Production and performance of sugarcane seeds (caryopses) from different hybridizations involving RB92579.

A major challenge in sugarcane breeding program is the obtaining of enough number of seeds (caryopses) for the development of new improved cultivars. Genotypes differ in their function as pollen recipient and pollen donor, which also affect the seed performance. Thus, the aim of this study was to verify the production and performance of sugarcane seeds from different hybridizations involving RB92579 as pollen recipient and pollen donor. Twelve bi-parental crossings were carried out involving RB92579 and other different genotypes randomly chosen. Seed production potential was evaluated by percentage of fertile spikelets and caryopsis fresh weight. The seed physiological potential was determined by evaluating germination and vigor (index of germination rate, number of normal seedlings per gram of fuzz, and seedling dry weight). The results showed better performance for RB92579 as pollen donor for all characteristics studied. Therefore, RB92579 sugarcane cultivar should be used as pollen donor during hybridizations, condition that permits a greater production and physiological performance of seeds for the sugarcane breeding programs.

Photosynthetic capacity and water use efficiency in Ricinus communis (L.) under drought stress in semi-humid and semi-arid areas.

Castor bean is one of the crops with potential to provide raw material for production of oils for biodiesel. This species possess adaptive mechanisms for maintaining the water status when subjected to drought stress. A better understanding these mechanisms under field conditions can unravel the survival strategies used by this species. This study aimed to compare the physiological adaptations of Ricinus communis (L.) in two regions with different climates, the semi-arid and semi-humid subject to water stress. The plants showed greater vapor pressure deficit during the driest hours of the day, which contributed to higher values of the leaf temperature and leaf transpiration, however, the VPD(leaf-air) had the greatest effect on plants in the semi-arid region. In both regions, between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., the plants presented reduction in the rates of photosynthesis and intracellular CO2 concentration in response to stomatal closure. During the dry season in the semi-arid region, photoinhibition occurred in the leaves of castor bean between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. These results suggest that castor bean plants possess compensatory mechanisms for drought tolerance, such as: higher stomatal control and maintenance of photosynthetic capacity, allowing the plant to survive well in soil with low water availability.

Sugars levels of four sugarcane genotypes in different stem portions during the maturation phase.

Maturation is a characteristic of sugarcane plant (Saccharum spp.) and even when grown under the same soil and climate conditions the varieties differ on the maturation curve. Thus, studies that allow establishing maturation curves of different sugarcane genotypes in the local soil and climate may indicate the proper harvesting period to ensure better quality of the raw material. This study aimed to analyze the levels of soluble sugars during the maturation phase and assess the technological and productivity indexes of four irrigated sugarcane genotypes in the region of Rio Largo, Alagoas. The experiment was conducted in randomized blocks in a 4 x 2 x 5 factorial: four genotypes (RB92579, RB98710, RB99395 and RB961003), two stem portions (internodes 1-4 and internodes 5-8) and five seasons (82, 49, 25, 13 and 3 days before harvesting), each treatment with three replications. Internodes 1-4 showed the highest levels of reducing sugars, while the largest accumulation of sucrose and total soluble solids occurred in internodes 5-8. RB99395 genotype showed more stability in the sugar levels during sugarcane maturation, which can indicate early maturation and high agricultural yield.

Interactive Video Gaming Improves Functional Balance in Poststroke Individuals: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of interactive video games on functional balance and mobility in poststroke individuals. The Health Science databases accessed included Medline via PubMed, LILACS, SciELO, and PEDro. The inclusion criteria were as follows: clinical studies evaluating the use of interactive video games as a treatment to improve functional balance and mobility in individuals poststroke and studies published in the Brazilian Portuguese, English, or Spanish language between 2005 and April 2016. PEDro Scale was used to analyze the methodological quality of the studies. The Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) data were evaluated using a meta-analysis, the publication bias was assessed by funnel plots, and the heterogeneity of the studies by I2 statistic. Eleven studies were included in the final analysis. Functional balance improved in individuals treated using interactive video games (mean difference = 2.24, 95% confidence interval [0.45, 4.04], p = .01), but no improvement was observed in mobility as measured by TUGT. The studies presented low heterogeneity (24%). The mean score on the PEDro Scale was 6.2 ± 1.9. Interactive video games were effective in improving functional balance but did not influence the mobility of individuals poststroke.

Effects of Kinesio Taping on breast cancer-related lymphedema: A meta-analysis in clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Lymphedema is known as a secondary complication of breast cancer treatment, caused by reduction on lymphatic flow and lymph accumulation on interstitial space. The Kinesio Taping (KT) has become an alternative treatment for lymphedema volume reduction. The objective of the study was to evaluate the literature through a systematic review on KT effects on lymphedema related to breast cancer. METHODS: Search strategies were performed by the following keywords: "Kinesio Taping," "Athletic Tape," "Cancer," "Neoplasm," "Lymphedema," and "Mastectomy" with derivations and different combinations. The following databases were accessed: SCIELO, LILACS, MEDLINE via PubMed, and PEDro, between 2009 and 2016. Studies published in English, Portuguese, and Spanish were considered for inclusion. The studies' methodological quality was assessed by the PEDro scale. RESULTS: Seven studies were identified by the search strategy and eligibility. All of them showed positive effect in reducing lymphedema (perimeter or volume) before versus after treatment. However, with no effects comparing the KT versus control group or others treatments (standardized mean difference = 0.04, confidence interval 95%: -0.24; 0.33), the average score of the PEDro scale was 4.71 points. CONCLUSIONS: KT was effective on postmastectomy lymphedema related to breast cancer; however, it is not more efficient than other treatments.

