Consensus Auditory Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V): revisión sistemática de los métodos utilizados para su adaptación y validación

Introducción: CAPE-V es ampliamente utilizado para evaluación perceptual vocal y ha sido adaptado y validado en múltiples idiomas. A través de un análisis exhaustivo, este estudio buscó avanzar en establecer un estándar en el método utilizado para su adaptación y validación. Objetivo: Revisar los artículos publicados entre 2002 y 2022 que han adaptado y validado CAPE-V a distintos idiomas, para evaluar exhaustivamente la adaptación, metodología y estadísticas utilizadas. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática utilizando Scopus, Google Scholar y PubMed para identificar artículos que adaptaran y/o validaran CAPE-V entre 2002 y 2022. Se analizó el título y resumen para preseleccionar la muestra. Para evaluar el riesgo de sesgo de los estudios incluidos se analizó de forma crítica el texto completo. Resultados: La búsqueda inicial identificó 568 artículos. Al eliminar duplicados se revisaron 559 y 23 fueron preseleccionados. 12 se incluyeron finalmente y fueron analizados, considerando adaptación, metodología y análisis estadístico. Los resultados revelan que la adaptación y validación de CAPE-V a diversos idiomas es fundamental para garantizar mediciones precisas y confiables en diferentes poblaciones. Análisis y discusión: Existe heterogeneidad en la forma de realizar la adaptación y validación de CAPE-V. No obstante, todos los estudios tuvieron éxito en producir resultados válidos, subrayando la importancia de estos procesos para la práctica clínica. Conclusiones: Las adaptaciones y validaciones de CAPE-V se realizaron heterogéneamente por ausencia de un protocolo estándar. Es necesario generar orientaciones para realizar estos procesos por el aporte de esta escala a la clínica, asegurando calidad y confiabilidad de los resultados.

Introduction: CAPE-V is widely used for vocal perceptual evaluation and has been adapted and validated in multiple languages. Through an exhaustive analysis, this study sought to advance in establishing a standard in the method used in its adaptation and validation. Objective: To review articles published between 2002 and 2022 that have adapted and validated CAPE-V in different languages, to thoroughly evaluate the adaptation, methodology, and statistics used. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using Scopus, Google Scholar and PubMed to identify articles that adapted and/or validated CAPE-V between 2002 and 2022. The title and summary were analyzed to pre-select the sample. To evaluate the risk of bias of the included studies, the full text was critically analyzed. Results: The initial search identified 568 items. When duplicates were removed, 559 were reviewed and 23 were pre-selected. 12 were finally included and analyzed considering adaptation, methodology, and statistical analysis. The results show that the adaptation and validation of CAPE-V to different languages is essential to ensure accurate and reliable measurements in different populations. Analysis and discussion: There is heterogeneity in how CAPE-V is adapted and validated. However, all studies were successful in producing valid results, underlining the importance of these processes for clinical practice. Conclusions: Adaptations and validations of CAPE-V were performed heterogeneously due to the absence of a standard protocol. It is necessary to generate guidelines to perform these processes by providing this scale to the clinic, ensuring quality and reliability of results.

Hemerobiidae from Deceit Island: the Southernmost Neuroptera in the Americas

ABSTRACT The Neuropteran fauna on the most meridional part of South America is relatively scarce. Two families, Hemerobiidae and Coniopterigydae, have been recorded so far. Accordingly, only a few species have reached the south of Tierra del Fuego. Currently, the southernmost records of these species, Hemerobius chilensis Nakahara, 1965 and Megalomus flinti (Nakahara, 1965), are from Puerto Williams, Navarino Island (54°56′S 67°37′W), which makes them the southernmost distributed neuropterans in the continent. Here we provide the first records for two Neuroptera species, Hemerobius nekoi Monserrat, 1996 and Megalomus flinti; from Deceit Island, a remote subantarctic island within the Cape Horn archipelago (55°51′41″S 67°08′31″W). The records provided makes these species the southernmost recorded lacewings in the continent; extending the known distribution of neuropterans in South America nearly 110km towards the south.

