Advancing ethnobiology for the ecological transition and a more inclusive and just world: a comprehensive framework for the next 20 years.

This opinion piece, written by ethnobiologists from different parts of the world, emphasizes the importance of ethnobiology research in advancing contemporary biology, natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and, especially, contributing to the ecological transition and more just and inclusive world. To achieve these goals, it is essential to develop research and collaborate with social groups that live in close relationship with nature in research activities, such as Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC), as well as Afro-descendants and other Marginalized, Minority or Minoritized Communities (AMMC). Ethnobiology can identify and provide locally appropriate solutions to local problems, enabling sustainable resource management at the landscape level. The text explores important aspects that need to be considered to guide the future of ethnobiology in the next 20 years, aiming to integrate and amplify previous discussions held in the discipline and identify points that demand ongoing attention. This paper highlights reflections from diverse researchers, emphasizing how ethnobiology can embrace different perspectives and employ rigorous analysis of complex phenomena toward effective policies and practices. This approach holds the potential to address the challenges the planet is currently facing in the coming decades.

[Frequency of diabetic retinopathy and associated factors in Puerto Montt, Chile]. / Estudio de prevalencia de retinopatía diabética en pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 de la comuna de Puerto Montt y sus factores asociados.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is an important cause of decreased visual acuity, whose prevalence has increased between 1990 and 2020. In Chile the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was estimated at 24.8%. AIM: To assess the prevalence of DR in a southern Chilean city. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From a database of diabetic patients attending primary health care centers at Puerto Montt, Chile, 196 patients with DR and 392 patients without DR, matched by age and presence of chronic complications, were chosen for this case-control study. RESULTS: The prevalence of DR in the database of diabetic patients was 33.3%. glycated hemoglobin, the frequency insulin use, systolic blood pressure, HDL cholesterol, microalbuminuria, and proteinuria were significantly worse in cases. A multivariate analysis showed that retinopathy is much more likely to occur when the variables insulin use, neuropathy, and microalbuminuria concur. CONCLUSIONS: DR was associated with worse metabolic parameters and the presence of neuropathy in this case control study.

Palm Sunday in central Mexico: among sellers, palms and syncretism.

BACKGROUND: Domingo de Ramos, or Palm Sunday, is a traditional Christian religious event where devotees use ramos, which are bouquets currently elaborated from palm leaves and other natural elements. In various countries, it is assumed this use of biodiversity leads to the depletion of the species involved. However, other important aspects must be considered, including the role of the people who produce and sell these ramos, the associated symbolism that has been overlooked, as well as commercial aspects that have barely been documented. This ethnobotanical study evaluates the regional-scale cultural, biological and socioeconomic aspects associated with Domingo de Ramos in central Mexico from an emic perspective. METHODS: Ethnographic and commercial information was obtained through interviews with ramos sellers in 28 municipalities in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. We specifically sought sociodemographic data regarding the interviewees, as well as information pertaining to the ramos themselves and the palms. These aspects were explored with all of the sellers. The free list method was used to describe the uses and key elements associated with the ramos. RESULTS: Although the ramos are used for religious purposes, they have eight different uses in the daily life of the sellers, the main one being "protection." They serve to protect families, crops and animals, as well as against several diseases. Likewise, they are considered valuable for diminishing strong storms. This belief in the protection conferred by the ramos preserves pre-Hispanic concepts and is combined with their use in blessing corresponding to Western beliefs. Ramos are made from 35 introduced and native plant species and comprise a base (made of palm, wheat or sotol), a "reliquia" (palm, rosemary, chamomile and laurel) and natural or artificial flowers. The ramos sellers are mostly adult women of indigenous origin and heads of family. CONCLUSIONS: This study of Domingo de Ramos, carried out at a regional scale, highlights a syncretism that is reflected in both the symbolic importance of ramos palm and in the species used, as well as socioeconomic aspects that had not previously been identified in the study area and reflect the occurrence of complex relationships in non-timber forest products that remain little addressed.

Estudio de prevalencia de retinopatía diabética en pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 de la comuna de Puerto Montt y sus factores asociados / Frequency of diabetic retinopathy and associated factors in Puerto Montt, Chile

BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is an important cause of decreased visual acuity, whose prevalence has increased between 1990 and 2020. In Chile the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was estimated at 24.8%. AIM: To assess the prevalence of DR in a southern Chilean city. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From a database of diabetic patients attending primary health care centers at Puerto Montt, Chile, 196 patients with DR and 392 patients without DR, matched by age and presence of chronic complications, were chosen for this case-control study. RESULTS: The prevalence of DR in the database of diabetic patients was 33.3%. glycated hemoglobin, the frequency insulin use, systolic blood pressure, HDL cholesterol, microalbuminuria, and proteinuria were significantly worse in cases. A multivariate analysis showed that retinopathy is much more likely to occur when the variables insulin use, neuropathy, and microalbuminuria concur. CONCLUSIONS: DR was associated with worse metabolic parameters and the presence of neuropathy in this case control study.

