The Regulatory Status of Functional Foods in the Economic Integration Organizations of Latin America and the Caribbean / El Estatus Regulatorio de los Alimentos Funcionales en las Organizaciones de Integración Económica de Latinoamérica y el Caribe

Introduction. The legal declarations on functional foods of the four main economic integration organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) ­ Pacific Alliance (PA), Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) and Central American Integration System (SICA) - are based on the Codex Alimentarius system and do not regulate functional foods. The use of Codex in food marketing is an insufficient condition for its application in functional foods. Regulation based on scientific and technology results are required to be used in the economic integration organizations of LAC. Objective. The objective is to analyze the theoretical framework of the legal foundations that could govern the commercialization processes of functional foods, whose research advances have currently only been manifested in nutritional health. This article also seeks to address this gap through a systematic analysis of international regulations. Materials and methods. For this, a review of the literature emanating from two databases from 2018-2023 is carried by applying the legal-economic research method of documentary content analysis, applied to three general food marketing regulations: food safety declarations, regulations for inspections, food manufacturing and food labeling. Results. The results reveal the absence of specific legislation for functional foods in LAC economic integration organizations. Conclusions. The legal principle of marketing based on peremptory norm (also called jus cogens) can be facilitated through side letters, included in the contents of international contracts. along with the registration requirements of industrial property rights of the member countries associations(AU)

Introducción. Las declaraciones legales sobre alimentos funcionales de las cuatro principales organizaciones de integración económica de América Latina y el Caribe (ALC) ­ Alianza del Pacífico (AP), Comunidad del Caribe (CARICOM), Mercado Común del Sur (MERCOSUR) y Sistema de Integración Centroamericana (SICA) - se basan en el sistema del Codex Alimentarius y no regulan los alimentos funcionales. El uso del Codex en la comercialización de alimentos es condición insuficiente para su aplicación en alimentos funcionales. Se requiere que las regulaciones basadas en resultados científicos y tecnológicos sean utilizadas en los organismos de integración económica de ALC. Objetivo. Analizar el marco teórico de los fundamentos legales que podrían regir los procesos de comercialización de alimentos funcionales, cuyos avances en investigación actualmente solo se han manifestado en salud nutricional. Este artículo también busca abordar esta brecha a través de un análisis sistemático de las regulaciones internacionales. Materiales y métodos. Se realiza una revisión de la literatura emanada de dos bases de datos del período 2018-2023 aplicando el método de investigación jurídico- económica de análisis de contenido documental, aplicado a tres normas generales de comercialización de alimentos: declaraciones de seguridad alimentaria, normas para inspecciones, fabricación de alimentos y etiquetado de alimentos. Resultados. Los resultados revelan la ausencia de legislación específica para alimentos funcionales en las asociaciones comerciales de ALC. Conclusiones. El principio jurídico de comercialización basado en norma imperativa (también llamado jus cogens) puede facilitarse a través de cartas complementarias, incluidas en el contenido de los contratos internacionales. junto con los requisitos de registro de los derechos de propiedad industrial de las asociaciones de los países miembros(AU)

Jóvenes y educación superior en el Cono Sur de América

(analítico) Con la finalidad de conocer la experiencia de ser joven hoy en la educación superior en Argentina, Chile o Uruguay, se realiza un análisis temático a 54 artículos de los últimos tres años en WoS, Scopus y Scielo. Por intermedio de un trabajo inductivo y reflexivo, se identifican patrones comunes en las fuentes de análisis, que permiten identificar siete temas que dan cuenta de una transición: ampliación de cobertura, pero sin inclusión; facilidad al ingreso, pero con incertidumbre al egreso; cambios en los roles de género, pero manteniéndose el machismo; valoración de la salud, pero con conductas de riesgo; preocupación por los otros, pero con individualismo; valoración del movimiento estudiantil, pero con cambios en sus manifestaciones y tránsito de lo presencial a lo virtual, acelerado por covid-19.

(analytical) In order to know the experience of being young today in higher education in Argentina, Chile or Uruguay, a Thematic Analysis is carried out on 54 articles from the last three years in WoS, Scopus and Scielo. Through inductive and reflective work, common patterns are identified in the sources of analysis, which allow the identification of seven themes that account for a transition: expansion of coverage, but without inclusion; ease upon admission, but with uncertainty upon discharge; changes in gender roles, but maintaining machismo; health assessment, but with risk behaviors; concern for others, but with individualism; appreciation of the student movement, but with changes in its manifestations and transition from face-to-face to virtual, accelerated by COVID-19.

(analítico) Para conhecer a experiência de ser jovem hoje na educação superior na Argentina, Chile ou Uruguai, realiza-se uma Análise Temática de 54 artigos dos últimos três anos em WoS, Scopus e Scielo. Através de um trabalho indutivo e reflexivo, identificam-se padrões comuns nas fontes de análise, que permitem identificar sete temas que dão conta de uma transição: ampliação da cobertura, mas sem inclusão; facilidade na admissão, mas com incerteza na alta; mudanças nos papéis de gênero, mas mantendo o machismo; avaliação de saúde, mas com comportamentos de risco; preocupação com os outros, mas com individualismo; valorização do movimento estudantil, mas com mudanças em suas manifestações e transição do presencial para o virtual, acelerada pela Covid-19.

