ABSTRACT Variation in rainfall affects crops; therefore, agricultural practices become essential for forage production in semi-arid regions. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different agricultural practices on phyllochron, structural characteristics of forage cactus and millet, and their relations with crop yield using the principal component analysis (PCA). The design was in randomized blocks, with six treatments: sole cropped cactus without straw mulching, sole cropped cactus with straw mulching, sole cropped millet without straw mulching, sole cropped millet with straw mulching, and cactus intercropping with millet, with and without straw mulching, each with four replicates. There were three cactus cycles and nine millet cycles (three cycles of cultivars BRS1501 and six of IPA Bulk-1-BF). Biometric parameters were evaluated monthly, while yield was determined after the crop harvest. Phyllochron was determined with the regression analysis. The PCA was applied to structural characteristics and yield. The systems adopted did not influence the structural characteristics of cactus and millet ( p > 0.05), except for cladode thickness, which increased with straw mulching. Phyllochron of the millet reduced when the crop was intercropped. The structural characteristics of cladode length, width, and thickness influenced crop yield, mainly in systems with straw mulching. Straw mulching and intercropping alter phyllochron of cactus and millet. The adoption of straw mulching has a more significant relationship with cactus yield, whereas biometric variables influence crop yield for millet, not the cropping system.

ABSTRACT - The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacing wheat bran by spineless cactus (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%) in sugar cane-based diets on intake and nutrient digestibility and ruminal parameters of sheep. Five sheep (Santa Inês; average initial weight of 34.0±3.6 kg) were fitted with cannulas in the rumen and then assigned to a 5 × 5 Latin square design. The maximum dry matter (DM; 1414 g d−1), digestible organic matter (658 g d−1), and neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein (NDFap; 425 g d−1) intakes were estimated by replacing 80.2, 89.9, and 50.5% of wheat bran. Dry matter and crude protein digestibility increased by 0.60 and 0.85 g kg-1 of DM. With the replacement of 57.1 and 62.2% of wheat bran, a maximum rate of NDF ingestion (0.70 h−1) and NDF ruminal pool (7.31 g) was obtained. Rumen pH increased with the inclusion of spineless cactus, while the maximum concentration of ammonia N (33.3 mg dL−1) and total volatile fatty acids (57.7 μmol mL−1) were estimated at the levels of 72.3 and 63.7% of replacement of wheat bran. It is recommended to replace 63% of wheat bran by spineless cactus in sugar cane-based diets, to promote better animal performance.

Os monumentos históricos de Belém, PA, têm alvenarias estruturais constituídas de pedras e tijolos maciços assentados com argamassa de cal e podem apresentar diversas patologias, entre as quais se destacam a eflorescência salina e a ação da umidade. Alguns autores explicam que esses dois agentes ocasionam destacamento de camadas, pulverização de argamassa, surgimento de fissuras e aparência esbranquiçada. A pesquisa teve como principal objetivo identificar o processo de degradação atuante na alvenaria do transepto direito da Igreja de Santo Alexandre por meio da aplicação de técnicas instrumentais analíticas. Foram realizadas análises laboratoriais com o intuito de entender as condicionantes favoráveis ao processo de eflorescência salina, os danos provocados aos materiais e os tipos de sais mais atuantes. Primeiramente foi realizado o mapeamento da alvenaria e o mapeamento de danos, verificando a situação atual e as áreas mais degradadas. Posteriormente, foi realizada a caracterização física por meio de análise granulométrica, análise de traço e análise do teor de umidade da alvenaria, a caracterização química - teste qualitativo e quantitativo de sais - e a caracterização mineralógica por difração de raios X. Verificou-se que as técnicas aplicadas se mostraram eficientes e auxiliaram no diagnóstico correto, norteando quais intervenções devem ser utilizadas para amenizar a problemática.

The structural masonry of the historical monuments of the city of Belém, Brazil, is made of stones and solid bricks fixed with lime mortar, which is affected by different pathologies, including salt efflorescence and moisture action. Some authors explain that these two agents cause layer detachment, mortar pulverization, cracks and a whitened appearance. This aim of this study was to identify the degradation process affecting the masonry of the right transept of the Church of Santo Alexandre, using instrumental analytical techniques. Laboratory analyses were used in order to understand the saline efflorescence process, the material damage it causes and the main kinds of salts. The first step in the study was to map out the masonry and the damage, showing the current situation and the most damaged areas. That was followed by a physical characterisation through an analysis of mortar particle sizes and proportions, analysis of masonry moisture contents, chemical characterisation -qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis of soluble salts, and mineralogical characterisation by X-ray diffraction. The techniques applied were effective and contributed to the achievement of a correct diagnosis, guiding the type of interventions required to solve the problem.

Um dos mais preocupantes problemas no contexto da Reforma Psiquiátrica são os moradores dos hospitais psiquiátricos (pacientes institucionalizados por um ano ou mais). As longas internações evidenciam a situação de abandono e podem descompensar transtornos psiquiátricos. O objetivo deste artigo é traçar o perfil sociodemográfico e clínico da população dos moradores de hospitais psiquiátricos do Estado do Ceará. Trata- se de um estudo transversal, baseado em revisões de prontuários, entrevistas e aplicação de escalas (índice de Katz e PANSS). Dos 39 participantes, a maioria era homem, solteiro e em idade economicamente ativa. Da maioria não se dispõe dados sobre a escolaridade (69,2%) e a religião (66,7%); e 12,8% têm o estado civil ignorado. Cerca de ¾ não recebiam visitas de amigos ou familiares. Dois terços mantêm independência total para a realização de AVD (Atividades de Vida Diária). A maioria estava internada por transtorno psicótico primário (76,8%). Nesses pacientes, destacava-se a exuberância de sintomas negativos, configurando uma síndrome negativa em 96,7% dos casos. O estudo destaca a situação de abandono e perda de cidadania dos pacientes cronicamente institucionalizados. Questiona-se até que ponto os hospitais estão preparados para oferecer-lhes a devida assistência.

