ABSTRACT Salinity is one of the abiotic stresses that affect gas exchange and growth of pomegranate. In this context, the application of nitrogen fertilizer through the leaves can minimize these effects. Thus, the objective of present study was to evaluate the effect of foliar nitrogen fertilization on pomegranate seedlings irrigated with brackish water. The design used was randomized blocks, in an incomplete factorial scheme (Central Composite Design) with five electrical conductivities of irrigation water - ECw (0.50, 1.15, 2.75, 4.35, and 5.00 dS m-1) and five doses of foliar nitrogen fertilization - FNF (0, 0.33, 1.15, 1.97, and 2.30 g L-1), with four replicates and two plants per experimental plot. Plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, and gas exchange (stomatal conductance, net photosynthesis, intercellular CO2 concentration, transpiration rate, instantaneous carboxylation efficiency, instantaneous water use efficiency, and intrinsic water use efficiency) were evaluated at 60 days after the beginning of irrigation with saline water. Salinity of irrigation water negatively affects the gas exchange of pomegranate seedlings. Foliar nitrogen fertilization up to 1.31 g L-1 improves plant height and number of leaves in pomegranate seedlings under salt stress. Foliar nitrogen fertilization up to 1.59 g L-1 increases the net photosynthesis of pomegranate seedlings.

RESUMO A salinidade é um dos estresses abióticos que afeta as trocas gasosas e o crescimento de romãzeira. Neste sentido, à aplicação de adubo nitrogenado via foliar poderá minimizar estes efeitos. Com isso, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito da aplicação foliar com nitrogênio em mudas de romã irrigadas com águas salobra. O delineamento utilizado foi de blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial incompleto (Composto Central de Box), sendo cinco condutividade elétrica da água - CEa (0,50; 1,15; 2,75; 4,35 e 5,00 dS m-1) e cinco doses de adubação nitrogenada via foliar - ANF (0; 0,33; 1,15; 1,97 e 2,30 g L-1), com quatro repetições. A salinidade da água de irrigação afeta negativamente as trocas gasosas de mudas de romãzeira. A adubação nitrogenada foliar até 1,31 g L-1 melhora o crescimento em altura e no número de folhas em mudas de romãzeira sob estresse salino. Adubação nitrogenada foliar até a dose de 1,59 g L-1 aumenta a fotossíntese das mudas de romãzeira.

Abstract Pomegranate is a fruit with potential for exploitation in the Brazilian Northeast as medicine and food. However, the qualitative and quantitative scarcity of water resources is common in this region, requiring the use of water with high salt contents in irrigated agriculture. The adoption of strategies to reduce the harmful effects of salt stress in plants is therefore necessary, and foliar nitrogen (N) fertilization is a promising alternative. The objective of the work, therefore, was to evaluate the photochemical and phytomass aspects of pomegranate seedlings grown under irrigation water salinity and foliar nitrogen fertilization. The experiment was performed in a randomized block design, in an incomplete factorial scheme, with five levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water - ECw (0.50, 1.15, 2.75, 4.35 and 5.00 dS m-1) and five nitrogen doses - N (0.0, 0.33, 1.15, 1.97 and 2.30 g L-1), totaling nine combinations, generated by the Central Composite Design, with four repetitions and two plants per repetition. Foliar N application at a dose of 1.37 g L-1 increased the production of leaf and root dry phytomass at 90 days after emergence. Salt stress reduced the photochemical activity and phytomass production of pomegranate seedlings, while there was a stimulus by increasing N application up to 2.3 g L-1.

Resumo A romã é uma fruteira com potencial de exploração no Nordeste brasileiro com potencial de uso como composto medicinal e na alimentação. Porém, a escassez qualitativa e quantitativa dos recursos hídricos é comum nesta região, sendo necessário o uso de águas com elevados teores de sais na agricultura irrigada. Assim, é necessário a adoção de estratégias para reduzir os efeitos deletérios do estresse salino sobre as plantas, sendo a adubação foliar nitrogenada uma alternativa promissora. Assim, o objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar os aspectos fotoquímicos e as fitomassas da romãzeira em função da salinidade da água de irrigação e adubação foliar de nitrogênio (N). O experimento foi realizado em delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados, em arranjo fatorial incompleto, com cinco níveis de condutividade elétrica da água - CEa (0,50; 1,15; 2,75; 4,35 e 5,00 dS m-1) e cinco doses de nitrogênio - N (0,0; 0,33; 1,15; 1,97 e 2,30 g L-1), totalizando nove combinações, gerados pela matrix Composto Central de Box, com quatro repetições e duas plantas por repetição. A aplicação foliar de N na dose de 1,37 g L-1, aumentou a produção de fitomassa seca de folhas e da raiz, aos 90 dias após a emergência. O estresse salino reduziu a atividade fotoquímica e a produção de fitomassa das plantas de romã, enquanto houve um estimulo pela aplicação crescente de N até 2,3 g L-1.

