Seasonal and epidemiological characteristics of community-acquired pneumonia in Chuzhou in 2010 - 2022 / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To analyze the seasonal and epidemiological characteristics of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in Chuzhou from 2010 to 2022. Methods The epidemiological data of CAP in Chuzhou from 2010 to 2022 were obtained from the center for diseases control and prevention of Chuzhou City, Anhui Province. After inclusion and exclusion, a total of 1 053 cases were enrolled. General data were collected. Then the characteristics of CAP patients in terms of gender, age, regional and seasonal distribution and pathogenic bacteria distribution were analyzed. Results A total of 316 patients with CAP, with a prevalence rate of 30.01%, including 152 males (48.10%) and 164 females (51.90%). Regarding age, 86 cases (27.22%) at 19-40 years, 106 cases (33.54%) at 41-60 years, and 124 cases (39.24%) at >60 years, suggesting a statistical difference in the CAP detection rate among different genders and ages (P<0.05). Seasonally, 118 cases (37.34%) were detected in spring, 13 cases (4.11%) in summer, 49 cases (15.51%) in autumn, and 136 cases (43.04%) in winter, with the highest CAP detection rate in winter, followed by spring. Pathogenic bacteria were positive in 198 of 316 patients, with a detection rate of 62.66%. A total of 125 strains of pathogenic bacteria were detected in sputum culture, of which 138 cases were Gram-negative, mainly Escherichia coli (24.24%, 48/198), and 60 cases were Gram-positive, mainly Streptococcus pneumoniae (14.14%, 28/198). Among 198 patients positive for pathogen detection, 41 cases were detected in spring, 37 cases in summer, 56 cases in autumn and 64 cases in winter. The drug sensitivity results showed that Escherichia coli had the highest resistance rate to ampicillin and cefazolin, and was sensitive to imipenem and other antibiotics; Streptococcus pneumoniae has the highest resistance rate to penicillin and erythromycin, and is sensitive to vancomycin. Conclusion CAP is quite common in elderly population in Chuzhou from 2010 to 2022, with a high prevalence rate in spring and winter, and the prevention work of high-risk groups should be strengthened.

Anidación de la tortuga marina Lepidochelys olivacea (Testudinata: Cheloniidae) en Campamento Tortuguero Cedeño, Honduras (2011-2021) / Nesting of olive ridley sea turtle Lepidochelys olivacea (Testudinata: Cheloniidae) in Campamento Tortuguero Cedeño, Honduras (2011-2021)

Introducción: El Campamento Tortuguero de Cedeño ha sido el sitio menos investigado del Golfo de Fonseca, donde se protege a la tortuga golfina en Honduras desde 1975. Objetivo: Evaluar la anidación de la tortuga Golfina (Lepidochelys olivacea) durante la temporada de veda entre el 2011 y 2021 en Campamento Tortuguero Cedeño, Choluteca, Honduras. Métodos: Entre 2011 a 2021, se llevó a cabo el monitoreo diario de las actividades de anidación durante la veda del 1 al 25 de septiembre. Los patrullajes se realizaron entre las 6:00-18:00 h, y las 18:00-5:00 h. Se registró el número total de tortugas que anidaban y se recogieron sus huevos, que se transportaron al criadero, donde se tabularon los resultados de las puestas y las crías. Resultados: Se registró un total 1 065 tortugas de L. olivacea, 95 051 huevos recolectados, 1 065 nidos marcados en tres playas que fueron reubicados en viveros artificiales y una eclosión exitosa de 62 747 neonatos. La playa Las Doradas fue el sitio con el mayor número de tortugas anidadoras, seguido de Los Delgaditos y por último Cedeño. El promedio de la frecuencia de anidación fue de 96 nidos. Del 2011 al 2021 el esfuerzo de recolección de los nidos aumentó en un 91.6 %, pasando de 84 a 161 nidos. El número de personas patrullando se asoció con la cantidad de nidos detectados en las playas. Conclusión: Los esfuerzos de monitoreo y conservación para la especie han indicado que ha habido un incremento en la anidación de L. olivacea en las tres playas, con un mayor incremento en Playa Las Doradas. Este escenario comprueba la funcionalidad de la veda en esta zona.

Introduction: The Cedeño Turtle Camp has been the least researched site in the Fonseca Gulf, where Olive Ridley Turtles in Honduras have been protected since 1975. Objective: To evaluate the nesting of Olive Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) during the closed season from 2011 to 2021 in Campamento Tortuguero Cedeño, Choluteca, Honduras. Methods: From 2011 to 2021, daily monitoring of nesting activities was conducted during the closed season from the 1st to 25th of September. Patrols were conducted between 6:00-18:00 h, and 18:00-5:00 h. The total number of nesting turtles was recorded, and their eggs were collected and transported to the hatchery, where clutch and hatchling performance were tabulated. Results: A total of 1 065 L. olivacea turtles were recorded, 95 051 eggs collected, 1 065 nests marked on three beaches that were relocated in artificial hatcheries and a successful hatching of 62 747 hatchlings. Las Doradas beach was the site with the highest number of nesting turtles, followed by Los Delgaditos and lastly Cedeño. The average nesting frequency was 96 nests. From 2011 to 2021 the nest collection effort increased by 91.6 %, from 84 to 161 nests. The number of people patrolling was associated with the number of nests detected on the beaches. Conclusion: Monitoring and conservation efforts for L. olivacea in the Campamento Tortuguero Cedeño show a positive trend in nesting with a greater increase in Playa Las Doradas. This scenario proves the functionality of the closed season in this area.

