculated using the Kappa index and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The Bland-Altman plot and the ROC curve were presented. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 19 women. The accuracy of biophotogrammetry was 94.73% and the reliability between biophotogrammetry and radiography presented an ICC of 0.84 and a Kappa of 0.87. The excellent intra (ICC = 0.94) and inter-examiner (ICC = 0.86) reliability of the biophotogrammetry was confirmed. The area under the ROC curve was 93.5%. The Bland-Altman plot indicated differences between the two instruments close to the mean (1.5∘). CONCLUSION: The biophotogrammetric protocol proved to be accurate in diagnosing cervical hyperlordosis, with excellent reliability between the biophotogrammetric and radiographic assessments. It also demonstrated excellent intra- and inter-examiner reliability in measuring the cervical lordosis angle.

Reference values for the cross-sectional area of the lumbar multifidus muscle in children.

BACKGROUND: The multifidus muscle plays a major role in the growth and postural control of children. Therefore, the reference values of the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the lumbar multifidus muscle represent an important tool for assessing muscle development and the early monitoring of musculoskeletal disorders. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to provide percentile scores for the CSA of the lumbar multifidus muscle in eutrophic children aged 5 to 10 years. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, observational study, involving 736 children. An anthropometric assessment was conducted and ultrasound (US) imaging was used to assess the CSA of the lumbar (vertebral level L5) multifidus muscle. The CSA was expressed as percentile scores. RESULTS: The CSA in the boys ranged from 1.8 cm2 to 5.3 cm2 and in girls from 1.9 cm2 to 5.9 cm. The CSA in the 50th percentile scores of both sexes was 3.4 cm2. There was an increase in the CSA between 5 and 7 years old in both sexes. The CSA presented a greater variance in girls than in boys. After 8 years of age, the multifidus CSA increased in girls and decreased in boys. CONCLUSION: The present study has provided percentile scores for the CSA of the lumbar multifidus muscle for eutrophic children aged 5 to 10 years. An increase was observed of the CSA of the multifidus muscle between the ages of 5 and 7 years and there were no differences in the CSA percentiles in relation to sex. An increase in the CSA after 8 years of age was only observed in the girls.

Home exercises for neck pain: A Delphi survey.

PURPOSE: The current context of the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the need for home exercise strategies for the relief of neck pain, which, in recent times, has increased. However, there is a gap regarding home exercises that are aimed at reducing neck pain. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop, validate and culturally adapt a home exercise protocol for neck pain. METHODS: This was an observational study conducted in three stages: (1) Developing an online search of databases for articles on neck pain exercises. (2) Validating a panel of 12 physical therapists, using the Delphi technique, and (3) Cultural adaptation, through face-to-face assessment with individuals aged 18-30 years with neck pain (n = 15). This resulted in the production of a final version of the protocol. Consensus on the protocol items (using the five-point Likert scale) was considered when the percent agreement was equal to or greater than 75%. Individuals were also asked about pain intensity during the last week before and after performing the protocol. RESULTS: A protocol was developed with the principles of neck and scapular stabilization and upper limb movements, for a period of 4 weeks. Nine physical therapists completed two rounds online, and all items in the second version of the protocol presented an agreement of over 75%. The protocol was culturally adapted by the target population, in which 73% of individuals presented pain reduction with a minimally clinically important difference. CONCLUSION: A 4-week home exercise protocol was created based on the best evidence in the literature, was validated by physical therapists and adapted for the population with neck pain. It proved to be an understandable, useful, practical and convenient tool in the treatment of this disorder and demonstrated an improvement in neck pain. CLINICALTRIALS: GOV: (NCT04187001).

Rock n' Seeds: A database of seed functional traits and germination experiments from Brazilian rock outcrop vegetation.