Estimulação cognitiva em adultos e idosos de uma Faculdade Aberta à Terceira Idade / Cognitive stimulation in adults and elderly of a Faculty Open to Senior Citizens / Estimulación cognitiva en adultos y ancianos en una Universidad Abierta a Personas Mayores

Este artigo tem como objetivo investigar a efetividade de um treinamento de estimulação cognitiva (EC) em adultos e idosos participantes de uma Faculdade Aberta da Terceira Idade (FATI). Trata-se de um estudo exploratório e intervencionista, em que foram realizadas intervenções de estimulação cognitiva em um grupo de adultos e idosos participantes da FATI, n=19. Esperamos que este artigo contribua com as discussões e intervenções em estimulação cognitiva na área da Gerontologia, contribuindo para uma melhor sistematização das pesquisas aplicadas.

This article aims to investigate the effectiveness of a cognitive stimulation (CE) training in adults and elderly participants of a Faculty Open to Senior Citizens (FATI). This is an exploratory and interventional study in which cognitive stimulation interventions were performed in a group of adults and elderly participants of the FATI, n=19. We hope that this article contributes to the discussions and interventions in cognitive stimulation in the area of Gerontology, contributing to a better systematization of applied research.

Este artículo tiene como objetivo investigar la efectividad del entrenamiento de estimulación cognitiva (CE) en adultos y ancianos participantes de un Open College of the Third Age (FATI). Este es un estudio exploratorio e intervencionista en el que se realizaron intervenciones de estimulación cognitiva en un grupo de adultos y ancianos participantes de FATI, n = 19. Esperamos que este artículo contribuya a las discusiones e intervenciones sobre la estimulación cognitiva en el campo de la gerontología, contribuyendo a una mejor sistematización de la investigación aplicada.

Sugars levels of four sugarcane genotypes in different stem portions during the maturation phase

ABSTRACT Maturation is a characteristic of sugarcane plant (Saccharum spp.) and even when grown under the same soil and climate conditions the varieties differ on the maturation curve. Thus, studies that allow establishing maturation curves of different sugarcane genotypes in the local soil and climate may indicate the proper harvesting period to ensure better quality of the raw material. This study aimed to analyze the levels of soluble sugars during the maturation phase and assess the technological and productivity indexes of four irrigated sugarcane genotypes in the region of Rio Largo, Alagoas. The experiment was conducted in randomized blocks in a 4 x 2 x 5 factorial: four genotypes (RB92579, RB98710, RB99395 and RB961003), two stem portions (internodes 1-4 and internodes 5-8) and five seasons (82, 49, 25, 13 and 3 days before harvesting), each treatment with three replications. Internodes 1-4 showed the highest levels of reducing sugars, while the largest accumulation of sucrose and total soluble solids occurred in internodes 5-8. RB99395 genotype showed more stability in the sugar levels during sugarcane maturation, which can indicate early maturation and high agricultural yield.

Photosynthetic capacity and water use efficiency in Ricinus communis (L) under drought stress in semi-humid and semi-arid areas

ABSTRACT Castor bean is one of the crops with potential to provide raw material for production of oils for biodiesel. This species possess adaptive mechanisms for maintaining the water status when subjected to drought stress. A better understanding these mechanisms under field conditions can unravel the survival strategies used by this species. This study aimed to compare the physiological adaptations of Ricinus communis (L.) in two regions with different climates, the semi-arid and semi-humid subject to water stress. The plants showed greater vapor pressure deficit during the driest hours of the day, which contributed to higher values of the leaf temperature and leaf transpiration, however, the VPD(leaf-air) had the greatest effect on plants in the semi-arid region. In both regions, between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., the plants presented reduction in the rates of photosynthesis and intracellular CO2 concentration in response to stomatal closure. During the dry season in the semi-arid region, photoinhibition occurred in the leaves of castor bean between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. These results suggest that castor bean plants possess compensatory mechanisms for drought tolerance, such as: higher stomatal control and maintenance of photosynthetic capacity, allowing the plant to survive well in soil with low water availability.

Reflexões sobre o envelhecimento humano e o futuro: questões de ética, comunicação e educação / Reflections on human aging and the future: ethics, communication and education issues

O acelerado envelhecimento populacional e o aumento da longevidade no Brasil trazem muitos problemas que afetam a população idosa, como a manutenção de sua saúde e uma boa qualidade de vida. Passa então a existir uma preocupação ética com a qualidade dos programas dedicados AA essa faixa etária e a formação e capacitação de profissionais que atendam a essa demanda. Atualmente, há uma grande necessidade de um novo posicionamento social ante essas questões, justificando a realização de uma reflexão sobre os aspectos éticos, da comunicação inter e intrageracional e da educação para o envelhecimento, desafios a serem enfrentados pela sociedade brasileira contemporânea. È o que propõe este estudo, que trata do idoso na sua relação com a sociedade atual.

The accelerated aging of the population and the increase in longevity in Brazil bring many problems that affect the elderly population, such as the maintenance of their health and a good quality of life. For this reason, there is now an ethical concern about the quality of programs targeted at this age group the training and qualification of professionals to meet this demand. Currently, there is great need for a new social positioning in relation to these issues, which justifies the implementation of a reflection on ethical, inter- and intra-generational communication and aging education, the challenges to be faced by the Brazilian society. This is what this study proposes, dealing with the elderly in their relationship with contemporary society.