Madurez neuropsicológica en niños bilingües y monolingües de zonas urbanas y rurales de la región Arequipa

Introducción: Diversos estudios han planteado que el bilingüismo favorece el desarrollo de las funciones neuropsicológicas, mientras que también se ha demostrado que, en los países de América Latina, los niños que viven en zonas urbanas presentan mayor nivel de desarrollo neuropsicológico que sus pares de zonas rurales. Objetivo: Comparar la madurez neuropsicológica en niños y niñas que viven en zonas rurales y urbanas de Arequipa (Perú), en función del sexo, la zona de residencia y el bilingüismo. Sujetos y métodos: Se evaluó a 140 niños (52.8% varones y 47.2% mujeres) con una edad promedio de 76 meses, 50% monolingües y 50% bilingües, 50% viven en zonas urbanas y 50% en zonas rurales. Se aplicó el Cuestionario de Madurez Neuropsicológica Infantil (CUMANIN) de Portellano et al. (2000). Resultados: El cociente de madurez neuropsicológica se ubica en un nivel medio alto en la muestra general. Las niñas presentan mayor nivel de estructuración espacial y madurez neuropsicológica que los niños. Los niños bilingües tuvieron un mejor rendimiento en lenguaje expresivo en comparación con los monolingües con un tamaño de efecto moderado, y los niños que residen en zonas urbanas tienen puntuaciones mayores en fluidez verbal, lectura y escritura que los de zonas rurales, con diferencias significativas y tamaños del efecto grandes. Conclusiones: La zona de residencia es determinante en el desarrollo neuropsicológico de niños bilingües y monolingües, a favor de los que provienen de zonas urbanas en funciones tales como fluidez verbal, lectura y escritura.

Introduction: Several studies have suggested that bilingualism favors development of neuropsychological functions. In addition, it has also been shown, in Latin American countries, children living in urban areas have a higher level of neuropsychological development than their peers who live in rural areas. Objective: To compare the neuropsychological maturity in boys and girls who live in rural and urban areas of Arequipa (Peru), according to sex, area of residence, and bilingualism. Subjects and methods: 140 children were evaluated (52.8% male and 47.2% female) with an average age of 76 months, 50% monolingual and 50% bilingual, 50% living in urban areas and 50% in rural areas. The Childhood Neuropsychological Maturity Questionnaire (CUMANIN) of Portellano et al. (2000) was used. Results: The neuropsychological maturity quotient is located at a high average level in the general sample. Girls presented a higher level of spatial structuring and neuropsychological maturity than boys. Bilingual children had a better performance in expressive language compared to monolinguals with a moderate effect size. Moreover, children residing in urban areas have higher scores in verbal fluency, reading and writing than those in rural areas, with significant differences and sizes of the big effect. Conclusions: The area of residence is determinant in the neuropsychological development of bilingual and monolingual children, in favor of those who come from urban areas in functions such as verbal fluency, reading and writing.

Free-living capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) in an urban area in Brazil: biochemical and hematological parameters

Capybaras have found favorable conditions for survival and reproduction in green urban environments. In recent years, the population of these large rodents has been increasingly abundant in several brazilian cities such as Uberlândia, a municipality of the southeastern region with a Cerrado biome. Capybaras are important in the Brazilian Spotted Fever epidemiological chain, by amplifying infection rates of the vector population. However, knowledge of this host's physiology is scarce. Thus, the aim of this work was to describe hematological and biochemical parameters of free-living capybaras groups in urbanized areas in the city of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Capybaras were captured in 4 different locations of Uberlândia city, Minas Gerais state, including 1 Condominium (P1), 1 Private Market Garden (P2), 1 Private Club (P3) and 1 Municipal Park (P4). The animals were baited into an octagonal iron corral and chemically contained with anesthetic darts. After sedated, blood was collected from the femoral vein in tubes with and without EDTA. Biochemical evaluation, hematological analysis with differential leukocyte counts and search for Dirofilaria sp. were done. The blood count and biochemistry values obtained from animals of different ages, sex and sectors (P1, P2, P3 and P4) were submitted to the Shapiro-Wilk normality test, considering 95% significance. Values that had a normal distribution were subjected to ANOVA tests followed by Student's t-test. Values that did not follow normality were submitted to the Kruskal-Wallis test, to obtain a P-value, with a significance level of 95%. A total of 19 capybaras were captured: 4 in P1, 6 in P2, 4 in P3 and 5 in P4. From the 19 animals, 13 were females (68.42%) and 6 were males (31.57%), 12 adults (63.15%) and 7 juveniles (36.84%). Apart from occasional skin scars and moderate to intense Ambyomma spp. tick infestations, all captured animals were healthy on a broad examination. From 5 animals captured in P4, despite the use of anticoagulant, blood from 4 animals clotted fast. No microfilariae were found in the thick drop test in any of the 19 animals sampled, and in 2 adult female capybaras captured in P1, Kurloff cells were observed. Hematological and biochemical values presented no major differences when comparing sex and age. Nevertheless, differences in liver and kidney profile were observed between the capybara groups, including ALT, alkaline phosphorus, BUN and creatinine. Blood from 4 animals clotted fast, despite the use of EDTA tubes. Blood clotting of samples with anticoagulant in this work could be associated with some physiological features inherent to capybaras. Many attempts were required to obtain enough blood from each individual due to the rapid hemostasis, what come in accordance with reports in literature. Kurloff cells were observed in 2 adult female capybaras captured in P1, which can be found in peripheral blood of female rodents during follicular phase of estrous cycle. Hematological and biochemical values differences in liver enzymes such as ALT and alkaline phosphorus, and kidney profile enzymes including BUN and creatinine could be associated to capture stress or dietetic variation between groups. Despite statistical relevant, the values were still in accordance with other works, although comparisons should be done with caution since various environments exert a diverse array of stimulus upon the animals such as parasitic, infective, stress, nutritional, social and undoubtedly blood parameters mirror them. In conclusion, this work contributes to the standardization of free-living capybaras' physiological parameters in urban areas.(AU)