Analysis of HKαα Genotype and Hematological Characteristics in South Guangxi / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the detection rate and hematologic phenotype of HKαα thalassemia in south Guangxi, in order to provide reference for the prevention and control of thalassemia and prenatal and postnatal care consultation in this region.@*METHODS@#Gene testing was performed on pre-marital medical examinations, pre-pregnancy eugenic health examinations, prenatal examinations and hospitalized thalassemia-positive persons in south of Guangxi, and the results were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#A total of 183 190 thalassemia patients were included in this study, the age was mainly concentrated in 26-35 years old (101 709 cases, accounting for 55.521%), and 40 HKαα mutations were detected, detection rate was 0.022%, including 5 cases in Nanning, 22 cases in Qinzhou, 2 cases in Fangchenggang, 11 cases in Beihai. A total of 29 ethnic groups were included in the survey, but HKαα gene was observed only in Han nationality (0.0380%) and Zhuang nationality (0.0068%). A total of 8 genotypes carrying HKαα mutations were detected in this study ( HKαα/--SEA, βN/ βN, HKαα/αα, β-28/ βN, HKαα/αα, β-50/ βN, HKαα/αα, βCD17/ βN, HKαα/αα, βCD27/28/β N, HKαα/αα, βCD41-42/ βN, HKαα/αα, βCD71-72/ βN, and HKαα/αα, βN/ βN). Except for most cases with HKαα/αα, βN/ βN genotypes with no significant changes in the hematological indexes, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) of other genotypes were decreased, showing microcytic hypochromic performance, mild anemia or no anemia.@*CONCLUSION@#HKαα carrier is often misdiagnosed as -α3.7 carrier, which easily leads to missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis. Therefore, it is necessary to continuously improve the diagnostic level of laboratory testing personnels and genetic counselors to avoid unnecessary interventional puncture operations and birth of children with moderate and severe thalassemia.

Genetic study of Yersinia pestis strains isolated from the Himalayan marmot natural focus area and domestic rat plague focus area in southern China / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective To understand the phenotypic and genetic characteristics of Yersinia pestis strains isolated from Himalayan marmot natural focus area and domestic rat plague focus area in southern China, and provide reference for mastering the pathogenic characteristics of Yersinia pestis of two plague foci. Methods A total of 412 of Yersinia pestis strains isolated from Himalayan marmot plague focus and domestic rat plague focus of southern China were subjected to to sorbitol fermentation assays, virulence factor, different region (DFR) typing, and clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR) typing. Results The biochemical types of Y. pestis from the two plague foci showed distinct regional distribution features. Five biochemical phenotypes were identified in Yersinia pestis isolated from Himalayan marmot natural focus area, while only one biochemical phenotype was identified in strains isolated from the domestic rat plague focus of Southern China. Most of the Yersinia pestis isolated from the two plague foci were capable of producing the virulence factors of Fl and PstI. Among the strains from Himalayan marmot focus, 70.53% (201/285) were VW-positive, 75.09% (214/285) were Pgm-positive, 20.00% (57/285) of the strains were Pgm-negative, and 5.26% (15/285) were Pgm mixed-type strains. Among strains from domestic rat plague focus of southern China, 37.80% (48/127) were VW-positive, 29.13% (37/127) were Pgm-positive, 58.27% (74/127) were Pgm-negative, and 12.60% (16/127) were Pgm mixed-type strains. DFR typing revealed 22 genotypes of Y. pestis from the Himalayan marmot plague focus, with the main genotypes being type 5, 7, 8, 10, 19, 32 and 49. All strains from domestic rat plague focus area in southern China belonged to type 9. CRISPR typing revealed that all strains from the Himalayan marmot natural focus were classified into 7 CRISPR gene clusters and 14 CRISPR genotypes, with the main genotypes being G7, G22, G26-a1'and G22-A1'. All strains from domestic rat plague focus area in southern China belonged to CRISPR genotype G30, with the gene cluster being Ca8. Conclusions The phenotypes and genotypes of the Yersinia pestis of Himalayan marmot plague focus are diverse, with an obvious characteristics of geographical distribution. The phenotype and genotype of the Yersinia pestis of domestic rat plague focus of Southern China are single. DFR and CRISPR genotyping methods with phenotypic characteristics can effectively identify the Yersinia pestis isolated from the two plague foci, thereby meeting the needs of identification and traceability research.

Abundance and associated factors of Amblyomma tigrinum (Acari: Ixodidae) infesting wild foxes in north-central Chile / Abundância e fatores associados do Amblyomma tigrinum (Acari: Ixodidae) infestando raposas silvestres no centro-norte do Chile

Abstract The tick Amblyomma tigrinum inhabits areas with diverse climatic conditions, with adult stages parasitizing wild canids, such as chilla (Lycalopex griseus) and culpeo (Lycalopex culpaeus) foxes. We described the infestation loads in wild foxes captured at three sites (periurban, rural and wild) through an anthropization gradient in north-central Chile. We tested whether local-scale environmental and/or individual host factors can predict tick abundance by using negative binomial models. During 2018-2020 (spring and summer), we captured 116 foxes (44 chillas and 72 culpeos), and 102 of them were infested with ticks (87.9%, CI=80.6-93.2%). We collected 996 A. tigrinum adult ticks, estimating a total mean abundance of 8.6±0.8 ticks/host. Periurban and rural foxes harbored greater tick loads than foxes from the wild site (2.34 and 1.71 greater, respectively) while tick abundance in summer decreased by up to 57% compared to spring. Tempered, more humid climate conditions of the periurban site could favor the development and survival of adults A. tigrinum; and ticks may have adopted a quiescent stage or similar survival mechanisms to cope with summer temperature increases related to the ongoing megadrought. Further studies are warranted to understand the underlying factors determining the life cycle of A. tigrinum at larger spatiotemporal scales.

