Clinical value of split domino donor auxiliary liver transplantation / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical value of split domino donor auxiliary liver transplantation.Methods:The retrospective and descriptive study was conducted. The clinco-pathological data of 3 liver transplantation recipients who were admitted to Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School and 1 liver transplantation recipient who was admitted to external hospital in September 2018 were collected. The first case was male, aged 22 years, who was diagnosed as type II citrullinemia (CTLN2). The second case undergoing liver transplantation in external hospital was male, aged 59 years, who was diagnosed as decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis. The third case was female, aged 52 years, who was diagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma of right lobe of liver. The fourth case was female, aged 51 years, who was diagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma of right lobe of liver. The donor liver from a brain and cardiac death donor was split in vitro into the left liver and the right liver, in which the right liver without middle hepatic vein, and the modified piggyback liver transplantation using the left liver and the classical orthotropic liver transplantation using the right liver was conducted on the first and the second case, respectively. The original liver of the first case was split in vivo into the left liver and the right liver, and the piggyback auxiliary liver transplantation using the left liver and the piggyback auxiliary liver transplantation using the right liver was conducted on the third and the fourth case who underwent extended right hemihepatectomy, respectively. Observation indicators: (1) intraoperative situations; (2) follow-up. Follow-up was conducted using outpatient examination and telephone interview to detect liver function, liver imaging, complication and survival of recipients up to October 2021.Results:(1) Intraoperative situations. Liver transplantation was conducted successfully on the first, third and fourth case, with the operation time, the volume of intraoperative blood loss, the donor liver cold ischemia time, the graft-to-recipient weight ratio were 400 minutes, 370 minutes, 390 minutes, 600 mL, 1 300 mL, 1 600 mL, 230 minutes, 152 minutes, 135 minutes, 1.2%, 0.8%, 1.1%. (2) Follow-up. B-ultrasound examination of the first, third and fourth case after liver transplantation showed that the blood flow was normal, and all the 3 cases discharged and were followed up at postoperative 1, 6 and 12 month. The liver function, the level of blood ammonia and citrulline were normal of the first, third and fourth case at postoperative 1 week. Imaging examina-tion showed normal liver morphology of the first and third case, and a transplanted liver atrophy caused by portal vein steal of the fourth case. ① The level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBil), direct bilirubin (DBil) of the first case before liver transplantation, at postoperative 1 day, 2 day, 3 day, 7 day, 10 day, 6 month and 1 year were 22.8 U/L, 404.1 U/L, 355.5 U/L, 289.6 U/L, 31.0 U/L, 23.1 U/L, 42.1 U/L and 25.8 U/L, 31.5 U/L, 517.7 U/L, 327.6 U/L, 172.9 U/L, 15.9 U/L, 21.4 U/L, 47.5 U/L and 29.7 U/L, 3.8 μmol/L, 92.1 μmol/L, 87.4 μmol/L, 79.7 μmol/L, 90.1 μmol/L, 130.6 μmol/L, 33.8 μmol/L and 25.4 μmol/L, 2.3 μmol/L, 47.0 μmol/L, 44.1 μmol/L, 47.1 μmol/L, 57.4 μmol/L, 70.9 μmol/L, 24.7 μmol/L and 9.7 μmol/L, respectively. The level of citrulline and blood ammonia of the first case before and after liver transplantation were 999.0 μmol/L, 196.0 μmol/L and 14.6 μmol/L, 9.0 μmol/L, respectively. The first case was followed up for 3 years and survived without any liver transplantation related complication. ② The level of ALT, AST, TBil, DBil of the third case before liver transplantation, at postoperative 1 day, 2 day, 3 day, 7 day, 10 day, 6 month and 1 year were 21.3 U/L, 143.9 U/L, 182.0 U/L, 132.0 U/L, 17.2 U/L, 10.1 U/L, 17.6 U/L and 16.8 U/L,20.0 U/L, 291.0 U/L, 227.5 U/L, 106.4 U/L, 15.8 U/L, 10.8 U/L, 17.1 U/L and 19.4 U/L, 6.8 μmol/L, 50.9 μmol/L, 45.0 μmol/L, 34.0 μmol/L, 32.4 μmol/L, 22.3 μmol/L, 12.8 μmol/L and 14.9 μmol/L, 2.5 μmol/L, 18.4 μmol/L, 17.2 μmol/L, 14.9 μmol/L, 14.8 μmol/L, 12.1 μmol/L, 3.6 μmol/L and 4.4 μmol/L. The level of citrulline and blood ammonia of the third case after liver transplantation were 24.9 μmol/L and 16.0 μmol/L. The third case was followed up for 3 years and survived without any liver transplantation related complication. ③ The level of ALT, AST, TBil, DBil of the fourth case before liver transplantation, at postoperative 1 day, 2 day, 3 day, 7 day, 10 day, 6 month and 1 year were 35.0 U/L, 268.7 U/L, 682.0 U/L, 425.8 U/L, 57.5 U/L, 34.0 U/L, 29.4 U/L and 18.1 U/L, 37.0 U/L, 419.1 U/L, 436.2 U/L, 139.5 U/L, 35.2 U/L, 32.4 U/L, 54.7 U/L and 32.8 U/L, 7.1 μmol/L, 64.2 μmol/L, 41.4 μmol/L, 17.6 μmol/L, 34.2 μmol/L, 48.7 μmol/L, 14.1 μmol/L and 21.8 μmol/L, 2.8 μmol/L, 18.9 μmol/L, 16.1 μmol/L, 6.0 μmol/L, 14.6 μmol/L, 26.7 μmol/L, 3.9 μmol/L, 11.8 μmol/L. The level of citrulline and blood ammonia of the fourth case after liver transplantation were 8.4 μmol/L and 47.0 μmol/L. One week after surgery, the transplanted right liver of the fourth case occurred atrophy due to blood stealing from the right branch of the portal vein. B-ultrasound examination showed that the reflux of the hepatic artery and hepatic vein was unobstructed. Immunosuppressants were discontinued 3 months after operation on the fourth case and there was no complication such as rejection, bile leakage, biliary stricture, thrombosis and vascular stricture during follow-up. The fourth case died of lung metastasis 19 months after operation.Conclusion:Split domino donor auxiliary liver transplantation can be used for the treatment of metabolic liver disease and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