Novel electrochemical method to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of infusions and beverages, based on in situ formation of free superoxide radicals.

This work reports a new method to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of infusions and beverages, based on superoxide radicals. Radicals produced by the enzymatic reaction between acetylcholinesterase and hypoxanthine oxidized antioxidant molecules present in commercially available samples or standard solutions, which was monitored by means of cyclic voltammetry using a carbon paste electrode. The Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) of red wine, coffee and green tea determined using this method were: (1.20 ± 0.06), (0.90 ± 0.02), and (0.65 ± 0.02), respectively. This method suggested TEACred wine > TEACcoffee > TEACgreen tea, which is the same as DPPH, spectrophotometric method. However, the electrochemical one proposed here is rapid and simple.

Ethnobotany of Mexican and northern Central American cycads (Zamiaceae).

BACKGROUND: This study documents cycad-human relationships in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras over the last 6000 years. The impetus was acute need for a better understanding of previously undocumented uses of cycads in this region, and the need to improve cycad conservation strategies using ethnobotanical data. We hypothesized that cycads are significant dietary items with no long-term neurological effects, are important to religious practice, and contribute to cultural identity and sense of place, but that traditional knowledge and uses are rapidly eroding. Guiding questions focused on nomenclature, food and toxicity, relationships to palms and maize, land management issues, roles in religious ceremony, and medicinal uses, among others, and contributions of these to preservation of cycads. METHODS: From 2000 to 2017, the authors conducted 411 semi-structured ethnographic interviews, engaged in participant-observation in Mexican and Honduran communities, and carried out archival research and literature surveys. RESULTS: We documented 235 terms and associated uses that 28 ethnic groups have for 57 species in 19 languages across 21 Mexican states and 4 Central American nations. Carbohydrate-rich cycads have been both famine foods and staples for at least six millennia across the region and are still consumed in Mexico and Honduras. Certain parts are eaten without removing toxins, while seed and stem starches are detoxified via several complex processes. Leaves are incorporated into syncretic Roman Catholic-Mesoamerican religious ceremonies such as pilgrimages, Easter Week, and Day of the Dead. Cycads are often perceived as ancestors and protectors of maize, revealing a close relationship between both groups. Certain beliefs and practices give cycads prominent roles in conceptions of sense of place and cultural heritage. CONCLUSIONS: Cycads are still used as foods in many places. Though they do not appear to cause long-term neurological damage, their health effects are not fully understood. They are often important to religion and contribute to cultural identity and sense of place. However, because most traditional knowledge and uses are rapidly eroding, new community-based biocultural conservation efforts are needed. These should incorporate tradition where possible and seek inspiration from existing successful cases in Honduras and Mexico.

Uso de internet e de jogos eletrônicos entre adolescentes em situação de vulnerabilidade social / El uso de internet y electrónicos juegos por los adolescentes en alto riesgo social / Use of internet and electronic games by adolescents at high social risk

O domínio de ferramentas digitais pode ser importante via de inclusão social. O presente estudo visou investigar o uso que 60 adolescentes em situação de vulnerabilidade social, participantes das atividades do Projeto Quixote, fazem da internet e de jogos eletrônicos. Procurou-se caracterizar tipo de atividade, frequência, duração, companhia, local, finalidade do uso de internet e de jogos eletrônicos, incluindo dificuldades encontradas no manejo da rede. A maioria dos adolescentes entrevistados está na escola, usa internet e jogos eletrônicos, interagindo com amigos e familiares, principalmente para comunicação e entretenimento. Os participantes relataram que aprenderam a usar sozinhos e que sabem de riscos associados a essas práticas. Entretanto, os resultados mostram que eles se expõem a condutas de risco. Diferenças de gênero foram observadas. Discute-se a necessidade de capacitar pais e educadores para estimular uso que desenvolva competências visando inclusão social assim como a importância de acompanhar o uso para prevenir prática inadequada ou excessiva.

