RESUMO A soja está entre as principais culturas do mundo, pois é uma excelente fonte de proteínas, micronutrientes e óleo. Considerando que o estresse abiótico afeta o agronegócio, acarretando em perdas, a produtividade de grãos da cultura deve ser mantida mesmo sob altas temperaturas. Nesse contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi selecionar marcadores relacionados à produtividade da soja, avaliada em altas temperaturas, por meio de mapeamento associativo. A população de mapeamento incluiu 80 PIs de soja e 15 controle. Para a fenotipagem, os genótipos foram avaliados em altas temperaturas em um experimento realizado em Teresina (estado do Piauí) e foram avaliados quatro caracteres de interesse agronômico: altura da planta na maturidade, valor agronômico, peso de 100 sementes e rendimento de grãos. A genotipagem foi realizada por meio da Affymetrix Platform (180 K Axiom® Soybean Genotyping Array) e o desequilíbrio de ligação entre pares de marcadores foi calculado por meio do coeficiente de determinação, por meio do teste de permutação rápida. A análise da associação entre os marcadores e o fenótipo de interesse foi realizada por meio de uma abordagem de modelo linear generalizado, incluindo dados de fenotipagem, marcadores SNP e informações sobre a estrutura populacional. Os resultados revelaram que 34,06% dos loci apresentaram desequilíbrio de ligação significativo (p < 0,001), sendo encontradas 16 associações significativas para os quatro caracteres relacionados à tolerância ao calor. Essas associações podem auxiliar os melhoristas que buscam incorporar a tolerância a altas temperaturas em programas de melhoramento genético da soja via seleção assistida por marcadores.

ABSTRACT Soybeans are among the world’s main crops because they are excellent sources of proteins, micronutrients, and oil. Considering that abiotic stress affects agribusiness, resulting in losses, the grain yield of the crop must be maintained even at high temperatures. In this context, the objective of this study was to select markers related to soybean yield assessed under high temperatures, using associative mapping. The mapping population included 80 soybean PIs and 15 controls. For phenotyping, genotypes were evaluated at high temperatures in an experiment conducted in Teresina (in the state of Piauí) and four characters of interest for agronomy were evaluated: height of the plant when mature, agronomic value, 100-seed weight, and grain yield. Genotyping was carried out using the Affymetrix Platform (180 K Axiom® Soybean Genotyping Array), and the imbalance in the connection between pairs of markers was calculated through the coefficient of determination using the fast permutation test. The analysis of the association between markers and the phenotype of interest was carried out using a generalized linear model approach, including phenotyping data, SNP markers, and information on population structure. The results revealed that 34.06% of loci showed a significant linkage disequilibrium (p < 0.001), and 16 significant associations were found for the four characters related to heat tolerance. These associations can aid breeders that aim to incorporate high temperature tolerance in programs of soybean genetic improvement via selection assisted by markers.

ABSTRACT Growth analysis (GA) is used to quantify plant development based on morphophysiological changes. GA is a practical tool to evaluate nursery techniques to make them more efficient. The objective of this essay was to quantity measure morphophysiological growth variables of Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla and Hymenaea courbaril (jatoba) container seedlings to characterize growth stages. The essay was conducted in a shade house located in the western state of Paraná. GA analyses were performed at 10-day intervals on seedlings of both species. When evaluating Hymenaea courbaril seedlings results indicated increased values of height, diameter, root and shoot dry biomass up to 130 days after emergence (DAE). Seedling growth stage-based GA were 70, 100 and 130 DAE for the Eucalyptus hybrid and 50, 80, and 110 DAE for jatoba which presented accelerated, intermediate and reduced seedling growth.

Abstract Exogenous application of stress inductors can facilitate and accelerate some biological responses that promote plant defense. The objective of the experiment was to quantify some compounds linked to nitrogen metabolism as a function of the application of salicylic acid in Schinus terebinthifolius seedlings submitted to water deficit. The experiment was constituted of four doses of salicylic acid and three periods of water deficit. Quantifications included levels of nitrate, free ammonium, total soluble amino acids, proteins, proline, glycine-betaine and relative water content. When evaluating the relative water content in seedlings of Schinus terebinthifolius at 8 days, it was observed that the dose of 200 mg L-1. Seedlings showed physiological responses when subjected to doses of salicylic acid of 200 and 300 mg L-1. The increase in concentration of proline and glycine are advantageous, because these substances act as osmoregulators and cell protectors against deficit hydrical.

