Resumo Relatos da medicina popular costumam atuar como referencial para o desenvolvimento de novos fármacos a partir de moléculas naturais com ações terapêuticas para doenças de alta gravidade e prevalência como o câncer. Bromelia antiacantha Bertol. é uma espécie da família Bromeliaceae, considerada uma planta alimentícia não convencional (PANC), encontrada nas regiões sul e centro-oeste do Brasil. Apesar do alto teor nutritivo e potencial farmacológico de seus frutos, poucos estudos científicos relatam suas ações biológicas. Desta forma, este estudo avalia o perfil fitoquímico de extratos aquoso e etanólico obtidos de frutos de B. antiacantha, bem como a sua possível ação antioxidante, antitumoral e citotóxica. O extrato aquoso apresentou compostos fenólicos e flavonoides, enquanto os extratos etanólicos apontam a presença de flavonóides e cumarina em sua composição, independente da região de coleta. O extrato etanólico demonstrou efeito antioxidante mais promissor do que o extrato aquoso e também induziu uma inibição significativa na viabilidade de células humanas de câncer cervical da linhagem SiHa. Além disso, o tratamento com ambos extratos não alterou a viabilidade de células não tumorais da linhagem de queratinócitos humanos imortalizados (HaCaT). Estes dados trazem novas informações sobre extratos obtidos de uma espécie vegetal nativa, comestível e já utilizada tradicionalmente, mas abrindo novas perspectivas quanto a possíveis aplicações terapêuticas.

Abstract Reports from popular medicine usually act as a basis for the development of new drugs from natural compounds with therapeutic actions for serious diseases and prevalence such as cancer. Bromelia antiacantha Bertol. is a species of the Bromeliaceae family, considered an unconventional food plant, found in the south and midwest regions of Brazil. Despite the high nutritional content and pharmacological potential of its fruits, few scientific studies report its biological actions. Thus, this study evaluates the phytochemical profile of aqueous and ethanol extracts obtained from B. antiacantha fruits, as well as their possible antioxidant, antitumor, and cytotoxic activities. The aqueous extract exhibited phenolic compounds and flavonoids, while ethanol extracts indicated the presence of flavonoids and coumarin in their composition, regardless of the region of collection. The ethanolic extract demonstrated a more promising antioxidant effect than the aqueous extract and also induced a significant inhibition in the viability of human cervical cancer cells of the SiHa strain. In addition, treatment with both extracts did not alter the viability of non-tumor cells of the immortalized human keratinocyte lineage (HaCaT). These results bring new data about extracts obtained from a native plant, edible and traditionally used in popular medicine, opening new perspectives for its possible therapeutic application.

Abstract Introduction : After the implementation of mitigation strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence of respiratory viruses, including human coronaviruses (HCoV), experienced a significant decrease. The aim of this study is to characterize the epidemiology and clinical aspects of HCoV infections in ambulatory adults during COVID-19 pandemic times. Methods : descriptive, prospective, longitudinal study performed in a private hospital in La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina between November 2020 and October 2022; 458 outpatient adults with upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) were studied undergoing clinical and microbiological follow-up. Results : 44 (9.6%) subjects were positive by multiplex PCR for HCoV. 14 of them for 229E (31.8%), 13 for OC43 (29.5%), 11 for HKU-1 (25.1%) and 6 for NL63 (13.6%). A repeated PCR was positive for the same HCoV in 19 (57%) of 33 patients on day 3-5. No hospitalizations or deaths were reported. Discussion : Endemic HCoV caused a significant pro portion of URTI among outpatient adults during COVID- 19-related restrictions times. An alternating pattern of circulation between alfa-HCoV and beta-HCoV was observed.

Abstract Introduction : During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, Ar gentina population suffered from significant changes in population mobility due to non-pharmaceutical interventions. The aim of this study was to describe the impact of the mobility restrictions to the rates of positivity and diversity among different respiratory viruses. Methods : Retrospective analytical study per formed at Instituto Médico Platense in La Plata that included 458 patients with nasopharyngeal swab to search for respiratory pathogens by multiplex PCR. Changes in mobility were studied using “Community Mobility Reports”, data set developed by Google and publicly available. Results : Community mobility had significant cor relation with the percentages of viral test positiv ity (p = < 0.01; R2=0.89) and viral diversity (p = 0.04; R2 = 0.78). Discussion : Non-pharmaceutical interventions estab lished to contain SARS-CoV-2 spread had a significant impact in the circulation patterns of other respiratory viruses.

