RESUMO Introdução As sociedades atuais e a sua constante evolução e globalização, têm demonstrado um impacto significativo na forma como se estruturam os postos de trabalho ao longo dos anos, nos quais, mais recentemente e com maior tradução mediática, se destaca a possibilidade de praticar teletrabalho, potenciada pela inovação tecnológica. Objetivos Conhecer a literatura mais recentemente publicada acerca do teletrabalho; bem como a sua relação com fatores de risco de origem psicossocial e inferir sobre a necessidade de implementação e aperfeiçoamento de políticas voltadas para promoção da saúde mental em contexto ocupacional, com enfoque na prevenção dos riscos psicossociais. Metodologia Revisão da literatura integrativa com os termos “teleworking”, “remote work”, “telework”, “telecommuting”, “psychosocial risks”, “mental health” e “occupational health”, em português e em inglês. Foram utilizadas como principais bases de dados a Pubmed, UpToDate, Clinical Key, Medscape, World Health Organization, International Labour Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bem como a Revista Portuguesa de Saúde Ocupacional e a Direção Geral de Saúde. Selecionaram-se os 24 documentos com maior relevância na temática em estudo, publicados entre 2010 e 2023. Discussão As fontes de riscos psicossociais do teletrabalho encontram-se em constante mudança e acompanham as alterações demográficas e da organização. A prática de teletrabalho parece ser uma oferta cada vez mais comum, a sua adoção em larga escala e inesperada devido à COVID-19 e coligada ao enorme avanço dos processos de digitalização, aumentaram as situações de stress tecnológico entre os trabalhadores, com possíveis consequências adversas para a saúde mental. Esta massificação do Teletrabalho, embora com o intuito de proteger os trabalhadores relativamente a um risco biológico aumentou, em diversas situações, o isolamento social, os conflitos trabalho-família e a falta de suporte social, com consequências negativas na saúde mental da população ativa. Conclusão Com o aumento deste tipo de trabalho emerge a necessidade de avaliar os fatores de risco psicossociais que surgem em conformidade, para que estes sejam reconhecidos pelos peritos em saúde ocupacional e intervencionados, assegurando assim que o teletrabalho se torna mais saudável.

ABSTRACT Introduction Our society’s characteristics, with their constant evolution and globalization, have shown a significant impact on the way jobs have been structured over the years, with one of the most highlighted aspects being the possibility of practicing telecommuting. The prevalence of telecommuting and other forms of remote work enabled by technological innovations has increased in recent years. Objectives Exploring the most recently published literature on telecommuting; examining its relationship with psychosocial risk factors and making inferences about the need for the implementation and improvement of policies aimed at promoting mental health in occupational settings, with a focus on preventing psychosocial risks. Methodology Integrative literature review using the terms "teleworking," "remote work," "telework," "telecommuting," "psychosocial risks," "mental health," and "occupational health" in both Portuguese and English. The primary databases used for the research included Pubmed, UpToDate, Clinical Key, Medscape, World Health Organization, International Labour Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Revista Portuguesa de Saúde Ocupacional” and “Direção Geral de Saúde”. A total of 24 documents with the highest relevance to the study’s theme were selected, published between 2010 and 2023. Discussion Psychosocial risks in telecommuting are undergoing constant changes and align with demographic, nature, content and organization. These changes may increase exposure to already recognized psychosocial risks or give rise to new emergent ones. The widespread and unexpected adoption of telecommuting due to COVID-19 with the simultaneous advancement of digitization processes have made telecommuting a more common practice. However, this mass adoption has increased instances of technological stress among workers, potentially leading to adverse consequences for mental health. While the widespread implementation of telecommuting aimed to protect workers from biological risks, it has, in various situations, increased social isolation, work-family conflicts, and a lack of social support, with negative consequences for the mental health of the working population. Conclusion The increasing of telecommuting in our society is leading to assess the psychosocial risk factors that arise with it, so that they are recognized by occupational health experts and intervened upon, thus ensuring that telecommuting becomes healthier.

