Metagenomics analysis reveals presence of the Merida-like virus in Georgia.

Arbovirus surveillance is fundamental for the discovery of novel viruses and prevention of febrile vector-borne illnesses. Vector-borne pathogens can rapidly expand and adapt in new geographic and environmental conditions. In this study, metagenomic surveillance was conducted to identify novel viruses in the Country of Georgia. A total of 521 mosquitoes were captured near a military training facility and pooled from species Culex pipiens (Linnaeus) (87%) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (13%). We decided to further analyze the Culex pipiens mosquitoes, due to the more extensive number of samples collected. Our approach was to utilize an unbiased total RNA-seq for pathogen discovery in order to explore the mosquito virome. The viral reads from this analysis were mostly aligned to Insect-specific viruses from two main families, the Iflaviridae; a positive-stranded RNA virus and the Rhabdoviridae; a negative- and single-stranded RNA virus. Our pathogen discovery analysis revealed viral reads aligning to the Merida-like virus Turkey (MERDLVT) strain among the Rhabdoviridae. To further validate this result, we conducted a BLAST sequence comparison analysis of our samples with the MERDLVT strain. Our positive samples aligned to the MERDLVT strain with 96-100% sequence identity and 99.7-100% sequence coverage. A bootstrapped maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree was used to evaluate the evolutionary relationships among these positive pooled specimens with the (MERDLVT) strain. The Georgia samples clustered most closely with two strains from Turkey, the Merida-like virus KE-2017a isolate 139-1-21 and the Merida-like virus Turkey isolate P431. Collectively, these results show the presence of the MERDLVT strain in Georgia.

Análisis de la diversidad dietética en mujeres embarazadas del sureste de México

Objetivo: Describir la diversidad dietética (DD) de un grupo de mujeres embarazadas del municipio de Mérida, Yucatán. Métodos: Se aplicó un cuestionario socioeconómico y tres recordatorios de 24 horas (R-24) en días no consecutivos a 83 mujeres embarazadas. La DD se evaluó a nivel individual de acuerdo a la puntuación Mínima de Diversidad Dietética para la Mujer (MDD-W). Se consideró una DD alta cuando se consumieron ≥5 grupos de alimentos y DD baja cuando el consumo fue <5. Se analizaron las diferencias en el consumo de los grupos de alimentos de acuerdo al nivel de DD mediante pruebas de Chi2. Resultados: La edad promedio de la muestra fue de 27,6 años (±5,2), con una edad gestacional promedio de 23 semanas (±8,3). La media de la DD fue de 4,9 (±1,5) grupos de alimentos. El 39% de la muestra tuvo una DD baja. Las mujeres con DD baja consumieron en menor frecuencia alimentos cárnicos, huevos, vegetales de hoja verde oscuro, frutas y verduras ricas en vitamina A, otras verduras y otras frutas (P= <0,05). La proporción de mujeres con DD baja fue mayor durante los fines de semana (49% vs 68%, Chi2= 7,89, P= 0,005). Conclusiones: La media de la DD obtenida en esta muestra indica una DD baja. Las mujeres en este estudio presentaron un bajo consumo de alimentos ricos en vitaminas mientras que los alimentos ricos en energía y proteína de origen animal presentan un consumo alto.

Objective: To describe the dietary diversity (DD) in a sample of pregnant women from Merida, Yucatan. Methods: We applied a socioeconomic questionnaire and three 24-h dietary recalls, on non-consecutive days, to 83 pregnant women residing in Merida, Yucatan. DD was assessed according to the Minimum Dietary Diversity score for Women (MDD-W). A high DD was considered when a consumption ≥5 food groups occurred, while a consumption <5 groups was considered as a low DD. We analyze the differences in the consumption of food groups according to the level of DD. Chi square test were applied to assess DD. Results: The mean age of participants was 27.6 years (±5.2) and the average gestational age was 23 weeks (±8.3). The mean DD was 4.9 (±1.5) food groups and 39% of the sample had a low DD. Women with low DD consumed less frequently meat foods, eggs, dark green leafy vegetables, fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin A, other vegetables and other fruits (P<=0.05). Low DD was more frequently registered during weekend days (49% vs 68%, P= 0.005). Conclusions: The sample had low DD. Women who participated in this study had a low consumption of foods rich in micronutrients while foods rich in energy and protein of animal origin had a high consumption.