Serum anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Passeriformes: Passeridae), in the municipality of Pelotas, RS, Brazil / Anticorpos séricos anti-Toxoplasma gondii em pardais, Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Passeriformes: Passeridae), do município de Pelotas, RS, Brasil

The objective of this study was to detect the presence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in serum samples from 100 house sparrows (Passer domesticus Linnaeus, 1758) that were caught in the municipality of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The modified agglutination test (MAT) was used to investigate anti-T. gondii antibodies and samples with a cut-off dilution > 5 were considered positive. Among the 100 serum samples analyzed, 80 (80%) were reactive. These results demonstrate that P. domesticus may play an important role in the epidemiological chain of T. gondii, since it is widely distributed throughout Brazil, and may act as a source of infection to domestic and wild felids.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi detectar a presença de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii em amostras de soro de 100 pardais (Passer domesticus Linnaeus, 1758) capturados na área urbana do município de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Para a pesquisa de anticorpos anti-T. gondii foi utilizado o teste de aglutinação modificado (MAT) e foram consideradas positivas as amostras que apresentaram título > 5. Das 100 amostras de soro analisadas, 80 (80%) foram reagentes. Esses resultados demonstram que P. domesticus, por ser amplamente distribuído em todo país, pode desempenhar um papel importante na cadeia epidemiológica de T. gondii, podendo atuar como fonte de infecção para felinos domésticos e silvestres.(AU)

Synanthropic rodents as virus reservoirs and transmitters

Abstract This review focuses on reports of hepatitis E virus, hantavirus, rotavirus, coronavirus, and arenavirus in synanthropic rodents (Rattus rattus, Rattus norvegicus, and Mus musculus) within urban environments. Despite their potential impact on human health, relatively few studies have addressed the monitoring of these viruses in rodents. Comprehensive control and preventive activities should include actions such as the elimination or reduction of rat and mouse populations, sanitary education, reduction of shelters for the animals, and restriction of the access of rodents to residences, water, and food supplies.

Estudo Fotográfico da Arte Urbana: da Aventura Proibida ao Engajamento Político / Photographic Study of Urban Art: from Forbidden Adventure to Political Engagement / Estudio Fotográfico del Arte Urbano: de la Aventura Prohibida al Compromiso Político

Resumo Expressões semióticas constituem-se por imagens carregadas de valores e conceitos que estão amplamente presentes no meio urbano e tornaram-se um fenômeno cultural da atualidade. A arte de rua é uma das formas de semiótica que tende a modificar o cotidiano social da cidade, embelezando, denunciando ou mesmo sendo incompreensível ao transeunte em geral. Este estudo, partindo de uma perspectiva histórico-social, tem o objetivo de indicar como as interferências da arte urbana produzem cultura e influenciam a construção do processo societário. Os dados foram coletados por meio de 100 fotografias feitas em municípios do Rio de Janeiro entre os meses de março de 2013 e abril de 2015 e entrevistas com 17 artistas de rua, tratadas pela análise de sentido. Os resultados sugerem que, embora exista uma codificação semiótica dominante nos espaços urbanos, a atuação dos artistas de rua expõe inúmeras outras vozes sociais que apresentam novas linguagens artísticas e atuações no espaço público que funcionam como micropolítica. Conclui-se que a arte de rua influencia a sociedade e ajuda a desnaturalizar a semiótica capitalista, democratizando as cidades e favorecendo que se entendam os locais públicos como sendo de uso comum....(AU)