Manejo de herramientas digitales puede ser importante medio de inclusión social. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el uso de Internet y de los juegos electrónicos por 60 adolescentes en alto riesgo social, participantes en las actividades llevadas a cabo por el Projeto Quixote. Hemos tratado de caracterizar el tipo de actividad, la frecuencia, la duración, la compañía, la ubicación y la finalidad del uso de internet y juegos electrónicos, así como las dificultades encontradas en la gestión de la web. La mayoría de los adolescentes entrevistados estaban matriculados en la escuela, utilizan internet y juegos electrónicos para interactuar con amigos y familiares, sobre todo para la comunicación y el entretenimiento. Los adolescentes informaron que aprendieron a utilizar estos dispositivos por sí mismos y que conocían los riesgos asociados con estas prácticas. Sin embargo, los resultados muestran que se habían expuesto a diversos riesgos. Diferencias de género fueran observadas. Se discute la importancia de empoderar a los padres y educadores a desarrollar habilidades orientadas a la inclusión social así como de hacer el seguimiento del uso para prevenir la práctica inadecuada o excesiva.

Handling digital tools can be an important means of social inclusion. The aim of this study was to investigate Internet use and electronic gaming in 60 teenagers at high social risk, participants in Projeto Quixote. We sought to characterize type of activity, frequency, duration, company, location, and purpose of Internet use and electronic gaming, as well difficulties managing the web. Most of the interviewed teenagers were enrolled in school, and used Internet and electronic games to interact with friends and family, especially for communication and entertainment. The adolescents reported that they learned to use these devices by themselves and that they knew the risks associated with these practices. However, the results show that they had exposed themselves to several risks. Gender differences were observed. The urge of empowering parents and educators to develop skills to promote social inclusion is discussed, as well as the importance of monitoring use, in order to prevent inappropriate or excessive use.

Uso de internet e de jogos eletrônicos entre adolescentes em situação de vulnerabilidade social / El uso de internet y electrónicos juegos por los adolescentes en alto riesgo social

O domínio de ferramentas digitais pode ser importante via de inclusão social. O presente estudo visou investigar o uso que 60 adolescentes em situação de vulnerabilidade social, participantes das atividades do Projeto Quixote, fazem da internet e de jogos eletrônicos. Procurou-se caracterizar tipo de atividade, frequência, duração, companhia, local, finalidade do uso de internet e de jogos eletrônicos, incluindo dificuldades encontradas no manejo da rede. A maioria dos adolescentes entrevistados está na escola, usa internet e jogos eletrônicos, interagindo com amigos e familiares, principalmente para comunicação e entretenimento. Os participantes relataram que aprenderam a usar sozinhos e que sabem de riscos associados a essas práticas. Entretanto, os resultados mostram que eles se expõem a condutas de risco. Diferenças de gênero foram observadas. Discute-se a necessidade de capacitar pais e educadores para estimular uso que desenvolva competências visando inclusão social assim como a importância de acompanhar o uso para prevenir prática inadequada ou excessiva.(AU)

Manejo de herramientas digitales puede ser importante medio de inclusión social. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el uso de Internet y de los juegos electrónicos por 60 adolescentes en alto riesgo social, participantes en las actividades llevadas a cabo por el Projeto Quixote. Hemos tratado de caracterizar el tipo de actividad, la frecuencia, la duración, la compañía, la ubicación y la finalidad del uso de internet y juegos electrónicos, así como las dificultades encontradas en la gestión de la web. La mayoría de los adolescentes entrevistados estaban matriculados en la escuela, utilizan internet y juegos electrónicos para interactuar con amigos y familiares, sobre todo para la comunicación y el entretenimiento. Los adolescentes informaron que aprendieron a utilizar estos dispositivos por sí mismos y que conocían los riesgos asociados con estas prácticas. Sin embargo, los resultados muestran que se habían expuesto a diversos riesgos. Diferencias de género fueran observadas. Se discute la importancia de empoderar a los padres y educadores a desarrollar habilidades orientadas a la inclusión social así como de hacer el seguimiento del uso para prevenir la práctica inadecuada o excesiva.(AU)

Asociación entre sedentarismo y malos hábitos alimentarios en estudiantes de nutrición / Association between sedentarism and bad dietary habits among nutrition students