Resumo O parasito pulmonar Dictyocaulus viviparus tem um papel importante na saúde e produtividade bovina em todo o mundo, uma vez que infecções podem levar a perdas econômicas. Além de sua importância, poucos estudos que investigam aspectos epidemiológicos das infecções por esse parasito têm sido realizados. Objetivou-se, nesta pesquisa, relatar a ocorrência de infecção por nematódeos pulmonares em rebanhos bovinos de corte, criados em uma importante área de produção pecuária, na região Nordeste do Brasil. De setembro de 2020 a agosto de 2021, foram coletadas, mensalmente, amostras fecais (n = 493) de 46 bovinos de corte. De todos os animais avaliados, larvas de nematódeos pulmonares foram detectadas em 8,7% (4/46). Os animais não apresentaram nenhum sinal clínico sugestivo de infecção por parasitos pulmonares. Vinte larvas foram recuperadas, com o número mínimo (n = 1) detectado em outubro e dezembro, e o número máximo (n = 13) em novembro. Apresentavam comprimento médio de 363 μm (± 28,65 μm), largura média de 19 μm (±1,03 μm) e eram morfologicamente semelhantes a Dictyocaulus sp.. Este estudo relata a ocorrência desse parasito nesta área. Logo, os veterinários locais devem estar atentos à inclusão desse parasito no diagnóstico diferencial de outras infecções respiratórias em bovinos de corte.

Abstract The lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus has an important role in cattle health and productivity worldwide, since infections can lead to substantial economic losses. Despite its importance, few studies investigating the epidemiological aspects of infection by this parasite have been conducted. The aim of this study was to report the occurrence of lungworm infection in beef cattle herds reared in an area of livestock production in the northeastern region of Brazil. From September 2020 to August 2021, monthly fecal samples (n = 493) were collected from 46 beef cattle. Among all the animals assessed, lungworm larvae were detected in 8.7% (4/46). None of them presented any clinical sign suggestive of infection by lungworm parasites. Twenty larvae were retrieved, with the minimum number (n = 1) detected in October and December, and the maximum number (n = 13) in November. These presented a mean length of 363 μm (± 28.65 μm) and mean width of 19 μm (± 1.03 μm), and were morphologically similar to Dictyocaulus sp.. This study reports the occurrence of this parasite in this livestock production area. Lastly, local veterinarians need to be aware of inclusion of this parasite in the differential diagnosis of other respiratory infections in beef cattle.

Resumo Os conhecimentos de centenas de comunidades tradicionais brasileiras sobre o uso de plantas e animais nativos, bem como a biodiversidade do país atraem a biopirataria. Esses recursos vêm sendo explorados por empresas para fabricação de medicamentos, alimentos, químicos e cosméticos. Em 2015, o Brasil sancionou a Nova Lei da Biodiversidade, Lei nº 13.123/2015. A repartição de benefícios para as comunidades quilombolas fica garantida com essa Nova Lei? Este artigo tem o objetivo de analisar essa Lei, verificando se houve avanços em relação à legislação anterior, Medida Provisória nº 2.186-16/2001. A pesquisa, com base em revisão da literatura, teve caráter bibliográfico e exploratório. Além da revisão, foi encaminhado um questionário com perguntas semiestruturadas para 30 comunidades quilombolas, porém somente duas destas responderam, inviabilizando constatar se essa lei vem atender aos anseios dessas comunidades no que diz respeito à repartição dos benefícios. O estudo permitiu concluir que, apesar de trazer inovações, a Nova Lei de Biodiversidade não impede que a biopirataria continue ocorrendo.

Abstract The knowledge of hundreds of traditional Brazilian communities about the use of native plants and animals as well as the country's biodiversity attracts biopiracy. These resources are being exploited by companies for the manufacture of medicines, foods, chemicals and cosmetics. In 2015 Brazil sanctioned the New Biodiversity Law, Law No. 13,123 / 2015. Is the benefit sharing for the ‘quilombola’ communities (ex-slave communites) guaranteed by this New Law? The article aims to analyze this law, checking if there have been advances in relation to the previous legislation, Provisional Measure No. 2.186-16 / 2001. The research, based on literature review, had a bibliographic and exploratory character. In addition to the review, a questionnaire with semi-structured questions was sent to 30 ‘quilombola’ communities, but only two of them answered, making it impossible to ascertain whether this law meets the aspirations of these communities with regard to benefit sharing. The study concluded that, despite bringing innovations, the New Biodiversity Law does not prevent biopiracy from continuing.