Abstract Semiotic expressions are constituted by images which carry values and concepts that are widely present in urban areas and have become a cultural phenomenon these days. Street art is one of the forms of semiotics that tends to modify the social daily life of the cities, beautifying, denouncing, or even being incomprehensible to the passerby. This study, using a historical-social perspective, aims to indicate how the interferences of urban art produce culture in general and influence the construction of society itself. Data was collected through 100 photographs taken in cities around Rio de Janeiro State between March 2013 and April 2015 and interviews with 17 street artists studied by the analysis of meaning method. The results suggest that although there is a dominant semiotic form of codification of the urban spaces, the performance of street artists exposes countless other social voices that introduce new artistic languages and performances in the public spaces and act as micropolitics. We conclude that street art influences society and helps to denaturalize capitalist semiotics by democratizing cities and favoring the understanding of public places as places of common use....(AU)

Resumen Las expresiones semióticas se constituyen por imágenes cargadas de valores y conceptos que están ampliamente presentes en el medio urbano y se han convertido en un fenómeno cultural de la actualidad. El arte de calle es una de las formas de semiótica que tiende a modificar el cotidiano social de la ciudad, embelleciendo, denunciando, o aun siendo incomprensible al transeúnte en general. Este estudio, partiendo de una perspectiva histórico-social, tiene el objetivo de indicar cómo las interferencias del arte urbano producen cultura e influencian la construcción del proceso societario. Los datos fueron recolectados por medio de 100 fotografías tomadas en municipios de Río de Janeiro entre los meses de marzo de 2013 y abril de 2015 y entrevistas con 17 artistas callejeros, tratadas por el análisis de sentido. Los resultados sugieren que aunque existe una codificación semiótica dominante en los espacios urbanos, la actuación de los artistas callejeros expone innumerables otras voces sociales que presentan nuevos lenguajes artísticos y actuaciones en el espacio público que funcionan como micropolítica. Se concluye que el arte de calle influye en la sociedad y ayuda a desnaturalizar la semiótica capitalista, democratizando las ciudades y favoreciendo que se entiendan los lugares públicos como de uso común....(AU)

Young Adult Street Vendors and Adverse Respiratory Health Outcomes in Bangkok, Thailand

Air pollutants of concern include traffic-related air pollution, including particulate matter in respirable coarse and fine size fractions. There are no critical studies to date into associations between knowledge, awareness, and attitudes in using proper respiratory masks and prevalence of respiratory symptoms among urban street vendors in Thailand. In this study, we estimated adverse respiratory health outcomes among street vendors, in particular young adults, in Bangkok, Thailand, using a self-report questionnaire. Street vendors, who were not currently smoking and not having known diagnosed respiratory diseases, were recruited. They were selected from selected roadsides at Chong Nonsi, Bangkok. Participants (n = 30) reported having lower respiratory (50%), upper respiratory (37%), and other symptoms (70%). Also, 53% of participants had never used respiratory personal protective equipment (PPE: masks). Among those using PPE, all used masks not proper for particulate matter. Results suggested knowledge, awareness, and attitudes concerning proper PPE use needs to be increased among street vendors in Bangkok, Thailand.

Desigualdades socioeconômicas na percepção do ambiente de mobilidade ativa / Socioeconomic inequalities in perception of active mobility environment

O objetivo do estudo foi descrever a percepção do ambiente relacionado à mobilidade ativa pela população de Santos (São Paulo, Brasil), comparando distintas regiões do município caracterizadas por diferentes níveis socioeconômicos. Foram escolhidos de forma proporcional e aleatória 10 setores censitários da cidade de Santos. Em cada setor foi realizado a aplicação do questionário Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale (NEWS - Brasil). Para coletada de dados foram abordados 30 indivíduos de cada setor avaliado, sendo estas pessoas que circulavam na rua e se identificavam como moradoras do setor, assim, a amostra foi composta por 300 indivíduos. Na análise dos dados foi utilizada análise fatorial exploratória a fim de reduzir os parâmetros avaliados em fatores compostos. Foi verificada a diferença dos fatores observados em cada região do município por meio do teste de Kruskal-Wallis. Houve diferenças significativas entre os setores de maior e menor nível socioeconômico. O setor de maior nível socioeconômico apresenta a percepção positiva sobre a proximidade dos estabelecimentos, a existência de facilitadores para a prática de atividades físicas e a segurança relacionada ao tráfego e à criminalidade quando comparado com o de menor nível socioeconômico que teve percepção positiva em relação a proximidade de locais de lazer e segurança com a vizinhança. Deste modo, observa-se que a houve desigualdade socioeconômica na percepção do ambiente construído podendo esta influenciar o nível de atividade física da população, havendo assim, necessidade de mais estudos e revisão no planejamento de políticas públicas relacionadas à construção e manutenção de facilitadores da prática de atividade física no ambiente urbano.