Resumo Este artigo aborda a questão da habitação e dos aglomerados subnormais no contexto de municípios selecionados da Região Metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, e verifica a viabilidade de cumprimento da meta 11.1 dos objetivos de desenvolvimento sustentável (ODS) em escala regional. São utilizados como fontes de dados, estudos recentes encomendados e divulgados pelo Governo Federal Brasileiro e dados do Censo. Na realidade estudada, o município de Belford Roxo, com índices alarmantes de comunidades e domicílios em contexto de aglomerados subnormais, apresenta tendência de deterioração da situação da habitação. Japeri e Queimados, pelas taxas de crescimento demográfico das últimas décadas, também merecem ser monitorados. Enquanto Nova Iguaçu, Mesquita e Nilópolis, com percentuais menores de suas populações vivendo em aglomerados subnormais, apresentam condições propícias para o alcançar a meta 11.1 dos ODS até 2030.

Abstract This article addresses the issue of housing and subnormal agglomerations in selected municipalities within the Metropolitan Region of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and verifies the feasibility of achieving target 11.1 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on a regional scale. Recent studies commissioned and released by the Brazilian Federal Government and Census data are used as data sources. In the reality studied, the municipality of Belford Roxo, with alarming rates of communities and households in the context of subnormal agglomerations, shows a tendency to deteriorate the housing situation. Japeri and Queimados, due to the demographic growth rates of recent decades. Conversely, Nova Iguaçu, Mesquita, and Nilópolis, with smaller proportions of their populations living in subnormal agglomerations, present a favorable condition for achieving target 11.1 of the SDGs by 2030.

Resumen Este artículo aborda el tema de la vivienda y de las aglomeraciones subnormales en el contexto de municipios seleccionados de la Región Metropolitana de Río de Janeiro - Brasil, y verifica la viabilidad de alcanzar la meta 11.1 de los objetivos de desarrollo sostenible (ODS) a escala regional. Los estudios recientes encargados y publicados por el gobierno federal brasileño y los datos del censo se utilizan como fuentes de datos. En la realidad estudiada, el municipio de Belford Roxo, con índices alarmantes de comunidades y viviendas en el contexto de aglomeraciones subnormales, muestra una tendencia al deterioro de la situación habitacional. Japeri y Queimados, debido a las tasas de crecimiento demográfico de las últimas décadas, también merecen ser monitoreadas, mientras que Nova Iguaçu, Mesquita y Nilópolis, con porciones más pequeñas de sus poblaciones viviendo en aglomeraciones subnormales, presentan una condición favorable para alcanzar la meta 11.1 de los ODS para 2030.

Abstract This article presents a formulation for the optimization problem that minimizes the CO2 emission of pile caps with variations of geometry and pile position. The problem is defined by the design variables: concrete pile cap dimensions, rebar ratio, concrete compressive strength, the number of piles, the diameter, and length. The environmental impact was chosen as the objective function, taking CO2 emission as the main parameter. The design procedure was based on the ABNT NBR 6118:2014 (2014), and by the formulation proposed by Blévot & Frémy (1967). Also, the soil structure interaction between the cap and the piles was considered in the optimization problem. The problem was implemented using MATLAB (2016) and solved via a Genetic Algorithm native to the program. Results obtained from numerical examples were compared with structural designs solutions located in the Grande Vitória metropolitan area, Espírito Santo, Brazil and validated with a commercial software. The analyses indicate that design optimizations of pile caps considering the compressive strength of concrete, the diameter and length of piles and the optimal geometry of the pile caps may lead to significant reductions of material consumption, and consequently, a reduction of environmental impacts.

Abstract The flotation mechanism of galena with xanthate as the collector is generally explained based on the mixed potential of the pulp, in which an anodic electron transfer reaction from the collector to the mineral is combined with an O2 cathodic reduction. Sodium sulphide, often used as a mineral activator, strongly influences the pulp's mixed potential, and depending on the dosage applied, it can become a galena depressor reagent. In this way, the current study assesses galena flotability in the absence of collector, as well as in the presence of the collector potassium amyl xanthate (PAX) and sodium sulphide. The effect of an extremely cathodic potential was also studied through the addition of hydrogen peroxide. In addition, the effect of different stages in the oxidation of the galena surface on the flotability was investigated. Moreover, the zeta potential was measured and contact angle (wettability) tests were carried out. The contact angle measurements were taken for a distilled water, PAX solution and for a mixture of PAX and sodium sulphide solution on the oxidized and non-oxidized surface of galena. All the results showed that galena could be floated in all the PAX concentrations tested. It was observed that a moderate oxidation in the galena surface may contribute to an improvement of its flotation with PAX. However, extremely anodic and cathodic potentials cause flotability close to zero. The zeta potential results showed that sodium sulphide affected the interaction between PAX and galena. The measurements of the contact angle corroborated the results obtained in the microflotation tests. pulp O reduction activator pulps s applied reagent way (PAX peroxide investigated Moreover wettability (wettability out water nonoxidized non tested However zero