Synthesis of geological data and comparative phylogeography of lowland tetrapods suggests recent dispersal through lowland portals crossing the Eastern Andean Cordillera.

Vicariance is the simplest explanation for divergence between sister lineages separated by a potential barrier, and the northern Andes would seem to provide an ideal example of a vicariant driver of divergence. We evaluated the potential role of the uplift of the Eastern Cordillera (EC) of the Colombian Andes and the Mérida Andes (MA) of Venezuela as drivers of vicariance between lowland populations co-distributed on both flanks. We synthesized published geological data and provided a new reconstruction showing that the EC-MA grew from north to south, reaching significant heights and separating drainages and changing sediment composition by 38-33 million years ago (Ma). A few lowland passes across the EC-MA may have reached their current heights (~1,900 m a.s.l.) at 3-5 Ma. We created a comparative phylogeographic data set for 37 lineages of lowland tetrapods. Based on molecular phylogenetic analyses, most divergences between sister populations or species across the EC-MA occurred during Pliocene and the Quaternary and a few during the latest Miocene, and coalescent simulations rejected synchronous divergence for most groups. Divergence times were on average slightly but significantly more recent in homeotherms relative to poikilotherms. Because divergence ages are mostly too recent relative to the geological history and too asynchronous relative to each other, divergence across the northern Andes may be better explained by organism-environment interactions concomitant with climate oscillations during the Pleistocene, and/or dispersal across portals through the Andes.

Protective effect of house screening against indoor Aedes aegypti in Mérida, Mexico: A cluster randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the protective effect of house screening (HS) on indoor Aedes aegypti infestation, abundance and arboviral infection in Merida, Mexico. METHODS: In 2019, we performed a cluster randomised controlled trial (6 control and 6 intervention areas: 100 households/area). Intervention clusters received permanently fixed fiberglass HS on all windows and doors. The study included two cross-sectional entomologic surveys, one baseline (dry season in May 2019) and one post-intervention (PI, rainy season between September and October 2019). The presence and number of indoor Aedes females and blood-fed females (indoor mosquito infestation) as well as arboviral infections with dengue (DENV) and Zika (ZIKV) viruses were evaluated in a subsample of 30 houses within each cluster. RESULTS: HS houses had significantly lower risk for having Aedes aegypti female mosquitoes (odds ratio [OR] = 0.56, 95% CI 0.33-0.97, p = 0.04) and blood-fed females (OR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.28-0.97, p = 0.04) than unscreened households from the control arm. Compared to control houses, HS houses had significantly lower indoor Ae. aegypti abundance (rate ratio [RR] = 0.50, 95% CI 0.30-0.83, p = 0.01), blood-fed Ae. aegypti females (RR = 0.48, 95% CI 0.27-0.85, p = 0.01) and female Ae. aegypti positive for arboviruses (OR = 0.29, 95% CI 0.10-0.86, p = 0.02). The estimated intervention efficacy in reducing Ae. aegypti arbovirus infection was 71%. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide evidence supporting the use of HS as an effective pesticide-free method to control house infestations with Aedes aegypti and reduce the transmission of Aedes-transmitted viruses such as DENV, chikungunya (CHIKV) and ZIKV.

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with malaria admitted to a hospital in Mérida, Venezuela.