Distribución espacio-temporal de aves acuáticas de la familia Laridae en un humedal costero sudamericano / Spatio-temporal distribution of aquatic birds of the family Laridae in a South American coastal wetland

Resumen Introducción: El humedal costero Poza de La Arenilla (HCPA), Callao, Perú, es un hábitat importante para el descanso y reposo de aves acuáticas, entre ellas la familia Laridae. Sin embargo, el humedal está sufriendo una degradación crítica debido al desarrollo de actividades antropogénicas. Objetivo: Evaluar la distribución espacio-temporal de las aves acuáticas de la familia Laridae reportadas en HCPA según la temporada del año entre 2013 y 2018. Métodos: Se realizaron muestreos quincenales en 11 zonas delimitadas de HCPA de enero 2013 a diciembre 2018, durante la mañana y la tarde, mediante el método de recuento total. Resultados: Se registraron 12 especies de la familia Laridae. Leucophaeus pipixcan fue la especie de mayor dominancia en la mayoría de las zonas estudiadas y su presencia se destaca en verano y primavera. Las especies con mayor distribución en el humedal son L. pipixcan, Larus dominicanus y Larus belcheri, que se registraron en todas las zonas estudiadas. La mayor abundancia total promedio de especies se registró en verano y la menor en invierno. Se observó un aumento gradual de la abundancia promedio de aves, siendo estos aumentos notables entre primavera y verano de un año a otro. Además, se observó una disminución de la riqueza global de los láridos durante el periodo evaluado. Se observó un patrón de variación estacional del índice de diversidad de Shannon-Weaver (H') similar de un año a otro, debido a que los láridos son aves migratorias, y una tendencia a la disminución del índice con el paso del tiempo. Conclusiones: El HCPA desempeña un papel fundamental para la avifauna acuática de la región. Se ha registrado la presencia de cinco especies migratorias y siete residentes de esta familia, las cuales muestran preferencias espaciales en diferentes zonas del humedal. A pesar de que se observa una disminución en la riqueza global de las especies en el tiempo, la abundancia promedio de aves aumenta.

Abstract Introduction: The coastal wetland Poza de La Arenilla (HCPA), located in Callao (Peru), is an important resting and roosting habitat for aquatic birds, including the family Laridae. However, the wetland is suffering critical degradation due to the development of anthropogenic activities. Objective: To evaluate the spatiotemporal distribution of aquatic birds of the family Laridae reported at HCPA seasonally during the period 2013-2018. Methods: Biweekly sampling was carried out in 11 delimited zones in HCPA between January 2013 and December 2018, during morning and afternoon hours using the total count method. Results: A total of 12 species of Laridae birds were recorded. Leucophaeus pipixcan is the most dominant species in most of the studied zones and its presence is highlighted in summer and spring. The species with the greatest distribution in the wetland was L. pipixcan, Larus dominicanus, and Larus belcheri, which were reported in all the zones studied. The highest average total abundance of species was recorded in summer, while the lowest in winter. A gradual increase in the average abundance of aquatic birds was observed, with these increases being noticeable between the springs and summers from one year to the following. Also, overall richness of the larids was observed to decrease throughout the period evaluated. A similar seasonal variation pattern of the Shannon diversity index (H') was observed from one year to the following, due the fact that Laridae are migratory, and a tendency for the index to decrease with the passage of time. Conclusions: The HCPA plays a key role for the aquatic birds of the region. The presence of five migratory and seven resident species of Laridae has been recorded, which show spatial preferences in different areas of the wetland. Despite a decrease in overall species richness over time, the average abundance of Laridae birds is increasing.

Forage Supplementation Feeding of Lactating Merino Ewes in Dry Season at the Foothills Agro-ecological Zone in Lesotho

A farmer-participatory research, which lasted for seven weeks, was carried out at Machache, in the Foothills Agro-Ecological Zone of Lesotho to examine the effect of forage based diets supplementary feeding on the performance response and milk quality of lactating ewes during dry lambing season. A total of 270 lactating merino ewes were randomly distributed among four dietary treatments: basal diet (T1) which was the range land pasture used as control, cereal forage based diet (T2), leguminous forage based diet (T3) and mixed forage based diet (T4). The feed value of the supplementary diets T2 (4.70% CP and 9.94MJ/kg ME), T3 (12.31% CP and 10.27 MJ/kg ME), T4 (11.90% CP and 10.47 MJ/kg ME)] was superior to that of the range land pasture T1 (2.80% CP and 8.61MJ/kg ME). Ewes on forage supplemented diets performed significantly (P<0.05) better than the control group in feed intake, live body weight and live weight change. The milk quality evaluation showed that solids-non-fat (SNF), protein and lactose were highly significant (P<0.05) for T3 and T4 than T1 and T2 which had high milk fat. The study revealed that diets T1 and T2 lacked the nutritional capacity to meet the nutrient requirements of lactating ewes as evidenced by slight body weight improvement. It is concluded that supplementary diets T3 (leguminous forage based diet) and T4 (mixed forage based diet) contained adequate nutrients that can meet the requirement of lactating ewes during dry lambing season. This was verified by high voluntary feed intake and good nutrients utilization as resulted by improving of body weight and high milk quality response of lactating ewes.

