Size reduction and skull shape parallelism following the evolutionary forest-to-savanna transition in Platyrrhini monkeys.

There are strong physiological and behavioral differences that allow animals to live in forests versus savannas. For example, terrestrial forest-dwelling mammals tend to be small compared to species living in savannas. Robust capuchin monkeys (genus Sapajus) are widespread in tropical South America, occurring in both forest and savanna environments, with forest species considered basal in an evolutionary context. Whether or not skull shape and size variations are associated with variation in resource use remains unknown, particularly for the two species living in savanna (Sapajus libidinosus and S. cay). Here we show that savanna species present convergent size and skull characteristics that may facilitate living in this new environment. Geometric morphometric methods were used to assess skull size and shape variation for 184 Sapajus specimens distributed across South America. We used phylogenetic generalized least squares to test size against environmental variables and multivariate morphological trajectories/partial least square analyses on the skull shape to detect shape differences in specimens between forest and savanna biomes. Our findings reveal Sapajus size reduction in the evolutionary transition from forest to savanna, a process related to increasing seasonality. Moreover, we found morphological parallelism in the skull (e.g., muzzle shortening) and (large) molars in the two savanna species, features that may facilitate the processing of harder food such as fallback resources. We associate these phenotypic differences to the evolutionary process of colonizing the savannas by primates (including early hominins), leading to morphological adaptations to tolerate stressful, seasonal environments, such as body size reduction and ingestion and mastication of tough foods.

Long-term pollution by chlordecone of tropical volcanic soils in the French West Indies: New insights and improvement of previous predictions.

Chlordecone (CLD), was widely applied in banana fields in the French West Indies from 1972 to 1993. The WISORCH model was constructed to assess soil contamination by CLD and estimated that it lasts from 100 to 600 years, depending on leaching intensity and assuming no degradation. However, recent studies demonstrated that CLD is degraded in the environment, hence questioning the reliability of previous estimations. This paper shows how to improve the model and provides insights into the long-term dissipation of CLD. In-situ observations were made in nearly 2545 plots between 2001 and 2020, and 17 plots were sampled at two dates. Results of soil analyses showed an unexpected 4-fold decrease in CLD concentrations in the soil, in contrast to simulations made using the first version of WISORCH at the time. Neither erosion, nor CLD leaching explained these discrepancies. In a top-down modeling approach, these new observations of CLD concentrations led us to implement a new dissipation process in the WISORCH model that corresponds to a DT50 dissipation half-life of 5 years. The new version of the improved model allowed us to update the prediction of the persistence of soil pollution, with soil decontamination estimated for the 2070s. This development calls for re-evaluation of soil pollution status. Further validation of the new version of WISORCH is needed so it can contribute to crop management on contaminated soil.

Association of Carcinoembryonic Antigen Reduction With Progression-free and Overall Survival Improvement in Advanced Non-small-cell Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Non-small cell lung cancer elevates serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). CEA determinations are not recommended currently. This study aims to identify the correlation between reducing serum CEA levels with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival. METHODS: This study assessed at baseline and in every scheduled visit serum CEA levels throughout first-line therapy. A sensitivity and specificity analysis identified the best cut-off point and correlated it with progression-free survival and overall survival. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were conducted. RESULTS: We assessed 748 patients with elevated serum CEA levels at diagnosis. A ≥20% decrease from baseline was associated with a 2-fold median survival compared with patients with lower decreases (20.5 months vs 9.1 months; hazard ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.44 to -0.64; P < .001). CEA sensitivity and specificity to predict survival was 79.8% and 59.8%, respectively. A ≥10% decrease in CEA concentrations was associated with longer progression-free survival (7.7 months vs 5.9 months; hazard ratio, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.57 to -0.88; P = .001) in those treated with chemotherapy, and in patients under tyrosine kinase inhibitors (11.9 months vs 7.3 months; hazard ratio, 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.47 to -0.83; P = .0001) and a ≥20% decrease. CONCLUSION: In patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer with an elevated baseline CEA level, the percentage decrease of CEA concentrations above the threshold during the first-line therapy was associated with more prolonged survival and progression-free intervals. Serum CEA determinations are a feasible, noninvasive option for monitoring and prognosis.