The aim of the study was to describe the perception of the built environment related to active mobility by the population of Santos (São Paulo, Brazil), comparing areas of the city characterized by their different socioeconomic levels. Ten census tracts in the city of Santos were randomly selected and distributed proportionally to the population of each area. The questionnaire Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale (NEWS - Brazil) was applied in 30 individuals walking in street and identified as residents of each sector, thus the sample consisted of 300 individuals. Factor analysis was used to reduce the parameters evaluated in composite factors. Difference in the factors between regions of the city were assessed with the Kruskal-Wallis test. There were significant differences between the sectors of high and low socioeconomic status. The high socioeconomic sector has a positive perception about the proximity of the premises, the existence of facilitators to physical activity and safety related to traffic and crime compared to lower socioeconomic sector that had a positive perception about the proximity of the places of entertainment and safety related to neighborhood. Thereby, was observed a socioeconomic inequality in the perception of the built environment that can influence the level physical activity of the population, thus requiring more researches and planning of public policies aiming to the increase physical activity practices and active mobility in the urban environment.

Nesting substrata, colony success and productivity of the wasp Mischocyttarus cassununga

Nesting substrata, colony success and productivity of the wasp Mischocyttarus cassununga. Colonies of the wasp Mischocyttarus cassununga (von Ihering, 1903) are easily found in urban areas. However, in spite of the massive presence of this species in cities, little is known about its nesting habits, colony success and productivity. The present study aimed at answering the following questions: What are the substrates used for nesting by M. cassununga? What is the main foundation strategy adopted by M. cassununga in urban areas: a solitary female or associative foundation? Is there a relationship between foundation strategies and colony success? Is the total number of cells per nest related to the number of adults produced? The study was conducted in Juiz de Fora, southeastern Brazil, from December 2006 to November 2007. Nesting in man-made substrata seems to be a common strategy in M. cassununga (90.9%), with preference for nest building with a horizontal comb facing north. The colonies were established mainly by groups of foundresses (67.6%), with a success of 84%. The number of brood cells produced per nest was 71.74 ± 45.25 (18-203), and it was positively correlated with the number of adults produced. Hence, we can say that the nests founded by M. cassununga are located mainly in man-made substrata and mostly founded by a group of females. The cell reuse behavior increases the number of adults produced, as it optimizes foraging. These characteristics together with its behavior and nesting habits promote the success of this species in thriving in urban environments.

The Antibiotic Resisting Profile of Salmonella spp Isolated from the Sewage of the Campus of the University of Cocody, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Background: Recent studies have shown that wastewater is contaminated by salmonella sp., pathogenic antibiotics-resisting bacteria. Using wastewater in periurban agriculture in Abidjan is likely to be the source of food-borne diseases such as salmonellosis. However, what we know about these resistant salmonella spp. in wastewater is limited in the country. Aims: This study aims to establish the susceptibility profile of Salmonella spp., isolated from wastewater to antibiotics and to antimetabolite commonly used by medical practitioners. Study Design: Spatio-temporal variation was taken into account. Place and Duration of Study: The study took place from August 2008 to January 2009 at the main campus of the university of Cocody in Abidjan. Methodology: Sampling was done on a weekly basis. Wastewater samples were collected at four different sewers in the campus area. Salmonella sp was isolated by a standard method of laboratory. The resistance of these isolated species to antibiotics was determined according to the disk diffusion method of Kirby-Baeur. The serotypes of salmonella were identified with the Kauffman-White table Results: Five serotypes of eleven strains, which consist of 4 Hato, 3 Farmsen, 2 Derby, 1 Essen and 1 Ovonmouth, were isolated and tested in order to determine their resistance to antibiotics. Amongst the various classes of antibiotics, high resistance was found to sulfonamid (100%), followed by cefotaxime (46.67%) and tetracycline (9.1%). Ampicillin, amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, gentamicin, kanamycin, amikacin, ciprofloxacine, nalidixic acid and chloramphenicol had a high potentiality: their efficacity in the elimination of the Salmonella sp was proved at a level of 100%. Although the majority of strains tested (85.94%) were eliminated by the antibiotics, the serotypes Derby, Hato and Farmsen showed resistance. Conclusion: The Wastewater in the area of the main campus of the University of Cocody contains the antibiotic-resisting strains of salmonella sp. In spite of the fact that the efficacity of some antibiotics in the elimination of Salmonella sp. is proved, the resistance of these strains to third generation of cephalosporin and sulfamid is worrisome. Further studies should be carried out to determine the effects of this antibiotic-resisting salmonella species on humain health.