RESUMO: O glifosato é um herbicida de amplo espectro capaz de controlar uma grande diversidade de ervas daninhas e seu uso pode acarretar na ocorrência de resíduos, seja em culturas convencionais ou geneticamente modificadas. Sendo assim, amostragens de grãos de soja e milho e de sementes de algodão foram realizadas em áreas comerciais nas safras de 2012/2013 a 2017/2018 em diferentes regiões agrícolas brasileiras com o objetivo de monitorar os níveis de resíduos de glifosato e seu metabólito (ácido aminometilfosfônico - AMPA) após diferentes manejos. Os níveis de resíduos de glifosato em milho geneticamente modificados (GM) tolerante ao glifosato variaram desde não detectados (ND) a até 0,15 mg kg-1, em soja GM tolerante ao glifosato os valores variaram de ND a 2,81 mg kg-1 e em algodão GM tolerante ao glifosato os resultados se estabeleceram entre ND a 1,78 mg kg-1. Os valores de resíduos de AMPA indicaram correlação com os resíduos de glifosato. Os níveis de resíduos de glifosato em grãos de soja e milho e sementes de algodão ficaram dentro dos Limites Máximos de Resíduos (LMRs) preconizados pela ANVISA e Codex Alimentarius.

ABSTRACT: Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide capable of controlling a wide range of weed. It uses could cause the occurrence of residues in conventional or genetically modified crops. For this purpose, grains (soybean and corn) and cotton seeds were sampled from commercial areas in 2012/2013 to 2017/2018 seasons in different Brazilian agricultural regions to monitor glyphosate residues levels and its metabolite (aminomethylphosphonic acid - AMPA) after different managements. The glyphosate residues levels in genetically modified corn (GM) ranged from no detected (ND) to 0.15 mg kg-1, in GM soybean values ranged from ND to 2.81 mg kg-1 and in GM cotton ranged from ND to 1.78 mg kg-1. AMPA residues levels indicated a correlation with the glyphosate residues. Glyphosate residues levels in soybean and corn grains and cotton seeds were within the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) established by ANVISA and Codex Alimentarius.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) is a common clinical condition. Emotional and behavioral issues are increasing among children and adolescents, with stress indicating difficulties in personal and social functioning. This study evaluated whether urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is associated with stress. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, analytical study with 6-14-year-old patients with LUTS and no anatomical/neurogenic urinary tract abnormalities was conducted using the Dysfunctional Voiding Scoring System, a psychological assessment and the Child Stress Scale. The overall stress score was analyzed in relation to the psychological assessment data. Answers to the seven specific DVSS urinary questions were compared with those for the four Child Stress Scale domains. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. The chi-square test and Pearson's correlation were used to determine associations. Significance was defined as p <0.05. Results: Most children were male (56%). Mean age was 9.0±2.25 years. Stress was detected in 20 out of 98 patients (20.4%; 95% CI: 13-30%). Of these, 90% were born from unplanned pregnancies and 67% were upset about their disorder. All the Child Stress Scale domains were significantly associated with urinary dysfunction, with dysuria being significantly associated with all four domains. In the multivariate analysis, dysuria was the only symptom that remained associated with stress. Associations with stress strengthened as the frequency of dysuria increased: physical reactions (p <0.01), emotional reactions (p <0.05), psychological reactions with a depressive component (p <0.01) and psychophysiological reactions (p <0.05). Conclusion: Stress levels are higher in children and adolescents with LUTS who have more severe symptoms. Dysuria was the symptom most associated with stress, both in the physical reactions domain, in the psychological reactions domains with or without a depressive component and in the psychophysiological reactions domain.