Prevalencia de mastitis subclínica en tambo lechero en Paraguay / Prevalence of Subclinical Mastitis in Dairy Farm in Paraguay

Resumen El presente trabajo de investigación se llevó a cabo en un tambo del distrito de Nueva Italia, situado en el departamento Central. El objetivo de la investigación fue determinar la prevalencia de mastitis subclínica. Para el efecto, se contó con 147 animales de la especie bovina, hembras de razas holando, cruces jersey-holando y holando-gyr, de diferentes edades y periodos de lactación, con y sin síntomas de mastitis. Se realizó la prueba California Mastitis Test (CMT) y, de las 147 muestras analizadas, 110 dieron positivo a mastitis subclínica, lo que representa una prevalencia de 74,83 %. De los 551 cuartos estudiados, 315 fueron positivos, equivalentes al 57 %. Los cuartos posteriores resultaron ser el 50,6% de los cuartos totales. Según grados de CMT los resultados fueron: negativo, 43 % (236); trazas, 17 % (91); grado 1, 25 % (138); grado 2: 13,7 % (76), y grado 3: 1,8 % (10). La merma fue de 129,6 litros de leche por ordeñe. Teniendo en cuenta que el precio por litro de leche es Gs 2300 (USD 0,35), el total fue de Gs 298 080 (USD 45,6), que representa el 8,6 % de pérdida.

Abstract This research work was conducted in a dairy farm in the Nueva Italia district, located in the Central Province. The research aimed to determine the prevalence of subclinical mastitis therein. To do so, 147 female bovine subjects were studied, including Holstein specimens, Jersey-Holstein crossbreeds, and Holstein-Gyr crossbreeds, with different ages and lactation periods. There were both symptomatic and asymptomatic animals. A California Mastitis Test (CMT) was applied and out of the 147 sampled animals, 110 resulted positive to the disease, accounting for a prevalence of 74.83%. Out of the 551 studied rooms, 315 were positive, accounting for 57%. The rooms in the backside accounted for 50.6% of the total positive rooms. Based on the CMT grades, the results were as follows: negative, 43% (236); traces, 17% (91); grade 1.25% (138); grade 2: 13.7% (76), and grade 3: 1.8% (10). There was a decrease of 129.6 liters milk per milking session. Considering that per-liter price is Gs 2300 (USD 0.35), the total loss of the milk was Gs 298,080 (USD 45.6), equaling 8.6% of profit loss.

Phytoremediation by Eremanthus crotonoides and Inga striata decay atrazine and clomazone residues in the soil.

The atrazine and clomazone molecules have potential to contaminate environments, especially water resources. Phytoremediation decontamination can prevent or reduce the quantity of these products reaching watercourses. The objective was to evaluate the remedial potential and the physiological sensitivity of Eremanthus crotonoides (DC.) Sch. Bip and Inga striata Benth to atrazine and clomazone in soils contaminated with 0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 times the recommended commercial dose of these herbicides. The photosynthesis, CO2 consumed stomatal conductance and transpiration of E. crotonoides and I. striata, in soils contaminated with atrazine and clomazone, were evaluated. The herbicide residues were detected by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) 30 days after the last herbicide application. The photosynthesis rate and CO2 consumed by E. crotonoides and I. striata were lower in soils contaminated by atrazine and clomazone. Inga striata had lower stomatal conductance and transpiration in soil contaminated with clomazone. Eremanyhus crotonoides and I. striata reduced the residues of these herbicides. The atrazine and clomazone reduced the physiological variables of E. crotonoides and I. striata. These plants can be used to recover areas with residues of these herbicides, acting as filters that will decrease the amount of herbicides that would reach the watercourses.

Características clínicas de la anemia intrahospitalaria / Clinical features of in-hospital anemia