Demographics of animal bite victims & management practices in a tertiary care institute in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

Background & objectives: Rabies is an important public health problem worldwide and more than 55,000 people die annually of the disease. The King Edward Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, is a tertiary referral centre where a rabies clinic runs 24 hours. In view of lack of information about the demographics of the disease in an urban environment the present study was carried out. Methods: Data on 1000 consecutive animal bite victims presenting to the institute in 2010 were collected over a 15 wk period. An electronic database was specially created for capturing information and was modelled on the information available from the WHO expert consultation on rabies, 2005. Economic burden from the patients’ perspective was calculated using both direct and indirect costs. Results: The victims were largely males (771 subjects). The dog was the major biting animal (891, 89.1%).Bites were mainly of Category III (783, 78.3%). One twenty three subjects used indigenous treatments only for local wound care. Of the Category III bites, only 21 of 783 (2.7%) patients were prescribed human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG) which was primarily for severe bites or bites close to or on the face. A total of 318 patients did not complete the full Essen regime of the vaccine. The median cost to the patient per bite was ` 220 (3.5 USD). Interpretation & conclusions: Our findings showed that the use of HRIG was low with less than 2 per cent of the Category III patients being prescribed it. As vaccine and HRIG continue to remain expensive, the intradermal vaccine, shorter regimes like the Zagreb regime and monoclonal antibodies may offer safer and cost-effective options in the future. Further studies need to be done in different parts of the country.

FIRST REPORT ON Cryptococcus neoformans IN PIGEON EXCRETA FROM PUBLIC AND RESIDENTIAL LOCATIONS IN THE METROPOLITAN AREA OF CUIABÁ, STATE OF MATO GROSSO, BRAZIL / Primeiro registro de Cryptococcus neoformans em excretas de pombos provenientes de locais públicos e residenciais de área metropolitana de Cuiabá, Estado do Mato Grosso, Brasil

SUMMARY Cryptococcosis is a severe systemic mycosis caused by two species of Cryptococcus that affect humans and animals: C. neoformans and C. gattii. Cosmopolitan and emergent, the mycosis results from the interaction between a susceptible host and the environment. The occurrence of C. neoformans was evaluated in 122 samples of dried pigeon excreta collected in 49 locations in the City of Cuiabá, State of Mato Grosso, Brazil, including public squares (n = 5), churches (n = 4), educational institutions (n = 3), health units (n = 8), open areas covered with asbestos (n = 4), residences (n = 23), factory (n = 1) and a prison (n = 1). Samples collected from July to December of 2010 were seeded on Niger seed agar (NSA). Dark brown colonies were identified by urease test, carbon source assimilation tests and canavanine-glycine-bromothymol blue medium. Polymerase chain reaction primer pairs specific for C. neoformans were also used for identification. Cryptococcus neoformans associated to pigeon excreta was isolated from eight (6.6%) samples corresponding to six (12.2%) locations. Cryptococcus neoformans was isolated from urban areas, predominantly in residences, constituting a risk of acquiring the disease by immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. .

RESUMO A criptococose é micose sistêmica potencialmente grave causada por duas espécies do gênero Cryptococcus que acometem tanto homens como animais: Cryptococcus neoformans e C. gattii. São infecções cosmopolitas e emergentes, resultantes da interação do hospedeiro - humano e animal versus meio ambiente. A proposta deste trabalho foi avaliar a ocorrência de C. neoformans em 122 amostras de excretas secas de pombos coletadas em 49 locais na cidade de Cuiabá, Estado do Mato Grosso, Brasil, incluindo: praças públicas (n = 5), igrejas (n = 4), instituições de ensino (n = 3), unidades de saúde (n = 8), áreas abertas exibindo cobertura de amianto (n = 4), conjuntos residenciais domiciliares (n = 23), uma fábrica (n = 1) e um presídio (n = 1). Semeadura de suspensão de amostras em meio ágar niger (NSA), identificação fenotípica por provas bioquímicas e teste em meio de canavanina-glicina-azul de bromotimol, das colônias isoladas com pigmentação marrom escura. Foi também utilizada a técnica da reação em cadeia da polimerase com pares de iniciadores específicos para identificação de C. neoformans. As amostras foram coletadas de julho a dezembro de 2010. Cryptococcus neoformans foi isolado em oito (6,6%) de 122 amostras correspondendo a seis (12,2%) dos 49 sítios analisados. Cryptococcus neoformans associado a excretas de pombos ocorre em áreas de Cuiabá, predominando em residências nas amostras analisadas, constituindo fator de risco potencial para aquisição da doença tanto para indivíduos imunocomprometidos como imunocompetentes. .

Spatial and temporal changes in Lutzomyia longipalpis abundance, a Leishmania infantum vector in an urban area in northeastern Argentina

This study aimed to analyse changes in the spatial distribution of Lutzomyia longipalpis in Posadas, an urban area located in northeastern Argentina. Data were obtained during the summer of 2007 and 2009 through two entomological surveys of peridomiciles distributed around the city. The abundance distribution pattern for 2009 was computed and compared with the previous pattern obtained in 2007, when the first human visceral leishmaniasis cases were reported in the city. Vector abundance was also examined in relation to micro and macrohabitat characteristics. In 2007 and 2009, Lu. longipalpis was distributed among 41.5% and 31% of the households in the study area, respectively. In both years, the abundance rates at most of the trapping sites were below 30 Lu. longipalpis per trap per night; however, for areas exhibiting 30-60 Lu. longipalpis and more than 60 Lu. longipalpis, the areas increased in both size and number from 2007-2009. Lu. longipalpis was more abundant in areas with a higher tree and bush cover (a macrohabitat characteristic) and in peridomiciles with accumulated unused material (a microhabitat characteristic). These results will help to prioritise and focus control efforts by defining which peridomiciles display a potentially high abundance of Lu. longipalpis. .