BACKGROUND: Malaria is expanding rapidly across Venezuela, spreading outwards from traditional high transmission regions in the southeast of the country, but the lack of official data make it impossible to understand the reasons for this expansion and to estimate its real magnitude. This study aims to evaluate the epidemiological characteristics driving the re-emergence of malaria in Mérida, a state in the west of Venezuela, where no cases have been reported since 2003, and also to study the clinical presentation of the disease in patients presenting with malaria. METHODS: Thirty-three patients who presented with anemia and fever and with a microscopic diagnosis of malaria were examined and interviewed. Data were collected in standardized forms and analyzed. One-way analysis of variance was used to study differences among patients infected with different parasites. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were from the Zulia state and eleven were from the Mérida state, mainly from the lowlands south of Lake Maracaibo. Six of these patients traveled to the Bolívar state between 2017 and 2019. Thirteen patients presented with the WHO criteria for severe malaria.Conclusions:Domestic migration to the southeast of Venezuela may have played an important role in the expansion of malaria in previously existing endemic areas of transmission and also in the increase in the number of cases of severe malaria.

Contrasting genetic, acoustic, and morphological differentiation in two closely related gladiator frogs (Hylidae: Boana) across a common Neotropical landscape.

Mountain chains and rivers are often found to represent barriers promoting vicariant differentiation in terrestrial vertebrates. Previous studies have supported the idea that the Cordillera de Mérida (CM), the easternmost branch of the Northern Andes, represents a geographic barrier for vertebrates, including frogs. Previous studies have also suggested that the Orinoco River (OR), the biggest river in Venezuela, also represents a geographic barrier for terrestrial vertebrates. Boana pugnax and B. xerophylla are two Neotropical hylids, members of the B. faber species group, that are distributed on either side of the CM, and whose ranges extend up to 605 and 2450 m in elevation, respectively. In addition, B. xerophylla occurs on either side of the OR. Herein, we assess the genetic, acoustic, and morphological differentiation within B. pugnax and within B. xerophylla across the CM and within B. xerophylla across the OR, and test if genetic differentiation is correlated with geographic distance. We also evaluated the acoustic differentiation between the recently recognized B. xerophylla and its sister species, B. crepitans, and found marked differences between advertisement calls, corroborating their status as distinct species. Genetic and morphometric analyses of populations from opposite sides of the CM revealed differentiation in B. pugnax but not in B. xerophylla. Within the latter species, we found molecular, acoustic, and morphometric differentiation among samples of B. xerophylla from western Venezuela versus the Guiana Shield. Genetic variation within B. pugnax and within B. xerophylla was not explained by geographic distance. Thus, our data show conspecific population structure across the CM in B. pugnax, plus the possible existence of two species within what today is considered B. xerophylla, yet the CM apparently is not involved in this divergence. These results suggest that even for closely related species with shared ecology and distribution, genetic and phenotypic differentiation respond differently to common ecological or historical factors.

Local-scale Seasonality Shapes Anuran Community Abundance in a Cloud Forest of the Tropical Andes.

Analysing how seasonality shapes abundance patterns fosters understanding of the processes related to amphibian community assemblies. In this study we analyse the relationship between local seasonal patterns of abundance within the anuran community of the Monte Zerpa Cloud Forest, Mérida Mountain Range (Cordillera de Mérida), in the Venezuelan Andes. We hypothesized that variation in precipitation, temperature, and relative humidity affects the temporal abundance patterns of anurans. Data collection was performed through nocturnal biweekly inspections from 2002 to 2003. Air temperature, relative humidity, and monthly precipitation were considered as variables of climatic seasonality. Generalized linear models were used to evaluate the effect of climatic variables on anuran abundance across seasons. Overall, 542 individuals and four anuran species were recorded in stream tributaries only. The local anuran community was comprised of Hyalinobatrachium duranti, Hyloscirtus platydactylus, Hyloscirtus jahni, and Pristimantis vanadisae. The most abundant species were H. duranti (288 individuals) and H. platydactylus (145 individuals), representing 53% and 27% of the total anuran abundance, respectively. Differences in abundance between species were observed. Although the total abundance of anurans was higher during the low precipitation season, no significant differences between the two seasons were detected. The variation in anuran abundance was explained by relative humidity and temperature. Our results suggest that the highest abundance of anurans can be expected when temperatures reach favourable levels (15- 17°C), relative humidity increases, and precipitation remains constant.