RESUMEN Introducción: la anemia intrahospitalaria es el descenso de hemoglobina (Hb) durante la internación por debajo de los valores del ingreso, no asociada a pérdidas objetivables de sangre. Es un fenómeno frecuente que puede afectar la evolución clínica. Objetivo: determinar las características clínicas de la anemia intrahospitalaria en pacientes internados en Dpto. de Medicina Interna del Hospital Nacional de Itauguá desde febrero hasta noviembre de 2018. Metodología: estudio observacional, prospectivo, descriptivo de corte transverso realizado en pacientes de ambos sexos, mayores de 15 años internados en el Dpto. de Medicina Interna. Se consideró anemia a todo descenso de Hb de más de 2 mg/dL a partir de 15 días de internación. Resultados: se estudiaron 80 pacientes, de los cuales 44% fueron mujeres y 56% del sexo masculino. La media de edad fue 52±17 años. El 72% presentó anemia. Los pacientes ingresaron con valor medio de Hb 13±1 g/dL y hematocrito (Hto) 38±8%. A los 15 días se detectó descenso de Hb media a 11±2 g/dL y Hto a 33±5%. A los 30 días la media de Hb fue 10±2 g/dL y Hto 31±5%. La cantidad de sangre extraída para estudios tuvo una media de 348 ±214 cc. La presencia de infección y el uso de antibióticos durante la internación se detectaron en 83% de los pacientes estudiados. Conclusión: la anemia intrahospitalaria tuvo una alta frecuencia (72%) en la muestra estudiada. Es multifactorial y usualmente es un diagnóstico subestimado, situación que debería cambiar dadas las implicaciones en la morbilidad y mortalidad intra y extra hospitalarias.

ABSTRACT Introduction: in-hospital anemia is the decrease in hemoglobin values (Hb) during hospital stage below the admission values, not associated with objective blood loss. This is a frequent phenomenon that can affect the clinical evolution. Objective: to determine the clinical characteristics of intrahospital anemia in patients hospitalized in the Department of Internal Medicine of the Hospital Nacional de Itauguá from February to November 2018. Methodology: observational, prospective, descriptive study of transverse cut made in patients of both sexes, older than 15 years admitted in the Department of Internal Medicine. Anemia was considered to be any decrease in Hb of more than 2 mg / dL after 15 days of hospitalization. Results: 80 patients were studied, from which 44% were women and 56% were male. The mean age was 52 ± 17 years. 72% presented anemia. The patients admitted with a mean Hb value of 13 ± 1 g / dL and a hematocrit (Hct) of 38 ± 8%. After 15 days, a decrease in the mean Hb value was at 11 ± 2 g / dL and Hto at 33 ± 5%. At 30 days the mean Hb was 10 ± 2 g / dL and Hto 31 ± 5%. The amount of blood extracted for studies was an average of 348 ± 214 cc. The presence of infection and the use of antibiotics during hospitalization were detected in 83% of the patients studied. Conclusion: intrahospital anemia had a high frequency (72%) in the sample studied. It is multifactorial and is usually an underestimated diagnosis, a situation that should change given the implications in intra and extra hospital morbidity and mortality.

Role of WNK Kinases in the Modulation of Cell Volume.

Ion Transport across the cell membrane is required to maintain cell volume homeostasis. In response to changes in extracellular osmolarity, most cells activate specific metabolic or membrane-transport pathways to respond to cell swelling or shrinkage and return their volume to its normal resting state. This process involves the rapid adjustment of the activities of channels and transporters that mediate flux of K+, Na+, Cl-, and small organic osmolytes. Cation chloride cotransporters (CCCs) NKCCs and KCCs are a family of membrane proteins modulated by changes in cell volume and/or in the intracellular chloride concentration ([Cl-]i). Cell swelling triggers regulatory volume decrease (RVD), promoting solute and water efflux to restore normal cell volume. Swelling-activated KCCs mediate RVD in most cell types. In contrast, cell shrinkage triggers regulatory volume increase (RVI), which involves the activation of the NKCC1 cotransporter of the CCC family. Regulation of the CCCs during RVI and RVD by protein phosphorylation is a well-characterized mechanism, where WNK kinases and their downstream kinase substrates, SPAK and OSR1 constitute the essential phospho-regulators. WNKs-SPAK/OSR1-CCCs complex is required to regulate cell shrinkage-induced RVI or cell swelling-induced RVD via activating or inhibitory phosphorylation of NKCCs or KCCs, respectively. WNK1 and WNK4 kinases have been established as [Cl-]i sensors/regulators, while a role for WNK3 kinase as a cell volume-sensing kinase has emerged and is proposed in this chapter.

The effects of flexibility training on exercise-induced muscle damage in young men with limited hamstrings flexibility.