Assessment of the realisation of the right to adequate food in the Blue Crane Route (Eastern Cape, South Africa)

Objectives: To assess whether the right to adequate food (RtF) is realised by children and primary caregivers and what actions are required to fully realise this right. Design: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was undertaken using a mixed-methods approach. Setting and subjects: Rural and urban primary caregivers of children (one to five years old) were recruited if they had resided in the Blue Crane Route (Eastern Cape) for at least six months. Purposefully selected key informants (KIs) involved in nutrition and food security, health or governance participated in in-depth interviews.Outcome measures: Primary caregivers responded to interviewer-administered questionnaires (IAQ) (N = 161), which investigated various indicators supporting the realisation of the RtF. Statistical analysis of quantitative data examined relationships between urban and rural participants. Significance was considered at p < 0.05. In-depth interviews with key informants (KIs) examined the perceptions of 11 prominent community leaders. Qualitative data were coded deductively and common themes identified. Results: Based on the IAQ, half (51%) of the caregivers had experienced risk of, or food insecurity in the past month. Common themes indicative of suboptimal realisation of the RtF included insufficient employment opportunities, inadequate policies and programme implementation, and inadequate agrarian practices, while the child support grant partially supported the realisation of the RtF. Caregivers felt disempowered by a sense of inability to realise the right themselves without government assistance but KIs suggested that caregivers needed to take responsibility. Conclusion: The RtF of children and their caregivers is not fully realised in the Blue Crane Route. Concerted, multidisciplinary approaches using a rights-based approach to implement policies and programmes are needed, together with the empowerment of the community with necessary skills and resources to further the realisation of the RtF.

Predictors of anti-glycaemic medication-taking among adults with diabetes mellitus seeking care in a tertiary hospital in Cape Coast, Ghana

Objectives: This study sought to assess the level of anti-glycaemic medication-taking and its predictors among adults living with diabetes receiving treatment at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH). Design: This was a cross-sectional study carried out among adults living with diabetes and receiving care at CCTH. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and anti-glycaemic medication-taking were gathered using a structured questionnaire. A scale consisting of 4 domains (filling prescribed medication; taking medications appropriately according to the instructions of healthcare professionals; practising behavioural modifications and showing up for follow-up appointments) and eight items was used to measure the level of anti-glycaemic medication-taking. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test (and Fisher's exact test where appropriate), bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used in analysing the data. Setting: The study was carried out in the diabetes clinic in Cape Coast Teaching Hospital. Participants: The total enumerative sampling technique was used to select 250 adults living with diabetes and receiving care at CCTH. Main outcome measures: Anti-glycaemic medication-taking Results: Out of 250 participants studied, 42% had high anti-glycaemic medication-taking. Predictors of anti-glycaemic medication-taking included forgetfulness (aOR=0.02, 95% CI: 0.00-0.64, p<0.001), patient's involvement in treatment plan (aOR=0.12, 95% CI: 0.02-0.64, p=0.014) and having good knowledge about one's medication (aOR=2.34, 95% CI: 1.10-4.98, p=0.028). Conclusion: Less than half of the sample population (42%) had high anti-glycaemic medication-taking, with forgetfulness, involvement in the treatment plan and good knowledge about anti-glycaemic medications, predicting medication-taking

Factors affecting family medicine programmes in Sub-Saharan Africa: a narrative review of recent literature

Objectives: This study sought to assess the level of anti-glycaemic medication-taking and its predictors among adults living with diabetes receiving treatment at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH). Design: This was a cross-sectional study carried out among adults living with diabetes and receiving care at CCTH. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and anti-glycaemic medication-taking were gathered using a structured questionnaire. A scale consisting of 4 domains (filling prescribed medication; taking medications appropriately ac-cording to the instructions of healthcare professionals; practising behavioural modifications, and showing up for fol-low-up appointments) and eight items was used to measure the level of anti-glycaemic medication-taking. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test (and Fisher's exact test where appropriate), bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used in analysing the data. Setting: The study was carried out in the diabetes clinic in Cape Coast Teaching Hospital. Participants: The total enumerative sampling technique was used to select 250 adults living with diabetes and receiv-ing care at CCTH.Main outcome measures: Anti-glycaemic medication-taking Results: Out of 250 participants studied, 42% had high anti-glycaemic medication-taking. Predictors of anti-glycae-mic medication-taking included; forgetfulness (aOR=0.02, 95% CI: 0.00-0.64, p<0.001), patient's involvement in treatment plan (aOR=0.12, 95% CI: 0.02-0.64, p=0.014) and having good knowledge about one's medication (aOR=2.34, 95% CI: 1.10-4.98, p=0.028). Conclusion: Less than half of the sample population (42%) had high anti-glycaemic medication-taking, with forget-fulness, involvement in the treatment plan and good knowledge about anti-glycaemic medications, predicting medi-cation-taking