Schistosomiasis mansoni in urban Northeast Brazil: influence of rainfall regime on the population dynamics of Biomphalaria sp.

Introduction Our objective was to evaluate the influence of rainfall regime on the population dynamics of Biomphalaria in a potential urban focus of schistosomiasis in Aracaju, Brazil, during 2009-2010. Methods Snails were collected monthly and were counted, measured and identified; the level of infection and fecal contamination at the sampling sites was determined; rainfall data were obtained. Results High levels of fecal contamination were observed, and the abundance of Biomphalaria glabrata increased during the rainy and post-rainy seasons. The snails' size was variable, and infected snails were identified independently of rainfall. Conclusions These results provide evidence of anthropogenic and climate interference in an urban focus of schistosomiasis in the Aracaju metropolitan area. .

Concepção de saúde segundo relato de idosos residentes em ambiente urbano / Health conception according to reports of elderly people living in an urban environment / Concepción de salud según relato de ancianos que residen en el ambiente urbano

A saúde é um fenômeno que difere de acordo com os aspectos biológicos, culturais, ambientais, sociais e históricos e o modo como cada ser humano viveu sua vida. Este estudo teve como objetivo conhecer a concepção de saúde de idosos residentes em ambiente urbano. Trata-se de pesquisa descritiva com uma amostra de 17 idosos. Na coleta optou-se por uma entrevista semiestruturada. A análise dos dados mostrou que a concepção de saúde está centrada na manutenção da independência, no apoio da família e no sentir-se responsável pelo modo de viver a vida. Perceber-se como ator do processo de viver e envelhecer demonstra que o idoso assume sua corresponsabilização pela saúde vivida hoje, evidenciando uma mudança de comportamento social e político, da passividade para a participação ativa no processo de vida.

Health is a phenomenon that becomes different according to biological, cultural, environmental, social and historical aspects, and to the way that each human being spends their life. This study aimed to investigate the health conception of elderly people living in an urban environment. It is a descriptive research with a sample of 17 elderly people. Data were collected by means of a semi-structured interview. The data analysis showed that the health conception was centered on the maintenance of independence, on the family's support and on feeling responsible for the way they live their life. Seeing him/herself as an actor of the process of living and ageing shows that elderly people assume their co-responsibility for their current health condition; this is evidence of change in social and political behavior, from a reactive to a pro-active condition in the process of life.

La salud es un fenómeno que difiere de acuerdo con los aspectos biológicos, culturales, ambientales, sociales e históricos y el modo como cada ser humano vivió su vida. Esta investigación descriptiva con una muestra de 17 ancianos ha tratado de conocer la concepción de salud de ancianos que residen en ambiente urbano. En la recolección de los datos se optó por una entrevista semi-estructurada. El análisis de los datos a demuestra que la concepción de salud estuvo centrada en la manutención de la independencia, en el apoyo de la familia y en el sentirse responsable por el modo de vivir la vida. Al percibirse como actor del proceso de vivir y envejecer demuestra que el anciano asume su responsabilidad por la salud vivida hoy, evidenciando un cambio de comportamiento social y político, de la pasividad hacia la participación activa en el proceso de la vida.

São Paulo, centro e periferia: a retórica ambiental e os limites da política urbana / Sao Paulo, center and periphery: the environmental rhetoric and the limits of urban policy

O texto, referenciando-se na Região Metropolitana de São Paulo, coloca um foco na questão ambiental urbana, onde o ambiente não consiste apenas em dinâmicas e processos naturais, mas inclui as relações entre estes e as dinâmicas e os processos sociais. Duas situações extremas expressam a questão: os assentamentos precários nas franjas periféricas junto aos mananciais e em áreas ambientalmente sensíveis e áreas centrais, consolidadas, que perdem população, mas têm potencial de adensamento. A partir desse ponto, são discutidos os projetos urbanos formulados para a área central do município de São Paulo, núcleo da Região Metropolitana. Evidencia-se, então, que a inserção da dimensão ambiental na questão urbana, de modo que não seja apenas retórica, traz à luz as próprias limitações das políticas urbanas.

The text, referring to the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo, puts a focus on the urban environmental issue, in whish the environment consists not only of natural processes and dynamics, but also includes the relations between them and the social processes and dynamics. Two extreme situations highlight the matter: i) the outlying settlements on the fringes along the water supply areas and environmentally sensitive areas; ii) the decrease of population at the central and consolidated areas, which have a potential to increase density. From this point, the urban projects made for the central area of São Paulo, the core of the metropolitan area are discussed. It turns evident then that the inclusion of the environmental dimension in the urban issue, in a sense that is not just rhetoric, brings to light the intrinsic limitations of Urban Policies.