Resumen Introducción : Durante la pandemia de SARS-CoV-2 en Argentina se implementaron intervenciones no farma cológicas que produjeron cambios en la movilidad de la población. El objetivo de este estudio fue relacionar los porcentajes de positividad y la diversidad viral con la movi lidad poblacional durante parte del período de restricciones. Métodos : Estudio retrospectivo analítico realizado en el Instituto Médico Platense durante los años 2020 a 2022 que incluyó 458 pacientes a los que se les tomó un hisopado nasofaríngeo para la búsqueda de patóge nos respiratorios por PCR multiplex. Se analizaron los cambios en la movilidad de la población utilizando los “Informes de Movilidad Local”, herramienta desarrollada por Google, cuyos datos son de público acceso. Resultados : La movilidad poblacional se correlacionó significativamente con el porcentaje de positividad de las muestras (p = <0.01; R2 = 0.89) y la diversidad viral (p = 0.04; R2 = 0.78). Discusión : Las intervenciones no farmacológicas destinadas a limitar la propagación del SARS-CoV-2 tuvieron efecto en la circulación de otros virus respi ratorios, hallándose mayor porcentaje de positividad y diversidad a medida que las mismas disminuyeron su grado de restricción.

Abstract Objective: The present study revisited three classification systems of orbital complications of acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) (Chandler, Mortimore & Wormald, and Velasco e Cruz & Anselmo-Lima) and observed which of them presented the best clinical applicability. Methods: Clinical data and CT scan findings of patients with orbital infection were retrospectively collected. To compare the three classification systems, we revised and graded all CT images accordingly, and divided the patients into four groups: Eyelid cellulitis (EC), orbital cellulitis (OC), subperiosteal abscess (SA), and orbital abscess (OA). The groups were compared regarding the presence of sinus opacification, the need for hospitalization and/or surgical treatment, and the presence of further complications/sequelae. Results: 143 patients were included. The median number of sinuses involved in patients in the OC, SA, and OA groups was 2.0. ARS was rarely associated with signs of EC (present in both Chandler’s and Mortimore & Wormald’s classifications. The hospitalization rate was significantly lower in the EC group compared to the other three groups. Surgery was performed in all cases in the OA group, in 58.1% in the SA group, 19.4% in the OC group, and 12.5% in the EC group (p-value < 0.0001 ). Complications were present at higher rates in the OA group compared to the other three groups. Conclusions: ARS was rarely associated with Eyelid Cellulitis. The stratification in the other three groups showed to be clinically relevant. Velasco e Cruz & Anselmo-Lima's classification system proved valid, simple, and effective for categorizing orbital complications of ARS. Level of evidence: 3.

Abstracto Introducción: En el 2008, el perfil de salud neurológico ecuatoriano presentaba importantes déficits, escasez de neurólogos e inaccesibilidad a residencias en neurología. Ese año una nueva constitución introdujo atención médica universal. Ninguna publicación ha analizado la capacidad de atención neurológica del Sistema de Salud Pública (SSP) del Ecuador. Un análisis actualizado del número de neurólogos y residencias neurológicas es necesario. Objetivo: Determinar el número de programas en neurología y si el SSP ecuatoriano cumple con el ratio ideal mínimo recomendado por la Organización Mundial de la Salud de 1 neurólogo por cada 100.000 habitantes. Métodos: Análisis transversal de datos hasta noviembre, 2022 del SSP y del Consejo de Educación Superior del Ecuador. Los ratio se calcularon acorde al Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos. Resultados: El SSP cuenta con noventa y cuatro neurólogos. Mayormente en Pichincha (37/39,4%) y Guayas (24/25,5%). Hay uno por provincia en cinco provincias; ninguno en ocho provincias. Dos provincias cumplieron el ratio ideal. Existen 0,54:100.000 neurólogos/habitantes y una residencia de neurología en Quito. Conclusión: El SSP ecuatoriano tiene escasez de neurólogos, incumpliendo el ratio ideal mínimo, y déficit de residencias en neurología. La descentralización de servicios neurológicos, soporte atención primaria, y financiamiento gubernamental para creación de residencias en neurología son necesidades urgentes.