Adaptations to 6 weeks of supervised hamstring stretching training and its potential impact on symptoms of eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) were studied in 10 young, untrained men with limited hamstrings flexibility. Participants performed unilateral flexibility training (experimental leg; EL) on an isokinetic dynamometer, while the contralateral limb acted as control (CL). Hip range of motion (ROM), passive, isometric, and concentric torques, active optimum angle, and biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscle thickness and ultrasound echo intensity were assessed both before and after the training. Additionally, muscle soreness was assessed before and after an acute eccentric exercise bout in both legs (EL and CL) at post-training only. Hip ROM increased (P < .001) only in EL after the training (EL = 10.6° vs CL = 1.6°), but no changes (P > .05) in other criterion measurements were observed. After a bout of eccentric exercise at the end of the program, isometric and dynamic peak torques and muscle soreness ratings were significantly altered at all time points equally in EL and CL. Also, active optimum angle was reduced immediately, 48 and 72 hours post-exercise, and hip ROM was reduced at 48 and 72 hours equally in EL and CL. Finally, biceps femoris muscle thickness was significantly increased at all time points, and semitendinosus thickness and echo intensity significantly increased at 72 hours, with no significant differences between legs. The stretching training protocol significantly increased hip ROM; however, it did not induce a protective effect on EIMD in men with tight hamstrings.

Asociación entre el crecimiento bacteriano de la flora intestinal y la presión arterial de hombres adultos mayores hipertensos después de cinco semanas de consumo de soya (Glicine máx) / Association between bacterial growth in the intestinal flora, and blood pressure of hypertensive elderly men after five weeks of consumption of soja (Glicine máx)

Objetivo: Objetivo: Determinar la asociación entre el crecimiento bacteriano de la flora intestinal y la presión arterial de hombres adultos mayores hipertensos después de cinco semanas de consumo de soya (Glicine máx). Materiales y métodos: Estudio cuasiexperimental para evaluar la asociación entre cambios en la presión arterial y el crecimiento bacteriano en 24 hombres hipertensos con edades entre 61 y 82 años residentes en el barrio Las Malvinas (suroccidente de Barranquilla), quienes adicionaron a su dieta habitual "leche de soya" de grano entero sin lactosa (18 gramos de proteína de soya por día) durante 6 semanas. En el análisis microbiológico de las heces se determinaron los géneros y la cantidad de bacterias mediante técnicas tradicionales. Se midió la presión arterial al inicio y final del tratamiento. Resultados: Los recuentos de bacterias aeróbicas al inicio fueron 10 5 a 10(9) y al final 10(6)a 10(9) UFC/gramo de muestra; en bacterias anaeróbicas se encontraron los recuentos más altos: 10 5 a 10 9 antes y 10 6 a 1010 UFC/g al final. Después del tratamiento con soya la presión sistólica disminuyó en 37.5 % de los participantes, la diastólica en 16.67 %, la media en 45.83 % y la de pulso en 45.83 %; sin embargo, no hubo significancia estadística en ningún caso. El coeficiente de correlación de Pearson entre presión arterial y crecimiento bacteriano fue - 0.14. Conclusiones: Se observó una asociación débil e inversa entre el incremento de la microbiota intestinal y la disminución de la presión arterial.

Objective: To determine the association between bacterial growth of intestinal flora and arterial pressure of hypertensive elderly men after five weeks of consumption of Soybean (Glycine max). Materials and methods: Quasi-experimental design to evaluate the association between changes in blood pressure and bacterial growth in 24 hypertensive men aged between 61 and 82 years living in Las Malvinas (southwest of Barranquilla), who added to the usual diet "Soy milk study whole" grain lactose (18 g. soy protein per day) for 6 weeks. In the microbiological analysis of stool gender and amount of bacteria were determined by traditional techniques. Blood pressure at the beginning and end of treatment was measured. Results: The counts of aerobic the start bacteria was 10 5 to 10 9, and the end 10(6) to 10 9 CFU / gram of sample, in anaerobic bacteria are the highest counts found: 10 5 to 10 9 before and 10 6 to 1010 CFU /g at the end. After treatment with soy systolic pressure decreased by 37.5 % of participants, diastolic in 16.67 %, 45.83 % on average and 45.83 % in pulse, but there was no statistical significance in any case. The Pearson correlation coefficient between arterial pressure and bacterial growth was - 0.14. Conclusions: Aweak inverse association between increased intestinal microbiota and decrease in arterial pressure was observed.

Particle pollution in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: increase and decrease of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 in human lung cells.