Risk factors analysis of abdominal infection after liver transplantation / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the risk factors for abdominal infection after liver transplantation (LT).Methods:The retrospective case-control study was conducted. The clinical data of 356 patients who underwent LT in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi′an Jiaotong University from January 2015 to December 2018 were collected. There were 273 males and 83 females, aged from 21 to 67 years, with the median age of 46 years. Observation indications: (1) abdominal infec-tion after LT and distribution of pathogens; (2) analysis of risk factors for abdominal infection after LT; (3) follow-up and survival. Follow-up was performed using outpatient examination and tele-phone interview to detect postoperative 1-year survival rate and cases of death up to June 2020. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean±SD. Measurement data with skewed distribution were described as M(range). Count data were expressed as absolute numbers or percentages. Univariate analysis was conducted using the chi-square test, t test, Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher exact probability. Multivariate analysis was done using the Logistic regression model. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate sruvival time and survival rates. Log-Rank test was used for survival analysis. Results:(1) Abdominal infection after LT and distribution of pathogens: 63 of 356 recipients had abdominal infection after LT, with the overall incidence of 17.70%(63/356). Of the 63 recipients, 41 cases had abdominal infection within postoperative 2 weeks, 17 cases had multi-drug resistant organism infection. A total of 116 strains of bacteria were isolated from 63 recipients with abdominal infection, 52 of which were gram-negative bacteria, 48 were gram-positive bacteria, 16 were fungi. (2) Analysis of risk factors for abdominal infection after LT: results of univariate analysis showed that preoperative model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, preoperative serum albumin, preoperative leukocytes, preoperative prothrombin time, preoperative alanine aminotransferase, preoperative aspartate aminotransferase, operation time, volume of intraoperative blood loss, days of postoperative antibiotic use, postoperative renal failure, postoperative delayed graft function,duration of postoperative intensive care unit stay were related factors for abdominal infection after LT ( Z=-2.456, t=-1.982, Z=-3.193, -2.802, -2.336, -2.276, -2.116, -3.217, χ2=15.807, 10.395, 6.750, Z=-4.468, P<0.05). Liver retransplantaiton and postoperative bile leakage were related factors for abdominal infection after LT ( P<0.05). Results of multivariate analysis showed that preoperative MELD score>20 and liver retransplantation were independent risk factors for abdominal infection after LT ( odds ratio=2.871, 12.875, 95% confidence interval as 1.106-7.448, 1.290-128.521, P<0.05). (3) Follow-up and survival: 356 recipients were followed up for 1-66 months, with a median follow-up time of 32 months. The postoperative 1-year overall survival rate of 63 recipients with abdominal infection and 293 recipients without abdominal infection were 84.60% and 97.03%, respectively, showing a significant difference ( χ2=11.660, P<0.05). During the follow-up, 58 recipients died. Conclusion:Preoperative MELD score>20 and liver retransplantation are independent risk factors for abdominal infection after LT.

Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Oil Palm Plantation Soil: A New Lead in Forensic Investigation (Ciri-ciri Fizikal dan Kimia Tanah Ladang Kelapa Sawit: Petunjuk Baru dalam Penyiasatan Forensik) / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

@#Soil sample is one of the important evidence that can be found in crime scene. Unknown soil sample can be analysed and compared with reference sample in order to determine the origin as its physical and chemical components possess unique characteristics. The purpose of this study is to determine the physical and chemical characteristics of soil from oil palm plantations in Perak, Malaysia to assist forensic investigation. Total of 97 topsoil samples were collected from three different oil palm plantations in Perak. Particle size distribution was obtained using dry sieving technique and colour of soil sample was examined under three conditions that are dry, moist and ashed. Soil pH was measured using pH meter and percentage of composition of soil organic matter (SOM) was determined by weighing the sample before and after ignition. Result showed that the composition of particle size <0.18mm was within the range of 5.57-21.11% whereas for particle size between 0.18mm - 0.6mm was within 31.62 - 52.96% and 25.78-66.86% for particle size >0.6mm. The color mode of soil after oven dried, moistened and ashed was greyish brown (10YR 5/2), very dark greyish brown (10YR 3/2) and light yellowish brown (10YR 6/4) respectively. Soil pH was in the range of 5.79 – 6.70. The percentage of SOM was between 3.29 - 20.48%. The physical and chemical characteristics of soil analysed in this study from three different locations of oil palm plantations varied and it is possible to discriminate these locations based on the analysis highlighted in this study.