Environmental Exposure of Children to Toxic Trace Elements (Hg, Cr, As) in an Urban Area of Yucatan, Mexico: Water, Blood, and Urine Levels.

Merida is the largest urban center in the Mexican State of Yucatan. Here domestic sewage is deposited in poorly built septic tanks and is not adequately treated. Because of contamination from such waste, water from the top 20 m of the aquifer is unsuitable for human consumption. Given this situation and because children are highly vulnerable to environmental pollution, including exposure to toxic trace elements, this study focused on evaluating the exposure of children to arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), and mercury (Hg) in water. It also evaluated the relationship between the levels of these elements in water and their concentrations in urine and blood. Among the 33 children monitored in the study, arsenic surpassed WHO limits for blood in 37% of the cases, which could result from the ingestion of poultry contaminated with organoarsenic compounds. In the case of WHO limits for Mercury, 65% of the water samples analyzed, 28% of urine samples, and 12% of blood samples exceeded them. Mercury exposure was correlated with biological sex, some lifestyle factors, and the zone in Merida in which children live. These data suggest that the levels of some toxic metals in children may be affected by water source, socioeconomic factors, and individual behavior.

Percepción de Riesgo y Clima de Seguridad en Operadores de Transporte en Mérida, Yucatán / Risk Perception and Safety Climate in Drivers of Public Transport at Mérida, Yucatán

Resumen: Las organizaciones deben proporcionar un clima de seguridad, esto se refiere a las percepciones compartidas sobre políticas, procedimientos y prácticas de seguridad de la organización. El objetivo de este estudio es proporcionar una visión cuantitativa sobre la percepción de los factores de riesgo que poseen los operadores de transporte público con relación al clima de seguridad. El transporte como movilidad humana es un aspecto esencial para la sociedad, es necesario un sistema de transporte seguro que concuerde con los lineamientos que piden las leyes. En este estudio participaron 54 Operadores transporte de sexo masculino de la ciudad de Mérida, Yucatán, a los cuales se le aplicaron dos instrumentos, "Percepción de Riesgo" (Aguilar, 2013) y "Clima de Seguridad" (Meliá, 1999), las edades fluctuaban entre los 26 a 66 años. Se realizó la prueba estadística de la correlación de Pearson. Con los resultados obtenidos se puede observar que no existen diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre el clima de seguridad y la percepción de riesgo. Sin embargo, se pudo encontrar otras variables que son relevantes al evaluar la percepción riesgo, en este estudio se encontró que a mayor antigüedad, existe una mayor percepción de riesgo por parte de los operadores de trasporte público.

Abstract: The organizations must provide a safety climate, this refers to the perceptions shared on politics, procedures and safety practices of the organization. The target of this study is to provide a quantitative vision on the perception of the factors of risk that the public transport operators possess in relation to the safety climate. This study was realized in the field of public transport, which refers to "an integral system of means of transport of widespread use, capable of giving solution to the needs for displacements of the persons". The transport as human mobility is an essential aspect for the society, for this there is needed a system of healthy and sure transport that agrees with the lineaments that ask for the laws. 54 Operators informed transport of masculine sex of the city of Merida, Yucatan, to which there him were applied two instruments, "Perception of Risk" (Aguilar, 2013) and "safety Climate" (Meliá, 1999), the ages were fluctuating between the 26 to 66 years. There was realized the statistical test of the interrelation of Pearson because this one claims to know the association and relation between two variables, in addition to knowing the index of reliability and validity of the measuring devices used in the investigation. With the obtained results it is possible to observe that differences do not exist as per statistics significant between the safety climate and the perception of risk. Nevertheless, it was possible to find other variables that are excellent on having evaluated the perception I water, in this study one found that at major age, the major one exists in the risk perception on the part of the operators of transport public. It is necessary to emphasize that a limitation was the number of participants, for it, a suggestion for future investigations, it is to increase the number of participants, because it would be a more representative sample on this problems.

Metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents from Mérida city, Venezuela: Comparison of results using local and international reference values (CREDEFAR study).