Particle pollution from urban and industrialized regions in Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil was analyzed for toxic and pro-inflammatory (cytokines: IL-6, IL-8, IL-10) responses in human bronchial epithelial cells. Trace elements contribution was studied. Airborne particulate matter was collected at: three industrial sites Ind-1 (PM10) and Ind-2a and 2b (PM2.5); Centro urban area (PM10) and two rural sites (PM2.5, PM10). PM10 acetone extracts were toxic and did not elicit cytokine release; aqueous extracts were less toxic and stimulated the release of IL-6 and IL-8. PM2.5 aqueous extracts from Ind-2 decreased the release of IL-6 and IL-8. Zinc concentration was higher at the industrial and rural reference sites (Ref-1-2) although metals were not associated to cytokines changes. These results demonstrate that PM from RJ can either increase or decrease cytokine secretion in vitro while being site specific and time dependent.

Regulatory volume decrease in Leishmania mexicana: effect of anti-microtubule drugs

The trypanosomatid cytoskeleton is responsible for the parasite's shape and it is modulated throughout the different stages of the parasite's life cycle. When parasites are exposed to media with reduced osmolarity, they initially swell, but subsequently undergo compensatory shrinking referred to as regulatory volume decrease (RVD). We studied the effects of anti-microtubule (Mt) drugs on the proliferation of Leishmania mexicana promastigotes and their capacity to undergo RVD. All of the drugs tested exerted antiproliferative effects of varying magnitudes [ansamitocin P3 (AP3)> trifluoperazine > taxol > rhizoxin > chlorpromazine]. No direct relationship was found between antiproliferative drug treatment and RVD. Similarly, Mt stability was not affected by drug treatment. Ansamitocin P3, which is effective at nanomolar concentrations, blocked amastigote-promastigote differentiation and was the only drug that impeded RVD, as measured by light dispersion. AP3 induced 2 kinetoplasts (Kt) 1 nucleus cells that had numerous flagella-associated Kts throughout the cell. These results suggest that the dramatic morphological changes induced by AP3 alter the spatial organisation and directionality of the Mts that are necessary for the parasite's hypotonic stress-induced shape change, as well as its recovery.

Ocorrência de parasitas gastrintestinais em vacas leiteiras mantidas em sistema orgânico e convencional / Gastrointestinal parasites occurrence in dairy cows kept in organic and conventional production system

O objetivo do estudo foi determinar os efeitos da gestação, parto, lactação, número de lactações e estação do ano sobre as populações de helmintos gastrintestinais em vacas leiteiras mantidas em sistema de manejo orgânico ou convencional. Entre janeiro de 2007 e dezembro de 2009 foram realizados exames coproparasitologicos de 72 vacas criadas em sistema convencional e 43 em sistema orgânico. Os dados foram submetidos a analise de variância e aos testes Student e Tukey a 5% de significância. Não foi observada diferença (p > 0,05) entre a contagem de ovos nas fezes (OPG) dos animais orgânicos e convencionais. A média do OPG durante o parto e lactação foi maior (p 0 ,05) do que na gestação. Não foi observada influência da estação do ano sobre o OPG nos animais criados no sistema convencional, no entanto os animais do sistema orgânico foram mais parasitados (p 0 ,05) durante o período chuvoso. Em ambos os sistemas de produção os animais primíparos apresentaram OPG maior (p 0,05) do que os animais pluríparos. Vacas de leite mantidas em sistema orgânico ou convencional foram igualmente vulneráveis a helmintoses subclínicas, sendo a ordem de parto um fator de risco nos dois sistemas.

The main aim of this study was to determine the effects of pregnancy, calving, lactation, lactation number and seasons on the population of gastrointestinal helminths in dairy cows kept in organic and conventional production system. Between January 2007 and December 2009, coproparasitologic exams were performed using 72 and 43cows kept in conventional and organic system, respectively. The data was submitted to analysis of variance and Student and Tukey test, both at 5% of significance level. There was no difference (p > 0.05) between faecal egg count (FEC) of organic and conventional animals. The mean FEC during calving and lactation was higher (p 0.05) than during pregnancy. There was no effect of season on the FEC in dairy cows kept in conventional system, while the dairy cows kept in organic system were significantly (p 0 .05) more infected during the rainy season. In both production systems the primiparous animals showed FEC significantly higher (p 0.05) than pluriparous animals. Dairy cows kept in organic and conventional system were equally vulnerable to the subclinical helminthiasis, and the birth order was a risk factor in both systems.