Resumen En la región semiárida de Brasil, las sales se encuentran en el agua utilizada en el riego. El objetivo de fue analizar la influencia de la fertilización foliar con nitrógeno como mitigador del estrés salino en plántulas de maracuyá. El diseño fue bloques al azar, con los tratamientos generados a partir de la matriz Compuesta Central de Caja, con cinco conductividades eléctricas del agua de riego (ECr) (0.50; 0.98; 2.15; 3.32; 3.80 dS m-1) y cinco dosis de fertilización nitrogenada foliar (0.0; 0.30; 1.15; 1.97; 2.30 g L-1), con cuatro repeticiones. Se evaluó el crecimiento y pigmentos fotossintéticos. La aplicación de dosis de nitrógeno atenuó el efecto de la salinidad sobre aspectos morfofisiológicos de plántulas de maracuyá. El aumento de la salinidad del agua provocó efectos negativos en las características de crecimiento y pigmentos fotosintéticos.

Abstract In the semiarid region of Brazil, salts found in water used in irrigation. The objective of was to analyze the influence of foliar fertilization with nitrogen as a mitigation of the salt stress of passion fruit seedlings. The design was randomized blocks, with the treatments generated from the Box’s Central Composite matrix, with five electrical conductivities of irrigation water (ECw) (0.50; 0.98; 2.15; 3.32; 3.80 dS m-1) and five doses of foliar nitrogen fertilization (0.0; 0.30; 1.15; 1.97; 2.30 g L-1), with four replicates. The growth and photosynthetic pigments were evaluated Application of nitrogen doses attenuated the effect of salinity on morphophysiological aspects of passion fruit seedlings. The increase in the salinity of the water caused negative effects on the characteristics the growth and photosynthetic pigments.

RESUMO: Mesosphaerum suaveolens (L.) Kuntze é uma espécie muito utilizada na medicina popular e que possui um elevado potencial aromático e terapêutico. No entanto, sua exploração em regiões semiáridas pode ser limitada em função do teor de sais na água de irrigação. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do ácido salicílico (AS) como mitigador do estresse salino sobre o crescimento e trocas gasosas de M. suaveolens. O delineamento estatístico utilizado foi o de blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial incompleto (Delineamento Composto Central), com cinco condutividades elétricas de água (CEa = 0,5, 1,45, 5,0, 8,55 e 10,0 dS m-1) e cinco doses de AS (0,0, 0,29, 1,0, 1,71 e 2,0 mM). Foram avaliados a altura de plantas, número de folhas, diâmetro do caule, área foliar, comprimento de raiz e relação altura/diâmetro do caule e trocas gasosas (condutância estomática, taxa de assimilação líquida de CO2, transpiração, eficiência instantânea e eficiência intrínseca no uso da água e de carboxilação e a temperatura foliar). A aplicação do AS na dose de 0,9 mM atenua o efeito do estresse salino sobre o número de folhas e área foliar. A aplicação de AS estimula o número de folhas e o crescimento em altura e da raiz, mas não afeta as trocas gasosas. A CEa reduz o crescimento e as trocas gasosas das plantas de M. suaveolens.