Association of sun exposure and seasonality with vitamin D levels in Brazilian children and adolescents / Associação da exposição solar e da sazonalidade com os níveis de vitamina D em crianças e adolescentes brasileiros

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to verify vitamin D concentration in children and adolescents during the seasons of the year and to compare vitamin D concentration between children engaged in outdoor activities and those engaged in indoor activities. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with a sample of 708 children and adolescents (aged 6-18 years), excluding 109 (16 were over 19 years old; 39 had a disease that required continuous treatment; 20 were on continuous medication; and 34 had no vitamin D data), ending with 599. The plasma concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 was measured with commercial kits following manufacturer instructions. Results: Participants who engaged in outdoor activities, as well as those who had data collected during summer and spring, had higher levels of vitamin D. According to the Poisson regression, the proportion of participants with inadequate levels of vitamin D was greater in the participants whose vitamin D was measured during spring (PR 1.15, 95%CI 1.03-1.29) and winter (PR 1.18, 95%CI 1.05-1.32). Also, a greater proportion of inadequate vitamin D was observed for those engaged in indoor activities (PR 1.08, 95%CI 1.01-1.15). Conclusions: Participants who measured the vitamin during the summer and autumn had a lower prevalence of hypovitaminosis D. Even in regions with high solar incidence throughout the year, vitamin D levels can vary significantly during the period's seasons.

Resumo Objetivo: Verificar a concentração de vitamina D em crianças e adolescentes durante as estações do ano e comparar essa concentração entre crianças praticantes de atividades ao ar livre e aquelas praticantes de atividades em ambiente fechado. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo transversal com amostra de 708 crianças e adolescentes (seis a 18 anos), excluindo-se 109, pois 16 eram maiores de 19 anos; 39 tinham doença que exigia tratamento contínuo; 20 estavam em uso de medicação contínua; e 34 não tinham dados de vitamina D. Terminou-se, assim, com 599 pacientes. A concentração plasmática de 25-hidroxivitamina D2 foi medida com kits comerciais, seguindo as instruções do fabricante. Resultados: Os participantes que realizaram atividades ao ar livre, assim como aqueles que tiveram dados coletados durante o verão e a primavera, apresentaram níveis mais elevados de vitamina D. De acordo com a regressão de Poisson, a proporção de participantes com níveis inadequados de vitamina D foi maior naqueles cuja medição foi realizada durante a primavera (razão de prevalência — RP 1,15, intervalo de confiança — IC95% 1,03-1,29) e o inverno (RP 1,18, IC95% 1,05-1,32). Além disso, maior proporção de vitamina D inadequada foi observada para aqueles envolvidos em atividades internas (RP 1,08, IC95% 1,01-1,15). Conclusões: Participantes que mediram a vitamina durante o verão e o outono tiveram menor prevalência para hipovitaminose D. Mesmo em regiões com alta incidência solar ao longo do ano os níveis de vitamina D podem variar significativamente durante as estações.

Why Villagers Use Toilets Only During Specific Time and Season? A Mixed-Methods Study in Rural Tamil Nadu

Background: Due to the efforts of sanitation promotion interventions in India, majority of the villagers started using toilets. But there is an inconsistency in toilet usage with regard to time and season. Objectives: The objectives were to determine the time and seasonal variations in toilet usage among vil-lagers who use toilets and to identify the reasons for time and seasonal variations in toilet usage. Methodology: A community-based mixed-methods study was executed in the four field practice villages of UHTC, Villupuram. After IEC clearance, 405 individuals who were using an owned toilet were selected by Simple Random Sampling. Qualitative component (free listing) was used for questionnaire develop-ment and quantitative component (survey + observation) was used for data collection. Results: Majority, 52% villagers used toilets only in the night and 64% villagers used toilets during rainy season. Fear of darkness and snakes, emergency and large family size were the common reasons for night time toilet usage. While, non-availability of open space, illness on exposure to rain and quick filling of toilet pit contributed to toilet usage in the rainy season.Conclusion: The study findings would help in the development of culturally-sensitive and socially-acceptable key messages for future sanitation promotion interventions

Diversity of Basidiomycetous Macrofungi from Mpanga Forest in Mpigi District, Central Uganda

The present study was conducted at Mpanga Research Forest located in Mpigi District, Uganda, during the months of March, April, May and Jun 2020 (for the first rainy season) then in September, October, November, and December 2020 (for the second rainy season) to determine the diversity and distribution of macrofungi as well as their influence by seasonality, and physicochemical properties of the soil. An inventory was carried out through plot sampling and survey which consists of installing three permanent plots of 30 m x 30 m in each of the four selected sites, the soil was also measured in the sample plots. To measure distribution and diversity, abundance, species richness, density, and Simpson's and Shannon's indices were calculated. SPSS version 20 software was used for the significance tests of the diversity parameters between the two rainy seasons and for those of the correlation between the soil factors and the abundance of macrofungi species. A total of 120 species of basidiomycetous macrofungi distributed in 53 genera and 22 families were recorded. The dominant genus was Psathyrella followed by Marasmius belonging to the most dominant families (Coprinaceae and Marasmiaceae), and the most dominant orders (Agaricales and Tricholomatales). During the two rainy seasons, the majority of the species that have been collected belong to the group of saprophytes. Macrofungi species collected during the second rainy season were more abundant and diverse than those collected during the first rainy season. Among the physicochemical properties of the soil, pH, calcium, potassium, nitrogen, organic carbon, phosphorus, clay, sand and organic matter were significantly correlated with the abundance of macrofungal species. The results of this study provided basic information on the diversity of macrofungi in Mpanga forest, it can be a point of reference for further research to study the evolution of macrofungal biodiversity in this forest.