One of the most vexing problems in the context of psychiatric reform are the inmates of psychiatric hospitals institutionalized for one year or more. The long periods of hospitalization indicate that these inmates have been abandoned, which can aggravate their psychiatric disorders. This article seeks to trace a socio-demographic and clinical profile of the inmates of psychiatric hospitals in the State of Ceará, Brazil. It is a cross-sectional study, based on reviews of medical registers, interviews and application of two scales: the Katz Index and the PANSS. Most of the 39 participants were men, single and of an economically active age. Information on education (69.2%) and religion (66.7%) were not known and for 12.8%, their marital status was unknown. Nearly 75% received no visits from friends or relatives. Two thirds maintained total independence to perform ADLs (Activities of Daily Living). The majority were admitted for primary psychotic disorder (76.8%). These manifested a marked negative syndrome in 96.7% of cases. The study highlights the situation of abandonment and loss of citizenship experienced by chronically institutionalized patients. It is questionable to what extent hospitals are prepared to offer the assistance that this population needs.

Um dos mais preocupantes problemas no contexto da Reforma Psiquiátrica são os moradores dos hospitais psiquiátricos (pacientes institucionalizados por um ano ou mais). As longas internações evidenciam a situação de abandono e podem descompensar transtornos psiquiátricos. O objetivo deste artigo é traçar o perfil sociodemográfico e clínico da população dos moradores de hospitais psiquiátricos do Estado do Ceará. Trata- se de um estudo transversal, baseado em revisões de prontuários, entrevistas e aplicação de escalas (índice de Katz e PANSS). Dos 39 participantes, a maioria era homem, solteiro e em idade economicamente ativa. Da maioria não se dispõe dados sobre a escolaridade (69,2%) e a religião (66,7%); e 12,8% têm o estado civil ignorado. Cerca de ¾ não recebiam visitas de amigos ou familiares. Dois terços mantêm independência total para a realização de AVD (Atividades de Vida Diária). A maioria estava internada por transtorno psicótico primário (76,8%). Nesses pacientes, destacava-se a exuberância de sintomas negativos, configurando uma síndrome negativa em 96,7% dos casos. O estudo destaca a situação de abandono e perda de cidadania dos pacientes cronicamente institucionalizados. Questiona-se até que ponto os hospitais estão preparados para oferecer-lhes a devida assistência.

One of the most vexing problems in the context of psychiatric reform are the inmates of psychiatric hospitals institutionalized for one year or more. The long periods of hospitalization indicate that these inmates have been abandoned, which can aggravate their psychiatric disorders. This article seeks to trace a socio-demographic and clinical profile of the inmates of psychiatric hospitals in the State of Ceará, Brazil. It is a cross-sectional study, based on reviews of medical registers, interviews and application of two scales: the Katz Index and the PANSS. Most of the 39 participants were men, single and of an economically active age. Information on education (69.2%) and religion (66.7%) were not known and for 12.8%, their marital status was unknown. Nearly 75% received no visits from friends or relatives. Two thirds maintained total independence to perform ADLs (Activities of Daily Living). The majority were admitted for primary psychotic disorder (76.8%). These manifested a marked negative syndrome in 96.7% of cases. The study highlights the situation of abandonment and loss of citizenship experienced by chronically institutionalized patients. It is questionable to what extent hospitals are prepared to offer the assistance that this population needs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of delirium on post-discharge mortality in hospitalized older patients. INTRODUCTION: Delirium is frequent in hospitalized older patients and correlates with high hospital mortality. There are only a few studies about its impact on post-discharge mortality. METHODS: This is a prospective study of patients over 60 years old who were hospitalized in the Geriatric Unit at Hospital das Clínicas of São Paulo between May 2006 and March 2007. Upon admission, demographics, comorbidities, number of drugs taken, and serum albumin concentration were evaluated for each patient. Delirium was diagnosed according to the DSM-IV criteria. Patients were divided into group A (with delirium) and group B (without delirium). One year after discharge, the patients or their caregivers were contacted to assess days of survival. RESULTS: The sample included 199 patients, 66 (33%) of whom developed delirium (Group A). After one year, 33 (50%) group A patients had died, and 45 (33.8%) group B patients had died (p = 0.03). There was a significant statistical difference in average age (p = 0.001) and immobility (p <0.001) between groups A and B. There were no statistically significant differences between groups A and B in number of drugs taken greater than four (p = 0.62), sex (p = 0.54) and number of diagnoses greater than four (p = 0.21). According to a multivariate analysis, delirium was not an independent predictor of post-discharge mortality. The predictors of post-discharge mortality were age > 80 years (p = 0.029), albumin concentration < 3.5 g/dl (p = 0.001) and immobility (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Delirium is associated with higher post-discharge mortality as a dependent predictor.