First report of Lema bilineata Germar (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) damaging Physalis peruviana (L.) in Brazil / Primeiro relato de Lema bilineata Germar (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) causando dano em Physalis peruviana (L.) no Brasil

ABSTRACT: Increased production of the Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) in Brazil has given rise to interest in identifying the phytophagous species that might damage this crop to inform preventive control and integrated pest management strategies. In this study, we report the occurrence and describe the damage that larvae and adults of Lema bilineata Germar (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) cause in P. peruviana. The number of L. bilineata individuals, both larvae and adults, significantly affected the total consumption of P. peruviana leaves. We also report, for the first time, three natural enemies, including a fungus, a fly, and an ant, which are associated with this pest in Brazil and may play a role in biological control strategies.

RESUMO: Fisális, Physalis peruviana L., é uma cultura em expansão no Brasil, dessa forma a identificação de espécies fitófagas que causam danos nesta cultura é importante para desenvolver controle preventivo e estratégias para o Manejo Integrado de Pragas. Neste estudo, relatamos a ocorrência de Lema bilineata Germar (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) no cultivo de P. peruviana e descrevemos os danos causados por suas larvas e adultos. Observou-se que o número de indivíduos de L. bilineata, tanto larvas como adultos, influenciaram significativamente o consumo total de folhas de P. peruviana. Além disso, relatamos pela primeira vez a presença de três inimigos naturais, incluindo um fungo, uma mosca e uma formiga, associados a esta praga no Brasil que poderiam ser utilizados como agentes de controle biológico.

Unmet need in family planning at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital of Ghana

Background: Knowing the prevalence of unintended pregnancy, unmet need in family planning and the associated factors in cape coast, is important for ensuring that all women have access to the most effective methods of family planning in order to reduce the occurrence of unintended pregnancies. This study aims to determine the prevalence of unintended pregnancies, unmet need in family planning and the associated factors among women attending antenatal clinics at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Republic of Ghana.Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study with descriptive and analytical components was carried out from 20th April 2015 to 20th June 2015 to simultaneously measure the prevalence of unmet need for family planning and related factors.  All clients reporting for ANC at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital during the study period were recruited into the study.Results: A total of 324 clients were recruited. The mean age was 29.98±5.86 years, 85.80% were married, 46.58% had tertiary education and 79.94% had a source of income. Up to 54.94% of the clients had not planned their index pregnancy. Among subjects who had not planned their index pregnancies, 74.71% had not used a family planning method. There is a significant association between age, educational level, the presence of a source of income, marital status and the occurrence of unplanned pregnancy.Conclusions: There were high prevalence of unplanned pregnancy and unmet need for family planning. There is a significant association between age, educational level, the presence of a source of income, marital status and the occurrence of unplanned pregnancy.

Effects of Patients’ Perceptions on Hypertension Treatment in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

Background:Therising levels of hypertension related complications in Ghana are perceived to be associated with low anti-hypertensive medication adherence, which is attributable to patient wrongperceptions of hypertension. Aim:To explore the effects of patients’ perceptions on hypertension treatment in cape coast, Ghana. Study Design:Cross sectional survey.Place and Durationof Study:Cape Coast, Ghana. December 2013 to March 2014.Methodology:Eight out of 350 patients were selected from a baseline quantitative survey conducted at the Cape Coast Metropolis. The purposive sampling technique was used after baseline analysis with the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, to select four adherents andfour non-adherents to anti-hypertensive medication. In-depth interviews were conducted for the eight patients, data was processed using content analysis procedure based on three specific themes. Results:Perceived appearance of symptoms was misinterpreted as sign of rising blood pressure. Combination of anti-hypertensive and herbal preparations was prevalent among non-adherents. Perceived side effects of anti-hypertensive particularly, sexual weakness wasintense among non-adhering patients. Conclusion:Hypertensive patients in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana, were at a higher risk of medication non-adherence and uncontrolled blood pressure. The findings underscore the need to change patient orientation about hypertension, by addressing misconceptions of symptoms and medication side effects, whiles discouraging theuse of herbal preparations.