Effect of environment and season on acute decompensated heart failure: Data from low-to middle-income country

Objectives: The environmental effect in heart failure (HF) patients is well established. However, the data is limited from low-to middle-income countries like India. This study determined the impact of environment on acute decompensated HF (ADHF) admissions and mortality in India. Methods: Retrospectively, the data of all HF patients admitted between April 2017 and March 2019 was accessed through electronic hospital records. Simultaneously, the environmental-related data was collected from the central pollution control board. Results: The study included 4561 patients of ADHF. The peak of monthly ADHF events (admission and mortality) was observed during the chilly month (January) while the lowest rates were observed in summer months (MayeJune). The most significant factor correlating inversely with the monthly ADHF admission (r ¼ 0.78, p ¼ 0.003) and mortality (r ¼ 0.65, p ¼ 0.004) was the maximum air temperature, and it was found to be the independent predictor for both ADHF mortality [t ¼ 2.78, b ¼ 0.84; 95%CI(-6.0 to 0.6), p ¼ 0.021] and admission [t ¼ 4.83, b ¼ 0.91; 95%CI(-19.8 to 6.9), p ¼ 0.001]. The above correlation was better seen in the elderly subset and male gender. Humidity and the air pollution attributes did not have a significant correlation with ADHF admission or mortality. Conclusion: In conclusion, even in low-to middle-income country like India, a periodic effect of season was demonstrated for ADHF mortality and admission, with a peak in ADHF events noted during winter months especially in the regions having extremes of seasons. Air pollution could not affect the ADHF outcome for which further studies are needed

Determinação do rendimento do óleo essencial de Chenopodium ambrosioides l. em função da variação sazonal / Determination of the income of the essential oil of chenopodium ambrosioides l. in function of the variations of temperature and pluviometric indexes in the period of 09/2006 until 08/2007 / Determinación del rendimiento de aceite esencial de Chenopodium ambrosioides l. en función de la variación estacional

Chenopodium ambrosioides conhecida como mastruço, é utilizado na medicina tradicional para tratamento de ascaridíase; controle de artrópodes e pragas domésticas; inibição do desenvolvimento de fungos do solo e de insetos, tratamento de lesões cutâneas e alívio da dor de barriga e gripe. O objetivo do presente trabalho constituiu na avaliação do teor extrativo do óleo essencial de Chenopodium ambrosioides L. cultivado no Horto Medicinal da Universidade Paranaense (Umuarama-PR), durante um ano, no período de setembro de 2006 a agosto de 2007. A metodologia foi realizada através da coleta do material vegetal para obtenção do óleo pelo processo de hidrodestilação dos frutos frescos de mastruço. O rendimento do óleo foi calculado a partir da massa dos frutos frescos pela massa do óleo essencial obtido. Também foram avaliados os parâmetros de temperatura e índices pluviométricos aferidos diariamente. Os resultados demonstram um maior rendimento do óleo no período em que as temperaturas e índices pluviométricos estavam mais elevados (1,096 % na primavera e 0,998 % no verão); já em meses com temperaturas mais amenas e/ou secos o rendimento de óleo essencial apresentou considerável redução (0,774 % no outono e 0,819 % no inverno). Isto indica que o aumento e diminuição da produção de óleo essencial pela planta é influenciada pelos fatores climáticos, mostrando a importância deste estudo com a finalidade de padronização da época de colheita para maior rendimento do óleo e consequente aplicação em produtos cosméticos e farmacêuticos.

Chenopodium ambrosioides known as mastruço, is used in traditional medicine to treatment ascariasis; control of arthropods and domestic pests; inhibition of the development of soil fungi and insects, treatment of skin lesions and relief of stomach ache and flu. The objective of the present work was to evaluation of the extractive content of the essential oil of Chenopodium ambrosioides L. cultivated in the Horto Medicinal da Universidade Paranaense (Umuarama-PR), during one year, from September 2006 to August 2007. The methodology was carried out through the collection of plant material to obtain the oil through the hydrodistillation process of fresh mastruço fruits. The oil yield was calculated from the mass of fresh fruits by the mass of essential oil obtained. Temperature parameters and rainfall measured daily were also evaluated. The results demonstrate a higher oil yield in the period when temperatures and rainfall were higher (1.096% in spring and 0.998% in summer); in months with milder and/or drier temperatures, the essential oil yield showed a considerable reduction (0.774% in autumn and 0.819% in winter). This indicates that the increase and decrease in the production of essential oil by the plant is influenced by climatic factors, showing the importance of this study with the purpose of standardizing the harvest time for greater oil yield and consequent application in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.

Chenopodium ambrosioides conocido como mastruço, se utiliza en la medicina tradicional para tratar la ascaridiasis; control de artrópodos y plagas domésticas; inhibición del desarrollo de hongos e insectos del suelo, tratamiento de lesiones cutáneas y alivio del dolor de estómago y gripe. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar el contenido extractivo del aceite esencial de Chenopodium ambrosioides L. cultivado en el Horto Medicinal da Universidade Paranaense (Umuarama-PR), durante un año, de septiembre de 2006 a agosto de 2007. La metodología fue llevada a través de la recolección de material vegetal para la obtención del aceite mediante el proceso de hidrodestilación de frutos frescos de mastruço. El rendimiento de aceite se calculó a partir de la masa de frutos frescos por la masa de aceite esencial obtenido. También se evaluaron parámetros de temperatura y precipitación medidos diariamente. Los resultados demuestran un mayor rendimiento de aceite en el período de mayor temperatura y precipitaciones (1,096% en primavera y 0,998% en verano); en meses con temperaturas más suaves y/o más secas, el rendimiento de aceite esencial mostró una reducción considerable (0,774% en otoño y 0,819% en invierno). Esto indica que el aumento y disminución de la producción de aceite esencial por parte de la planta está influenciado por factores climáticos, mostrando la importancia de este estudio con el propósito de estandarizar el tiempo de cosecha para mayor rendimiento de aceite y consecuente aplicación en productos cosméticos y farmacéuticos.