Abstract Introduction: In 2008, Ecuador's neurologic healthcare profile displayed significant needs, a lack of neurologists, and neurology training accessibility. In that year, a new constitution introduced universal health care. No publication analyzes Ecuador's neurological Public Healthcare capacity. Hence, an up-to-date analysis of the number of neurologists and neurology training programs is required. Objective: Determine if Ecuador's public healthcare meets the minimum ideal ratio recommended by the World Health Organization of 1 neurologist per 100,000 population and the number of neurology training programs in Ecuador. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of public data until November 2022 from Ecuador's Public Health System (PHS) and the Council of Higher Education. Ratios were calculated using the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses' information. Results: The public health network had ninety-four neurologists. Most found in Pichincha (37/39.4%) and Guayas (24/25.5%). There was one per province in five provinces. No neurologists were available in eight provinces. Two provinces met the ideal ratio. Ecuador’s ratio was 0.54:100,000 neurologists per population. One neurology training program was found in Quito. Conclusion: Ecuador's PHS has a shortage of neurologists, unfulfilling the minimum ideal ratio, and a severe lack of neurology training. Decentralizing neurological services, primary care support, and governmental funding for neurology training are an urgent need.

Resumen Introducción: En 1994, Claudio Bassi relató un caso de tratamiento médico de la necrosis pancreática infec tada (NPI); luego desde 1996 se publicaron numerosos artículos de serie de casos con tratamiento solo con antibióticos con buenos resultados. Objetivos: Presentar nuestra experiencia en el manejo de la necrosis pancreática infectada con antibióticos (sin drenaje). Métodos: Revisamos retrospectivamente los pacientes con diagnóstico de NPI desde enero de 2018 a octubre del 2020, enfocándonos en aquellos casos que se trata ron de forma conservadora (soporte hidroelectrolítico, nutricional y antibióticos). El diagnóstico se realizó ob servando gas en el retroperitoneo por TC asociado o no a deterioro clínico del paciente con necrosis pancreática sin otro foco. No se realizó punción aspiración con aguja fina (PAAF). Resultados: Identificamos 25 pacientes con diag nóstico de NPI. Once fueron tratados de forma conser vadora. Según la clasificación de Atlanta, modificada en 2012, 3 casos fueron clasificados de forma grave y el resto moderadamente grave. Todos recibieron antibióticos al menos durante 3 semanas. Ninguno requirió nutrición parenteral. El promedio de estan cia hospitalaria fue de 38 días. Tres pacientes fueron readmitidos. A 8 se les realizó colecistectomía luego de haber resuelto el cuadro; los restantes ya estaban colecistectomizados. No hubo muertes en esta serie. Conclusiones: La NPI puede ser tratada de forma con servadora sin drenaje con buenos resultados en casos seleccionados.

Abstract Introduction: In 1994, Claudio Bassi reported a case of medical treatment for infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN); then since 1996 numerous articles of case series were published with treatment only with antibiotics with good outcomes. Objectives: To present our experience in the mana gement of patients with IPN with antibiotics (without drainage). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed cases with a diagnosis of IPN from January 2018 to October 2020, focusing on those cases that were treated conservatively (hydro-electrolyte, nutritional support and antibiotics). The diagnosis was made by observing gas in the re troperitoneum by CT or by clinical deterioration of the patient with pancreatic necrosis without another focus. Fine needle aspiration was not performed. Results: We identified 25 patients with a diagnosis of IPN; eleven were treated conservatively. According to Atlanta, modified in 2012, 3 were classified severely and the rest moderately severe. All received antibiotics for at least 3 weeks. None required parenteral nutrition. The mean hospital stay was 38 days. Three patients were readmitted. 8 underwent cholecystectomy after having resolved the condition; the rest were already cholecys tectomized. There were no deaths in this series. Conclusions: IPN can be treated conservatively without drainage with good results in selected cases.