El sedentarismo se relaciona con disminución a la sensibilidad de insulina y acumulación de tejido adiposo visceral. Lo que sumado a malos hábitos alimentarios, explican en parte el aumento global de sobrepeso y obesidad. En Chile el exceso de peso afecta a 64,4% y el sedentarismo al 88,6% de la población.El objetivo es determinar los niveles de sedentarismo en los estudiantes de la carrera de Nutrición y Dietética y evaluar si existe asociación con sus hábitos alimentarios. Se evaluaron 607 estudiantes de la carrera de Nutrición y Dietética aplicándoles una evaluación antropométrica de peso y talla, una encuesta de evaluación alimentaria y una encuesta de actividad física. Resultados: El porcentaje de mujeres sedentarias fue significativamente mayor que en los hombres (74,3% v/s 40,5%). Además,las mujeres que nunca cenabancasi duplicaron el porcentaje observado en los hombres. Finalmente,al comparar 2 grupos de estudiantes, unocompuesto por los que nunca desayunaban, ni cenaban y otro por los que desayunaban y cenaban todos los días,se determinó que existe asociación entre actividad física y la conducta alimentaria (♩2= 10,56; p=0.001) En este estudio se determinó que los individuos jóvenes sedentarios presentaban un mal comportamiento alimentario que quienes realizaban algún tipo de actividad física. Nuestros resultados sugieren que realizar algún tipo de actividad física se asocia a un mejor patrón de alimentación(AU)

A sedentary lifestyle is associated with decreased insulin sensitivity and accumulation of visceral adipose tissue. Which combined with poor eating habits, explain the overall increase in overweight and obesity. In Chile overweight it affects 64.4% and 88.6% sedentary population. The objective was to determine the levels of sedentarism in Nutrition and Dietetics students's and evaluate whether there is an association with eating habits. 607 students from Nutrition and Dietetics were evaluated by applying an anthropometric weight and height assessment, a food assessment survey and a physical activity survey. Results: The percentage of sedentary women was significantly higher than in men (74.3% v / s 40.5%), also women who never eat dinner nearly twice the percentage observed in men. Finally, students who performed some type of physical activity had a significantly higher percentage in the frequency of consumption of breakfast and dinner, with respect to sedentary students. Determining an association between physical activity and eating behaviour (♩2= 10,56; p=0.001). This study determined that young sedentary individuals had a worse eating habits than those who performed some type of physical activity. Our results suggest that perform some type of physical activity is associated with better eating pattern(AU)

Genetic divergence between genotypes for male and female broilers / Divergência genética entre genótipos de frangos de corte machos e fêmeas

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to verify the genetic divergence amongst three broiler genotype, from both sexes, by means of a multivariate performance analysis and carcass traits. Nine hundred and ninety sexed, one-day chicks were utilized; belonged to the following genetic groups: Cobb 500, Hubbard Flex, and Ross 308. The study evaluated the daily average weight gain, the daily average ration consumption, feed conversion, body weight, weight and performance for breast, and carcass over the period from 1 to 35, and from 1 to 42 days of age. Performance of the genetic groups was evaluated by means of multivariate analysis of variance and by Fisher's linear discriminant function, using Roy's largest eigenvalue and Roy's union-intersection test for multiple comparisons. The genetic divergence study was carried out through the analysis of canonical variables and through Tocher method. Female animals from Cobb 500, Hubbard Flex, and Ross 308 genetic groups presented different canonical averages from males of the same groups. First two canonical variables explained 88.10% of variation between genetic groups. Genetic divergence between the evaluated groups allowed formation of two clusters with the following genotypes: Cluster 1 - Cobb 500, Hubbard Flex and Ross 308 females; Cluster 2 - Cobb 500, Hubbard Flex and Ross 308 males.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se com este estudo verificar a divergência genética entre três genótipos de frangos de corte, de ambos os sexos, utilizando o desempenho e as características de carcaça por meio da análise multivariada. Utilizaram-se 990 pintos de um dia, sexados, dos seguintes grupos genéticos: Cobb 500, Hubbard Flex, e Ross 308. Avaliaram-se as seguintes variáveis: ganho em peso médio diário, consumo de ração médio diário, conversão alimentar, peso corporal, peso e rendimento do peito e da carcaça, nos períodos: 1 a 35 dias e 1 a 42 dias de idade. O desempenho dos grupos genéticos foi avaliado por meio da Análise de Variância Multivariada e da função discriminante linear de Fisher, usando os testes do maior autovalor de Roy e da união-interseção de Roy para as comparações múltiplas. O estudo da divergência genética foi feito por meio da análise por variáveis canônicas e pelo método de otimização de Tocher. As fêmeas dos grupos genéticos Cobb 500, Hubbard Flex e Ross 308 apresentaram médias canônicas diferentes dos machos desses mesmos genótipos. As duas primeiras variáveis canônicas explicaram 88,10% da variação entre os grupos genéticos. A divergência genética entre os grupos genéticos avaliados permitiu a formação de dois grupos com os seguintes genótipos: grupo 1 - Fêmeas Cobb 500, Hubbard Flex e Ross 308; e grupo 2 - Machos Cobb 500, Hubbard Flex e Ross 308.