Advancing functional ecology depends fundamentally on the availability of data on reproductive traits, including those from tropical plants, which have been historically underrepresented in global trait databases. Although some valuable databases have been created recently, they are mainly restricted to temperate areas and vegetative traits such as leaf and wood traits. Here, we present Rock n' Seeds, a database of seed functional traits and germination experiments from Brazilian rock outcrop vegetation, recognized as outstanding centers of diversity and endemism. Data were compiled through a systematic literature search, resulting in 103 publications from which seed functional traits were extracted. The database includes information on 16 functional traits for 383 taxa from 148 genera, 50 families, and 25 orders. These 16 traits include two dispersal, six production, four morphological, two biophysical, and two germination traits-the major axes of the seed ecological spectrum. The database also provides raw data for 48 germination experiments, for a total of 10,187 records for 281 taxa. Germination experiments in the database assessed the effect of a wide range of abiotic and biotic factors on germination and different dormancy-breaking treatments. Notably, 8255 of these records include daily germination counts. This input will facilitate synthesizing germination data and using this database for a myriad of ecological questions. Given the variety of seed traits and the extensive germination information made available by this database, we expect it to be a valuable resource advancing comparative functional ecology and guiding seed-based restoration and biodiversity conservation in tropical megadiverse ecosystems. There are no copyright restrictions on the data; please cite this paper when using the current data in publications; also the authors would appreciate notification of how the data are used in publications.

O avanço da ecologia funcional depende fundamentalmente da disponibilidade de dados sobre traços reprodutivos, incluindo dados de plantas tropicais, que têm sido historicamente subrepresentados em bancos de dados de traços funcionais globais. Embora alguns bancos de dados valiosos tenham sido criados recentemente, eles são restritos principalmente a áreas temperadas e a traços vegetativos, como traços de folhas e madeira. Neste artigo apresentamos Rock n' Seeds, um banco de dados de traços funcionais de sementes e experimentos de germinação de vegetações associadas a afloramentos rochosos do Brasil, os quais são reconhecidos como centros notáveis de diversidade e endemismo. Os dados foram compilados através de uma revisão sistemática na literatura, resultando em 103 publicações das quais foram extraídos os traços funcionais das sementes. O banco de dados inclui informações de 16 traços funcionais para 383 taxa de 148 gêneros, 50 famílias e 25 ordens. Estes dezesseis traços incluem dois traços de dispersão, seis de produção, quatro morfológicos, dois biofísicos e dois germinativos; os eixos principais do espectro ecológico da semente. O banco de dados também fornece os dados brutos para 48 experimentos de germinação para um total de 10.187 registros para 281 taxa. Os experimentos de germinação no banco de dados avaliaram o efeito de uma ampla gama de fatores abióticos e bióticos sobre a germinação e diferentes tratamentos de quebra de dormência. Particularmente, 8.255 desses registros incluem a contagem diária da germinação. Estas informações facilitarão a síntese de dados de germinação e a utilização deste banco de dados para uma grande variedade de questões ecológicas. Dada a variedade de traços das sementes e as amplas informações sobre germinação disponibilizadas por este banco de dados, esperamos que ele seja um recurso valioso para o avanço da ecologia funcional comparativa e para orientar a restauração baseada em sementes e a conservação da biodiversidade em ecossistemas tropicais megadiversos. Não há restrições de direitos autorais sobre os dados; favor citar este artigo ao utilizar os dados nas publicações e os autores agradeceriam uma notificação de como os dados são utilizados nas publicações.