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las propiedades fisicoquímicas, morfológicas, estructurales y térmicas del almidón recuperado de los residuos de Solanum tuberosum de la industria de frituras en México, utilizando técnicas instrumentales avanzadas. La papa residual se recogió de una empresa productora de papas fritas y el almidón se obtuvo mediante extracción acuosa. El almidón presentó un contenido de carbohidratos de 87.79 %, proteínas (1.18 %), lípidos (0.15 %), cenizas (0.26 %) y amilosa (24.35 %). La capacidad de absorción de agua fue de 1.0163 g g-1, solubilidad (30.17 - 46.65 %), hinchamiento (2.31 - 8.69 g g-1). Los análisis térmicos mostraron una gelatinización del almidón entre 61.7 - 90 °C con una pérdida máxima de peso a 288.1 °C. La microscopía electrónica de barrido-espectroscopía dispersiva de energía (SEM-EDS) mostró partículas de 14 - 69 µm con una composición de 54.3 % de carbono, 45.4 % de oxígeno y 0.15 % de potasio. La dispersión dinámica de luz (DLS) mostró partículas de tamaño nanométrico (120 nm). La resonancia magnética nuclear (NMR) y la difracción de rayos X (XRD) exhibieron la cristalinidad del almidón como tipo B (34.73 %) y la reflectancia total atenuada por espectroscopia infrarroja transformada de Fourier (FTIR - ATR) mostró los grupos funcionales distintivos de la glucosa.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical, morphological, structural, and thermal properties of starch recovered from Solanum tuberosum residual of chips industry in Mexico using advanced instrumental techniques. The residual potato was collected from a chips production company and the starch obtained by aqueous extraction. The starch presented a content of carbohydrates of 87.79 %, proteins (1.18 %), lipids (0.15 %), ashes (0.26 %), and amylose (24.35 %). The water absorption capacity was 1.0163 g g-1, solubility (30.17 - 46.65 %), swelling (2.31 - 8.69 g g-1). Thermal analyzes showed a starch gelatinization about 61.7 - 90 ºC with a maximum weight loss at 288.1 °C. The scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) showed particles of 14 - 69 µm with a composition of 54.3 % carbon, 45.4 % oxygen, and 0.15 % potassium. The dynamic light scattering (DLS) showed particles of nanometric size (120 nm). The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and X-Ray diffraction (XRD) exhibited the crystallinity of the starch as type B (34.73 %) and the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) showed the functional groups distinctive of the glucose.

Resumo As proporções de areia nas argamassas de tipo II foram analisadas de acordo com a norma N-CMT-2-01-004/02. Foram utilizados três tipos de agregados da região de Morelia, Michoacán para determinar a sua influência nas suas propriedades físico-mecânicas. Considerando a utilização de diferentes materiais cimentícios (CM): cimento Portland mais cimento de alvenaria (B2) e cimento Portland mais cal (B1). Foram preparadas misturas para B1 e B2 com relações areia/MC de 2,25 para 4. Foram determinadas a fluidez, resistência uniaxial à compressão (UCS) e resistividade elétrica úmida (WER). Estudando a relação entre a fluidez e a quantidade de água/MC, concluindo que o tipo de agregado e as proporções modificam a fluidez e a demanda de água no estado fresco com impacto no UCS e no WER.

Abstract The influence of the sand proportion in mortars Type II was studied, according to the standard N-CMT-2-01-004/02, using three fine aggregates from the region of Morelia, in Michoacan, and determining their influence in the physico-mechanical properties, while considering the use of different cementitious materials (CM): Portland cement plus lime (B1), and Portland cement plus construction cement (B2). Mortar mixtures were designed for B1 and B2 with volume ratios of aggregates/CM, from 2.25 to 4, determining the fluency, the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and the wet electrical resistivity (WER). The relation between the fluency and the ratio water/CM were studied, concluding that the aggregate type and the proportions employed modify the fluency and the water demand in the fresh state of the mortar, and consequently impact the UCS and WER.

Resumen Se analizó la influencia de la proporción de arena en morteros Tipo II según norma N-CMT-2-01-004/02 empleando tres tipos de áridos de la región de Morelia, Michoacán determinando su influencia en sus propiedades físico-mecánicas, contemplando el uso de diferentes materiales cementantes (MC): el cemento Portland más cal (B1), cemento Portland más cemento de albañilería (B2). Se elaboraron mezclas para B1 y B2 con relaciones en volumen arena/MC, desde 2.25 hasta 4, determinando la fluidez, resistencia a compresión uniaxial (UCS) y resistividad eléctrica húmeda (WER). Se estudió la relación entre la fluidez y la cantidad de agua/MC, concluyendo que el tipo de árido y proporciones modifican la fluidez y demanda de agua en estado fresco impactando en UCS y WER.