Ocorrência de parasitas gastrintestinais em vacas leiteiras mantidas em sistema orgânico e convencional / Gastrointestinal parasites occurrence in dairy cows kept in organic and conventional production system

O objetivo do estudo foi determinar os efeitos da gestação, parto, lactação, número de lactações e estação do ano sobre as populações de helmintos gastrintestinais em vacas leiteiras mantidas em sistema de manejo orgânico ou convencional. Entre janeiro de 2007 e dezembro de 2009 foram realizados exames coproparasitologicos de 72 vacas criadas em sistema convencional e 43 em sistema orgânico. Os dados foram submetidos a analise de variância e aos testes Student e Tukey a 5% de significância. Não foi observada diferença (p > 0,05) entre a contagem de ovos nas fezes (OPG) dos animais orgânicos e convencionais. A média do OPG durante o parto e lactação foi maior (p 0 ,05) do que na gestação. Não foi observada influência da estação do ano sobre o OPG nos animais criados no sistema convencional, no entanto os animais do sistema orgânico foram mais parasitados (p 0 ,05) durante o período chuvoso. Em ambos os sistemas de produção os animais primíparos apresentaram OPG maior (p 0,05) do que os animais pluríparos. Vacas de leite mantidas em sistema orgânico ou convencional foram igualmente vulneráveis a helmintoses subclínicas, sendo a ordem de parto um fator de risco nos dois sistemas.

The main aim of this study was to determine the effects of pregnancy, calving, lactation, lactation number and seasons on the population of gastrointestinal helminths in dairy cows kept in organic and conventional production system. Between January 2007 and December 2009, coproparasitologic exams were performed using 72 and 43cows kept in conventional and organic system, respectively. The data was submitted to analysis of variance and Student and Tukey test, both at 5% of significance level. There was no difference (p > 0.05) between faecal egg count (FEC) of organic and conventional animals. The mean FEC during calving and lactation was higher (p 0.05) than during pregnancy. There was no effect of season on the FEC in dairy cows kept in conventional system, while the dairy cows kept in organic system were significantly (p 0 .05) more infected during the rainy season. In both production systems the primiparous animals showed FEC significantly higher (p 0.05) than pluriparous animals. Dairy cows kept in organic and conventional system were equally vulnerable to the subclinical helminthiasis, and the birth order was a risk factor in both systems.

O uso de maconha como estratégia de redução de danos em dependentes de crack / The use of marijuana as strategy for reducing damages for crack in attached

Este estudo objetivou conhecer o pensamento de toxicômanos sobre o uso de maconha durante o tratamento para abuso do crack. Participaram 10 sujeitos do sexo masculino, entre 15 e 36 anos, em tratamento nos CAPSi e CAPSad na cidade de Santa Maria/RS. Foram realizadas entrevistas semi-estruturadas e submetidas à Análise de Conteúdo. Pode-se inferir duas percepções: a de que o uso de maconha propicia diminuição da “fissura" pelo crack, o que auxiliaria na abstinência do mesmo (referência dos usuários que utilizam a maconha durante tratamento) e a de que a maconha seria uma via de retorno ao uso do crack (percepção dos sujeitos que não fazem uso de nenhum tipo de droga ilícita). Concluiu-se que o uso de maconha pode se enquadrar como estratégia de redução de danos aos usuários de crack, sendo uma possibilidade no tratamento.(AU)

This study aimed to know the thoughts of the addicted people about the marijuana use under their treatment of crack abusive use. Ten male crack users, between fifteen and thirty-five years old participated in this research. They were in treatment in CAPS and CAPSad in Santa Maria/RS. Semi structured researches were performed and submitted to the content analyze. We can infer two perceptions: the use of marijuana propitiate decrease the crack fissure, what would help in the abstinence of the user ( reference taken from the addicted that use marijuana during the treatment) and that marijuana would be a way of return to the crack addiction (perception from the users that don't use any kind of unlawfully drug). We conclude that the marijuana use can fit like a strategy of crack users damage decrease, being a possibility in the treatment.(AU)

O uso de maconha como estratégia de redução de danos em dependentes de crack / The use of marijuana as strategy for reducing damages for crack in attached