OBJECTIVE: To obtain local reference values for blood lipids and blood pressure (BP), and to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in children and adolescents from Mérida, Venezuela, and to compare results using local and international cut-off values. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study enrolled 916 participants of both sexes aged 9-18 years of age from educational institutions. Demographic, anthropometric, and BP data were collected. Fasting blood glucose and lipid profile were measured. Percentile distribution of lipid and BP values was done by age group and sex. Prevalence of MS was estimated based on the NCEP-ATPIII classification (as modified by Cook et al.) and the classification of the International Diabetes Federation, using percentiles of Mérida and the USA as cut-off points. Agreement between both classifications was estimated using the kappa test (κ). RESULTS: Prevalence of MS was 2.2% by Cook-Merida percentiles, as compared to 1.8% by Cook-USA percentiles, a moderate agreement (κ=0.54). Agreement between Cook et al. and IDF using Merida percentiles was weak (κ=0.28). There was a higher frequency of abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia and hypertension, and a lower frequency of low HDL-C using Mérida percentiles. The risk (odds ratio) of having MS is greater if abdominal obesity exists (OR: 98.63, CI: 22.45-433.35, p=0.0001). MS was significantly more common in obese subjects (18.3%, p=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of MS in this sample of children and adolescents was 2.2%. Lipid and BP values were lower in Venezuelan as compared to US, European, and Asian children and adolescents, and similar to those in Latin-American references. Own reference values are required for accurate diagnosis of MS, as well as a worldwide consensus on its diagnostic criteria.

Antioxidant activity of four color fractions of bee pollen from Mérida, Venezuela

Bee pollen has been reported to show antioxidant and radical scavenging activities; contributing to anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective properties. Venezuelan honeybee pollen has been little studied, but is consumed because its properties are known from other countries reports. On the basis of these reports, water, ethanol and methanol soluble fractions were prepared from dried bee-pollen commercially available and produced by La Montaña farm (Mérida, Venezuela). These fractions were evaluated for their functional properties, specifically, polyphenol content and total antioxidant activity. Pollen samples were separated by color in four fractions: yellow, brown, orange and ochre. Polyphenol content ranged between 396.7 to 1286.7 gallic acid equivalents GAE/100 g pollen; it was highest in pollen homogenates obtained with ethanol, followed by those obtained with methanol and water. The antioxidant activity ranged from 0.50 to 1.84 μmoles Trolox equivalents TEAC/100 g for water and ethanol homogenates respectively. The results presented in this work suggest that the ethanol extract of bee pollen show a potent antioxidant activity, comparable to human plasma, probably due to total polyphenol content of bee pollen. This is important because the bee pollen would be beneficial not only as a dietary supplement but also as a functional food.

Actividad antioxidante de polen apícola de Mérida, Venezuela, fraccionado en cuatro colores. Se ha reportado que el polen de las abejas tiene actividad antioxidante y secuestra radicales libres; relacionada con sus propiedades antiinflamatorias y gastroprotectivas. El polen apícola de Venezuela ha sido poco estudiado, pero se consume gracias a las propiedades conocidas por reportes provenientes de otros países. Tomando como base estos reportes, se prepararon fracciones solubles en agua, etanol y metanol del polen apícola seco comercialmente disponible y producido por la Granja La Montaña (Mérida, Venezuela). Estas fracciones fueron evaluadas en cuanto a sus propiedades funcionales, específicamente, contenido de polifenoles y la actividad antioxidante total. Las muestras de polen fueron separadas en cuatro fracciones de acuerdo al color: amarillo, marrón, naranja y ocre. El contenido de polifenoles se encontraba entre 396,7 a 1286,7 equivalentes de ácido gálico EAG/100 g de polen, y fue mayor en los homogenatos obtenidos con etanol, seguido por aquellos obtenidos con metanol y agua. La actividad antioxidante varió entre 0.50 a 1.84 μmoles equivalentes de Trolox TEAC/100 g par los homogenatos de agua y etanol respectivamente. Los resultados presentados en este trabajo sugieren los extractos de etanol de polen de abejas presentan una potente actividad antioxidante, comparable al plasma humano, probablemente debida a su contenido total de polifenoles. Esto es importante ya que el polen de abejas podría servir no solo como un suplemento alimenticio sino como una alimento funcional.