Seawater has become a viable alternative for different uses in copper hydrometallurgy. In this paper we review the main physical and chemical characteristics of seawater and how these influence copper production. Reliable data on the use of continental water are reported, and the current use and consumption of seawater in the Chilean mining industry is analysed, indicating the main areas of use and the main problems encountered. Additionally, the influence of the elements in seawaterthat have the most influence on the extractive metallurgy of copper are considered. The Chilean copper mining industry currently consumes approximately 4.1 m³/s of seawater, which corresponds to 25% of the total water used. The use of seawater for the leaching of copper sulphide minerals, such as chalcopyrite, is beneficial because it provides 20 g/L of chloride, thereby improving copper dissolution kinetics.

Infections in fruits caused by fungi reduce the quantity and quality of food for human consumption, in addition to causing economic losses. In this sense, this study aimed to address the effects of eugenol nanocapsules (NCs) based on chitosan and carboxymethylcellulose in protecting nectarines against Monilinia fructicola, a brown rot agent, a worldwide important disease. NCs were prepared by layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly starting from an anionic template and deposition with up to two polymeric layers. The hydrodynamic diameters ranged from 158 nm (nanoemulsion), 360 nm (one polymeric layer) to 398 nm (two polymeric layers). NCs presented, during the in vitro release, the release of eugenol following a first order process. In addition to being in the region of stability (zeta potential ca. |30| mV), the capsules showed good adhesion to the nectarine surface. In relation to brown rot, the eugenol NCs with chitosan proved to be the best formulation compared to nanoemulsion and NCs with two polymeric layers for its control, increasing the probability that the fruits remain without symptoms, even after 7 days. Therefore, this study demonstrated that chitosan NCs containing eugenol could be an alternative to preserve fruit for longer periods in post-harvest.

RESUMEN Objetivos. Explorar la frecuencia e impacto de la violencia contra los trabajadores de salud de Argentina y compararlo con el resto de sus pares de Latinoamérica en el contexto de la pandemia por COVID-19. Materiales y métodos. Estudio de corte transversal a través de una encuesta electrónica al personal médico y no médico de Latinoamérica que desempeño tareas asistenciales desde marzo de 2020. Se utilizó una regresión de Poisson para estimar las Razones de Prevalencia crudas (RP) y ajustadas (RPa) con sus respectivos intervalos de confianza al 95%. Resultados. Un total de 3544 participantes de 19 países respondieron la encuesta; 1992 (56,0%) residían en Argentina. Entre los mismos, el 62,9% padeció al menos un hecho de violencia: 97,7% refirió violencia verbal y 11,8% violencia física. El 41,5% de los agredidos padecieron situaciones de violencia al menos una vez por semana. El personal de salud de Argentina vivenció más frecuentemente violencia que los de otros países (62,9% vs. 54,6%, p<0,001), siendo estos eventos más habituales y estresantes (p<0,05). Además, refirieron más frecuentemente haber considerado cambiar sus tareas asistenciales y/o deseos de abandonar su profesión (p<0,001). En la regresión de Poisson, los participantes de Argentina tuvieron una prevalencia de violencia mayor que los trabajadores de salud de la región (14,6%; p<0,001). Conclusiones. Existió una elevada prevalencia de violencia contra el personal de salud de Argentina durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Estos hechos tuvieron un alto impacto negativo entre quienes los padecieron. Nuestros datos sugieren que, esto podría haber sido más frecuente en Argentina respecto de otras regiones del continente.

ABSTRACT Objectives. To explore the frequency and impact of violence against healthcare workers in Argentina and to compare it with the rest of their Latin American peers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted by applying an electronic survey on Latin American medical and non-medical personnel who carried out health care tasks since March 2020. We used Poisson regression to estimate crude (PR) and adjusted (aPR) Prevalence Ratios with their respective 95% confidence intervals. Results. A total of 3544 participants from 19 countries answered the survey; 1992 (56.0%) resided in Argentina. Of these, 62.9% experienced at least one act of violence; 97.7% reported verbal violence and 11.8% physical violence. Of those who were assaulted, 41.5% experienced violence at least once a week. Health personnel from Argentina experienced violence more frequently than those from other countries (62.9% vs. 54.6%, p<0.001), and these events were more frequent and stressful (p<0.05). In addition, Argentinean health personnel reported having considered changing their healthcare tasks and/or desired to leave their profession more frequently (p<0.001). In the Poisson regression, we found that participants from Argentina had a higher prevalence of violence than health workers from the region (14.6%; p<0.001). Conclusions. There was a high prevalence of violence against health personnel in Argentina during the COVID-19 pandemic. These events had a strong negative impact on those who suffered them. Our data suggest that violence against health personnel may have been more frequent in Argentina than in other regions of the continent.