Genetic divergence between genotypes for male and female broilers / Divergência genética entre genótipos de frangos de corte machos e fêmeas

The aim of this study was to verify the genetic divergence amongst three broiler genotype, from both sexes, by means of a multivariate performance analysis and carcass traits. Nine hundred and ninety sexed, one-day chicks were utilized; belonged to the following genetic groups: Cobb 500, Hubbard Flex, and Ross 308. The study evaluated the daily average weight gain, the daily average ration consumption, feed conversion, body weight, weight and performance for breast, and carcass over the period from 1 to 35, and from 1 to 42 days of age. Performance of the genetic groups was evaluated by means of multivariate analysis of variance and by Fisher's linear discriminant function, using Roy's largest eigenvalue and Roy's union-intersection test for multiple comparisons. The genetic divergence study was carried out through the analysis of canonical variables and through Tocher method. Female animals from Cobb 500, Hubbard Flex, and Ross 308 genetic groups presented different canonical averages from males of the same groups. First two canonical variables explained 88.10% of variation between genetic groups. Genetic divergence between the evaluated groups allowed formation of two clusters with the following genotypes: Cluster 1 - Cobb 500, Hubbard Flex and Ross 308 females; Cluster 2 - Cobb 500, Hubbard Flex and Ross 308 males.(AU)

Objetivou-se com este estudo verificar a divergência genética entre três genótipos de frangos de corte, de ambos os sexos, utilizando o desempenho e as características de carcaça por meio da análise multivariada. Utilizaram-se 990 pintos de um dia, sexados, dos seguintes grupos genéticos: Cobb 500, Hubbard Flex, e Ross 308. Avaliaram-se as seguintes variáveis: ganho em peso médio diário, consumo de ração médio diário, conversão alimentar, peso corporal, peso e rendimento do peito e da carcaça, nos períodos: 1 a 35 dias e 1 a 42 dias de idade. O desempenho dos grupos genéticos foi avaliado por meio da Análise de Variância Multivariada e da função discriminante linear de Fisher, usando os testes do maior autovalor de Roy e da união-interseção de Roy para as comparações múltiplas. O estudo da divergência genética foi feito por meio da análise por variáveis canônicas e pelo método de otimização de Tocher. As fêmeas dos grupos genéticos Cobb 500, Hubbard Flex e Ross 308 apresentaram médias canônicas diferentes dos machos desses mesmos genótipos. As duas primeiras variáveis canônicas explicaram 88,10% da variação entre os grupos genéticos. A divergência genética entre os grupos genéticos avaliados permitiu a formação de dois grupos com os seguintes genótipos: grupo 1 - Fêmeas Cobb 500, Hubbard Flex e Ross 308; e grupo 2 - Machos Cobb 500, Hubbard Flex e Ross 308.(AU)

Índice de función sexual en mujeres que ejercen el comercio sexual / Sexual function index in women engaged in sex work

ANTECEDENTES: La sexualidad se muestra como un reflejo del nivel de bienestar físico, psicológico y social. Por lo tanto, las experiencias sexuales negativas pueden afectar el completo desarrollo como seres humanos. En Chile no existen estudios que indaguen en la presencia de disfunciones sexuales en la trabajadora sexual. OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar el Índice de Función Sexual Femenina (IFSF) en mujeres trabajadoras sexuales con respecto a su desempeño sexual con su pareja estable y compararlas con mujeres no trabajadoras sexuales. MÉTODO: Mujeres sexualmente activas mayores de 18 años. La toma de la muestra fue dirigida no probabilística intencional. El número final a estudiar fue de 58 mujeres, de las cuales 23 mujeres fueron trabajadoras sexuales (grupo estudio) y 35 mujeres que no se dedicaban al comercio sexual (grupo control). RESULTADOS: La edad promedio fue 33 años para el grupo control y de 35 años en el caso de las trabajadoras sexuales. El 4% de las trabajadoras sexuales presentaba estudios universitarios, el 70% se encontraban solteras y utilizaron como principal método anticonceptivo el dispositivo intrauterino. En tanto, el 34% del grupo control presentaba estudios universitarios, el 57% se encontraban solteras y utilizaron como principal método anticonceptivo el hormonal. No hubo diferencias significativas en el IFSF en general y por dominios, entre los grupos. CONCLUSIONES: A pesar de presentar varios factores que aumentan el riesgo de disfunción sexual, las mujeres que desempeñan el comercio sexual no exhiben diferencias significativas en el IFSF respecto al grupo control.