Attitudes toward Intimate Partner Violence and Intimate Partner Acceptance-Rejection among Cape Verdean students living in Portugal / Atitudes face à Violência entre Parceiros Íntimos e Aceitação-Rejeição pelo Par Amoroso em Estudantes Cabo-verdianos residentes em Portugal

Abstract This research sought to determine the prevalence of intimate partner violence, characterize attitudes toward violence, analyse relations between perceptions of intimate partner acceptance-rejection and practices of violence and examine relations between intimate partner acceptance-rejection and beliefs and attitudes toward intimate partner violence among Cape Verdean students that lives in Portugal. One hundred and sixteen participants, aged 15 to 25 years, from three professional schools, four secondary schools and one university, completed the Scale of Beliefs about Marital Violence, Marital Violence Inventory, Dating Violence Scales and Intimate Partner Acceptance-Rejection Questionnaire. Significant positive correlations were found between beliefs about marital violence, dating violence attitudes and intimate partner rejection. Regressions showed intimate partner rejection predicted marital violence beliefs and dating violence attitudes.

Resumo O estudo procurou determinar a prevalência da violência na intimidade, caracterizar atitudes face à violência, analisar relações entre as percepções de aceitação pelo parceiro íntimo e a violência, averiguando relações entre a percepção de aceitação com as atitudes e crenças relativas à violência em alunos Cabo-verdianos residentes em Portugal. Cento e 16 participantes, entre os 15 e os 25 anos, oriundos de três escolas profissionais, quatro escolas secundárias e uma universidade, preencheram a Escala de Crenças sobre Violência Conjugal, Inventário de Violência Conjugal, Escalas de Violência no Namoro e Questionário de Aceitação-Rejeição pelo Par Amoroso. Encontraram-se correlações positivas significativas entre crenças, atitudes e rejeição pelo par amoroso. Regressões evidenciaram que a rejeição prediz crenças e atitudes relativas à violência.

Perfil dos enfermeiros de Cabo Verde/África: fatores que influenciam a qualidade de vida / Profile of nurses from Cape Verde/Africa: the influencing factors of life quality / Perfil de enfermeras del Cabo Verde/África: factores que influyen en la calidad de vida

Objetivo: Descrever o perfil e os fatores que influenciam a qualidade de vida dos enfermeiros de um hospital de grande porte de Cabo Verde/África. Método: Pesquisa descritiva simples com uma abordagem quantitativa. Participaram 40 enfermeiros. Os dados foram coletados em junho e julho de 2015, analisados com o programa Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS), versão 20.0. Resultados: 72,5% são do sexo feminino e 27,5% do sexo masculino, 40% estão em uma faixa etária entre 36 a 45 anos, 52,5% são solteiros(as). Dos fatores que influenciam a qualidade de vida, 19,4% referiram a baixa remuneração, 15,7% condições de trabalho e motivação, 13,1% carga horária e estresse. Conclusão: A partir dos fatores que influenciam a qualidade de vida dos enfermeiros foi possível identificar a necessidade de mudanças com o intuito de fornecer melhores condições de trabalho e renda para os enfermeiros cabo-verdianos

Objective: To describe the profile and factors that influence the quality of life of nurses at a large hospital in Cape Verde-Africa. Method: Simple descriptive research with a quantitative approach. 40 nurses participated. Data were collected in June and July 2015, analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20.0. Results: 72.5% are female and 27.5% are male, 40% are between 36 and 45 years of age, 52.5% are single. Of the factors that influence quality of life, 19.4% referred to low remuneration, 15.7% working conditions and motivation, 13.1% workload and stress. Conclusion: Based on the factors that influence nurses' quality of life, it was possible to identify the need for changes in order to provide better working conditions and income for the Cape Verdean nurses