Resumo Amblyomma tigrinum habita em áreas com diversas condições climáticas, com estágios adultos, geralmente, parasitando canídeos silvestres, como chilla (Lycalopex griseus) e culpeo (Lycalopex culpaeus). Neste trabalho, são descritas as cargas de infestação de A. tigrinum em raposas silvestres, capturadas em três locais (periurbano, rural e silvestre) no centro-norte do Chile. Foi testado se os fatores ambientais e/ou individuais do hospedeiro, em escala local, podem prever a abundância de carrapatos, usando-se modelos binomiais negativos. Durante 2018-2020 (primavera e verão), foram capturadas 116 raposas (44 chillas e 72 culpeos), e 102 delas estavam infestadas por carrapatos (87,9%, IC=80,6-93,2%). Foram coletados 996 carrapatos adultos de A. tigrinum, estimando-se uma abundância média total de 8,6±0,8 carrapatos/hospedeiro. As raposas periurbanas e rurais abrigaram cargas de carrapatos maiores do que as raposas do local silvestre (2,34 e 1,71 maior, respectivamente), enquanto a abundância de carrapatos, no verão, diminuiu até 57% em comparação com a primavera. As condições climáticas temperadas e mais úmidas do sítio periurbano podem favorecer o desenvolvimento e a sobrevivência dos adultos de A. tigrinum; e os carrapatos podem ter adotado um estágio quiescente ou mecanismos de sobrevivência semelhantes, para lidar com os aumentos de temperatura no verão, relacionados à mega seca em andamento.

Hospital mortality rates between 2015 and 2022: a comparison between the pre-pandemic and pandemic period shows that COVID-19 is a critical health problem

Introduction: COVID-19 caused 6.2 million deaths in the world. The present study aims to evaluate hospital mortality rates from 2015 to 2022, to compare the pre and during the pandemic period.Methods: The study was carried out in a private hospital in southern Brazil. 174,013 hospital discharges between January 2015 and March 2022 were analyzed. Pearson's chi-squared test was performed to evaluate the mortality rate by year. Differences between mortality rates before and during the pandemic was tested with Student's t-test. P-values < 0.05 for all tests were considered significant.Results: Mortality rates were 2.29% in 2015; 2.37% in 2016; 2.25% in 2017; 2.31% in 2018; 2.46% in 2019; 3.45% in 2020; 3.58% in 2021 and 2.77% in 2022 (p< 0.01). The mortality for 2020 and 2021 was higher than in the other years (3.50% ± 0.14 vs 2.34% ± 0.05; p < 0.01).Conclusion: The mortality rates were significantly higher in the years 2020 and 2021, demonstrating that COVID-19 is a critical health problem.

Ethnobotanical Survey and Agro-Morphological Characterization of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc., Zingiberaceae) Cultivars in South Benin

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc., Zingiberaceae), a cultivated annual herbaceous plant is one of the most important spices consumed in the world with many medicinal properties. It is an income-generating plant for its production. This study aims to document endogenous knowledge on speculation as well as an agro-morphological characterization in order to make it better known and to reveal its potential to the whole world. The ethnobotanical data obtained by a semi-structured survey conducted from a questionnaire in six (06) municipalities in southern Benin made it possible to determine the local taxonomy of Ginger, the cultural practices and the different uses of the species. Ginger has been introduced in Benin for decades and in all the area study. The local names for the species as well as its uses, vary according to locality. As for the agro-morphological characterization, a complete random block device composed of five sub-plots was used. The experimental data allowed us to obtain three classes with all the accessions collected. Ginger cultivation is widespread in the study area with production on a small area. The cultivation techniques adopted do not follow any defined technical itinerary and the production tools are often rudimentary. The cultivation of ginger is therefore limited despite its multiple medicinal and economic potential. The institutions in charge of agriculture do not have data concerning the cultivation of ginger in southern Benin.

Evaluation of antioxidant activity, phenolic content, anthocyanins, and flavonoids of fresh and dried 'Biloxi' blueberries / Evaluación de la actividad antioxidante, contenido fenólico, antocianinas y flavonoides de arándanos 'Biloxi' frescos y secos

BACKGROUND: The phytochemical content present in blueberries has generated great interest, especially in the nutra-pharmaceutical industry, where it is known as the "super fruit" due to its prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer, among others). OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the functional potential of fresh blueberries and dried blueberries using forced convection by measuring phytochemical content to conclude if this drying technology is convenient for prolonging the product's shelf life. METHODS: For this purpose, antioxidant activity, phenolic content, total anthocyanins, and total flavonoids of 'Biloxi' blueberry cultivars were determined. Fresh and dried blueberries' results were studied. Fruit extracts were analyzed to determine antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) as a free radical, total phenolic content with Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, total anthocyanins by pH differential method, and total flavonoids by Aluminum Chloride method. RESULTS: Results for fresh blueberries yielded ranges of antioxidant activity (90.8-93.9% Free radical scavenging rate), total phenolic content (275 to 645mgGAE/100gFW), total anthocyanins content (28.55 to 43.75mgCy3G/100gFW) and total flavonoids content (159.92 to 335.75mgQE/100gFW). For the forced convection oven process, ranges of antioxidant activity (85.5-92.6% Free radical scavenging rate), total phenolic content (261 to 308mgGAE/100gFW), total anthocyanins content (4.74 to 5.12mgCy3G/100gFW) and total flavonoids content (30.66±0.38mgQE/100gFW) were obtained. CONCLUSIONS: In general, blueberries studied proved to have similar concentrations of functional properties compared to a wide variety of cultivars grown around the globe. Furthermore, higher concentrations of phytochemical content than those reported previously for strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries were evidenced. Although dried blueberries studied proved to have diminished phytochemical content, this functional component content stands out among the fruits market and give nutritional value to end consumers. Drying processes could potentially increase the commerce of blueberries by significantly reducing their perishable nature