El avance de la ecología funcional depende fundamentalmente de la disponibilidad de datos sobre rasgos reproductivos-incluyendo los de las plantas tropicales-los cuales han estado poco representados en las bases de datos globales de rasgos. Aunque recientemente se han creado algunas bases de datos valiosas, estas se encuentran restringidas principalmente a las zonas templadas y a los rasgos vegetativos, como los de las hojas y la madera. En este artículo presentamos Rock n' Seeds, una base de datos de rasgos funcionales de semillas y experimentos de germinación de la vegetación asociada a afloramientos rocosos de Brasil, los cuales son destacados centros de diversidad y endemismo. Los datos se recopilaron mediante una búsqueda bibliográfica sistemática, que dio como resultado 103 publicaciones de las que se extrajeron los rasgos funcionales de las semillas. La base de datos incluye información de dieciséis rasgos funcionales para 383 taxones de 148 géneros, 50 familias y 25 órdenes. Estos rasgos incluyen dos rasgos de dispersión, seis de producción, cuatro morfológicos, dos biofísicos y dos de germinación; siendo estos los principales ejes del espectro ecológico de las semillas. La base de datos también proporciona los datos brutos de 48 experimentos de germinación, para un total de 10.187 registros de 281 taxones. Dichos experimentos de germinación evaluaron el efecto de una amplia gama de factores abióticos y bióticos sobre la germinación y de diferentes tratamientos para romper la dormancia. En particular, 8.255 de estos registros cuentan con conteos diarios de germinación. Esto facilitará la síntesis de los datos de germinación y el uso de esta base de datos para una gran diversidad de preguntas ecológicas. Dada la variedad de rasgos de las semillas y la amplia información sobre germinación que ofrece esta base de datos, esperamos que sea un recurso valioso para el avance de la ecología funcional comparativa y para orientar la restauración basada en semillas y la conservación de la biodiversidad en ecosistemas tropicales megadiversos. No hay restricciones de derechos de autor sobre los datos; se solicita citar este documento cuando se utilicen los datos en publicaciones y los autores agradecerán ser notificados sobre cómo se utilizan los datos en las publicaciones.

Sexual violence perpetrated by health professionals.

Sexual violence (SV) perpetrated by health professionals concerns any sexual conduct, whether physical or verbal (with or without contact), toward a patient. There has been little scientific study and some disagreements have emerged regarding its definition, which has even been confused with violation of professional boundaries. In this descriptive-exploratory study, we aimed to characterize this phenomenon in the Portuguese context, using a sample of 491 participants who completed an online questionnaire adapted for this study. The results showed that 8.96% of the participants (5.5% indirect victims) suffered SV by a health professional, and the sociodemographic characteristics are very similar to those of SV in other contexts. Thus, after confirming this is not a problem alien to the Portuguese reality, we discuss the practical implications for prevention and intervention with victims.

Effectiveness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation training in the teaching of family members of cardiac patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a cardiopulmonary resuscitation training in the skill acquisition of family members of heart disease patients. METHOD: A quasi-experimental study, conducted in a hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. The study participants were one or more relatives of patients with heart disease that were hospitalized at the institution. In the first phase, the participant's skills and theoretical knowledge on cardiopulmonary resuscitation were evaluated before and immediately after the training. The second phase took place one month after the training, in which the same evaluations were applied. The McNemar's and Stuart-Maxwell tests were adopted (5% significance level). RESULTS: The theoretical knowledge of family members before and after training increased and a great retention of this knowledge after 30 days of training was observed. Immediately after training, the family members showed significant improvement of skills in the 15 analyzed actions and, after one month of training, they maintained most of the acquired practices on cardiopulmonary resuscitation, except for chest compressions frequency and the time between turning on the defibrillator and delivering the shock. CONCLUSION: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation training was effective in the acquisition of theoretical and practical knowledge of the family members.

Squaraine Dyes Derived from Indolenine and Benzo[e]indole as Potential Fluorescent Probes for HSA Detection and Antifungal Agents.

Four squaraine dyes derived from 2,3,3-trimethylindolenine and 1,1,2-trimethyl-1H-benzo[e]indole with different combinations of barbituric groups attach to the central ring, having ester groups and alkyl chains in the nitrogen atoms of heterocyclic rings were synthesized. These dyes were fully characterized, and their photophysical behavior was studied in ethanol and phosphate-buffered solution. Absorption and emission bands between 631 and 712 nm were detected, with the formation of aggregates in aqueous media, which is typical of this class of dyes. Tests carried out with 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran allowed us to verify the ability of the dyes to produce singlet oxygen. The interaction of synthesized dyes with human serum albumin (HSA) was also evaluated, being demonstrated a linear correlation between fluorescence intensity and protein concentration. The antifungal potential of the dyes against the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was evaluated using a broth microdilution assay. In order to test the photosensitizing capacity of the synthesized dyes, tests were carried out in the dark and with irradiation, using a custom-built light-emitting diode that emits close to the absorption wavelength of the studied dyes. The results showed that the interaction of dyes with HSA and the antifungal activity depends on the different structural modifications of the dyes.