Objetivo: Describir el perfil y los factores que influyen en la calidad de vida del personal de enfermería en un hospital grande Verde-África del Cabo. Método: Investigación descriptiva simple con un enfoque cuantitativo. Con la asistencia de 40 enfermeras. Los datos fueron recogidos en junio y julio de 2015, se analizaron con el paquete estadístico para las Ciencias Sociales (SPSS) versión 20.0. Resultados: El 72,5% son mujeres y el 27,5% hombres, 40% están en el grupo de edad entre 36 a 45 años, el 52,5% son solteros (as). Los factores que influyen en la calidad de vida, el 19,4% informó de un salario bajo, 15,7% las condiciones de trabajo y la motivación, el 13,1% de carga de trabajo y el estrés. Conclusión: A partir de los factores que influyen en la calidad de vida de las enfermeras fue posible identificar la necesidad de cambio con el fin de ofrecer mejores condiciones de trabajo e ingresos para los caboverdianos enfermeras

Parasitic Profile of Fresh Vegetables Sold in Selected Markets of the Cape Coast Metropolis in Ghana

Background: Vegetable consumption is a major source of vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre for the body. While fresh vegetables play a key role in the prevention of some chronic diseases, cancers, and alleviation of micronutrient deficiencies, some have been associated with foodborne parasitic infections. Objectives: We investigated the parasitic contamination of fresh vegetables sold in three market places in the Cape Coast Metropolis in Ghana. Materials and Methods: In this study conducted over a period of three (3) months, a total of one hundred and twenty-six (126) vegetable samples were obtained from three (3) selected markets in the Metropolis. Six (6) different species of vegetables namely tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), cabbage (Brassica oleracea var capitata), carrot (Daucus carota), lettuce (Lactuca sativa), spring onion (Allium fistulosum) and green pepper (Capsicum annuum) were subjected to parasitological examination for the detection of parasite forms such as larvae, ova and cysts. Results: The overall prevalence of parasitic contamination of vegetables in this study was 52.4%. Five different parasites were detected namely Strongyloides spp, Hookworm, Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides and Entamoeba coli. The prevalence of parasitic contamination was higher in leafy vegetables such as spring onions (90.5%), lettuce (76.2%) and cabbage (66.7%). Multiple parasitic contaminations were a common feature of leafy vegetables than smoothly surfaced ones such as green pepper and tomatoes. Conclusion: The study revealed that most vegetables purchased from the markets in the metropolis were highly contaminated with intestinal parasites. It is therefore recommended that vegetables should be subjected to thorough disinfection processes before being served for food to reduce the transmission of intestinal parasites.

Effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on retinal damage after traumatic brain injury / Efectos del ester fenetílico del ácido cafeico en el daño de la retina después de una lesion cerebral traumática

SUMMARY: Head trauma damages the optic nerve visual function and visual acuity.Effects of head trauma on the retina was investigated with biochemical, histological and immunohistochemical respects.The study was conducted on 30 rats with three groups: group 1 was control group (n=10). Second group was head-traumatized group (n=10) and last group was head-traumatized+Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE, i.p. 20ml/kg/day). Upon head was traumatized, CAPE was applied to trauma+CAPE group and then for the following four days. At the end of 5th day, rats were anesthetized with ketamine hydroxide and then blood samples were taken for biochemical analysis. MDA and GSH-Px values were compared. After blood sample, total eyes of rats were dissected for histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis. In trauma group, degeneration in retinal photoreceptor cells, disintegrity and in inner and outer nuclear layers, hypertrophy in ganglion cells, and hemorrhage in blood vessels were observed. In the group treated with CAPE, lesser degeneration in photoreceptor cells, regular appearances of inner and outer nuclear layers, mild hemorrhage in blood vessels of ganglionic cell layer were observed. The apoptotic changes caused by trauma seen in photoreceptor and ganglionic cells were decreased and cellular organization was preserved due to CAPE treatment. CAPE was thought to induce healing process on traumatic damages.