CONTEXTO: El contenido fitoquímico presente en los arándanos ha generado gran interés, especialmente en la industria nutra-farmacéutica donde es conocido como una "super fruta" debido a su ayuda en la prevención y tratamiento de enfermedades neurodegenerativas, enfermedades cardiovasculares, diabetes, cáncer, entre otras. OBJETIVOS: Este estudio evaluó el potencial funcional de arándanos frescos y deshidratados por convección forzada mediante la determinación de su contenido fitoquímico con el objetivo de concluir si esta tecnología de secado es conveniente para aumentar la vida útil del producto. MÉTODOS: Para este propósito, se determinó la actividad antioxidante, el contenido fenólico, las antocianinas totales y los flavonoides totales de cultivos de arándanos 'Biloxi' La información recopilada de la literatura fue analizada. Se estudió el contenido en compuestos funcionales en arándanos frescos y deshidratados. Los extractos de fruta fueron analizados para determinar actividad antioxidante por medio de 2,2-Difenil-1-Picrilhidrazilo (DPPH) como radical libre, fenólicos totales con el reactivo Folin-Ciocalteu, antocianinas totales usando el método diferencial de pH y flavonoides totales con el método de Cloruro de Aluminio. RESULTADOS: Para los arándanos frescos se obtuvieron rangos de actividad antioxidante de 90.8-93.9% Tasa de captación de radicales libres, contenido fenólico total de 275-645mgEAG/100gPF, contenido de antocianinas totales de 28.55-43.75mgCy3G/100gPF y contenido total de flavonoides de 159.92-335.75mgEQ/100gPF. Para los arándanos deshidratados por convección forzada, se obtuvieron rangos de actividad antioxidante de 85.5-92.6% Tasa de captación de radicales libres, contenido fenólico total de 261-308mgEAG/100gPF, contenido de antocianinas totales de 4.74-5.12mgCy3G/100gPF y contenido total de flavonoides de 30.24-30.96mgEQ/100gPF. CONCLUSIONES: En general, los arándanos estudiados probaron tener concentraciones similares de propiedades funcionales comparados con una amplia variedad de cultivos alrededor del mundo. Además, fueron evidenciadas concentraciones más altas de contenido fitoquímico comparadas con las reportadas previamente para fresas, moras y frambuesas. Aunque los arándanos secos estudiados demostraron tener menor contenido fitoquímico, la cantidad de estos componentes funcionales destaca dentro del mercado de las frutas y dan valor nutricional a los consumidores. Los procesos de secado pueden potencialmente incrementar el comercio de arándanos derivado de una disminución significativa en su naturaleza perecedera

Nueva colonia reproductiva del gaviotín peruano (Sternula lorata) en la costa sur de Perú / New breeding colony of the Peruvian Tern (Sternula lorata) in southern coast of Peru

Resumen En la presente nota se describe la existencia de una nueva colonia reproductiva de Sternula lorata en Pampa El Palo, ubicado en el distrito y la provincia de Ilo, departamento de Moquegua. Entre agosto de 2016 y marzo de 2017 se registraron de 8 a 324 S. lorata y se encontraron 12 nidos activos. El área reproductiva comprende unas 600 ha y se caracteriza por ser una zona abierta con suelo de tipo arenoso y presencia de conchuelas. Esta especie enfrenta algunas amenazas antrópicas en el lugar, tales como el tránsito de vehículos motorizados, el paso de pescadores locales y la presencia de perros domésticos.

Abstract This note describes the existence of a new reproductive colony of Sternula lorata in Pampa El Palo, located in the district and province of Ilo, department of Moquegua. Between August 2016 and March 2017, 8 to 324 S. lorata were recorded and 12 active nests were found. The reproductive area comprises about 600 ha and is characterized by being an open area with sandy-type soil and the presence of shells. This species faces some anthropogenic threats in the area, such as the traffic of motorized vehicles, the passage of local fishermen and the presence of domestic dogs.