ABSTRACT Objectives. To explore the frequency and impact of violence against healthcare workers in Argentina and to compare it with the rest of their Latin American peers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted by applying an electronic survey on Latin American medical and non-medical personnel who carried out health care tasks since March 2020. We used Poisson regression to estimate crude (PR) and adjusted (aPR) Prevalence Ratios with their respective 95% confidence intervals. Results. A total of 3544 participants from 19 countries answered the survey; 1992 (56.0%) resided in Argentina. Of these, 62.9% experienced at least one act of violence; 97.7% reported verbal violence and 11.8% physical violence. Of those who were assaulted, 41.5% experienced violence at least once a week. Health personnel from Argentina experienced violence more frequently than those from other countries (62.9% vs. 54.6%, p<0.001), and these events were more frequent and stressful (p<0.05). In addition, Argentinean health personnel reported having considered changing their healthcare tasks and/or desired to leave their profession more frequently (p<0.001). In the Poisson regression, we found that participants from Argentina had a higher prevalence of violence than health workers from the region (14.6%; p<0.001). Conclusions. There was a high prevalence of violence against health personnel in Argentina during the COVID-19 pandemic. These events had a strong negative impact on those who suffered them. Our data suggest that violence against health personnel may have been more frequent in Argentina than in other regions of the continent.

RESUMEN Objetivos. Explorar la frecuencia e impacto de la violencia contra los trabajadores de salud de Argentina y compararlo con el resto de sus pares de Latinoamérica en el contexto de la pandemia por COVID-19. Materiales y métodos. Estudio de corte transversal a través de una encuesta electrónica al personal médico y no médico de Latinoamérica que desempeño tareas asistenciales desde marzo de 2020. Se utilizó una regresión de Poisson para estimar las Razones de Prevalencia crudas (RP) y ajustadas (RPa) con sus respectivos intervalos de confianza al 95%. Resultados. Un total de 3544 participantes de 19 países respondieron la encuesta; 1992 (56,0%) residían en Argentina. Entre los mismos, el 62,9% padeció al menos un hecho de violencia: 97,7% refirió violencia verbal y 11,8% violencia física. El 41,5% de los agredidos padecieron situaciones de violencia al menos una vez por semana. El personal de salud de Argentina vivenció más frecuentemente violencia que los de otros países (62,9% vs. 54,6%, p<0,001), siendo estos eventos más habituales y estresantes (p<0,05). Además, refirieron más frecuentemente haber considerado cambiar sus tareas asistenciales y/o deseos de abandonar su profesión (p<0,001). En la regresión de Poisson, los participantes de Argentina tuvieron una prevalencia de violencia mayor que los trabajadores de salud de la región (14,6%; p<0,001). Conclusiones. Existió una elevada prevalencia de violencia contra el personal de salud de Argentina durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Estos hechos tuvieron un alto impacto negativo entre quienes los padecieron. Nuestros datos sugieren que, esto podría haber sido más frecuente en Argentina respecto de otras regiones del continente.

Abstract The zoanthid Palythoa caribaeorum secretes a large quantity of mucus that acts as a substrate for microbial communities. Culturable bacteria associated with P. caribaeorum mucus in northeastern Brazil were evaluated through 16S rRNA gene sequences. Proteobacteria was the dominant group, followed by Actinobacteria and Firmicutes. Vibrio was the most common genus, although other groups with the ability to produce biosurfactants and compounds with antimicrobial activity were also present. The studies of culturable marine bacteria may contribute to the understanding of the associated microbial community, opening new opportunities to explore biotechnological potential of microbiota.