Analysis of ocular emergencies in a reference eye center in Brazil / Análise das emergências oculares em um centro de referência oftalmológica no Brasil

ABSTRACT Purpose: To determine the incidence of ocular emergencies and patient profiles in a public health eye center in Brazil. Methods: The medical record database of the Fundação Altino Ventura, Recife, Brazil was retrospectively analyzed and included all patients assisted at the ophthalmic emergency room between January 2017 and January 2018. Medical records with incomplete data and outpatient complaints were excluded. For records with multiple visits, only the initial visit was considered. Results: In 1 year, 134,788 patients (mean age at admission: 38.7 ± 22 years; range: 0-99 years) were admitted at the emergency room of the Fundação Altino Ventura. The most frequent diagnoses were conjunctivitis (52,732 cases; 37.3%), blepharitis (7,213 cases; 5.1%), and corneal/conjunctival foreign body (6,925 cases; 4.9%). Corneal/conjunctival foreign body and ocular trauma had an eight- and two-fold higher incidence in male patients, respectively (both p<0.001). Female patients presented a two-fold higher incidence of trichiasis and blepharitis than males (p<0.001). Corneal/conjunctival foreign body and ocular trauma affected more patients in a productive age (>15 years), while corneal ulcers, blepharitis, and trichiasis affected more elderly patients. All diagnostic clusters (e.g., infectious diseases, ocular trauma, foreign bodies, retinopathies, eyelid disorders, corneal diseases, glaucomatous crisis, and neuroophthalmological diseases) were more common during the spring season (p<0.001). Conclusion: The most common ocular emergencies in the present study were infectious diseases and foreign body. However, the incidence of ophthalmological emergencies was influenced by the age and sex of patients, as well as the time of the year.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar a incidência de emergências oculares em um centro oftalmológico de referência no Brasil. Métodos: O banco de dados de prontuários da Fundação Altino Ventura, Recife, Brasil, foi analisado retrospectivamente e incluiu pacientes atendidos, entre janeiro de 2017 e janeiro de 2018, na sala de emergência oftalmológica. Foram excluídos os prontuários com dados incompletos e com quadros ambulatoriais. Apenas o primeiro atendimento na emergência foi considerado para análise. Resultados: Em um ano, 134.788 pacientes (idade média de 38,7 ± 22 anos [0-99 anos]) foram admitidos na emergência da Fundação Altino Ventura. Os diagnósticos mais frequentes foram conjuntivite (52.732 casos [37,3%]), blefarite (7.213 casos [5,1%]) e corpo estranho na córnea/conjuntiva (6.925 casos [4,9%]). Corpo estranho na córnea/conjuntiva e trauma ocular foram cerca de 8 vezes e 2 vezes mais incidente em indivíduos do sexo masculino, respectivamente (p<0,001 em ambos). Triquíase e blefarite afetaram ~2 vezes mais pacientes do sexo feminino, respectivamente (p<0,001 em ambos). Corpo estranho na córnea/conjuntiva e trauma ocular afetaram mais pacientes em idade produtiva (>15 anos), enquanto úlcera, blefarite e triquíase da córnea afetaram mais pacientes idosos. Todos os grupamentos de diagnóstico (doenças infecciosas, trauma ocular, corpos estranhos, retinopatias, doenças das pálpebras, doenças da córnea, crise glaucomatosa e doenças neurooftalmológicas) foram mais incidentes na primavera (valor de p<0,001). Conclusão: As emergências oftalmológicas mais comuns no presente estudo foram as doenças infecciosas e o corpo estranho. Porém, a incidência das emergências oculares são fluências pela faixa etária e gênero do paciente, além da época do ano.

Restorative effects of different forest environments in spring, summer, and autumn / 环境与职业医学

Background It has been proved by many studies that forest environment has good restorative effects. Some researchers have attempted to identify natural factors affecting restorativeness. However, current studies have not focused on the effect of seasonal variation of forest environments on its restorative strength. Objective To evaluate the restorative effect changes of two types of forest environments across different seasons. Methods The experiments were conducted in April (spring), June (summer), and October (autumn) of 2017. Forty subjects were recruited in spring，18 in summer, and 20 in autumn. In spring, the subjects were randomly assigned to a forest park in suburban area and one in semi-pristine area in Beijing where each subject only experienced one kind of forest environment. In summer and autumn, each subject experienced two kinds of forest environments. They spent the first day in the suburban area forest park, and the second day in the semi-pristine area forest park. First the subjects completed the Brief Profile of Mood States (BPOMS) and had their heart rate been monitored for 10 min before test followed by a 30 min forest experience with sedentary sitting. At the end of each experience, the subjects completed the BPOMS again, and also the Restoration Environment Scale-Chinese version. Objective physical environment indicators were monitored simultaneously during forest experience. The changes of each indicator were analyzed before and after forest experience in selected three seasons. Results In the objective physical environment indicators, the concentrations of anion in selected three seasons in the semi-pristine area forest were higher than the values in the suburban development area forest; the concentration of anion in autumn was much higher than those in the other two seasons. In the assessment of the Restorative Environment Scale, the total scores of restorativeness of the semi-pristine area forest were generally higher than the scores in the suburban development area forest, but significant differences were found only in spring and summer (P < 0.001 in spring, P=0.022 in summer, and P=0.083 in autumn). In terms of physiological indicators, the average heart rate was decreased, while short-term R-R interval standard deviation (SD1) and root mean square of difference of successive intervals (RMSSD) were increased after the designed forest experience sessions in the three seasons, and there was statistical difference between forest types. In terms of psychological indicators, a decrease in the score of total mood disorder was presented after the experience session. In spring, there was a trend that the forest park in suburban development area had a better regulation effect on total mood disorder (P=0.07). In summer and autumn, there was a trend that the semi-pristine area forest park had a better regulation effect on total mood disorder (P=0.062 in summer and P=0.001 in autumn). Conclusion Generally, forest environments can improve the psychological and physiological indicators of human, and the improvement varies with frosts types and seasons. The restorative effects of forests in semi-pristine areas is better than those in suburban development area.

