ABSTRACT
It is broadly known that the conservation of biological diversity in agricultural ecosystems contributes to pest control. This process was studied in a prickly pear plantation (Opuntia megacantha and Opuntia ficus-indica) located in central Mexico. No insecticides have been used on this plantation since 2000, and local farmers believe that the presence of different species of insects limits the growth of the wild cochineal (Dactylopius opuntiae Cockerell), which is one of the main pests in this crop. From August 2012 to November 2013, we estimated the number of cochineal per stem in the plantation and determined its spatial distribution pattern. In order to identify signs of population regulation, we obtained histograms of the frequency distribution of the size of the clusters and determined if distribution is adjusted to a power function (power law). We identified the cochineal predators and determined the correlation in their abundances. The greater abundance of cochineal occurred between summer and autumn while the minimum value was recorded in spring. The frequency distribution of the cochineal clusters had a high level of adjustment to a power function, suggesting the presence of population regulation processes. Six species that prey on cochineal were identified. Laetilia coccidivora and Hyperaspis trifurcata were the most active and their abundance was significantly correlated with the abundance of cochineal. We found that the probability of extinction of these insects in a cladode increases with its density, since the density and predator activity also increased. It is likely that, under these conditions, the cochineal have established an autonomous control.
ABSTRACT
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Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Male , Endophthalmitis/metabolism , Endophthalmitis/pathology , Oropharyngeal Neoplasms/drug therapy , Oropharyngeal Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Pharmacology/methods , Pharmacology/organization & administration , Operating Rooms/methods , Operating Rooms , Endophthalmitis/complications , Endophthalmitis/diagnosis , Oropharyngeal Neoplasms/nursing , Oropharyngeal Neoplasms/prevention & control , Pharmacology/classification , Pharmacology , Operating Rooms , Operating Rooms/organization & administrationABSTRACT
OBJETIVO: Analizar las preferencias de los pacientes sobre el lugar donde son tratados con inyecciones intravítreas. MÉTODO: Se realiza una encuesta a los enfermos que acuden a la consulta de mácula que han sido intervenidos mediante inyección intravítrea al menos una vez en el hospital de día y otra en quirófano, comparando las 2 ubicaciones. RESULTADOS: La mayoría de los encuestados prefieren el hospital de día (50,0% frente al 37,5%), sobre todo por la rapidez y comodidad. En pacientes con degeneración macular asociada a la edad (DMAE) severa, se invierte la opción. El grado de satisfacción global ha sido elevado en ambos emplazamientos (87,5% de pacientes satisfechos o muy satisfechos en hospital de día y 91,1% en quirófano). Analizando diversos aspectos de la atención sanitaria, la valoración ha resultado igual o superior al 75,0% de pacientes satisfechos o muy satisfechos, excepto en el tiempo de espera. La incidencia de endoftalmitis ha sido nula. CONCLUSIONES: En general, los pacientes prefieren la intervención en una sala limpia antes que en el quirófano, por la rapidez. Pero hay diversos factores que pueden influir en esta elección que se han de tener en cuenta
OBJECTIVE: To analyse satisfaction and patient preferences on the location where they receive an intravitreal injection. METHOD: A survey was conducted with the intention of analysing these patients who attended the macula clinic and have been intervened using an intravitreal injection at least once in the day hospital or in the theatre setting, comparing both locations. RESULTS: The majority of the interviewed patients preferred the day hospital (50.0 versus 37.5%), mostly because of the comfort and the quick service. In patients with severe age-related macular degeneration (AMD) the option is reversed. The overall satisfaction level was positive in both cases (with 87.5% of patients satisfied or very satisfied in the day hospital and 91.1% in the theatre setting). Through the analysis of different aspects of clinical care the assessment was the same or superior for 75.0% of these patients, except in the waiting time. There were no cases of endophthalmitis. CONCLUSION: In general, patients prefer the clinical intervention in the consulting room than in the theatre setting because of the quicker service. There are several characteristics that can influence this choice and should be taken into account
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Intravitreal Injections , Operating Rooms/economics , Patient Satisfaction , Patient Safety , Costs and Cost Analysis , Health Care Surveys , Macular Degeneration/diagnosis , Time Factors , SpainABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To analyse satisfaction and patient preferences on the location where they receive an intravitreal injection. METHOD: A survey was conducted with the intention of analysing these patients who attended the macula clinic and have been intervened using an intravitreal injection at least once in the day hospital or in the theatre setting, comparing both locations. RESULTS: The majority of the interviewed patients preferred the day hospital (50.0 versus 37.5%), mostly because of the comfort and the quick service. In patients with severe age-related macular degeneration (AMD) the option is reversed. The overall satisfaction level was positive in both cases (with 87.5% of patients satisfied or very satisfied in the day hospital and 91.1% in the theatre setting). Through the analysis of different aspects of clinical care the assessment was the same or superior for 75.0% of these patients, except in the waiting time. There were no cases of endophthalmitis. CONCLUSION: In general, patients prefer the clinical intervention in the consulting room than in the theatre setting because of the quicker service. There are several characteristics that can influence this choice and should be taken into account.