ABSTRACT: Mesosphaerum suaveolens (L.) Kuntze is a species widely used in folk medicine and has a high aromatic and therapeutic potential. However, its cultivation in semi-arid regions can be limited by salts in the irrigation water. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of salicylic acid (SA) as a mitigator of saline stress on the growth and gas exchange of M. suaveolens. The experimental design used was the randomized blocks in an incomplete factorial scheme (Central Composite Design), with five electrical conductivities water (ECw = 0.5, 1.45, 5.0, 8.55, and 10.0 dS m-1) and five SA doses (0.0, 0.29, 1.0, 1.71, and 2.0 mM). Plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, leaf area, root length, and height/diameter ratio, and gas exchange (stomatal conductance, net CO2 assimilation rate, transpiration rate, instantaneous, and intrinsic water use efficiency, instantaneous carboxylation efficiency, and leaf temperature) were evaluated. The application of 0.9 mM SA attenuates the negative effect of saline stress on the number of leaves and leaf area of M. suaveolens. The application of SA stimulates the number of leaves, plant height, and root growth, but does not affect the gas exchange of M. suaveolens. ECw reduces the growth and gas exchange of M. suaveolens plants.

Resumo O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do hidrogel no plantio de mudas clonais de Eucalyptus urograndis em vasos, relacionados com diferentes manejos hídricos, buscando fornecer informações sobre a eficiência do uso do hidrogel. O experimento foi conduzido em viveiro florestal, esquema fatorial, em que o fator “A” se referiu à ausência e à presença de hidrogel e o fator “B” ao manejo hídrico (irrigação somente no plantio, 8 dias, 4 dias e diariamente). Foram realizadas avaliações da sintomatologia do estresse hídrico, características morfológicas, teores de clorofila, teor de água no solo, trocas gasosas, incremento em diâmetro e altura e biomassa seca. O hidrogel proporcionou um aumento no teor de água no solo e um atraso nos sintomas de estresse hídrico, aumentando a taxa de sobrevivência. O estresse hídrico foi um fator limitante para a abertura estomática, contribuindo para a queda na assimilação de carbono pela fotossíntese.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the hydrogel on the planting of clonal Eucalyptus urograndis seedlings in pots, related to different water management, to provide information about the hydrogel use efficiency. The experiment was carried out in a forest nursery in a factorial scheme, as factor “A” referred to the absence and presence of hydrogel and factor “B” to water management (0 - irrigation only at planting, 1 - daily, 4 - every 4 days, and 8 - every 8 days). Evaluations of the water stress symptomatology, morphological characteristics, chlorophyll content, soil water content, gas exchange, increase in diameter and height, and dry biomass were performed. The hydrogel provided an increase in water content in the soil and a delay in the symptoms of water stress, increasing the survival rate. Water stress was a limiting factor for stomatal opening, contributing to the decrease in carbon assimilation by photosynthesis.

Abstract Moringa oleifera Lam., is a tree species that has several purposes of use, standing out in the recovery of degraded areas and the use of seeds as biodsorbents in water clarification. However, ony a little is known about the behavior of seed germination under saline conditions, common in soils and water in the Brazilian Northeast. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the increment of water during the soaking and seed germination of M. oleífera that were submitted to different electrical conductivity of the irrigation water. The work was developed following a completely randomized design, with stress simulation employing saline solutions at the concentrations of 0.0; 3.0; 6.0 and 9.0 dS m-1. To determine the soaking curve, the water increment of the soaked seeds in the different saline solutions was monitored at regular intervals with four replications per treatment. To characterize the physiological quality of the seeds, the percentage, first count, speed index, average time and average germination speed were evaluated. The M. oleífera is tolerant to the effect of salinity during the germination phase, however seed vigor is reduced as a function of increased salinity. Soaking the seeds makes begin the phase II of the germination process around 10 hours and extends for up to 50 hours, when phase III begins, they absorb approximately 0.2 g of water and require 86 hours for germination. Salinity reduces the absorption and increase of water in the seeds.

Resumo A determinação da área foliar é de fundamental importância em estudos ecofisiológicos que buscam entender a relação planta-ambiente. Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa determinar uma equação alométrica que permita estimar a área foliar de Mesosphaerum suaveolens a partir de medidas lineares do limbo foliar (comprimento e/ou largura). Coletaram-se 900 limbos foliares aleatórios de diferentes formas e tamanhos, em uma área de Caatinga antropizada, localizada no município de Santa Luzia, estado da Paraíba, nordeste do Brasil. Para a construção das equações alométricas utilizaram-se os seguintes modelos de regressão: linear, linear sem intercepto, quadrático, cúbico, potência e exponencial. O modelo linear sem intercepto utilizando o produto entre comprimento e largura (C.L) foi o mais indicado para estimar a área foliar de M. suaveolens, com maior coeficiente de determinação (R2) e índice de concordância de Willmott (d), menor erro absoluto médio (MAE), critério de informação de Akaike (AIC) e raiz do quadrado médio do erro (RQME), e índice BIAS mais próximo de zero (R2 = 0,9971; d = 0,9989; MAE = 0,422; AIC = 2094,69; RQME = 0,770; BIAS = -0,0105). A área foliar de M. suaveolens pode ser estimada satisfatoriamente pela equação AF = 0,6787*(C.L).