Folic acid usage and associated factors among pregnant women attending a tertiary health facility in Nigeria

Background: Folic acid (FA) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that cannot be synthesized in the human body; hence its major source is from diet. It plays a key role in embryonic development. FAsupplementation in pregnancy reduces the risk of megaloblastic anaemia, preterm delivery and neural tube defects. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the use of FAand factors associated with uptake amongst pregnant women at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study involving 451 antenatal attendees at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital from 1 January to 31 March 2020.After consent was obtained, a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information from the women. Data was entered into a spread sheet and analyzed with SPSS version 25. The results are presented in means and percentages. The confidence interval was set at 95% and a pvalue of <0.05 was deemed statistically significant. Chisquare test and Pearson’s correlation were used to determine association between usage of FAand variables.Results: Most of the women, 258 (57.21%) were between the ages of 30 and 39 years and were primarily nulliparous 122 (27.1%). Moreover,two-thirds of them 330 (73.2%) had post-secondary education and nearly all 409 (90.7%) of the women were married. Majority 370 (82.0%) of the pregnant women were currently taking folic acid but only 109 (24.2%) commenced before pregnancy. Use of FAwas significantly associated with socio-demographic characteristics such as age, marital status, level of educationandoccupation (p<0.05). In addition, parity, planned pregnancy, history of having a child with neural tube defect, and timing of commencement of folic acid were all significantly associated with folic acid usage (p<0.05). Conclusions:Only a small proportion of pregnant women have used FAbefore their pregnancies. A public health policy or strategy to increase the pre-conceptional use of folic acid is needed.

Influence of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood infection on different plant growth parameters in Mungbean, Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek

Root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood, is a major threat to mungbean cultivation. The pest causes a significant reduction in plant growth parameters that ultimately results in loss of grain yield. The present study was carried out under glass house condition to study the effect of different inoculum load of root-knot nematode M. incognita on plant growth, nodulation and nematode development and nutrients status of Mungbean. The results revealed a progressive decline in plant growth parameters viz., fresh and dry shoot weight and shoot length with respect to increase in inoculum level. However, fresh and dry root weight showed the opposite trend. The fresh and dry shoot weight was decreased by 44% and 66%, respectively at 4 J2s/g soil. The chlorophyll content in the leaves also decreased with the increase of inoculum level from 100-6000 J2s/pot. Nutrients contents of the plant viz. N, P, K, Ca and Mg were significantly reduced in shoots while in roots these was increased with an increase of inoculum levels. Nodulation was affected by 80% at the highest inoculum level i.e. 6000 J2s/pot. Also leghaemoglobin, bacteroid content and nitrogenase activity was reduced progressively with increased levels of nematode inoculum. Thus, the root-knot nematode, M. incognita interferes with the process of symbiotic nitrogen fixation between mungbean host and rhizobium and that can affect the quality of produce.

Fungivory: a new and complex ecological function of Doru luteipes (Scudder) (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) / Fungivoria: uma nova e complexa função ecológica de Doru luteipes (Scudder) (Dermaptera: Forficulidae)

We report the discovery that the earwig predator Doru luteipes (Scudder, 1876) (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) feed on Puccinia polysora Underw uredospore, the causal agent of Southern Rust of Corn (SRC), which is a primary disease affecting the maize crop in Brazil. We performed experiments in laboratory and greenhouse to test the effect of D. luteipes (1st/2nd and 3rd/4th instars, and adults) fungivory on the P. polysora uredospore concentration. All trials showed a significant reduction of the initial concentration of uredospore. There was a reduction in uredospore concentration with increase in number of D. luteipes feeding on them. We also tested the uredospore consumption by quantifying its percentage in the feces of D. luteipes. Nymphs of the 2nd, 4th instar and adults fed 88%, 85%, and 83.8% of the uredospore, respectively. For nymphs of the 3rd instar, the percentage of uredospore consumption (75.6%) was statistically significant compared with the other groups. In greenhouse experiment, at twenty-eight days after plant inoculation with 9.9 x 104 uredospores, the percentage of uredospore consumption was 81.7%. Our results confirmed the fungivory of D. luteipes on P. polysora uredospore. This is the first report of D. luteipes fungivory, which may play an important role in the biological control of P. polysora in corn.

Relatamos a descoberta de que o predador Doru luteipes (Scudder, 1876) (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) se alimenta de uredosporos de Puccinia polysora Underw, o agente causal da ferrugem polisora que é uma doença primária que afeta a cultura do milho no Brasil. Realizamos experimentos em laboratório e em casa de vegetação para testar o efeito da fungivoria de D. luteipes (1º/2º e 3º/4º iìstares e adultos) sobre a concentração de uredosporos de P. polysora. Todos os ensaios mostraram uma redução significativa da concentração inicial de uredosporos. Houve uma redução na concentração de uredosporos com o aumento do número de D. luteipes alimentando-se deles. Também testamos o consumo de uredosporos quantificando sua porcentagem nas fezes de D. luteipes. Ninfas do 2º e 4º ínstar, assim como adultos, alimentaram-se de 88%, 85% e 83,8% dos uredosporos, respectivamente. Para ninfas do 3º ínstar, a porcentagem de consumo de uredosporos (75,6%) foi estatisticamente significativo em comparação com os outros grupos. No experimento em casa de vegetação, aos 28 dias após a inoculação das plantas com 9,9 x 104 uredosporos, a porcentagem de consumo de uredosporos foi de 81,7%. Nossos resultados confirmaram a fungivoria de D. luteipes em uredosporos de P. polysora. Este é o primeiro relato de fungivoria de D. luteipes, que pode ter papel importante no controle biológico de P. polysora em milho.