ABSTRACT The complexity of the digital culture crossed by the platformization of education has been the focus of research interest in different parts of the world. In this scenario, teacher education is also urged to go beyond the instrumental use of digital technologies towards critical reflection on their effects on teaching and learning processes in contemporary times. In this context, this study focuses on the understandings of Master's students in Science Education about the experience of producing and sharing digital storytellings in a curricular discipline called “Education and Technologies”. Data were collected through a questionnaire. The results indicate that the work with digital storytellings in teacher education was understood as promoting a contextualised, humanising, and emancipating praxis. They also suggest that experience boosted authorial construction as opposed to impulsive and thoughtless sharing of information. Thus, it overcame the instrumental logic of training focused on the use of 'prefabricated' technological resources by platforms and, often, without pedagogical reflexion.

Resumen La complejidad de la cultura digital atravesada por la plataformización de la educación ha sido foco de interés investigativo en diferentes partes del mundo. En este escenario, también se insta a la formación docente a ir más allá del uso instrumental de las tecnologías digitales hacia la reflexión crítica sobre sus efectos en los procesos de enseñanza y aprendizaje en la contemporaneidad. En este contexto, este estudio se centra en los entendimientos de estudiantes de maestría en Educación en Ciencias sobre la experiencia de producir y compartir narrativas digitales en una disciplina curricular llamada “Educación y Tecnologías”. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de un cuestionario. Los resultados indican que el trabajo con narrativas digitales en la formación docente fue entendido como promotor de una praxis contextualizada, humanizadora y emancipadora. También sugieren que la experiencia impulsó la construcción de una postura autoral en lugar del intercambio de información impulsivo e irreflexivo. Superó así la lógica instrumental de la formación centrada en el uso de recursos tecnológicos “prefabricados” por plataformas y, muchas veces, sin reflexión pedagógica.

RESUMO A complexidade da cultura digital atravessada pela plataformização da educação tem sido foco de interesse de pesquisas em diferentes partes do mundo. Nesse cenário, a formação de professores também é instada a ir além do uso instrumental das tecnologias digitais em direção à reflexão crítica acerca de seus efeitos nos processos de ensino e de aprendizagem na contemporaneidade. Nesse contexto, este estudo volta-se às compreensões de estudantes de mestrado em Educação em Ciências acerca da experiência de produzir e compartilhar narrativas digitais em uma disciplina curricular denominada “Educação e Tecnologias”. Os dados foram coletados por meio de questionário. Os resultados indicam que o trabalho com as narrativas digitais na formação de professores foi compreendido como promotor de uma práxis contextualizada, humanizadora e emancipadora. Também sugerem que a experiência impulsionou a construção autoral em contraposição ao compartilhamento impulsivo e irrefletido de informações. Assim, superou a lógica instrumental de formações focadas no uso de recursos tecnológicos “pré-fabricados” por plataformas e, muitas vezes, sem reflexão pedagógica.

Data assimilation has been widely used for improvement of crop models’ estimates, for example to incorporate the effects of external events or compensate calibration errors in large areas. The term describes multiple approaches for those who want to take advantage of satellite imagery to reduce uncertainty or improve accuracy of model estimates. Kalman Filters are among the most used methods for achieving these goals. But their use in new contexts, i.e., from open field to protected environments, requires untangling aspects of the pipeline that are often performed in many different ways without guidelines, such as which variables to assimilate or how to ascribe uncertainty to observations or model estimates. This study is then divided in two parts. In the first, we review details on how uncertainty is ascribed on crop model estimates and in observations for applications of the Kalman Filter and three variations of the method, i.e., the Extended, Unscented and Ensemble, as well as which state variables are often updated and the frequency with which assimilation may occur, as well as how these aspects are connected to each other. In the second part, we apply different approaches from the reviewed literature in a greenhouse tomato crop model. We use artificial data with controlled noise levels as well as artificial data generated by simulation using other tomato crop model. We assess the impacts of using different methods and different approaches for ascribing uncertainty in model estimates and in observations, by assimilating artificial observations of fruit and of mature fruit biomass. We note that covariances should not be fixed values, that there are trade-offs between ascribing model uncertainty to the state itself and to other elements of the process, that observation covariance may have been considered disproportionality higher when using some ensemble generation approaches in the EnKF, and that bias in model estimates may lead to worse outcomes even when observations are high-quality ones. While we discussed aspects that should be considered in a new environment, many of them are also important for field crops, and we concluded assimilation should follow an assessment of which variables could be useful for assimilation.