Abstract The determination of leaf area is of fundamental importance in ecophysiological studies that seek to understand the plant-environment relationship. The objective of this research was to determine an allometric equation to estimate the leaf area of Mesosphaerum suaveolens from linear measures of leaf blade (length and/or width). There were collected 900 random leaf limbs of different shapes and sizes, in an anthropic area of caatinga, located in the municipality of Santa Luzia, state of Paraíba, Northeast of Brazil. For the construction of the allometric equations the following regression models were used: linear, linear without intercept, quadratic, cubic, power, and exponential. The linear model without intercept using the product between length and width (C.L) was the most recommended to estimate the leaf area of M. suaveolens, with greater coefficient of determination (R2) and Willmott concordance index (d), lesser mean absolute error (MAE), Akaike information criterion (AIC) and root-mean-square error (RQME), and the closer the BIAS ratio is to zero (R2 = 0.9971; d = 0.9989; MAE = 0.422; AIC = 2094.69; RQME = 0.770; BIAS = -0.0105). The leaf area of M. suaveolens can be estimated satisfactorily by equation AF = 0.6787*(C.L).

RESUMO O gergelim é considerado uma cultura alternativa para pequenos e médios agricultores da região Nordeste. No entanto, nas condições do semiárido nordestino, a escassez de água de boa qualidade utilizada na irrigação pode refletir em redução na qualidade do produto final. Objetivou-se avaliar a qualidade fisiológica de sementes de gergelim produzidas sob níveis de salinidade do solo. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 5 × 5, com três repetições, correspondendo a cultivares de gergelim (BRS Seda, BRS G2, BRS G3, BRS G4 e BRS Anahi) e níveis de salinidade do solo com as seguintes condutividades elétricas: 0,6 dS m-1; 1,2 dS m-1; 1,8 dS m-1; 2,4 dS m-1; e 3,0 dS m-1. Para a caracterização da qualidade fisiológica, foram realizados testes de germinação, primeira contagem de germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação, comprimento de radícula, condutividade elétrica das sementes, emergência, índice de velocidade de emergência e massa seca de plântulas. BRS Seda, BRS G2 e BRS G3, cultivadas sob níveis salinos, apresentam sementes com melhores qualidades fisiológicas, demonstrando maior tolerância a condições de estresse salino. BRS Seda e BRS G2 toleram níveis salinos de até 2,4 dS m-1, enquanto BRS G3 tolera até 1,8 dS m-1. BRS G4 e BRS Anahi têm a qualidade fisiológica de suas sementes comprometida com o aumento da salinidade do solo, durante sua produção.

ABSTRACT Sesame is considered an alternative crop for small and medium farmers in the Brazilian Northeast region. However, under the conditions of the northeastern semi-arid region, the scarcity of good quality water for irrigation may lead to a reduction in the quality of the final product. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological quality of sesame seeds produced under levels of soil salinity. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design, in a 5 × 5 factorial scheme, with three replicates, corresponding to sesame cultivars (BRS Seda, BRS G2, BRS G3, BRS G4 and BRS Anahi) and soil salinity levels with the following values for electrical conductivity: 0.6 dS m-1, 1.2 dS m-1, 1.8 dS m-1, 2.4 dS m-1 and 3.0 dS m-1. The physiological quality was characterized based on tests of germination, first germination count, germination speed index, radicle length, seed electrical conductivity, emergence, emergence speed index and seedling dry matter. BRS Seda, BRS G2 and BRS G3, cultivated under salinity levels, present seeds with a better physiological quality, demonstrating a higher tolerance to salt stress conditions. The BRS Seda and BRS G2 cultivars tolerate salinity levels of up to 2.4 dS m-1, while BRS G3 tolerates levels of up to 1.8 dS m-1. BRS G4 and BRS Anahi have the physiological quality of their seeds compromised by the increase in the soil salinity, during their production.