Fungivory: a new and complex ecological function of Doru luteipes (Scudder) (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) / Fungivoria: uma nova e complexa função ecológica de Doru luteipes (Scudder) (Dermaptera: Forficulidae)

We report the discovery that the earwig predator Doru luteipes (Scudder, 1876) (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) feed on Puccinia polysora Underw uredospore, the causal agent of Southern Rust of Corn (SRC), which is a primary disease affecting the maize crop in Brazil. We performed experiments in laboratory and greenhouse to test the effect of D. luteipes (1st/2nd and 3rd/4th instars, and adults) fungivory on the P. polysora uredospore concentration. All trials showed a significant reduction of the initial concentration of uredospore. There was a reduction in uredospore concentration with increase in number of D. luteipes feeding on them. We also tested the uredospore consumption by quantifying its percentage in the feces of D. luteipes. Nymphs of the 2nd, 4th instar and adults fed 88%, 85%, and 83.8% of the uredospore, respectively. For nymphs of the 3rd instar, the percentage of uredospore consumption (75.6%) was statistically significant compared with the other groups. In greenhouse experiment, at twenty-eight days after plant inoculation with 9.9 x 104 uredospores, the percentage of uredospore consumption was 81.7%. Our results confirmed the fungivory of D. luteipes on P. polysora uredospore. This is the first report of D. luteipes fungivory, which may play an important role in the biological control of P. polysora in corn.

Relatamos a descoberta de que o predador Doru luteipes (Scudder, 1876) (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) se alimenta de uredosporos de Puccinia polysora Underw, o agente causal da ferrugem polisora que é uma doença primária que afeta a cultura do milho no Brasil. Realizamos experimentos em laboratório e em casa de vegetação para testar o efeito da fungivoria de D. luteipes (1º/2º e 3º/4º iìstares e adultos) sobre a concentração de uredosporos de P. polysora. Todos os ensaios mostraram uma redução significativa da concentração inicial de uredosporos. Houve uma redução na concentração de uredosporos com o aumento do número de D. luteipes alimentando-se deles. Também testamos o consumo de uredosporos quantificando sua porcentagem nas fezes de D. luteipes. Ninfas do 2º e 4º ínstar, assim como adultos, alimentaram-se de 88%, 85% e 83,8% dos uredosporos, respectivamente. Para ninfas do 3º ínstar, a porcentagem de consumo de uredosporos (75,6%) foi estatisticamente significativo em comparação com os outros grupos. No experimento em casa de vegetação, aos 28 dias após a inoculação das plantas com 9,9 x 104 uredosporos, a porcentagem de consumo de uredosporos foi de 81,7%. Nossos resultados confirmaram a fungivoria de D. luteipes em uredosporos de P. polysora. Este é o primeiro relato de fungivoria de D. luteipes, que pode ter papel importante no controle biológico de P. polysora em milho.

Fungivory: a new and complex ecological function of Doru luteipes (Scudder) (Dermaptera: Forficulidae)

Abstract We report the discovery that the earwig predator Doru luteipes (Scudder, 1876) (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) feed on Puccinia polysora Underw uredospore, the causal agent of Southern Rust of Corn (SRC), which is a primary disease affecting the maize crop in Brazil. We performed experiments in laboratory and greenhouse to test the effect of D. luteipes (1st/2nd and 3rd/4th instars, and adults) fungivory on the P. polysora uredospore concentration. All trials showed a significant reduction of the initial concentration of uredospore. There was a reduction in uredospore concentration with increase in number of D. luteipes feeding on them. We also tested the uredospore consumption by quantifying its percentage in the feces of D. luteipes. Nymphs of the 2nd, 4th instar and adults fed 88%, 85%, and 83.8% of the uredospore, respectively. For nymphs of the 3rd instar, the percentage of uredospore consumption (75.6%) was statistically significant compared with the other groups. In greenhouse experiment, at twenty-eight days after plant inoculation with 9.9 x 104 uredospores, the percentage of uredospore consumption was 81.7%. Our results confirmed the fungivory of D. luteipes on P. polysora uredospore. This is the first report of D. luteipes fungivory, which may play an important role in the biological control of P. polysora in corn.

Resumo Relatamos a descoberta de que o predador Doru luteipes (Scudder, 1876) (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) se alimenta de uredosporos de Puccinia polysora Underw, o agente causal da ferrugem polisora que é uma doença primária que afeta a cultura do milho no Brasil. Realizamos experimentos em laboratório e em casa de vegetação para testar o efeito da fungivoria de D. luteipes (1º/2º e 3º/4º iìstares e adultos) sobre a concentração de uredosporos de P. polysora. Todos os ensaios mostraram uma redução significativa da concentração inicial de uredosporos. Houve uma redução na concentração de uredosporos com o aumento do número de D. luteipes alimentando-se deles. Também testamos o consumo de uredosporos quantificando sua porcentagem nas fezes de D. luteipes. Ninfas do 2º e 4º ínstar, assim como adultos, alimentaram-se de 88%, 85% e 83,8% dos uredosporos, respectivamente. Para ninfas do 3º ínstar, a porcentagem de consumo de uredosporos (75,6%) foi estatisticamente significativo em comparação com os outros grupos. No experimento em casa de vegetação, aos 28 dias após a inoculação das plantas com 9,9 x 104 uredosporos, a porcentagem de consumo de uredosporos foi de 81,7%. Nossos resultados confirmaram a fungivoria de D. luteipes em uredosporos de P. polysora. Este é o primeiro relato de fungivoria de D. luteipes, que pode ter papel importante no controle biológico de P. polysora em milho.