RESUMEN: El trauma craneal daña la función visual del nervio óptico y la agudeza visual. Se investigaron los efectos del traumatismo craneal en la retina con aspectos bioquímicos, histológicos e inmunohistoquímicos. El estudio se realizó en 30 ratas distribuidas en tres grupos: grupo control (n = 10); grupo con traumatismo craneal (n = 10); grupo con traumatismo craneoencefálico + Éster fenetílico de ácido cafeico (CAPE, i.p. 20 ml / kg / día). Sobre la cabeza traumatizada, se aplicó CAPE a trauma + grupo CAPE durante los siguientes cuatro días. Al final del día 5, las ratas se anestesiaron con hidróxido de ketamina y luego se tomaron muestras de sangre para el análisis bioquímico. Se compararon los valores de MDA y GSH-Px. Después de la muestra de sangre, se disecaron los ojos de las ratas para su análisis histopatológico e inmunohistoquímico. En el grupo de traumatismos, se observó degeneración en las células fotorreceptoras retinianas, desintegridad en capas nucleares internas y externas, hipertrofia en células ganglionares y hemorragia en los vasos sanguíneos. En el grupo tratado con CAPE, se observó una menor degeneración en las células fotorreceptoras, apariciones regulares de capas nucleares internas y externas, hemorragia leve en los vasos sanguíneos de la capa de células ganglionares. Los cambios apoptóticos causados por el trauma visto en el fotorreceptor y las células ganglionares disminuyeron y la organización celular se conservó debido al tratamiento con CAPE. Se concluyó que CAPE induce un proceso de curación en daños traumáticos.

O Programa Nacional de Saúde Reprodutiva de Cabo Verde: alcances, limites e desafios / The National Reproductive Health Programme in Cape Verde: scope, limits and challenges

Resumo Cabo Verde é um arquipélago do continente africano, com cerca de 538.535 habitantes. Desde sua independencia, em 1975, o país tem experimentado um rápido crescimento econômico e social, com ganhos significativos em escolarização, redução dos óbitos maternos e da mortalidade infantil. Em 2001, seguindo as diretrizes da Conferencia Internacional de População e Desenvolvimento (CIPD, Cairo, 1994), foi lançado o Programa Nacional de Saúde Reprodutiva, PNSR, visando incluir ações de saúde sexual e reprodutiva, SSR, para adolescentes, jovens e homens adultos, em parceria com o setor de educação e centros de juventude. Entretanto, a persistência da gravidez não planejada, do aborto clandestino e da infecção pelo HIV indicam lacunas na sua implementação. Estudos realizados no país apontam razões socioculturais e no âmbito da organização e oferta de serviços para os problemas identificados. Este trabalho tem como finalidade refletir sobre os alcance e limites do PNSR de Cabo Verde, considerando os desafios de implementação de políticas de saúde que afetam práticas culturais relativas ao gênero e a sexualidade; as especificidades demográficas, socioeconômicas e culturais de Cabo Verde e ainda a importancia da SSR para o desenvolvimento.

Abstract Cape Verde is an archipelago on the African coast, with 538,535 inhabitants living on nine islands. Since it gained independence in 1975, the country has experienced rapid economic and social growth, with significant gains in education as well as a reduction in maternal and infant mortality deaths. In 2001, following the guidelines of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD, Cairo, 1994), the National Reproductive Health Program (PNSR) was launched aiming to provide sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services to adolescents, young people and adult men, in partnership with the education sector and youth centers. However, the continuance of unplanned pregnancies, illegal abortions and HIV infections has indicated that there are gaps in the program`s implementation. Studies conducted in the country point to socio-cultural aspects as well as aspects covering organizations and the services on offer, as some of the reasons for the identified problems. This paper aims to reflect on the scope and limits of the PNSR in Cape Verde with consideration being given to the challenges of implementing health policies that affect cultural practices related to gender and sexuality. Consideration is also given to the specifics of Cape Verde`s demographics, economic and cultural aspects as well as the importance of the SRH services to its development.

