Sociocognitive performance in autism spectrum disorders and interference of the therapeutic environment

To analyze the sociocognitive performance of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders in two environments of language therapy, which differ as to the physical structure. Ten children and adolescents with ages between 4 and 13 years, of both genders, diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders took part in the study. For data collection, eight filming sessions were performed during individual language therapy lasting 30 minutes, being four in a room with conventional environmental organization (common room) and four in a room with specific ambiance [children's interaction core (CIC) room], interspersed during a month. For the analysis of filmed situations, the Sociocognitive Performance Protocol was used and obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis. No statistical significance was found in sociocognitive performance of 10 subjects in the common and CIC rooms, although specific differences were observed in some cases. The creation of preestablished physical environments or specific materials is not and should not be considered essential for language therapy. It is noteworthy, however, that the absence of a large volume of statistically significant data does not indicate that the results are not expressive, reiterating the need for further research in the area.

Pan-Assay interference compounds (PAINS): warning signs in biochemical-pharmacological evaluations

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Periods of weed interference in chicory cultivars development in indirect sowing system

Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) is an important broadleaves vegetable, consumed in salads and recognized by nutritional, pharmacological properties and its low calorie value. With the objective of assessing weeds interference periods over chicory crop in indirect sowing, two experiments were carried out at Garça County, São Paulo State, by using “Folhas Amarelas - Radiche” and “Folha Larga” cultivars and spacing of 0.25×0.25 m. Treatments consisted of checks with and without weeds and infestation control periods, so that crop was maintained in presence or absence of coexistence with weeds until 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days after seedlings transplant (DAST). Results demonstrated that “Folhas amarelas - Radiche” and “Folha Larga” chicory cultivars transplanted on winter, allowed occurrence of initial period of cohabitation with weeds (6 and 5 IPCW) greater than final period (14 and 9 FPCW), conferring, respectively, the establishment of critical periods for weed control (CPWC) in intervals of 6th to 14th and 5th to 9th days after crop transplant. Medium reduction of yield in function of weeds interference during the whole crop cycle was about 52.0% and 54.4%, respectively, for “Folhas amarelas - Radiche” and “Folha Larga” cultivars. It is important to mention that these results indicated the real need for conducting early weed control in chicory crop cultivation, even when carried out in indirect sowing system, as well as it characterizes the importance of a greater number of regional information to successfully consolidate management alternatives, less costly and more efficient in order to guarantee superior yields.