RESUMO: Objetivo: Identificar os fatores associados a sintomas de asma em adolescentes. Métodos: Estudo transversal, com a participação de 1.176 alunos com idade entre 11 e 17 anos, em Salvador, Bahia, Brasil. Os sintomas de asma foram identificados utilizando-se o questionário padronizado do The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood Program (ISAAC), fase III. A avaliação do consumo alimentar dos adolescentes foi obtida por meio de questionário da frequência alimentar (QFA) semiquantitativo, com 97 itens alimentares, sendo as informações coletadas em uma única entrevista com os estudantes. Foram coletados dados antropométricos, socioeconômicos e demográficos da população do estudo. O modelo de Poisson robusto foi adotado para obtenção da razão de prevalência (RP) bruta e ajustada. Resultados: Do total de adolescentes, 57,6% são do sexo feminino e 83,7% tinham de 13 a 17 anos de idade. A prevalência de sintomas de asma encontrada foi de 7,6%, sendo mais elevada no sexo masculino (9,62%). A prevalência de chiado nos últimos 12 meses foi de 8,6%. Entre os adolescentes que tinham rinite e eczema a prevalência de sintomas de asma foi de 15,2 e 14,3% respectivamente. Após análise ajustada, os seguintes fatores se associaram à asma: sexo feminino RP = 0,64 (IC95% 0,42 - 0,96), rinite RP = 3,23 (IC95% 2,17 - 4,83) e o 2o tercil do padrão saudável (consumo moderado) RP = 0,61 (IC95% 0,37 - 0,99). Conclusão: Rinite e eczema apresentaram-se como fatores de risco para sintomas de asma. O padrão alimentar saudável estratificado em tercil apresentou o segundo tercil como protetor para sintomas de asma.

ABSTRACT: Objective: Identify the factors associated with asthma symptoms in adolescents. Methods: Cross-sectional study with the participation of 1,176 students between the ages of 11 and 17 years old, in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The asthma symptoms were identified by using the standardized questionnaire from The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood Program (ISAAC), phase III. The subjects' food intake data were collected by a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) comprised of 97 food items. All of the information was collected during a single interview. Anthropometric, socioeconomic, and demographic data were collected from the study population. The robust Poisson model was adopted to obtain the raw and adjusted PR (prevalence ratio). Results: From the total number of adolescents, 57.6% are female and 83.71% of them were between 13 and 17 years old. The prevalence of asthma symptoms was of 7.6%, being higher among males (9.62%). The prevalence of wheezing in the last 12 months was 8.6%. Among the adolescents with rhinitis and eczema, the prevalence of asthma symptoms was of 15.2 and 14.3%, respectively. After an adjusted analysis, the following factors were identified: females PR = 0.64 (95%CI 0.42 - 0.96), rhinitis PR = 3.23 (95%CI 2.17 - 4.83) and the 2nd tertile of the healthy pattern (moderate consumption) PR = 0.61 (95%CI 0.37 - 0.99). Conclusion: Rhinitis and eczema were presented as risk factors for asthma symptoms. The healthy food intake pattern that had been stratified in tertiles, presented the 2nd tertile as a protector for asthma symptoms.

RESUMO: Objetivo: Identificar os fatores associados a sintomas de asma em adolescentes. Métodos: Estudo transversal, com a participação de 1.176 alunos com idade entre 11 e 17 anos, em Salvador, Bahia, Brasil. Os sintomas de asma foram identificados utilizando-se o questionário padronizado do The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood Program (ISAAC), fase III. A avaliação do consumo alimentar dos adolescentes foi obtida por meio de questionário da frequência alimentar (QFA) semiquantitativo, com 97 itens alimentares, sendo as informações coletadas em uma única entrevista com os estudantes. Foram coletados dados antropométricos, socioeconômicos e demográficos da população do estudo. O modelo de Poisson robusto foi adotado para obtenção da razão de prevalência (RP) bruta e ajustada. Resultados: Do total de adolescentes, 57,6% são do sexo feminino e 83,7% tinham de 13 a 17 anos de idade. A prevalência de sintomas de asma encontrada foi de 7,6%, sendo mais elevada no sexo masculino (9,62%). A prevalência de chiado nos últimos 12 meses foi de 8,6%. Entre os adolescentes que tinham rinite e eczema a prevalência de sintomas de asma foi de 15,2 e 14,3% respectivamente. Após análise ajustada, os seguintes fatores se associaram à asma: sexo feminino RP = 0,64 (IC95% 0,42 - 0,96), rinite RP = 3,23 (IC95% 2,17 - 4,83) e o 2o tercil do padrão saudável (consumo moderado) RP = 0,61 (IC95% 0,37 - 0,99). Conclusão: Rinite e eczema apresentaram-se como fatores de risco para sintomas de asma. O padrão alimentar saudável estratificado em tercil apresentou o segundo tercil como protetor para sintomas de asma.