This study, a Doctorate Research excerpt, aimed to map the effects of an on-line pedagogical intervention guided on physical activity (PA) self-regulatory strategies during the pandemic at a public school. This is qualitative Research, of the pedagogical intervention type using an educational tool. 35 high school students (14 to 17 years old) were interviewed in 8 on-line focus groups. The software IRaMuTeQ was employed to interpret data. The results were organized in six classes: “Diary as in incentive to PA”, “Strategies to increase motivation”, “Choices and PA sociostructural factors”, “How preferences and social support influences PA”, “Goals and self-assessment reflections”, “PA monitoring”. Previously inactive, insufficiently active students (who identified themselves with the educational tool´s character) felt more confident to engage in PA (positive effect) using strategies taught in the intervention (PA diary). Previously physically active students rated the intervention effects as neutral, but praised critical debates on social inequalities and PA. During the intervention, some students employed simple self-regulatory strategies (graded goals), while others did not employ any due to not being something intuitive, lack of motivation, forgetting. This pedagogical intervention seems to be effective to teach the conceptual interfaces between PA, psychology, and society.

En este estudio, que forma parte de una investigación de Doctorado, nos propusimos mapear los efectos de una intervención pedagógica en línea anclada en estrategias autorreguladoras de actividad física (AF) durante la pandemia en un instituto público. Se trata de una investigación cualitativa, del tipo intervención pedagógica con ayuda de recurso didáctico. Se realizaron 8 entrevistas semiestructuradas en grupo en línea con 35 alumnos (14 a 17 años) de la enseñanza secundaria. Se utilizó el software IRaMuTeQ para interpretar los datos. Los resultados se organizaron en seis clases: "Diario como estímulo para AF", "Estrategias para aumentar la motivación", "Elecciones y factores socioestructurales para AF", "Influencia del gusto y del incentivo para AF", "Reflexiones sobre metas y autoevaluación", "Monitoreo de la AF". Alumnos anteriormente inactivos o poco activos (identificados con el personaje del recurso didáctico) se sintieron más seguros para practicar AF (efecto positivo) con estrategias enseñadas en la intervención (diario de AF). Los estudiantes físicamente activos atribuyeron un efecto neutro a la intervención, pero valoraron las reflexiones críticas sobre las desigualdades sociales y la AF. Algunos estudiantes emplearon estrategias sencillas de autorregulación (metas graduales) de forma más consistente durante la intervención, mientras que otros no las emplearon porque: no eran intuitivas; les faltó motivación; se olvidaron de hacerlo. La intervención pedagógica parece ser eficaz para la enseñanza conceptual de las interfaces entre AF, psicología y sociedad.