ABSTRACT Neospora caninum is an important worldwide parasite responsible for causing abortion in animals. Due to limited information on the occurrence of infection by this parasite in the state of Rondônia, Brazil, this study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and identify the risk factors associated with the infection in slaughtered cattle, from 19 municipalities distributed in seven microregions of the state. A total of 494 samples were obtained and subjected to anti-N. caninum antibodies, using the Indirect Immunofluorescence Reaction technique. Antibodies were detected in 5.06% (25/494) of the samples, in 30.30% (10/33) of farms, in nine municipalities located in four microregions of Rondônia. Of all the animals analyzed, 4.81% of the females (20/416) and 6.41% of the males (05/78) were seropositive for the parasite, with “abortion in the last 12 months” being considered an important risk factor for the occurrence of infection (OR = 9.54; p = 0.01). The present study points out the prevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies in 5.06% of slaughtered animals and abortion as the main risk factor associated with infection by N. caninum, thus contributing to the elucidation of the epidemiology of this protozoan in Rondônia, Brazil.

RESUMO Neospora caninum é um importante parasito, responsável por causar aborto em animais e distribuído mundialmente. Devido às informações limitadas sobre a ocorrência da infecção por esse parasito no estado de Rondônia, Brasil, este estudo teve como objetivo determinar a soroprevalência e identificar os fatores de risco associados à infecção em bovinos abatidos, oriundos de 19 municípios, distribuídos em sete microrregiões do estado. Um total de 494 amostras foi obtido e submetido à pesquisa de anticorpos anti-N. caninum, por meio da técnica de reação de imunofluorescência indireta. Os anticorpos foram detectados em 5,06% (25/494) das amostras, em 30,30% (10/33) das propriedades rurais, de nove municípios, localizados em quatro microrregiões de Rondônia. De todos os animais analisados, 4,81% das fêmeas (20/416) e 6,41% dos machos (05/78) foram soropositivos para o parasito, sendo o “aborto nos últimos 12 meses” considerado um importante fator de risco para a ocorrência da infecção (OR = 9,54; P = 0,01). O presente estudo aponta a prevalência de anticorpos anti-N. caninum em 5,06% dos animais abatidos e o aborto como o principal fator de risco associado à infecção por N. caninum, contribuindo assim para a elucidação da epidemiologia desse protozoário em Rondônia, Brasil.

RESUMO Lagartas de Automeris liberia (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) são importantes desfolhadoras da palma de óleo, Elaeis guineensis (Arecaceae) nas Américas Central e do Sul. A família Tachinidae (Diptera) compreende moscas parasitoides de muitos insetos-praga, principalmente da ordem Lepidoptera. Contudo, o registro de hospedeiros de taquinídeos ainda é relativamente escasso. No presente trabalho, relatamos a ocorrência de Belvosia sp. aff. williamsi (Diptera: Tachinidae: Exoristinae: Goniini) e Leptostylum oligothrix (Diptera: Tachinidae: Exoristinae: Blondeliini) parasitando lagartas de A. liberia em E. guineensis no município de Tailândia, Pará, Brasil. Trata-se do primeiro registro do parasitismo de A. liberia por Leptostylum no Brasil, bem como o primeiro por Belvosia no mundo. Lepidoptera (Lepidoptera Saturniidae óleo Arecaceae (Arecaceae Sul Diptera (Diptera insetospraga, insetospraga insetos praga, praga insetos-praga Contudo escasso trabalho sp aff Exoristinae Goniini Blondeliini E Tailândia Pará Brasil Tratase Trata se mundo

ABSTRACT Automeris liberia (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) caterpillars are important defoliators of the African oil palm, Elaeis guineensis (Arecaceae) in Central and South America. The family Tachinidae (Diptera) comprises flies that are parasitoids of many insect pests, mainly from the order Lepidoptera. However, host records for tachinids are still relatively scarce. In the present work, we report the occurrence of Belvosia sp. aff. williamsi (Diptera: Tachinidae: Exoristinae: Goniini) and Leptostylum oligothrix (Diptera: Tachinidae: Exoristinae: Blondeliini) parasitizing caterpillars of A. liberia in E. guineensis in the municipality of Tailândia, state of Pará, Brazil. This is the first record of the parasitism of A. liberia by Leptostylum in Brazil, as well as by Belvosia in the world. Lepidoptera (Lepidoptera Saturniidae palm Arecaceae (Arecaceae America Diptera (Diptera pests However scarce work sp aff Exoristinae Goniini Blondeliini A E Tailândia Pará Brazil world