ABSTRACT: Objective: Identify the factors associated with asthma symptoms in adolescents. Methods: Cross-sectional study with the participation of 1,176 students between the ages of 11 and 17 years old, in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The asthma symptoms were identified by using the standardized questionnaire from The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood Program (ISAAC), phase III. The subjects' food intake data were collected by a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) comprised of 97 food items. All of the information was collected during a single interview. Anthropometric, socioeconomic, and demographic data were collected from the study population. The robust Poisson model was adopted to obtain the raw and adjusted PR (prevalence ratio). Results: From the total number of adolescents, 57.6% are female and 83.71% of them were between 13 and 17 years old. The prevalence of asthma symptoms was of 7.6%, being higher among males (9.62%). The prevalence of wheezing in the last 12 months was 8.6%. Among the adolescents with rhinitis and eczema, the prevalence of asthma symptoms was of 15.2 and 14.3%, respectively. After an adjusted analysis, the following factors were identified: females PR = 0.64 (95%CI 0.42 - 0.96), rhinitis PR = 3.23 (95%CI 2.17 - 4.83) and the 2nd tertile of the healthy pattern (moderate consumption) PR = 0.61 (95%CI 0.37 - 0.99). Conclusion: Rhinitis and eczema were presented as risk factors for asthma symptoms. The healthy food intake pattern that had been stratified in tertiles, presented the 2nd tertile as a protector for asthma symptoms.

RESUMOO estudo foi realizado com explantes de ápices caulinares de nim (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) para identificar um processo viável de regeneração. Brotos foram obtidos a partir de embriões de nim cultivados alternadamente em meio DKW suplementado com BAP e meio sem hormônios. O desenvolvimento inicial dos brotos foi influenciada pela presença dos cotilédones. Calos basais, isolados in vitro a partir da base dos caules, também apresentam potencial de organogênese. Em alguns casos, as linhagens de plantas, obtidas a partir de cada semente, apresentaram características diferentes. A característica mais comum observada in vitro foi a formação de calos na base do caule. Entretanto, as características mais raras foram a formação de calo ao longo de todo o caule e a ocorrência de senescência foliar. Os apices caulinares regenerados foram posteriormente micropropagadados e enraizados em um meio suplementado com IBA, permitindo a obtenção de plantas completas. As plantas enraizadas foram transferidas para casa de vegatação e aclimatizadas com sucesso. Nenhuma diferença no desenvolvimento in vivo foi observada entre plantas obtidas de calos e da propagação de ápices caulinares de nim.

ABSTRACTThe study was conducted with shoot tip explants of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) to identify a viable regenerative process. Shoot tips were obtained from neem embryos cultured alternatingly in DKW medium supplemented with BAP and medium without hormones. Initial shoot development was influenced by cotyledon presence. Basal callus, excised from in vitro stem base, also presented organogenic potential. In some cases, plant lines, obtained from each seed, presented different characteristics. The most common characteristic observed in vitro was callus formation at the stem base. However, the rarest characteristics were stem callus formation and leaf senescence. The regenerated shoot tips were further subculture and rooted on a medium supplemented with IBA so that complete plants could be obtained. The rooted plants were transplanted to a greenhouse and successfully acclimatized. No significant differences in in vivo development were observed between neem plants from callus and from shoot tip propagation.

The processes of water transfer in the soil-plant-atmosphere system are strongly affected by soil use and management. Differences in the dynamics of soil water transfer between no-tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) practices during a soybean (Glycine max) growing season in southern Brazil were assessed in this study. All the water balance components were analyzed during the soybean growing season (2009/2010). Rainfall, runoff, soil water storage and hydro-physical soil properties were analyzed under two tillage systems. The land-atmosphere water vapor exchanges, obtained from eddy covariance stations, were analyzed with regard to the soybean agroecosystem. Characterizations of soil water storage were also formulated in the 2006/2007 and 2008/2009 soybean growing seasons under the NT system. During the periods without rain, the soil water content under NT was greater than under CT. The soil superficial layer, more porous under NT, contributed to less runoff during rainy events. Moreover, under NT conditions the water supply was always high, between 0.2 - 0.5 m. The total evapotranspiration in the soybean agroecosystem growing season was 410.8 mm.