Neste estudo, recorte de uma pesquisa de Doutorado, objetivou-se mapear os efeitos de uma intervenção pedagógica on-line ancorada em estratégias autorregulatórias de atividade física (AF) durante a pandemia em um colégio público. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, do tipo intervenção pedagógica com auxílio de recurso didático. Foram realizadas 8 entrevistas semiestruturadas em grupo on-line com 35 estudantes (14 a 17 anos) do Ensino Médio. Utilizou-se o software IRaMuTeQ para interpretar os dados. Os resultados foram organizados em seis classes: “Diário como estímulo para AF”, “Estratégias para aumentar a motivação”, “Escolhas e fatores socioestruturais para AF”, “Influência do gosto e do incentivo para AF”, “Reflexões sobre metas e autoavaliação”, “Monitoramento da AF”. Estudantes previamente inativos ou pouco ativos (identificados com o personagem do recurso didático) sentiram-se mais confiantes para praticar AF (efeito positivo) com estratégias ensinadas na intervenção (diário de AF). Estudantes ativos fisicamente atribuíram efeito neutro à intervenção, mas valorizaram as reflexões críticas sobre as desigualdades sociais e a AF. Alguns estudantes empregaram estratégias autorregulatórias simples (metas graduais) mais consistentemente durante a intervenção, enquanto outros não as empregaram por: não ser algo intuitivo; falta de motivação; esquecimento. A intervenção pedagógica parece ser eficaz para o ensino conceitual das interfaces entre AF, psicologia e sociedade.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different colors and management of polypropylene non-woven fabric coverings and two different localized irrigation systems on the physiological characteristics and yield of industrial tomatoes. The experiment was installed in a randomized block design arranged in a split-plot scheme with four replications. Surface and subsurface drip were used in the plots, and five plant cover strategies with non-woven fabric in the subplots: i) without non-woven fabric; ii) coverage with white non-woven fabric; iii) coverage with white non-woven fabric, removed between 30 and 60 days after transplanting the seedlings; iv) coverage with red non-woven fabric; v) coverage with red non-woven fabric, removed between 30 and 60 days after transplanting. Photosynthesis, transpiration, electron transport rate, stomatal conductance, carbon concentration, total fruit yield, and water use efficiency were evaluated. ANOVA and the Scott-Knott test were used. Transpiration is favored by the white non-woven fabric and the stomatal conductance by the white and uninterrupted red one. However, the tomato yield is not influenced by the coverings, except for the red one, removed only between 30 and 60 days after transplanting, which is the worst condition for industrial tomato production. Surface and subsurface irrigation can be used with the same efficiency.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de diferentes colorações e manejos de coberturas de tela não-tecida, e de dois diferentes sistemas de irrigação localizada sobre características fisiológicas e produção de frutos do tomateiro industrial. O experimento foi instalado em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com 4 repetições, em parcelas subdivididas. Gotejamentos superficial e subterrâneo foram utilizados nas parcelas; e 5 estratégias de cobertura da planta com tela não-tecida nas subparcelas: i) sem cobertura; ii) cobertura com tela não-tecida branca; iii) tela não-tecida branca, retirado entre 30 e 60 dias após o transplante; iv) tela não-tecida vermelha; v) tela não-tecida vermelha, retirado entre 30 e 60 dias após o transplante. Avaliou-se: taxa fotossintética, de transpiração e de transporte de elétrons; condutância estomática; concentração de carbono; produção total de frutos e eficiência do uso da água. Foram utilizados ANOVA e teste de Scott-Knott. A transpiração é favorecida pelas coberturas brancas, a condutância estomática, pelas coberturas brancas e vermelha ininterrupta, porém a produtividade não é influenciada pelas coberturas, exceto a vermelha, retirada entre 30 e 60 dias após transplante, que é a pior condição para o tomate industrial. Irrigações superficial e subterrânea podem ser utilizadas com mesma eficiência.

Abstract Systemic Arterial Hypertension is a multifactorial clinical condition associated with severe outcomes such as stroke and death. One of the main modifiable risk factor for hypertension is an unhealthy diet, often characterized by the consumption of ultraprocessed foods such as sweetened beverages. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the consumption of sweetened beverages, both sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened, and the prevalence of hypertension in adults. A cross-sectional, household, population-based study with 1,162 adults from two Brazilian cities were carried out. The consumption of food groups and sweetened beverages was obtained by food frequency questionnaire and other data were self-reported. Weight, height, and waist circumference were measured. The association between sweetened beverages consumption and hypertension was analyzed using Poisson regression models, expressed as Prevalence Ratio. The prevalence of hypertension was 16.7%, with no significant difference between genders. The prevalence of consumption of sweetened beverages was 70.3% in men and 54.6% in women, being significantly higher in men. Women who consumed sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened beverages 6 to 7 days per week had 92% higher prevalence of hypertension compared to those who did not consume or consumed at a lower frequency. Furthermore, women who consumed artificially sweetened beverages at least 1 time per week had 3.36 times higher prevalence of hypertension. The habitual consumption of sweetened beverages may be an important risk factor for hypertension, especially the consumption of diet beverages, which are often marketed as healthier than sugar-sweetened beverages.