BACKGROUND: Sexuality is displayed as a reflection of the level of physical, psychological and social wellbeing. Therefore, negative sexual experiences can affect the entire development as human beings. In Chile, there are no studies that investigate the presence of sexual dysfunctions in the sex worker. AIM: To evaluate the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) in women sex workers about their sexual performance with his regular partner and compared with women not sex workers. METHODS: Sexually active women over 18 years. We work with purposive intentional non probabilistic sampling. The final number of women studied was 58, of which 23 women were sex workers (study group) and 35 women were not involved in the sex trade (control group). RESULTS: The average age was 33 years for the control group and 35 years in the case of sex workers. 4% of sex workers had university education, 70% were unmarried and used as main contraceptive the IUD. Meanwhile, 34% of the control group had university education, 57% were single and used as primary contraceptive the hormone method. There were no significant differences in overall IFSF and domains, between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Despite presenting several factors that increase the risk of sexual dysfunction, women played the sex trade do not exhibit significant differences in the FSFI with respect to the control group.

Prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar in the city of Campina Grande, in northeastern Brazil.

There is a clear need to perform epidemiological studies to find the true prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica around the world. The evaluation of this prevalence has been hindered by the existence of two different species which are morphologically identical, but genetically different, namely E. histolytica, which causes amebiasis, and E. dispar, which is non-pathogenic. In Brazil, the E. dispar has been detected in communities in the Southeastern (SE) and Northeastern (NE) regions with poor sanitation. However, individuals infected with E. histolytica have been identified in other regions. There is an absence of reports on the prevalence of these parasites in the state of Paraíba, which also has areas with poor sanitary conditions where a high prevalence of the E. histolytica/E. dispar complex has been detected in children from urban slums. The present study evaluated the prevalence of E. histolytica and E. dispar in 1,195 asymptomatic children between two and 10 years of age, living in a sprawling urban slum in Campina Grande, in the state of Paraíba, in Northeastern Brazil. These children were examined and their feces samples were analyzed microscopically. A total of 553 children tested positive for the E. histolytica/E. dispar complex, and 456 of the positive samples were tested with the E. histolytica II® ELISA kit. All 456 samples were negative for the presence of the adhesin E. histolytica specific antigen. The evidence suggests that in this community E. histolytica is absent and E. dispar is the dominant species.

PREVALENCE OF Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar IN THE CITY OF CAMPINA GRANDE, IN NORTHEASTERN BRAZIL / Prevalência de Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar na cidade de Campina Grande, Nordeste do Brasil

There is a clear need to perform epidemiological studies to find the true prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica around the world. The evaluation of this prevalence has been hindered by the existence of two different species which are morphologically identical, but genetically different, namely E. histolytica, which causes amebiasis, and E. dispar, which is non-pathogenic. In Brazil, the E. dispar has been detected in communities in the Southeastern (SE) and Northeastern (NE) regions with poor sanitation. However, individuals infected with E. histolytica have been identified in other regions. There is an absence of reports on the prevalence of these parasites in the state of Paraíba, which also has areas with poor sanitary conditions where a high prevalence of the E. histolytica/E. dispar complex has been detected in children from urban slums. The present study evaluated the prevalence of E. histolytica and E. dispar in 1,195 asymptomatic children between two and 10 years of age, living in a sprawling urban slum in Campina Grande, in the state of Paraíba, in Northeastern Brazil. These children were examined and their feces samples were analyzed microscopically. A total of 553 children tested positive for the E. histolytica/E. dispar complex, and 456 of the positive samples were tested with the E. histolytica II® ELISA kit. All 456 samples were negative for the presence of the adhesin E. histolytica specific antigen. The evidence suggests that in this community E. histolytica is absent and E. dispar is the dominant species.