Carbon sequestration potential of a teak plantation forest in the Eastern Ghats of India

Aim: The present study aimed to estimate the total carbon sequestration potential of a 20-years-old teak (Tectona grandis) plantation forest spread over an area of 23 ha (in Odisha under Eastern Ghats stretch) through analysis of above ground and below ground biomass carbon of trees and soil organic carbon (SOC) stock.Methodology: The sampling was carried out during May to July 2017. Random non-destructive quadrate method was used for vegetation analysis. Based on the girth, height, basal area and bio volume of trees, the above ground carbon (AGC), below ground carbon (BGC) and total carbon storage in biomass (CSB) of teak plantation forest was calculated. Similarly, soil samples were taken by a soil core sampler at different depths and based on their organic carbon, bulk density, stone and gravel contents, soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks of soil was calculated. Results: The total SOC stock and CSB of the entire teak plantation forest was 489.21 t and 6670 t, respectively, across an area of 23 ha. Taking two carbon pools into account, the total carbon sequestration (TCS) of teak plantation forest patch was 7159.21 t, which arrived to be 311.27 t ha-1 with AGC of 230.16 t ha-1 and BGC of 59.84 t ha-1 and TOC stock of 21.27 t ha-1. The highest contribution in terms of carbon storage was established by above ground carbon (74%) followed by below ground carbon (19%) and SOC (7%). Interpretation: The current study reflects that teak plantation forest has rich potential of carbon sequestration not only in tree biomass but also in the SOC form and this plantation can act as a potent reservoir of carbon in the Eastern Ghats of India

Subjective Preference of New Prototypes Safety Helmets Device among Palm Oil Plantation Harvesters in Sandakan, Sabah

@#Introduction: Safety helmets are one of the personal protective equipment (PPE) that to decrease the impact of any falling object to the skull and to avoid head and brain injury by many industries, including palm oil plantation. Nevertheless, the level on the usage of the current safety helmet is very low due to a few factors that lead to the discomfort. Among the common issues for the non-compliance of safety helmets are their discomfort, ventilation, weight and safety. This study aims to determine subjective preference of the new prototypes’ safety helmets device among palm oil plantation harvesters. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted among 124 harvesters in three palm oil plantations located in Sabah, Malaysia. A set of questionnaires used to collect data on their socio-demographic background, perceptions toward existing safety helmets and their subjective preference of new safety helmets prototypes. Apart from that, six harvesters were randomly choosing to attend an interview session for qualitative study. Results: The descriptive analysis indicate that among the emphasized issues regarding non-compliance of existing safety helmet were due to discomfort (66.1%), poor ventilation (97.6%), load of safety helmet (83.3%) and safety issues (68.5%). In terms of new safety helmets prototypes, 72.6% of the harvesters preferred Design C to be worn for work in the plantation. Conclusion: It can be suggested that the existing safety helmet is uncomfortable and was not design ergonomically namely loose size and discomfort. Design C was the most preferred to be worn for work in the palm oil plantation.

Factors Affecting Contact Dermatitis On Palm Oil Plantation Workers Of Pt. X In Semitau Sub-District

@#The prevalence of occupational skin diseases reaches 20% up to 70% around the world. Occupational contact dermatitis cases reached 1.3-8.1 per 10,000 full-time workers per year in two decades. This research aims to identify the relationship between predisposing factors, enabling factors, and reinforcing factors on the contact dermatitis cases on palm oil plantation workers of PT. X in Semitau Subdistrict. This study design was a cross-sectional involving 72 samples. The independent variables covered age, gender, level of knowledge, use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), tenure, chemical contact, personal hygiene, history of occupational dermatitis, occupational history, and Occupational Safety and Health Management System (SMK3). Then, the dependent variable was occupational dermatitis cases. A total of 54.2% of respondent suffered from occupational dermatitis. Some respondent were elderly (43.1%) and most of the subject were female (62.5%). The respondents had a good level of knowledge (37.5%), good personal hygiene (52.8%), and use complete PPE (25%). A total of 51.4% of respondent did not have chemical contacts and those who have <2 years of tenure reached 45.8%. Most of the subjects did not have an occupational history (81.9%) and occupational dermatitis history (75%). Half of the subjects had a good level of application of SMK3. Chi-Square Test results showed significant values of personal hygiene, use of PPE, and a history of the disease (<0.05) with p values of <0.05. There is a strong relationship between personal hygiene, the use of PPE, and the history of occupational dermatitis on palm oil plantation workers of PT. X in Semitau Subdistrict.

Domestic violence against women workers in selected tea estates of South India

Background: Violence against women is an important public health problem, due to its consequences on women health. There is a considerable variation in the prevalence of domestic violence across the states and different settings in India. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to estimate the prevalence of different forms of domestic violence and determine the associated factors among women working in tea estates. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two tea estates in Tamil Nadu. All (266) ever-married women workers aged 15–49 years were included in the study. Data were collected using a pre-designed interview schedule including sociodemography and physical, psychological, and sexual domains of domestic violence. It was developed using the National Family Health Survey 3 interview schedule and the World Health Organization multi-country study on women’s health and life experiences questionnaire version 10. Results: The prevalence of domestic violence was 65%, while specifically psychological, physical, and sexual violence were 63.5%, 44.1%, and 4.1%, respectively. Domestic violence was significantly associated with socioeconomic status, spousal literacy status, age at marriage, and alcohol use (P < 0.05). Any form of violence and psychological violence were twice as common with illiterate (unadjusted odds ratio [OR]: 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4–4.9) (unadjusted OR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.1–4.9) and a spouse who consumed alcohol (unadjusted OR: 2.7; 95% CI: 1.6–4.6) (unadjusted OR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.5–4.2), respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of all forms of domestic violence was high among women in the selected two tea estates in South India. Significant association was found with spousal characteristics. This calls for stringent enforcement of laws and educating men toward changing the social attitude toward violence against women.