Survey of total radioactivity in drinking well water around Bayanwula uranium mine / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective:To investigate the total radioactivity in drinking well water around the Bayanwula uranium mine.Methods:Totally 174 samples of drinking well water and 5 samples of filtered well water from residential houses were collected during dry and wet seasons in 2020 around the Bayanwula uranium mine. Total α and total β radioactivity in dry season and wet season were analyzed for detrmining whether there were differences between them and the relation between total radioactivity with different locations away from the uranium center. The radioactivity in filtered drinking well water used in residential houses was also investigated. Radioactivity were measured and analyzed using low background alpha and beta radioactivity meters, and the data were analysed using SPSS analytical statistical method.Results:In the drinking well water around Bayanwula uranium mine, the activity concentrations of total α and β measured in dry season were 0.024-2.468 Bq/L with a mean of (0.605±0.507) Bq/L and 0.125-1.395 Bq/L with a mean of (0.420±0.235) Bq/L, respectively. The values measured in wet season were 0.049-2.988 Bq/L with a mean of (0.825±0.605) Bq/L for total α and 0.059-1.623 Bq/L with a mean of (0.506±0.265) Bq/L for total β, respectively. The average value of total radioactivity in water samples was lower within 10, 30 and 20 km of the uranium mine in the descending order.Conclusions:The radioactivity in well water around the Bayanwula uranium mine is high, with the total α and β in samples greater in wet season than in the dry season and without elevated levels as compared to the pre-mining background.

Progress on the influence of seasonal and environmental factors on OSAHS in children / 国际儿科学杂志

Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS) is one of the common diseases harmful to children′s health.OSAHS is a disease characterized by complete or partial obstruction of the upper respiratory tract, accompanied by blood gas changes and atypical sleep patterns.The incidence of OSAHS is on the rise.OSAHS can cause a series of physical, mental and developmental abnormalities in children, resulting in negative consequences for children.Common causes of OSAHS in children include mechanisms such as compliance changes caused by increased upper airway resistance and influence of neural regulation.Meanwhile, studies have shown that season、environmental factors have certain effects on the incidence and severity of OSAHS and sleep structure.This paper reviews the effects of season and environmental factors on children with OSAHS.

Altered milk yield and rumen microbial abundance in response to concentrate supplementation during the cold season in Tibetan sheep

BACKGROUND Weight loss and decline of milk yield in Tibetan sheep was a challenge for the dairy industry in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, which were considered to be caused by underfeeding of the sheep during the harsh winter. The objective of this study was to assess the role of feed supplementation in the milk performance and rumen microbiome of ewes under forage-based diets. Based on parity, milking period, milk yield, and body weight, ten 1.5-yr-old ewes were allocated randomly into two groups. One group of ewes was fed no supplement Control group (CON) and the other group was fed with concentrate feed supplement (Treatment group, T). Individual milk yield was determined daily; both the milk composition and rumen bacterial characteristics were analyzed after the end of feeding trials. RESULTS Results showed that lactose in the milk of the CON group was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that of the T group at days 30 and 60. Milk yield in the T group was greater than in the CON group at day 30 (P < 0.05). Additionally, the dominant ruminal bacteria (phyla Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Verrucomicrobia) were shared by both groups through 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing. Greater relative abundance of Bacteroidales RF16 group in family level, Victivallales in order level, Lentisphaeria in class level, and Lachnospiraceae bacterium in species level were observed in the T group than in the CON group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrated that supplementation of concentrate in the cold season improved milk lactose yield and milk production, and the rumen microbial abundance of Tibetan sheep.

Principal component regression analysis demonstrates the collinearity-free effect of sub estimated climatic variables on tree growth in the central Amazon / El análisis de regresión por componentes principales muestra el efecto libre de colinealidad de variables climáticas subestimadas sobre el crecimiento de los árboles en la Amazonía central

Abstract Introduction: Climatic variables show a seasonal pattern in the central Amazon, but the intra-annual variability effect on tree growth is still unclear. For variables such as relative humidity (RH) and air vapor pressure deficit (VPD), whose individual effects on tree growth can be underestimated, we hypothesize that such influences can be detected by removing the effect of collinearity between regressors. Objective: This study aimed to determine the collinearity-free effect of climatic variability on tree growth in the central Amazon. Methods: Monthly radial growth was measured in 325 trees from January 2013 to December 2017. Irradiance, air temperature, rainfall, RH, and VPD data were also recorded. Principal Component Regression was used to assess the effect of micrometeorological variability on tree growth over time. For comparison, standard Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) was also used for data analysis. Results: Tree growth increased with increasing rainfall and relative humidity, but it decreased with rising maximum VPD, irradiance, and maximum temperature. Therefore, trees grew more slowly during the dry season, when irradiance, temperature and VPD were higher. Micrometeorological variability did not affect tree growth when MLR was applied. These findings indicate that ignoring the correlation between climatic variables can lead to imprecise results. Conclusions: A novelty of this study is to demonstrate the orthogonal effect of maximum VPD and minimum relative humidity on tree growth.