Resumen La Hipertensión Arterial Sistémica es una condición clínica multifactorial asociada a resultados graves como el ictus y la muerte. Uno de los principales factores de riesgo modificables de la hipertensión es una dieta poco saludable, a menudo caracterizada por el consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados como las bebidas endulzadas. Nuestro objetivo fue investigar la relación entre el consumo de bebidas endulzadas, tanto azucaradas como edulcoradas artificialmente, y la prevalencia de hipertensión en adultos. Se realizó un estudio transversal, domiciliario y poblacional con 1,162 adultos de dos ciudades brasileñas. El consumo de grupos de alimentos y bebidas endulzadas se obtuvo mediante cuestionario de frecuencia de alimentos y los demás datos fueron autoinformados. Se midieron el peso, la talla y el perímetro de la cintura. La asociación entre el consumo de bebidas endulzadas y la hipertensión se analizó mediante modelos de regresión de Poisson, expresados como Ratio de Prevalencia. La prevalencia de hipertensión fue del 16,7%, sin diferencias significativas entre géneros. La prevalencia de consumo de bebidas endulzadas fue del 70,3% en los hombres y del 54,6% en las mujeres, siendo significativamente mayor en los hombres. Las mujeres que consumían bebidas azucaradas y edulcoradas artificialmente entre 6 y 7 días a la semana tenían 92% mayor prevalencia de hipertensión que las que no consumían o consumían con una frecuencia menor. Además, las mujeres que consumían bebidas edulcoradas al menos 1 vez por semana tenían una prevalencia de hipertensión 3,36 veces mayor. Así pues, el consumo habitual de bebidas endulzadas puede ser un importante factor de riesgo de hipertensión, especialmente el consumo de bebidas dietéticas, que a menudo se comercializan como más saludables que las bebidas azucaradas.

ABSTRACT Integrated management is considered the best strategy to mitigate the damage caused by plant-parasitic nematodes. However, there is still limited information regarding some integrated techniques. Thus, this study aimed to assess the effects of genetic management associated with chemical control of Meloidogyne javanica in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) The experiment was installed in a greenhouse according to an 8×4 factorial design with eight replicates. The first factor was soybean cultivar (HO Juruena IPRO, resistant; Foco IPRO, HO Maracaí IPRO, and CZ 58B28 IPRO, moderately resistant; HO Mamoré IPRO, moderately susceptible; and Extrema IPRO, CZ 48B32 IPRO, and HO Aporé IPRO, susceptible). The second factor consisted of an untreated control and commercial nematicides based on abamectin, thiodicarb+imidacloprid, and fluopyram. Plants were inoculated with 2000 nematode eggs, and nematode and vegetative variables were evaluated at 65 d after inoculation. There was an interaction effect on nematode variables. Furthermore, there was an additive effect of genetic management and chemical control, mainly in resistant cultivars treated with thiodicarb+imidacloprid or fluopyram with controls of up to 69.90% and 96.86%, respectively. The application of fluopyram and the use of ‘HO Juruena IPRO’, ‘Foco IPRO’, or ‘HO Maracaí IPRO’ also contributed to the control of M. javanica. Vegetative variables were studied by analyzing product effects separately, but results were inconclusive.

Introduction Muscle mass assessment of critically ill patients is essential to be part of the nutritional diagnosis in hospital care. Thus, the evaluation of more specific techniques for that purpose is needed. The present study aimed to investigate the association of quadriceps muscle thickness (QMT), measured by ultrasound (US), with the nutritional status of critically ill patients in a referral high-complexity trauma care hospital. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the intensive care units (ICUs) in a tertiary hospital in Brazil. The sample comprised 30 critically ill trauma patients admitted between February and March 2022. The methodology involved evaluating muscle mass and comparing nutritional status through mid-upper arm circumference measurements and US assessments. Specifically, the QMT was quantified using US at a predefined site between the iliac crest and the proximal border of the patella. Results The Kruskal-Wallis test indicated variability in QMT between the nutritional status groups, with statistical significance reached after excluding the overweight group (H(2) = 7.532, p = 0.023). The moderate malnutrition group exhibited notably lower QMT. Sensitivity analyses using bootstrap and Monte Carlo methods showed moderate trends toward significance. A positive correlation was found between QMT and mid-upper arm circumference adequacy (p < 0.05), demonstrating fair to moderate correlation (rs = 0.531). Conclusion Significant changes in QMT were detected by ultrasound assessment in moderate malnutrition patients compared to patients of other nutritional statuses. Ultrasound may be a valuable technique for monitoring muscle integrity in critically ill patients.