Ecosystem dynamics and services of a paired Neotropical montane forest and pine plantation / Dinámica y servicios del ecosistema en un bosque montano neotropical y un pinar sembrado

Abstract Montane forests are one of the most decimated of Neotropical biomes even though they provide a suite of valuable ecosystem services such as provision of water to lowland settlements and prevention of erosion and mudslides. In some instances, to restore these and other ecosystem services, degraded montane forests are replaced by exotic tree plantations, which cover sizeable areas in several countries. Despite their importance for assessment of ecological services and for intrinsic ecological value, comparative studies of paired native montane forest and conifer plantation are scarce along the Northern Andean Cordillera. Additionally, extrapolations are challenging because each pair of communities is highly site specific due to environmental setting, age and density of plantation, and reforestation species. Here, we assess and compare structure, biogeochemistry and ecosystem services provided by closely positioned native forest and pine plantation from a protected montane area in Venezuela. Soil nutrients and soil carbon content were 60 and 54 % respectively higher in the forest. As consequence of pine' growth form and leaf biochemistry, aboveground biomass and litter mass, as well as nutrient content and carbon stocks, were higher in the plantation. This results in the plantation storing 30 % more MgC ha-1 than the nearby forest. Canopy structure and litter properties influence the hydrology of both ecosystems through differences in rain throughfall. Most of the ecosystem services itemized are superior in the native forest, with exception that the younger plantation sequesters more carbon. An additional service provided by plantations might be that of ecological corridors that connect fragmented native forests. Our study, a specific case of nutrient and carbon cycling dynamics in paired montane forests and pine plantations, provides another set of data for the design of policy and management of considerable areas in the Neotropics with established conservation plantations.(AU)

Resumen Los bosques montanos son uno de los biomas más devastados del Neotrópico aunque proporcionan valiosos servicios ecológicos al suministrar agua a los asentamientos humanos y proteger contra la erosión y los deslaves. En algunas instancias, para mantener esos servicios ecológicos, los bosques destruidos son reemplazados por plantaciones forestales en áreas considerables de varios países. Aunque existen unos pocos estudios comparativos en a lo largo del norte de la Cordillera Andina, las extrapolaciones son difíciles debido a que estos son altamente específicos debido al entorno ambiental, edad de las plantaciones, y a la especie de conífera dominante. Nosotros analizamos y comparamos la diversidad y estructura de la vegetación, la biogeoquímica y los servicios ecológicos proporcionados por un bosque montano y una plantación de pino adyacente en un área protegida de Venezuela. Los suelos del bosque nativo contienen 60 % más de nitrógeno y 54 % más de carbono que los de la plantación. Como consecuencia de la forma de vida de los pinos y de su composición foliar, la biomasa aérea y el contenido de nutrientes en la hojarasca seca son mayores en la plantación dando como resultado que la plantación contiene 30 % MgC ha-1 más que el bosque. La estructura del dosel influencia la hidrología de ambos ecosistemas mediante diferencias en la penetración del agua de lluvia. La mayoría de los servicios son de menor valor ecológico en la plantación de pino. Sin embargo, esta ofrece servicios que no existirían en su ausencia. En regiones montañosas, las plantaciones de coníferas fueron establecidas para mejorar la provisión de agua y estabilizar los suelos. Sin embargo, nuestros resultados sugieren que las plantaciones pueden proporcionar corredores ecológicos que conecten bosques nativos fragmentados. Nuestro estudio, al proveer un ejemplo adicional de dinámica ecológica comparada, expone las diferencias en servicios ecológicos proporcionados por un bosque montano y una plantación de pino y proporciona información para establecer políticas de conservación y manejo de recursos naturales en extensas áreas neotropicales.(AU)

Giant rhinoceros beetle Golofa claviger (Linnaeus) (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae: Dynastini) is damaging North Brazilian oil palm plantations

ABSTRACT The oil palm is an economically important crop cultivated in the North of Brazil. Damage caused by insects is one of the main causes of reduced productivity for the oil palm. Before this research, only the beetles of the family Curculionidae were considered to be oil palm pests in Brazil. However, for the first time, we report on the damage caused by a giant rhinoceros beetle to oil palm plantations in Pará, Brazil. The beetle was identified as Golofa claviger (Linnaeus, 1771), which has a single record in Brazil (Pará) but is widely distributed in South America. The species occurs in an unprecedentedly high abundance of local specimens. The attacks are concentrated on the central cluster of young palms. Feeding behavior is identified as the main cause of the damage as the beetles use their mouthparts to rip the plant tissues, causing wedge-shaped cuts on young fronds that have not yet unfurled. After an attack, the leaflets of the unfurled fronds are partially destroyed.