Problem The earthquake that struck Haiti in January 2010 caused 1.5 million people to be displaced to temporary camps. The Haitian Ministry of Public Health and Population and global immunization partners developed a plan to deliver vaccines to those residing in these camps. A strategy was needed to determine whether the immunization targets set for the campaign were achieved. Approach Following the vaccination campaign, staff from the Ministry of Public Health and Population interviewed convenience samples of households – in specific predetermined locations in each of the camps – regarding receipt of the emergency vaccinations. A camp was targeted for “mop-up vaccination” – i.e. repeat mass vaccination – if more than 25% of the children aged 9 months to 7 years in the sample were found not to have received the emergency vaccinations. Local setting Rapid monitoring was implemented in camps located in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area. Camps that housed more than 5000 people were monitored first. Relevant changes By the end of March 2010, 72 (23%) of the 310 vaccinated camps had been monitored. Although 32 (44%) of the monitored camps were targeted for mop-up vaccination, only six of them had received such repeat mass vaccination when checked several weeks after monitoring. Lessons learnt Rapid monitoring was only marginally beneficial in achieving immunization targets in the temporary camps in Port-au-Prince. More research is needed to evaluate the utility of conventional rapid monitoring, as well as other strategies, during post-disaster vaccination campaigns that involve mobile populations, particularly when there is little capacity to conduct repeat mass vaccination.

Resumen Situación El terremoto que asoló Haití en enero de 2010 provocó el desplazamiento de 1,5 millones de personas a campamentos provisionales. El Ministro de Sanidad Pública y Población haitiano y las partes implicadas internacionales desarrollaron un plan para el reparto de vacunas entre los residentes de los campamentos. Fue necesario desarrollar una estrategia a fin de determinar si se habían logrado los objetivos de inmunización de la campaña. Enfoque Siguiendo la campaña de vacunación, el personal del Ministerio de Salud Pública y Población entrevistó muestras por conveniencia de hogares en emplazamientos predeterminados específicos de cada uno de los campamentos sobre la recepción de las vacunas de emergencia. Se seleccionaron los campamentos en los que más del 25 % de los niños con edades comprendidas entre 9 meses y 7 años de la muestra no habían recibido las vacunas de emergencia para una inmunización «de barrido», esto es, una vacunación masiva repetida. Marco regional La vigilancia rápida se puso en marcha en campamentos situados en la zona metropolitana de Port-au-Prince. En primer lugar se supervisaron los campamentos que acogían a más de 5000 personas. Cambios importantes A finales de marzo de 2012 se habían vigilado 72 (23,2 %) de los 310 campamentos vacunados. Aunque se habían seleccionado 32 (44 %) de los campamentos supervisados para la inmunización «de barrido», solo seis de ellos habían recibido la vacunación masiva cuando se efectuó un control varias semanas tras la supervisión. Lecciones aprendidas La supervisión rápida únicamente ofreció ventajas marginales en la consecución de los objetivos de inmunización en los campamentos temporales de Port-au-Prince. Es necesario llevar a cabo más investigaciones para evaluar la utilidad de la vigilancia rápida tradicional y otras estrategias durante las campañas de vacunación tras desastres en los que se vean involucradas poblaciones móviles, en particular, en los casos en los que haya poca capacidad para efectuar inmunizaciones masivas repetidas.