Resumen Introducción: Las variables climáticas muestran un patrón estacional en la Amazonía central, pero el efecto de la variabilidad intra-anual en el crecimiento de los árboles aún no está claro. Para variables como la humedad relativa (HR) y el déficit de presión de vapor (VPD), cuyo efecto individual en el crecimiento de los árboles puede ser subestimada, planteamos la hipótesis de que tales influencias pueden detectarse eliminando el efecto de colinealidad entre regresores. Objetivo: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar el efecto libre de colinealidad de la variabilidad climática sobre el crecimiento de los árboles en la Amazonía central. Métodos: Se midió el crecimiento radial mensual en 325 árboles desde enero 2013 hasta diciembre 2017. También se registraron datos de irradiancia (PAR), temperatura del aire, lluvia, humedad relativa (RH) y déficit de presión de vapor de aire (VPD). Se utilizó la regresión de componentes principales para evaluar el efecto de la variabilidad micrometeorológica a lo largo del tiempo sobre el crecimiento de los árboles. Para comparación, también se utilizó la regresión lineal múltiple (MLR) estándar para el análisis de datos. Resultados: El crecimiento de los árboles incrementó con el aumento de las precipitaciones y la humedad relativa, y disminuyó con el aumento de la VPD máxima, la irradiancia y la temperatura máxima. Por lo tanto, los árboles crecieron más lentamente durante la estación seca, cuando la irradiancia, la temperatura y la VPD eran más altas. La variabilidad micrometeorológica no afectó el crecimiento de los árboles cuando se aplicó MLR. Estos hallazgos indican que ignorar la correlación entre las variables climáticas puede conducir a resultados imprecisos. Conclusiones: Una novedad de este estudio es demostrar el efecto ortogonal del VPD máximo y la humedad relativa mínima sobre el crecimiento de los árboles.

Reproduction of the sea urchin Tripneustes depressus (Camarodonta: Toxopneustidae) in Bahía de La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico / Reproducción del erizo de mar Tripneustes depressus (Camarodonta: Toxopneustidae) en Bahía de La Paz, Baja California Sur, México

Introduction: Sea urchin gonads (roe or uni) are considered a culinary delicacy worldwide. However, only a few species are considered edible and commercialized. The sea urchin Tripneustes depressus has generated the interest of producers in Baja California Sur, Mexico, due to the quality of its gonads. A biological basis for designing a management strategy is key to consider its commercial exploitation. Objective: To determine the reproductive season of T. depressus through description of the gonad stages and reproductive cycle, and to establish its relationship with environmental factors. Methods: We collected monthly samples (October 2016-September 2017), recording in-situ temperature and photoperiod. We evaluated a sample of 1 055 specimens for demographic characteristics, using total weight (g) and test diameter (cm). We also did a histological analysis of gonads from 178 individuals. Results: Average test diameter was 9.70 ± 0.03 cm (5-12.50 cm). Based on the proportion into the gonad of sexual (gametes) and somatic (nutritive phagocytes) cells, we propose five gonad stages (growing, premature, mature, spawning, and intergametic) for both sexes. There were two times of the year when gonads were heaviest and closely corresponded to the growing stage, coinciding with the highest proportions of nutritive phagocytes. Gonad development (growing and premature stages) peaks in the months with the longest daylight periods, with spawning in the shortest daylight periods. Conclusions: Gonad wet weight and adjusted gonad weight are good indicators of the reproductive season of T. depressus. The lowest gonad wet weights were matched the spawning peak in the shortest daylight period (January and March).

Introducción: Las gónadas de erizo de mar (huevas o uni) se consideran un manjar culinario en todo el mundo. Sin embargo, solo unas pocas especies se consideran comestibles y se comercializan. El erizo de mar Tripneustes depressus ha generado el interés de productores de Baja California Sur, México, por la calidad de sus gónadas. Una base biológica es clave para diseñar una estrategia de manejo para T. depressus para considerar su explotación comercial. Objetivo: Determinar la época reproductiva de T. depressus a través de la descripción de los estadios de las gónadas y del ciclo reproductivo, y establecer su relación con factores ambientales. Métodos: Recolectamos muestras mensuales (octubre de 2016 a septiembre de 2017), registrando in-situ la temperatura y el fotoperiodo. Evaluamos una muestra de 1055 especímenes para las características demográficas, utilizando el peso total (g) y el diámetro de testa (cm). También hicimos el análisis histológico de las gónadas de 178 individuos. Resultados: El diámetro de la testa promedio fue de 9.70 ± 0.03 cm (5-12.50 cm). Con base en la proporción en la gónada de células sexuales (gametos) y somáticas (fagocitos nutritivos), proponemos cinco estadios gonádicos (crecimiento, prematuro, maduro, desove e intergamético) para ambos sexos. Hubo dos épocas del año en que las gónadas eran más pesadas y se correspondían estrechamente con la etapa de crecimiento, coincidiendo con las proporciones más altas de fagocitos nutritivos. El desarrollo de las gónadas (etapas de crecimiento y prematuro) alcanza su punto máximo en los meses con los periodos de luz más largos, con desove en los periodos de luz más cortos. Conclusiones: El peso húmedo de las gónadas y el peso ajustado de las gónadas son buenos indicadores de la temporada reproductiva de T. depressus. Los pesos húmedos más bajos de las gónadas coincidieron con el pico de desove en el período con luz diurna más corto (enero y marzo).