Advances on cytomegalovirus infection after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and solid-organ transplantation / 中国小儿急救医学

Cytomegalovirus ( CMV) infection continues to be one of the most common infections after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and solid-organ transplantation( SOT) ,resulting in significant ad-verse outcomes and mortality. Management of CMV infection after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and solid-organ transplantation is based on early prevention and early treatment, using of effective antiviral treatment regimens ,thus it has significantly improved the prognosis of CMV infection in transplant recipi-ents. This article reviewed the risk factors,diagnosis,standard treatment and emerging treatment of cytomega-lovirus infection after transplantation,in order to improve the understanding of the disease and understand the novel treatment.

Ant diversity under three coverages in a Neotropical coffee landscape / Diversidad de hormigas en tres coberturas de un paisaje cafetalero neotropical

Abstract The coffee cultivation has displaced natural vegetation and its associated biological diversity. The present study describes the diversity of ground-dwelling ants on eight plantations where coffee is grown in the shade (SHD), eight plantations where coffee is grown under unshaded coffee (SUN) and four patches of forest (FOS) in a coffee-growing region of Colombia. The research was conducted in transects composed of 12 sampling stations, each of which employed active collection, pitfall traps and litter sifting. Nine habitat variables were analyzed to characterize each site, and these values were related to the diversity of ants and functional groups. A total of 92 morphospecies were collected. Myrmicinae was the subfamily with the highest representation. The sample coverage presented a deficit of less than 5 %. The rank abundance curves exhibited differences in the ant assemblages. The ant communities found in the forest exhibited greater diversity and a larger number of exclusive species than the communities found in locations of other land uses; the SHD and SUN communities were characterized by 80.3 % and 62.3 %, respectively, of the diversity found in the forest communities. The functional similarity index as adapted for guilds by Sørensen reveals a high degree of similarity in the structure of their ant communities, but less so in their composition. The shaded coffee plantations have a richer and more equitable ant fauna than the exposed coffee plantations, reinforcing the idea that shade cultivation favors the establishment of ant fauna and, consequently, ecological functionality.(AU)

Resumen La investigación sobre los ecosistemas de café ha recibido considerable atención en las últimas décadas. El cultivo de café ha desplazado la vegetación natural y su diversidad biológica asociada. Con el objeto de caracterizar la diversidad específica de hormigas del suelo, identificar los grupos funcionales en dos sistemas cafeteros contrastantes y relacionar esta diversidad con algunas características del hábitat, se muestrearon ocho cafetales con sombra (CCS), ocho a libre exposición (CLE) y cuatro parches de bosque en la zona cafetalera del sur de Colombia. Se trabajó en dos transectos con 12 estaciones de muestreo, en cada una se empleó búsqueda activa, trampa de caída y cernido de horajasca. Se evaluaron nueve variables del hábitat para caracterizar cada sitio y relacionar estos valores con la diversidad de hormigas. Se recolectaron 15 666 individuos en 92 morfoespecies, Myrmicinae fue la subfamilia con mayor representación. La cobertura del muestreo presentó un déficit inferior al 5 %. Las curvas de abundancia relativas, mostraron diferencias en el ensamblaje de hormigas. Los bosques presentaron comunidades de hormigas más diversas que las de los otros usos del suelo y mayor número de especies exclusivas; el CCS mantiene el 80.3 % de la diversidad de los bosques frente al 62.3 % de ésta en CLE. En síntesis, la fauna de hormigas en los cafetales con sombra es más rica y equitativa que en los cultivos a libre exposición, reforzando la idea de que la implementación de la sombra favorece el establecimiento de la fauna de hormigas y, por ende, la funcionalidad ecológica.(AU)

Effects of Growth Media on Germination and Early Growth of Afzelia africana sm ex pers

The study investigated the effects of growth media on germination and early growth of A. africana in order to enhance its plantation development. The experiment was divided into two; experiment 1 and 2. Experiment 1 investigates the germination response while experiment 2 investigates the early growth response of Afzelia africana to different growth media. Both experiments were arranged in a completely Randomized Design (CRD). The growth media used for the study were Topsoil (control), sawdust, fine sand, riversand and the mixture. Fifty seeds were sown into each growing medium and experiment was monitored for 8 weeks. Data were collected on germination and early seedling growth parameters. Analysis of variance was used to analyze the data collected. Means separation were carried out using the Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. The result revealed that germination percentage was significant at 5% level of probability. The highest germination percentage was recorded in topsoil (68%) while the least was recorded in sawdust (40%). There was significant difference at 5% level of probability on seedling performance. The highest mean height was recorded in mixture (14.71 cm) and fine sand recording the lowest (9.53 cm). The highest collar diameter growth was recorded in sawdust (0.63 cm) and the least (0.42 cm) was in fine sand. The highest stem diameter was recorded for sawdust (0.49 cm), and the mixture recording the lowest (0.35 cm). The highest mean for leaf length was recorded in river sand which had 6.93cm, while topsoil and sawdust recorded the least mean (5.40 cm.). Leaf production in A. africana was not significant between the treatments. The study has shown that the germination percentage of A. africana improved significantly with growing media especially topsoil. The use of sawdust and topsoil as growing media for small and large scale propagation of the species can be adopted.

Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty in multifocal pseudophakic eyes / Ceratoplastia endotelial da membrana de Descemet em olhos pseudofácicos multifocais

ABSTRACT Purpose: This report describes the use of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty for the management of endothelial decompensation after multifocal intraocular lens implantation. Methods: In this retrospective study, we reviewed and assessed the surgical outcomes of 9 patients (9 eyes) who underwent Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty after multifocal intraocular lens implantation. Results: Corneal edema occurred due to Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (n=3), pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (n=3), Descemet's membrane detachment (n=2), and toxic anterior segment syndrome (n=1). The Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty surgeries were uneventful in all eyes, but rebubbling procedures were necessary in 2 eyes. One month after the surgery, all the corneas were clear. After 6 months, excluding 1 eye with amblyopia, the mean distance corrected visual acuity was 0.10 logMAR, with all eyes achieving 0.18 logMAR or better. Conclusions: This is the first report of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty after multifocal intraocular lens implantation, and it suggests that good results can be achieved without multifocal intraocular lens exchange.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever o uso da ceratoplastia endotelial da membrana de Descemet para manejar descompensação endotelial após implante de lente intraocular multifocal. Métodos: Neste estudo retrospectivo, foram revisados e avaliados os resultados cirúrgicos de 9 olhos de 9 pacientes que foram submetidos a ceratoplastia endotelial da membrana de Descemet para manejar descompensação endotelial após implante de lente intraocular multifocal. Resultados: Descompensação endotelial ocorreu por distrofia endotelial de Fuchs (n=3), ceratopatia bolhosa do pseudofácico (n=3), descolamento da membrana de Descemet (n=2) e síndrome tóxica do segmento anterior (n=1). No ato per operatório de todos os olhos não houve intercorrência, com injeção de ar sendo necessário em dois olhos no pós-operatório por descolamento parcial do enxerto. Um mês após a cirurgia, todas as córneas estavam claras. Após seis meses, excluindo um olho com ambliopia, a acuidade visual média corrigida para longe foi de 0,10 logMAR, com todos os olhos atingindo 0,18 logMAR ou melhor. Conclusões: Este é o primeiro relato de ceratoplastia endotelial da membrana de Descemet após implante de lente intraocular multifocal, sugerindo que bons resultados podem ser alcançados sem a troca da lente intraocular multifocal.

Primera descripción de Sclerotium coffeicola en caoba africana en México / First description of Sclerotium coffeicola on African mahogany in Mexico

Una enfermedad foliar fue detectada en la plantación comercial de Khaya senegalensis con 3 anos de edad, en la localidad de Huimanguillo (Tabasco, México). Mediante la caracterización morfológica y molecular, y por el cumplimiento de los postulados de Koch, se determinó que el agente causal corresponde al hongo Sclerotium coffeicola. Este es el primer reporte de S. coffeicola causando mancha foliar en caoba africana en México.

A foliar disease was detected in the commercial plantation of Khaya senegalen with three years of age in Huimanguillo, Tabasco, Mexico. Through the morphological and molecular characterization and the compliance of the Koch's postulates, it was concluded that the causal agent corresponds to the fungus Sclerotium coffeicola. This is the first report of S. coffeicola causing leaf spot on African mahogany in Mexico.

Anurans from preserved and disturbed areas of Atlantic Forest in the region of Etá Farm, municipality of Sete Barras, state of São Paulo, Brazil / Anuros de áreas preservadas e perturbadas de Mata Atlântica na região da Fazenda Etá, município de Sete Barras, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil

Abstract: We provide information on the diversity and natural history of anurans from preserved and disturbed habitats in the region of Etá Farm, municipality of Sete Barras, state of São Paulo, Brazil. The region is covered by rainforest and plantations of banana and peach palm. From April, 2013 to March, 2014 we sampled amphibians mainly with pitfall traps with drift fences and visual and auditory surveys. A total of 9813 individuals of 36 species of anurans from nine families were recorded in this study. A larger number of species was found in forests (29 species), followed by peach palm plantations (21 species), and banana plantations (17 species). The areas of peach palm plantation and forests showed the greatest similarity in species composition. The vegetation type with the highest number of exclusive species was the forest, whereas only four species were exclusive of the peach palm plantation, and none was exclusive of the banana plantation. Species accumulation curves indicated that our sampling effort was not enough to sample all the species that occur in the region. Our results reinforce the importance of forested habitats for the maintenance of anuran diversity in the Atlantic forest. The preservation of large fragments of forest in the region of Etá Farm is necessary to preserve the diverse amphibian fauna of this region.

Resumo: Neste estudo são apresentadas informações sobre diversidade e história natural de anuros de área preservadas e perturbadas na região da Fezenda Etá, município de Sete Barras, estado de São Paulo, Brasil. A região é coberta por florestas e plantações de pupunha e banana. De abril de 2013 a março de 2014 nós amostramos anuros principalmente com armadilhas de queda com cercas-guia e por meio de procura visual e auditiva. Um total de 9.813 indivíduos de 36 espécies de nove famílias foram registrados. Um número maior de espécies foi encontrado nas florestas (29 espécies), seguidas pelas plantações de pupunha (21 espécies) e de banana (17 espécies). As áreas de plantação de pupunha e as florestas tiveram a maior similaridade em composição de espécies. O tipo de vegetação com o maior número de espécies exclusivas foi a floresta, ao passo que somente quatro espécies foram encontradas exclusivamente na plantação de pupunha e nenhuma foi exclusiva de bananais. As curvas de acumulação de espécies indicaram que nosso esforço amostral não foi suficiente para amostrar todas as espécies que ocorrem na região. Nossos estudos reforçam a importância de ambientes florestados para a manutenção da diversidade de anfíbios na Mata Atlântica. A preservação de grandes fragmentos de floresta é imprescindível para a conservação da rica fauna de anfíbios da região da Fazenda Etá.