Résumé Problème Le séisme qui a frappé Haïti en janvier 2010 a causé le déplacement de 1,5 million de personnes dans des camps temporaires. Le ministère de la Santé publique et de la Population d'Haïti et les partenaires mondiaux de vaccination ont élaboré un plan pour fournir des vaccins aux personnes qui résident dans ces camps. Une stratégie a été nécessaire pour déterminer si les objectifs de vaccination définis pour la campagne ont été atteints. Approche Après la campagne de vaccination, le personnel du ministère de la Santé publique et de la Population a interrogé un échantillon représentatif de ménages – dans des lieux prédéterminés spécifiques dans chacun des camps – en ce qui concernait la réception des vaccinations d'urgence. Un camp faisait l'objet d'une «campagne de vaccination de ratissage» – c'est-à-dire une vaccination de masse répétée – si plus de 25% des enfants âgés de 9 mois à 7 ans dans l'échantillon n'avaient pas reçu les vaccinations d'urgence. Environnement local Le suivi rapide a été mis en œuvre dans les camps situés dans la zone métropolitaine de Port-au-Prince. Les camps accueillant plus de 5 000 personnes étaient surveillés en premier. Changements significatifs À la fin du mois de mars 2010, 72 (23,2%) des 310 camps vaccinés avaient été surveillés. Bien que 32 (44%) des camps surveillés aient fait l'objet d'une campagne de ratissage, seulement 6 d'entre eux avaient bénéficié d'une telle vaccination de masse répétée lors du contrôle effectué plusieurs semaines après le suivi. Leçons tirées Le suivi rapide n'a été que peu bénéfique dans la réalisation des objectifs de vaccination dans les camps temporaires de Port-au-Prince. Il est nécessaire d'effectuer plus de recherches pour évaluer l'utilité du suivi rapide traditionnel, ainsi que de mettre en place d'autres stratégies, pendant les campagnes de vaccination post-catastrophe, qui impliquent des populations mobiles, en particulier lorsqu'il y a peu de capacité pour mener à bien des vaccinations de masse répétées.

Despite their increasing numbers, few of the sexuality education and pregnancy prevention programs in developing countries have been evaluated. This study, conducted in 1995-1997, assesses the impact of a school-based sexuality education program, the Grade 7 Project, on 945 Jamaican seventh graders (aged 11-14) and their initiation of sexual activity and use of contraception at first intercourse, as well as the knowledge and attitudes that influence their behaviors. Using a quasi-experimental design, the study measured the effects of the Grade 7 Project when the nine-month intervention was completed (short term) and one year after that (long term). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the project had no effect on initiation of sexual activity, but it had a positive short-term impact on use of contraception at first intercourse (P = .08); adolescents in the intervention group were more than twice as likely to use contraception. The project also had a positive short-term influence on several aspects of the adolescents' knowledge of and attitudes about sexuality and pregnancy. The modest impact of the Grade 7 Project is encouraging, as school-based sexuality education programs of limited duration rarely have a long-term impact. Moreover, competing socioeconomic and cultural forces in Jamaica encourage early sexuality and parenthood among adolescents. The use of more participatory teaching methods and smaller class sizes might strengthen the Grade 7 Project and enhance its impact.

Pese a su número creciente, son pocos los programas de educación sexual y prevención del embarazo que han sido evaluados en los países en desarrollo. Este estudio, realizado entre 1995 y 1997, evalúa en 945 escolares jamaiquinos de 7º grado (11 a 14 años de edad) el impacto de un programa escolar de educación sexual, el denominado "Proyecto de 7º grado", sobre la iniciación de su actividad sexual, el empleo de anticonceptivos durante el primer coito y los conocimientos y actitudes que influyen en sus comportamientos. Utilizando un diseño casi experimental, el estudio midió los efectos del proyecto al final de los nueve meses de intervención (corto plazo) y un año más tarde (largo plazo). El análisis de regresión logística multivariado reveló que el proyecto no tuvo efectos sobre la edad de inicio de la actividad sexual, aunque sí tuvo un impacto positivo a corto plazo sobre el empleo de anticonceptivos en el primer coito (P = 0,08); la probabilidad de utilizar anticonceptivos fue dos veces mayor en los adolescentes del grupo sometido a la intervención educativa. El proyecto también tuvo una influencia positiva a corto plazo sobre varios aspectos de los conocimientos y actitudes de los adolescentes hacia la sexualidad y el embarazo. El moderado impacto del proyecto es alentador, dado que los programas escolares de educación sexual de duración limitada raramente tienen impacto a largo plazo y que, además, en Jamaica existen fuerzas socioeconómicas y culturales antagónicas que alientan la sexualidad temprana y la paternidad entre los adolescentes. El empleo de métodos educativos más participatorios y la reducción del número de alumnos por clase podría fortalecer el "Proyecto de 7º grado" y aumentar su impacto.