A prevalência mundial de Entamoeba histolytica não está bem estabelecida. Este fato deve-se à complicação derivada da existência de duas espécies morfologicamente idênticas, mas geneticamente diferentes: a E. histolytica que causa amebíases e a E. dispar descrita como não patogênica. No Brasil, em comunidades com precárias condições sanitárias e endêmicas para várias parasitoses, localizadas nas regiões Sudeste (SE) e Nordeste (NE), somente E. dispar tem sido encontrada, porém outras regiões, apresentam indivíduos infectados por E. histolytica. Na região agreste do Estado da Paraíba (NE) que apresenta as mesmas precárias condições sanitárias, não tem sido reportada prevalência específica destes parasitos, embora fosse encontrada alta prevalência do complexo E. dispar/E. histolytica em crianças em favela urbana. O presente estudo foi realizado em favela da cidade de Campina Grande, Estado da Paraíba, onde 1.195 crianças de dois a 10 anos sem sintomatologia foram examinadas. Amostras de fezes destas crianças foram analisadas microscopicamente, encontrando-se 553 positivas para o complexo E. dispar/E. histolytica. Do total de amostras positivas, 456 foram submetidas à pesquisa do antígeno especifico para E. histolytica pelo teste ELISA E. histolytica II®,obtendose resultado negativo para a presença do antígeno adesina específico de E. histolytica, em todas as amostras testadas. Os resultados sugerem que nesta comunidade não há infecção por E. histolytica, e que E. dispar é a espécie dominante na região.

Electrochemical quantification of the antioxidant capacity of medicinal plants using biosensors.

The working area of a screen-printed electrode, SPE, was modified with the enzyme tyrosinase (Tyr) using different immobilization methods, namely entrapment with water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), cross-linking using glutaraldehyde (GA), and cross-linking using GA and human serum albumin (HSA); the resulting electrodes were termed SPE/Tyr/PVA, SPE/Tyr/GA and SPE/Tyr/HSA/GA, respectively. These biosensors were characterized by means of amperometry and EIS techniques. From amperometric evaluations, the apparent Michaelis-Menten constant, Km', of each biosensor was evaluated while the respective charge transfer resistance, Rct, was assessed from impedance measurements. It was found that the SPE/Tyr/GA had the smallest Km' (57 ± 7) µM and Rct values. This electrode also displayed both the lowest detection and quantification limits for catechol quantification. Using the SPE/Tyr/GA, the Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) was determined from infusions prepared with "mirto" (Salvia microphylla), "hHierba dulce" (Lippia dulcis) and "salve real" (Lippia alba), medicinal plants commonly used in Mexico.

Ascaris lumbricoides infection and parasite load are associated with asthma in children.

INTRODUCTION: Association between Ascaris lumbricoides infection and asthma is a controversial subject that has been studied by several authors based on the hygiene theory. This work contributes to better understanding this issue. METHODOLOGY: This was a cross-sectional study involving 1,004 children from a neighborhood of low socioeconomic status in Campina Grande, Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. Asthma was diagnosed using the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. Intestinal parasitosis was diagnosed by parasitological examination (the Ritchie technique), and parasite load determined by the Kato-Katz technique. The statistical analysis was descriptive, and hypotheses were tested according to odds ratios. RESULTS: A total of 260 children were infected with A. lumbricoides, and 233 had asthma. Light parasite loads were significantly associated with asthma (wheezing more than three times per year); p = 0.003, OR = 0.41(IC 0.22 - 0.75), while the heavy parasite loads were not; p = 0.002, OR = 2.37(IC 1.35 - 4.18). Similar results were observed in almost all the symptoms of asthma. No association was found with maternal educational level. CONCLUSION: In children living in urban areas of low socioeconomic status, a light parasite load of A. lumbricoides is a protective factor against asthma and its symptoms. Meanwhile, heavy parasite load is a risk factor and contributes to the high prevalence of asthma and its symptoms among these children.

Guest-host complex formed between ascorbic acid and ß-cyclodextrin immobilized on the surface of an electrode.

This work deals with the formation of supramolecular complexes between ascorbic acid (AA), the guest, and ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD), the host, that was first potentiodynamically immobilized on the surface of a carbon paste electrode (CPE) throughout the formation of a ß-CD-based conducting polymer (poly-ß-CD). With the bare CPE and the ß-CD-modified CPE, an electrochemical study was performed to understand the effect of such surface modification on the electrochemical response of the AA. From this study it was shown that on the modified-CPE, the AA was surface-immobilized through formation of an inclusion complex with ß-CD, which provoked the adsorption of AA in such a way that this stage became the limiting step for the electrochemical oxidation of AA. Moreover, from the analysis of the experimental voltammetric plots recorded during AA oxidation on the CPE/poly-ß-CD electrode surfaces, the Gibbs' standard free energy of the inclusion complex formed by the oxidation product of AA and ß-CD has been determined for the first time, ∆G0inclus = -36.4 kJ/mol.