Dos registros de Agaricales (Basidiomycota) exóticos en bosques nativos de la Patagonia argentina / Two records of exotic Agaricales (Basidiomycota) in native forests of the Argentinean Patagonia

Inocybe sindonia (Fr.) P. Karst. y Amanita rubescens Pers. son especies típicamente asociadas a bosques de Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco y Pinus radiata D. Don respectivamente. Se reporta por primera vez su presencia en Argentina en bosques de Nothofagus de la Patagonia andina como resultado de la invasión de especies forestales introducidas como recurso maderero. I. sindonia fue colectado en bosques de N. dombeyi (Mirb.) Oerst. y A. rubescens en bosques de N. pumilio (Poepp. & Endl.) Krasser en áreas protegidas con invasión evidente de coníferas exóticas.

Inocybe sindonia (Fr.) P. Karst. and Amanita rubescens Pers. are species typically associated to Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco and Pinus radiata D. Don respectively. Both species have been introduced in South America together with timber species plantations. Basidiomes of I. sindonia were found occurring under Nothofagus dombeyi (Mirb.) Oerst., while basidiomes of A. rubescens were found under N. pumilio (Poepp. & Endl.) Krasser in protected areas that are under invasion of exotic conifers.

DISTRIBUCIÓN ESPACIAL, COMPOSICIÓN Y DENSIDAD DE EDAFOFAUNA EN HOJARASCA DE BOSQUE Y CAFETAL (MONTENEGRO, COLOMBIA) / Spatial Distribution, Composition and Density of the Leaflitter Edaphofauna in Forest and Coffee Plantation (Montenegro, Colombia)

Se determinaron los cambios en composición, densidad y distribución espacial de la edafofauna de hojarasca entre dos usos de suelo (cafetal y bosque subandino) para entender el efecto del uso de suelo. Asimismo, se establecieron las relaciones entre las variables de la edafofauna y atributos de la hojarasca. Se colectaron muestras de hojarasca superficial durante la época seca y se extrajo la edafofauna, manualmente y mediante embudos Berlese modificados. Esta se identificó hasta el menor nivel taxonómico posible y se clasificó en grupos funcionales. La composición faunística fue diferente entre los usos de suelo. La similitud en la composición fue menor al 50 % en dos de los tres grupos funcionales encontrados, pero la densidad total no presentó diferencias. En general hubo coeficientes de variación altos en la densidad faunística intermuestral para los diferentes grupos taxonómicos y, en consecuencia, una baja detectabilidad del patrón espacial. Sin embargo, se detectó un patrón espacial en la abundancia para Coleoptera, larvas de Diptera y biomasa de hojarasca, en el cafetal. La estructura fue más difícil de detectar en bosque, por los pequeños parches en este. La varianza de la abundancia fue mayor en el cafetal, para todos los grupos, excepto Acaridida y Formicidae. La densidad de Formicidae aumentó al hacerlo la humedad de la hojarasca, pero solo en cafetal. Se concluye que el establecimiento del cafetal afecta de manera diferencial a taxones y grupos funcionales de la edafofauna. Esto sienta las bases para definir los efectos del cambio de uso de suelo y los factores ambientales asociados con la distribución espacial de la edafofauna.

Changes in composition, density and spatial distribution on the litter edaphic fauna between two land uses (a coffee plantation and a tropical Andean forest) were established, in order to understand the soil use effects. Also, the relationships between the biotic variables and some litter features were evaluated. Superficial litter samples were collected during dry season. The edaphic fauna was extracted manually and with modified Berlese funnels; it was identified up to the lower taxonomic level and classified in functional groups. Differences in fauna composition were observed between the two land uses. Composition similarity was lower than 50 % for almost all functional groups found, but total density did not differ between the land uses. In general, there was a high variation in density among samples resulting in higher coefficients of variation for different taxonomic groups and consequently low detectability of spatial pattern. However a spatial pattern was detected only for Coleoptera, Diptera larvae and litter biomass in the coffee plantation. The structure in forest was more difficult to detect, due to the smaller patches on it. The variance of abundance was significantly higher in the coffee plantation for all groups, except Acaridida and Formicidae. Density of Formicidae increased with the enhancement of litter moisture, but only in the coffee plantation. In conclusion, the establishment of coffee plantation differentially affects taxa and functional groups of soil fauna. This is the basis for establishing the effects of soil change use, and the environmental factors associated with spatial distribution of edaphic fauna.

Abundancia relativa de la zorra gris Urocyon cinereoargenteus(Carnívora: Canidae) en la zona centro de Veracruz, México / Relative abundance of the gray foxUrocyon cinereoargenteus(Carnívora: Canidae) in Veracruz central area, Mexico