Abstract Background: One of the main adverse reactions of adjuvant radiotherapy for breast cancer is radiodermatitis. Objective: To assess the incidence of radiodermatitis in women with breast cancer, identify factors associated with its severity and determine the time at which this event occurs. Methods: Prospective cohort study in 113 women with breast cancer who were evaluated before radiotherapy and at every fifth session until the end of treatment. Logistic regression and Cox proportional regression model were used for the assessment of risk factors; P values < 0.05 were considered significant. Results: The incidence rate of radiodermatitis was 98.2% and it was demonstrated that for each additional point of the Body Mass Index (BMI), the chance of occurrence of grades II to IV radiodermatitis increases by 14% (OR = 1.14 [95% CI 1.04–1.26]; p = 0.004) and statin use increases the risk of more severe skin lesions by four-fold (OR = 4.27 [95% CI 1.11–16.42]; p = 0.035). The exclusive use of hydrogel for skin hydration was an independent factor in delaying the onset of radiodermatitis (HR = 0.55 [95% CI 0.36–0.82]; p = 0.004). Study limitations: The main limitation of this study was its external validity. The identified factors should be considered for services and populations similar to those in this study. Conclusions: There was a high incidence of radiodermatitis and its severity was related to higher BMI, statin use; there was a protective effect of hydrogel use.

Resumo Com o crescente interesse no seu cultivo, estudos na produção de pitaya ((Selenicereus undatus (Haw.) D.R. Hunt, família Cactaceae) é de fundamental importância quando se busca novas técnicas para o incremento do cultivo e garantia de um pomar homogêneo e produtivo. Objetivou-se avaliar a influência do uso de diferentes concentrações de ácido giberélico e do estágio de maturação de frutos na germinação de sementes e vigor de plântulas de pitaya vermelha da polpa branca, tendo em vista a qualidade fisiológica de mudas produzidas a fim de subsidiar trabalhos de melhoramento genético e conservação da espécie. Foram utilizadas sementes de frutos de pitaya vermelha da polpa branca em dois estágios de maturação (fisiologicamente maduros e conservados à 10°C em BOD por 3 meses), tratadas com diferentes concentrações de ácido giberélico: 0, 50, 100 e 500 mg/L. Foi possível observar que houve influência do armazenamento de frutos na germinação, emergência e crescimento das plântulas em função das concentrações de ácido giberélico. Assim, verifica-se que, no caso de sementes extraídas de frutos maduros de pitaya vermelha da polpa branca, quando semeadas nas condições do presente estudo, é necessário a utilização de GA3 para incrementar a emergência e o vigor das plântulas, com doses ótimas variando entre 150 e 300 mg/L. No caso da necessidade em armazenar os frutos de pitaya para a posterior retirada de sementes, também nas mesmas condições de semeadura do presente estudo, observa-se que, em síntese, é necessária a utilização de GA3, porém em doses maiores do que o observado no primeiro, sendo de, no mínimo, 500 mg/L. O presente estudo mostra que há influência do estágio de maturação dos frutos de pitaya vermelha de polpa branca para retirada de sementes sobre a qualidade das mudas, concluindo que o uso de sementes extraídas de frutos maduros, sem fermentação, é mais adequado para esta finalidade.

Abstract With increased interest in cultivation, the study of white-fleshed pitahaya (Selenicereus undatus (Haw.) D.R. Hunt, Cactaceae family) seedling production is of fundamental importance in the search for novel techniques to increase cultivation and guarantee homogeneous and productive orchards. The present study investigated the influence of various gibberellic acid (GA3) concentrations and fruit maturation stages on seed germination and vigor of white-fleshed pitahaya seedlings, considering the physiological quality of seedlings produced to support genetic breeding and conservation programs of the species. White-fleshed pitahaya seeds at two maturation stages (physiologically ripe and maintained at 10 °C in Biochemical Oxygen Demand incubators for three months) were treated with varying GA3 concentrations of 0, 50, 100, and 500 mg/L. We observed the influence of fruit storage on seedling germination, emergence, and growth as a function of GA3 concentration. According to the results, seeds extracted from ripe white-fleshed pitahaya fruits grown under the conditions tested here required GA3 application to increase seedling emergence and vigor, with optimal doses in the 150–300-mg/L range. In the case of pitahaya fruits intended for storage for future seed removal and maintained under the same sowing conditions, the application of higher doses of GA3 was necessary when compared to the previous condition, with a minimum dose of 500 mg/L GA3. The present study shows that the maturation stage of white-fleshed pitahaya fruits intended for seed removal influences the quality of seedlings; therefore, the use of seeds extracted from ripe pitahaya fruits without fermentation is more appropriate for the purpose.