Este estudo objetivou conhecer o pensamento de toxicômanos sobre o uso de maconha durante o tratamento para abuso do crack. Participaram 10 sujeitos do sexo masculino, entre 15 e 36 anos, em tratamento nos CAPSi e CAPSad na cidade de Santa Maria/RS. Foram realizadas entrevistas semi-estruturadas e submetidas à Análise de Conteúdo. Pode-se inferir duas percepções: a de que o uso de maconha propicia diminuição da "fissura" pelo crack, o que auxiliaria na abstinência do mesmo (referência dos usuários que utilizam a maconha durante tratamento) e a de que a maconha seria uma via de retorno ao uso do crack (percepção dos sujeitos que não fazem uso de nenhum tipo de droga ilícita). Concluiu-se que o uso de maconha pode se enquadrar como estratégia de redução de danos aos usuários de crack, sendo uma possibilidade no tratamento

This study aimed to know the thoughts of the addicted people about the marijuana use under their treatment of crack abusive use. Ten male crack users, between fifteen and thirty-five years old participated in this research. They were in treatment in CAPS and CAPSad in Santa Maria/RS. Semi structured researches were performed and submitted to the content analyze. We can infer two perceptions: the use of marijuana propitiate decrease the crack fissure, what would help in the abstinence of the user ( reference taken from the addicted that use marijuana during the treatment) and that marijuana would be a way of return to the crack addiction (perception from the users that don't use any kind of unlawfully drug). We conclude that the marijuana use can fit like a strategy of crack users damage decrease, being a possibility in the treatment.

The fertility transition in Cuba and the Federal Republic of Korea: the impact of organised family planning.

South Korea and Cuba are dissimilar in religion, economy, culture and attitudes toward premarital sexual relations. In 1960, Korea instituted a national family planning programme to combat rapid population growth. Cuba explicitly rejected Malthusian policies, but made family planning universally available in 1974 in response to health needs. Both countries have undergone rapid fertility declines and today have less than replacement level fertility. Both countries have also used a similar mixture of methods, including a high prevalence of female sterilisation. Abortion has played a major role in the fertility decline of both countries, rising in the first half of the fertility transition and then falling, although remaining a significant variable in the second half. It is concluded that access to contraception, voluntary sterilisation, and safe abortion has a direct impact on fertility and has been associated with a rapid fall in family size in two very different countries.

PIP: It is argued that access to contraception, voluntary sterilization, and safe abortion had a direct impact on fertility decline in two countries (Cuba and Korea) that differed in religion, economic conditions, culture, and attitudes. Both countries achieved below replacement fertility through high rates of contraceptive prevalence and ready access to legal abortion. Family planning services were provided in both countries through the public sector and in Korea through a subsidized private sector. Fertility decline in both countries occurred at the same time as the initiation of family planning programs. Family planning was introduced in Korea in order to reduce population growth and in Cuba in order to reduce the incidence of induced abortion and not for demographic reasons. Both Korea and Cuba had successful family planning programs over the past ten years that combined awareness, accessibility, and perceived quality. Korea adopted legal abortion as a means of reducing high maternal mortality rates and fertility. Cuba adopted legal abortion, during a period when the government lacked hard currency and consumer items such as birth control pills. Even antibiotics were difficult to obtain, particularly for teenagers. Both countries worked to improve services for teenagers. The experiences with family planning in both countries provide support for the theory that socioeconomic forces are not needed to push fertility lower. It is suggested that access to reversible and permanent contraception and safe abortion increases the speed of the transition and permits lower fertility than would otherwise be achieved without formal family planning programs. Fertility decline occurred in Korea under rising incomes and Cuba experienced declines during a period of economic declines. Both countries need to expand options for reducing exposure to pre-union adolescent pregnancies.

A comment on the "sixteenth-century population decline in the Basin of Mexico: a systems simulation" by Thomas M. Whitmore.

PIP: The author comments on an article by Thomas M. Whitmore, entitled "Sixteenth-century population decline in the Basin of Mexico: a systems simulation", which appeared in the Fall 1991 issue of the Latin American Population History Bulletin.^ieng

[Distribution of population and of land in Puebla: 1570-1910]. / La distribucion de la poblacion y la tierra en Puebla: 1570-1910.