Fauna de morcegos em remanescentes urbanos de Cerrado em Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul / Bat fauna in urban remnants of Cerrado in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul

Campo Grande is the largest city of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, located in the Cerrado domain, a biodiversity hotspot. Urban bat faunas have been poorly studied in Brazil, markedly in cities in the Cerrado region. The main objective here is describing composition, richness, and diversity of bat species which occur in the urban Cerrado remnants of Campo Grande. Bat samplings were carried out with mist-nets from March to August 2009 in eight urban parks. One sampling night was performed per month in each site, except in one; 47 nights at all. Each night, six 2.6 x 12 m nets were kept open for six hours after sunset; the capture effort was 52.790.4 m²/h. We captured 701 bats belonging to 14 species of which 12 were phyllostomids (98.6 percent of captures). Artibeus lituratus was the dominant species, such as reported in other urban regions in Brazil. Artibeus planirostris was the second most abundant species, in contrast to other urban bat assemblages. Chiroderma doriae, C. villosum, Phyllostomus hastatus e Platyrrhinus helleri were rare and registered for the first time in Campo Grande. Gathering other studies, 24 bat species are known to occur in Campo Grande, a high value among cities in the Cerrado. Bat diversity (H' = 1.65) in Campo Grande was also higher than that reported for other cities in the Cerrado or Atlantic Forest domains. The wide presence of forested parks in the urban zone may partially explain the great richness and diversity of bats in the Campo Grande city.

Campo Grande é a maior cidade do Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, localizada no domínio do Cerrado, um hotspot de biodiversidade. A fauna de morcegos urbanos tem sido pouco estudada no Brasil, principalmente em cidades na região do Cerrado. O principal objetivo aqui é descrever a composição, a riqueza e a diversidade da fauna de morcegos em remanescentes de Cerrado na região urbana de Campo Grande. Amostragens de morcegos foram feitas entre março e agosto de 2009 em oito parques urbanos com auxílio de redes-de-neblina. Em cada local, exceto um, foi realizada uma noite de amostragem por mês; ao todo foram 47 noites. A cada noite, seis redes de 2,6 x 12 m foram mantidas abertas por seis horas a partir do ocaso; o esforço total de captura foi de 52.790,4 m²/h. Foram capturados 701 morcegos pertencentes a 14 espécies, das quais 12 foram filostomídeos (98,6 por cento das capturas). Artibeus lituratus foi a espécie dominante, semelhante ao reportado para outras regiões urbanas no Brasil. Artibeus planirostris foi a segunda espécie mais abundante em Campo Grande, característica incomum em outras comunidades urbanas de morcegos. Chiroderma doriae, C. villosum, Phyllostomus hastatus e Platyrrhinus helleri foram raras, e registradas pela primeira vez em Campo Grande. Somados outros estudos, 24 espécies de morcegos foram encontradas em Campo Grande, valor alto dentre as cidades nos domínios do Cerrado. A diversidade (H' = 1,65) de morcegos em Campo Grande também foi maior que a reportada para outras cidades em regiões de Cerrado ou Mata Atlântica. A ampla presença de parques florestados na zona urbana pode explicar, em parte, a grande riqueza e diversidade de morcegos na cidade de Campo Grande.

Ambientes urbanos y actividad física en adultos mayores: Relevancia del tema para América Latina / The relevance of urban environments and physical activity in older adults for Latin-America

En América Latina el proceso de envejecimiento se ha caracterizado por su acelerado ritmo y ha estado acompañado, además, de crecientes procesos de urbanización y globalización, que han sido asociados con un incremento significativo de la inactividad física, la cual contribuye al desarrollo de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles que representan la principal causa de muerte en la región. Recientemente, se ha enfatizado la influencia que tienen en la actividad física las políticas públicas dirigidas a generar intervenciones en diversos atributos de los ambientes urbanos; evidencia que esta soportada principalmente, por estudios llevados a cabo en Estados Unidos y Australia. Sin embargo este tópico ha sido muy poco estudiado en ciudades Latinoaméricanas, las cuales presentan particularidades en sus procesos de envejecimiento y desarrollo urbano. Ciudades como Curitiba y Bogotá han llevado a cabo cambios urbanos significativos que pueden estar vinculados con la actividad física y calidad de vida de las personas, especialmente de los adultos mayores. Dadas las particularidades del desarrollo urbano en América Latina, se concluye acerca de la necesidad de llevar a cabo estudios multidisciplinarios que permitan entender de mejor manera los vínculos entre ambientes urbanos y actividad física en adultos mayores.