ABSTRACT Purpose: The 8th edition of the TNM has been updated and improved in order to ensure a high degree of clinical relevance. A major change in prostate includes pathologically organ - confined disease to be considered pT2 and no longer subclassified by extent of involvement or laterality. The aim of this study was to validate this major change. Materials and Methods: Prostates were step - sectioned from 196 patients submitted to radical prostatectomy with organ confined disease (pT2) and negative surgical margins. Tumor extent was evaluated by a semiquantitative point count method. The dominant nodule extent was recorded as the maximal number of positive points of the largest single focus of cancer from the quadrants. Laterality was considered as either total tumor extent (Group 1) or index tumor extent (Group 2). Time to biochemical recurrence was analyzed with the Kaplan - Meier product limit analysis and prediction of shorter time to biochemical recurrence with Cox proportional hazards model. Results: In Group 1, 43 / 196 (21.9%) tumors were unilateral and 153 / 196 (78.1%) bilateral and in Group 2, 156 / 196 (79.6%) tumors were unilateral and 40 / 196 (20.4%) bilateral. In both groups, comparing unilateral vs bilateral tumors, there was no significant clinicopathological difference, and no significant association with time as well as prediction of shorter time to biochemical recurrence following surgery. Conclusions: Pathologic sub - staging of organ confined disease does not convey prognostic information either considering laterality as total tumor extent or index tumor extent. Furthermore, no correlation exists between digital rectal examination and pathologic stage.

ABSTRACT Introduction: In view of the detailed histologic evaluation of prostate cancer (PC), it is usually advisable to provide a “second opinion” to confirm diagnosis. This study aimed to compare the Gleason score (GS) of initial diagnosis versus that of histopathologic review of patients with PC. The secondary objective was to compare initial GS versus histopathologic review versus post - surgical histopathology. Material and methods: Retrospective study based on chart review of patients with PC that attended the Uro - oncology Department of Hospital das Clínicas - UNICAMP - Campinas, Brazil, from April, 2002, to April, 2012. Data were divided in groups: patients with biopsies performed elsewhere, biopsies after pathological review and histopathological results following retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP). These were evaluated in relation to GS difference using Fleis's Kappa concordance coefficient. Results: 402 PC patients, with a median age of 66 years, were evaluated. Reviewed GS showed worsening, with accuracy of 61.2%, and Kappa concordance value = 0.466. Among 143 patients submitted to surgery, GS varied widely, regarding initial evaluation, review and post - surgical RRP. Joint concordance of evaluations was weak (Kappa = 0.216), mainly due to almost no existence concordance between initial evaluation and following RRP (Kappa = 0.041). Conclusion: There is a great histopathological variation of initial GS versus reviewed GS. There is also a better correlation of reviewed GS and post - surgical GS than with initial GS. The second opinion by an uropathologist improves diagnosis and should be advised for better therapeutic decision.

Resumo O rúmen é o órgão mais estudado no que se refere à interação simbiótica entre hospedeiro e a microbiota do trato digestivo dos ruminantes. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da inclusão de virginiamicina e de salinomicina ao suplemento para bovinos de corte com dieta de gramínea tropical no período das águas. Foram constituídos três tratamentos: controle - suplemento mineral COMIGO - Cria 61 - F2 (SM); virginiamicina - SM + virginiamicina (Phigrow(r)) 100 mg/animal/dia; salinomicina - SM + salinomicina (Posistac(r)) 108 mg/animal/dia, para o experimento 1 (desempenho) e experimento 2 (metabolismo ruminal). O controle apresentou maior CSM (P<0,05), o virginiamicina maior GMD (P>0,05) e melhor eficiência financeira. As medidas biométricas não apresentaram diferenças (P>0,05), sugerindo que haja uma mudança na composição do GMD. Não houve diferença (P>0,05) para DISMS, DISFDA, pH ruminal e N- amoniacal. A virginiamicina apresentou as maiores degradabilidade efetiva da FDN (P>0,05) nas taxas de passagem de 2 e 5%, e semelhante ao controle e maior que salinomicina na taxa de 8%/hora. A virginiamicina ou a salinomicina, podem ser veiculados ao SM, contudo não promovem efeitos significativos no pH ruminal, no N-amoniacal, na DISMS e da DISFDA, mas a virginiamicina promoveu maior degradabilidade efetiva da FDN.