Antileishmanial activities of caffeic acid phenethyl ester loaded PLGA nanoparticles against Leishmania infantum promastigotes and amastigotes in vitro

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate and compare the antileishmanial effects of CAPE and (CAPE) on Leishmania infantum (L. infantum) promastigotes and amastigotes in vitro.@*METHODS@#Efficacies of CAPE, (CAPE) and free PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) on promastigotes were evaluated using MTT and promastigote count assays, and their anti-amastigote effects were determined via infection index analysis. Griess reaction was also performed to calculate nitric oxide production of macrophages exposed to investigated molecules.@*RESULTS@#It was determined that CAPE and (CAPE) demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on L. infantum promastigotes and amastigotes, while free NPs did not exhibit any meaningful antileishmanial effectiveness. The IC values of CAPE for L. infantum promastigotes and amastigotes were assessed as (51.0 ± 0.8) and (19.0 ± 1.4) μg/mL, respectively (P < 0.05). On the other side, it was revealed that (CAPE) had superior antileishmanial activity on both forms of parasites since its IC values for L. infantum promastigotes and amastigotes were (32.0 ± 1.3) and (8.0 ± 0.9) μg/mL, respectively (P < 0.05). It was also determined that both agents strongly stimulated nitric oxide production of macrophages.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The obtained results show that (CAPE) have a great potential to be especially used in treatment of visceral leishmaniasis; however, in vivo antileishmanial screening of these molecules should be performed in the near future.

Antileishmanial activities of caffeic acid phenethyl ester loaded PLGA nanoparticles against Leishmania infantum promastigotes and amastigotes in vitro

Objective To investigate and compare the antileishmanial effects of CAPE and (CAPE)

Genome-wide analyses of HTLV-1aD strains from Cape Verde, Africa

We characterised and reported the first full-length genomes of Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 subgroup HTLV-1aD (CV21 and CV79). This subgroup is one of the major determinants of HTLV-1 infections in North and West Africa, and recombinant strains involving this subgroup have been recently demonstrated. The CV21 and CV79 strains from Cape Verde/Africa were characterised as pure HTLV-1aD genomes, comparative analyses including HTLV-1 subtypes and subgroups revealed HTLV-1aD signatures in the envelope, pol, and pX regions. These genomes provide original information that will contribute to further studies on HTLV-1a epidemiology and evolution.

The Perceptual and Consonant Analysis for the Voice with Hypothyroidism

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The main purpose of this study is to clarify perceptual and acoustic analysis for the patients with hypothyroidism after thyroidectomy especially focused on the characteristics of speech articulation with special reference to the consonant production. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects of the research were 40 male and female adults (males : 5, females : 35). They were all received radioactive iodine treatment which after total thyroidectomy. Voice samples were collected during the three stages of after surgery, pre-radioisotope treatment (RIT), and post-RIT. The acoustic analysis was conducted by using Pratt (ver.5.2.21) after measuring voice onset time (VOT). The subjective evaluation of the voices used CAPE-V. RESULTS: A significant decrease in overall severity was displayed in the CAPE-V following RIT. It may be conjectured that this is connected to the change in voice following RIT. The loudness of the sound displayed a significant decrease in the CAPE-V following RIT. It is conjectured that this is connected to the decrease in vocal intensity following RIT. No statistically significant results were revealed for the comparative analysis on the voice onset time (VOT) in all plosives during the three periods. CONCLUSION: Perceptually, the overall severity of the voice with hypothyroidism was changed significantly before and after RIT. Eventhough VOT were not significantly changed, it tended to decrease VOT in patients with hypothyroidism.

Genetic characterization and authentication of Gardenia jasminoides in different regions of China by using improved RAPD analysis.

Gardenia jasminoides is a common garden medicinal plant known for its anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombic, anti-fibrotic, antiviral, hepatoprotective, lung-protective, renal-protective, retina-protective and neuroprotective activities. It is found in several regions of the world, including China, but information about its genetic characteristics is limited. Here, we employed an improved method of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis (with increased RAMP time) to investigate the genetic link between G. jasminoides samples collected from six different regions of Southern China. Total 26 RAPD primers were selected randomly, among which 23 primers generated reproducible polymorphic amplification bands. A total of 174 bands were obtained, where each primer had amplified 5-13 bands with an average of 7.56 bands per primer. The band size ranged approximately 150-2200 bp. Cluster dendrogram was obtained based on the improved RAPD amplification profiles, which showed that the similarity coefficients among six varieties of G. jasminoides ranged 0.67-0.88. To our knowledge, this is the first report of genetic characterization of G. jasminoides using improved RAPD analysis, which may be useful for the preservation of genetic diversity and identification of Gardenia population.