PIP: The state of Puebla, Mexico, covers some 33,000 sq km and has a climate ranging from warm in the southern districts to temperate in the center and cold in the north. The Sierra Madre Oriental rises in the east and north, and lands there are steep and mountainous. To the wet is the Sierra Nevada and to the south the Mixteca Baja. Between these mountain systems is a plateau intersected by chains of low hills which break its uniformity and crest plains and valleys. Since prehispanic times these valleys and plains have been the main population centers. After the Conquest, the Spanish superimposed their new centers of power on the old population center. This work describes the main characteristics of population distribution and changes in population from the colonial period to the 19th century. During the 3 centuries of Spanish domination, there were great changes in spatial distribution. The shock of Conquest, with epidemics, confrontations and physical and psychic exhaustion, led to steep population declines in all of Mexico. The number of tribute payers in Puebla declined from 127,030 in 1570 to 27,195 in 1626. By 1800 it had increased to only 87,516, 31% less than in 1570. The population decline was even more severe if estimates from the moment of the Conquest were incorporated. From the colonial period through 1910 population growth tended to be faster in the areas farthest from the city of Puebla. Around 1910, despite the constant periods of political instability and the armed conflict, the state population reached 1,101,600, which represented between 2 and 3 times the population of 1800 and an annual growth rate of .5-1%. Toward the end of the colonial era there were 561 villages, towns, and cities in the Intendencia of Puebla, at distances ranging from 4 to over 300 km from the city of Puebla. 310 of the localities were within 96 km of the city and 231 were between 96 and 126 km. 20 of the places were considered minor regional centers and 3/4 of the remainder were within 30 km of them. The majority of the haciendas and ranchos in Puebla dated back to land grants conceded by the Spanish monarchs in the early days of the colony, later consolidated in the 17th and 18th centuries. In 1972, 475 haciendas and 533 ranchos were registered in the Intendencia of Puebla, the majority within short distances of the 20 regional centers. The composition and pattern of settlements changed throughout the 19th century. In 1972 the total number of localities was 1618,m of which 35% were villages, 33% ranchos, and 30% haciendas. By 1897, the number of registered localities was 3176. 503 new localities were the dispersed small settlements known as rancherias, rudimentary mills for processing sugar cane and distilling aguardiente, increased from 9 to 363.^ieng

[Demographic knowledge and family planning in Colombia]. / Crecimiento demografico y planificacion familiar situacion en Colombia

PIP: One of the criticisms made of family planning programs, especially when they are as successful as that of PROFAMILA, is the lowering of fertility rates to the alarming degree as that experienced by many European countries. This demographic phenomenon, characteristic of developed countries has acquired a negative effect because of the rapidly aging population without a replacement young population. This "European" problem can be analyzed from 2 perspectives: 1) the low rates of the region's total population; and 2) the European population can be connected to that of the world population. Based on data from Dr. Day's article in Family Planning Perspectives (May/June 1988) the amount of time required to replace Europe's population of 1940 is substantial. For example, it would take 45 years for Austria and 135 for France to replace their populations. Instead, the issue of concern could be Europe's loss of power in the world in lieu of the rapidly growing populations of the Third World. The author discounts such a notion by referring to historical events and by projecting that by the year 2025 Europe will represent 18% of the world population. Ultimately it is the quality of the people that is important, not the quantity. According to Day it is more important to know the amount of time left than knowing how long one has been alive. Life expectancy is based on the health standards of a country, and the genetic quality of the population in question. The issue of longevity includes people whose life expectancy at the time of the census was 10 years or less; the majority of those over 65 in Europe, represent 10-15% of this category. 1 out of 7 Europeans over 65 are in excellent physical condition, while those over 65 in the Third World represent a small minority. The article discusses several alternatives in raising fertility rates in Europe but concludes that the most rational approach is keeping 15% of the population over 65 gainfully employed.^ieng

[Keim and kinship: reflections on a cultural concept of German-Brazilian settlers]. / Keim e parentesco: reflexos sobre uma categoria cultural de colonos teuto-brasileiros.

"In this study the author analyses the cultural [concept] Keim, which can be translated as 'germinative principle'. The [concept] classifies people, through families, defining them as marriageable or non-marriageable, according to [their] being carriers of a good or a bad Keim. In the conceptions of the study group--peasants of German origin in Rio Grande do Sul [Brazil]--Keim corresponds to the 'sap' of the genealogical tree through which the families are organized in stem households. The category is fundamental for the understanding of marriage exchanges, that is, the possibilities of alliances as well as the endogamy of the group. By the opposing principles, strong and weak Keim, the peasants explain their present decadence as well as the general decline in the number of children." (SUMMARY IN ENG)