Abstract The rumen is the most studied organ with regard to the symbiotic interaction between host and microbiota in the digestive tract of ruminants. Thus, this study aimed at evaluating the effects of including virginiamycin and salinomycin to the supplement for cattle fed tropical grass diet during the rainy season. Three treatments were set: control - mineral supplement COMIGO - Cria 61-F2 (MS); virginiamycin - MS + virginiamycin (Phigrow (r)) 100 mg/animal/day; salinomycin - MS + salinomycin (Posistac(r)) 108 mg/animal/day for the experiment 1 (performance) and experiment 2 (ruminal metabolism). The control showed higher Mineral supplement intake (MSI) (P <0.05), the virginiamycin had higher average daily gain (ADG) (P> 0.05) and better financial efficiency. Biometric measurements showed no differences (P> 0.05), suggesting a change in the ADG composition. There was no difference (P> 0.05) for dry matter digestibility (DMDIS), acid detergent fiber digestibility (ADFDIS), ruminal pH and ammoniacal-N. The virginiamycin had the highest effective neutral detergent fiber (NDF) degradability (P> 0.05) in the passage rates of 2 and 5%; the degradability rates were similar to control treatement and higher than that of salinomycin at the rate of 8%/hour. The virginiamycin or salinomycin can be conveyed to the MS, but do not promote significant effects on ruminal pH, ammoniacal-N, DMDIS and ADFDIS; but virginiamycin promoted greater effective degradability of NDF.

Resumo Introdução A agricultura no Brasil caracteriza-se pelo uso elevado de agrotóxicos. Os inseticidas organofosforados estão entre a classe de agrotóxicos mais intensamente aplicados. Objetivo: Estimar a ingestão de resíduo de agrotóxicos organofosforados por crianças e adultos, considerando o consumo da população brasileira e a recomendação diária de frutas e hortaliças (FH). Método Foram calculados a Estimativa Diária de Ingestão (EDI) e o percentual da Ingestão Diária Aceitável (%IDA) de acordo com a metodologia proposta pela WHO e FAO, em que %IDA > 100 caracteriza um possível risco de ingestão de agrotóxicos. Os dados sobre a concentração do agrotóxico no alimento foram obtidos do Programa de Análise de Resíduo de Agrotóxicos. Os dados sobre consumo do alimento e o peso corpóreo da população em estudo foram obtidos da Pesquisa de Orçamento Familiar de 2008-2009. A recomendação de ingestão de FH preconizada para uma dieta saudável foi de 400 gramas/dia. Resultados Com base no consumo alimentar da população brasileira, apenas o agrotóxico metidationa excedeu o parâmetro toxicológico de segurança para crianças. Caso o consumo de FH pela população brasileira alcançasse a recomendação da WHO, seis agrotóxicos excederiam o %IDA para crianças: diazinona, dicofol, dimetoato, metamidofós, metidationa e protiofós. Já para adultos, três agrotóxicos excederiam o %IDA: dicofol, metamidofós e metidationa, deflagrando o uso indiscriminado desses inseticidas. Conclusão A promoção do consumo de FH deve vir acompanhada de programas de monitoramento da comercialização, do uso desses agentes químicos e dos seus resíduos nos alimentos.

Abstract Background The agriculture of Brazil is characterized by the high use of pesticides. Among the most intensely applied pesticides is the class of organophosphate insecticides. Objective: Estimate organophosphate pesticide ingestion in children and adults considering the consumption and daily recommended intake of fruits and vegetables (FV). Method Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) and percentage of Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) were calculated according to the methodology proposed by WHO and FAO, where % ADI >100 features possible risk of pesticide ingestion. Data on pesticide residue in food obtained from the Pesticide Residue Analysis Program were used. National diet and body weight data of the studied population were obtained from the Household Budget Survey of 2008-2009. The recommended FV intake for a healthy diet used in this study was 400 grams/day. Results Based on the Brazilian population’s daily food intake, methidathion was the only pesticide to exceed the toxicology standard for children. If the FV intake reached the level recommended by WHO, six pesticides would exceed the %ADI for children: diazinon, dicofol, dimethoate, methamidophos, methidathion and prothiofos, and three pesticides would exceed the %ADI for adults: dicofol, methamidophos, and methidathion, showing the excessive use of these chemicals. Conclusion Encouragement of FV consumption must be accompanied by programs that monitor the commercialization and use of these pesticides, as well as their residues in food.