Residuos de plaguicidas en aguas para consumo humano en una comunidad agrícola del estado Mérida, Venezuela / Pesticide residues in drinking water of an agricultural community in the state of Mérida, Venezuela

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar la presencia de plaguicidas en agua potable, provenientes de seis acueductos en una región de intensa actividad agrícola del Estado Mérida, Venezuela. El estudio fue realizado durante cuatro semanas continuas, entre mayo y junio de 2008. Los residuos de plaguicidas fueron analizados mediante extracción en fase sólida y HPLC con detector de arreglo de diodos. El método SPE-HPLC-DAD cumplió con los criterios de validación analítica: linealidad (R²: 0,9840-0,9999), precisión (coeficiente de variabilidad inter-día 1,47-6,25%), exactitud (desviación estándar relativa 0,9-9,20%) y sensibilidad (límite de detección ≤ 0,012 µg/L; límite de cuantificación ≤ 0,030 µg/L, excepto mancozeb con 0,400 µg/L). Siete de los trece plaguicidas seleccionados tienen un porcentaje de recuperación entre 100% y 70%, el resto, entre 61% y 37%. En 72 muestras analizadas, se detectaron diez plaguicidas de los grupos químicos: organofosforados, carbamatos, triazinas y derivados de urea. Los plaguicidas con mayor frecuencia de detección fueron: carbofuran y atrazina (39%), malation (25%), dimetoato y metribuzin (19%). Los plaguicidas que se encontraron en niveles más altos fueron: diazinon (26,31 µg/L), metamidofos (10,99 µg/L), malation (2,03 µg/L) y mancozeb (1,27 µg/L). Los niveles de plaguicidas no superaron los valores máximos permitidos por la Legislación Venezolana, sin embargo, fueron superiores al nivel máximo permitido por la Unión Europea y EPA-USA. Este estudio demuestra la urgente necesidad de hacer un monitoreo sistemático de la calidad del agua para consumo humano en las regiones de alta productividad agrícola.

The aim of this study was to determine the presence of pesticides in drinking water from six aqueducts in a region of intense agricultural activity in the state of Merida, Venezuela. The study was conducted for four continuous weeks, between May and June 2008. Pesticide residues were analyzed by solid phase extraction (SPE) and liquid chromatography (HPLC) with diode array detector (DAD). The method SPE-HPLC-DAD met the criteria of analytical validation, with good linearity (R²: 0.9840 to 0.9999), precision (coefficient of inter-day variability from 1.47 to 6.25%), accuracy (relative standard deviation 0.9 to 9.20%) and sensitivity (LOD ≤ 0.012 µg/L; LOQ ≤ 0.030 µg/L, except mancozeb with 0.400 µg/L). Seven of the thirteen selected pesticides have a recovery rate between 100% and 70%, the rest between 61% and 37%. Ten pesticides of the following chemical groups, were detected in 72 samples analyzed: organophosphates, carbamates, triazines and urea derivatives. The pesticides with the highest frequency of detection were: carbofuran and atrazine (39%), malathion (25%), dimethoate and metribuzin (19%). The pesticides found at high levels were diazinon (26.31 µg/L), methamidophos (10.99 µg/L), malathion (2.03 µg/L) and mancozeb (1.27 µg/L). Pesticide levels did not exceed the maximum allowed by Venezuelan law, however, according to international standards (EU and EPA-USA) values were above the maximum permissible levels. This study demonstrates the urgent need for systematic monitoring of the quality of water for human consumption in regions of high agricultural productivity.