Evaluation of the applicability of the Zhang′s diagnostic criteria for atopic dermatitis in adolescents and adults from southern Jiangsu / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the applicability of the Zhang′s diagnostic criteria for atopic dermatitis (AD) in adolescents and adults from southern Jiangsu.Methods:A total of 1 769 patients were collected, who were newly diagnosed with eczema or AD in departments of dermatology of 7 hospitals in southern Jiangsu from May 2019 to May 2021. A standardized survey interview was conducted with patients by dermatologists using a self-designed questionnaire, which included patient′s personal information, relevant medical history, clinical characteristics, laboratory tests, etc. Using Hanifin-Rajka criteria as the gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity of the Williams criteria, Zhang′s criteria and Japanese Dermatological Association (JDA) criteria were evaluated, separately.Results:Among the 1 769 patients, there were 759 (42.9%) males and 1 010 (57.1%) females, aged 32.2 ± 8.2 years (range, 12 - 79 years) . Pruritus was the most common clinical feature among the AD patients (883/913, 96.7%) . When using the Hanifin-Rajka criteria as the gold standard, 913 (51.6%) subjects were diagnosed with AD; the sensitivity of Zhang′s criteria reached 92.6% (845/913) , and its specificity was 73.2% (627/856) ; the sensitivity of Williams′ criteria was 87.8% (802/913) , and its specificity was 81.3% (696/856) ; the sensitivity of JDA criteria reached 96.9% (885/913) , and its specificity was 68.9% (590/856) . The consistency in the diagnosis of AD was moderate between the Zhang′s criteria and Williams criteria (Kappa = 0.61, P = 0.009) , was relatively high between the Zhang′s criteria and JDA criteria (Kappa = 0.85, P = 0.001) , and was moderate between the Williams criteria and JDA criteria (Kappa = 0.51, P = 0.013) . Conclusions:Compared with the Hanifin-Rajka criteria, the Zhang′s criteria exhibit good sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of AD among adolescents and adults in southern Jiangsu. However, pruritus remains important for the diagnosis of AD.

Association between gallstones and metabolic syndrome in southern Xinjiang, China / 临床肝胆病杂志

Objective To investigate the association between gallstones (GS) and metabolic syndrome (MS) in southern Xinjiang, China, and to provide experience for the prevention and control of metabolic diseases in southern Xinjiang. Methods The patients with GS who visited First Division Hospital, Second Division Korla Hospital, and Third Division Hospital of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps from March 2015 to March 2019 were enrolled as case group, and cluster sampling was used to select the individuals who underwent physical examination in Third Division 51st Regiment Hospital during the same period of time were enrolled as control group. According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, 1140 cases were enrolled in each group after 1∶ 1 matching based on age and sex. The t -test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups, and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups; a logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the influencing factors for GS. Dummy variables were included by logistic regression to evaluate multiplicative interaction between MS components, and the parameter estimate and covariance matrix of the logistic regression model and interaction calculation table were used to calculate and evaluate additive interaction between MS components. Results The risk of GS in MS patients was 2.33 times that in non-MS patients (odds ratio [ OR ]=2.33, 95% confidence interval [ CI ]: 1.86-2.92). In addition, the components of MS also increased the risk of GS, including blood glucose ( OR =2.94, 95% CI : 2.36-3.68), blood pressure ( OR =1.50, 95% CI : 1.26-1.80), blood lipids ( OR =1.48, 95% CI : 1.25-1.75), and body mass index ( OR =1.44, 95% CI : 1.21-1.70). After adjustment for multiple factors, the risk of GS gradually increased with the increase in the number of metabolic abnormalities, i.e., one abnormality ( OR =1.55, 95% CI : 1.22-1.99), two abnormalities ( OR =2.13, 95% CI : 1.66-2.72), three abnormalities ( OR =3.48, 95% CI : 2.59-4.69), and four abnormalities ( OR =4.65, 95% CI : 2.79-7.84). No additive or multiplicative interaction was found between MS components. Conclusion GS is closely associated with MS in southern Xinjiang, and the risk of GS gradually increases with the increase in MS components. No additive or multiplicative interaction is found between GS and MS components.

Significance of a neglected tropical disease: lessons from a paradigmatic case of 'success in translation'

In a previous publication, I stressed the fundamental importance of research for improving health using as an example the control of Chagas disease in the Americas.(1) For that purpose, I analysed the major scientific breakthroughs and public health events from the 1909 discovery of Chagas disease and its causative pathogen, Trypanosoma cruzi, by Carlos Chagas,(2) through the successful control of its transmission by insect vectors in large regions of the Southern Cone countries in the 90s.(3) In the twenty years since that publication, Brazil and Latin American countries had to cope with a number of serious public health threats, old and new: (i) recrudescence of well-known diseases, such as dengue and yellow fever; (ii) emergence of viral diseases that had been restricted to other continents (Zika, Chikungunya); (iii) new epidemics (H1N1) or (iv) pandemics (COVID-19). Are there still some lessons from that success story against a neglected disease of the 90s that would be relevant today in the context of these recent challenges?