ABSTRACT Purpose To find any influence on prognostic factors of index tumor according to predominant location. Materials and Methods Prostate surgical specimens from 499 patients submitted to radical retropubic prostatectomy were step-sectioned. Each transverse section was subdivided into 2 anterolateral and 2 posterolateral quadrants. Tumor extent was evaluated by a semi-quantitative point-count method. The index tumor (dominant nodule) was recorded as the maximal number of positive points of the most extensive tumor area from the quadrants and the predominant location was considered anterior (anterolateral quadrants), posterior (posterolateral quadrants), basal (quadrants in upper half of the prostate), apical (quadrants in lower half of the prostate), left (left quadrants) or right (right quadrants). Time to biochemical recurrence was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier product-limit analysis and prediction of shorter time to biochemical recurrence using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. Results Index tumors with predominant posterior location were significantly associated with higher total tumor extent, needle and radical prostatectomy Gleason score, positive lymph nodes and preoperative prostate-specific antigen. Index tumors with predominant basal location were significantly associated with higher preoperative prostate-specific antigen, pathological stage higher than pT2, extra-prostatic extension, and seminal vesicle invasion. Index tumors with predominant basal location were significantly associated with time to biochemical recurrence in Kaplan-Meier estimates and significantly predicted shorter time to biochemical recurrence on univariate analysis but not on multivariate analysis. Conclusions The study suggests that index tumor predominant location is associated with prognosis in radical prostatectomies, however, in multivariate analysis do not offer advantage over other well-established prognostic factors.

ABSTRACT Introduction Endometriosis is a disease with causes still unclear, affecting approximately 15% of women of reproductive age, and in 1%-2% of whom it may involve the urinary tract. The bladder is the organ most frequently affected by endometriosis, observed around 85% of the cases. In such cases, the most effective treatment is partial cystectomy, especially via videolaparoscopy. Study Objective, Design, Size and Duration In order to identify and delimit the extent of the intravesical endometriosis lesion, to determine the resection limits, as well as to perform an optimal reconstruction of the organ aiming for its maximum preservation, we performed a cystoscopy simultaneously with the surgery, employing a modified light-to-light technique in 25 consecutive patients, from September 2006 to May 2012. Setting Study performed at Campinas Medical Center – Campinas – Sao Paulo – Brazil.Participants/materials, setting and methods: Patients aged 27 to 47 (average age: 33.4 years) with deep endometriosis with total bladder involvement were selected for the study. The technique used was conventional laparoscopy with a transvaginal uterine manipulator and simultaneous cystoscopy (the light-to-light technique). A partial videolaparoscopic cystectomy was performed with cystoscopy-assisted vesical reconstruction throughout the entire surgical time. The lesions had an average size of 2.75cm (ranging from 1.5 to 5.5cm). The average surgical time was 137.7 minutes, ranging from 110 to 180 minutes. Main Results Postoperative follow-up time was 32.4 months (12-78 months), with clinical evaluation and a control cystoscopy performed every six months. No relapse was observed during the follow-up period. Conclusions A cystoscopy-assisted partial laparoscopic cystectomy with a modified light-to-light technique is a method that provides adequate identification of the lesion limits, intra or extravesically. It also allows a safe reconstruction of the organ aiming for its maximum preservation.

In this study, polyoxometallate based hybrid photochromic materials were prepared by incorporating phosphotungstate anion, PW12O403−, (PW) in hybrid tetraethyl orthosilicate and (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane TEOS-GPTMS derived organomodified silicates (Ormosil) matrices by sol-gel method and the resulting materials were used to prepare multilayer films by dip-coating method. The effect of alkaline earth metal cations doping and matrix composition (%GPTMS) on the photochromic response of the hybrid films was studied in details. GPTMS, after undergoing ring opening reaction, leads to the formation of chelating sites (diol and ether functionalities) which helps in anchoring of cations, which in turn interacts with phosphotungstate anions and favors their incorporation in the hybrid films. For a fixed concentration of GPTMS, the cation-phosphotungstate electrostatic interaction and hence the photochromic response of the films follow the order Mg2+ < Ca2+ < Sr2+ < Ba2+, thereby, indicating that larger cations interact more strongly with the heteropolyanions. The presence of these cations and GPTMS concomitantly leads to increased incorporation of phosphotungstic acid hydrate (HPW) in the films, resulting in a significant enhancement of the photochromic response.