Deprotonation mechanism and acidity constants in aqueous solution of flavonols: a combined experimental and theoretical study.

Four flavonols, namely quercetin, morin, kaempferol, and myricetin, were studied using spectrophotometry (UV-vis) in aqueous solution. The study was performed varying the pH to analyze the stability of these compounds, and to estimate their acidity constants. In addition, the deprotonation mechanisms were studied using computational chemistry within the density functional theory framework. The calculations were performed in aqueous solution using the SMD continuum model, and the results are reported as deprotonation energies. Our results show that both quercetin and myricetin are highly unstable at basic pH. Kaempferol, on the other hand, is much more stable, and morin is the only one among the studied compounds that was not affected by pH. In spite of this inconvenience, their acidity constants were estimated through analysis of their decomposition kinetics, correcting the spectra accordingly, and obtaining a correlation of values between the experimentally observed pKa and the calculated ΔG of successive deprotonations.

Effect of dopamine and serotonin receptor antagonists on fencamfamine-induced abolition of latent inhibition.

The purpose of this investigation was to verify the role of dopamine and serotonin receptors in the effect of fencamfamine (FCF) on latent inhibition. FCF is a psychomotor stimulant with an indirect dopaminergic action. Latent inhibition is a model of attention. Latent inhibition is blocked by dopaminergic agents and facilitated by dopamine receptor agonists. FCF has been shown to abolish latent inhibition. The serotonergic system may also participate in the neurochemical mediation of latent inhibition. The selective dopamine D(1) receptor antagonist SCH 23390 (7-chloro-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1,2,4,5-tetrahydro-3-benzazepin-8-ol), D(2) receptor antagonists pimozide (PIM) and methoclopramide (METH), and serotonin 5-HT(2A/C) receptor antagonist ritanserin (RIT) were used in the present study. Latent inhibition was evaluated using a conditioned emotional response procedure. Male Wistar rats that were water-restricted were subjected to a three-phase procedure: preexposure to a tone, tone-shock conditioning, and a test of the effect of the tone on licking frequency. All of the drugs were administered before the preexposure and conditioning phases. The results showed that FCF abolished latent inhibition, and this effect was clearly antagonized by PIM and METH and moderately attenuated by SCH 23390. At the doses used in the present study, RIT pretreatment did not affect latent inhibition and did not eliminate the effect of FCF, suggesting that the FCF-induced abolition of latent inhibition is not mediated by serotonin 5-HT(2A/C) receptors. These results suggest that the effect of FCF on latent inhibition is predominantly related to dopamine D(2) receptors and that dopamine D(2) receptors participate in attention processes.

Severity of atopic dermatitis and Ascaris lumbricoides infection: an evaluation of CCR4+ and CXCR3+ helper T cell frequency / Gravidade da dermatite atópica e infecção por Ascaris lumbricoides: uma avaliação da frequência de células T auxiliares CCR4+ e CXCR3+

INTRODUCTION: Ascaris lumbricoides-infected patients present lower prevalence of severe atopic dermatitis. METHODS: Peripheral blood of infected children with atopic dermatitis was assessed by flow cytometry of the frequency of Th1 and Th2 cells through the expression of CXCR3 and CCR4 chemokine receptors, respectively. RESULTS: Helminth-free patients with atopic dermatitis presented a high frequency of CCR4+Th2 cells. Parasitized patients with atopic dermatitis showed a lower frequency of CXCR3+Th1 cells compared to infected individuals only. CONCLUSIONS: Ascariasis modifies the blood traffic of Th2 cells in atopic dermatitis patients, while the allergic disease down-regulates the traffic of Th1 cells in parasitized patients.

INTRODUÇÃO: Pacientes infectados com Ascaris lumbricoides apresentam menor prevalência de dermatite atópica grave. MÉTODOS: Sangue periférico de crianças infectadas com dermatite atópica foi analisado por citometria de fluxo quanto à frequência de células Th1 e Th2 pela expressão de receptores de quimiocina CXCR3 e CCR4, respectivamente. RESULTADOS: Pacientes sem helmintos com dermatite atópica apresentaram alta frequência de células Th2CCR4+. Pacientes parasitados com dermatite atópica apresentaram menor frequência de células Th1CXCR3+ comparados aos indivíduos apenas infectados. CONCLUSÕES: Ascaridiases altera o tráfego sanguíneo de células Th2 em pacientes com dermatite atópica, enquanto a doença alérgica diminui o tráfego de células Th1 em pacientes parasitados.