Novelties from the herbaceous stratum in a key region for the conservation of the Southern Amazon / Novidades do estrato herbáceo em uma região chave para a conservação da Amazônia Meridional

Abstract The contribution of the herbaceous stratum to tropical plant diversity is considerable, however this component remains undersampled. We investigated floristic, structural, ecological and conservation issues concerning the herbaceous component of a seasonal deciduous forest associated with granitic rock outcrops in the Cristalino Region, a key area for biodiversity conservation in the Brazilian Amazon. We installed a permanent plot of 1 ha, allocating 10 transect-lines of 20 m each. We identified the sampled individuals, measured height and projection, and verified cover and frequency per species, genera and family. We recorded 86 species, 62 genera and 25 families, with Orchidaceae being the family with the highest species richness. Among the 26 new species added to Cristalino Flora, we included Philodendron deflexum Poepp. ex Schott and Griffinia nocturna Ravenna, the latter 'Critically Endangered'. Furthermore, the occurrence of G. nocturna in an Amazonian forest matrix is a novelty in this study. The estimate of species diversity according to Shannon-Wiener (H') was 2.43 nats.ind.-1 (equivalent to 11.37 ± 0.90 IC95% equally common species), and according to Simpson (1/D), 6.82 (± 0.648 IC95%). The rarefaction and extrapolation curves for the diversity estimates tended to stabilize. Although the vegetation on rock outcrops usually presents a high number of endemic species, this pattern was not found in our study area, which can be explained by its continuous occurrence in the forest matrix. The understory of our study area consists in a mixture of floras, being composed mainly of species from the Amazon and/or Cerrado biomes. In view of the current anthropic pressure faced by the southern Amazon, we reinforce the importance of carrying out inventories of its herbaceous communities, since the risk of species loss is even more alarming when considering present undersampling of this component.

Resumo A contribuição do estrato herbáceo para a diversidade de plantas tropicais é considerável, mas esse componente permanece subamostrado. Investigamos questões florísticas, estruturais, ecológicas e de conservação relacionadas ao componente herbáceo de uma floresta estacional decidual associada a afloramentos rochosos graníticos na região do Cristalino, que é uma área chave para a conservação da biodiversidade na Amazônia brasileira. Instalamos um plot permanente de 1 ha, alocando 10 linhas de 20 m cada. Identificamos os indivíduos amostrados, medimos altura e projeção e verificamos cobertura e frequência por espécie, gênero e família. Registramos 86 espécies, 62 gêneros e 25 famílias, sendo Orchidaceae a família com maior riqueza de espécies. Entre as 26 novas espécies adicionadas à Flora do Cristalino, incluímos Philodendron deflexum Poepp ex Schott e Griffinia nocturna Ravenna, esta última 'Criticamente Ameaçada'. Além disso, a ocorrência de G. nocturna em uma matriz florestal amazônica é uma novidade neste estudo. A estimativa da diversidade de espécies de acordo com Shannon-Wiener (H ') foi 2,43 nats / ind.-1 (equivalente a 11,37 ± 0,90 IC95% espécies igualmente comuns), e de acordo com Simpson (1/D), 6,82 (± 0,648 IC95%). As curvas de rarefação e extrapolação para as estimativas de diversidade tenderam à estabilização. Embora a vegetação associada a afloramentos rochosos em geral apresente um elevado número de espécies endêmicas, esse padrão não foi encontrado para a nossa área de estudo, o que pode ser explicado pela sua ocorrência contínua à matriz florestal. O sub-bosque da nossa área de estudo apresenta mistura de floras, sendo composto principalmente por espécies dos biomas Amazônia e/ou Cerrado. Diante das pressões antrópicas existentes no sul da Amazônia, reforçamos a importância da realização de inventários das comunidades herbáceas desse bioma, já que o risco de perda de espécies é ainda mais alarmante quando consideramos a subamostragem desse componente.

Economic implications of COVID-19 for the HIV epidemic and the response in Zimbabwe

Understanding the economic implications of COVID-19 for the HIV epidemic and response is critical for designing policies and strategies to effectively sustain past gains and accelerate progress to end these colliding pandemics. While considerable cross-national empirical evidence exists at the global level, there is a paucity of such deep-dive evidence at national level. This article addresses this gap. While Zimbabwe experienced fewer COVID-19 cases and deaths than most countries, the pandemic has had profound economic effects, reducing gross domestic product by nearly 7% in 2020. This exacerbates the long-term economic crisis that began in 1998. This has left many households vulnerable to the economic fallout from COVID-19, with the number of the extreme poor having increased to 49% of the population in 2020 (up from 38% in 2019). The national HIV response, largely financed externally, has been one of the few bright spots. Overall, macro-economic and social conditions heavily affected the capacity of Zimbabwe to respond to COVID-19. Few options were available for borrowing the needed sums of money. National outlays for COVID-19 mitigation and vaccination amounted to 2% of GDP, with one-third funded by external donors. Service delivery innovations helped sustain access to HIV treatment during national lockdowns. As a result of reduced access to HIV testing, the number of people initiating HIV treatment declined. In the short term, there are likely to be few immediate health care consequences of the slowdown in treatment initiation due to the country's already high level of HIV treatment coverage. However, a longer-lasting slowdown could impede national progress towards ending HIV and AIDS. The findings suggest a need to finance the global commons, specifically recognising that investing in health care is investing in economic recovery

Levels, method choice and predictors of contraceptive use among males in southern Africa

This study assessed the relative risk of using male and partner contraceptive methods relative to non-use, identified the types of methods preferred by participants, and assessed the associated determinants of the use of male and partner methods. It used secondary data from the Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Participants were sexually active men aged 15­54. The study found that 32% of respondents did not utilize any method, while 36% and 32% used partner and male methods, respectively. The male method was more prevalent among men who had two or more sexual partners and among urban dwellers, while the partner method was predominant among those with less than two children and those who were indifferent about whether contraception is a woman's business. The study recommends that family planning programs should pay attention to male contraceptive needs and concerns. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[6]:27-35).