Envenenamiento por un insecto de la familia Belostomatidae (Insecta: Hemiptera) / Poisoning by an insect of the family Belostomatidae (Insecta: Hemiptera

Describir un caso de envenenamiento provocado por un insecto hem¡ptero del género Lethocerus, familia Belostomatidae. El accidente involucró a una mujer adulta, la cual fue picada en una de sus manos por uno de estos animales en una piscina en Mérida, Venezuela. Estos insectos semiacuáticos, comunes en cuerpos de agua lénticos (lagos, charcos, piscinas), son eficientes depredadores de invertebrados y pequeños vertebrados. El envenenamiento se produce por la introducción de saliva irritante con acción proteolítica a través de un aparato bucal perforador-chupador. Se describen los signos y síntomas del accidente, el cual fue seguido durante 30 días. El tratamiento fue sintomático. La saliva de estos insectos produce edema y dolor como reacciones proteolíticas. La recuperación de la paciente fue total. El desconocimiento de componentes y modo de acción de estos venenos debe ser superado para efectuar los tratamientos adecuados.

To report an envenomation case caused by a hemipterous insect belonging to the genus Lethocerus, family Belostomatidae. The accident involved an adult woman, bitten in one of her hands, and that place while the insect floated in a swimming pool in the city of Merida, Venezuela. These semi-aquatic insects, dwell in lentic water bodies such as lakes, lagoons and swimming pools, where there are efficient invertebrates and small vertebrates predators. The envenomation is produced by the introduction of a proteolitic irritant saliva. Signs and symptoms are described as the patient was observed during 30 days. The saliva of these insects produces edema and pain, as proteolic reactions. Recovery of patient was total. An increase in the knowledge of the components and the action is due to prescribe a precise treatment.

Geología glacial y postglacial del valle de la quebrada Saisay Andes centrales venezolanos (estado Mérida) / Glacial and postglacial geology of Saisay creek valley central venezuelan Andes (Mérida state)

Para el valle de la quebrada Saisay en Los Andes centrales venezolanos, fueron analizados los procesos y factores que intervinieron en su evolución glacial y postglacial. La metodología utilizada consistió en la realización de trabajos de campo, fotointerpretación, representación cartográfica, descripción y análisis de las facies sedimentarias para interpretar los procesos geológicos y geomorfológicos que afectaron el área. Los resultados indican principalmente la presencia de formas de erosión glacial (circos, aristas, valles en forma de U, escalones rocosos, estrías glaciales) y depósitos morrénicos neoglaciales (facies IA- 1-b). Igualmente, en el área se localizan sedimentos postglaciales de origen fluvioglacial (facies II-B-1-b) glaciodeltáicos (facies II-B-2-a y facies II-B-2-b) y depósitos glaciolacustrinos (facies II-B-2-c). El modelo de sedimentación general propuesto para esta secuencia sedimentaria se relaciona con un sistema de depositación asociado a un delta bifurcado (braid delta). Una edad mínima de 8.000 ± 500 años (TL) A.P., indica que este proceso de sedimentación pudo haberse iniciado a principios del Holoceno. En conclusión, la región estudiada se caracteriza por la presencia de formas típicas de erosión glacial, depósitos de origen glacial alpino y sedimentos postglaciales.

For the valley of the Saisay creek in the central Venezuelan Andes, the processes and factors that intervened in it´sglacial and postglacial evolution were analyzed. The methodology used consisted in photo-interpretation and detailed field works to draw the geomorphological map, and description and analysis of the sedimentary facies to explain the geologic and geomorphologic processes that affected the area. The results indicate mostly the presence of glacial erosion forms (circus, edges, U shaped valleys, rocky steps, glacial grooves) and neoglacial morrenic deposits (facies I-A-1-b). As well, there are postglacial sediments of fluvial-glacial origin (facies II-B-1-b), glacial-deltaic (facies II-B-2-a and facies II-B-2-b) and glacial-lacustrine (facies II-B-2-c). The model of general sedimentation proposed for this sedimentary sequence is related to a system of deposit associated to a bifurcated delta or braid delta. A minimal age of 8,000 ± 500 years (TL) A.P., indicate that this sedimentation process could have started at the beginning of the Holocene. In conclusion, the studied region is characterized by the presence of typical shapes of glacial erosion. Deposits of glacial alpine origin and postglacial sediments.