Aging in Latin-America has been characterised by its rapid pace which, in turn, has been accompanied by growing urbanisation and globalisation. These processes have been linked to the prevalence of physical inactivity thereby contributing to the appearance of chronic diseases, these being the primary cause of mortality in the region. The influence of public urban environment intervention policy on physical activity has been emphasised recently. This evidence comes mainly from studies conducted in the USA and Australia. However, this topic has scarcely been studied in Latin-America which has particular characteristics regarding aging and urban development. Cities, such as Curitiba and Bogota, have undergone significant urban changes which may be linked to physical activity and the quality of life, especially in older adults. Considering the particularities of urban development in Latin-America, it is thus concluded that multidisciplinary studies should be carried out thereby leading to better understanding of the links between urban environments and physical activity in older adults.

Species composition and richness of avifauna in an urban area of southern Brazil / Composição de especies e riqueza avifauna numa área urbana no sul do Brasil

The urban environment has become an object of study by ornithologists, who seek to understand the relationships between this new habitat and the birds that survive within it. Aiming to investigate the composition and richness of the avifauna present at the State University of Maringá and identify temporal changes in species composition, the obtained results were compared to the study accomplished by Krügel (1998) in this same location. Thus, we performed field samplings from August 2007 to July 2008, using transects, with visual and auditive identification. We recorded 74 species belonging to 27 families from 12 orders, during 72 hours of observation. Most species were constant in the study area. The predominant trophic categories were insectivores (46%) and omnivores (20%). Comparing the analyzed periods, we verified a reduction in the number of species, besides the record of new species for the studied location.

O ambiente urbano vem se tornando objeto de estudo de ornitólogos que buscam entender as relações entre esse novo habitat e as aves que nele sobrevivem. Com o objetivo de determinar a composição e riqueza específica da avifauna presente no Campus sede da Universidade Estadual de Maringá, e de identificar alterações temporais na composição específica dessa comunidade, os resultados obtidos foram comparados com estudos realizados anteriormente por Krügel (1998) na mesma área amostrada. Para tanto, foram realizadas amostragens mensais entre agosto/2007 e julho/2008, utilizando-se o método de transecção, com identificação visual e auditiva. Totalizou-se 72 horas de observação, com o registro de 74 espécies, pertencentes a 27 famílias de 12 ordens. A maioria das espécies foi classificada como constante no local investigado. As categorias tróficas predominantes foram insetívoras (46%) e onívoras (20%). Comparando-se os períodos analisados, constatou-se redução do número de espécies, além do registro de novas ocorrências para o local estudado.

A espera na vida urbana: uma análise psicossocial das filas / La espera en la vida urbana: un análisis psicosocial de las colas / Waiting and urban life: a social psychological analysis of lines

A fila de espera assume inúmeras funções na alocação dos recursos na vida urbana, como espaço, tempo, serviços e produtos. Suas configurações variam desde a típica fila presencial, aquelas em que as pessoas aguardam em pé umas atrás das outras, até formas implícitas de organização da espera, como aquelas geradas por tecnologias de comunicação remota providas pelo telefone e pela internet. Este artigo aborda a fila de espera como um sistema social, focando sua configuração presencial e destacando o fato de que, embora seja um fenômeno ubíquo, verifica-se certa ausência de estudos sobre esse tema na psicologia social. Pretende-se, assim: (a) analisar as características gerais das filas; (b) apresentar uma breve revisão do conceito de fila nas ciências exatas, biológicas e sociais aplicadas; (c) revisar estudos sobre filas na psicologia social; e (d) apontar maneiras de como a fila pode ser tanto tema quanto palco de estudos da psicologia.

Waiting lines (queues) assume various functions in the allocation of urban resources, such as access to space, time, services or products. They vary from the typical line where people are standing one behind the other to such virtual ones as in telecommunication or the Internet. The paper looks at queues as social systems, and focuses on the presential configuration, paying special attention to the fact that, while ubiquitous, queues are not receiving much attention in the social psychological literature. Thus this article (a) analyzes the general features of queues, (b) offers a short review of the concept of queues in the formal, biomedical and applied social sciences, (c) reviews the social psychological literature about queues, (d) indicates how queues may serve both as a topic of research, as well as an environmental scenario for research in psychology.

Son inúmeras las funciones que asume la cola de espera en la asignación de recursos urbanos, como espacio, tiempo, servicios y productos. Las configuraciones pueden variar desde la típica cola presencial - aquellas en que la gente aguarda de pie - hasta formas implícitas de organización de la espera - las generadas por tecnologías de comunicación remota proveídas por teléfono e internet. Este artículo aborda la cola de espera como un sistema social, fijándose en su configuración presencial y destacando que, aunque sea un fenómeno ubicuo, la psicología social ha tratado del tema de forma muy escasa. Así, se pretende (a) analizar las características generales de las colas, (b) presentar un breve repaso del concepto de cola en las ciencias exactas, biomédicas y sociales aplicadas, (c) rever estudios sobre colas en la psicología social e (d) indicar maneras de tratar la cola como tema y escenario de estudio de la psicología.