Use of Propolis in Cancer Research.

Interest to develop new anticancer drugs and to design combination treatments with little or no secondary effects provides new scope for traditional phytochemicals in chemoprevention and therapy. Propolis is a known source of polyphenols, and flavonoids found in them have been widely studied as biochemical markers for botanical origin and in explaining their antioxidant capacity as a key factor in chemoprevention. Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anticancer biological activities of propolis are known. Studies of cancer cells to measure the anticancer effect of propolis are designed with one carefully chosen component, and with extracts applied to cells in culture media. The antitumor effect of propolis and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), bioactive compound of propolis extract, is seen to be associated with its ability to initiate apoptosis of cancer cells. Chrysin is a flavonoid of interest to identify signaling molecules related to cancer. As cancer cells develop multidrug resistance (MDR) during chemotherapy, this opens a new avenue of research on cellular mechanisms of propolis components in combined treatments designed to overcome MDR. ABBREVIATIONS: BRP;- Brazilian red propolis CA;- caffeic acid CAPE-; phenetyl caffeate COX;- cyclooxygenase COX-1;- cyclooxygenase-1 COX-2;- cyclooxygenase-2 EEP-; ethanolic extract of propolis GPE;- grape polyphenols HUVEC;- human umbilical vein endothelial cells IFNγ;- interferon γ IgG-; immunoglobulin IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6-; interleukin family, interleukin-2, interleukin-6 iNOS;- inducible nitric oxide synthase LPS;- lipopolysacharide MDR -; multidrug resistance MMPs;- metalloproteinases MoDCs-; monocyte-derived dendritic cells NADPH-oxidase;- nicotin adenin dinucleotide phosphate oxidase NF-kB-; nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells NO-; nitric oxide OSF-; oral submucous fibrosis RNS-; reactive nitrogen species ROS-; reactive oxygen species STAT3;- cytokine-activated transcription factor in Th17 TNBC-; triple negative breast cancer TNF-α-; tumor necrosis factor TRAIL-; tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand TSCCa-; tongue squamous cell carcinoma STAT 3-; signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 Th17-; T helper 17 cell UPLC–qTOF;-MS/MS;- ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry VEGF;- vascular endothelial growth factor.

O estado do corpo imigrante e o corpo do Estado: negociações na interface / The state of the immigrant body and the body of the State: negotiations at the interface

Por meio de uma análise etnográfica das interfaces sociais entre agentes do Estado e estudantes cabo-verdianos em Portugal, observadas através da observação participante em consultas médicas, em trabalho social, no Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras e no serviço jurídico de apoio ao imigrante, este artigo pretende examinar as práticas disciplinares do Estado e as negociações e lutas de poder que ocorrem. Os casos etnográficos discutidos demonstram como a ideia de um Estado neutro e justo que trata todos os cidadãos em pé de igualdade é simultaneamente reproduzida e negada na prática, elucidando como o Estado constitui um símbolo de união de uma efetiva desunião. Os exemplos etnográficos também apontam para outras dimensões da prática do Estado, além dos micropoderes disciplinares, onde se cria espaço para flexibilidade e adaptação. E é nesse sentido que etnografias das interfaces entre Estado e cidadão servem para relativizar interpretações excessivamente sistemáticas da governamentalidade, ilustrando como os efeitos das práticas contraditórias do Estado são tão imprevisíveis como a ação humana...

Using an ethnographic analysis of the social interfaces between state agents and Cape Verdean students in Portugal, observed through participant observation in medical appointments, social work, immigration services and legal support to immigrants, this article aims to examine disciplinary state practices and the negotiations and power struggles that take place. The ethnographic cases discussed demonstrate how the idea of a fair and neutral state is simultaneously reproduced and denied in practice, thus elucidating the state as a symbol of union of an effective disunity. The ethnographic examples also indicate other dimensions of state practice, besides micro-disciplinary powers, which create room for flexibility and adaptation. And it is in this sense that ethnographies of interfaces between state and citizen offer a more relative perspective of excessively systematic interpretations of governmentality, illustrating how the effects of contradictory state practices are as unpredictable as human action itself...