ResumenLa zorra gris (Urocyon cinereoargenteus Schreber) es un cánido de tamaño mediano que se distribuye ampliamente en México. La mayoría de los estudios sobre esta especie se han enfocado en el uso de hábitat, el ámbito hogareño, la dieta, la competencia con otros carnívoros y su distribución en diferentes paisajes tanto urbanos como rurales. Se tiene conocimiento de su presencia en fragmentos de bosque mesófilo de montaña y cafetales de sombra en el centro de Veracruz, aunque no se ha comparado su abundancia con otras coberturas vegetales como los cultivos presentes en la región. En este estudio describimos las variaciones de la abundancia mensual de zorra gris a través del registro de excretas en transectos de 500 m en cañaverales, cafetales de sombra y fragmentos de bosque mesófilo de montaña entre octubre del 2008 y mayo del 2009. Reportamos el índice de abundancia relativa para cada cobertura y cada mes, y evaluamos la relación de cuatro variables del paisaje (porcentaje de sombra, densidad de caminos, densidad de población humana y entremezcla de hábitats) en áreas de influencia de 450 ha alrededor de los sitios de muestreo. La comparación de la abundancia entre coberturas, mostró abundancias menores en los fragmentos de bosque mesófilo y mayores en los cafetales de sombra y cañaverales. No se encontró diferencia significativa a través de los meses (P= 0.476). Se plantea que la abundancia mayor en los cultivos puede estar asociada a las plagas de roedores y a la presencia de árboles frutales que ofrecen alimento a la zorra gris. De las variables del paisaje evaluadas solo la densidad de caminos de impacto medio y la densidad de población se correlacionaron positivamente con la abundancia de zorra gris, lo que demuestra que puede cohabitar con el humano sobre todo en zonas rurales. Se destaca la capacidad de la zorra gris para aprovechar los paisajes heterogéneos.

AbstractThe gray fox, Urocyon cinereoargenteus, is a medium-size canid widely distributed in México. Most studies on this species focus on habitat use, home range, diet, intraguild competence, and lanscape distribution between urban and rural sites. In central Veracruz, gray foxes are present in fragments of cloud forest and in shaded coffee plantations; nevertheless, its abundance has not yet been compared among other vegetation types found in the area, such as sugarcane plantations. In this study we described gray foxes abundance variations using 500 m transects, among sugarcane plantations, shaded coffee plantations, and cloud forest fragments throughout eight months, by scat counting in three sites of each cover type. We reported the relative abundance index for each cover type and each month, and evaluated its relationship with four landscape features: (a) shade percent, (b) trail density, (c) human population density, and (d) habitat juxtaposition, in influence areas of 450 ha around sampling sites. Abundance comparison among cover types showed lower abundances in cloud forest fragments and higher abundances in coffee and sugarcane plantations. No significant differences were found throughout months (p = 0.476). We proposed that higher abundances in plantations may be related to the presence of rodent plagues and fruit trees which offer food resources to gray foxes. The evaluation of landscape features showed that only medium-impact trail density and human population density were positively correlated with gray fox abundance; fact that demonstrates that this canid can coexist with humans in rural sites. We highlight the gray fox capacity to take advantage of heterogeneous landscapes.

Developing ergonomics intervention for improving safety & health among smallholders in Melaka oil palm plantation: a participatory action oriented approach

In the Malaysia Economic Transformation Programmed (ETP) launched on 2010, palm oil industry has been highlighted as one of the key sector towards national economic development. There are a lot of concerns directed towards safety and health in the agricultural sectors where oil palm plantations are the main agricultural sectors in Malaysia. Correspondingly, several tasks by the small holders in the oil palm plantation have been shown to lead to musculoskeletal disorders which are attributed to various safety and health issues. This study intends to determine the effects of ergonomics interventions approach, highly promoted by International Labor Organization to resolve ergonomics issues specifically among oil palm plantation small holders and to improve Occupational Safety and Health aspects of the workplace. The study will be divided into two phases, the first phase of the cross-sectional design which will involve 360 male respondents working as small holders in the oil palm plantation. Questionnaires will be used to collect information on socio demographic data, occupational history, social lifestyle and prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) data. The second phase of the intervention study (Quasi Experimental) involve intervention program based on Participatory Action Oriented Training (PAOT) approach using qualitative observation and quantitative results of analysis during the first phase. A training program consisting of 3 primary instruments (lecture, action checklist and video), reinforcing activities (to increase knowledge, enhance understanding and associate practical application) and indicators (questionnaires and qualitative observation) were created, modified and customized to the small holders’ working in oil palm plantation. Palm oil industry provides job opportunity for more than half a million people and living opportunity for more than 1 million people (MPOB, 2011). Improving safety & health for the small holders in the oil palm plantations become the overall outcome of the ergonomics intervention. Specifically, the ergonomics Intervention will be expected to increase Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) among the small holders, to be used as a program for occupational safety & health improvement in oil palm plantations around Melaka as well as to reduce risk of developing Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) due to small holder’s multi task in the oil palm plantations. As the current knowledge gap of agricultural workers such as small holders remains wide in terms of safety and health, awareness among the small holders in the rural areas is low. In addition, focus of research was generally low on agricultural workers especially of health components further increasing the knowledge gap and status of health of agricultural workers or specifically small holders in Malaysia.

Ergonomic risk assessment of manual handling tools by oil palm collectors and loaders

Oil palm workers are exposed to ergonomics problems in their routine works. Although many technological advances have been developed, a large number of workers are still using manual handling tools in their daily work. A study was done to identify and solve the problems or issues of material handling effect on oil palm collectors and loaders during their daily work activities. A cross sectional study was done in an oil palm plantation in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Twenty five workers were selected randomly to participate in this study. Musculoskeletal symptoms were recorded using Modified Nordic Questionnaires and awkward postures of the workers were assessed using Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). Result showed that 61% of workers were exposed to high risk level and 39% to very high risk level of working posture problems. In conclusion, majority of oil palm collectors and loaders need to correct their working posture as soon as possible. The manual handling activities need to be improved with respect to correct procedure for health and safety concerns.