Resumo Relatos da medicina popular costumam atuar como referencial para o desenvolvimento de novos fármacos a partir de moléculas naturais com ações terapêuticas para doenças de alta gravidade e prevalência como o câncer. Bromelia antiacantha Bertol. é uma espécie da família Bromeliaceae, considerada uma planta alimentícia não convencional (PANC), encontrada nas regiões sul e centro-oeste do Brasil. Apesar do alto teor nutritivo e potencial farmacológico de seus frutos, poucos estudos científicos relatam suas ações biológicas. Desta forma, este estudo avalia o perfil fitoquímico de extratos aquoso e etanólico obtidos de frutos de B. antiacantha, bem como a sua possível ação antioxidante, antitumoral e citotóxica. O extrato aquoso apresentou compostos fenólicos e flavonoides, enquanto os extratos etanólicos apontam a presença de flavonóides e cumarina em sua composição, independente da região de coleta. O extrato etanólico demonstrou efeito antioxidante mais promissor do que o extrato aquoso e também induziu uma inibição significativa na viabilidade de células humanas de câncer cervical da linhagem SiHa. Além disso, o tratamento com ambos extratos não alterou a viabilidade de células não tumorais da linhagem de queratinócitos humanos imortalizados (HaCaT). Estes dados trazem novas informações sobre extratos obtidos de uma espécie vegetal nativa, comestível e já utilizada tradicionalmente, mas abrindo novas perspectivas quanto a possíveis aplicações terapêuticas.

Abstract Reports from popular medicine usually act as a basis for the development of new drugs from natural compounds with therapeutic actions for serious diseases and prevalence such as cancer. Bromelia antiacantha Bertol. is a species of the Bromeliaceae family, considered an unconventional food plant, found in the south and midwest regions of Brazil. Despite the high nutritional content and pharmacological potential of its fruits, few scientific studies report its biological actions. Thus, this study evaluates the phytochemical profile of aqueous and ethanol extracts obtained from B. antiacantha fruits, as well as their possible antioxidant, antitumor, and cytotoxic activities. The aqueous extract exhibited phenolic compounds and flavonoids, while ethanol extracts indicated the presence of flavonoids and coumarin in their composition, regardless of the region of collection. The ethanolic extract demonstrated a more promising antioxidant effect than the aqueous extract and also induced a significant inhibition in the viability of human cervical cancer cells of the SiHa strain. In addition, treatment with both extracts did not alter the viability of non-tumor cells of the immortalized human keratinocyte lineage (HaCaT). These results bring new data about extracts obtained from a native plant, edible and traditionally used in popular medicine, opening new perspectives for its possible therapeutic application.

Resumo O Brasil é o maior produtor de figos da América do Sul, porém o cultivo comercial brasileiro da figueira baseia-se na plantação de uma única cultivar, o Roxo-de-Valinhos, resultando em sérios problemas relativos a pragas e doenças. Uma vez que há variações epigenéticas na interação planta-patógeno, principalmente por meio da regulação gênica, o presente trabalho objetiva realizar a caracterização in vivo de acessos de figo, por meio da análise de incidência natural de nematoides formadores de galha e de incidência natural de ferrugem, correlacionada ao seu perfil epigenômico, a fim de subsidiar trabalhos de conservação, melhoramento genético e produção da cultura. A análise dos componentes principais dos dados da caracterização dos acessos foi realizada por meio da matriz de correlação residual obtida pela análise de variância conjunta utilizando o programa GENES. Pôde-se constatar que todas as plantas foram atacadas por este patógeno, evidenciando que são suscetíveis ao mesmo. Já a análise conjunta dos dados demonstrou que a metilação e a incidência de ferrugem em folhas, quando observadas na mesma fase fenológica da planta, se correlacionam, apresentando evidências iniciais de mesmas cargas fatoriais de pressão nos genótipos, com a premissa de comportamento semelhante nos mesmos, indicando que, além do fator genético, fatores abióticos também são responsáveis pelas alterações no fenótipo das plantas, evidenciando a plasticidade fenotípica das mesmas.

Abstract Commercial fig tree cultivation in Brazil involves a single cultivar, ‘Roxo-de-Valinhos’. The use of a single cultivar results in serious diseases and related problems. The aim of this study was to characterize fig accessions by analyzing the natural root-knot nematode and leaf rust incidence in relation to the epigenomic profile of the plant, since epigenetic variations affect plant–pathogen interactions. All plants were attacked by nematodes, indicating susceptibility; Meloidogyne incognita was the root-knot nematode species involved. Joint analysis of data showed that methylation and leaf rust incidence were correlated when observed in the same phenological phase, presenting initial evidence of the same factorial pressure loads in genotypes, suggesting similar behavior within these genotypes.