Impact of birth season on the years of life lost from respiratory diseases in the elderly related to ambient PM

BACKGROUND@#Ambient fine particle (PM@*METHODS@#A time-stratified case-crossover design was used to analyze YLL from respiratory diseases in the elderly related to ambient PM@*RESULTS@#Each 10 μg/m@*CONCLUSIONS@#Birth season which reflects the early-life PM

Opisthorchis viverrini metacercarial infection in cyprinid fish in Nakhon Phanom Province, Northeastern Thailand

@#Opisthorchiasis is endemic in parts of Southeast Asia, including the northern and northeastern regions of Thailand. In these regions, the transmission by fish intermediate hosts has received little attention. We investigated the intensity of Opisthorchis viverrini metacercariae (OV MC) in wild cyprinid fishes from five districts within the Nakhon Phanom Province, Northeast Thailand. Fishes were procured from local markets in five districts throughout three different seasons (hot, rainy and cold) between February 2018 and January 2019. The samples were identified, counted and weighed before metacercariae detection was performed via the artificial digestion method. A total of 2,149 freshwater fishes, representing 20 species were collected. The fish most commonly contaminated with OV MC were Anematichthys repasson and Hampala dispar. The intensity of OV MC in Nakhon Phanom was 0.23 OV MC/fish and varied among districts, ranging from 0.07 to 0.52. A low intensity of OV MC/fish (defined as <1 cyst) was found in all three different seasons in the Nakhon Phanom Province; hot season (0.55), cold season (0.22) and the rainy season (0.13). The intensity of OV MC/fish was moderate (defined as >1 cyst) in the Renu Nakhon district (2.5) in the hot season. By fish species, H. dispar yielded the highest, with a moderate intensity of 2.1. In natural freshwater cyprinid fish in Nakhon Phanom, OV MC infection is endemic with intensity rates varying according to district, season and fish species.

Reproductive biology of seven fish species of commercial interest at the Ramsar site in the Baixada Maranhense, Legal Amazon, Brazil

The purpose of this study is to determine the parameters of the reproductive biology of seven commercial species at the Ramsar Site of the Baixada Maranhense to support fisheries management measures. The collections were carried out between 2012 and 2016. The reproductive period, sex ratio, weight-length relationship and first sexual maturity were evaluated for seven species of commercial importance. The sex ratio showed that females are predominant for all species, except for Plagioscion squamossissimus. The weight-length relationship indicated a greater investment in weight for Cichla monoculus and Hassar affinis, and a greater investment in length for Hoplias malabaricus, Plagioscion squamosissimus, Prochilodus lacustris, Pygocentrus nattereri, and Schizodon dissimilis. The reproductive activity of the species was predominant in the rainy season, but C. monoculus, H. malabaricus and P. lacustris showed the ability to reproduce in both seasons. As management measures for the region, it is suggested a change in the closed fishing season established by IBAMA, from December 1 to April 30, to ensure the protection of all commercial species in this study.(AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar os parâmetros da biologia reprodutiva de sete espécies comerciais no Sítio Ramsar da Baixada Maranhense, para apoiar medidas de manejo pesqueiro. As coletas foram realizadas entre 2012 e 2016, com um ano de coleta para cada espécie. Foram avaliados o período reprodutivo, a razão sexual, a relação peso-comprimento e a primeira maturidade sexual para sete espécies de importância comercial. A razão sexual mostrou que as fêmeas são predominantes para todas as espécies, exceto para Plagioscion squamossissimus. A relação peso-comprimento indicou um maior investimento em peso para Cichla monoculus e Hassar affinis, e um maior investimento em comprimento para Hoplias malabaricus, Plagioscion squamosissimus, Prochilodus lacustris, Pygocentrus nattereri e Schizodon dissimilis. A atividade reprodutiva das espécies foi predominante na estação chuvosa, mas C. monoculus, H. malabaricus e P. lacustris mostraram capacidade de se reproduzir nas duas estações. Como medidas de manejo para a região, sugere-se uma mudança do período de defeso, estabelecida pelo IBAMA, de 1 de dezembro a 30 de abril, para garantir a proteção de todas as espécies comerciais.(AU)

Effects of Outdoor Temperature on Blood Pressure in a Prospective Cohort of Northwest China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

Objective@#The relationship between outdoor temperature and blood pressure (BP) has been inconclusive. We analyzed data from a prospective cohort study in northwestern China to investigate the effect of outdoor temperature on BP and effect modification by season.@*Methods@#A total of 32,710 individuals who participated in both the baseline survey and the first follow-up in 2011-2015 were included in the study. A linear mixed-effect model and generalized additive mixed model (GAMM) were applied to estimate the association between outdoor temperature and BP after adjusting for confounding variables.@*Results@#The mean differences in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) between summer and winter were 3.5 mmHg and 2.75 mmHg, respectively. After adjusting for individual characteristics, meteorological factors and air pollutants, a significant increase in SBP and DBP was observed for lag 06 day and lag 04 day, a 0.28 mmHg (95% @*Conclusions@#This study demonstrated a significant negative association between outdoor temperature and BP in a high-altitude environment of northwest China. Moreover, BP showed a significant seasonal variation. The association between BP and temperature differed by season and individuals' demographic characteristics (age, gender, BMI), unhealthy behaviors (smoking and alcohol consumption), and chronic disease status (CVDs, hypertension, and diabetes).